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2025-12-16 Minutes MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM. 2. MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Jerome Charles Vice Mayor Neil Cantor Councilmember George Burch Councilmember Patrick B. Devaney Councilmember Jesse Valinsky Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4. ORDER OF BUSINESS ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, & DEFERRALS There were no additions, deletions, or deferrals to the agenda. 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A HOLIDAY SALUTATION & CHEER PRESENTED BY: DOCTORS CHARTER SCHOOL CHORUS (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR NEIL CANTOR). Vice Mayor Neil Cantor introduced the Doctors Charter School vocal group, the Silktonics. He noted that they would perform two songs: a classic piece and a holiday song. After their performances, Vice Mayor Cantor thanked the group for their talent and expressed confidence in the next generation. 6. MANAGER'S UPDATE Village Manager Esmond Scott stated he would provide an update during his report later in the meeting. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS 3-Minute Time Limit There were no public comments. 8. CONSENT AGENDA All items listed within this section entitled "Consent Agenda" are considered to be self-explanatory and are not expected to require additional review or discussion, unless a member of the Village Council requests, in which case, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered along with the regular order of business. Councilmember Burch moved to approve the consent agenda and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 8.A APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 18, 2025 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). PASSED ON CONSENT. 8.B APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 2, 2025 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). PASSED ON CONSENT. 9. ORDINANCE(S) ON SECOND READING- PUBLIC HEARING 9.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING APPENDIX A, ZONING, ARTICLE V., SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS, DIVISION 12, RESERVED OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO CREATE REGULATIONS THAT THE ESTABLISH REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES FOR CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES, PURSUANT TO STATE LAW; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Village Attorney Chanae Wood explained that this was the second reading of the ordinance providing for the reasonable accommodation process, with no changes since the first reading. Mayor Charles opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to adopt the ordinance and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 10.BOARD APPOINTMENT(S) 10.A APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Rodriguez provided opening remarks. Two candidates introduced themselves to the Council: ● Edward Gadol who had previously addressed the Council regarding his candidacy ● Julio Martinez mentioned his background as a foreign attorney and property manager, and his 33 years of residency in Miami Shores. Councilmember Burch raised a concern about a letter from Mike O'Hara regarding the ongoing work on the R-code, suggesting it might disadvantage a new board member who would not be up to date with their progress. Councilmember Jesse Valinsky agreed this was a valid concern, noting he had attended a recent zoning workshop where the board was going through detailed material line by line. He questioned whether it made sense to swap members during this process. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor concurred, stating that P&Z board members often discuss how long it takes to fully understand their position. He suggested that while he appreciated all applicants, it would be beneficial to let current members complete the ongoing work. The Council discussed whether to defer the appointment until after the R-district updates were completed. After deliberation, they decided to appoint someone now but have them start after the completion of the current R-district work. Attorney Wood clarified that based on Council consensus, the appointed person would start once the current P&Z Board completes their review and recommendation on the R-district. The Council voted by ballot, and the results were as follows: ● Julio Martinez received votes from Councilmember Burch, Councilmember Devaney, Councilmember Valinsky, and Mayor Charles ● Natalia Trushin-Jimenez received a vote from Vice Mayor Cantor Julio Martinez was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board, with his term to begin after the completion of the R-district updates. 1 4 11.DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 11.A FURTHER DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION CONCERNING DEMOLITION PERMIT REQUIREMENTS (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember George Burch expressed concerns about the proposed changes to demolition permit requirements at the previous Council meeting, particularly regarding the 20-year covenant requirement, which he felt was arbitrary and potentially in conflict with Senate Bill 180. Village Attorney Chanae Wood explained that the Planning and Zoning Board's recommendation did not include covenant language. She noted that adding such a requirement could be more restrictive in nature and might not align with State law. She recommended removing the covenant language and leaving the ordinance as drafted by the P&Z Board. Councilmember Burch raised additional concerns regarding the potential impact on future property owners. Councilmember Valinsky questioned the need for covenants in the first place, noting that the main concern was preventing people from demolishing houses and leaving empty lots. He didn't see why the Council should restrict someone from later building on a lot if they changed their mind. After extensive discussion, the Council reached consensus to proceed with the ordinance as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board, without the covenant language. Attorney Wood confirmed she would prepare the ordinance accordingly for when it returns after review by the Historic Preservation Board. No action was taken on this item. 11.B DISCUSSION OF THE TRAFFIC COMMITTEE REPORT PRESENTED ON DECEMBER 2, 2025 (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember George Burch focused the discussion on speed limits in the Village. He referenced an interlocal agreement with the County that had already approved various traffic changes that had not been implemented. He presented information about different types of sign posts available - decorative ones with the Miami Shores emblem (approximately $1,500 each) and standard ones (approximately $500 each). Public Works Director Delroy Peters confirmed the costs and noted that while the Village has approval for certain sign locations, they would still need to create engineering plans for installation. Council members discussed the need for a comprehensive approach rather than addressing individual streets. Vice Mayor Cantor emphasized that if they implemented speed limit changes, they should do so throughout the Village rather than cherry-picking certain areas. 5 Councilmember Valinsky expressed support for implementing 25 mph limits on residential streets but questioned whether main thoroughfares like 96th Street should have different limits. Mayor Charles raised concerns about proceeding without proper planning, noting that installation and maintenance costs would need to be budgeted. Village Manager Esmond Scott requested permission to develop a comprehensive plan with staff for implementing traffic calming measures, which received consensus from the Council. 11.C DISCUSSION OF THE ORDER OF PRESENTATION OF AGENDA ITEMS TO COUNCIL (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember George Burch expressed his view that agenda items should first go through the appropriate Village committees for review before coming to the Council. He emphasized the importance of getting input from residents with expertise in relevant fields. Village Attorney Chanae Wood clarified that there is no ordinance or policy requiring items to go to boards before Council, except for zoning code amendments that must go through the Planning and Zoning Board as the local planning agency. She indicated that if the Council wanted to institute such a requirement, they would need to provide clear consensus. After discussion, the Council generally agreed that while they value board input, they did not wish to mandate an additional layer in the approval process. Councilmember Valinsky noted that committees already have a spot on the agenda to speak whenever they wish and making it a requirement could slow down the process unnecessarily. No action was taken on this item. 12.MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Esmond Scott shared positive news about media coverage of the Village's seawall project on NBC 6. He also announced several grant successes: ● An additional $2 million added to a $7 million grant for septic-to-sewer projects ● A new grant of $3.7 million to complement existing funding ● An additional $350,000 in grants for sustainability and resiliency efforts In total, the Village has secured over $8 million for the Little River project. Manager Scott thanked the Council for creating a climate of confidence that allows staff to pursue these opportunities. He concluded by wishing everyone happy holidays. 6 13.ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Chanae Wood reported that a few more boards still needed to be reviewed and revised, including Sustainability and Historic Preservation. She noted they were close to completing the direction initially given by Council. She wished everyone happy holidays. 14.ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Rodriguez read the announcements into the record. 15.VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Council members shared holiday wishes and reflected on Village accomplishments: Vice Mayor Neil Cantor thanked the Silktonics for their performance and provided updates on Doctors Charter School, including an 80% honor roll achievement in the first quarter. He announced a prospective student night on January 21 at 6:00 PM and expressed pride in the Village's ongoing progress. Councilmember Patrick Devaney commended the Council's handling of the Planning and Zoning Board appointment and expressed pride in being part of the seawall restoration project. Councilmember Jesse Valinsky offered holiday wishes and noted it was the third night of Hanukkah. Councilmember George Burch thanked everyone who participated in the boat show, which had approximately 1,000 residents in attendance. He noted it was a better parade than the previous year. Mayor Jerome Charles thanked staff and Council members, wishing everyone a happy holiday season. He reported attending a meeting of mayors with Mayor Levine Cava regarding the County's position on the upcoming legislative session, particularly concerning potential tax relief on ad valorem taxes, which could significantly impact the Village. He encouraged residents to stay informed about these developments. 16.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council Meeting, the meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM.