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07-20-1999 Regular Meeting• • MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING The regularly scheduled Miami Shores Village Council Meeting took place on Tuesday, July 20, 1999 at the C. Lawton McCall Community Center commencing at 7:30 PM with the following members present: PRESENT: Mayor Ulmer Bob Blum Al Davis Steve Loffredo Mary Ross Agosta ALSO PRESENT: Tom Benton, Village Manager Barbara Fugazzi, Village Clerk PRESENTATION Robin Pyke, Chair of the Fine Arts Commission, presented a plague of appreciation to Rick Parham, Publix Supermarket Store Manager for his support to the community and its cultural programs. CONSIDERATIONS 1. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 7, 1999 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NIINUTES AND THE JULY 15, 1999 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES. B. A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING TENTATIVE OPERATING AND DEBT SERVICE AD VALOREM MILLAGE LEVIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000; SETTING THE TIME, DATE AND PLACE OF THE RESPECTIVE PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000 BUDGETS AND TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATES. The Village Clerk read the Consent Agenda items into the record, including the entire caption of the proposed Resolution. Mr. Davis moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Ms. Agosta seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. • • 2. VILLAGE COUNCIL A. AWARD OF BID TO CONSTRUCT A PRE -FABRICATED CONCRETE WALL IN THE O'DELL SECTION OF MIAMI SHORES TO COLD SPOT AJC IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,590. Steve Loffredo Mr. Loffredo moved to award the bid to construct a pre -fabricated concrete wall to Cold Spot A/C in the amount of $58,590. Ms. Agosta seconded the motion. Mr. Loffredo offered background information and indicated that as of tonight, there are two remaining properties which have not signed the applicable easement documents. Mr. Loffredo further stated that due to the location of these two properties, the Village can move forward with the award of bid. Council discussion regarding the drawbacks to constructing the wall without obtaining all of the easements ensued. Following these discussions, Mr. Loffredo moved to amend his original motion to award the bid to Cold Spot A/C, subject only to obtaining the easements for both properties. Mr. Davis inquired about adding a definitive time line for obtaining the easements so that staff will have an indication as to when they can begin preparatory work. Mr. Loffredo further amended his motion to allow staff the discretion to begin work when appropriate. Ms. Agosta seconded the motion to amend and the vote was unanimous in favor. Mr. Loffredo then moved to approve the amended motion with Ms. Agosta seconding the amended motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. B. A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL TO ESTABLISH A PRIVATE FUNDING INITIATIVE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, INCLUDING THE CHARTER SCHOOL. Mayor Mark Ulmer Mayor Ulmer suggested that it might be more appropriate to hear Item 2C before Item 2B, but as the two issues are related, discussion may take place on both Items simultaneously. No one on the Council expressed any objection. C. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE A REQUEST FOR $50,000 FOR THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE/BARRY UNIVERSITY CHARTER SCHOOL. Bob Blum Mr. Blum expressed his opinion on the state of the local public schools and offered some statistical data on the Charter School. Mr. Blum indicated that residents are paying a premium price for an inferior product. Mr. Blum stated that he has no problem with Mayor Ulmer's proposed Resolution but would like to discuss the particulars and would not propose that the Resolution take the place of a direct $50,000 donation to the Charter School. Mr. Blum stated that the Charter School had submitted a list of individuals that would like to speak about the Charter School. Mayor Ulmer indicated that he would like to have a motion on the floor prior to allowing public comment. Mr. Blum stated that the Charter School speakers were part of the Page 2 • • presentation. Mayor Ulmer advised that after a motion was made and seconded, Mr. Damianos would be allowed to speak but the other speakers would need to wait until public comment was called for. Mayor Ulmer indicated, however, that the speakers would be given priority. Mr. Blum moved to approve the requested $50,000 to the Charter School, appropriating the monies from the Village's Fund Balance before August, 1999. Ms. Agosta seconded the motion for discussion purposes. Mr. Damianos provided the Council and audience with an update and status report on the past two years of the Charter School's operations, as well as highlighting some of the accomplishments of the students. Mr. Damianos indicated that the Board of Trustees is looking for the Village to appoint two additional members to the Board and that Ambassador Cobb is requesting that the Village take a more active role in the governing of the School. Mr. Damianos expressed that he is in agreement, in concept, with the Mayor's proposed Resolution but that he would need more time to review its contents. Mr. Damianos stated that the School would like a commitment from the Village for the requested $50,000 for this coming school year and then to try and parlay those funds into $200,000 for the following school year. The Council chose to delay their comments and discussions until Public Comment had been heard. Mayor Ulmer, however, read the text of his proposed Resolution into the record and then invited Public Comment, indicating that the list of speakers would be heard first. Bill Heffernan Mr. Heffernan is a Board member for the Charter School. He presented the Council with a brief history of the school and indicated that educational choices has always been issue for the Village. Mr. Heffernan stated that it is a goal of the Board to have the School fully and completely funded by the School Board but they had been aware that funding assistance would be required in the beginning. Mr. Heffernan commented on Mayor Ulmer's Resolution and indicated that the School is "under the gun" to budget and fund the upcoming year. He stated that the School is not guaranteed to continue if assistance does not continue at this point in time. Sister Evelyn Piche Sister Evelyn spoke about Barry University's contributions and their past and current involvement with the School. She indicated that Barry wants to continue the partnership and that the University is willing to extend a 5 year, equitable lease for two acres 011 the comer of 112t Terrace for the School's location. Sister Evelyn suggested that the Village include the $50,000 donation as a budget line -item, believing that this would negate the issue as a political matter. Georgee Kluck Ms. Kluck spoke in terms of the positive effect the School has had on Village home sales and property values. She likened the donation of funds to the Fire Department, Country Club and Library, indicating that even though you may not need or use the service, you still pay for the service and you still want quality services. Page 3 • Keith Post Mr. Post is a parent of a Charter School student. He spoke of choice afforded the Village now that the Charter School is operational and spoke of the community as representing interlocking pieces of a p11z71e. He stated that the Village should support the School because it is good for the community. • Ed Harrigan B.J. Orfely Ms. Orfely is the lead teacher at the School. She spoke of the current curriculum and how it is geared towards preparing the students for acceptance into the various magnet program high schools. Ms. Orfely stated that the curriculum and level of education would decrease without additional funding from the Village. Jessica Totten Ms. Totten is a student at the Charter School. She stated that, just as the students, teachers and parents need to sign contracts, committing themselves to the overall goals of the School, the Council should sign a contract to express their commitment to its future. Leon Newman Mr. Newman stated that he admires the School and what it has accomplished but does not believe that Village tax dollars should be donated to the operation. Mr. Newman stated that the original donation was supposed to be a one time requirement only - as "seed" money. Joan Lutton Mr. Harrigan reminded the Council that the original donation was to be a one time only appropriation and asked whether Sister Jeanne is with the School or not. Ms. Lutton expressed her opinion that the School is a good idea and that they are doing a great job, but she is against double taxation. She offered to write a personal check as a donation, as long as tax dollars are not going to be spent. She stated her concern about other area schools that educate Village students who are not getting any assistance from the Village and further asked whether the other communities who have children attending the Charter School are being asked to contribute. Nadine Tobgy Ms. Tobgy spoke of the lottery system used to determine enrollment in the School, stating that her child was not chosen even though she lives in Miami Shores. She feels that the parents of the Charter School should pay the bills. Bob Swan • Mr. Swan stated that he felt it unfair that the Charter School representatives be given priority during the Public Comment. He wondered why politicians have a tendency to give money away and feels that double taxation is not right. He stated that the Mayor's proposed Resolution is a nice idea, but asked about the other schools. Page 4 • • • Jeanne Blum Ms. Blum stated that she is lucky in that she is able to afford private schooling but had still moved one child into the Charter School. She stated that not everyone can afford private schooling and that the Charter School offers a safe and good environment to learn. She stated that Miami -Dade County should be challenged to provide a better product. Ron Von Wedel Mr. Von Wedel who owns and operates a private school indicated that it is unfair to place an additional tax burden on the residents. He responded to those speakers who feel that the Village is more concerned about providing a pool for the residents than a quality education, by indicating that the residents had an opportunity to vote for funding for the pool but they will not have that opportunity regarding funding of the Charter School. Terri Hopkins Lou Imburgia John Davies Nancy Dawson Ms. Hopkins spoke of the experience her son had while attending a regular public school and the positive changes he has undergone by attending the Charter School. She stated that her child got into the school by the luck of the draw. She stated that she did not understand how the Village could pull the rug out from underneath the School. Mr. Imburgia, former Mayor and Councilman, indicated that "we" never said anything about the contribution only being a one time need. Mr. Imburgia stated that the most important issue in the Country is to correctly educate the children. He believes the Village needs to be behind the School 1000%. Mr. Davies stated that he pays school taxes and pays for private school tuition too and encourages the Village to allocate the $50,000. He stated that in his opinion, double taxation is okay as long as it is for the children. Ms. Dawson stated that it is a shame that the Council did not approve the allocation of funds for a number of years when the School first approached the Council. She expressed her confusion that the funding assistance which amounts to $14/year a household, continues to be such an issue. She suggests that Council approve the appropriation because it is not worth the time which has been spent. Anthony Martin Mr. Martin indicated that everyone is of one opinion - "we want a Charter School, but we don't want to pay for it". Mr. Martin suggested that the Village start a school and charge tuition. He expressed his dismay that the children are in attendance and being manipulated. Page 5 • • Yolanda Totten Gregg Totten Ms. Totten indicated that the children are present because they are involved in their education. She emphasized that at the Charter School, the PTA is a PTSA (Parents/Teachers/Student Association). Mr. Totten expressed his opinion that years ago when the Village appropriated the funds, the School was an experiment but now it is a success and he believes the decision should be a "no brainer" to approve the funding and back a success story. He stated that the School is a partnership and that the Village should keep up their end of the bargain. Armando Ubals Mr. Ubals stated that he commends the School for its performance but that the issue is money. He was taught never to beg if you are capable of doing a job. She stated that the parents should raise the necessary funds. Ron Rena Mr. Rena is a principal of a Broward Charter High School. Mr. Rena stated that the Village needs to support the charter school movement. Bekky Leonard Jennifer Butler Kay Doxy Barbara Quinaz Ms. Leonard stated that everyone is in support of the School but funding is an issue. She expressed her concern that the School waits until July before coming to the Council when it becomes a critical issue. Ms. Butler stated that when she wanted to attend college, she worked three jobs in order to pay the costs. She stated that if something is important to you, its your responsibility to pay for it. Ms. Doxy wondered if the requested appropriation was included in the new budget. Ms. Quinaz stated that the children deserve better than what the County is giving them. She stated that the Village needs to be progressive and involved and that Miami Shores Village children should be given a priority for enrollment. T.F. Chambers Mr. Chambers spoke about the cost of educating each child. Michael Weston Mr. Weston asked why a request for $50,000 is taking a three hour discussion when a request to award the wall bid in the amount of $58,000 took only 10 minutes. Public Comment was closed as there were no more individuals who wished to speak on the proposed motion. • Page 6 • • Mr. Blum outlined the success of the Charter School and the contributions of the University. He stated that the parents do contribute to the School and hold fund raisers. He reiterated that the regular public schools are not doing the job. Ms. Agosta clarified the wall bid issue for Mr. Weston. She stated that the request for funds for the School is a tough decision and she agrees that the County needs to be challenged to do a better job. Ms. Agosta indicated that double taxation is an issue and that there are other schools in the area which the Council needs to be sensitive to. She expressed her opinion that the Charter School is not necessarily the only answer to the educational problem. Mr. Loffredo offered instances of personal experiences in dealing with the School Board and that in today's County political climate, some options that were available and worked in the past, will not work in the present. Mr. Loffredo acknowledged Barry University's vital participation in the Charter application process but questioned its future plans for continued involvement. Mr. Loffredo expressed his belief that the children and parents of the School are being used as pawns between the Village and the University. Mr. Davis stated that he is not against the School or education but not every Miami Shores Village child that applies gets to attend and yet the School is looking for funding assistance. Mr. Davis indicated that he would open his personal checkbook but will not support the request for $50,000. He indicated that the Council needs to think about what is good for all of the Village. Mayor Ulmer outlined what he sees as the problems - 1) quality of public school system perceived not to be good enough and 2) how to fund the Charter School. He stated that the reasons for the two problems are the County bureaucracy and the State's funding law for Charter Schools. He suggested that the Village lobby the legislature to change the language of the applicable Statutes. Mayor Ulmer indicated that the School should continue and be self-sustaining, as he is not prepared to perpetually subsidize its operations, and that the double taxation issue is unfair He rhetorically questioned how much the parents of the Charter School students are willing to spend to have their children attend the School. Mayor Ulmer stated that his Resolution proposes that the effected Schools do as the private schools do which is to raise funds which subsidize the tuition payments. Mr. Blum acknowledged his colleagues statements and stated that the Resolution is a good idea but not at this time. He stated that the School needs to commitment from the Village now in order to present a balanced budget. Mr. Blum suggests that the Resolution go into effect for next year's school year. Mr. Loffredo questioned the inclusion of Horace Mann in Mayor Ulmer's Resolution, indicating that Horace Mann is fully funded by the County. Mayor Ulmer called for a vote on the motion to allocate $50,000 to the Charter School. The results of the vote were 1 - 4 with Mr. Blum in favor of the motion and the remainder of the Council opposed. Page 7 • A recess was called at 10:15 PM and the Meeting reconvened at 10:30 PM. Mayor Ulmer passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Blum. Mayor Ulmer moved to pass the Resolution as read into the record. Ms. Agosta seconded the motion for discussion purposes. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the Council member's opinions on what schools should be included in the proposal for matching funds and why, the amount of the Village's match, the entity that the funding would be turned over to (School versus PTA/PTSA), and the issue that regular public schools are fully funded as opposed to the Charter School which is not. Vice Mayor Blum opened the floor for Public Comment on the motion to adopt the Resolution. Fred Damianos Mr. Damianos indicated that there were 13 6th graders from Miami Shores who had applied for enrollment but did not get in. He further stated to the Council that he needs to present a balanced budget to the Board in August. Leon Newman Mr. Newman asked that if the timing is so crucial, why does the Board wait until July to request a donation that the School needs in August. Jeanne Blum Ms. Blum stated her opinion that the whole evening's discussion is just rhetoric if nothing is done. Gregg Totten Mr. Totten spoke of the Village's Fund Balance which he believes could be used to allocate money to the Charter School. Terri Hopkins Ms. Hopkins compared the pool issue to the Charter School and voiced her concerns regarding priorities. Debbie Madsen Ms. Madsen stated that everyone's children are important and that the other school's efforts need to be recognized and appreciated - not just the Charter School. Bekky Leonard Ms. Leonard pointed out that the pool will be available to everyone in the Village when the Charter School is not. She also reminded people that a donation to a school is a tax write-off. Susie Lawson Ms. Lawson stated that good schools increase property values. Vice Mayor Blum closed Public Comment. • Page 8 • Mr. Loffredo confirmed with Mr. Damianos that approximately 25% of the Charter School's budget needs to come from private funding. Mr. Loffredo offered a compromise of the Resolution whereby the following changes would occur: Miami Shores Elementary School be added as a recipient of donations, that the Village match funds on a $2 donation/$1 Village match, and the cap be set at $20,000 to the Charter School and $15,000 each for Horace Mann and Miami Shores Elementary School. Council discussion centered upon Mr. Loffredo's proposed language changes in the Resolution. Mayor Ulmer clarified that it is his intent to have the matching grant offer for this year only. The Council agreed that it could be considered again next year but that it would not be a recurring offer. Mayor Ulmer moved to adopt the Resolution as amended. Mr. Loffredo seconded the motion. Vice Mayor Blum called attention to the dates as provided in the Resolution and asked that additional time be given to collect donations. Mayor Ulmer withdrew his motion. The dates were then changed to reflect a December 31, 1999 date for a contribution deadline and the month of January, 2000 in order for the Village to remit the matching funds. Mayor Ulmer again moved to adopt the Resolution as amended. Mr. Loffredo seconded the • motion and the vote was 4 - 1 with Mr. Davis opposing. • 3. VILLAGE MANAGER Tom Benton A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE CITIZEN ADVISORY TASK FORCE ON REDEVELOPMENT. Mr. Benton offered background information and outlined some of the difficulties which have arisen with the Task Force which have been conveyed to him by both the Chair, Rich Freeman, and resident members of the group. The Council and Mr. Benton discussed further clarifying the mission of the Task Force and offered extending the deadline for reporting. Mr. Freeman also addressed the Council, providing them with his opinions on some of the problem areas. The Council reached a consensus on the following: Extend the reporting deadline for submittal of recommendations to December, 1999; reduce the meeting schedule to twice a month rather than every week; and they clarified that they do not want the Task Force officially "polling" individuals, conducting surveys or placing of a suggestion box anywhere. Mr. Freeman stated that he would convey these items to the members of the Task Force. B. DISCUSSION REGARDING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES. Mr. Benton outlined the information contained within his back-up Memorandum. The question arose as to whether our Lobbyist was looking for budgetary priorities or language changes to the Statutes. Mr. Benton stated that he would need to check with Mr. Levy. The Council indicated Page 9 • • that depending upon Mr. Levy's response, a Special Meeting may need to be called in order to address this issue. Mr. Benton stated that he would clarify and contact the Council with a response. 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS The Clerk announced the date of the first Budget Hearing (September 9, 1999 at 6:30 PM) and the next Council Meeting (September 7, 1999 at 7:30 PM) 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS 6. COUNCIL COMMENTS Due to the lateness of the hour, the previous opportunities for the public to comment and the number of people remaining in the audience, Mayor Ulmer suggested that they forego any additional Public Comments and any Council Comments. There were no objections to Mayor Ulmer's suggestion. 7. ADJOURNMENT The July 20, 1999 Council Meeting was adjourned at 11:59 PM. Mark Ulmer, Mayor Barbara A. Fugazzi, CMC Village Clerk • Page 10