Loading...
2026-03-17 Minutes MEETING MINUTES MARCH 17, 2026 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Jerome Charles called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM. 2. MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL Mayor Jerome Charles Vice Mayor Neil Cantor Councilmember Patrick B. Devaney Councilmember Jesse Valinsky Councilmember George Burch was absent. Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4. ORDER OF BUSINESS ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, & DEFERRALS Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez reported that Councilmember Burch had requested Item 10a be heard at the beginning of the meeting, but he had not joined the Zoom feed due to extenuating circumstances. Council decided to proceed with the agenda as scheduled. 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A PRESENTATION ON COMMUNITY COMPOSTING PILOT PROGRAM BY: RENUABLE REPRESENTATIVE XAVIER DE ROOS (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR CANTOR). Vice Mayor Neil Cantor introduced Xavier De Roos from Renewable to present on community composting. Xavier De Roos explained that Renewable provides composting infrastructure for Floridians, servicing from Homestead to Gainesville. He detailed how composting creates a closed loop food system, preventing organic waste from generating methane in landfills. The presentation covered environmental benefits, including flood mitigation through improved water retention in soil, and cost savings for municipalities through reduced waste collection and fertilizer usage. Councilmember Jesse Valinsky expressed support but emphasized the need for financial incentives that make participation accessible to all income levels. Councilmember Patrick Devaney raised concerns about carbon emissions from additional collection vehicles, which De Roos addressed by explaining the overall carbon-negative impact of composting. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor noted this was an educational first step, with plans to develop a customized program for Miami Shores that could include convenient drop-off locations and potentially address flooding issues through compost application on Village properties. 6. MANAGER'S UPDATE Village Manager Esmond Scott reported no items at this time. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS 3-Minute Time Limit Carol Respondek thanked Vice Mayor Cantor for bringing Xavier to speak and expressed the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee's desire to partner with Council on developing a composting program, emphasizing both environmental and financial benefits. Susan Howell spoke about her personal composting experience, highlighting how it eliminates the need for fertilizer and creates healthy soil with beneficial insects and worms. She emphasized composting's benefits for flood mitigation, carbon storage, and community health. Nicola Meyer announced plans for a composting survey during Green Day to gauge resident interest and willingness to pay for such services. Robert Bourne presented on behalf of Miami Shores Community Alliance, requesting an exception to the $5,000 charitable donation threshold. He explained that the Alliance is a collaborative of 30-40 nonprofits that leverages funding across multiple organizations, making their $15,000 request effectively serve numerous groups rather than a single organization. Brian Tenney supported the Alliance request, emphasizing the unique collaborative nature of the organization and its widespread community impact. Julio Martinez, general manager of 9999 NE 2nd Avenue building, thanked Council for their support of the variance request, noting five years of work to resolve the first-floor elevation issue. Greg Steer inquired about Council's position on a proposed K-12 religious private school in El Portal with 350 students and no parking, which would connect to Miami Shores' sewer system. He also mentioned larger development plans by Adam Neumann in El Portal. Pat Cocce spoke in support of the Miami Shores Community Alliance, detailing the organization's long history of community improvements and requesting Council consider their funding request. 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 Valinsky moved to approve the consent agenda and Vice Mayor Cantor seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 8.A APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 3, 2026 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Passed on Consent. 8.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE AWARD OF INVITATION TO BID NO. 2025-12-01 MIAMI SHORES POLICE DEPARTMENT ROOF AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, ROOFING SERVICES SOLUTIONS, LLC DBA EARL W. JOHNSTON ROOFING AND AUTHORIZE THE VILLAGE MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXPEND AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT NO TO EXCEED $137,748.10; AND PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Passed on Consent. 9. ORDINANCE(S) ON FIRST READING 9.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 11, SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, TO UPDATE REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGE ATTORNEY). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Public Works Director Delroy Peters explained that the proposed changes would shift the committee from technical work requiring expertise to a more advisory role, making it more functional regardless of the technical background of committee members. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor supported the changes, noting they came from committee members who had thoughtfully considered improvements to make the committee more streamlined and effective. Councilmember Jesse Valinsky raised concerns that the purpose and duties seemed too narrowly focused on global warming and climate change, suggesting the committee's scope should be broader to include sustainability issues like development impacts on permeable land and tree preservation that extend beyond climate concerns. Village Manager Esmond Scott acknowledged the point and suggested possibly revisiting the committee name in the future, especially given current state legislative discussions about sustainability terminology. He noted the committee is constantly evolving, such as developing a tree and landscape ordinance rather than just a tree ordinance. Mayor Jerome Charles opened the public hearing: Nicola Meyer spoke during public comment, stating she disagreed with the proposed ordinance revisions and preferred a complete rewrite. She outlined three core pillars the committee has been working on: engagement and advocacy, research, and education and public outreach. Hearing no further comments, Mayor Jerome Charles closed the public hearing. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor moved to approve the first reading of the ordinance with the intent of continuing to improve it. Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 10.RESOLUTION(S) 10.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CHARITABLE DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE AND MIAMI SHORES COMMUNITY ALLIANCE, INC., A CHARITABLE NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION & IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Rodriguez explained that the Alliance requested $15,000, which exceeds the $5,000 maximum established in the Village's charitable donation guidelines. Any award exceeding $5,000 requires supermajority Council approval. The Village allocated $25,000 for charitable donations in the current fiscal year, with the full amount remaining available. Councilmember Jesse Valinsky expressed discomfort spending taxpayer money and concerns about abdicating the duty to maintain the caps they had established. He noted some funding appeared to go in circles and questioned the first-come, first-served nature of the system. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor acknowledged the difficulty of balancing resident support with fiscal responsibility. He noted the Alliance's incredible community work but emphasized fairness and transparency in distributing the limited fund, knowing other organizations may qualify for help. Mayor Jerome Charles concurred with maintaining the $5,000 cap, noting that 40 percent of the annual allocation for one organization seemed excessive. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor moved to approve $5,000 to the Miami Shores Alliance under the provisional cap. Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 10.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CHARITABLE DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE AND MIAMI SHORES ELEMENTARY PTA, A CHARITABLE NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION & IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez reported the PTA requested $5,000 for their spring festival. The PTA has not received direct Village funding within the last five years, and $20,000 remains available in the charitable donation fund. Councilmember Jesse Valinsky expressed strong support for the school and PTA, noting his personal connection and belief that community ownership of the school improves its resources and performance. Councilmember Patrick Devaney inquired about fund usage and allocation if money remained after the Spring Fest. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor supported the PTA but suggested $1,000 as more appropriate given the constraints of their charitable giving program. Mayor Jerome Charles noted that according to the PTA's sponsorship flyer, their midway sponsorship level was $1,000, supporting that amount as reasonable. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor moved to approve the resolution with $1,000 going to the elementary school PTA and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion carried unanimously. 10.C A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, GRANTING A VARIANCE FROM SECTION 6-9, GENERAL ELEVATION REQUIREMENTS, OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PERMIT THE LOWEST FLOOR ELEVATION TO BE 9.33 NGVD, WHERE VILLAGE CODE SECTION 6-9(B)(1) REQUIRES THE LOWEST FLOOR TO BE AT LEAST FOUR (4) INCHES ABOVE THE ELEVATION OF THE STREET ABUTTING THE BUILDING SITE, WHICH IS 11.28 NGVD, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9999 NE 2ND AVENUE, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT A; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: BUILDING OFFICIAL). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Village Attorney Wood noted this quasi-judicial item involved HE Realty Associates requesting a variance to rebuild the lowest finished floor elevation at 9999 Northeast Second Avenue to no less than 9.33 NGVD, approximately 2-4 inches below current elevation. Council members disclosed ex parte communications with staff and building representatives during agenda reviews and separate conversations. Village Clerk Rodriguez administered the oath for anyone present who would be providing testimony. Building Official Ismael Naranjo presented the variance request for 9999 Northeast Second Avenue, allowing the lowest finished floor elevation to be rebuilt at 9.8 NGVD, approximately 2-4 inches below the current elevation. The applicant provided supporting documents including a statement from a licensed Florida engineer confirming no adverse effects on the property or adjacent areas. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor emphasized the importance of this variance for economic development, noting the building is a community staple and that approving it would demonstrate Council support for local businesses. Councilmember Jesse Valinsky confirmed the resolution includes a hold harmless agreement to address liability concerns. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor moved to approve the resolution regarding the 9999 building on Second Avenue for this variance. Councilmember Devaney seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 11.DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 11.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING COMPOSTING COMPLIANCE FOR FOOD SERVICES WITHIN MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR NEIL CANTOR). Vice Mayor Neil Cantor stated this was a continuation of the earlier educational presentation, seeking Council support to develop a composting program. He noted the Sustainability Committee's ongoing work and emphasized Miami Shores' leadership role in environmental initiatives. Councilmember Jesse Valinsky stressed that for successful environmental programs, financial incentives must make participation accessible to all income levels rather than a luxury for those with expendable income. Mayor Jerome Charles expressed support for finding solutions while noting the enterprise nature of solid waste funding and the reality that costs are unlikely to decrease, making stabilization of rates a more realistic goal. Councilmember Patrick Devaney inquired about opportunities to provide compost to residents for individual use in gardens and soil stability. Village Manager Esmond Scott accepted leadership of the effort and committed to examining the program from multiple angles including procurement and billing impacts before bringing back a proposal. 12.MANAGER'S REPORT Barry University Restrictive Covenants: Mr. Scott detailed Barry University's request to release two restrictive covenants on vacant parcels west of Northwest Avenue. He clarified that despite rumors, he has not signed any covenants and committed to seeking Council input before any administrative action. The Planning and Zoning Board had requested addressing deficiencies, though Village Attorney Chanae Wood clarified the covenants are separate from the already-approved campus master plan. Council discussed process options, with Councilmember Jesse Valinsky preferring individual conversations with the manager while Mayor Jerome Charles favored a formal discussion and possible action item for transparency. They agreed to expedite the matter for the next Council meeting. Citizens Academy: The fourth Citizens Academy will run on Mondays during April in an abbreviated "executive" format, limited to the first 20 participants. Country Club: Mr. Scott reported progress on contract negotiations with Kemper and addressed misinformation about employee layoffs, clarifying the Village intends to retain employees in the new management structure. Parks Master Plan: Expected to be presented at the second Council meeting in April. Staff Departure: Mr. Scott thanked Frank Ruiz, Assistant Director of Public Works, who will be leaving April 3rd for retirement after years of valuable service in facilities management. 13.ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Chanae Wood had no report. 14.ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Rodriguez read the announcements. 15.VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Jerome Charles thanked staff for their extensive work on multiple ongoing projects including the seawall, parks master plan, storm water master plan, and septic to sewer conversions. 16.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.