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2026-01-20 Minutes MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 20, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 6:34 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. 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A PRESENTATION ON RENAMING THE AQUATIC CENTER BY DR. JOAN LUTTON (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Dr. Joan Lutton gave a presentation advocating for naming the competition pool at the Miami Shores Aquatic Center after Shirley Stobs Davis, an Olympic gold medalist from Miami Shores. Dr. Lutton explained that Shirley Davis won a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics and had been a lifelong resident of Miami Shores for approximately 70 years. Dr. Lutton shared numerous accomplishments of Shirley Davis. Dr. Lutton clarified that the proposal was specifically to name the competition pool within the aquatic center, not the entire facility. Andy Lutton provided video testimony describing how Shirley Davis coached him as a child, noting her humility and focus on helping young swimmers improve regardless of their ability level. A representative from Eagles Aquatics spoke in support of naming the pool after Shirley Davis, emphasizing that honoring an Olympic champion would serve as inspiration for young swimmers. Dr. Tracey Ross, who worked with Shirley Davis at Cushman School for many years, described her as a dedicated teacher who built confidence in students and skillfully taught mathematics while humbly sharing her experiences as a female athlete. 5.B PRESENTATION ON PARKS MASTER PLAN UPDATE (STAFF: PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR). Village Manager Scott clarified that this item was an update on the parks master plan process, not a presentation of a completed plan. Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Jacquelyn Villagran reported that: ● The existing system assessment and needs assessment phases had been completed ● The data collected is being used as the foundation for recommendations for the parks master plan vision ● The framework for the vision was established during workshops and focus groups held last year ● The process of translating feedback into capital and operational recommendations is underway ● A key component is developing a more comprehensive vision for a new recreation center ● Framework consultants will present the proposed size and scope of the recreation center at the next Recreation Advisory meeting on February 9th at 6:30 PM at the community center ● Master site plans for each existing park location are also being developed ● Once final building and site plans are completed, a phased action plan will be developed ● The completed master plan will then be formatted into a report document and presented to the Village for adoption ● The process should take 1-2 more months to complete Village Manager Scott emphasized that the parks master plan does not yet exist but is close to completion. 5.C PRESENTATION ON PUBLIC WORKS TRAFFIC UPDATES (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Public Works Director Delroy Peters provided an update on roadwork and traffic improvements in the Village. He outlined several key initiatives. ● Director Peters clarified that the 2016 traffic study was specifically a "traffic calming study" rather than a comprehensive traffic study. A new, broader traffic study is budgeted for this year ● Two funding sources have been identified: TPO (Transportation Planning Organization) grant and SS4A (Safe Streets for All) funding totaling $375,000 ● A consultant has been identified and discussions about the scope of work have begun With respect to Grand Concourse: Director Peters discussed plans to reimagine the Grand Concourse corridor from NE 2nd Avenue to NE 7th Avenue. The department is collaborating with the University of Miami's Center for Urban and Community Design to develop a concept. ● Ongoing projects: ● Sidewalk improvements: 2,300 linear feet were repaired last fiscal year, with plans for 2,000 linear feet this year, plus new sidewalk construction ● NE 8th Avenue improvements have been completed ● NW 96th Street improvements are planned from NE 2nd Avenue to NW 2nd Avenue, with design work starting next week ● Traffic calming implementations including speed humps, striping, markings, and signage will be done as a single comprehensive project Councilmember Valinsky asked about the process for implementing the 25 mph speed limit signs. Director Peters explained that while they have permission to install the signs, they need a design by a professional to determine proper placement before implementation. Mayor Charles inquired about the 96th Street corridor project, asking how it was prioritized and whether there was grant funding. Director Peters explained that the design phase is funded but construction funding would need to be secured later, similar to how the 96th Street East project was handled. Councilmember Burch expressed concern about the speed limit signs, noting that without posted 25 mph signs, the default speed limit is 30 mph by state statute. He urged prompt implementation of the signs regardless of how long the traffic study might take. 6. MANAGER'S UPDATE Village Manager Scott did not provide an update at this time, stating he would deliver his report later in the meeting. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS 3-Minute Time Limit Nancy Dowson expressed concerns about traffic planning, emphasizing that traffic studies should be based on future use rather than current or past patterns. She described significant traffic issues in the area, particularly regarding access to I-95 and the impact of new developments that will bring hundreds or thousands of new residents to the area. Ms. Dowson worried that traffic calming measures might exacerbate backup problems on certain streets. Alice Burch spoke in support of naming the pool after Shirley Staubes Davis. Ms. Burch emphasized that naming the pool after an Olympian would inspire both older and younger community members and suggested that the Council should also consider naming the future community center after Jerry Eastep, who ran the department effectively. Donald Stobs, Shirley Davis's nephew, spoke about his aunt's accomplishments and character. He noted that despite being only 5'3", she won an Olympic gold medal through pure determination. He shared that she won her first swimming trophy at age 6 despite competing against older children, and that she never complained about missing individual Olympic events after a teammate accidentally slammed a door on her hand before trials. Mr. Stobs emphasized that she deserved recognition not just for her gold medal but for being a great citizen of Miami Shores for approximately 70 of her 83 years. Bill Davis, Shirley Davis' son, expressed that naming the pool after his mother would be an honor for his family. He noted that she qualified for the Olympics under the Miami Shores Country Club swim team and was the only person from the East Coast to make the team. He described how his grandfather would wake up at 4:30 AM to coach her at Mirror Lake behind their home. 8. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 8.A APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 16, 2025 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Rodriguez reported on her review of the January 6th meeting video regarding three topics at the request of Councilmember Burch. She stated that the minutes did not reflect consensus or directives regarding sign type, number, or implementation areas, nor did they include comments about the Village Manager consulting with the Mayor. Councilmember Valinsky moved to approve the minutes. Vice Mayor Cantor seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 8.B APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 6, 2026 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Councilmember Valinsky moved to approve the minutes. Vice Mayor Cantor seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1 9. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 9.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION CONCERNING NAMING THE AQUATIC CENTER FOR SHIRLEY STOBS DAVIS (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Village Clerk Rodriguez noted that the mechanism for approving any designation or name change of a Village facility has historically been by resolution. She advised that if there was support for renaming, it would require directing the Village Attorney to draft a resolution. Councilmember Valinsky inquired about the physical details of what was being proposed, asking whether the pool currently had a name and signage, and what changes would be implemented. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Villagran clarified that within the aquatic center, there is a competition pool and an activity feature called "Wild Waters." The designation would apply to the competition pool. Councilmember Burch moved to direct staff to draft a resolution and for staff to erect a plaque at the competition pool at the aquatic center recognizing Shirley Davis. Vice Mayor Cantor seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 9.B DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE NEED FOR A NEW TRAFFIC STUDY (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch noted that since Director Peters had already confirmed a new traffic study was being conducted, further discussion was unnecessary. He emphasized his hope that speed limit signs could be implemented without waiting for the study to be completed. Village Manager Scott assured the Council that he had already spoken with Director Peters about the speed limit signs. 10.MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Scott provided updates on the Golf and Country Club: Regarding the water district project: A meeting with the district, attorneys, Mayor Charles, and staff is scheduled for February 6th. The meeting will be held in Miami Shores rather than requiring Village representatives to travel to the district. Since the last update, 165 emails from residents were sent to the Army Corps of Engineers regarding permitting. A meeting with the Corps was canceled at the last minute. No new design has been presented since previous discussions. Another community meeting with the district will be scheduled in the future. Village Manager Scott recognized the Police Chief for being asked to join the Law Enforcement Advisory Panel for the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust. Manager Scott also noted that while recent Council meetings have been light on agenda items, many projects are in development and will be presented at upcoming meetings. 11.ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Wood reported that most boards and committees have been updated. Staff is currently handling pending items for the Sustainability Committee and Historic Preservation, with Historic Preservation expected to come before the Council in February. She also mentioned that the building permit ordinance will return in February. 12.ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Rodriguez read announcements into the record. 13.VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Vice Mayor Cantor thanked Village staff for their responsiveness to resident requests, noting that Public Works is visibly working to beautify the Village and that the Police Department has addressed reported concerns. He expressed appreciation for his colleagues and staff for demonstrating effective small-town government. Councilmember Burch announced that the Arts in Public Places Committee has a vacancy and is specifically seeking someone knowledgeable in communication to help promote concerts and theater productions. Mayor Charles reported on his attendance at a county Zoom meeting regarding the legislative session, specifically discussing ad valorem tax reform proposals. He noted: ● The legislature has moved from House Joint Resolution 201 to 203, which would implement changes over 10 years rather than in a single year ● House Bill 145 is also relevant to this issue ● No Senate bill has yet been paired with the House proposals ● Current proposals maintain police funding at 2022-2023 levels but don't address pensions or how municipalities back bonds with ad valorem taxes ● Weekly meetings are being held to monitor developments ● The issue is significant for Miami Shores because the Village depends heavily on ad valorem taxes The Mayor also explained that agenda items listed as "discussion and possible action" represent new business, and when a memorandum comes from a Council member, it represents that member's discussion topic rather than a staff proposal. 14.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.