Clerk. Close. Close. That's that nice lady all the way on the end there. She's the village clerk. That's the title. That's the name of the job. Well, she's letting people into our
meeting. >> Whatever you say I do, that's what I do. >> All right, everyone. So, go ahead and call our meeting to order now. Uh >> oh. What is this? >> We're gone. John in here cuz he knows how to fix
that. >> Captain, it's a All right, this freaking All right, everyone. Well, while we work on the uh the monitor issues here, uh Madam Clerk, are we we are still live and streaming on Z on YouTube. Is that
correct? Okay. So, we're still streaming. We'll work we'll have uh these fine gentlemen here help us with the monitor. And while we do that, why don't we move forward because we have some special guests here in the law cabin this evening, it looks like. Hey, we got it. All right, great. Captain John, thank you guys both.
All right, so we're calling to order our meeting. Today is uh Tuesday, October 7, 2025. And before let's just quickly call the role and then we'll uh we'll see who we have here with us. Madam clerk, would you call the role for us, please? >> Mayor Groth >> here. >> Vice Mayor Samira.
>> Yeah. Commissioner Ansler >> here. >> Commissioner Gonzalez. Commissioner Huntington >> here. >> Mr. Mayor, you have a quorum. >> Thank you, Madam Clair. Oh, >> Mr. Mayor, I think the uh cat is out of the bag at this point, but we have the Girl Scouts here with us to give us the pledge of allegiance. >> Okay, so this is troop number what?
>> What troop are we? >> Girl Scouts. Yes. What's the number? That was very good. It was in unison. It was all at the same time. So, who's going to lead us in the pledge of allegiance? Everybody, right? You're all here to do it. Okay. So, do you want to
tell everyone out there to stand up for us, please? Girl, scouts, whenever you're ready, the flag is right over here. You can go ahead and lead us. Okay. What do we do? Where do we put our hand on our hearts? Where is that? Is it Is it over here? Is
it up here? All right. Go ahead. for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Good job.
Now you know why I was wearing because I'm a >> Well done, Girl Scouts. Thank you for helping us. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and members of the commission for the Girl Scouts. They asked it last month if they could come and and give help with the pledge. Thank you.
>> All good. I think I think we got the Cub Scouts coming next, so Oh, >> perfect. Let's >> Excellent. All right, great. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. again.
I don't know if um that's an issue with That's by clicking the link in the agenda. >> Yeah, >> different one. You want to share it? >> Commissioner, I just All right. I just used the uh link on the calendar and it
worked. Maybe that one will work. >> Yeah, mine is not working. It says the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th. When I click Let me refresh in case anything happened. I'm going to come out and come in again. Yeah, let me see because I see a
different link there. Leave and join. Maybe you see me now. No, >> there you go. Thank you. >> All right. So, let's go ahead. Let's uh move on to our additions, deletions, and withdrawals. Do we have any uh this evening?
>> Yes, I have some. First off, I don't understand why we're having all these um on the consent agreement. These are the discussion items. So, I'd like to move A, C, D, and E on nine. And then I'd like to move up 13A for discussion.
>> Repeat those, commissioner. >> Yes, I'm sorry. 9 A, 9 C, 9 D, 9E, and 12 A. I mean, excuse me, 13A for discussion. Move it up if we can. >> So,
>> okay, >> that's okay. That's okay. I'm sorry. 9 A 9 C 9 D 9 E and then 13A up for move it up. >> Where do you want to move it? We have We only have two ordinances ahead of
discussion. >> No, it's not. I mean, if you don't think it's going to make that much of a difference, I just that we have a couple attorneys that here and I don't want to >> Well, it wasn't going to make a difference, but now that you moved everything out of consent agenda, it's going to make a difference. So, >> make a difference. That's Yes, that's what I was thinking. Yeah, it's going to make a difference. >> It'll make a big difference. make a big
difference because we're going to have all those items for discussion. >> Well, why don't we table moving 13A up right now and find out if there are any any other changes to the agenda before we finalize it. >> Move it. >> All right. So, right now we have a request to move AC and E off of consent.
Are there any other proposed changes right now? >> Mayor, if I may. >> Go ahead. >> Okay, that's fine. >> I have some. So, um I'm just going to say mine and you tell me maybe they're duplicated with Commissioner Samaria. Uh
9 A I'm pulling for discussion. 9B pulling for discussion. 9 D pulling for discussion and 9H pulling for discussion.
Additionally, I am going to propose and make a motion to um move and I'll tell you which ones 9E resolution 202551 9E and 9 I
um so that we move them to commission to I'm sorry to manager's report instead of having then the consent agenda. Um, I'm making that proposition. Uh, I mean that's within the purview of the manager. I also was a bit confused to
see them here. >> Which ones again? I'm sorry. 9 what? >> So I'm going to say them allow what they are not to create confusion. So 9E resolution 202551 Joe's Landscape Tree Service in Norfolk. That's something that already happened.
9E resolution 202553 Joe Joe's landscape and tree service black olive and 9 I which is the job description uh regarding the uh assistant village clerk I will put them
in the manager's um report that's my motion and then the rest keep >> okay are there any other requested changes before we discuss these >> no yeah Oh yes, sorry Brad. Go ahead.
>> Part 9D which is resolution 2025 related. >> I don't think that's going to work. We have a few people on Zoom. What about Issa? Can he try your mic?
It's not the mic. It's Ouch. >> Much better. I think it might be working now. John, is it is if he changes mics, would that help? You have any idea? If he if he uses Issa's mic, they share
a mic. Okay. >> So, if I may better. >> There we go. >> So, u regarding 9E, >> I'm sorry, 9D as in David resolution 202552, which is approving a settlement
agreement with uh Roberto Navaro. Just um we have amended the actual agreement itself. So, if it's approved tonight, it would be the agreement as amended. The provision um dealing with um Mr. Navaro being assigned to the um HSI, Homeland
Security Task Force is being removed with from the agreement and the agreement would be amended to state that Mr. Navaro will be assigned to um at the discretion signed to tasks at the
discrete, please. So, if you were to approve that tonight, I would ask that it be approved as amended. >> Okay. All right. Thank you, Brad. Um All right. So, I think I have all these down. Um we have at least one, two,
three, four, five. I see six that are being moved off consent to discussion. Um so, let's revisit very quickly the vice mayor's request to move up 13A. Do we want to move up 13A to come before the the resolutions that have been pulled for discussion?
>> That's I mean I >> may just get to >> I don't think there's much to that discussion. It's just to determine if we're going to go forward with the request that we had of the city manager, meaning that we can start interviewing
the other c candidates. >> Okay. I think that's what if I'm correct that's what the discussion is going to be about. >> All right. So then it would so then the way that the the the agenda will current will read as amended is we'll go into our presentations. We'll go through public comment. We'll get to the report section. Uh we'll go to consent and
before we move into the resolutions that have been pulled in the ordinances. We'll discuss 13A first. Is that what I understand you're asking? >> Yeah, I think that that's fine by me. Okay. That would be work better. >> All right. So I think I have all of these down correctly. So do I have a motion and a second to approve the agenda as it's been amended?
Sorry. I make a motion to approve the agenda as it's been amended. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I I All right. So, let's get started. So, uh our first item for this evening is going to be our presentations. And we have
two. Um do we have uh Durham here with us this evening? James. Yes. Great. Okay. So, uh James, we received your um slideshow. Yes. Thank you. Um, Madame Clerk, are we are we able to to load
that up on the screen for us? Uh, and now James, um, I'm going to unfairly ask that we, uh, not go too long. It's it's an important topic. So, we're kind of stuck in between a kind of a an unusual situation where we have a lot in front of us here this evening,
but I don't want to cut into the time for either presentations that we have this evening because both are very important. Uh, and both are are topics that uh Biskin Park has been waiting to hear from for for quite a while. So, while I don't want to say cut you off at 10 15 minutes or so, you know, I do want to just try and keep track of our time.
Okay? So, I just want you to be aware of that. That's all. Uh while the presentation's up, I'll just introduce myself. Um my name's uh James Duncan. I'm the division chief over the urban forest and tree division for Miami Day County. Um this division
was created uh towards the end of last year as kind of a clearing house for the county to provide guidance um uh policy guidance and implement urban tree canopy initiatives within the county. And in the request for the presentation,
there were two topics um that were requested of me. One was information about the county's prohibited species ordinance and kind of our practices around prohibited species um and invasive species in general. and the other uh uh information on on birds.
So that covers the title slide. >> Are you still in presentation mode? because maybe we were able to see it if if it wasn't in presentation mode. So maybe if you exit presentation mode, we will be able to just see it up on the screen. Maybe just not at full screen. What?
All right. So, uh I think we can go to slide two. Um, so the two the first of two topics, what are prohibited species? Um, >> um, just just I'm so sorry to interrupt you. I don't think it's being shown. Um,
I think we're the only ones seeing it. So, if you give us a minute. >> Oh, it's it's up on the screen. >> On the Zoom. >> Oh, on the Zoom. Sorry. >> Everybody can see it as well. Thank everybody for coming. We always like to see a lot of people at the meetings, so I appreciate that.
Thank you. are ready to go. >> All right. All set. >> All right. So, second slide under 10 minutes. Um, what are >> what are prohibited species? uh prohibited species. Um they
that term reflects a part of the county's code that provides a minimum standard countywide about the removal um and the prohibition of propagating invasive plant species because outsized risk that they pose to our community and to our natural habitats. Um I put the
code reference up there and it's kind of hard for me to to to see. Um but essentially propagating, planting, um transportation and importation of prohibited species is prohibited. And when counties when properties in the county get developed or redeveloped, they're supposed to be maintained free
of those species. Um this includes a lot of tree species that uh folks uh that are familiar to familiar to folks in their urban areas, things like maluca, Brazilian pepper, umbrella tree, Australian pines. Um most of these
species are also restricted by the state and federal governments um because of the outsized risk that they pose. Next slide. So a lot of the questions that were posed to me were about Australian pines. So here's a a very brief history and
natural history. Um these were are a popular street tree uh uh nation sorry worldwide um especially in tropical climates. Um here in Florida uh they were planted heavily as a landscaping um in the 19th and 20th centuries. Um they
were uh the purpose of the landscaping was street trees, windbreaks. Um here in Florida uh they they've their lifespan is much much shorter than it is in other parts of the world. um they're they only grow to about 40 50 years old here. They grow very tall, very fast, which I'm
gonna get to as to why that's a little bit of a problem. Um they've been regulated since the 1980s. This is not a new thing. That was one of the the questions was why are we regulating them now? Um uh we haven't um it's been on the books for a really long time. Um and
it's a fedally a federal noxious weed. Next slide. So um what is the the harm to planet and people? Um so they aggressively colonize any kind of upland habitat any disturbed area. This photo was taken not too far
from here um near Swan where a storm toppled some invasive uh Australian pines that had been growing on the side of the of the road. Um they are what we call alopathic which means that they um
prevent or poison especially uh young trees in the their beginning stages. Um they're uh it's hard for me to see all my bullets but I'll try to do it from memory. Um they're they don't grow the same way our
native trees grow. Um what I mean by that is that they're not hurricane adapted. Remember when I said they grow tall and fast? That's not what our native trees do. They like to grow kind of wide and short so that they don't get toppled over in storms. Um they the Australian pines provide probably the
biggest risk to the coastal uh um habitats. Um they're it's expensive to management manage them and and they're a a management target particularly around um displacing sea turtle habitats along shorelines um and beaches and also the
the risk that they pose for erosion control. Um the there's a couple other like kind of like I would call them minor but they are pretty important. Um that duff layer that they form um restricts kind of habitat utilization of open ground and that's also another key component that
uh wildlife needs to have access. Next slide. So, uh, current challenges in Miami D County related to Australian pines. Um, while they were planted a lot, [laughter] um, they make up a lot of historical landscapes. Uh, we are a lot
of them are kind of, uh, uh, dying. Um, they are also because they're because we stopped planting them so long time ago that the the ones that are present are kind of fully grown, have decay, and susceptible to to collapse.
um they have what we call ecosystem services and disservices. Um the quality of the tree in the kind of urban habitat as an ecologist, it's it's it's lower functioning than some of our native trees. Um the picture that uh you see is
a stand of Australian pines in a county park next to Biscane Bay where we actually chopped the trees and treated them in a way that they could still be used as as bird perches. That's some of the things that we try to do when we're uh assessing and removing these tree species to see what what we can do to
kind of make the ecosystem better but also retain some of their the utilization. Um there's another note about Australian pines and other uh invasive plant species. They they don't get better over
time. They tend to get uh worse um because people tend to bring new new populations, new spe new uh kind of hybrids. Um and that provides a lot of genetic material for them to become more and more invasive. They don't have their predators here. So they can select for
things like growing faster instead of like resisting um herbivy from insects. Next slide. So uh migratory birds and we did have a wildlife photographer in our tiny work unit. He retired so these photos are much better than my tree photos. Um so
the con the county hosts uh birds all year. We host resident uh uh bird residents, i.e. birds that don't um um migrate. We also host a lot of our migratory birds in that in the Atlantic fly flyway. They kind of tunnel down
here and we're kind of in have outsized importance for birds um in the uh um in on the east coast of the United States. Next slide. So there are a lot of risks. So, these are kind of like the the the impacts and
there's there's a lot of variations to this chart. Um, but the top three impacts to migratory birds um and birds in general. They're kind of vehicular um vehicle strikes, domestic domesticated animals, uh cats, and uh windows. Those
are the things that kind of cause loss. Um we do have some bright notes though. Um, we had there's been some research recent research in the people and ecology uh lab I think I said that right at uh Florida International University
that indicate that there's increased utilization of um urban areas and urban habitats by migratory birds in the county. That's that's really great for us because we we tend to lose so much. Um, so that's a from an ecologist
perspective, that's a really uh bright spot. Um, our urban hammocks, which is actually one of our easiest hammocks or one of our east easiest plant communities to to recreate. Um, uh, those are the most utilized. Um, and in non-natural areas, we do have some, uh,
species that are very utilized. Um the champion is uh ficasauroria or strangler figs which again those are a little bit incompatible with a lot of urban areas because of the the roots but there's other things like gumbo limbo and um wild tamarind that are very heavy
hitters. Next slide. So, I know a lot of the questions were about nesting for nigh herons and our wildlife uh photographer didn't have any nighth heron photos. Um, but we were able to I was able to talk to some of my
friends at Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and some of the biologists that we have on staff. Um, it is very unusual for uh Nherrens to nest in Australian pines. Generally, we'd see them in bean bendonwood, mangroves,
Brazilian pepper, believe it or not, is um a plant that they really really tend to like. Um it's also kind of common on the transition from coastal area to upland area or disturbed area. Um the the bird habitat um habitat is that they
like to be kind of sheltered. They like to be covered. Um and uh I'm not sure what uh oh and the species um this is actually a pretty important consideration. The species uh uh the utilization of species of our urban areas is is resident resident to like uh
um um mid migratory. That means like they can stay here year round but they can also leave for long periods of time. Next slide. And that concludes my presentation. I think I did eight minutes.
James, thank you very much. So, generally what we do for our presentations, James, is if there's we try to >> Oh, sorry. >> get a question or two in if if any of the commissioners has any specifically. What I might ask you to do, um I don't know what your schedule looks like for the the rest of the evening. Um but if
you have a little bit of time, maybe hang around with us. Some residents, we have a lot of residents here. Maybe some might have some questions for you. Um, I know your information was up uh on the screen there, your your email address. Um, so that's of course always available, but um I'll just
>> I can stay till about 7. >> Okay, I very much appreciate that. Thank you. So um I'll just at this point if if any of the question commission has a question for you, then I'll go ahead and ask them to do that. But thank you very much for the presentation. Thank you for being here. >> Yes. >> Questions? >> No questions.
>> I do. Um thank you James for coming. good to put a face to a name. We've been back and forth on when we had our issue with Australian pines back in February and recently on a tree removal that happened in Griffin. Um I guess it wasn't scheduled to happen. Uh so I
appreciate you staying in touch with that trying to resolve it. Um >> I'm I'm trying to understand this is maybe for you as well for the rest of the commission. What's the intent of bringing this topic right now both birds and the Australian pine? What's what's
the uh what was the brief to you in order what's the next step? um the next step from here or before it's >> I'm just trying to wonder and maybe the rest of the commission has a better idea what are we doing with this information ourselves right we have some few left
over Australian pines so I was wondering if there is a certain recommendation that has to do with those specifically and the reason it was to hear from an expert and what the perspective is um so I just wanted to put context >> so we so
we have kind of history in a variety of different scenarios of accommodating uh uh birds nests and nesting habitats and also removing species are causing an impact to the to the county. Um so
from this this as a next step you guys can submit proposals and we could try to vet it through a through through our group of scientists. Um the county doesn't regulate uh birds and most of our policies around nesting habitats are
are master plan which doesn't necessarily apply in the the cities. The only part of the county um uh kind of uh framework that I presented on is the um the code requirement around prohibited
species upon development or redevelopment and that they not be planted. Um we do have a variance uh process for that. Um it's it's not often that people come for variances though. >> Yes. Thank you. And I'm sure there will be more questions. So if you can stick
around, I appreciate it. Thanks. >> I do have one question. Uh the commissioner amp mentioned a uh Australian pine that was removed on Griffin near Griffin is a county road. Uh could you expand on that if you do have any information? Was there an assessment done on the tree? Uh,
>> so I I I redirected the commissioner to the the group that removes those trees in our county parks department. Um, my understanding is that I think part of it had already I'm not sure if part of it had collapsed or that they had deemed it to be very um uh um uh that that it was
essentially what a dangerous tree or a risky tree I guess. >> So my my other question comes when concern about when when you have a dangerous tree there, there's another tree right next to it. There's a number of Australian pines still left in Griffin. What does the county normally do? what is your your best practice procedure for assessing invasive noxious
weeds that are on county roads? Is it by report or is there proactive measures that are done? >> So, um if there's an intersect with derm um we we'll generally tell. >> James, it sounds like we just lost your mic.
>> Well, it's unfortunately it's not going to work for the people on Zoom. Captain's gonna help you out. No. So we have a plan review process um and it especially when there's intersect with a natural resources permit extra chair
I don't I don't know that it's on. >> There you go. >> Go ahead. >> All right. So, we have a plan review process particularly when there's an intersect with the natural resources permit. Um you'll see the condition around prohibited species. Um the county knows that this is a big problem. Um
uh and we have a couple of programs and projects in their kind of infancy. We've had a couple proposals. We were shortlisted on um a uh a Noah grant on how to do risk reduction around our urban tree canopy. Um we didn't get that
that grant. Um we we are inventorying um some of the major county roadways where we do have planting practices and one of the primary there'll be a lot of functions but one of the primary functions is to inventory and uh characterize all those uh prohibited species. Um
>> right James thank you again very much appreciate the time and you being here with us and for the presentation. Uh if anyone is interested in speaking with James, he's with us for another 20 minutes or or so. Um and uh for the time being, uh we will go ahead and we'll move on to our next presentation. Uh so
our next presentation, excuse me, is the uh the South Florida Water Management District. Got it. >> Um what? Yes. Bringing over some new batteries. So um Commissioner
Huntington, we might be co-opting your mic for just a little bit. So, um, are we how we doing? Are we ready? So, unfortunately, we Oh, we got batteries. Are you in the Are you in the Zoom
meeting? Okay. All right, back. Okay, great. Um, so I'm going to go ahead and give you the floor if you would uh if you just mind before you get started if you just introduce yourself and let us know uh what uh what presentation you're here for this
evening. >> Of course. Good evening everyone. I'm Karolita Moran. I'm the division director for flood control and water supply planning with the South Florida Water Management District and chief of resiliency. I'm here to present about this project which is one of the key
projects that we have in the agency right now priority for our fiscal year 26 implementation. Uh this is a project located at what we call C8 basing. Uh it's a it's the basing that is related
to the CA canal that runs through um Miami shores and uh Biscane Park. So we're here just to present on the status of the project, some information and answer questions. So thank you for the invitation. Here with me I also have
Armando Vilo. He is the regional um staff from the agency external affairs that is here for Miami. he is able to really answer very specific questions. He is uh located here in Miami and um is here with me and will help me with any of the specific
questions. So um I mentioned CA basing, I mentioned CAL and linking with that is the S28 coastal structure. So this project specifically is the enhancement of this structure
that helps us manage canal levels overall and drainage needs in this basin. Uh I'm just going to start by focusing on the joint role of flood protection. We are one agency but we partner with local governments with uh
HOAs with the core on operating this entire system. So our focus is on the primary canal. So C8 is the primary canal. S28 is a structure located in the primary canal. So we manage levels
directly in those canals. But we operate the system jointly. And there are several canals that we call secondary canals operated by Miami Day and other tertiary canals that really helps us on the drainage and flood control mission.
uh we focus um recently on also incorporating change conditions beyond urbanization. So this system was designed and constructed 70 years ago. Situation was completely different at the time. We had about two million
people in the area served by the project. We have 9.5 now. Very much a lot of urbanization happened. dense urban areas around all those canals and we have uh this system is gravity based. That means we need to discharge and
drain to the ocean based on the water levels and the water level in land needs to be higher than the water level in the ocean for us to have the capacity to discharge with sea level rise. What's happening is we lost capacity to drain because by gravity we have a higher one
of the sides higher the ocean is higher already 6 to8 in so that means we have lost capacity to discharge waters and protect communities against flooding the chart on the left show the number of hours that our gates are closed and you can see an upward trend meaning that
there is more hours that the gate is completely closed because the ocean level is higher and if we open we are going to allow saw water intrusion to go in land and also impact water supply. We have aquifer uh well fields and aquifers really close to the coast in many of
those locations. If we do allow water s water to enter we are impacting water supply sources as well. So very tight system not a lot of flexibility very very close system. Um this is a
video that we had during king tide. It's actually happening again. It happened again today. We have photos during high tide. What's happening is the ocean is so high that is over topping the gate. The gate was designed with a freeboard a margin of safety to avoid this happening
and we are going through that today tomorrow again in a lot of those locations meaning we need to enhance those gates and we need to make sure that we are also monitoring those changing conditions. So the project here is exactly that. uh it's a primary flood
control feature. We are going to be touching uh the CA canal S2A coastal structure. As I mentioned this flood waters are are um drained by gravity and this project is managed by the district. We also have components uh that are
managed by Miami Day County and we work very closely with local governments. Uh this project mean aims to reduce flooding from rainfall and also helps us on managing the sea level rise impacts. We will protect water resources and
prevent water saw water intrusion and it is the replacement of this coastal structure aiming to recharge to sorry to recover restore the capacity that we had uh in this location without the sea level rise right without the increase in
the elevation of the ocean. So with that we will increase the overall level of service. So today we provide a level of service in this basing less than it was designed. So the chances so uh we have the system was designed for a 4% chance
event meaning 25 year rainfall 4% chance we should be able to handle the volumes associated with them. Today we have pounding occurring in locations even when we have a 10% chance event in this basin.
So more frequent flooding uh benefits from this project is uh we are talking about 132 uh thousand people benefited. So the entire basin cover all this um the cities listed here. Um and really when we look at the property that are
protected from the flooding risks we are thinking we are looking at three times the return in investment. Uh we also look very carefully on the water quality aspect on the northeast Kane Bay. We work very closely with Miami Day County. We were just discussing this. We have several
projects in place focusing on the water quality aspect. Uh this project is specifically is not solving water quality questions. It's a different project, a different process, but we collaborate very closely with Miami date. We have a series of initiatives
that we are looking at that and we are a partner on the reasonable assurance plan that is really limiting some of the pollution loads to the bay. So the pro the replacement of S28A structure itself includes the demolition of the 70 year old structure. That's the
structure located in the golf course today. We are going to replace it by uh this structure the existing structure by a more robust corrosion resistant and really elevated the structure with elevated gates that will prevent from u
those impacts that we are observing for instance today with the king tides. Um we will have a pump station that will help us uh pump the water. So we not fully depend on gravity to um discharge those volumes and protect the
communities against the flooding. And this the project also provide storm surge protection to areas upstream. We're going to find um areas that we can tie to higher land. uh there will be um additional sea canal uh banks elevation
that will help us to also avoid water that is coming from the surge to bypass because if we have an elevated gate you don't want water to go around uh so we will have a structure that has way lower risk longer lifespan and really again as I said tying this
structure to higher ground the component of the pump station is a power pump station this will be integrated to the operation of the gate. So the gate that we have today S28 is a spew gate. Uh we are going to have a structure on the
side of the gate. So we can either open the gate or turn the pumps when we need. The the capacity of the pump is much lower than the capacity of the gate. We are just talking about with storing loss capacity that we had on the original design. So here we are uh proposing
three um 500 CFS pumps 1,500 CFS we will have backup power and also we'll have an enhanced uh debris collection system that is part of the pump operation that will be built is a trash rake. This is the proposed site. We are going
uh we are under review of this site right now. This is the latest and greatest design that was provided to us by the consulting team. At the same time we had just um performed geotechnical and survey analysis in this project site
and some of the design will be modified. They are not going to be uh huge modifications but I just want to point that this is not the latest. We are undergoing some small modifications right now. So what we are aiming with this design is to limit the impacts to the golf course. We are working very
closely with the village on this side to allow operation of the golf course throughout the construction of this project as well. We really are focusing on minimizing the footprint of this structure and the pump to the maximum extent possible. Uh we will provide as I
mentioned the increased flood protection with this tide back against the surge and um we will have uh separation of the golf course and the pump throughout the operation to really uh prevent um ensure public safety and add security to the
site. So next steps on this project we are going to complete the design as I mentioned we are doing some final touchs. Uh we are also going to be working on some uh design considerations from the city in terms of the style of the building outside and we completed those geotechnical investigations. We
will continue on additional public consultations as soon as we have this updated design. We're going to come back and present to the village to the city here at Biskin Park and uh continue to uh coordinate. Uh our goal as I mentioned is to initiate construction
mid to late 20 calendar year 2026. We have budget in our uh fiscal year this year to begin construction and we will work very closely on the sequencing of this construction again to minimize impacts to residents with the village um
uh of Miami shores and also Biscin Park and also ensure that the golf course renovation is occurring u in parallel to this this project. Um as I mentioned um just waiting on this golf course we designed as well from the village. Uh
they are working in parallel with us and really hoping to align schedules there to allow for an efficient project implementation. We will continue to do the public uh input as the projects are being advanced and uh we will continue to coordinate with Miami Day County. We
have a series of efforts especially on the coastal side. I mentioned this project does not solve water quality. This project also doesn't solve coastal risks. There are significant coastal risks that will remain in this area that will be advanced through additional
studies. With that, I'm opening for questions. Thank you. >> Well, thank you very much for the presentation. Um, so I think we'll just kind of follow the same format. um follow a very similar format um where
uh you know this was set up as a presentation. So I think first we'll just kind of start with the commission and and uh present some questions to you if that's all right. If you can hang around with us for just a little a little bit to answer some questions. Um I I do have uh kind of a a I guess
overarching question for you. Can you speak a little bit to you you said this is this was approved or or began seven years ago. Is that right? Seven >> approximately eight >> the project itself um is started so we
had we did a first study on the basing uh C79 I believe it was 2014 15 the first assessment on the basing identifying that we had flood vulnerabilities so understanding that the risk of flooding was increasing >> understood so the reason that I asked
the question is because I'm I'm kind of just interested in in timeline of this entire project um you know kind of from conception to completion uh because um you know this is I think a lot of our residents it's the first time they may be hearing about it uh specifically with
respect to some of the details of the pumping station so could you just kind of give us an understanding I know you said 2026 you're looking to start construction uh potentially yes >> so but at the same time the designs are you're waiting final approval I mean how do you how do you kind of reconcile those two things
>> so we already submitted the designs so the modifications we're doing on The designs now are not major that would impact the permits. So we are going under final review of the permits right now. Uh we have submitted that to the federal government and the state. We have we need uh permits from the army
corps and also the state. So we are hoping to get this final permitting resolutions in the next two three months while we close the design and then we're going to go to the bid process a few more months and then again hoping to initiate construction uh at the fiscal
year 2026. And do when when those things happen, do you anticipate coming back to do kind of these sort of town hall uh presentations to residents because this is it's going to lead into my next question which is is going to be can you explain a little bit about the impact on
Biscane Park and our residents because this is obviously very close to several of our homes. >> Yeah. So overall there was uh a lot of benefits to Biscane Park. Let's put it that way. We are really um protecting all the communities located upstream of
the new gate. There will be enhanced flood protection. So a much higher capacity to remove flood risks from uh all the properties located upstream. Uh we will drain we have the capacity to drain and again working very closely with Miami County on the secondary
canal. So we make sure that the water gets to the primary canal and can be drained out of the basin. They are also working on enhancements to the secondary canal. So that's uh I would say the the main point to focus here is in a lot of those benefits flood risk reduction. Uh
we will be as I mentioned minimizing the footprint of this project to avoid any impact to the golf course. Uh the location itself helps because it's located on not at very next to residents and existing property.
uh we will have a pump that is a electric pump that has a significant lower level in terms of noise. the the project design already accounts for some uh acoust I don't know if I can use this word but acoustic inside the building that prevents some of the noise also of
going outside is traditional in our buildings especially in urban areas and we will be um uh and we're going to also have additional I mean landscape addition to the to the building itself to in to
allow for the integration with the surrounding areas >> and I apologize. I'm kind of monopolizing the time, so I'm I'm going to stop in a second. Um, do you uh do you have an understanding of of how long the construction is likely to take? And going back to that uh the one slide
where it showed the um kind of the aerial uh picture of if you wouldn't mind backing up just that one. So, do you anticipate access to the site for construction along this this road here that's coming off of 107th? Is that is that where we would anticipate a lot of
the traffic to be going? >> So mostly yes, but we have not finalized all the sequencing on the project and we really depend on this final details that will be also part of the the redesign of the golf course. So we're waiting to get all those pieces in place and have a a
proper sequencing for the project. So yes, potentially the access through our existing easement that we have that is on the back of the Miami Day County School is the main access to the project site and we will investigate other options in terms of how we can do that
with minimal impacts. But >> expected I'm sorry. >> Yeah, >> I'm sorry I interrupt you. I apologize. So the expectation I guess is access for construction is going to be off of Miami date county >> or Miami date the Miami date Miami country day, excuse me. >> Country day school. So sorry. Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Okay. Um, and then what about
um lifeline of of how long you expect construction to take? >> Construction is estimated four years. >> Four years. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I'm I'm Yeah, go ahead. I'm I'm going to stop. I've asked enough. >> Just a quick question. Um, you said that the floodgate uh primarily is going to
continue to be uh gravity driven, right? >> Yes. >> So, how much higher are you raising the the floodgate from what it's currently at? The floodgate will be um I believe it's two to three no three feet higher than what it is today. I can give you the exact dimensions but uh yeah the
gate itself will be elevated about 3 ft higher. >> So so the the concern that I have is obviously in order for that to function uh it would seem to me that the internal water has to also raise in order for that to function properly. Correct? >> No, not necessarily. No, we are not. The
reason we don't need to raise the internal water is because we'll have the pump to help us on the discharge. >> But then it won't be it won't be gravity driven. It'll be pump driven >> when the ocean is high. So when we have during events like now that we have king
tides that the ocean is higher, we'll need to operate with this help of the pump. When the ocean is in normal levels and we have the capacity to discharge, we'll continue to discharge through the gate. When you say gravity driven, that to me that sounds like it's going over
something and into something. Or are you saying that's not how it works? >> No. So works. >> The the gate just stops the water, splits the water from the ocean and the inland side. So basically when you open the gate it elevate that the the waters
connect and if this level on the water is higher it there is nothing that it's it just drains naturally towards the lowest side by gravity. So it's just it's it's to be honest a very great system like I mean it doesn't use
energy. It was designed very smartly back in the 50s. >> You don't you don't expect the water the internal waters to raise. Oh, we are not none of the simulations include raising internal levels. No. Yeah, that's not we are not going to change any of the
operational range in in the inland side. >> And uh the last question, I think you touched on it, but I just want to make sure um you know what this has been this is a very hot topic in our community. I've gotten a lot of calls and a lot of questions in regards to this. And so people want to be able to ask questions
kind of like the Miami Shores thing. Um, so has anybody talked to you about perhaps coming back and doing a workshop with >> I can I'm more than available to come back and do a workshop that we can have specific questions and also bring the designing chairs have the numbers right on their head and can answer some of the
specific questions >> tonight. We have a very short time right obviously but I think it's really important that you come back and and let the community ask because there's a lot of questions coming in. I recommend we do as soon as we have this update on the design because then we know it's the final we are so close we are a few weeks
away of getting this more updates and um yeah so >> thank you very much >> okay >> thank you I think my questions most of them were answered I was also going to propose the workshop I mean there is a lot of interest not just from um you know what we've seen happen in August
14th in Miami shores uh uh some of us were there you know and it was very engaging to see people come with their questions the main uh on on that behalf I I know after that a lot of questions came back and how are you taken in is this the
stage where you're taking in those questions what do you do with that next that's one of the questions that I've been asked many times so if we do do this workshop is it p does it have a purpose does it have an impact and and how do we see that um so that would be
my first question and the second and I think to add to what I've heard is the cost associated with four years of construction at an environmental level at uh infrastructure level. So if you can help me get some feedback as to
what's happening to our roads for four years, who takes care of those expenses and then how when you say mitigate considering we're bird sanctuary, we have all this canopy you just heard from them. Um uh noise is an issue. So h how have you
been sort of answering to all the questions I know you've had already been placed uh in front of you? No, first of all, we really appreciate the opportunity to really listen and engage with the community. I think is our mission to be able to talk about the project, to clarify questions, to
educate, to express like how we are thinking and how we addressing a problem. So that meeting um that was held at the golf course was an important meeting. We are open to continue to answer questions. We took the input um from the residents initial inputs in
terms of some of the design concepts for the building and we are going to be working on that. We uh have been having those coordinations for quite some time. This design had changed from an initial design based on input that we received early on. So there this is a process
that has been coming uh from for about a year and a half two years now really modifying the design based on that input. So a lot of the the input that we received from early on has been already integrated to the updates that we have on the design. A few of those more
recent comments um were are now being addressed through this uh design refinements that we are working right now and we continue to work very closely with the the village and the city. We continue also to engage with Miami Day County. They are doing also part of the
permit and also Army Corps. So responding to every environmental question that is part of the permitting process in this specific project we do not have um a significant uh impact in terms of canopy uh which is great news.
Um so less of the impact in terms of u the projects that we work so closely with J James Duncan here. Uh we do have as I mentioned on the noise we have made considerations uh on noise reduction. We don't have a generator in this side. We
have a very innovative solution that is we are super proud of which we have kind of a hybrid motor in the pump that we can um do um use full when needed and use electric power most of the time. It is a flood control feature. So we need
to have a backup plan. But we are doing without the generator. That is the biggest piece of the noise and a lot of the reduction in the footprint also came from this newest and very innovative um solution that was provided to us by the electrical engineers. So we have been
taking those cons those comments very seriously. We are reaching a step that we are really lending towards the end of the design of the project. but access um like you just mentioned, how we're going to be taking care of the streets and working throughout the construction,
isolating a portion of the golf course that would not interrupt the operation of the golf course. Those are all considerations that we are right now refining and and and really uh finalizing with um in coordination with the residents and the village and you
>> Thank you. Um one last question. Sure. What do you remember when was the last or first I mean first presentation you sort of started on the assessment 2014 uh prior to this meeting when was the last time you guys came to the village? >> You might have better
do you want to come? >> So when we did the outreach to the studies we sent out letters to all the municipalities involved in the basins. We didn't we didn't have a direct um outreach to the village until it would
have been last year. And the reason for that was there was not a complete design and there was nothing to present at the time. And we didn't want to exacerbate some of the information that was out there. There was already kind of I don't want to say misinformation, kind of a misunderstanding about the project, right? And we didn't want to exacerbate
that. So, we wanted to make sure we had a design and something to present something solid to make sure that we minimize that um that kind of misinformation that was, you know, out there about the project. We didn't want to um you know, put some things out there that would change in the future and then we'd have that back and forth,
right? So, um you know, conversations in previous conversations about six or seven months ago, I know we met over at Miami Country Day and that might have even been a year ago. um we had the conversation and we uh spoke to to um you know several of the electeds and told them look as soon as we have a proper design we'll sit down with
everyone so there's no confusion about the project and we'll give you a timeline and we we can share some design. So it wasn't really until last year that we started having the conversation um and then we started presenting this year. So we did the the golf course and then here. So that's been the timeline
and the reason and the reason for the lag was one was a study for the basin and that was at large and we did send out letters mostly to the flood plane managers and to several other folks in the government. There were public meetings held on that and then coming towards the project we just wanted to make sure that we had all the right
information to share. So that would have been last year. >> Okay. I appreciate it. I think that has been one of the main concerns I've heard a lot of people not knowing this is happening and of course you guys are you know at a bigger agency coordinated with other agencies it becomes a monster uh
sort of to follow for any regular person living their day-to-day life. So I just I wanted to put some context for those that were asking how come we didn't hear about this before and you know if the the workshop is an opportunity appreciate it and if we can make the
most impact of what comes out you know given that this is this will be the first opportunity you're going to hear from our residents. Um so slide as well here so from the study conceptualization and the assessment of the flood risks in the basing we started
engaging in 2020. I just had skipped this one because of the time but we do have some of the dates and some of the meetings that we hosted workshops but the design itself that's what Armando was saying like when we got to the specific determination of what is the
design is when we waited to have the information very clear and that's the first time we presented to the public >> got in absolutely understand >> and just just to quickly add that moving forward we're looking at something like maybe um three three months maybe or not
even that long to come back and present again. Obviously, we would do a workshop uh when you when you're all available and have time to have that workshop. Um but moving forward as the project as we get more information on the project as Geotech comes in and some of those other details, we'll probably scheduling
something else to update what we've already discussed. So, >> okay. >> Y >> appreciate it. If you can share with us the presentation for today. Um I also try to get the August 14th. I thought I thought it was more um completed in terms of amount of slides and the
information that was there. I try to find it. I actually went around. I appreciate it if you did. >> We have everything published in our website. I will publish this again and I will send the link. We have a link for this specific project in our website. So, I'll make sure that I share with you that's where we're going to be publishing all the information as well
and updates. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Questions from the rest of the commission? >> I have no question. I just want to thank you for coming and I definitely agree the workshop's very important. Um residents need to be know what's going on because they do have a lot of
questions and you know so again hopefully that we can have the workshop and >> hopefully it's promoted better that the residents know that we're having a workshop. >> Perfect. Yes, we can help on any the outreach to get to the really local we depend on the connection with the the
village and the city. So yes, we appreciate >> Okay. Thank >> both my questions were answered with the uh uh degree of uh rise in the interior water levels and the impact to our streets with the access for construction and ongoing maintenance. So I just want
to say thank you and I urge uh echo what the commission says about uh having that second meeting that workshop. That'd be great for us to continue the conversation as this these designs get finalized. Thank you for visiting. >> My pleasure. I >> already sent you an email to schedule that second workshop
>> before I forgot. Um, all right. So, uh, we, uh, we're going to try and get to a public comment now. So, we'll we'll close the presentations. Thank you both for being here. James, thank you for being here as well. Uh, the information was very helpful. Looking forward to the workshop coming in the next hopefully month or so and some updates on the
design. So, thanks very much for being here with us this evening. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, with our presentations having concluded, let's go ahead and get to our public comment. So, we're going to start with public comment here in the log cabin. We'll move on to Zoom after that. Uh just as a reminder, our public comment um is limited to three minutes
per participant and if you would please uh remember to give us your name and address before you comment that would be helpful. >> Can I can I just make a suggestion? I think James is still here. I don't know if you have much time. Some maybe questions re related specific about these presentations before they leave.
>> Can I hang around for a little bit? Well, the public comment is more just an opportunity to comment, but if there's if there's maybe something that we get to after that, it just depends on your schedule whether you can stay and or if you want to speak to anyone privately. >> I didn't want to put you on the spot.
You're free to go. [clears throat and cough] >> You're up, Gage. Hello, everyone. Good evening. Uh, Gage Hartzung, 1029 Northeast on 14th Street. Um, thank you for the presentations. Um I um I I for the the new flood control situation. I'm
just kind of disappointed it doesn't seem like they've actually done much of outreach here into the village. Uh the referencing just kept referencing the golf course, which we don't own the golf course. It's not us. Um we have um you know there's concerns about the noise
traffic. I mean how loud are these motors going to be? Is there going to be light pollution at night? I mean is there going to be lights on this thing that are going to be um right here? These are the residents that actually you you back up to your house back their your new structure backs up to their house. They say they haven't even heard
from you. So, how does the new structure impact their their quality of life and they're literally, if you look at that survey, they're they're right there next to the parking lot. So, um I'm hoping that these things are um uh addressed. I mean, we got a lot of homes that
actually face the the new um pumping station. So hopefully they um the you know some kind of barrier or protection or wall or something is going to be provided to uh to preserve those residences quality of life because you know we got to remember that those are people that are uh that are our
neighbors too. Uh regarding the agenda um I just want to state I'm opposed to anything to do with ICE. So I'm glad to hear that there was some revisions to that. Um, and then I look forward to working with the uh uh village attorney uh regarding the new uh uh recovery
residences ordinance. U I know we we've been in communication and I'm looking forward to him coming to the planning board. I think that's something that um you know the state is mandating on us and uh it needs to be addressed properly so that we you know we we are we're in we're in control of what's happening uh
within our village when it comes to any type of assisted living community homes or um uh recovery residences. Uh regarding the rest um I think everything looks good and uh I I appreciate that. And also I do have a question for Durm.
I'm just curious to know what uh trees are protected and cannot be removed if any on private property uh when when new construction and things like that and you know if you can address that at some point that would be just curious. All right. Thank you. >> Good evening. Thank you commissioners. U
my name is Janet Goodman. I live at 1174 Northeast 105 Street in Miami Shores and I live on uh Biscane Canal, also known as C8 Canal. Um on January 11th, 2022,
the village commission here at Biscane Park in a unanimous 5 to0 vote adopted a resolution um number two 2022-05 that expressed opposition to the Miami
Shores ordinance, which was to amend the zoning map and the future land use map to allow a gas station to be built. built on Biscane Canal um adjacent property. For years, my neighbors and I living on Biscane
Canal in Miami Shores fought against this um gas station proposal and eventually we won. It was never built. Um we with the help of your commission, there is no gas station on the water on the CAL. We are forever grateful for
your support. But now we are faced with the possibility of a more extreme danger to our canal um to Biscane and to Biscane Bay which is a 30,000galon fuel farm proposed by South Florida Waterman
water management district which was not really mentioned here tonight. Their 30,000galon fuel farm on the water. This is outrageous. This proposed dam or pump uh will uh put endangered species in
harm's way. We have manatee and certain species of shark that breed downstream from this pump just a few meters away. And the fact that this monstrosity will gush out untreated water into the canal and the bay is unacceptable.
Thank you. Hello, Melanie Oliva, 590 Northeast 121st Street. I'm really glad to hear the news about Navaro's um I guess assignment changing. Uh I didn't know before this was put in the consent
agenda that um the Elorado task force was uh part of ICE and part of Homeland Security. Thank you, Barbara Cool, for um alerting us. or that the program is condemned by the ACLU because it's essentially policing for profit. I think it's still important to talk about
because we've participated in this program for years. Um, investigations into moneyaundering often center around civil cases which do not require investig convictions for seizures resulting in unethical and aggressive forfeitures of money, assets, and
businesses without due process. People are hurt and they're often innocent victims. officers are um given more immunity by the feds, making it difficult and costly for the victims to get their property or businesses back. According to the Institute for Justice,
this program is one of the gravest abuses of power in this country today. I'm really glad that we shift uh shifted focus. I think we've had a lot of uh the public speak about this, which I know when we know more and um know better, we
do better. So, I'm glad I know more about this. Um, I can only assume you guys were not aware of how dirty this program is or uh we would have stopped our participation years ago. Um, I think it's a complicated
situation, but our end goal should not be complicated. And um, I did receive some documents from a public records request right before this. I haven't gone through them. I did see something about a hostile work environment related to Navaro. I think we've got to avoid that
at any cost um as we move forward. So, I hope um I trust you guys to do the right thing, but I think we have to think about this very carefully and what's right right now uh as it relates to hurting people with ice. Um about the
DURM presentation, I don't think our herand got the memo that they don't like Australian pines. Um, that's definitely uh the trees they prefer here in Biscane Park for whatever reason. I don't know why, but um there have been I guess I
guess there were like five uh groups of of nests that were taken down. So, and I know there's other nests on in the Australian pines on um Griffin as well during nesting season. So, that is that's what we're trying to do is protect our birds and our bird sanctuary. Um, regarding the South
Florida Water Management District project, I also want to echo what the speaker before me spoke about with the pollution potentially harming manatees and other species. And also lastly, the last thing on the agenda, thank you Commissioner Amsler for working with
MDAS to TNR our cats and educate the community around best practices in controlling their population which will hopefully deter future abuses towards them like the poisonings that occurred by Kheim Gubitz earlier. Thank you guys.
>> Hey everybody, Michael Leva also 590 Northeast 21st Street. Uh, I will also make sure and let the yellow crown knigh herand outside our house on 21st know they're not supposed to be there. Just kidding. Couldn't resist. Um, but the the thing I really came to talk about is
the uh civil asset forfeite program and how horrified I am that we have ever participated in this as a community. Um, this program, as my wife mentioned, is really um rife with abuse and the potential at least for abuse uh within our community. And the idea that we
would ever unleash something like that on our populace horrifies me. So I really hope that we would not uh in the future continue to engage in that program. I'm going to try to be quick about this and give you a personal example. U I have friends from all parts
of the world and all walks of life. And um not all of them are angels and one of them is this friend in particular guy I met in my last job. So he is a very talented uh construction person who could build anything. Man
worked really hard all his life. Uh lived at Morn and braced really in Miami Day County. Um had a house, had a car, had a boat and couldn't make ends meet really. So he decided to leverage his um green thumb ability and he started
growing weed. It's maybe not necessarily the right thing. Definitely not really. and he acknowledges that um the civil asset forfeite program came in and robbed him of everything he owned. He told me very clearly that this was
overzealous prosecution by a police officer. They took everything he had. You know, he he did go to prison, okay? You know, paid his dues, did his time, came out to nothing. Um that's a difficult place to be when you're 40 years old and have worked your whole
life. He uh I guess I would advocate that we never participate in that type of enforcement program because I don't care how many, you know, cool cars we get out of it or whatever. It's not worth that. It's not worth selling our souls of people. So, thank you for your time.
>> Thank you, >> Barbara 777 Northeast 111 Street. And I agree with everything that Melanie and Mike said. Um I had I was going to speak about um our involvement with ICE and then the attorney said that now that's
no longer on the table, but it was a little vague that this officer is going to be assigned someplace else. So, um, one of the big questions that I have is can the village manager negotiate a
settlement agreement with an employee if he's threatening a lawsuit um to sue the village and not bring it before the commission because the manager told me he could. He said I could I put it on the consent agenda, but I didn't even have to. And to me,
this wasn't a consent agenda item. So, is this the kind of power the manager has? I don't think it is. I think the village commission needs to be able to approve this. It should not be this isn't a simple case
of hiring somebody. It's a case of um something much more involved than that. The other question is um because we were I was told actually that um the reason they were doing this is because there's
employee just or the um ex officer said he was going to sue the village and this was um that the our insurance um carrier recommended an attorney and they recommended making a settlement
that it would be more beneficial for us. It wouldn't cost us any we wouldn't lose money. But in this agreement, we would have been losing $200,000 a year because it was a two-year contract. The employee would be getting at least $100,000 a year wherever he was working. It wasn't
going to be in Biscane Park. So why are we doing things like this? The employee was ter They said he was terminated for a hassle attitude environment. I'm not even sure. His suit said that he was um
fired without due process. So, it's two different things. So, now you're talking about hiring an employee that, as far as I'm concerned, I don't even know if we want because nobody's really investigated. Did he create a hostile environment? Do we want him back? And
are we going to roll over just because somebody says, "I'm going to sue you, so now you have to take me back." And I think this commission too many times has kind of given in and looked the other way when hostility in the workplace has been brought up. I listened to the
tapes. Gary and I listened to the videos of the officers that came up here and talked about the hostile work environment with one officer that resigned that day. We've had a commissioner complain about a hostile situation and it seems like
the commission doesn't seem to take that seriously. And now we have an officer that now we're going to be hiring back. I think you really should look at your priorities because this isn't what I want. Thank you.
>> Gary Q, 777 Northeast 111 Street. I didn't want to be here tonight. I had oral surgery today and it's not comfortable for me to speak. And I realized regardless of the fact that this idea that we were going to assign somebody to homeland homeland
security that that's been pulled. I really wanted to speak because I'm just insensed at the idea that we have a village manager that has taken us down to the road to ICE twice. Only this time he was going to put somebody in ICE. And
did any of you really understand? Was it explained to all of you what's involved here? The task force is a branch of ICE. Participants in the task force get deputized by the feds.
They are in fact ICE officers. Now their duties are limited to seizure, not immigration enforcement. But here you have an ICE officer who's got this limitation. And you've got this fuzzy line between enforcement and
seizure. And we have an administration that doesn't recogn recognize hard lines, let alone fuzzy lines. And so in fact, here we are paying for somebody to get trained possibly, quite possibly,
quite realistically to be an ICE, an immigration enforcement officer. And you're quite naive if naive if you don't believe that. And I really don't feel speaking to some of you that you would go along with this if you
really knew this. And I really, really, really am furious at the idea that we have a village manager that twice has tried to slip stuff like this under the rug without exposing it to the commission, without exposing it to the residents. This is not the kind of
village manager I want. Thank you. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Rohan Pashad Singh and I reside at 10700 Griffing Boulevard. This project directly and significantly affects uh me and my family as the as the
proposed structure is adjacent to our home right next to the fence line. Okay. Uh we've lived here for over 35 years and we chose this neighborhood for its tranquility and green space. both of which are now at risk of being permanently disrupted.
Concerns about the project and and before I go on, let me just say I know we've you've touched a little bit on some of my questions that I have here or you know um but I'm just going to go ahead and skip through them anyway because I have them here and I'd like to get my voice out there so you guys kind
of understand our because we live right next to to that fence line. Understand? So number one, lack of transparency and documentation. Where are the detail engineering drawings and schematics? Uh, we need to see exact measurements and distances from our property to
understand the full scope of this project. And and I get what you explained. You're waiting on final drawings, but we it's very important. I' I'd really like to see that. Number two, failure to notify affected residents. At the last meeting in the country club, we requested clear communication. Uh, why
were directly impacted residents in Biscane Park not informed of the project details? It almost feels like we're kind of intentionally kept in the dark in some ways. That's what it feels like. Okay. Number three, diesel tanks and generator
noise. The installation of two 10,000gallon diesel tanks, and I understand now it might be 30,000 um diesel gallon diesel tanks next to our fence line suggests the use of large industrial-grade diesel generators. These engines will produce significant
noise and emissions, creating a constant disturbance and visual blight, especially with a 35- foot high structure looming in our backyard. And and folks, that's what we're going to see from from from our backyard. Okay. Uh, number four, maintenance facility
uh, disruption. The proposed maintenance facility will bring early morning noise from lawn tractors and equipment starting as early as 4 or 5:00 a.m. in the morning. This is unacceptable in a residential area and will severely impact our quality of life.
Number five, tennis court lighting and noise. The addition of tennis court of a tennis court with possible stadium light stadium style lighting will introduce nighttime noise and light pollution making it difficult for our families to
sleep and enjoy our peaceful evenings. Number six, traffic safety on 107th in Griffin. Traffic is already and I know you guys have already mentioned this uh is already hazardous due to the speeding around that bend right in that very corner. There's a lot of sp guys come
barreling around there a lot and it's it's dangerous in that corner. Okay. So, I know that I live right there. So, I see it all the time. In fact, the tree that's sitting that oak tree that's sitting right there, the reason the reason it's carved out is because over the years guys come barreling around there and they just run right into that
tree. So, I know a thing or two about that bend and speeding. Okay. So my point is how will this uh project affect traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the area? Number seven, canal and seaw wall modifications.
Will the canal and seaw wall directly behind our property be replaced, widened, or raised? If so, how will I'm sorry, how much land will be affected and what are the implications uh for our
property line? Number eight, possible impact on our septic system. Will our sept, excuse [clears throat] me, septic tank or drain field be affected by con by uh construction or changes to the land? Excuse me, guys. We need clear uh
answers and assurances. Number nine, I'm about to lose my voice here. Bridge replacement plans. Will the pedestrian bidge directly behind us be replaced? If so, will it retain the same location uh remain in the same location and how will
it affect our view? [clears throat] In conclusion, this project represents a major disruptions to our li disruption to our lives, our property, and our community. We are not opposed to progress. Okay, we understand that the whole saltwater intrusion thing. So,
we're not against that, but we demand transparency, accountability, and respect for residents who will bear the brunt of this development. We ask that you reconsider the scope, placement, and communication strategy surrounding this project. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you
very much. >> Thank you. >> Hi, everybody, commissioners. Uh my name is Carol Annis Respondic and I live at 1162 Northeast 105th Street. Uh I'm a resident of Miami Shores on Biscane
Canal for 30 some odd years. Um although I certainly understand and appreciate the need to relieve the flooding pressures upstream and the other six municipalities besides Biscane Park in the C8 basin. I don't believe the choice to quickly dump the polluted storm water
into the canal, release it, releasing it into the salinity structure and into the lower canal is environmentally sound. South Florida Water Management District does not plan on retaining this storm water upstream, which is currently the only way to effectively clean the storm
water. I urge the district again to work with Miami Dade County to locate and secure other retention sites upstream such as the state-owned land under 95 at Golden Glades, the county-owned Opalaka
Airport or Hyia's Amelia Airheart Park. Dumping toxic storm water into the canal without retention will harm our federally threatened manatees who have called Biscane home, Biscane Canal home for many more years than my 30some on the canal. Manatees breed in this canal
east of the salinity structure. They must be protected. This is not just my wish, but this is a federal and state law. Additionally, I'd like to know how South Florida Water Management plans to reroute the water and what they were going to do with our canal during the
four years of construction. We haven't heard a peep about this. So, I'm looking forward to hearing all those answers. How do you pro uh plan to protect the residents upstream from flooding as well as the residents east of the salinity structure again? And what about the
marine life? Uh the planned addition of the 30,000 gallons of diesel storage in uh tanks in the huge parking lot that is currently green space is an environmental disaster waiting to happen. Uh you heard from
Janet earlier in Miami Shores a few years ago. We fought against a pre proposed gas station on the canal and won. Thanks in large part also to you guys. Some of you were here then and thank you for your signatures then. And again, we applaud it and we don't
understand why we're in the same situation again. But even worse in so many respects, this one is close to you. That one was close to us. In either case, it affects our marine habitat and it affects the people who are going to breathe all those fumes.
Um, uh, I hope also that you can explain. I heard tonight for the first time that the entrance, the construction entrance would be Miami uh Country Day School. That's the first I've heard. If that is true and if you can elaborate on that either tonight or another night, I'd
love to hear that. But so far, all I've heard about is the entrance to the construction entrance and the future entrance to the Solenity Structure and South Florida Water Management Area would be on 107th Street. And as Rohan said, this is really um a no-go for all
of us in this area. That road is already very very congested and dangerous. Putting more traffic on there, especially the construction traffic for four years would be absolutely unbelievably dangerous for everybody and would cause a lot of grief for all of
us. Um I'm hoping that you will revise your plans. We understand that you that we all need the structure updated, so we're not expecting nothing. We understand you need to do something. Absolutely agree and understand. But we don't want to see the expansion that you're describing now on our canal.
[clears throat] Um especially in this crowded residential area, especially on this vibrant, beautiful canal. Thank you. >> Good evening, mayor and commissioners. My name is Maria McInness, 1250 Northeast 101st Street, Miami Shores. I
echo what you've heard tonight. I'm not going to repeat those points. Um I was at the workshop. I've been involved with opposing the gas station in Miami Shores for all the reasons that have been stated. What I want to bring to your attention because I think it's relevant to this community and the municipalities that are going to be directly impacted
by this structure. It's gray structure in a residential neighborhood. Unprecedented 35 ft tall. We're talking about additional lands, the Miami Shores Golf Course that need to be acquired by the South Florida Water Management District.
They are a taxing district that we contribute to with our taxpayer dollars. So, public interest, public benefit, we also have to look at the impacts. As Carol just said, there's so many environmental impacts that have already been identified. But what I want to bring to your attention is that the US
Army Corps of Engineers has issued a public notice that requests public comment. not only by municipalities directly, but the public and anybody else directly impacted by these proposed projects that are along the C7, C8, and
C9 canals. And um the deadline is October 15th. Um there was a notice published on September 15th, but I believe there's been a revision that I just got notice of today. And um it identifies they've already done some preliminary things but the core of
engineers obviously has to do certain permitting because of clean water act and other federal acts that are impacted fish and wildlife things like that environmentally protected species all of that which we know we have here with the Indian manatee with the American
crocodile and other species that are going to be impacted. Also tonight I do think I want to thank you Karolina for coming and the presentation you gave to us in the workshop. I highly commend you for wanting a workshop and allowing more participation because knowledge is power for everybody. I think everybody
benefits when we know more and we can work collaboratively to solve the situations that we're facing. Um so I do want to thank you um for being receptive to us and also staying for as long as you did at that workshop. It was really beneficial to all of us. Um, but I did want you to know that there is I'm just
going to give you the um the email uh that you can address it to is Ryan J. Poland. There's a dot between the J and Poland at usacce.armmy.mil. That deadline is like I said less than a week away um or a week away. And and I
think again I just want to say the the location of this on this canal is unprecedented. We're not just talking about replacement of a 70-year-old salenity gate. This is a massive structure that's going to require a large building to house the pumps so
that you can crane remove the top of the pump in the structure. And you're going to need cranes coming in and out of this street to access that. They need more land just to be able to have a crane come in and turn around. I don't know how frequently they'll have to be fixed, but that's part of it. There's wear and
tear on the roads. There's noise. There's all these other impacts, but I thank you for taking the time to listen to us, to listen to the presentation, and to engage your residents because everybody's impacted the environmental impacts on Biscane Bay. What the oxygen I'd like to hear the science. I know we
have engineering, but I'd like to hear the science that backs up this location. There's three vacant parcels owned by the state of Florida between 7th A, Northwest 7th a 441 and I 95 on the CAL. three vacant lots that are owned by the state of Florida. Why is that not an
appropriate position? Why is it in the middle of a residential neighborhood on a golf course, private golf? Well, it's a public golf course. Thank you. >> Ria, can I can I ask you for the that email address one more time, please? >> I will give you the email address is um >> Ryan.
It's Ryan R. capital R Y A N capital J P capital P O L A N D at us. Army mill. There's another one too. There's an HTTPS one. I don't know if you want that as well. And it also says
you can request a public hearing. >> Thank you very >> within the time of the deadline. >> Great. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Robert Meni and I live at 11:02 Northeast 105 Street in Miami Shores on Biscane Canal. I'm here
tonight because I'm concerned that there hasn't been appropriate um dissemination of information regarding the South Florida Water Management District project. As far as to the public, I understand they're almost completed with
the design, but they're expecting to get a permit within the next 6 months and start construction. I don't understand that if they really haven't got enough comments from the public or answer the questions that were provided to them at uh the
recent meeting in the village of Miami Shores. For many years, the Biscane Bay has been neglected and used as a toilet to flush untreated storm water, septic tank, leech, roadway oil, grease, and chemicals from
the inland basin. If you look at the map that they showed us today, all of that area that's going to dump the water is inland and it ends at the salinity structure. as far as the basin is concerned for what they're going to do.
It's going to add more pollution to the bay. It's going to add more pollution to our canal. And yet beyond that structure, there's nothing about flooding. The impact from those pumps are going to raise the level of water in that canal and it's going to prevent the
gravity on the east side of that structure from being able to drain. So, it's going to flood everything along the coastal area. It's going to help in land. There's no question about that. However, one of the major issues that I see here is that I don't see anyone from Miami Day County and their storm water
utility addressing their part in this program. Many of those questions need to be answered by Miami Day County. They own most of the property that's in land that could be used to retain and treat storm water before it directly flushed
into Biscane Bay. That's one of the main major reasons we have fish kills. There's too much fresh water and it kills all the seaggrass. Not to mention the breeding area, the manatees on Biscane Canal. There are a lot of endangered species that need to be
addressed. We've been looking at this from an engineering standpoint. What happened to science? What happened to water quality? The mission of the South Florida Water Management is to safeguard and restore South Florida's water resources and ecosystems. They also
protect our communities from flooding and are able to acquire and manage lands for water retention, treatment, and management. The other ability that they have is to reroute water to different basins. If they want, they can reroute
more water to C7 and C9. And I haven't seen, excuse me, any of that in any of these reports or and they haven't been answered by any of the questions. I appreciate you giving me the time to speak tonight and hopefully we'll get more answers in the future. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. Good evening, commissioners. Um, I'm glad that the situation has changed with officer the situation with officer Navaro has changed. Um, the investigation >> name and address of the record, please. >> Barbara Watt, 720 Northeast 118th
Street. Sorry, I forgot. Um, the investigation that is quoted in the agenda backup asserts that there there was not sufficient um uh sufficient uh evidence of wrongdoing to warrant termination. Um, I haven't seen the
investigation, but I haven't I happen I haven't that much faith in it. Um, given the shoddy, albeit shoddy, investigation of several months ago about the police officers. Um, so I I beg you to look into that more carefully. Um the fact
that I I hope that uh if if everything is fine, why should officer Navaro be deployed or assigned to something place other than Biscane Park given that we had an exodus of police officers sometime last year? If he had did nothing wrong and contributed to
nothing, no ill will in amongst the village. Uh I can't see why he doesn't come back and help us with our traffic problems, etc. and so forth. Um and also the a mere idea that we have anybody uh assigned to something an
agency connected to ICE and indeed the Elorado task force was connected to ICE and part of its agenda or a mission is aggressive proactive investigations actively engaging and leveraging federal state laws and uh and regulations. Now
we know given especially given this administration and the government how um uh how uh malleable such uh mission statements are and how they can be interpreted in different ways. Um this is the actions of de of ICE arguably and I think they truly are utterly
deplorable and I would not like Biscane Tvar to have any association with it whatsoever. Um then one other thing about the um uh the uh couple of other items uh especially because we will be playing Navaro's salary. I think that he
should be um assigned to some place in Vis Biscane Park. Um regarding the um agenda item on consent the with the village clerk and hiring Maria Kamar to do website design or fix the website and I have nothing but esteem for Maria. I
know her well. Um but I think that such a position or even just working on this should have been um advertised um for others who are um who are more qualified than she is actually in web design and graphic design. Um on that I must make
one other mention about um the the email that came out advertising uh noticing this meeting that we should come. the um language within it telling us what we had to bring with us to prove our points and all was offensive and I don't think it's part of the ethos of Biscane Park
no matter how apt is the legal ease of that language. Um then finally um uh the please um thank you Commissioner Ansler for your initiative with the cats and I hope that uh the whole village is reminded that trapping without d without
the trapping the neuter and release and poison is illegal. My cat was poisoned by neighbors last and I did sit on the resiliency committee in Elpartal for a number of years also. These issues are incredibly complicated and I'm deeply passionate
about the environment, about the manatees, about the outlook for our properties in terms of flooding. Like there's so many things that we have to balance in these conversations. And um I I wanted to come up and talk because I I heard another resident in
talking about our structure here on the Biscane Canal talk about diverting water into one of the other canals. Well, the C7 is the Little River Canal. It is also about to get a pumping station and a rebuild of its historic uh water control
gate there and they in Elpartile are also dealing with similar issues and in fact their uh sea level is lower than it is here in Bisgane Park. So this isn't something that we can sort of push to the side and not deal with directly. And I think the thing that I want to
encourage the village to do and my neighbors to do um and the council to do is to consider talking like getting together. We've already been talking with the shores and the shores residents. It was great to see you guys here. I think that we have to deal with this more holistically certainly in a
tri village area and maybe more broadly because also in addition to I mean we're on the down river side but all of our development and our neighbors up river from us here and on the C7 you know like the interests that are involved in these conversations it's it's the
municipalities it's the um organizations like South Florida Water Management and Durm who oversee the environment it is our neighbors uh on the east sides of these um these water structures. It is the development interests west of us who continue to build. It is the industrial
areas in between where we have trouble um controlling dumping into the canal. It is uh water keepers. It is surf riders. It is Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. Like there are a lot of interests involved in these conversations and it's very scattered
how we talk about them. So I would like to encourage the village as part of the process of inviting um uh people to come talk to us that we also not just you guys but all of us um talk about bringing together certainly the tri villages for these conversations because
we I haven't really heard septic tanks addressed here also this is part of a larger problem having to do with septic tank conversion storm water control I mean it is complicated so I think it's so complicated that sometimes we feel disempowered as individual iduals by
this. So as residents, one of the things we can do is get engaged on a in in in a broader community conversation so at least we have weight our own weight uh and in place at the table not just as individual neighbors but as a community and as a community a part of a much larger um discussion. So I just want to
advocate for that and would be happy to participate in that as well. Thanks. Thank you, >> Janie Anderson, 11905 Northeast 11th Place. Veronica, I want to thank you so much for bringing forward the TNR program, but I hope that you will get
the kind of support that we haven't given that program in the past, which just like you say in your agenda back up, it's got to be ongoing and it's got to be all inclusive. Well, we've done it before. It's been kind of once and done and then everybody throws up their hands
and say, "Didn't work." Well, no, of course it didn't work. But it's really simple basic math. The fewer cats that reproduce, the fewer cats are on our streets getting hurt and even killed. My only concern is there's a mention in the
backup several times about colonies and colony management, healthy colonies. Just a reminder, and the two folks in the back of the room can correct me if I misspeak. Our code is very strict in that encouraging of more than four
animals for feeding is against code. So, we don't really want to see encouraging of colonies. We want to see the TNR works to reduce our outdoor population. Thanks, Any other comment in the village or the
log cabin before we turn over to Zoom? Going once, going twice. No. Okay. All right. So, we'll go ahead and we'll turn it over to Zoom at this point. If there's anyone on Zoom that would like to provide public comment, um please keep in mind that the same rules apply for uh Zoom commenters as they do for Log Cabin commenters. And just raise
your hand and the clerk will unmute you and and ask you to provide comment. They can't hear. Vicki can't hear me. Vicki, can you hear me? I >> looks frozen. >> Not even Yeah. >> Yeah, there she is. I can hear you fine.
I just don't have a comment. Thank you, Anna. >> Could it maybe be just her audio setup? Melanie, maybe she wants to if she I don't know if you want to tell her that she can unmute and provide her comment,
she can >> It's my turn. >> Yes. >> I don't know. I keep I keep being throwing out of Zoom back and forth. It has been a kind of a nightmare. And just so you know, it's not that I am crazy trying to do science or whatever, but uh
the audio was off for quite a long time, not only in Zoom, but also in YouTube. Um well, first of all, um I just want to um that's good news that actually, you
know, you guys decided to do not have Navaro with the task force like all of my other neighbors said. It was really concerning and you know I also Brian email. I just want to say something then
I know that you love to have a room full of people you know in the meetings the reality is that I don't know if you want us there the only reason we are all here is because we feel you guys are not doing your job
so with that said it is not a good note that we are have to come together and kind of micromanagement you and with that there. I will like for you to micromanage our manage
because that's part of your shop, too. So, I'm grateful that you guys move, you know, the item because it was very extremely concerning about having this
officer uh attached to the task force that is attached to ICE. Um, and like the rest of my neighbors said, you know, I I next time we we need to think through it because if somebody
that we put in there as a manager or whatever is making mistakes and then we get sue, it can happen again. So what we are going to be doing?
keep patching stuff up. Okay, moving to the next one that I kind of don't understand much. Um, I'm on vacation so I couldn't read it. I'm on, you know, I have the phone and it was difficult for read. But I know that you
guys are going to be talking about um fire alarms or fire inspection for short-term rental or something like that. I just want to say because I did hear it in the last meeting. I I have a short-term rental, but I rent rooms. I
live in my home. Um, and so I apply every year and they come and they do [clears throat] the inspections. They check every single one of my fire alarms. I don't know if what you guys want is something extra with the fire
department. I would like to know a little bit more because I'm kind of affects me. But on top of that, uh I I kind of don't know what exactly and always is like at the end of the meetings and everybody's tired after 4
hours of meetings. So it's kind of I don't know if you guys can clarify in an email or tell us what exactly is going on, I will appreciate it. And and that's it. you know, thank you for know
bringing Navaro into that task force and thank you. >> I don't know if you can hear me, but thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Is there any is there is there anyone else on Zoom? >> Seeing none.
>> Okay. >> Uh, hi, this is one one quick one. John Holland, 844 Northeast 119th Street. Just a quick note. I I'll be very quick. Um I just wanted to say thank you again to the commission for doing what you do. Uh and to remind folks that uh this is
not their job. They are essentially volunteering. All of them have jobs. They're doing this out of concern um um for the village and um they all are very busy people outside of this role that they serve. So again, I I I applaud them
and and say thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. Thanks, Sean. Um, I think that concludes I I didn't hear anyone else. I don't see any other hands. If there's I'll one last opportunity. Anyone on Zoom wants to provide a comment, certainly now would be the time.
Going once, going twice. Okay. All right. Uh, so let's uh go ahead and close public comment at this time. We'll move on to our commission reply. Um, I personally don't have any specific reply to our comments because these are all kind of baked into our our agenda items, but I do want to thank everyone for
being here with us. Do want to thank all of our residents concern raising those concerning well >> um because I think that as a direct result of some of the things that we heard uh we've seen some changes changes in some of the things that are set
before us in tonight's agenda. So I I thank everyone for for providing their comment, for paying attention, for being with us this evening. Um, is there any other um any other commission reply to public comment at this time? >> Yeah, I just wanted to comment. I think it was Maria just to comment to her. I wasn't, you know, I did say about the I
have to apologize because I said about the people here. I forgot to say about the people that are on Zoom. So, I just wanted to thank everybody that's on Zoom for coming because you're just as important as the people that are here. Thank you. >> On my end. Yeah. So, so I just want to
be clear because uh we have you guys before you leave. So, uh is it uh you as a mayor, Jonathan, you'll connect with the manager to put the date and set sort of what's happened next? >> Yeah. So, as moving past the commission reply portion, um Armando, I I sent an
email to set up a to remind us to set up a time for the workshop. Uh and just for anyone listening, for anyone here still, uh we we do have a lot on our agenda still. So to get back and forth in a back and forth session right now with the South Florida Water Management District is probably not really in the cards. But we do have a workshop coming
up that's going to be a little bit more in a little bit more question and answer oriented similar to what you all did over at the Shores Country Club where you took questions, people came up to the mic, people provided. James, you're still hanging with us. So I appreciate you being here with us. Um I think kind
of same sort of scenario, you know, we've we've we've heard from from everyone in the presentation. You've heard some public comments. so you have an understanding what our community is concerned about. Um, and we have a workshop coming up with you folks. So, I'd like to just leave it at that for now. Uh, I sent that email, so we'll get something on on the calendar. So, I just
want to again thank you both for being with us here this evening. >> And on that note, thank you. And, um, is there was a wonderful uh, point brought up about the tri village efforts. Is this something that you see on your role? And just to answer to a lot of of
that um that that to connect with maybe the mayors of each one of the the the villages to to do this workshop you you know unity or maybe it's not the workshop but how can we make that happen? >> I think it could I think it's probably a two-phase thing. would prefer to get our
residents here to give them ample time to have a discussion with South Florida Water Management District and then maybe a separate session with the Tri County because I've had several conversations uh with the mayor of Miami Shores both following the session at the golf course and then following the district for mayor's meeting that we had. So, he and
I have been in contact uh with respect to the the the basin project. Um so, we've had those discussions. I think it would be useful to to have kind of a tri county one, but I don't want to fill a room with so many people that you won't be able to address all the the questions. I'd like an opportunity to
monopolize you for our community at least once. Um, so I think probably two-faced. >> Thank you. That was it. And thank you for everybody that came from our neighbor municipalities and our residents on all this uh input. I know that for specifically the presentations we had was a short time. Some of you
asked for the presentations. We didn't have them. Um hopefully after it'll be distributed or posted in the website for everybody to have. So thank you. >> All right. So if there's no other reply right now um let's go ahead and let's you know reports that I want to point
out one thing about our amended agenda. There was a conflict between a few of the items that were pulled for discussion and uh earmarked by uh Commissioner Amsler for movement to the manager's report. Uh specifically, um Commissioner Ams, you had requested 9 CE
and I be moved to the manager's report. Uh but Vice Mayor Samaria, you had requested that the overlap C and E be pulled for discussion. Um is there any is there any consensus among the commission on what we'd prefer to do with those? I think that the manager I I think if it's if it's going to be on the
onus is going to be on the manager to have him discuss these items with us or present any anything within these resolutions to us then the report might be the appropriate place rather than a discussion. >> Um but and to to kind of put a second
point on that because um manager children is not with us this evening. I think we're probably going to end up rolling over some of those things anyway. So, we'll we'll address them, Vice Mayor. I think just once he's here with us. >> No, I I I have no problem and I think that's what I should have did. I should have just said to pull the item and
that's what because it's it's put on consent agenda. We need to have a discussion about it and a very serious good discussion about it. So, I would sorry I would rather have it when he's here. So, I agree. If it's possible, can we mayor uh change it a little bit to where we can pull the item? So, well,
we'll just I think probably roll it over uh when we get to the manager's report because these are items that he needs to discuss with us or that we have questions for him. So, I think we'll be moving it anyway. So, I don't know if that's pulling it or if that's just asking to roll it over procedurally, but that's 9 C and 9E are the two overlaps
and 9 I you also mentioned. >> Mr. Mayor, if I may, >> please. >> Just from a procedural standpoint, if you're going to defer the item >> Yeah. >> to >> Okay. >> Yeah. motion. Okay. Well, we're at the manager's report now. So, let's let's address that
before uh Issa, our acting manager, uh read them out on the record for us before we get into the report. So, the items that Commissioner Amsler asked that we um we move to the report, which I would now ask that we move to next month's report, so Commissioner I'm sorry, so Manager Childris is with us,
is 9 C, 9E, and 9 I. So, do I have a motion to uh >> remove roll those? >> Uh I see. Yes. >> I make a motion to remove 9 C 9E 9 I to the when a city m Well, he's not going
to be here next month. So, it's going to have to be December. He's not going to be here November. That's what I was told. >> I didn't know that. >> Yes, I was told he's not going to be here November. His planned vacation that he had from last year. >> Oh, yes. Because he has the um conference. answer it.
>> Okay. Um, >> it's going to have to be moved to December. >> Well, in the possibly unlikely event that he may end up being with us, why don't we move it to November? And if he's not here again, we'll move it to December. So, fine. So, the motion would be then to move 9 C Charlie 9E echo 9 I
India to November. Is there a second on that motion? >> I'll second. >> Okay. All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Did you got those three, Brad? Okay. All right. So, that
madam, I'm sorry, madam clerk, do you have them? Okay. B, E, and 9 I. Okay. Which leaves for discussion A, B, and D. Um, but before we get there, let's go to our reports. Uh, and Brad, forgive me. I'm just going to keep going. Madam clerk, forgive me.
I'm just going to keep going. So, our reports, let's start out with 8A. Um, Issa, our acne manager. >> Sorry, I'm sorry. I have So, what about 9H? I had both for discussion as well. >> Well, for discussion, not for part of manager report. >> Correct.
>> You want to move that? Do you want to move that to next month as well? >> Um, yes. I mean, I was hoping to have the manager present for that one. Um, so if it's I don't know if it's going to be here, maybe the following. Um, I don't know how you guys see that in terms of deadlines. Well, as I understand it,
there might be a time component to H. >> Yes. >> And sensitive. >> Yeah. >> Commissioner, might I request that we just leave it for discussion at this point? And then >> 100% agree. Yes. >> All right. Great. Um, all right. So, we
move those items. Um, so, uh, Issa, would you you had something you wanted to read for the manager's report. Would you please you floor is yours. >> Good evening, uh, mayor and commissioners and residents and guests. Um, per the manager's request, uh, he asked me to read this into the record
and add it, uh, additionally to his report. Um, good evening, Mr. Mayor and village commissioners. Once again, I wish to apologize that I cannot attend this meeting this evening. Unfortunately, a medical procedure was scheduled for today that cannot be changed. I have left you in the very capable hands with your acting village
manager, Issa Thornell. I promise I did not ed edit this. Um, I will be out for several days following the procedure. U concerning the meeting this evening, you have two ordinances on first reading. Both of them have been vetted by our code compliance department and our compliance director. With respect to the
renewal of our insurance, we were able to increase some of our deductibles that reduce our overall premiums from last year by $68,235. We continue to look for ways to reduce our cost in everything that we do. The village of Biscane Park has returned the
ser retained the services of a local arborist to inspect trees in our medians that are unhealthy and need to be removed. The arborist has indicated that this has not occurred in a number of years. We are doing this in stages. As you drive around, you may see trees with ribbons around them. Those trees have
been identified as hazardous and will be removed at the end of this month. Our village will be holding one of the biggest events in the village, our Halloween celebration. This year, the event will be on a Friday evening. We are anticipating large crowds since it will fall on a weekend night. The police
department, code compliance, public works, and recreation department will all be working together to make this event the most successful that we have had. Recently, we have received three quotes for upgrades to our IT and audiovisisual equipment for the log cabin. We will be bringing that item to
you for consideration at the November meeting. Also, as you are aware, a bid went out to repair the road around the log cabin. We received two bids for that work. We are still under the cone of silence and once I issue my recommendation for the November agenda meeting, the cone of silence will be
lifted. Again, I did not edit this. Finally, I had sent you an email that Issa had shared with me concerning the evaluations that he received during this presentation at state parks and recreation conference in Orlando. From those reviews, we are able to learn that we have known for a long time that we have one of the best parks and
recreation directors in the state of Florida who cares about his community and loves his job. Um, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor, that is the end of my report. I will be available by by emails and by phone beginning Thursday morning. That concludes his report.
>> Nice you conditioned that. That was good. You didn't need to. >> He said, "Thank you very much." Um, are there any any questions for our our acting manager before we move on to our next report? >> No, hearing none. Okay. I would just uh congratulate Issa on some great reviews
from your presentation at your last conference and uh to wish the manager a speedy recovery. >> Great. >> Echo the sentiment. >> He said, "Thanks so much for all your hard work. We appreciate it."
>> Um okay. [clears throat] Uh so let's move on to our code compliance uh report. Uh I know we have code here with us this evening. Thank you for being here with us. Uh are there any questions for um on the code report or for our code uh department? Hearing none. Okay. Uh parks and wreck.
Any question for uh Issa on the the parks and recck monthly report? >> I I I do. Um I know the meeting with about the the grant and the meeting that you had I I got to hear wasn't very populated as it was expected and hoped
for. uh do you see a benefit of redoing it? >> Uh so in regards for the FDR app grant uh where we had a community meeting on uh Saturday at the end of September. Um I think it definitely is something that
that we can put on the agenda to redo. The application has been submitted. Y >> um of course fingers crossed that we we do get approval for that grant and as uh the community meeting we discussed and also at the parks and parkways meeting um that's for a new playground
structure. So a 7525% split uh $150,000 playground which will in turn cost the village only $36,000 if we are awarded that grant. So kind of a no-brainer and a wonderful I have uh absolutely no problem with holding
another community event. um and putting it far in advance so we can kind of just get push get the word out on that. Um so definitely I I >> it could be even Tim AB I was thinking with the workshop we're going to have a lot of people come over. It might be mixing different audiences. So I don't know if that's the right approach but I
thought you know if you're going to ask and pull for people to participate. We might as well tell them what's going on. you know, we've heard about uh the South Florida Water Management District, but um this is a great news uh to also share
some of the infrastructure changes. So, uh that could happen in, you know, together. I don't know if that's the best approach, but I think it would be a great idea. Isa, >> sounds good. And you just reminded me, uh parks and parkways, the joint workshop with you all. I think you all received an email regarding um a
possible date for October 18th >> from 2 to 4:00 pm if I'm correct. Uh so we would like to try to see if we can get a consensus on you all's availability for that day. >> It's a Saturday >> 17th or the 18th. >> I think it's the 18th. October 18th.
Saturday, October 18th from 2 to 4. That's the joint commission in parks and parkways workshop. Um, so I know we have uh the the chairwoman Anna Deon on on as well. >> Can definitely be >> they have already agreed that at least
three of their members can be there for that date. So if we can >> consist for you all. >> I I need to come. I'm doing my best to be part of it. I just can't confirm right now. >> Um >> Yeah, I'll I'll let you know. I just get
a reminder of Yeah. Um, okay. >> If I may, there were also some other weekn night days that we had suggested. I don't know why the 18th was the only day that was proposed to you all as commission, but we had also identified a
couple other days. Um, >> okay. >> You know the days off hand, Anna? >> Off hand? No, I don't. But I can I'm pulling up the email right now. >> I don't want to say Mr. Mayor. One second, please. Sure. uh October 9th. I don't have a calendar
in front of me. The October 9th, October 13th, or the 16th. Um 6:30 p.m. on either one of those days, which are all week nights, I believe. And then the other option was Saturday, October 18th from 2:00 to 5:00, [snorts] >> October 9th, October 13th,
[clears throat] >> and October 16th. And I certainly wasn't expect anticipating it to be a twohour, but that was the window that we could do. >> Yeah. October uh I'll be obviously this >> I'll be out of town on Thursday, Friday, Saturday. So, >> and October, how is everyone with
October 16th >> this week? >> Um so that leaves only the 18th, Anna, is that right? >> Yes. Uh >> looks Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I will Yeah. I mean, I think you have
three commissioners already, right? Yeah, I'll do my best to participate. I just can't confirm now, but I think you have three already. >> About 85% sure that I'm here. >> Okay. Just so I'm understanding correctly, then we can um plan expect the 18th.
>> Yeah, >> that sounds like that's the date and I don't think the other days were available. So, I think that's the one. >> Then I'll work with my board to make sure that they are all informed. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Okay. Um, all right. Let's move on uh to
our next report, which is police. Um, we have our chief here with us. Chief, thanks for being here. Are there any questions uh for the chief on his report this evening? None. Hearing none. Okay, Chief. Thank you. Uh, and our last one is our our village attorney and our village
attorney. Um, oh, I'm sorry, public works. Excuse me, John. I almost jumped you. Uh any questions for uh for our public uh public works report? >> No, I just wanted to say I think I understood it correctly. There was a tree by the rails. Uh it was removed in the middle of a night, right? There was
an effort put together. Thank you so much. I don't know how you guys managed to do this in the middle of a night. Um but the fact that that happened, I I appreciate it. Thank you, >> John. Thanks for being here with us this evening. Um okay. Um, and our last
report is uh from our village attorney. Uh, Brad, I understand if there's anything in addition to your uh to your memo, uh, let us know. But other than that, the memo, the floor is yours to discuss the memo. >> Well, I mean, the memo speaks to itself. I was going to summarize it for you for the purpose. >> Sure,
>> please. Yeah, please. >> Oh, just just briefly, um, the legislature uh um or passed a uh a Senate Bill 954, which was signed into law by the governor. Um, and essentially what what this bill does, it requires all counties and municipalities by
January 1 of next year to adopt an ordinance which basically establishes procedures for the review and approval of certified recovery residents and provide for a process for those um applicants that are trying to establish these certified recovery residences um
within the village for um for requesting a reasonable accommodation. If your land >> [clears throat] >> excuse me, if your land development code prohibits their their establishment. Um, and essentially right now under your
code, you have no provision for for establishing or a um a reasonable accommodation for an applicant that would would attempt to establish such an um such a facility. Um, this and I know there are some questions that came up. This only relates to alcohol or drug um
recovery centers. Um, I know that the the the legislation and the and the proposed um ordinance which I've attached, which I'll discuss in a moment, address the ADA and and and other such federal regulations. It's because the reason why
they're listed in there is addiction falls under those categories as well. That's why it's addressed, but this only deals with drug and alcohol substance um um establishments. And essentially what this would do is presently, let me just
say, presently in your code, the only provision in your code that really regulates these types of facilities is in section 4.4 of your land development code, which deals with the sighting of um community residential homes, which
are recovery um residents or recovery home would fall into that general category. And what your present regulation pro um provides is that these facilities are only available in sector or can it's only permitted use I'm sorry
in sector D as established by your your land use code. So, if somebody under the frame that's being proposed and what's required under the ordinance, if somebody were to try to establish one of these um residences in another section
of the village, they would essentially be denied under the land development code. But they have to have an opportunity and a process by which, excuse me. Yeah. They have to have an opportunity and a process by which they can seek a reasonable accommodation similar to somebody requesting a
variance of of as you've all dealt with variance from your land development code. The process as I envision it and again the ordinance that you have I know you all want these proposed ordinances for discussion before they come up for first read which is why we've done it
this way. It's a very rough draft. It's going to change a bit between now and and first reading. I will get it to you all ahead of time before first read so you can look at it, you can digest it and if you have any questions for me, you can you can reach out. I've talked to Gage who left. Okay. I I had talked
to Gage because under your code it has to go to the planning and design review board for them to provide their input before it's finally approved. I've told Gage that I'll be more than happy to um to go to the the meeting of the planning and design review board and go over the the first draft or the draft of first
read with them so we can answer any questions so they can appropriately comment as they see fit. But um essentially this is something that that's going to be required and and and the way as I said the way I envision the process is the applicant would go to the planning and design review board to seek
approval. If if the planning and design review board provides approval, it stops right there. If they deny the application or the request for a reasonable accommodation, the applicant would have an opportunity to come before the commission who would sit as an
appellet level to see whether and make a determination as to whether or not the denial was sufficiently based on the evidence that was presented during the uh planning design review board. So, with that, I'll cut it short and I'll take any questions if there's any questions. I know commission, that may
not have been short, but I was trying to be short. Um, all right, Brad, thank you. Does the commission have any questions on the manager report or I'm sorry, the village the village attorney report? >> None. >> Thank you, Brad.
>> Okay, Brad, thank you. All right. So, having concluded our report section, let's move on to our consent agenda. Do I have a first? That's after our consent agenda. Do I have a first and a second to approve the consent agenda? >> Make a motion to approve the consent
agenda as amended. >> Okay. >> Yep. Just clear. That's 9A, correct? 9. >> No, I have it as FG. I'm going to go slow. It's on the consent. >> This remains on consent. I have F, G, J,
K, L, and M. So, we have a motion and a second. All in favor? >> I >> I >> I. All right. The amended consent agenda is approved. Uh, Commissioner Huntington. >> Um, okay. So uh now let's go ahead and
move on to our discussion item that we elevated which is 13A uh which is our discussion of our our village attorney candidate. Uh now this is a memo that was written for us uh by the manager. He's so and he's not with us to to introduce it. Um Issa are do you uh are
you prepared to provide any introduction um or should we just go by the memo that we have? >> No, no worries. All good. So [clears throat] just um for the benefit of of those listening, the um the the the memorandum is uh dated October 7,
2025 from our manager. It's a discussion item that's been placed on the village commission agenda with respect to the village attorney's yearly compensation and the five resumes that were re recently forwarded uh to the members of the commission. Uh as a quick reminder at the last meeting that we had when we had a discussion with respect to the
requested uh raise or increase in in annual compensation from our current village attorney uh and certainly the commission can correct me if I'm wrong, but the I believe the direction to the manager at that point was to uh kind of canvas the the available attorneys that
work in this same sort of practice area and understand um what the market rate is and what other uh attorneys might charge for uh for similar services that were provided. Now, candidly, I don't know that if what we received from each
candidate um has a detailed understanding of of the level of work that's being provided by our current attorneys, but as I understand it, uh in the closing argument, the closing portion of the background of the memo is that several of the um several of the candidates that submitted resumes um
advised that they would be willing to to do the work for an annual compensation of a total of 125,000. Uh, and just as as I recall it, again, Commission, please correct me if I'm wrong. As I recall, the request that we had on the floor or on the table uh before we moved
on was a request for an increase in annual compensation to our current village attorney in the amount of $135,000. >> I think it was >> 131 1375. >> I'm sorry. 1375. Thank you. Okay. So, having understood that, um I know Vice
Mayor, you mentioned that several or at least one of the candidates is here with us this evening. I think at least >> some some folks sitting in the back that appear to be dressed for the occasion. Um so uh so I think at this point um if if you wouldn't mind just kind of um
coming up to the uh to the podium here. >> No, we were going to do that tonight. I thought we were just going to discuss whether or not we would put up to five candidates because I haven't had a chance to talk to any of the candidates. >> I understand nor I have not either, but we have them here with us. So maybe a quick little introduction would be
helpful. >> Sure. Uh my name is Raul Gastessi. Our law firm is Gastessi Lopez Mestre and Kiera. Tonight I have uh Lorenzo Korea and uh Melissa Arntteros with us. We would probably be the three.
>> Sorry, it's it's pointing down a little bit. Yeah, there we go. >> We would probably be the three uh that uh the three out of the team that that would be helping you out uh with anything you need. We have more lawyers obviously available. Uh we have uh Mr.
uh Mess who was vice mayor and mayor of Miami Lakes. He's also a partner in our law firm. Uh if zoning issues would come up, he would probably be the one who would be here to help you with that. Um we the one thing that to us is key is
providing you service, returning your calls. Um, if we submit a packet to you, our packet will have probably every councilman uh that we've ever worked for since 2013 recommending us except for one that's uh former mayor Pizzy, which
we I think most of you know had extensive litigation with, but other than that uh up until uh last year, every single one of them would recommend us and actually sign letters. We'll do whatever it needs uh whatever needs to be done. We're available 24/7, 365,
believe it or not. Uh needs come up and uh we have the manpower and the personnel and the willingness to do it. Uh we like this area of the law and uh I think we'll do a good job and hopefully we're a good mix for you. >> Just what was your name again? I'm sorry. >> I'm Raul Gastessi. >> Raul, thank you so much for for being
here and taking a minute. I put you on the spot so I can take a minute. Uh just a quick question just so to follow up on something that Jonathan said. >> Um have you been have you uh discussed at all with uh with a manager or anybody else for that matter as far as the scope
of work that we are requiring uh for for this position? >> Uh a little bit and I I won't say that I took a deep dive into it because I haven't. Okay. Um, but I think we can handle the work and I think the compens from what I've seen and from what we've looked into, uh, I think it's something
that that we're very interested in doing. >> Um, you know, we we can handle Dorado, we can handle Miami Lakes. Uh, I I believe that >> you don't know us. [laughter] >> All right. Thank you. If there's anything else,
we'll we'll be around. I We're going to observe tonight's meeting just to get a flavor. Yeah. >> Thank you. I put you on the spot again. Thank you very much for taking a minute. Um, so anyway, so Vice Mayor, to your point, um, yes, so I I think it was more of a discussion, but they were here, so I wanted to give them an opportunity to
step up >> and for 125,000. >> Okay, so that's >> So So I I have a a question. So I I actually asked the manager to share and through the clerk the emails soliciting the information because I was unclear
what was being asked. So for me the conversation tonight was to get um sort of a brief summary of the different firms that were approached to understand what our current scope would go at a market base uh at any other firm. um
just because we're in the midst of understanding of our negotiation with our current attorney and our firm. Um it's it's proper and so that would be the baseline. I I wasn't expecting a full uh range of credentials at this stage. I don't think at any point um at
least in my intention I wanted to clarify that on the record was to go and and sort of get the extension to meet you guys tonight which I think it's wonderful. Um, but I think where I stood is uh are we, you know, when this
conversation comes from our attorney asking for more money, is this a a good range to be considered? I also didn't see specifically in the in the proposals that were sent that all of them at least in writing were accepted that 125 was uh
and again there was no scope attached to it. So it's a very informal and and and I really don't understand to what there is no um correlation price to a scope. So again we weren't that far. What I was hoping to hear is you know within the 1251 1375 that's the range of the
services that we currently have if that analysis was provided. Um so that's my question. I know the manager is not here tonight to answer. um you know if if if the scope was actually put in front of you what effectively we currently have what's expected in terms of service so
you to do an evaluation proper evaluation of what your services could go for um based on what you just gave I thought it was it was more of generic yeah go ahead I mean I don't know it's the mayor to say that fine >> I do not want to hijack your meeting
>> no no this helps clarify >> yeah Sure. We essentially everything that you need to we draft ordinances, resolutions, review contracts, uh give you advice on
potential litigation. Uh there might be some personnel issues that you need uh some advice on. That's all included in the retainer. Uh payable monthly, etc. If there's litigation, we do bill that
separately. We have been building Dorado and Miami Lakes at $200 an hour plus costs. Any cost any out- of- pocket costs that we incur, we obviously pass those on to the city. Sometimes there are special projects, things that are large.
>> In once if we see something like that, we typically approach e, you know, usually the council, the manager, hey, this is something that's, you know, a really large project. It happens very rarely and you'll know it. You know, you'll know it and then we'll have a
discussion. Look, if the client says no, uh we obviously would have a decision to make, but we typically have not had an issue in all these years with any of our councils over our fees uh or our costs. We are very transparent. The one thing I
believe in is communication. Listen, this is a lot of work. uh you know, can can we talk about this being a special project or uh sometimes when there's a large development, we'll ask to pass that cost on to the developer as part of
the the costs and things like that. Uh we've been around, you know, for a long time and there's a reason for it. Uh if you've got any questions, I'll answer them. But I think you know this is something that our firm would would fit in very well with and would be we would
be honored to represent you in that sense. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> So yes so that that was my you know intention for today. I wanted to have a comparison of apples to apples understand what the brackets of you know
different firms are quoting and um I didn't see that in the emails. I mean, I have five uh different emails um uh that you know in an answer that they all would take 125. And again, I don't know what was solicited. So, I'm hoping to see the public record emails um so that
I just have more understanding uh as to what you guys were also hoping to to hear from us today. But, uh that that's on my end. So, I know a lot of these uh uh the resumeumés, the scope of works, the presentations, a lot of these kind of
came to us within the last week's time. Um, from what I've heard from I think what I've heard from two commissioners so far is that conversations haven't had been had with these folks to to make you comfortable with the the the prices or or I guess
the um the amount that's being quoted. I don't want to put words in anybody now. So, somebody please feel free to speak up if I'm if I'm speaking out of turn here. Um, but I I can say while I did not speak with any of the folks that submitted um submitted the resumes to us, I very much appreciate you folks
being here with us this evening. It's it's um it's it's it's a very nice show of dedication that you came here to answer some questions and you sit here with us until we get to this to this point. >> Yes. Um, but I did, you know, I did speak with some folks that I, you know, look, I I work at a law firm that
touches in these industries, uh, in this in these practices. Um, and I did speak with some folks and the the amount that's being quoted to us and quite frankly, from my understanding, uh, the amount that's being requested by our current village attorney, these are all basically within market. These are not
outrageous requests. Um, so I, you know, that's that's an important consideration for me. Um, so I had some of those conversations. Again, I haven't spoken with the folks that had submitted things. So, it's I think it's just kind of up to the commission at this point. Do you all want to spend the time speaking to each of the people, each of
the firms and individuals that submitted resumes uh and quotes, I guess, for lack of a better phrase, before you're comfortable having a conversation? >> Your mics's off. >> I think I maybe misunderstood. I just thought that we asked the city manager
to come forward with five three to five people and if he does that then we can go forward with the next step which is to interview you know to to look into the three or five plus our present attorney and go through the process. >> Okay, >> that's what I thought we would do tonight was just to
>> understood. Is that what everyone else understood as well? No, >> that is what I understood. But I I I because I I don't see how you could have an accurate representation of this firm can take 125 versus that firm will take 125 without seeing their credentials, seeing their resume just to hear, okay,
I got five firms that say yes, I need to see resumes and credentials. So what the manager provid provided to me was was perfect. Um but I I see two paths here. one, we either continue negotiations with our now that we know the range and we know 125 is the number that other,
you know, firms that are able to do this work that have experience doing this work will ask for. We continue negotiations with our current firm and we see if they'll take 125 and then we see where the chips lie with that or we move forward with a special meeting and select, you know, and basically treat
this like we did our village manager search. Select our three favorites and continue the process from there. Uh, I'm fine with either, but um, now I know the range. I know 125 is the number. Um, that's kind of where we were leaning before. Uh, I think the commission should decide whether or not we want to
continue negotiations with the firm we have or if it's a service delivery issue and we want to move on to uh, see what else is out there. That's fine too. But those those are the two routes for it. I see. >> Okay. >> Can I ask a question? So, was it a proposed to you that you take a range or
was it a specific number? Because a range is within between two numbers. So, was it a given that you need to take 125? >> I haven't I haven't looked at at the email. >> Um, but I believe, you know, I was asked if it's if 125 is something that we'd
accept and I said yes. >> Okay. >> And I think I responded to commission. >> And again, I'm sorry I asked. I just don't have those. >> No, I I responded to the to the manager and I believe Mr. Gonzalez, Councilman Gonzalez asked and I told him the same thing. Yes. >> Got it.
Thanks. >> Mics off. >> Let's leave the mic on in case I say something I shouldn't say. Um, I just think that we we should go to the next step and look at since we, you know, put out to see if there was five individuals
or five law firms included in our law firm that was willing to do it. I think we should go to the process of uh seeing if if we can either keep our present attorney or go for another offer. >> Okay. We already invited these people.
>> Commissioner Gonzalez. >> Yeah. You >> listen, I I'm not normally this quiet, but I just wanted to hear all the different uh thoughts behind this process. Um I know that effective
October 1st, we agreed to increase our current uh our current law firm's uh price to 1375, right? So they're they're effectively getting 1375 as of October 1st, right? That's we agreed to that, right? Um so they're already getting
their increase. Um I from for from my perspective um I think uh I didn't open this door. Uh someone else opened this door and I think that now that it's open, we should explore uh the
possibilities. Not saying that there's going to be any change. Maybe there is, maybe there isn't. But I think now that the door is open, and again, I didn't open the door. Um, then I think that we should just explore. It doesn't hurt to explore the possibilities. Having said
that, I don't know if the the number of 125 is an accurate number either because I don't know exactly if the the law firms that have been asked to present uh have been given the actual scope of work that is required by this village. I
don't know because I haven't seen that. Uh perhaps they were, perhaps they weren't. Perhaps they're saying they'll do it for 125, but when they really see the scope of work, they're going to say it's not 125. So I don't know the answer to those questions. And before we can make any any any logical decisions, I
think we need to have those answers because, you know, we need, you know, firm answers to questions. We can't just, oh, okay, yeah, I'll do it for 125, but do you do you really understand what the scope of work required by this village is? Right. I don't know if they
know that or not. So again, I'm open to exploring this and moving this forward and allowing the uh firms that have presented uh to come back to us with uh you know fully understanding their positions as far as what is expected of
them and whether or not they're willing to do it for 125, right? Um and just to just to hear them out doesn't hurt doesn't hurt me. Um, so I don't see why not. >> Okay. >> I want to add something if it's okay.
So, um, so we're talking about $12,000 difference, but and we're talking about, if I hear Commissioner Gonzalez, uh, correctly, if I understood, um, going and asking firms to come so we can start evaluating the firms. Uh, and I think
Commissioner Samar, you're on the same boat. Um so for me we first off we've never come back to our attorney to understand whether 125 works or not. I think um is a disservice to go out and
look for attorneys when we have not yet negotiated with our own. So I guess the question is more is this a performance issue that you guys are trying to correct? this is uh an opportunity to expand scope of work and therefore look
what's included. Um the way I understood it is it's you know a request related to the base hour and the cost of per hour that that's been charged by the firm and um you know and and that was a high ask
um versus what we used to have. I also put in and and I just I I want to share my thoughts behind this because we've had for correct me if I'm wrong. I saw I think an email from the manager um maybe four to five years where we've been paying the firm about a hundred grand.
So there hasn't been increments or was it four or five was less? I I think if I remember correctly off top first was retained by the village it was at,000.
Um it went up to about 80 8 I think it went 83 then 80 it started 75 I'm sorry. So and then at some point it went to to the low 80s to the and then I think it ended up at the in the mid 80s around 86
and stayed there for a little while. >> Yeah. which uh and then last year we we made an additional ask which brought us it's I think 99996 it's like so that's an even number >> okay >> um is where we've at and then we're here
okay >> discussing today >> thank you so so you know that's been this um uh sort of a price tag that has been low in the past so we've never had that jump and I think that's what the reaction of the full commission is like the request original at 175
um you know hit a a high mark um but understanding that the feedback is that the 125 is within range I am will look forward to explore if the firm is willing to work with us for 125 and if that's the answer I'm comfortable with
paying 125 um that again because for me there is an enormous value of two keeping two key pillars in the village history comes from a vendor such as uh finance director who has been with us for I believe over seven years and our
firm our our actually our law firm when I read things that we're missing resolutions that haven't been signed since 2023 2024 some of 2025 that it's a huge uh liability concern um and the
history is whole by this firm and again not having service issues in the past I' I've never thought that would be part of the conversation. So for me I I've seen t tremendous value of paying 1375. That was why originally I was hoping to mid in the middle uh but haven't seen that
the manager has gather firms with similar scope of work again I don't know to what extent at 125 if that's something that the firm feels is a fair process to evaluate at 125 I would like uh to have that conversation.
All right. So, it sounds like we're a little all over the place. Um, so, um, [clears throat] I I've heard a few of the commissioners, um, ask Brad, um, if 125 is within the
realm of reasonleness for your firm. Look, I don't want to be disrespectful to you folks that have come here this evening and took the time to to respond to an email, provide the information because um I I place a tremendous value in the time that you've taken out of your schedules to come here to be with us. So, I certainly don't mean to be
disrespectful. Um because I think what what's important to me is that this process was not a process to simply just have somebody come in and undercut our current attorney's request so we could justify bringing him down. I don't think that was the intent and I would um you know I I don't want anyone that hear
this or Brad for you to hear this that I don't think that was the intent and I I don't want that to be the takeaway. Um for the record Brad I think 1375 based on my conversations is within market and I would be fine with it. Um but I I've heard two people say it. So, does
does the commission want to ask if the current attorney is is firm is willing to take 125 based on the information we've received? And while he goes back to ask his firm that question, if that is the question, do we want to take the time to have some calls with the folks that submitted resumes to to vet the
individuals? Because, as a few people have said already, uh they've taken the time, they've we've opened the door. Um it doesn't cost us anything to have those conversations and speak with them. So does that sound like a reasonable step forward uh on a double front?
>> Can I can I ask a question? So are you ready to provide a feedback on 125 today or do you need feedback from the firm? >> So as I as I said um when we first started these conversations during um the first
budget meeting, the number that the number we presented was an intent to open up negotiations with with the Phil. >> Yeah. Um, that's the obviously it's the only way we could do it. And um, so so I I'll put it succinctly. If if the
village's response to the firm is 125, take it or leave it, then we'll we'll take it at this point. Um, if the firm's willing to negotiate closer to the 1375, obviously we're willing to talk. We'd like to talk about that. But if if you
know these are the negotiations, if that's the point where where that's where the village is and that's what the village is offering and not offering a penny more so to speak, yeah, we we'll take it. >> Okay. So, let me just be clear then based on what I've heard from the commission so far because there was a
couple of questions about whether our current attorney would be willing to take the 125, which is some of uh what we've heard some of the other firms would charge. I just want to make sure I understand Brad correctly because I don't want to put you in a position where you're >> Okay, that's fair. Thank you. So,
understanding that now from from what we've heard from the the attorney, uh is there any change in opinion based uh from any of the commissioners on what the process would look like? >> Go ahead. No, no, >> your mic is off. Your mic is on >> that we have an evaluation of a law
firm. I mean, uh you know, we just I mean, it's not the money. It's also the evaluation of the law firm. Um, we have we do evaluation on the city manager. We should be doing an evaluation on the law firm. I have concerns. Everybody knows my concerns that I have. And I think
that we we need to open it up and see if possibly, you know, we need to have evaluation. If we're just going to pay the law the law firm the money, then, you know, I I just think that if we have evaluations for everybody else, we should have evaluations for our law
firm. Let me can I just clarify my position? Yeah. >> Because maybe I didn't speak clearly enough. >> Um Brad's firm is currently getting the 1375, right? It could last another month. It could last another two months, could last
another three months. The only reason that we're even here is because they came back to us and asked us a ridiculous amount of ridiculous amount of money in my humble opinion from going from 100 to 175, right? And that's the reason that we're here today, that we find ourselves in this position.
We've opened it up. We've I By the way, I just want to clarify something else. I have zero issues with Brad and Brad's performance here in the village. Um his responsiveness to me, um his advice, I I I have zero issues with that. Having
said that, now that this door has been open, I have no issues exploring it and seeing what else is out there. I have zero issues with that. You know, it's it's a business thing. This is business. Brad said it very clearly. This is not personal. This is business. So, as a
business person, we have an opportunity to see what else is out there. So for me if that given that opportunity and you know maybe we don't find something that we like but maybe we do find something that we like. So I'm open to it. That's it.
>> Okay. >> For me I uh I I tend to concur Commissioner Gonzalez on this one and Mayor you said something that struck me is that the intent to go out for for uh requests for proposals or bids or just information was not to undercut our
current attorney. Um, and I would hate for the respondents to feel like we did that. If if what I said makes anyone feel that way, that's absolutely not true. And I would like to do the due diligence of at least giving them the opportunity to present. They they did the time to send send response to us,
giving them the opportunity to have those conversations with commission, have the conversations here in the in the log cabin, I think is is we owe them that at the very least. I uh, you know, appreciate that the the attorney has uh offered 125. And I think that that
provides a level playing field with the other respondents, but I think we owe them that at least to invite them here, let them present and sounds like another special meeting. >> Great. Anything further?
>> Sorry. So, um, for me it was, uh, this was the objective to get an agreement with our with our attorney. And I I want to say thank you because I know you started at 1375. That would mean that the firm would have to go down to 125 um effectively next month in the in in our
cycle whatever that whenever that is >> this cycle. >> Yeah. This month. >> So >> yeah. So for me um with that in mind again it was never the intention and I think this got completely derailed into
let's look what out there is uh without understanding the value that we currently have and the potential issues of losing a firm that's been with us uh for so long. So again not a performance issue it was more of a budget
circumstance and I am happy that you agreed to 125. Thank you. Okay. Um, so it sounds like we have a consensus from from three of our commissioners at least so far on on the recommendation that we uh that we move
forward with discussions. Are we I was just assuming that we have discussions with those attorneys set another special meeting. But is that what is that Commissioner Huntington you said sounds like another special meeting. Is that what you envisioned or is this a discussion that we have with the folks that had submitted the resumes and then
we kind of come back and put this on >> I'm fine with both. I think the maybe the proposal for the immediate path forward is take the month to uh have those conversations put this on as a discussion item again next month come back and decide whether or not we've come to a decision or we need more time
we need them to present I think that's the bare minimum proposal I would give right now is give take the month to and put this back in discussion next month >> for me I would like to see them uh together um so also residents have an opportunity to see them and hear them
not just us >> if we decide to move in a different direction, they're going to be working for the residents as well, right? So, I think the residents should have an opportunity to hear them out. Um, so for me, it would be probably a special meeting to have them come back. Uh, make
sure that the manager has given them full scope of the work required to um that is required and then hear them out and then from there, you know, we decide what we want to do. But I think it's important that the the residents get an opportunity to listen to them as well.
>> Okay. See some head shaking in what appears to be agreeance. Uh do we have an idea of when you would want to put that special meeting for? Does anyone have a proposal for that? >> Here all in November. All right.
What about Oh, that's Veterans Day. That's election. >> You have to pick a couple dates because we don't know what the other law firms will be able to be a will be available. >> Yeah, we'd have to kind of pick a date and ask. >> Oh, they have to be available. >> Yes. >> When's our When's our November meeting?
Is it the 4th is the is election day? Are we having we're having it on election day? I >> I believe we moved it to November 5th. Um 5th is a Wednesday. I'm sorry. Uh we don't but the um facil
the village will be used for the the election. >> Yeah. No, we don't. >> Not in the log cabin. >> Yeah, >> we can have it. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Did we move it though? I >> I didn't think we moved it. >> We did. We We did.
>> We did move it to the fifth. >> We did. >> Okay. uh commission um at the time commissioner Kennedy made a recommendation to move it. >> I'm sorry I I couldn't hear that. >> There was a recommendation to move it from the 4th to the 5th because of election day >> when
our calendar on your um in your December meeting setting your calendar for the year. >> Okay. And and do we need to pass this by resolution >> if we want to change it? >> Got it. Okay. >> If we want to change the regular commission meeting >> to the fourth. Um, all right.
[clears throat] Well, it's already set for the 5th. I don't know that there's any reason to move it unless anyone feels very strongly. Do we setting it an hour before the regular commission meeting usually gets kind of dicey. We end up bleeding into the reg the the the regular meeting. Um,
what about the the 11th is is Veterans Day. What about the 18th? That's the Tuesday after unless anyone wants to do it on like a Thursday. Thursday the 13th. >> I'm okay with the 18th. We do November 10th. It's a Monday,
the day before Veterans Day, but it's it's an orth >> November 6th. >> November 6th, I am available. >> Well, the only reason I'm saying is Well, I guess it doesn't even matter because the meeting is the fourth. So, the the 18th
18th real >> I don't know but I let you guys sync and then I'll confirm >> we do the Can we look at the 18th? >> No, this is November. We're a little further out. No issues with the 18th. All right. So,
why don't we tenatively send it now for the 18th? So, that's what we're looking at now. This is how it works. We end up several weeks further out. Um, all right. So, then that's our resolution moving forward. We'll set a special meeting for the 18th. We'll ask that the candidates please be available
to attend either virtually in person. In the time between now and then, uh, the commissioners will reach out and try to have some discussions with them to prepare for that meeting. Uh, and Brad, I guess we'll be holding in a bandance until then. >> Guess the question. Do you want a presentation from the firm?
>> I we've had a whole lot of material submitted by the firm when you made first made the request. I don't need to see anything further from from your firm. I don't know if the commission needs to see anything further from our current firm. >> I >> doesn't sound like it. Okay.
All right. So, the 18th it is. [clears throat] [snorts] Better put it in my calendar now. All right. So, unless anyone has anything else, that concludes our discussion item. Thank you folks uh for being with us here again. Uh we'll be speaking with you in the coming weeks
and we'll see you again hopefully on November 18th. Um, all right. So, let's get now into our resolutions that were pulled from consent. We begin with uh resol which was previously marked as res
as 9A, which is resolution 2025-49. Um, Brad, would you please read the resolution for us? Sir, resolution 202549, a resolution of the village commission of the village of Biscane Park, Florida, approving a second amendment amendment
to the um professional service agreement with Maria C. Chimera for clerical and administrative services, authorizing the village manager to execute set agreement and take all necessary steps to effectuate this resolution providing for incorporation of recitals, providing for
an effective date. >> Okay, Brad. Thank you. Do I have a motion and a second to move the resolution to discussion? >> Motion to move to discussion limiting discussion to five minutes. >> Do I have a second? >> Yes. >> Uh, vice mayor. >> Vice Mayor.
>> Yeah. I I think a a couple of questions that I have and and I just wanted to um and just for cl I'm sorry, just for clarity, we you know, the city manager keeps asking for more money. It's over the the procure amount that we set. And
don't we have to put we put bid out for this work even if it's small jobs one you know from one after the other. Uh we're hiring assistant we're paying or an assistant clerk and we also are hiring a person to do our rebuild our
computer. Why would Maria be doing that? First off I have a lot of respect for me. I knew when she was the clerk here. So has nothing to do with with uh with her personally. But it's just that we we're hiring an assistant clerk and we're also hiring somebody to rebuild
our computer. I don't know if she has the experience to do redo our computer. I mean, not computer, excuse me, a website. And I just think that if we're paying somebody to do a website, that's the person that should be doing it, not somebody else that does that doesn't have the experience to do it. Unless she's a website designer, which she is,
then I look forward to having her do the whole thing. I don't know if that makes sense. No, I I think it makes sense, but I I I don't know that this is a design related uh resolution. I think that this resolution is to to clean up the
information that's on the website that's available to the public. This isn't necessarily a user experience, a design element, a creative issue. This is more, I think, connecting the dots and making sure, as we see here, you know, in in the backup that there are resolutions that are either not there or they're
mislabeled or they're categorized wrong. It's to follow the paths on here to make sure that the correct resolutions, the finalized resolutions are all living within the the the publicly available spaces where they're supposed to be. That's my understanding. >> Isn't that what the assistant clerk is supposed to be doing? I mean, what's the
purpose of the clerk that we're going to be >> commissioner? We right we don't we're hiring one. We don't have one. We just deferred the uh the employment agreement for the job >> description >> for the next month. manager is not here to to touch on it, but uh we received an email from a
resident saying that our resolutions were not on the the uh website and I had a very long discussion with the manager about that and we went through the the website page by page by page looking to see what's missing and he discovered that there was quite a few things that
were missing in in our website and chose I think from this item rather to act on it now than to wait for an employment agreement to be and a person to come in because the there we that we we are have a responsibility to have our resolutions to have our proclamations on available
on the website and we're in we're deficient more even more deficient than we thought we were before with the minutes. So I think that this allows the manager to go out and utilize a great asset who's willing to do it for a great price to fix our fix it in a short order.
>> Uh can I ask on that? So uh so the resolutions there are missing it says they're about three years. So, are they missing from the website or don't we we just missing they're no nowhere to be found? I think it's I think it's a combination of things based on my understanding the backup is that it's um
based on the the problem that we we're seeing is that not only are some missing but some we have broken they're not missing >> they're missing >> okay so they're not missing that's the point >> why >> okay so if they're not missing there is no urgency to make I mean they can be
made up available via public record request so I had similar question for me is we just approve u $55,000 to go to an assistant clerk clerk position to provide assistance to the clerk. That is a job description on itself. But also we
have professional services for for about $50,000 that was going to get us the Cadillacs of websites. So that that was all you know all in a redo of the website not to go retouch what we currently have. So for me, adding money
to the pool already that we've spent trying to fix something that's going to be completely redone, meaning from where it's sat, the content, the the user experience on the website, all of it is going to be changed by a new website with the money we allocated that was
promised to us um since additional uh money that we don't need to spend. So I I I I that was my main distinction was if if it's not something that is missing uh and exists that can be pulled by via public record, there is no law that
requires them to be living on the website as I understand. >> I may >> please. >> So no there there isn't um but if I might just expound just to answer yeah >> the vice mayor's question as well. Um there is a limit to how much the um the
manager can increase this agreement which is um which is up if it gets to $10,000 which it this caps at 7500 for the total value of the agreement then the manager could no longer extend this agreement. He would have to come before the commission and seek the commission's
approval under your purchasing code. Um, it doesn't have to go out to a bid because it's a professional service agreement which is exempted from from requirement of either an informal or formal bid by by your purchasing code. >> Um, Mr. Mayor, you're you're absolutely
correct there. This is to fix it's a temporary fix for some holes in your website. Um I don't remember maybe about a month ago um the manager myself, Madame Clerk and Miss Chimera had a meeting where we we had a Zoom meeting
where we pulled up the website and went through the functionality and there were some some holes and some some issues with the website. One of them Commissioner Amsoid brought up previously when it talked about communications. Um, the email page
referenced Constant Contact, which the village no longer uses. It had a link to Constant Contact, the village no longer uses. So, this was something that Maria could um could clear up at least in temporary so that people when they're registering are registering their emails
in in the proper proper place, so to speak. Um, I can tell you that I tried to pull Commissioner Gonzalez's email address to send an email off of the website and when I cut and pasted or I'm sorry, I clicked on Commissioner
Gonzalez's village email when it populated into Outlook, it was it was Vice Mayor Samaria's email that populated onto the website. you have to physically cut and paste it because if you use the link, it doesn't even take you to the the
>> there is a there is a thousand of different issues with the website. >> I agree. So, I guess my my point is is and I'm speaking for the manager somewhat here. I've given you the legal perspective um because I I was privy to the conversations. Um, this was the intent of this was for
Miss Camar to fix put those band-aids on the website until you can have your vendor come and retool or replace the entire website, whatever the intent is. >> Okay. So, I'm going to ask because my question is it is it is it is it must have legally to have all resolutions
posted on the website? >> No, I thought I thought I answered that first. So, >> I didn't hear that, but it might be me. No, no, no. It might have been me, but Okay. maintained as a public record. >> Yes. >> Be able to make requests for them. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, so having that said, so he he
that was that was my main concern. Okay. So, that that can be we've we've lived with a website forever like this. This is not something that just happened yesterday. This website has been in the same condition for the three years that I have been a commissioner. Not much has
changed. uh TR puts some other sort of fixes of bugs in here with uh bandages, but really has never been fixed. So, put in $7,000 to um a vendor that is not bidded specifically hired for website
which no capabilities of website. I mean, you have to know about programming somehow or framing some somehow to do it. Um it it when we have an assistant clerk just approve as well. Uh it it's a it's a money dispersed for no reason
when we're going to have a new website developed by a vendor. Um so I'm okay with waiting the time put this out for bid with the proper company the credentials needed the money in the budget because that's the other question. I don't know if you can answer Isa where's the money coming from the
seven $7500. It's actually 2500. >> $2,500. >> Your original agreement. Yes. So the last the last um amendment to the agreement raised it to 5,000. You're basically raising the cap to 7500. So
it's a it's a $2,500 increase. The balance has already been the $5,000 already been expended up. >> Okay. Okay. That that makes a difference because I have 13,520 as a total reason why it needed to come for the commission approval because it's over the 10 grand limit. >> It is not. No, this is within the
manager's authority. >> Okay. Okay. So, I added it up. That's why I'm saying I added all of it is 13520. >> No, this was within the manager's authority. >> My bill under the >> Okay. >> And and so wait a second. So it it's it
is under the So what are we approving >> approving the sec the manager is asking you to approve the second amendment which would increase so your original agreement which was entered in which is you you approved was for was on February
4th of 2025,000 >> that was within the manager's discretion sought your approval you all approved it on April 1st you increased it. >> Yes. >> To $6,020, >> right? >> Because she had actually gone over and
you needed to she needed to >> get paid. >> So, and again within the manager's discretion, but he wanted to secure approval. >> Yeah. >> And now it's going from the $6,20 to a $7,500 cap, which again is under
the 10,000 in the Majority. >> Okay. Okay. He's seeking your approval to increase total cap from inception to today but not to exceed 7500. >> Okay. So for me that's why I thought it was coming to the commission because
it's over the 10,000 by adding all the expenditures we've had. Okay. So again so it's within his privy to do this. So the reason for us to approve this is what it's just to get a consensus from the commission that we're on board when doing this. >> Seeking.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh I think the only difference that we had in the past because we had a city manager that did that once before where it was under 10,000. She always made the number under but she never came in front of the commission. This one the city
manager is coming each time to ask for more money. So I don't have a problem with that. He is asking but we have had in the problems where we say to this city manager you have $10,000. So they would get something under let's say $5,000. It's on the where the city manager doesn't have to come in front of
the commission and it kept on doing it. But at least with this city manager, he is doing that. So, >> but we've clarified this is only 148 uh $80 increase, not uh on the >> $6,20 to 75. >> Yeah, which is 1480.
>> I'll make a motion to approve. >> I'm sorry. 1480. How did you come to that? >> I'll second it. It's going from 6020 to 7500. That equals 1480 is what we're adding to this
agreement. We got a second on the motion to approve. >> Hold on. Uh Ryan, I just want to follow the math you have because I am not getting the same number for some reason. So, I want to make sure I get it right. Give me one moment.
Um here. So, >> okay. Yes. Okay. I see. Got it. Thank you. >> We have a motion in a second to approve the resolution. >> All in favor?
>> I I um >> No. >> I'm going to say no. passes 32. >> Um, all right. So, our next resolution is uh 9B, I believe, uh, which is resolution
2025-50. >> It did pass 3 to2. >> It did, correct? Yes. >> Never mind. I We don't need to go there. Yeah, please. Resolution 2025-50, a resolution of the village commission of the village of Biscane Park, Florida,
approving an agreement between the village of Biscane Park and Lago, I can't pronounce it, but a Lago MHR, Inc. from the review uh I'm sorry for the review and updating of the vill's employee handbook, providing employee training and human resources consulting
services, authorizing the village manager execute set agreement and do all things necessary in furtherance of this resolution and providing for an effective date. >> Okay, Brad, thank you. Do I have a motion and a second to uh move the resolution to discussion? >> Make a motion to move it to for
discussion. >> Second. All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. Okay, let's discuss um uh who I don't me. Yes, go ahead. >> So, I I have a couple of questions. So, do we know um Issa maybe what the expected timeline for completion of the
the updates is? >> The vendor is here if you'd like to ask questions. >> What's that? >> The vendor is here if you'd like to. She's here. >> Oh, hi. Nice meeting you. Thank you for being here. Um,
>> give it a tap >> on the mic on the on the front of just to see. I wanted to hear if it was on that maybe. >> Can you hear me now? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Hi. Thank you for being here to answer
some of the questions. Pleasure. Um, so, um, I was wondering in best practices because I was quoted, how often does this need to happen? >> The employee handbook. >> Yes. >> How often revised? >> Usually it's updated every 3 to five
years, which I actually did your handbook I believe in 2019 2020. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Perfect. So, we we are needed of that clearly as the manager stated. So um and then I just wanted to know you know when is it needed a refresh a
refresh of that is not so we would have to wait three four years to go and pay the full amount to redo everything. It's not something that you as you go can be hired to update here and there. >> Absolutely. So the employee handbook is supposed to be a living breathing
document. You're supposed to update it as often as you possibly can. Usually, if you update a specific policy, you would just issue out that change and you can have the employees acknowledge that they received it. But it's impossible to
assume every type of scenario that would happen in the workplace. And you can imagine that employees surprise me all the time and then I create new policies for those circumstances, right? So, um, as you go updating it, you can have the employees acknowledge it. But in this
particular case, the manager wants to start off with updating the employee handbook as a whole. And then um he also wants to utilize my services just with other employee relations matters. It could even be to adopt certain um standard operating procedures within the
human resources department. It could be any sensitive employee relations matters. So he put um to my understanding like a total budget for what my services could be >> um for for the year. And it's basically as on an as needed basis when he needs
something in that field he would he would call me. >> Um wonderful. So in and the timeline for completion review and and updates when when do you think this is done? Um from the the beginning. >> So the employee handbook I would say it
would take anywhere from 30 to 60 days. I would have to get um reacquainted with your employee handbook to see if this employee handbook is something that has to go to the commission for final approval or not. Sometimes it's just presented as a as a courtesy so that the
commission knows, you know, some of the things that were implemented. Um I would work with the with the village attorney to make sure that um he's in agreement with any proposed changes. Um and if there's any um collective bargaining agreement um you know union
representatives, we also like to involve them just to get their input and their feedback. So I would say anywhere from 30 to 60 days. Um but we could push it out pretty quickly. >> And then does it have to I I didn't know does it stand as a policy and comes to the commission for approval or it can be
implemented by the manager? >> It's historically come before you for approval. >> Okay. Okay. I would like to see it um prior just so we have the discussion of what was done. I think it's a great opportunity to to see that. And then I
just had one comment in two 2023 from the beginning of 2023 we did a strategic planning session and the commission at that time develop uh with a vendor um that uh we outsourced uh values mission
values um the the mission the vision the values uh for what we envision the organization should look like and and the idea with that was a start point what culture eventually should feed from Um, I would like to see that document
incorporated because right now sits standalone at the time. You know, we had the handbook on one side and we had this uh process that we started and got us into what now is our capital improvement plans. We talked about goals, etc. But that part was just left on the website.
Never touched since. If this is the best opportunity for you to grab what as a commission we define um that mission the the vision and the values should be uh for practice obviously uh when it comes to what who we're hiring but you know as
as a policy document um incorporated in the handbook. Do you see that feasible? Yeah, >> can um and even to take it a step further, the manager discussed with me um kind of revamping like performance evaluations and have like an actual performance program. And so that that
mission, vision, values that you just discussed, that would actually be incorporated as well into performance evaluations to make sure that every single employee, it doesn't matter what type of position you have, right? Every single employee in their role with this
organization is professionally representing their city every single day and they're doing so with that mission and vision in mind. Right. So that would be incorporated into a performance plan. That is something that we discussed as well. >> Perfect. That was it. Thank you.
>> Thank you, >> Miss I'm sorry. >> Uh Yolanda Menagazo. >> I wasn't even going to try with the last name, so I apologize. >> It's okay. >> Thank you. >> That's what I said when I met my husband, too. I was like man menow what? Menow what? But yes, it's menagazle. >> Well, thank you very much for being with us. Um I don't have any questions. If there's no other questions from the
commission then I'd ask for a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. >> We have all in favor >> I >> I >> I >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Yes. Oh, >> okay. Um so that's B. Let's go on now to
9D. Sorry, I scrolled way too far down. 90 resolution 2025-52. Brad resolution of the village commission of the village of Biscane Park, Florida, approving a proposed settlement and reinstatement agreement with Roberto Navaro, authorizing the
village manager to execute set agreement and do all things necessary in furtherance of this resolution and providing for an effective date. And I'll just remind you all if you're approving it, it's as amended as we stated earlier. >> Okay. Um All right. All right. Do I have a motion and a second to move to
discussion? >> Motion to move to discussion. >> All in favor? >> I. Okay. So, um, uh, Commissioner Ansler and Vice Mayor, I know that you both request I I know that you'd both requested we move this to discussion. I don't know who wants to get us started. Okay.
Commissioner Ansler >> 90D, right? Yes. Okay, I got it right. Um, yes. So, I just wanted uh to have opportunity the chief uh to to walk me through um what was the changes? I mean, we got this um uh resolution
drafted. I believe it was yesterday um Brad that you included in the agenda or was it today? >> This went out with the original agenda. Okay. The BEA agreement is the one that you got. >> That's what I meant. Sorry, I got confused with that. just if you can tell me why um you know there was a lot of
questions as to why are we doing this uh and the initial thoughts of why we've done it even in the past you know came my way um can you talk a little bit about why it was considered >> okay so I think you asked several
questions here so I want to make sure I answer correctly especially when this involves a legal matter uh you're asking about why this was done you talking about rehiring Navaro. I >> I think all of it I think there's two separate items. Um
>> you need to ask the attorney that. >> Okay. >> And I don't mean to shut you down. >> That's what I said. I think this >> this is something that the attorney should answer. I don't >> So So the background just just so we're all on the same page and understand what
happened is this was a situation where Mr. Navaro was terminated by by the village um under Chief Cabrera's um when when Chief Cabrera was was the chief of the police department. Um Mr. Navaro um
without getting into all the details had filed a complaint against Chief Steel at the time when he was the chief um but in reference to when he was a police commander alleging that he conducted
certain investigations into Mr. Navaro's alleged conduct in violation of the Bill of Rights and was not afforded his due process rights that are enti that he's entitled to under the police officer Bill of Rights. Um there was an
investigation as you all well know that was had there was an investigator that was retained. um he conducted an investigation and he he came out with his findings and without getting into all of his findings and nutshell of the
findings was that m to some extent Mr. Navaro's claims were correct. That the police officer's bill of rights was not followed as it related to the investigations that were were done. Um that these alleged investigations he was
never made aware of. They were not maintained in his personnel file the way they were supposed to be. And essentially Mr. Navaro had reached out to the village through the village manager subsequent to the investigation results being um being finalized and
presented to the commission and um sought his his reinstatement. Um there were some negotiations that were had that myself, the manager and uh Paul Winkkel John were involved in um those
negotiate and initially Mr. Navaro was asking for for back pay and and attempting to be made completely whole. We rejected those um we rejected those that offer that he had made as far as reinstatement. There was a point where
he um in our in our negotiations where it appeared to be shut down and we were not going to be able to come to any type of meeting of the mines and there was a he he Mr. Navaro had sent a uh correspondence indicating that he was going to retain counsel and um and and
potentially bring suit against the village. At that point, we then notified our insurance carrier and and made a claim to the insurance carrier. Um the insurance carrier prov provided counsel to assist the village in in reviewing
the allegations and determining what if any resolution would be appropriate if if and a resolution in fact would be appropriate. Um that was Weissera. It was Brett Schneider from Weiss Serotto who was the carriers council that was appointed and his team. They engaged in
negotiations with Mr. Navaro. um they kept myself um apprised of of of various different matters were sharing draft of agreements with us and and points of of of the agreement. I was sharing those with the manager. We were engaging I
think it was acting chief Roso initially and then chief a Aila um in those decisions and ultimately the meeting of the minds um with regards to an agreement that was effectuated by um Mr.
Schneider and and Mr. Navaro is what you have before you. There were discussions obviously with with the chief. You know, is this a person that you want back? Is this a person that you think can be an asset to the police department? And you know, the chief had indicated
affirmative as to that and I'll let him speak more about that. But from a legal perspective, there's no there's no back pay in here. And um based on and based on the allegations and based on a
evaluation of where both Mr. Schneider and and I believe the village may end up if in fact we were in litigation, we thought it was in the best interests of the village to come to some type of settlement if if one could be had. And
um that that's really where we're at at this point. I mean, and I can tell you that part of the evaluation was looking at if we were to go to litigation and have to defend a suit brought by Mr. Navaro. Our key witnesses in that suit
are former Chief Cabrera, former Chief Mark Steel, and former city manager Chris Truit. Those would be our key witnesses that we would have to present to try to defend an action like that. And I'm not going to go into all
the details, but that that was part of No, I'm not going to. And that that was part of the evaluation process came with this potential resolution. >> Thank you, Brad. >> And so, um, that gives context as to the
the reason why it was terminated. I'm asking you why your decision is to reinstate him. >> Well, I was sent the agreement uh to see if I agreed with it. Basically, I'm being told by the village
attorney, by the village insurance company's attorneys that this is the settlement agreement. >> I was asked to review it. I looked at it. I was okay with it. >> If he comes back to work, >> Yeah. Yeah,
>> he works for me and I'm his boss. >> Yeah, >> you're all approving for him to come back. >> So, I think uh the other question I think it was Barbara Cule that asked and left it on the comment and this is a question for the attorney for Brad. Um
are this matters uh needed to come in front of the commission? If I'm not quoting correctly said uh the manager had said that he has no obligation to bring the settlement to the commission that was choosing to do that. So I just wanted to understand that. So it's >> I can answer that. >> So yeah,
>> manager has all the authority to bring him back without bringing it back to you. >> Okay. >> That's what I wanted to understand. Yeah. >> Find that if I can. >> Yeah. >> The chief's correct. If the manager wanted to bring Mr. Navaro back, he could have done that without the
commission as a management, right? Who he hired as an employee and who who >> Yeah. Um, however, the the wrinkle in this is that this is also not just a reemployment agreement, but it's a settlement agreement.
>> And the reason why it's a settlement agreement is as a condition of of the village bringing him back for employment. Him being Mr. Navaro, he is giving up certain rights. He's agreeing not to not to bring suit against the village at any time related to to this.
there's he's he's agreeing to give up back pay contributions and and all the things that are always that are potentially out there had had this reached litigation and the the village um obtain a negative result. So the
settlement agreement itself the manager [clears throat] does not have authority to settle >> that's what I was >> the settlement portion of this could have been had to be brought but quite frankly the manager as said could have brought Mr. to borrow back, had them working and done the settlement agreement after the fact for your
approval. Um, that was discussed. I that was against my recommendation here how we are. >> Okay, got it. So, the settlement was portion was what I what I was wondering. I think that was what um Barbara Q was asking as well. So, okay. So, that that
settles the part. This is what we're talking about. We have to approve the settle uh the settlement that the commission needs approve. uh from and then the other part it has to do with the task force. So that's why I got a lot of feedback as to two different things you know why are we choosing this
task force what is helping the f we are today saying that is amended and the task force is for you to decide where it goes. So what does that mean? So >> well >> it's up to me basically by law uh where he goes or where any employee under my
command goes. However, after seeing what went on this weekend, uh, with all the turmoil over HSI, which it's unfortunate because nothing could
be further from the truth of everything that has been said, the unit that he would have been going to is not ICE. It is a separate arm of HSI.
HSI doesn't work for ICE. ICE works for HSI. HSI is uh a branch of government that has many arms. And this task force has nothing to do with ICE. Uh every chief from every department
that has somebody detached to a federal agency has the ultimate authority over their employee. They go there, they work there, they work under the rules, they get deputized as a federal officer. But when the chief
calls you back, you come back. If the chief says, "No, you can't do this or that." So if you were working for HSI and he was called from the task force and I'm going to use general words
because remember we're talking about federal agencies that are doing very dangerous work taking money from dope dealers all over the world. Okay? And I don't want to disclose anything that could could jeopardize anybody's life.
So I'm I'm going to speak in generalities when I talk about these investigators who are assigned to do this job. They do a very dangerous job. Uh whatever their assignment is, the chief of police of the agency gets informed of
what they're doing. Okay? And if it's something that I don't agree with, I will pull him out immediately or I will not have him or allow him to have any part in it. Uh that's under my authority. Um,
but based on the fact that this has become a political hot potato, a decision was made to go ahead and see if he was amicable to not going to HSI. He
is, and I won't send him to HSI, period. So, um, did you It was just two pools, right? I don't know if it was, uh, Samaria and myself. I think that, uh, the three of you did not, uh, object of having, uh, these item pulled from the agenda. Am I correct? It was just me.
The >> Well, it wasn't that I didn't object. I had multiple conversations with the chief about this and and as well as the manager. So I'm well versed in into kind of what's going on. So um that's why I didn't uh pull the pull the item.
>> So So I I just want to reiterate my question. So there was just me pulling the item. It was also some areas or or not. >> Okay. So the two of us All right. So So I I just want to understand also why it was in the consent agenda. Clearly the manager felt they had three votes uh for
today. Um I you know this I wanted to do this publicly. as um the ways of working are very different among each other when it comes to the manager. So this is the first time I'm hearing from you uh with my questions in public, you know, transparency. You've heard a lot of the
comments that came in today. The disappointment is that um uh it is a sensitive issue as you said uh as you've heard uh and people have a lot of questions and the questions come out convoluted between political uh pools
and interests and um and uh it's a complex one especially in the turmoil of very recent investigations. So we're starting to talk about Navaro, we talk about the other investigation that happened to the manager. It was all at the same time. and it was a very um it
was a lot of stuff going on. So I think >> if I if I may >> Yeah. >> here's the problem I have with with with what you're saying and I'm not disagreeing with you. Okay. We've had somebody on the task force since 2021. It's 2026 almost. >> Yeah.
>> So I don't understand. I I mean I look at this and I'm and I'm like and and I wonder >> Yeah. >> Why is it now? Why why is there a problem with it now? >> I think >> obviously it appears to be political. >> Well, I was going to say I mean you can
understand what the the issues come up has a lot to do with the circumstances that we are the circumstances are not to the framework the political environment. The circumstances are in the change of management the ways of working the ways of communicating. So I think to my stand
again I I feel disappointed that has come this way. I understand what has been tried to be made. You know, settlements are for this reason. I think in my conversations with the attorney, I was trying to understand if this is a common practice. Do we settle by rehiring people that have been fired? I
don't know that the answer is yes or no. Maybe you can tell me. I don't know what's happened. >> I can answer that too. >> Well, >> I want to know in the in the history of the village. >> I I can't speak to the history of the village. I can tell you that there have been circumstances with other clients
where somebody where somebody has been terminated and it's been determined either by the courts, by the employer or by some arbitrator depending on what depending on what the process is that the
termination was either unlawful or improper and that individual gets their job back. um on there are occasions when not only they get their job back, but I mean I I've had arbitrations in in the
law enforcement world uming law arbitration pursuant to collective bargaining agreements where the arbitrator has found that there wasn't just cause to to terminate that individual and the arbitrator's binding order was not only is he returned to he
or she being returned to work, but that they're compensated with their back pay, their benefits, and and made whole. So, I mean that does it happen? The answer is yes. You know, am I saying it's going to it would absolutely happen in this
circumstance? I'm not saying that there lawyer that's going to tell you an absolute how court case is going to come out. >> Yes. >> Um but and I can't speak to the village because I I whether this is circumstances happen.
>> I mean, we've had we've had We've had police officers terminated here that are fighting the job back and we haven't offered settlements because we believe we have justable grants to their claim.
>> Okay. So, all right. So, that answers it and and again I was trying to go with the history of the village that we reinstated someone that has, you know, uh but uh it doesn't seem the case. So, I think there was a lot of sensitivity when it comes to that as well. Um uh but
you know I I'm going to tell you where I stand. I think we're we're ready to move for a vote. I don't know if if that's the case. Um um and I just to finalize my point not being impressed in the manager as well. You know the communication the
issue putting in the consent agenda to sensitive items the context of economy the I'm sorry the politics. I think all of it raises uh what you saw today. Um and and this there's a better I think there is a better approach to have. I wouldn't have put it in consent agenda
at all. This should have been a discussion item. This sort of discussion openly and transparency with everybody that came today would have been felt much less pushed in by three votes already had. Uh they had no questions to be asked in public. Right? We have a lot of comments today. this would have been
consent agenda approved next and that that is a concern that is a concern I have and this is just feedback from me to you how I work and I think if if we can have that open communication I would suggest this sort of items be avoided be put in consent and be placed for for
discussion that's >> if you give me a moment to respond to what you just said because I have no authority not one single authority authority to put anything on the agenda >> to tell the manager which way to put it
anywhere. >> Uh it's a management. >> What I do know when I saw it is that to be quite honest with you, I don't even understand why he put it on there. >> Yeah, he could have >> because he just he could have hired rehired Navaro whenever he wanted. So, I
think in an abundance of caution and an abundance of respect for the commission, he puts it on the agenda. And I think if I'm not mistaken, he puts some other things on the agenda >> that he does not have to do. >> Correct. >> But again, I'm not the manager. I follow orders.
>> And and I think that's a very good point you make. Um my feeling with that is it we're we're we're seeing it from a different perspective. My perspective is the manager has a role. For example, today we saw things in the consent agenda that does not need to come for the commission. When you do that, you
share accountability and I'm not okay with that because you're saying you're okay with hiring someone for $2,000. I mean, that's a management decisions. It's not a commission decision. The moment we bring those issues, we are against our charter. Actually, our charter is very specific with the roles
and and so this is this is upscale upwards uh pushing the accountability and and I don't feel comfortable [clears throat] with that. So like you said, I will rely on the manager making the decision. That's why he was hired even if it's a hot potato seat and
instead of sharing sort of how we test the waters and so later on it can be the commission was okay with it. I would want him to own that and that's why I think it needs come for discussion. That's that's all I wanted that kind of frame what you just said but I appreciate the feedback.
>> Thank you ma'am. Yes, ma'am. >> I get into my my my uh what I'm going to read for me. This has nothing to do with Navala going to the other agencies. This is for me bringing him back. This is my only objections. It's not whether or not
he goes to another agency or so on. So, I want to set that record straight. Thank you, mayor, fellow commissioners and residents of Bisgane Park. I want to take a few minutes tonight to address the resolution 25XX, the measure that reinstates former
assistant police chief Roberto Nevada and and his claims his terminate termination was improper. I must state for the record the information presented as party is both factual, inaccurate, and legally flawed.
Allowing this resolution to stand as written would undermine the credibility of this commission and the integrity of our public record. First and foremost, the res resolution contains fundamental factual error that states Mr. Navaro's
termination was result from illegal misconduct or me male fees by former Chief Mark Steel. That statement is false. When Mr. Nevada was terminated on December 7, 2023. The police chief of
Biscane Park was Lewis Cava, not Mark Steel. Robin Nevada was a probationary at will employee that would be terminated with or without cause at any time. This is not a medical matter of clavical oversight is a fundamental
mistake that inviolates the reason behind the resolution and the so-cal independent investigation that supports it. If the core fact identified who led the department at this time is wrong, then every conclusion that follows from
the assumption is unreliable. It is important to understand that every employees decision involving Robert Noado included his disciplinary actions, probation and eventually termination was reviewed by and included the advice of
our village attorney. Once these so-called critical errors or concerns were originally presented for his termination, they should have been presented to the commission. Tney is not the village man. He's not
the client to the village manager or the police chief, nor if not the employee. He's the client for the village commission and by extension the residents of Biscane Park. I have other concerns regarding the investigation. As previously expressed, I think this
selection and the res investigation was not done properly. I think that the investigation had critical flaws did not present a fair outcome. Until a proper investigation is conducted, I think we should use we should not use these
findings. It is important to note that it is not the first time concerns have been raised regarding Mr. Roberto Nevada's workplace behavior. In fact, this exists a prior hostile work environment complaint documented in his
resignation letter by the former major Sandro Roman which specifically referred issues involving Mr. Noval. Just set the record uh I wasn't on a commission and I think Ar Gonzalez wasn't on a commission but uh Major Sandra Roma's resation
letter was given to all the commissioners. So they had it that explained exactly this. This reckon demonstrates a continued pattern of civic conduct and previous critical context that should have been considered before any decision to reinstatement.
The in existence of multiple complaints of combatible nature against the same individual should have raised serious red flag for both the village attorney and the commission. Ignoring this history undermines the credibility of the investigation, causing to question
whether the reinstatement was made in the best of the village and its employees. Our obligation as commissioners is to the truth and to the public trust. The people of Biscane Park deserve transparency, integrity, and accountability from their elected
officials, from those who advise us. in this resolution is based on forcids, unlawful actions and have a moral and legal duty to correct it. The truth must come before conversations and the law must come before loyalty. At this time,
I don't think we can ethically move forward with such a resolution. Thank you. >> Go ahead, Brent. >> That's the resolution. >> Is your mic on, Brent? Believe it is. I'm just not close enough. So I I said I'm not going to address the investigations. I'm not going to relive
that. But I just want to address a comment that the vice mayor has made with regards to the with regards to the resolution which he's saying is inaccurate. The whereas clause that he's addressing and saying that it's inaccurate is and let me just read it into the record. It says whereas on
about January 23rd, 2025, Mr. Navaro presented a complaint to the then interim manager Albert P. Idris in which he alleged that his termination was improper due to alleged misconduct, misfeasants, or malfeasants by former
police chief Mark Steel and the V vill's failure to comply with the police officer's bill of rights. I'm not saying that that that provision is paring what Mr. Nvaro put in his complaint. That's not my legal conclusion. In no way have
I made that legal conclusion. However, I will say that based on the investigation that was done, this is the this was the back that was the background that precipitated this the proposed settlement that's before you.
>> Okay. Thanks, Brad. >> Can I uh >> Yeah, please go ahead. >> So, just a couple of comments. Um, number one, I completely agree with Commissioner Amsler in the sense that, um, I've had a conversation with Alan. I said, Al, um, why are you bringing these
things if if they're in your purview? Why are you bringing these things to the to the commission? It's it seems like you're just scared. You're like, you're being overly cautious about making decisions and and I think that that's, you know, that's what you're here to do is make decisions, right? So, it's your job. It's your responsibility. So, make
those decisions. Okay. So, I agree with Commissioner Ramsa that he should have dog on make this decision. Um, now as far as Mr. Navaro is concerned, none of us here had anything to do with what happened. Uh, not the not the current chief, not the manager,
none of us that are here on the commission had anything to do with um I don't like the position that we're in. I really don't like it. Um, but if in fact this gentleman Audio is off.
Nothing is being heard. >> Yeah. There's no >> Yeah, I I think the village manager or the the clerk accidentally ended her meeting. She's offline. There's she's not on here anymore. It says that Vickiy's hosting the
meeting now. And just when it was getting juicy. Oh, well, how you doing, Judy Sue? [laughter] >> Doing all right. >> All right. I'm signing off, kids. Buenus notes.
>> I I sent a text to Art. Let's see if he catches it or not. >> Yeah, I think she might have just been scrolling through stuff and accidentally turned off the meeting, which I think happened earlier today. Or um that or they're having bandwidth issues and it just kicked her off. But
it's past my bedtime anyway. Night night. >> All right. Bye. Bye, John. I there is no audio. Do do you guys know any YouTube or >> We don't have anything and I just sent
out texts to let them know but that doesn't mean anybody's looking at their computers. There is no audio. >> No, you guys. >> We don't have anything and I just sent
out text. >> Oh, I thought that >> I thought that they did listen. >> Okay. But but they can hear us, right? >> We don't have anything. And I just sent out text.
>> Oh, I thought that >> I thought that they did listen. >> Okay. But but they can hear us. >> Oh, she >> No, they don't hear us. >> But they can't hear us. Oh, she's
>> no. >> How many times is coming? >> They cannot hear us. >> Oh my god. I sent out a couple of texts to alert them. Nobody's caught it.
text alert. >> So I see it from this perspective. I see it a little differently I think than commission just because I've been there and I know and that's just that's just my my outlook. >> Um I feel comfortable with the resolution
based on your your representations your recommendations that I've had with the attorney and understand complete background of this and I'm glad that we had an opportunity to kind of lay the foundation for the background of this resolution during this discussion. So um That's my whole
issue. There was one other question that I had for you, Chief, that came up that someone made a comment that why are we sending this if we're bringing this person back, why are we sending this person away from the village? resolution
my understanding. So our department changes in the department but it's why you're saying those changes have been resolved. we have a fully staffed department uh and there is need in other positions for the services that he's going to provide to the department.
Is that why is that correct? >> I don't have any other questions for you but I ask the commission question that I have. So he's going to be the assistant chief. That's what his title says. He's going to be under you
>> and he's going to be assistant chief. That's >> he's going to have a title on paper as the assistant chief. He's going to be investigated. >> Is that what it was before? >> Yes, it was.
>> So, so basically the idea of the settlement is uh finding a space for Mr. Navar to be part of our force. Not necessarily you would have gone higher to this position had you not been on this position. Sorry, let me rephrase that. Um, it's
late. So, um, basically we're here in the settlement specifically talking to Navaro now that it's not going to put in any task force. We're going to discuss >> now that you're going to
mute. >> One second. There's no sound. There's no sound. and myself. >> It looks >> And now if I >> Yeah, it looks frozen.
>> Now you're going to hear the echo. >> Can you can you mute the TV? >> If if >> because otherwise there's echo everywhere. Hello. Do you hear us over there? Yes. Great. Thank you.
Um [clears throat] going back to my point. Um so I think that this you know we got to fix our right our wrongs. I agree with that. Uh you know whatever is determined by you again fully trust that's why you're on board. Like I said, I I think the
concern here is uh you know what that means bringing someone with history even if invest in investigation has been clear. Let me just phrase what I've received. I think that's the main concern. So the feedback I get is settled some some other way and and and
and that's the biggest push I've received. You know, if we were to hire, had this not been an issue, uh maybe wouldn't have been Navaro. And so, uh, you know, the reason we're here, it's we're against the wall and using it as a
currency for negotiation to get back into the force. It's not settling very good. Um, yeah. What would you say to that >> ma'am? Uh, uh, it, you know, it depends on where you're sitting.
>> Yeah. If you were an employee who's been doing this job for 38, 39 years and you were wrongfully terminated, how would you feel? >> Oh, >> if they went ahead and made allegations against you that weren't proven, the law
was not properly applied, the investigation was not done the way 112.531 says it has to be done. >> Yeah. uh you know, your name is tarnished,
um your family life is destroyed, and you're sitting there going, "Wait a second, nobody there's a bunch of allegations, but nobody's proven anything." I read on the web page where all this things
were being written about this man. They even called him a racist. Where did that allegation come from? Well, come to find out that it came from an allegation that was made against another officer who was terminated and Mr. Navaro wasn't even
employed by the village at the time. So, I've seen things like this before. The only problem is that I've been doing it for so long. It's 45 years for me. And we didn't have keyboard commandos
like we do now. And unfortunately, you know, things slanderous things are being said. Some people don't even realize that they they can be sued for that or slandering people. And
a lot of those things are lies. They just didn't happen. And the only thing that I can do from my perspective is what I did. When I came here, I realized that these allegations were happening, that this gentleman was
going to sue. And what did I do? I started looking into whatever files I could dig up because everything was lost here. I finally was able to find a lot of stuff and
asked a lot of questions. And and I've been surprised we didn't hire this man. He didn't he didn't sit just waiting to to come back home. I mean to come back to the village. He tried to get There's no sound.
There's no sound. There's no sound. There's no sound. There's no sound. >> Mr. Mayor, >> actually before you do that, can I just make one amendment to the resolution?
Just real quick amendment as to the whereas that I was mentioning. Um I want to just add the language former police chief Mark Steel when he was acting as police commander which is more accurate if I may. >> Second.
>> Um uh sorry is it >> it's all right. I just we have a time sensitive item um and got about minutes left. >> Yeah. >> And we have a motion on the table. I understand. Um I look I know um I know we've
>> so um no um I think it was uh wrongly presented. I think we would to have this conversation in the open um not pulling the consent agenda not with a resolution amended as we go literally a minute ago
you would have had a lot of better feedback not just from me you know but from residents I think the opportunity to speak when there is a discussion item calls for discussion and it's sitting at the table with a different sort of a um
uh you know presence and so the idea that this was to pass as we heard today amended. Um to me it's a it's a wrong presentation and on that again I'm all for settling with Mr. Navaro in any way that we can. Everything you said is
horrible. If we did something to him we need to stand by it. I would appreciate working in a different type of settlement that is not reinstating because of that reason. Um and I think it was a miss on the management. That's what I think. But I appreciate um you
putting context to it the way you did it. >> And the answer is no. I I already voted. >> Okay. Um all in favor with you. >> No. Yes. >> So Brad, we only have a few minutes left
and I know the last resolution that was pulled from the consent um was had a timesensitive element to it. Can you get a multi? >> I'm sorry. >> They did 10 minutes. They have three [laughter] minutes. >> Yeah, we only have three minutes left on
the the extended. You're not going to be able to do this in two minutes. This Can you Can you give me in 30 seconds why this is time sensitive? Why we need to address it tonight? >> Yes. >> Because that was a question that Commissioner Handler had when we talked about deferring the item. So
my understanding and I don't know if Christina's here as well which I guess she's not but um part of this project is going to be funded with ARPA funds and you have a you have a time-sensitive frame in which
you have to encumber and spend those funds. So and that's >> has to be done before the end of the year. end of the year. >> If we wait until November, it >> you're you're still your architects are still going to have to finish the doing the the design of the project. You're
then going to have to put it out for an RFP permitting process. You probably won't start construction until after next year. >> And just move it. >> Yes. So,
>> yeah. to approve. I'm ready to right now. >> Yeah, I was going to make that. I was going to say that that I mean I was the only one pulling the items so I think you have a yes in the table. Um I I just want to say before because it's my no um
and my vote. Uh again I think it it it's you know have we had the opportunity to ask and Isa I don't want to put the frame on you that you're not capable to answer questions related to this item. I would have asked to to ask the question you know it's unfortunately you don't have the manager sitting on the village
commission. Um so my my vote is no. >> Has there been a motion? >> No. We need a motion in a second. We have Can you read it under the record for >> Oh sorry I thought there was a motion. >> Well it's going as quickly as you can. >> Okay. Okay.
Yes. Give me one second to pull it up. >> Put the motion B. >> A resol >> sorry. >> A resolution of the village commission of the village of Biscane Park, Florida approving a first amendment to the project agreement with BEA Architects,
Inc. for [clears throat] phase one and phase two of the drainage improvements and architectural project and an amount not to exceed 569,348.333. Attached here too is exhibit Authorizing the mayor to execute said agreement authorizing the manager to do all things
necessary to effectuate the resolution providing for an effective date. >> Okay, thank you Brad. So >> motion to approve. >> Is there a second commission? Okay. Um, all in favor? >> No. >> All right.
>> So, I'll say yes, but it's important. I just want to make clear that this is a critical sprint. This is stream water storm water project. Uh, it's committed with AR fund. So, we got to go and I >> Right. Exactly. So, we need to get funds
covered. All right. Um Okay. So, the ordinances in the last discussion were the last two. So, we're going to have uh a request to place those on our next agenda meeting for November. Um Brad, would there was anything time sensitive on those ones or can they wait the two ordinances?
>> They can wait. >> Okay. All right. Thank So I'll ask for a motion to >> I >> [cough] [cough] >> You got your back.