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2026-03-03 Minutes MEETING MINUTES MARCH 3, 2026 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. 2. MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 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 Vice Mayor Cantor requested to defer Item 9A (Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Mandatory Composting Compliance for Food Services) to the March 17th meeting, citing new information he wanted to incorporate into the discussion. Village Manager Esmond Scott requested to pull Item 7C from the consent agenda and defer it to the March 17th meeting as well. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the agenda with the requested deferrals. Councilmember Devaney seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 5. MANAGER'S UPDATE Village Manager Scott indicated there was no manager's update at this time. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 3-Minute Time Limit No members of the public came forward to speak during the public comment period. 7. 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. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the consent agenda as amended (minus the deferred Item 7C). Councilmember Devaney seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 7.A APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Passed on Consent. 7.B APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 17, 2026 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Passed on Consent. 7.C 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). Deferred to the March 17, 2026 Meeting. 8. RESOLUTION(S) 8.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE SOUTHEASTERN SHORES SEPTIC TO SEWER CONVERSION PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,713,614.01; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Village Manager Scott presented this item, explaining that the Village had received grant funding totaling $8,713,614.01 for the Southeastern Shores Septic to Sewer Conversion Project. He noted this was good news from their grants program led by Ms. Elizabeth Keely, Special Projects & Grants Manager, and the public works staff. The grant originally started as $5 million, then received an additional $3.7 million. Scott highlighted that what they initially thought would require a local match turned out to be fully grant-funded, making it even better news for the Village. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the resolution and Councilmember Delaney seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 8.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; ACCEPTING ADDITIONAL GRANT FUNDING FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000,000 FOR THE SHORES ESTATES SEPTIC TO SEWER PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE GRANT AGREEMENT AMENDMENT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Village Manager Scott explained this was additional grant funding for the Shores Estate septic to sewer project. The original grant was on a fifty-fifty match basis, but when construction costs exceeded estimates, they applied for and received this additional $2 million grant. Mr. Scott noted that after construction costs are covered, remaining funds will be used to assist residents with connections. Mr. Scott took a moment to thank the Council for their leadership on septic to sewer projects, noting they now have over $12 million in grants for these initiatives, plus $1 million the Village had set aside. He expressed pride in having one area under construction and another area ready to begin. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the resolution, accepting the grant from the Department of Environmental Protection. Councilmember Devaney seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 9. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 9.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING MANDATORY COMPOSTING COMPLIANCE FOR FOOD SERVICES WITHIN MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR NEIL CANTOR). This item was deferred to the March 17, 2026 Council Meeting. 9.B DISCUSSION ON THE USE OF THE VILLAGE STREET SWEEPER (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch sponsored this item to gain information about the street sweeper schedule after receiving resident complaints about mahogany seeds on roads that had caused injuries. He noted public works staff keep 96th Street clean but wanted to know the schedule for other Village roads. Public Works Director Delroy Peters explained that their 8-year-old street sweeper works 3-4 days per week, targeting streets with curbs. Streets without curbs are more challenging because the sweeper can push debris into swales and damage the pavement edge. He noted the sweeper was currently down for repair due to overwork, and they were considering replacement since typical lifespan is 5-10 years. When asked by Councilmember Burch about specific schedules for residential streets, Director Peters said it was difficult to pinpoint areas but confirmed they cover the Village with 3-4 days weekly operation. Village Manager Scott explained that most municipalities don't invest in street sweepers, preferring to outsource for NPDES compliance. He noted their ownership provides flexibility to respond to specific requests, as they did when Councilmember Burch reported debris on roadways. Scott described how street sweepers function with steel fiber brooms that wear out quickly, especially on roads without curb and gutter. Councilmember Burch asked about the mahogany seed problem, noting these seeds create hazards for cyclists and pedestrians. Director Peters confirmed the vacuum system can pick up seeds, but it works more effectively when the brushes sweep debris into piles for collection. Vice Mayor Cantor suggested doing an inventory of problematic trees, particularly mahogany trees, to map locations and target cleaning during bloom seasons to prevent injuries. No action was taken. 9.C DISCUSSION REGARDING OUR ANNUAL BUDGET AND CONTINUED FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch delivered opening remarks, explaining that the item was prompted by concerns raised by residents living on fixed incomes. He acknowledged that Village Manager Scott inherited challenging circumstances, including significant, previously unaddressed capital improvement infrastructure needs throughout the Village. As the Council prepares for the upcoming budget cycle, Councilmember Burch expressed hope that both the administration and Council will remain mindful of residents’ concerns. Councilmember Valinsky thanked Councilmember Burch for raising this important issue, noting pressure from the State on fiscal matters. He explained the difference between budget and taxes, showing that only about one-third of property taxes go to the Village, with the rest going to County and School Board. Councilmember Valinsky noted that while the budget increased significantly, much went to capital improvements rather than operating costs, and they built in headroom for potential cutbacks. Mayor Charles addressed fundamental errors in comparing Save Our Homes increases to municipal costs, noting that Save Our Homes caps individual assessments, not municipal operating costs. He mentioned H.J.R. 203 passing the House 80-30, which would eliminate ad valorem taxes for homesteaded properties by 2027 if approved by voters. Mayor Charles emphasized that taxes correspond to level of service, and noted Miami-Dade assessed Miami Shores properties at 12% overall increases. Councilmember Devaney asked about the proportion of capital improvements versus operating costs in future spending. Village Manager Scott indicated he anticipated a lower budget this year, especially with ARPA funds ending (removing $3 million from the budget). Mr. Scott explained that in government, revenues must equal expenses, and excess revenue gets reinvested into the municipality rather than saved excessively. No action was taken. 9.D DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PUBLIC WORKS LAND USES (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch sought discussion on generating income from the public works land, noting previous studies and ideas including Home Depot or condominium development. He expressed interest in returning to mulching operations that worked for 25 years until the County stopped it over methane concerns. Councilmember Burch argued that methane is produced whether mulching occurs at their site or the county dump, and that mulching reduces methane by 50%. Councilmember Burch advocated for Miami Shores becoming a leader in recycling food scraps and solid waste, noting the County's waste disposal challenges. He mentioned the proposed $2.4 billion incinerator, with potential sites near the Biscayne Aquifer east of US 27. Councilmember Valinsky noted the Public Works compound has sufficient space for multiple uses simultaneously. Village Manager Scott confirmed ongoing positive discussions with the County solid waste director about creative partnerships, emphasizing they want to be involved in any innovative County initiatives. Councilmember Valinsky expressed interest in ideas that could generate real revenue, including expanding the police training facility into an indoor operation that could serve other agencies while addressing noise concerns from neighboring residents. Mayor Charles advised against spending money on additional land use studies, suggesting future Councils focus on practical applications like public-private partnerships. He noted vendor opportunities and potential P3 (public private partnership) arrangements, cautioning about soil remediation costs for any major land use changes. No action was taken. 10.MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Scott provided several updates: After School Care Program: Mr. Scott thanked Parks and Recreation staff for successfully launching after school care that day. The YMCA received DCF licensing and began the program with 25 registered children (exceeding the required 20 minimum). They hired a Village staff member to help run it, providing familiarity and consistency. Golf Course Management: Mr. Scott reported beginning review of the Kemper Sports proposal for golf course management. They assembled a strong negotiation team including Attorney Wood, Deputy Village Manager Alou, himself, Procurement Administrator Rockfeld, Finance Director Marcia Fanell, and three golf course advisory board members. They also secured paid consulting services from Steve Brennan, who was ranked fourth in the original process but withdrew to assist with negotiations. Mr. Scott maintained positive relationships with PCM folks, noting a productive four-hour session with the Manager. He thanked Mayor Charles for leadership on this initiative. Seawall Project Update: Mr. Scott addressed sidewalk issues discovered during seawall construction, introducing Public Works Director Delroy Peters and Project Manager Jorge Loor for a detailed presentation. Director Peters explained that plans included sidewalk demolition, but they decided not to remove it due to potential structural challenges. However, the contractor mistakenly began demolition before being stopped. The error revealed that the "sidewalk" was a reinforced slab with an underlying skirt beam supported by piles, with voids underneath that weren't previously known. Engineers provided four alternatives: ● Surface repairs only (estimated $70,000) ● Core drilling and filling voids with flowable concrete (unknown cost) ● Complete removal and reconstruction (estimated $500,000) ● Saw-cutting the slab, filling voids, and rebuilding (estimated $150,000) The team recommended Alternative 4, which falls within the project's $300,000 contingency, requiring no additional funding. Council members questioned the structural approach and long-term durability. Councilmember Burch expressed concern about recurring erosion problems, advocating for structural connection between the seawall and support beam. Project Manager Loor explained the new design includes filter fabric and proper fill to prevent future erosion, with the new sidewalk built to current standards. 11.ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Chanae Wood provided a brief report, noting she would send an update on the SB 180 lawsuit based on new information received from Jamie Cole. She announced completion of the art district regulations review, which will be heard at the March 17th meeting. Attorney Wood noted their office reviewed the regulations against SB 180 and other recent preemptions, and will brief the Council on flagged issues during their meetings. Councilmember Burch asked about SB 180's legislative progress, noting it passed the senate but hasn't reached house committee. Ms. Wood indicated she would email details about the lawsuit's status. 12.ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Rodriguez read the announcements. 13.VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Burch urged attention to several state bills affecting the Village, including the renewed ADU (granny flat) bill that would remove local control and set requirements from Tallahassee. He noted sovereign immunity limits are being raised, doubling potential lawsuit awards against the Village. Councilmember Burch recommended staying informed through Florida League of Cities' weekly Monday seminars. Councilmember Burch advocated fighting to preserve the urban development boundary, criticizing the County Commission's 9-2 vote supporting development in the Everglades despite Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's veto. He urged residents to contact their Commissioners before the upcoming override vote. Mayor Charles added concerns about home rule erosion, referencing report recommendations and state movements toward centralized control. He noted similarities to North Carolina's Dillon's Rules, where municipalities must request legislative approval for funding. Mayor Charles mentioned the County's concern about H.J.R. 203's potential January 1, 2027 effective date, though the senate appears less receptive than the house. Mayor Charles discussed the need for a Village resolution supporting home rule, similar to one passed in the 1950s when the County previously attempted to dissolve Miami Shores. Village Attorney Wood confirmed this would be a policy decision for Council to direct. Councilmember Valinsky connected the budget discussion to property tax issues, arguing that reducing local property taxes forces municipalities to compete for state funding, creating a "race to spend money" rather than responsible local resource management. He noted Miami Shores ranks first in Miami-Dade County for percentage of homesteaded properties, making them most vulnerable to homestead-related tax changes. 14.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM 9