Testing one, two, three. Testing one, two, three. to do a chest. >> Speaking. >> Okay, hold on. >> Testing one, two, three. Testing one, two, three. >> Yeah, it's good. Good evening.
Good evening. I'm calling the January 13, 2026th commission meeting, the first one of the year, to order if with a uh roll call, please. >> Mayor Weinberg >> here. Vice Mayor Bloom >> here.
>> Commissioner A >> here. >> Commissioner Blmond >> here. >> Commissioner Freedelland >> here. >> Commissioner Cruz >> here. >> Commissioner Olinski >> here. >> Mr. Big >> here.
>> And Mr. Meyers >> here. >> You have a quorum. >> Thank you. I see some very important guests in the front row. I would like for you girls, you winners
to come up here. If you would please face this flag and lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Okay, come on up. All of you and and you girls, you're going to say to yourselves, one, two, three, and then just start with the pledge of
allegiance. Okay? Anytime you're ready. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and
justice for all. >> Thank you. Very nice. M Mr. Manager, any additions or deletions to the agenda? >> No, mayor. >> Okay. Any commissioners? Anything to report? Any commissioners?
No. Okay. So, let's move on to special presentations. Um, coach. Coach, where's coach? >> I am here. Come on up. Come on up.
I want you to recognize I want you to introduce yourself and then recognize these fine young athletes and tell us um exactly what they accomplished. Please. >> First of all, thank you guys for having us here today. Uh my name is Christian
Blandon. We run the Aventura FC program here, the travel soccer program for the city of Aventura. Um, we started in 2018 with 30 players. Today we're 400 strong representing the best city in the world.
So, I want to start off by by thanking everyone here today. Um, I want to start off by also special shout out to Kimberly who uh has helped us along the way and everyone here today. And today I want to recognize these special girls,
these amazing players that we have here, our U10 2015 girls. What they've done this season has been unbelievable. Um, this year they were selected as team of the year in our EDP conference. That means they're the best team in Florida and they're representing the Aventura FC
team and the city of Aventura. And we're proud of you girls. We're very proud. I also I also have a a special thank you to someone that's dear to me, my my mother that's here, um, Coach Claudia. Um, this would not be possible without
you. So, you are amazing. You're an inspiration to us, to me. Um, and I'm just really proud to be your son. Now, we're going to we're going to take this time. We're going to have uh Johanna, our team manager, who's been incredible. She's our team manager. So,
she's helping oversee all the club admin stuff, helping the coaches have the best experience and our kids. Um Johanna, special shout out to you. Thank you so much for everything you do for the program. We really appreciate it. And I want to say thank you to Greg and
Hogar for making this possible. You guys have been amazing, too. So, thank you. Now I'm gonna pass it off to Johanna. >> Hi. >> I'm gonna be calling each of the girls. >> It's on.
I'm going to be calling each of the girls and Coach Claudia is going to present. >> Absolutely. >> Samantha Wexler, she couldn't be here with us, so we'll keep it. Jackie by last email
Shamir. Alexa Sanchez, Alexandra Sanchez, Talia Perez, Amelia Medina, Hana Libleski, Rebecca Libleski, Naomi Cricsfield, Daniela Gerson,
Gabriella Fridler, Sanjia Freckleton, Maya Calderon, and Mckelia Giri. >> Okay, need everybody to look right here. >> Okay, look right here. One, two.
Don't don't don't leave yet, girls. We're going to all come down and take a picture with you. But I just want to say this and turn around and face this way now. Oh, wow. You listen. This is great. They must be so easy to coach. This is incredible. So, I just want you to know
how proud of you all of us are. You make our city look great and you give us pride. You're champions and I know you're learning all about sportsmanship as well. Most of us up here are girl dads or girl moms and all of us have
children and you really fill us with pride and I hope that you all feel great about yourselves and what you accomplished and thanks for having Bold Nation such a wonderful wonderful enriching soccer program and and Kimberly as well. You said it's grown to
400 400 kids. How wonderful is that? So, we're going to come down and take a picture with you all, but we congratulate you. And we're that I think I heard a baby crying and I don't know if that was a mom of one of these. Okay. Oh, look, Kimberly, you do everything. I just want
whoever the mom is or the dad. Um, this is a familyfriendly city. Crying is perfectly okay. You do not have to remove the baby. We It's family here. It's a family atmosphere. There is not a problem if the child is crying at all.
>> Okay. Going to have all you guys come back this way. behind lowerbody Everyone look at your dad. >> Perfect. Actually, after being sick for a couple weeks, when I lifted my camera back this
morning, Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Okay, we'll we'll we'll wait a couple of minutes. It's okay if you filter out. We'll we'll give it a couple minute break so that you can you can go out. Thank you, girls. >> I hope you're I hope you're going to do
your homework now. >> They all have to say bye to the Congratulations girl. Yes. Okay, moving on. Uh, we lost someone very special
recently and um we want to recognize him and his family. I'm going to ask um my commissioners to share with me in reading this proclamation. Okay.
Whereas Captain Andrew Andy Smith began his distinguished law enforcement career in 1987 with the Florida Highway Patrol, where he served for more than a decade and was recognized twice as the AY's trooper of the year for his
extraordinary bravery and decisive actions. And >> whereas in 1998, Captain Smith joined the newly established Aventura Police Department, where he played a vital role in building the department's foundation of excellence and community trust,
serving with distinction as a K-9 handler, motor traffic officer, and detective sergeant, earning numerous honors and commendations during a law enforcement career spanning 37 years. And >> whereas beyond the uniform, Captain Andy
Smith was known for his unwavering integrity, quick wit, and contagious sense of humor, and was a man of character, respected by all who knew him, admired by his colleagues, and cherished by his family and friends
alike. And whereas the city of Aventura joins the Aventura Police Department, the law enforcement community, family and friends in recognition and celebration of the life and contributions of Andy Smith. Now therefore, be it resolved that I,
Howard Weinberg, as mayor, and on behalf of the city commission of the city of Aventura, do hereby proclaim January 13, 2026 as Captain Andy Smith Remembrance Day in the city of Aventura.
Chief, if you will, I hope you'll excuse me giving your back, but I wanted to speak to everybody, especially the family. Um, everybody who knew Andy knows that he wouldn't want us to be somber and sad and crying. He'd always want us to be
laughing and smiling. So, uh, but we did get one on him because, uh, I don't think there's a single person here who hasn't gotten a commendation or written up by Andy. And we got the last say and got a good commendation and write up for him getting this proclamation. I want to
thank uh the mayor, the commissioners, the city manager for allowing this and and for granting us this request. Um, it's truly appreciated. And um I I'm not going to go over Andy's past and his career. We all know that. I just wanted
to touch on a couple of things since he's been gone of how it's felt at the station, you know. Um I miss seeing him there first thing in the morning, sitting at his desk as if the desk was three sizes too small for him. Um but he
was always smiling no matter how early in the morning it was. And I I always made a a beline for the water machine and be like, "Morning Andy." And you know, we always had a little conversation. That was our time early in the morning. Um so I I I missed that. And you know, I
knew he was going to be retiring soon anyway. But knowing that he's gone gone really hurts. And um in our staff meetings whenever I would be talking about something Andy if he was agreeing with me I could just see him off to the
side nodding like this. You know if he didn't move I knew he didn't agree with me. And then he would always talk to me afterwards and give me his opinion and everything cuz he he just didn't want to do it in front of a big group of people. But uh I always had uh Andy as my
litmitness test if I was going in the right direction with the you know or no movement at all. Uh so staff meetings have been a little rough uh without his guidance uh during those times. Um you know we miss the jokes, we miss the
uh the pranks. Uh he was always there with a kind word, a smile, a laugh. He he truly appreciated his work and pranks uh and just reveled in them from a distance because then it would last longer. Um and I think he truly loved
being accused for every prank, even if it wasn't him. Um he just took great value in the fact that anything that happened, everybody automatically thought it was Andy. So I know there's a couple people here who took advantage of that and used Andy as cover for pranks.
Um, but I know he appreciated and he truly loved it. Um, we miss him terribly every day. Um, and I I know the family does as well. We're here for you. Our doors will always be open. You will always be considered family for us. And
uh I know we had uh given you a flag before, but we flew another flag for his mom. So, we have this for you today and we'll give that to you as well. Um, thank you for letting us have Andy and um, he will not be forgotten.
So, thank you again, commissioners and see you. >> Thank you. >> You could see all the officers, detectives that are here. There's even more people that would have been here uh, if not for the little kids at their home, you know, but uh, he he touched a
lot of people. So, you should take a lot of pride in knowing that. Thank you. >> Yes. If I can get the family members, everybody up here, we can take a photograph um with the commission, >> that would be great. >> And all officers are welcome as well to
be part of the picture, >> please. You want to go this way? Okay, we want to try to slide this way. We got plenty of space to fill in. Everybody look here. It's not.
It's a bunch of dots. Takes a long time. Goodbye. Okay, moving on. You know, we just celebrated the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of
the city of Aventura. And for 30 years, Carlos Pennan and his company, Cap Government, Inc. has provided
services to our city. Um, you know, having a 30-year relationship, a 30-year contractual relationship, any in any business in any field is pretty remarkable. But when it comes to the building department and inspections and
permitting and all of that, I mean, 30 years, that's that's the type of um business where it's kind of like being a commissioner, right? If everybody's happy, they don't come here to tell you. and they come here when they're not happy. So, it's like what you get are the complaints, right, Kevin? You get
the people tell you when you're not doing a good job. But to have a contractual relationship for 30 years is quite remarkable. And um clearly it's um something that we should not take lightly. We should
appreciate it. which is why um I've asked Carlos to um accept this certificate of special recognition presented to Carlos Pennan and CAP government in recognition of your achievement of 30 years of dedicated
service to the city with integrity, consistency, and professionalism. The city commission of the city of Aventura applauds your accomplishment. Thank you very much, Carlos and Kathy. We'd love for you to come up and say a
few words and then I'm going to give you this which is suitable for hanging and we'll take a picture with you. >> Thank you, mayor, vice mayor, city commissioners. I'm glad you said those very key words uh which are so very difficult to
follow. Uh, first of all, um, thank you, Mr. Manager. He called me yesterday. He says, "What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?" I said, "I'm not doing a whole lot." He said, "Come on up." So, uh, thank you very much. But all seriousness, uh, obviously I'm accepting on behalf of all of our CAP government
employees because it takes a lot of us to be able to provide those services. Uh, Monica Dcastro and Carlos Delpino are here to join me as representing all of our employees. It's been a lot 30 years. We can it would not be possible without
the management of the city and all the employees that work with us in the building department. They become our colleagues. They're more than that. They're our family. We celebrate holidays together. And uh that is that relationship that
has allowed us to be here that long. Let me close by saying simply that I started my company 36 years ago to follow my American dream and I was so fortunate so blessed that I started it in the greatest country in the world. I
started it in the greatest state in the country and I'm really fortunate to have started it in the greatest city in the state. So, for all of those reasons, I'm blessed and I really appreciate, mayor, your thoughts and your words and the certificate on behalf of all of us.
Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, Carlos. And I I I just want to say you you've built a heck of a company. And obviously, we're not the only city that you provide services to. And I wasn't going to pin you down on the record. I
was just going to tell you that I know that we're your favorite city, but you made it clear anyway. So, I thank you and appreciate it. >> I made it clear. It is the city of excellence and and we provide excellent service. That's why we're here. >> You're part of the reason why we are the city of excellence and we appreciate you. Let's um and bring up anyone you
want. Let's go take a picture of folks. >> Thank you so much. Really appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. Manager and Kevin. >> Evan, you don't have to move. >> No, you guys can just stand on this side. Okay.
>> All right. Everybody look at me first. So hard. >> I know. Okay, now it's the suit. Okay. >> All right. >> Okay. Now here
>> 31 Oh, okay. I don't think Okay. Mr. Manager, employee service awards. I'm sure all of you know Frank. Um, I want to say Frank started his career
here with us in our police department. He worked in our in our fleet department putting together our our police cars and basically doing anything we asked of him. He ended up taking a promotion a few years ago, went into our public works department because
he wanted to take on more responsibility and now he runs basically the entire plant, the entire literally keeps the lights on here um in the city. But what I I want to say what I I can't express to you how fortunate we are to have employees like Frank.
Frank, as everybody knows here, anytime that we need something, wherever he is, even out of the country, we've called I've spoken to you and called you a couple times. You're always here, always willing to help. You're dedicated. You're committed to the city of Aventura, and you're really what truly
makes us the city of excellence. And without you, we wouldn't be as successful as we are. I can't thank you enough for the hard work that you do each and every day. And we're very fortunate to have you, Frank. Thank you, Frank. We appreciate you. I ask Miss Katrina do to come up to the
front, please. Again, why we're so fortunate here in our city are employees like Katrina. Katrina works in our records department. She's supervisor and she does all of our public records requests and manages that incredibly. Now, for those of you who
may not be familiar with public records requests, it's probably one of the most difficult labor intensive jobs that there is. We brought her on many, many years ago to take on this role and typically cities would have a number of people that would do this job. Katrina
was able to do it by herself, implement um the technology needed to go through painstakingly for all of these reports and videos that's released and has to be released within a certain time period and also to comply with state laws with all the redactions and everything that's on there. She does an incredible
incredible job, but most importantly, it's her character and how she is. And I can tell you when I was in the police department as police chief, every time I would walk by records, she always has a smile on her face. And whenever you're having a bad day, Katrina would always
sit there and speak to you and talk to you and make you feel better. We would talk about our kids growing up um and and all kinds of things. And even now today when we go down when I go down and see you, we reminisce and we talk and you always have a smile on your face. Her customer service and helping people,
as you can see by the people here are supporting her. She's an incredible, incredible person and we're fortunate to have you and thank you for all of your hard work and your service. >> Thank you. Top that, Frank. >> Thank you so much for your service.
Does anyone need to remove an item from consent agenda? Okay. Seeing none, can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Are you the vice mayor? >> Vice Mayor Bloom, seconded by
Commissioner A. >> Uh, let's vote. >> Commissioner A. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blan, >> yes. >> Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. Commissioner Erlinski,
>> yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay, we have uh we're all the way down to number nine. Second reading on our
ordinances. Uh Madame Clerk, can you read item 9A, please? An ordinance of the city commission of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending ordinance number 2024-18. Which ordinance adopted a budget for the
2024 2025 fiscal year by revising the 2024 2025 fiscal year operating and capital budget as outlined in exhibit A attached here too, authorizing the city manager to do all things necessary to carry out the aims of this ordinance and
providing for an effective date. Motion to approve, please. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Rain. Mr. Manager. >> Thank you, Mayor. This is our year-end budget amendment, second reading for fiscal year 2425. And this ordinance
amends the city of Aventur's fiscal year budget to reflect adjustments made at year end for revenues, expenditures, and fund transfers across several city departments and funds. The general fund shows a net increase of 1.67 67 million primarily from higher than anticipated
revenues including FEMA reimbursements, public safety, detail billing, and our recreation program fees and interest earnings. These funds are being used to offset additional expenditures in police, community services, public works, and other departments. And just some key highlights in our police
department, overtime and event coverage, technology upgrades, and crisis intervention training are offset by savings and salaries and benefits. community services, higher program enrollments and summer and recreational programs and additional maintenance at our city parks, public works, landscape and irrigation costs, vehicle leases and
staff transitions and arts and cultural center replacement of the air conditioning chiller and increased maintenance costs and some non-departmental but most important importantly, this amendment includes the allocation of $3.2 million for the purpose purchase of additional land for
the new high school. This purchase was funded entirely from surplus funds in our capital reserves including interest earnings. And then some other amendments include our ARPA fund adjustments for ERP software drainage and police facility progress
building fund increase inspection activity and building renovations and then our transportation trust fund for new pedestrian crosswalks projects near Founders Park and the Donso for Aventura High School. Overall, the amendment ensures the city's financial records accurately reflect fiscal year 24-25
activity and provides funding for priority projects, public safety initiatives, and community improvements. Thank you. Any member of the public wish to comment on item 9A? Seeing none, I'll close public comment, ask if any commissioner has questions or
comments. Seeing none, I'll ask for a vote. >> Commissioner Blatchman. Yes, >> Commissioner Freriedeland. >> Yes, >> Commissioner Cruz. >> Yes, >> Commissioner Orinski. >> Yes, >> Commissioner A.
>> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Wyberg. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> 9B, please. Madam clerk, >> an ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending the city code of
ordinances at chapter 2, administration, article 3, advisory boards, by repealing division 5, arts and cultural center advisory board, providing for conflict severability codification and an effective date. >> Motion to approve, please.
Commissioner Aay, seconded by commissioner Blanchman. Uh, Mr. manager. >> Thank you, Mayor. This ordinance is I'm sorry for repealing the I recommend the commission approve ordinance to repeal the arts and cultural center advisory
board which will be replaced by the arts in Aventura board with a separate ordinance. The city established the arts and cultural center advisory board in 2008 with a primary focus on supporting the operation of the arts and cultural center by providing input on programming options and recommending fundraising and
sponsorship opportunities. While the board has served a useful purpose, the city wishes to pursue a broader approach to the arts programming and will create the new arts and aventura board. I recommend adoption of the of the ordinance. >> Thank you. Any member of the public wish
to comment on 9B? Okay, seeing none, I'll close for public comment. Any commissioner wish to comment or ask a question? Seeing none, I'll say to the clerk, let's vote. >> Commissioner Freedelland,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Orinsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner Aim, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman, >> yes. Vice Mayor Bloom. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes.
>> Motion passes. >> 9C, please. >> An ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, creating division 5, arts and aventura board of article 3 advisory boards, a chapter 2, administration of the city code by creating section 2-191,
creation, composition, and qualifications. Section 2-192 process for appointment of board members. Section 2-193 jurisdiction duties and meetings. Section 2-194 rules of procedure quorum.
And section 2-195 standards of conduct for members providing for severalability providing for inclusion in the code and providing for an effective date. >> Motion approved, please. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Rain. Um
Mr. manager. >> Thank you, mayor. This ordinance establishes the new arts and aventura board to promote a broader range of creative and cultural activities throughout the city. The new board will expand upon the work of the former arts and cultural center advisory
board by supporting public art projects, showcasing local and emerging artists, and collaborating with community partners to enhance arts programming and funding opportunities. Uh after adoption of this ordinance, mayor, the um we will be putting out an announcement by the end of this week uh for members to join
the board and I plan to submit those names to you and the commission at the February workshop. Terrific. Okay. Any member of the public wish to comment on 9C? Seeing none, I'll close for public comment. Ask the same question of the
commission. Seeing none, uh let's vote. Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Oinski, >> yes. >> Commissioner A, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Freeland, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> 9D, please. An ordinance of the city commission of
the city of Aventura, Florida, amending chapter 48, vehicles, use of rideaway, parking, and other regulations by creating a new article 5 electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and micromobility devices relating to the operation of electric bicycles,
motorized scooters, and micromobility devices in the city providing for severability codification and an effective date. >> Motion to approve, please. Vice Mayor Bloom, seconded by Commissioner Orlinski. Mr. Manager,
>> thank you. This ordinance establish local regulations for the safe operation of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and other micromobility devices within the city. It creates a new article in chapter 48 of the city code called microobility devices. The
ordinance defines terms such as electric bicycles, including class one, two, and three motorized scooters and microobility devices. Authorizes operation of these devices on designated streets, sidewalks, multi-use pass except on Biscane Boulevard in accordance with state law. Sets safety
rules including a maximum speed of 10 mph on sidewalks and a requirement to yield to pedestrians and use audible signals when passing. Helmet use is required for operators under 16. And ebikes and scooters are required to have front and rear lights when operating during evening hours. And ebikes must be
under pedal power when operating on sidewalks and pathways. Requires that ebikes and microobility devices obey all applicable Florida statutes, including traffic regulations and safety regulations when operating within the city. Allows the city manager to adopt administrative rules, signage standards,
and procedures for enforcement and empoundment of for violations. and authorizes enforcement by the Aventura Police Department with violations punishable as civil infractions carrying a $100 fine and officers may issue warnings for first offenses. We will be conducting uh we've just finished
filming a public service announcement that will be going out on all our social media um outlets will be going to both schools. We have literature that will be going uh to all of the schools including the parent email list that we will be we will be get getting out and we also plan on advertising on our digital message
boards throughout the city as well to get this out. We will and then the Aventura Police Department will um have a uh an enforcement campaign where we'll be issuing warnings. And I just like to say that we were graciously I would like to thank Kimberly Merchant for her help
in getting up to 500 almost 500 uh helmets donated to us so the police department and the school resource officers can give those out to children uh that need helmets. >> Thank you. Any member of the public wish to comment on 9D?
Seeing none, I'll close for public comment. I know this is a hot button issue. I know it's going to require a lot of education. Uh this is an issue that every city's dealing with and we're trying to get out in front of it, but it is a major problem right now and um and
we're doing our best and we'll keep monitoring it, but I think the key is going to be enforcement and education. Um, any commissioners have a comment or a question? Yes, Commissioner Blam. >> Not only the cities are having this issue, but private communities. This is
a great guideline for for HOAs and condos to make sure that the the children are safe and that um they are not exposed to any more danger that they need to. >> So, thank you. Any other commissioners?
Yes, Commissioner Freeland. I just want to say to our entire audience that's watching and we're watching this again on re-recording, but to our residents, we heard you. We listened. We heard the people that were concerned walking on the trail, the silver trail, and we also heard the people that are concerned
about students and kids riding on the streets. We are going to try to enforce this in the safest, most positive way for both the drivers and the riders and the walkers. As a mother of a 14-year-old, I go through this every
week with her wanting to ride on scooters or bicycles with friends with or without helmets. And I know a lot of those parents and a lot of those kids may not be happy that I'm in favor of this, but I'm looking at the safety for everybody. So, to the people that wrote
on Facebook and all of those community chats that said we need to do something, we are trying. We are going to work with our police department. We are trying to enforce this and make our city as safe as we can for everybody. Anyone else? >> Okay, let's close it and vote.
>> Commissioner Orinsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner Aim, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman, >> yes. >> Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom,
>> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. The motion passes. >> Okay. Any staff reports? Mr. Manager, Mr. Attorney, Madame Clerk, any anything to report?
>> No, mayor. >> Okay. Any member of the public wish to comment? You'll have three minutes. Thank you for queuing up so nicely. Okay, seeing none,
I will close it for public comment. Any other business from any commissioner? Yes, Commissioner Cruz. I just wanted to say as our commission has always been upfront and supporting great causes and
we've been obviously supporting the state of Israel and it's we always say that we speak with great moral clarity. So I think right now as u in particular as Iran is going to protest and thousands of their freedom loving people are being killed in the streets. Just
want to say that uh that I'm I'm sure I speak for the commission saying that we support the freedom loving people of Iran and hope hopefully uh they'll have their wish granted soon. >> Amen. >> Any other commissioners? I think we're
united in that we're we're following closely and we support the fight for freedom of the Iranian people. Uh just want to mention that this morning we hosted a breakfast for a delegation from Israel including the
mayor Haim Bibbus of our sister city Modí. This is the third time he's been here in our city since we um initiated our sister city relationship um after what happened on October 7th. You may recall that I was there in November in
Modí. So it was very very nice they were here. They shared with us best practices and a a presentation on smart city technology that they're developing and we will continue to um collaborate uh in a very meaningful way with our
sister city. Any other comments? If not, I'm going to ask for a motion to adjurnn. Uh well, I asked for public comment and I close it. Did you did you want to say
something >> on anything? Okay, you missed it. I said public comment, but it's okay. I'm going to reopen public comment for this gentleman. You have uh say your name and address and then you have three minutes. >> One second. I'm Is that green light on?
Right. Push that button because I want to be able to hear you. Okay. Go ahead. >> Judith Sab 21391 Marina Cove Circle. I am the district intern for Representative Fabian Basabi and I'm here to deliver you a legislative update. The 2026 legislative session
officially began today and Representative Basabi enters this session from a position of strength built over his first term. Since his initial election, he has worked steadily to establish strong, productive partnerships in Tallahassee with legislative leadership, the uh governor's office, cabinet members, and
state agencies. Those relationships are now mature, collaborative, and delivering real results for District 106. Effective governance depends on trust in those partnerships are paying off. Because of that, District 106, including communities like Aventura, has secured access to record levels of state
funding. These resources are supporting critical infrastructure priorities. >> Hold on one second. I'm sorry. I'm going to give you more than 3 minutes, so slow down a little so I can catch everything. All right? Don't you don't have to rush. I will give you your time, but you're doing a great job. I just want to be able to take it all in. >> Thank you.
>> Relax. Okay. >> Because of that work, District 106, including at communities like Aventura, has secured access to record levels of state funding. These resources are supporting critical infrastructure priorities such as storm water and drainage improvements, water and sewer
upgrades, coastal and environmental resilience, Biscane Bay protection, and public safety. This funding helps keep communities strong, insurable, and livable without raising taxes. Recently, the mayor and members of the Aventura City Commission traveled to Tallahassee to advocate alongside Representative
Basabi. They were able to see firsthand the access and level of support he has secured for Aventura and for District 106 as a whole. Representative Basabi is grateful for the partnership with the city of Aventura and values the collaborative approach that continues to deliver results for residents.
Representative Basabi has also delivered concrete legislative results. He has passed and supported legislation expanding access to diabetes care in schools so students can safely manage life-saving medication. He has increased the availability of overdose reversal medication to for first responders and
community settings and strengthen protections in mental wellness resources for firefighters and public safety personnel. In education, Representative Basabi consistently supports parental choice paired with accountability. Education funding should follow students into classrooms and show systems must be
transparent and responsible with taxpayer dollars. Parents, teachers, and students deserve results. As session moves forward, the legislature will advance proposals on issues residents in Aventura care deeply about, including insurance affordability, property taxes,
housing pressures, infrastructure, public safety, and environmental resilience. Florida insurance reforms are beginning to show results with companies returning to the state and competition increasing. Representative Wasabi will remain fully engaged throughout session and looks
forward to being back in Aventur to share further updates as progress continues for the city and for the district. Before I close, I would like to add something personal. As an 18-year-old, a senior at Sheekchal Community School across the train, someone who has lived in the great city of Aventura for four years in counting,
and a first-time voter, I'm inspired by Representative Basabi's approach to leadership. He focuses on practical solutions, values transparency and accountability, and is willing to challenge entrenched systems to deliver real results. I encourage residents to judge him by his work, his record, and his direct engagement with the
community. Thank you for the opportunity to share this update today. Thank you. Very nice job. Goes. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> I w I I I >> held back from saying that because of Do you want to stand up, Cindy, and turn
around? Because of this. Because of this. >> It's not her. >> It's not It's not I I hold a degree from the U. It's not her fault. Her husband went there, played division one baseball, and her daughter is a proud graduate as well.
So, We give her a free pass. >> I have a question. So, you're a senior. Do you know where where you're going to school next year? >> I'm going to Florida Atlantic University. >> Very cool. >> Congratulations. >> Beautiful campus in Bokeh. Gorgeous campus. >> Gorgeous. >> Thanks. You did a nice job. Most of us will be in Tallahassee. How many more
days from now? The end of the month for Israel days. We'll be up there. >> Oh, I will be there, too. >> We'll see you there. >> Perfect. >> Uh Judah Sabag. >> Judah. I also wanted to say >> put put your Are you >> I wanted Judah. I wanted to thank you
for it's not easy as a as a teenager to get up there and and speak in front of everybody, but I wanted to congratulate you on that and let you know that getting involved politically uh is is really important. So, it's I commend you for doing that and hopefully you'll run for office because running for local
office is where you get a lot of things done. So, we hope to have see you up here one day. >> Thank you so much. >> One more thing really quick, just tell uh Representative Basabi that we thank him for the update. You're welcome. >> Thank you. All right. Have a good day. >> And we hope to see him at an Aventura
event. >> Okay. Now, any other member of the public? Okay. I'm going to ask for a motion to adjourn uh Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Blancc. And all those in
favor say I. >> Any opposed? We are adjourned. Thank you. Cindy, if you do