11-04-2014 Regular Meeting•
Barbara Estep, MMC
Vi,Glage, Clerk
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
10050 N.E.2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, Florida 33138
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MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Miami Shores Village Council held their regularly scheduled Council Meeting in the Council
Chambers of Village Hall. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM with the following individuals
in attendance:
PRESENT: Herta Holly ABSENT: Richard Sarafan
Jesse Walters
Hunt Davis
Ivonne Ledesma
Jim McCoy
ALSO PRESENT: Tom Benton, Village Manager
Barbara Estep, Village Clerk
PUBLIC INPUT: For items appearing on Council Agenda
Ms. Maribel Ramirez, representing the non-profit group Food & Water Watch spoke in support of the
resolution being proposed by Councilwoman Ledesma.
CONSIDERATIONS
1) VILLAGE CLERK Barbara A. Estep
A) APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 21, 2014 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
Vice Mayor Walters moved approval of the October 21, 2014 Council Meeting Minutes. Councilman
Davis seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
2) VILLAGE MANAGER Tom Benton
A) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ANNEXATION OF THE
"K -MART" CORNER.
Mr. Benton referenced his previous memo to the Council with respect to the current regulations
regarding annexations as well as the individually contacted property owner's opinions on being
annexed. Mr. Benton indicated that he is looking for direction from the Council as to whether to
proceed to the next step in the annexation process: proposing a resolution outlining the annexation
request and a public hearing on the proposed resolution to annex. Council Members offered their
opinions and thoughts to at least hold a public hearing and seek input from the effected property owners
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as well as the surrounding neighbors. They were in agreement that Mr. Benton should move forward
and proceed with a proposed resolution and associated public hearing.
B) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PLANNING FOR A NEW
COMMUNITY CENTER.
Referencing previous discussions and correspondence related to planning a new community center, Mr.
Benton requested direction from the Council and indicated that in meetings with various municipalities
that had planned and built community centers in the last number of years, they had all utilized a
"Recreation Facility Planner". Mr. Benton expressed his belief that obtaining proposals from
individuals or firms who specifically deal with facility planning is the first step in moving towards
building a new center. In response to questions posed by the Council, Mr. Benton addressed the debt
liability, the probable cost of a facility planner consultant and examples of the planner's scope of
service. Mr. Benton indicated that colleagues have advised him that engaging a "Recreation Facility
Planner" is essential. Council Members agreed that it is time to begin the planning process and advised
Mr. Benton to move forward.
3) VILLAGE COUNCIL Ivonne Ledesma
A) DISCUSSION REGARDING FENCE HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS AND POLICIES.
Councilwoman Ledesma offered information regarding the reason for the agenda item, indicating that
she had received a number of calls from residents regarding the fence height restrictions. She spoke of
the information provided by Mr. Benton regarding the frequency of installation requests for 6' fences
and the fact that 7' hedges are permitted. She further stated that no one has indicated that a need exists
to change the front yard fence height. Individual Council Members expressed their views on the current
code allowances and the view that additional input from residents is warranted. Following these
discussions, Councilwoman Ledesma indicated that she would re -agenda the item for the November
18t meeting for possible action.
B) A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT
OF MANDATORY LABELING OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS,
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Estep read the caption of the resolution into the record. Councilwoman Ledesma spoke of non-
binding resolutions in general and then specifically about the proposed resolution. She indicated that it
is in the interest of access to healthy foods and her concern for the well-being of the residents that she
placed the resolution on the agenda. Councilwoman Ledesma then moved in favor of the motion.
Vice Mayor Walters seconded the motion. Individual Council Members offered their opinion on the
proposed resolution and its merits as an item before the Council. Subsequent to the discussions and
debate, Mayor Holly called for the vote which failed by a two to three vote, with Mayor Holly,
Councilman McCoy and Councilman Davis voting against the motion.
4) ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ms. Estep read the announcements.
5) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Alice Burch Ms. Burch spoke of the upcoming Community Alliance fundraising brunch taking
place on Sunday, November 9t.
Gabriel Cosentino Mr. Cosentino spoke in favor of increasing the allowable fence heights.
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6) COUNCIL COMMENTS
Ivonne Ledesma Councilwoman Ledesma indicated that she would continue to bring forward
issues that she believes are important to the community. She also congratulated the Unity Ball planning
committee which raised approximately $90,000.
Jesse Walters Vice Mayor Walters echoed Councilwoman Ledesma's comments regarding
the Ball and congratulated Bob Bourne, John Challenor and the others involved with planning the
event.
Hunt Davis Councilman Davis encouraged people to attend the Community Alliance's
brunch. He further spoke of Halloween and the estimated 1200 kids that went through his
neighborhood.
Jim McCoy
for everyone.
Councilman McCoy shared his hope that the upcoming holidays are special
Herta Holly Mayor Holly spoke about the recent press coverage in the Miami Herald and
upcoming events at the Library. She spoke about the end of daylight savings time and urged people to
be careful when out and about the Village.
7) ADJOURNMENT
The November 4, 2014 Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Barbara A. Estep, MMC
Village Clerk
Herta Holly, Mayor