--------- The broadcast is now starting. All attendees are in listenonly mode. Good morning everyone. We're calling this meeting to order. Today is Wednesday, April 16th, 2025. The time is now 10:25 a.m. We apologize for the late start. Madame clerk, please call the role.
Councilwoman Nicoinoso, present. Councilman Rafael Pinedo, present. Council Dina Gabal, present. Vice Mayor Marine Porz here. Mayor Christie Fraga, present. Mayor Horn, thank you. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance led by Councilman Pedato to the flag of the United States
of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We will now have our invocation by Tina Floyd from Dios. I want to say hello to all of you
guys. Thank you for your serving time because we know that without you anything is going to happen here in Dora. God bless you and God bless you for all the people that attend here today. Heavenly Father, we come before
you today with humility and a cry for our city. Lord, bring unity to our streets, among our families, and within our leaders. Let the walls of division fall and raise up a spirit of love and
fellowship. Your word said in Psalms 131:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for rhythm or will together in unity." May that unity be
the song of our streets and the peace of our homes. We pray for renewed faith in our hearts. A living faith that transform that bring light where there in darkness. As Hebrew 11:1 declares,
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence on things not seen." May that faith take root in every corner of our city. Today we especially cried out of the mental health of our
youth. Lord, many walk with invisible bunders, with silent pain. You are the God who sins and heal. As written in this in the Psalms 34:18, the Lord is close to the
brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Bring rest, renew minds, and heal hearts. Raise up a generation free for depression, filled
with purpose and peace. May our youth know that in you there is hope and that they are never alone in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen. Amen.
Thank you. Ptor. Okay. We have um the agenda order of business. Adam City Manager's office. Do you have anything? No. Mr. City Attorney. Thank you, Mayor. Uh yes. Um, I'd like to uh ask for the uh item
that's going to be heard in the evening 20B uh to be deferred indefinitely. Uh this is a century PUB item. Uh and also I have a layown item uh with regards to a u an amendment to a settlement agreement with Oasis. I'd like for this item um if possible for the vote to be
taken uh to permit the the layown and for the item to be heard later this evening. Okay. I believe we have other layown items. So, we will take the votes for the layown items um right after we hear items to be pulled. But we your lay down item is is noted. Counciloman Pedato. No, I'm good. May thank you.
Vice Mayor Poras, nothing. Okay. Councilwoman Reynoso. No, Mayor. You do have a lay down item. Okay. We're going to hear that um right after this. Councilwoman Cabaral. Yes. I would like to pull C, D, M, and P. 6 C, 6 D, 6 M,
and 6P. Just to confirm. 6 C D M NP. Correct. Correct. Okay. Is that all? Yes. I'm going to go ahead and pull six. uh
G and defer 9B. Okay. I need a motion to hear the layown items. We will hear one of them this morning and the second one this evening. The city attorney's item will be heard this evening per the applicant's request. Motion. Motion to approve by councilwoman Reynoso. Second.
Second by councilman Benedo. Madam um just a second. You said uh 9B. Right now we're hearing the lay down items and then we can go back to that if you'd like. So please call the role. I have a motion to approve the two laid down items and by Councilwoman Reynoso seconded by Counciloman Pedo. Councilwoman Reynoso. Yes. Counciloman
Pedo. Yes. Counciloman Caval. No. Vice Mayor Poras. Yes. Mayor Fraa. Yes. Motion passes. Okay. Thank you very much. Um you had a question. Councilwoman Gabal. Yes. I'm just checking. If it's not my understanding
to remove 9B. Correct. It is 9B is being deferred. So that's the dodge. So it's my item that you're deferring. We're deferring the item. Okay. You're deferring my item. So there
will be no discussion, I guess. Thank you very much. Okay. We will now move on um to public comments. This will now open our public comments portion of the meeting. If you would like to speak to anything germanine to this council or anything on this agenda,
now would be the time to approach. I do have comment cards. I will start with those names first. Once we exhaust those, you can approach the podium. If you have not signed up to speak, please make sure you see the clerk. After that, you have three minutes to speak in a respectful manner to this council. We'll
go ahead and start with Adelles Ferrero. Feroh, sorry. Adelis name and address for the record please. Thank you so much. Good morning. My name is Adelis Feroh. I am a proud Venezuelan American citizen. I am
here to speak of the tens of thousands of immigrants who call Doral home. Many of whom now live in fear and going to live in fear because of a decision that will be made by this very city government. The city of Dural's decision
to align with ICE marks a dangerous shift, one that threatens the safety, dignity, and trust of the very people who built this community. Let's be clear. Over 30,000 Venezuelans live in Dorado. Many are in the process of
obtaining legal status right now. Many fled political persecution, not just seeking opportunity, but survival. Now, this city risk becoming a place of fear, a place where going to work, picking up a child from school, or
even reporting a crime could led to detention or deportation. Let me repeat that. Reporting a crime could led to arrest, not because someone broke the law, but because of their immigration status. This doesn't just
affect the undocumented. It impacts families waiting on asylum, TPS renewals, and war permits, families who fled regimes that jail people for their beliefs. And what makes this even more painful? Every single one of you sitting
on this dice is either an immigrant or the child of immigrants. You know what it means to leave everything behind for a shot of a fre of at freedom. You know the fear, the hope, the sacrifice. And yet today, you turn your backs on those
walking the same path your families once did. Turning Dorado's police into an arm of federal immigration enforcements destroys trust. When people fear the police, they don't report crimes. Victims stay silent. Witness disappear
and we are all less safe. Police are here to protect and serve, not to profile or deport. This decision doesn't make Dal safer. It makes it silent, suspicious, divided. This isn't just morally wrong, it's bad policy. And one
day you will look back and ask yourself, did I stand on the right side of history? There is a still time to do the right thing, but that time is running out and the people are watching. Thank you. Thank
you, Amanda Sherlock. Good morning everyone. Council members, uh, Amanda Sherlock, 9960 Costa del Sol Boulevard. I have been a resident of Dural for 20 years and a US citizen for 13. So yes, I am an immigrant, too. Our
city council is supposed to be a nonpartisan body working to improve the everyday lives of us as residents of Dural. Deputizing our police to become mini ICE agents is not going to accomplish that.
It will not reduce traffic or the dust from neverending construction or prevent our children from getting run over because a crosswalk signal has been destroyed again by a semi-truck trailer ramping our sidewalks. It will not
fortify us for the upcoming hurricane season or prevent flooding. I believe this will take up more of our police forces time. They will have to do longer background searches and hold and detain people. They will not be focused on what they
should be focused on, which is making the lives of the residents of Dural safer. The memo says it will have zero dollars fiscal impact. I disagree because our police will be less effective and ineffectiveness costs
money. I don't want my tax dollars to go to funding human rights abuses. That is not something I agreed to when I became a resident of Dural over 20 years ago. It's bad enough it's already happening with our federal tax dollars. Instead of
feeding poor children or curing AIDS in Africa, we are now paying foreign governments to disappear human beings from US soil without due process. I do not want my name associated with unconstitutional callousness and cruelty. It is shameful, outrageous, and
a permanent stain on us and our morality. What reassurances can we get that our neighbors who police hand over to ICE will not have their human rights abused? I don't think you can give us any. So, I'm asking you as your
constituent who you represent not to approve this item, especially as a consent item. It is definitely controversial and not routine. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Sherlock.
Bill Watts. Good morning, city of Dorado, our mayor and council. You all look wonderful up there. And everybody here, welcome to you as well. My name is Bill Watts. I am one of the original founders of the city
of Dorado and I'm a veteran and also have a nonprofit called Vet Info that works with disabled veterans. One of my missions several years ago was to bring the city, the residents, and the military together. So I'm here today uh
as there has been changes with the way things are done in appointments of advisory committees uh as a resident to request from the city that on Memorial Day that we please have the park open have it available if the city could also
as they've done in the past provide a reef. Uh I will work with some of the uh local nonprofits such as Vet Info and uh Bristol Hospice to uh see about getting sponsorship from some of the small items. But if we could have the park, a
reef, and maybe two police officers available that day for a informal event that we've done since 2018 uh to show our gratitude to those that have given their lives in service for this country. So with that said, I thank
you very much and hopefully uh the council and mayor can uh fulfill that request. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Watts. We will make sure to talk to administration to accommodate those requests. Okay. Um, Zora Karashi.
Good morning, Zora Karashi at 8475 Northwest 34th Drive. Good morning, mayor and council members. My name is Zora Karashi and I stand before you not just as an attorney, but as a daughter of immigrants, a mother, and a proud
member of this diverse city we call home. I am not Venezuelan, but I feel compelled to speak on behalf of the thousands of Venezuelan families who may never have the chance or opportunity to stand here for themselves. Today, you are being asked to vote on a resolution
that would allow ICE to train our local police officers under the 287G program. But this isn't just a policy. It's a gateway to fear, family separation, and racial profiling in a city that thrives on the courage and resilience of
immigrants. Dural is home to the largest Venezuelan population in the United States. Families who fled persecution, hunger, and violence with nothing but hope in their hearts now live, work, and raise children here. They are not criminals. They are teachers, small
business owners, churchgoers, students. And yet with this resolution, you risk make them feel hunted in their own neighborhoods. The 287G program does not increase safety. It deputizes local police officers to act as federal immigration agents, often without
training, oversight, or accountability to understand the nuances of immigration laws. This has led to racial profiling, wrongful detentions, and a chilling effect on communities that no longer trust the police. Not because they're guilty of anything, but because they're afraid their skin color, their accent,
or their immigration status could cost them everything. Let me be clear. This is not about politics. It's about people. It's about mothers too afraid to call 911 when they're abused, workers too afraid to report wage theft, and children terrified that their parents
won't come home. You were not elected to represent a party or a political agenda. You were elected to represent the people of Dural, their safety, their dignity, and their right to live without fear. We are not asking for favors. We are asking for humanity. Please reject the
resolution 6P. Say no to 287G and show this community, our community, that your loyalty is not to the higher powers that be, but the people who built the city and believe in the promises you made to keep them safe. Thank you. Juan Kuba.
Good morning, Mayor and Council. Um, my name is Juan Kuba. Address is 165 Ponellan Boulevard. And I um I come before you um to to talk as a as a father of a three-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter um as an immigrant who was born
in Lima, Peru. Um whose father came here with a promise that this country made to start a better future. Um, and we have and and like many immigrants that leave everything behind with that promise of refuge, some with a promise of
protection from oppression and communism with status that is now precarious uh because this administration is stripping that away from Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, Cubans, um, Haitians and others.
Um the agreement that is before you and I want to thank Councilwoman Cavaral for pulling it from the consent agenda. Um 287G was around before under less toxic times. It was pulled in 2012 after investigations by the Department of
Justice because it had led to racial profiling um in famously in Arizona and North Carolina and even in the panhandle of Florida. Um, we are in much more toxic times where there's attacks on immigrants directly coming from this
president and the White House when there's talk of even you hear Steven Miller and Steve Bannon, Steven Miller being in the White House talk about potentially denaturalizing people. I'm naturalized. This impacts me.
um an agency that feels emboldened because we have an administration that's ignoring due process and ignoring court orders. I want to tell you also that some of you might feel like this is
required of you by state law and it's not. Governor Dantis had made proposals in the first special session that would have required this. There was a requirement for every city to enter into the task force model agreement. There was a requirement for 10% of your police
force to be designated as ICE officers. Those were soundly rejected by the legislature. It was special sessions B and C where they actually passed and created the state immigration board. The city of South Miami has a
lawsuit currently filed in Lyon County that is asking a judge, hey, is this required or not? Because what what you're being told by the governor and by the AG is that every city must sign this thing and you cannot um or or or under threat of removal or under threat of
other political repercussions. That is not um again I would ask that you all wait to see how that lawsuit ends up. There's no deadline in state statute that says you have to sign this
today. You can defer the item. give it time to see what the judge says. If this is actually required by state law, give you 20 more seconds, please, to wrap up. I just um you know um you should listen to what the state
immigration board is telling participating agencies. They want you to collect data. If you think that you're just going to have one or two officers, the pressure from Sheriff Baltiier and Sheriff Brady Jud and Larry Keefe and the governor is telling you different.
They're going to push for you to get 10% of your police force designated as ICE officers. They're going to push for you to collect data. They're going to push uh it's going to lead to legal liability and honestly more fear. Fear in this community. I appreciate the extra time.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Laura Kelly. Good morning, mayor. Good morning, council members. Laura Kelly, 4321 Northwest 81st Avenue. I've been a Dural resident for over 11 years. I'm an immigration
attorney and a Dural business owner. I urge you to oppose any effort by DAL to enter into a 287g task force model agreement with ICE. Let me be absolutely clear. This agreement is not required by state law. In fact, the city of South
Miami has filed a lawsuit challenging the state's overreach. And during the most recent legislative session, lawmakers explicitly rejected proposals to make 28C 28 287G task force agreements for all police departments.
The legislature had a chance to require this and chose not to. What they did create is a state immigration enforcement council which is already burdening local police departments that choose to participate with these problematic directives, including
collecting and reporting detailed data on every stop involving suspected undocumented immigrants, gathering personal information even when there's no criminal conduct, and pressuring departments to deputize at least 10% of
their force as ICE agents. This isn't about public safety. It's about turning local police into immigration a agents and advancing a political agenda that undermines community trust, diverts local resources, and
exposes the city to legal liability. Our police should focus on keeping DAL safe through community policing, not immigration enforcement. When police start acting like ICE, it creates fear, not safety. immigrant families, stop
reporting crimes, stop cooperating as witnesses, and stop calling 911. This makes all of us less safe. And let's not forget who ICE is targeting under this mandate. These are not people with criminal charges. These will be people
pulled over for minor traffic infractions. We're talking about TPS holders, asylum seekers, and parole recipients. people who were here lawfully and are being stripped of their legal status without due process and are now subject to detention or worse being
disappeared to SECOT. This kind of agreement opens our city to costly litigation and public backlash. It erodess public trust in local law enforcement and jeopardizes the very relationships that community safety depends on.
I strongly urge you to ask the following questions of your police chief. How does Dorado PD define reasonable time to detain someone under only a civil immigration warrant given the Supreme Court case Rodriguez v. United States? How will Deral ensure it complies with a
state exception protecting victims and witnesses of certain crimes from immigration enforcement? And how many officers are expected to be deputized? And is a department prepared to meet the state's ongoing data collection and enforcement directives? 20 seconds.
There is no deadline in the state statute for signing this agreement. I ask that you agree with Councilwoman Kavaral and pull this for today. Save it for another day and at least until you get a ruling from the South Miami lawsuit. For the safety, trust, and
values of our community, please say no to 287G. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Kelly. Thank you, Fernanda Gomez. Do you need me? Good morning everyone. My name is Fernandanda Gomez, 9874 Northwest 52nd
Terraas, Doria 33178. First of all, I want to say I feel deeply aligned and very grateful for all the comments shared by the residents today who spoke for me. So now I just want to thank the
organizers and the city of Dural for the incredible Ron Dural dawn this past Sunday on April 13. As a resident who had the chance to experience it, I can truly say it was magical and beautifully organized. It brought together family,
health, and community in a way that left a lasting impression. Events like this represent us as a city, reflect who we are as a citizens, and set an example for other cities to follow. Thank you so much for
making this possible. Thank you, Miss Gomez. That has exhausted our comment cards. If anyone else would like to speak on any item on this c on this uh council meeting agenda or anything gerine to this council please approach the podium opportunity going
once twice public comments is now closed and we will move on with our agenda. Thank you for everyone who came to speak today. All right I need a motion on the consent agenda. Before that madame clerk, can we please read the order of the agenda? Absolutely, Mayor. It'll be
all of the items on section six with the exception of 6 C, 6 D, 6G, 6 M, and 6P. Yes, correct. And we will hear those um at the discussion at the end of discussion. Then we'll hear Councilwoman Reynoso's layown item, and we will hear
the city attorney's layown item in the evening session. Sounds good, Mayor. Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay, I need a motion to approve the consent agenda. Motion. Motion to approve by Counciloman Pinedo. Second. Second by Councilwoman Reynoso. All in favor say I. Hi. Hi. Please show the consent agenda passed.
Item 7A, approval of minutes. I need a motion on the approval of minutes. Motion. Motion to approve by Councilman Benedo. Second. Second by Counciloman Reynoso. All in favor say I. I. Please show the minutes passed unanimously. We'll now move into presentations. Item 8A. Presentation. Keep draw. Beautiful
business award. Thank you. Mr. Del Toro, please join us. Good morning, honorable mayor, vice mayor, members of the city council, madame manager, Mr. Deputy Manager, Mr. City Attorney, Madame Clerk, Danny Door,
assistant core compliance director. This month we are pleased to recognize Segus Property Group for their outstanding commitment to keeping Dorado beautiful. The property for which they are being recognized is located at 8315 Northwest 27th Street. Seikis Property
Group has been in the city of Dorado for 20 years. This property is approximately 248,000 total square feet and home to two local businesses. Seis Property Group is a leading owner of warehouse distribution facilities focusing on acquiring and developing industrial real
estate properties in strategic locations. Some of the ongoing maintenance efforts to keep the property in optimal condition include annual trimming and planting of landscape with bi-weekly services, weekly porter service to address immediate needs, and bi-weekly inspections by a maintenance
technician. It is with great pleasure that we ma we name seiz property group for the keep the route beautiful business award for their continued efforts to keep the route beautiful. Madame mayor and council here to accept the award on behalf of the property is property
manager Eddie Felipe. Thank you for joining us. Mr. Felipe, would you like to say a couple words? Hi, my name is Eddie Felipe. Um, I'm the property manager for CJ's Property Group. I manage most of their properties in Dorado. Um, I just want to say we're
committed to keeping our properties beautiful and uh, if anything, just give us a holler and we will fix whatever we need to fix. Thank you very much. Would you like to come up here for a photo? Yeah. Thank you. Thank you.
Okay, Madam Cler, we're going to move on to the discussion items. I do want to mention very quickly because I just noticed the time. It's 10:55. Um, I was going to recess the meeting at 11:30 today because we do have a funeral we need to go to of an a current an elected official that passed last week. Um, I
know that there was a lot of items pulled. When we recess the meeting, these will be taken up in the evening. Um, but we do have a commitment that we need to get to. So, the I think the latest we can go is 11:45. So, we'll try and get to through as much as we can, but there may be a diff a a recess till
the evening. Okay. Thank you. Item 9A, a resolution of the mayor and the city council of city of Dorado, Florida supporting a partnership with the alpha 421 group for a temporary blackbox theater dural cultural arts center for the performance of the walls have ears laes oing providing a timeline for setup and performance days providing for authorization, implementation,
incorporation of recitals and an effective date. Thank you, madam clerk. This is my item. Um I'm going to be as brief as possible. So for quite a while now um we've had a lot of requests to have theater in our community. We have an incredible cultural center that I
think could be utilized for a lot of creative um culturally driven events which we've done. One of the things we haven't done is immersive theater. And so in exploring these opportunities um I met this incredible group um a while ago
um from La Pere Hoyen. I actually got to see their play at um the Westchester Theater about two years ago. I think it was right after COVID, right? Sometime after COVID, um, uh, 4:21 group, uh, the Alpha 4:1 Group received a grant from
the state of Florida last year on the anti-communism bill to teach students the the dangers of communism. And so, I'm going to ask them to come up. And very, very simply, what we're asking for is to turn our cultural center into an immersive theater for about a month. Um,
they will have need some time to set up. So, this will start as of June 1st. They will start to build the theater and will run hopefully through the end of July. That's our expectation. Um, they do have a grant that they'll be using to build all this and some sponsorship uh which
we're committed to getting. The city's participation would be in an inind of the community center um so that they could have these the these um these plays for several weeks and they would also be encompassing and incorporating
our students in the activities. Not only will they be able to come see the play for free, but they can actually partake in the acting in the backstage. So part of the grant they received from the state of Florida. They can touch more about this on this is to encourage
students to get involved through theater through um uh through these uh arts programs and learn about the dangers of communism. So I'd like to call Robbie and Gabriel up here um who are going to do and I think you have someone else with you today that I have not met yet.
Um and they're going to do a quick presentation on what we will be seeing should this be approved in partnership with the city. Thank you guys for being here today. it. Do you have the presentation? Right. Thank you, council, for having us here.
I think the the mic I can project. There we go. We're good. Okay. Um I I I thank you guys for for allowing us to be here today. Um mayor, it's it's truly an honor to be here presenting this in in in front of all of
you. Um my name is Robbie Ramos. Uh, I'm an actor, but I I I took a chance at writing and I started to write a play that is loosely based on what my grandfather went through as a political prisoner in Cuba. Um, I wrote it as a
love letter to him. And as we did the play more and and more, uh, we've done it twice before, uh, what I realized is that I had written a love letter to the the really all Cuban political prisoners and the the Cuban diaspora. Um, it's
it's a story that is is really emotionally charging for me. Um, and I have a team here now uh beside me that that is going to help me bring it to life this third time here in Dorado, which we're really excited about. Um, considering the community that you guys
have here in the Venezuelan community as well that we really want to bring out to see the play. Um, if you can turn to the next slide, please. Okay, there we go. Perfect. So, the play is a one act dram uh drama. It it goes it's uh it takes place during the Cuban
missile crisis and it goes back and forth between a Cuban prison and a Miami radio station in 1962. Um the the uh the sorry, how do I There
we go. What's other one? Nope. Not doing it. There we go. There we go. Um, this play is really a play that I wrote uh about four years ago and and it's for the American public. You know, I I really wanted to make sure that the
the message of freedom of speech and and expression is is uh is one that I carry very deeply and that I think is is is squarely um in the narrative of this story. And now that we're being able to have, you know, um, students come to see
the play for free, uh, it's really going to open up our horizon to be able to bring in this younger generation that I think it's a message that that they really uh, uh, should hear. Let me see if I can move this next one. Yeah, we did it twice before. We did it at the Westchester Culture Arts Center and at
the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora. Both times the play was extended. Um, and and this summer, you know, we we hope to bring it here to the city of Dorado and and really, you know, show this this play to a new generation of Cuban and and Venezuelan uh
generation and and really um all of the citizens here at at Dorado. Um, Mayor Fraga here. Um, uh, you know, I I'm I'm in indebted to you, uh, because, uh, it's really a story that
that means so much to us and and it's a story that we're we're really excited to bring here to the city of Dorado. Um, I've got here Alan Ko Yaso, uh, who helped us with the appropriation and and can speak a little more about that.
Good morning, uh, council. Good morning, mayor. Um it's the appropriation is another example of the importance of the meaning of the play um to the state of Florida to our community. Um there is a an investment um from the state of
Florida of $50,000 that will help put this on the fortrun, but we can't really bring it to life, right, without you guys um without uh what the city of Dorado is going to do um in providing the space to bring this uh immersive
theater project to life. And through the appropriation, what we are able to do is we're able to provide free entrances to students, including here in the city of Dural, but also, let's say there's an FIU student, an MDC student, someone
that wants to come and see the play, and very importantly, learn about um why we need to educate our youth about uh the evils of communism. I myself, I left Cuba on a boat with my mother when I was 8 years old. So, this is very close and dear to my heart. Um but uh the
investment that the state is making and um with you guys' support I think that we can bring this to a brand new level. We were just talking as a team. Uh the type of immersive theater that this will be is going to be a whole level of what we've done in the other two times. So thank you guys for your support. Thank
you Lana. I hadn't recognized you to see you. Good morning. My name is Gabriel Bonia. I'm the director of Laare Soying. I'm just going to touch quickly on sort of the immersive component and how this works. So you guys get a very quick idea of what we're proposing and what we want to do uh in the space. And
um so let me talk about the actors first. Uh we have an incredible group of actors. Um Susanna Perez who really needs no introduction but is a staple in the Cuban community as an actress in Tel Nollas in theater everywhere. Um Hector Medina who just finished uh playing
opposite Alpuccino in a new feature film that should be coming out very soon. Um, Ariel Tuxedo is also another staple in the Miami acting community. Diane Garia, who just finished an episode of Law and Order, and we have Bill Schwarz, who um
used to be a an a police officer and transition into acting and has been the biggest gift uh to us in this play. Um, it says set design up here, and these are old photos of what we've done in the past, but I'm going to walk you through this real quickly. um as an
immersive component that the the the space is going to be transformed from the moment you walk in both spaces, the lobby inside. The way that this um show will work is you can watch the show about three or four times and see something new every single time. At no points do the actors get off stage.
There's no true blackouts. The actors may touch you, they may speak to you, they may walk around you. You watch it in the round and whatever is happening on stage is constantly living. So there are three stages or three main components. the the prison cell in Cuba,
the uh office of the prison cell, and a radio station in Miami. And while things are happening simultaneously, things may be quieter on one side, but the stage is still living and and it's in real time. So, you can watch the show again about three or four different times and catch something
different. Um, we're going to have the opportunity to have the students as well part of this immersive experience. So, uh, I don't want to give too much away, but as you get into the show, there are areas that are going to be active and sort of lively, and we want to allow the students to participate and be the
actors in those moments, as well as backstage as assistant stage managers, costumes, lightings, they can run our soundboards. Um, there's opportunity for anyone who's interested. Uh, and we kind of want to hold auditions and sort of like a make it a fun experience for the students to to showcase what they're
interested in and and their talents and how we can allow them to uh to participate with us. And of course, we're going to be um showcasing the artwork of Kiki Valdez, who was inspired by the show uh when he came to a reading and uh he came to us
and was like, "Hey guys, I you know, can I can I do a series of of of paintings based on the show?" And we said, "Yeah, why don't we do this together?" Um, so these are just a few of his paintings, but there's also an artistic immersive component as well before the show and and during the show, all these paintings
will be um displayed as well. Some of our partners, Robbie, you want to touch on partners? Sure. Yeah. Yeah. Because on there. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Uh, Havana Club, uh, that's now made by Bikardi has been a a big partner of ours
ever since we did Amparo, uh, a couple years ago. Um, Cuban Freedom March, Aliang is is one of the founders and uh, Gutura Media House is a creative agency that we're working with. So, these are three partners of ours right now that that we're bringing along for this uh,
this ride here in in Dural. Um, I think that concludes our presentation. Yes. Um, thank you all for having us. Thank you, Robbie, Gabriel, Alian. Um, so basically just two things I want to point out as well. The the play will be completely bing Well, don't leave guys
just in case there's any questions. will be completely bilingual. Um I believe there'll be shows. There's Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Correct. Um but in the meantime, there will also be an exhibit of um historical documents and
actual paintings that were taken from prison cells in Cuba um on display. So, it'll be really just active all the time. We've talked about bringing speakers and political prisoners and doing things in the center during the time that they're there to really um
make it bring bring it to life, make it immersive um and also educational. So um I think it's a great initiative. They've got the funding from the state plus some sponsors and I would really love to see how our cultural that was my first initial conversation is I really want to see how the how this the cultural center
works as a theater since we get so many requests for it to be theater or to try and do theater there. So I think it would be great to do it with someone who or an organization that not only has done it before but also um and understands the permitting process and everything we have to do but also has
the funding. That's always the hard part in the city to put everything. It's it's it's taxing on us. So hopefully I have the support and we can move forward and this will come to life in June. Um I think the looking we're looking to do our opening night the 13th June 13th and
it will run for a month and hopefully sales of tickets are are good and we can go all the way through July 20th. Also I want to mention they're committed to giving 20% 15% or 10% I forgot we said I don't recall. uh a percentage of the sales will go to parks and police for kids for
the tickets. I think we had said 15%, right? Could be. Yeah. 15% of the tickets. They've been very transparent with their budget and what it would cost to pay the actors and everything, but a percentage of the sales will go to parks and police for kids to raise money. So, it's a great cause and um there's any questions, please feel free to ask them.
And if not, then we need a motion to to approve. Mayor. Yes. Council is great. So, a motion to approve. Thank you, Councilman. Second. Second by Councilman Reynoso. Any questions? Okay, seeing none. From now, you'll work with staff. I mean, I know we've all been working together with
staff as well, but um we look forward to having a great successful event. We're going to have a media night, so we hope you all participate. Yeah. Thank you, Madam Clerk. If there's no additional questions, please call a question. Motion to approve, made by Counciloman Pedo, seconded by Council Marinos. Council Peno, yes. Council Marinoso,
yes. Council Mal, yes. Vice Mayor Porz, yes. Mayor Frago, yes. Motion passes. All right. Thank you very much. We look forward to working with you all. Have a good afternoon. Okay, we move on to item 9B. Item 9 C. Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. 9. The
mayor and the city council of the city of Dorado, Florida, establishing a policy requiring elected officials to reimburse the city for unused event tickets or table seats purchased with city funds when they failed to attend and do not provide a designated representative providing for authorization, implementation, incorporation of recitals, and an effective date. Thank you. This is Councilwoman Reynoso's item. Thank you,
mayor. Well, this item I'm bringing up because, you know, I think when the city of Deral is invited to events or what we can sponsor or we can attend, it brings a level of prestige to the event. And um I
don't think it's a good look for our city when we have empty seats there that have been paid for. So, my item deals with fiscal responsibility. Um, you know, during my research, I found out that, you know, RSVP, it is a
French word for respond play, and we all do a very good job responding, but we don't do a very good job attending. So, my item brings in um a payback system where if we paid for
a seat, the city should be reimbursed if you did not attend that um event that you RSVPd to. And um I would like to make an amendment on my item in the section
four. Originally I have here exceptions to this policy may be granted under extenduating circumstances such as medical emergencies or unforeseen conflicts at the discretion of the city manager and end it there. Okay, that's all
and I'm happy to entertain any conversation. All right. Is there any questions regarding this item? Motion to approve. Motion to approve by councilman uh penado through the chair. I have a question. Yes, councilwoman Cabral. Uh to the city manager through the item. I mean is you
are the one that going to approve or accept the absence. Yes ma'am. That is what the resolution says. My concern is that it says that we have to provide 48 hours at least notice if I mean there's circumstances
where someone wake up that day or before going to this event that they might feel bad physically some of their children or something happens that they are not going to be able to be there. How are you going to handle that? Because sometimes we don't have 48 hours ahead
of time to let you know. And also if you request a medical uh because sometimes there's someone that have a stomach flu. They don't need to go to an emergency or urgent care. They just need 24 hours to clean up their system. So how is that
going to work? Well, Councilwoman, um just speaking logically, I would say that if someone is ill and and cannot attend, then they are ill and they cannot attend. I mean, well, that's just an example of ill ill illness, but someone something happened with a car. They're different issues. I don't think
that it's fair to put you know 48 hours limit if somebody have any issues uh that will come. I just wanted to make sure that it will be uh in a fair way that is going to be judged. You have a comment? Absolutely. I see I see you
talking to the through the mayor. As soon as you're done I'll So, are you No, I I'm not I'm not done. Uh so the reason that I'm asking is just as just wanted to see you know what will be a a uh a system that many of us you know aside from
being here and serving the community will also have jobs that require sometimes uh that we have to be there for an urgent situation and things like that. So I just wanted to make sure that this will that you will take in consideration have it on the record that
if we are not able to give a 48 hour notice you will be able to you wanted to say something. Can you please go ahead and finish? I have five minutes. Yeah I I have not interrupted you. But you keep trying to push me and I still have five minutes. No that's
what that's how is conducted the meeting. No those five minutes are ticking right now. Go ahead please. That's fine. So, and I apologize for the interruption. So, I just wanted to, you know, to clarify that and make sure I know that you are a very fair person,
but I just wanted to make sure that that is also taken in account. Well, thank you for that. But the only thing I would like to add is that time is a policy question. It's not my call, but yes, absolutely. If someone is sick, if you
know, if there's an issue with a car not working or god forbid a car accident or anything of that nature, obviously that will be taken into consideration, but the time allotted is a policy question. So, that's something that you all have to decide. Would you uh councilwoman uh
be be able then to eliminate the the uh the time or at least um to have an excuse that will be then um evaluated by our city manager instead of putting a number into the time due to this different circumstances that can happen.
And many of us, I mean, we are glad to be able to go to the events to, like you said, to support and to be there because it is important for the people that are um at the performing these events and inviting us to it through the mayor. Yes, council. So, so
I think there's a level of self-reporting uh self-governing that, uh, we need to be responsible for, right? And I think your comments are very interesting because it kind of gives me a read on your level of integrity, right? Because
as public officials, we have to have integrity, right? Do the right thing when nobody's looking. So if there is a family emergency, if there is a medical emergency, I think it is to our discretion to alert which will now be
the city manager of that excuse. I will not be making a change though to the time. Thank you. The mayor. Any other questions? Yes. Vice Mayor Pores, go ahead. Councilwoman, can you just clarify because the way that I read it is the policy is you need to notify
within 48 hours but with an exception. Right. So is the exception obviously lower like less than 48 hours. Right. Correct. Um section four. I mean let me see where it is. That's the way that I read it. Section two. Yep. Section two. Is that correct? So yep, that would be
the correct way. Any other questions? I do have one comment just to, you know, clarify something. I think that this policy is warranted because there's been repetitive occurrences. I think each
time we have purchased tables or tickets to events, we've noticed that continuously the same people say they're coming and then don't show up and then we have half a table empty when those tickets could go to directors that rep will represent the city. They can go to
uh advisory board members. We can invite members of the community that want to participate in this foundation or in this um you know in this event. So, I think it's wasteful spending and and just I think it's um it's disrespectful to say I'm going to go to something and
then not show up. It's disrespectful to your colleagues. It's disrespectful to the administration. It's disrespectful to the taxpayer. And there's been repetitive occurrences. And so, I think this is a great policy. Um I think it holds us accountable. If you're not going to go to the event, you simply say, "I won't be able to make it." and
48 hours should be enough notice to let the administration know that they can invite someone else. Um, sometimes people get left out from from our staff because there's not enough space. Um, and so I think that this is a respectful way of taking care of that. Now,
obviously there's self-governance and I think that there's common sense. If you are, you woke up that morning and you're really sick, I think that the manager can well well uh excuse that absence. If there's not repetitive occurrences, if there's repetitive occurrences, then
that's just um you know, someone not being respectful of everyone's uh participation and and obligations. So, I'm going to be supportive of this. I think it's good the way it's written. I think there's common sense uh and and at the end of the day, common sense is what
should govern. So thank you very much through just again just to clarify it's 48 hours but if there's a medical emergency circumstance then which would be up to the the manager too obviously there would be some some understanding and and it should be you should if if
you have an event in the evening if you call early in the morning cuz you're not feeling well like unless it's a car accident that everybody should be able to see right cuz there's going to be some evidence to it but if you're feeling sick and you know you have an event that evening you should be able to call the manager in the morning or send a text and say, "I'm not feeling well.
You can go ahead and give my seat away and maybe the attorney can join us or maybe the manager comes with someone else or maybe a director can come or maybe we reach out to an advisory board member, maybe someone else in staff can join us and the seat doesn't stay empty. The table looks it looks bad on the city
and it's wasteful spending. It's sometimes a $150 plate that goes unu, you know, unattended because because members of the council didn't show up. So, um I think that we can move forward with the way it's written. I have another comment, please. Yes, council
me. On section four, it says um exceptions to this policy may be granted under extenduated circumstances such as medical emergencies or unforeseen conflict at the discretion of the city manager and approval of the city council. That's what council meo asked to strike out and approval of the city council. It's going to end at city
manager. City manager. Just wanted to make sure that. Yeah, that was the amendment she made. Okay. Madam clerk, please call the question. A motion to approve is amended. Made by council pento, seconded by council.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o Council Peno? Yes. Council Reynoso. Yes. Council Kan. Yes. Vice Mayor Poras. Yes. Mayor
Fraga. Yes. Motion passes. All right. Thank you very much. We'll move on to the next item. Madam clerk. Item 9D. A resolution of the mayor of the city council of the city draw authorizing the city manager to assess the cost and benefit of upgrading the electric vehicle charging stations at city hall and expanding the installation of electrical vehicle charging stations city parks providing for authorization
implementation incorporation of recitals in an effective date. All right. This is Councilwoman Reynoso's item. Thank you, mayor. Yes. So, um I spoke to a few of our residents and one of the concerns was, you know, we are a smart city. This is 2025 and chargers, charging stations
do not take multiple hours to charge a vehicle. So, in our city building, we have a few chargers. They take an excessive amount of time to charge. Um, so I think we need to revisit the charging stations that we have and also
uh provide opportunities to our city, provide opportunity to our residents of having additional charging stations at our parks, right? We want to make it easy for people to come visit our city, our residents come charge up the car and not have an issue with that. Um, this
are modern times, modern solutions. And I think this is a great step to um 2025 and the things that we need to do to modernize our city infrastructure improvements. All right, the mayor. Um yes, councilwoman. Um we have Carlos
Aoyo here, our public works director. Um he has a presentation and um will speak to more or less what our proposal is for the city garage and the parks. Great. Good morning, mayor, vice mayor, council
members, uh, city manager, city attorney, city clerk, members in the in the public, Carlos Aoya, director. I'm going to go fast because I know you had to leave at 11:30. So, we currently have uh at the government center uh the existing infrastructure. We have uh uh four chargers, right? We have all our
chargers are charge point. Um we have uh two dual pedestal and two single pedestal, right? We have uh two chargers at the training and community center. One is single, another one is dual. All of them are charge point and at the at the parks we have uh four uh duals at
the Dal uh central park on the west parking lot. Right. So the cost of these chargers uh you know we have it here uh the MSRP for example the the single pedestri is 2,800. We purchase them through the share of state contract which makes them
cheaper for us. We have the cost here of the uh dual two also which is uh $8,000 and we pay4600 and those are level two and the level three which the MSRP is almost $40,000 we pay uh 28,000. So all these
are just a separate note all these are installed by by city staff here at the government center. So here we can see the location of the existing infrastructure here. Uh the parking garage we have uh the two double ones on the first floor and the
single and the double one at the third floor. Charge point provides us with a with a dashboard right. Uh we also have an internal one. The one on the top is the the one provided by charge point which basically tracks usage consumption uh you know session length uh the
electricity dispense energy etc. Right. And we have an internal one which feeds from the one that charge point provides. Currently the service is free for everyone. So um you know the average cost uh at the government center for
kilowatts per hour is uh 25 cents. That's from March of 2024 to March of 2025. And the actual energy dispense the FPL bill approximately uh totals $3,000 for those vehicles. So here at the facility we pay uh monthly uh an average
of 40 $14,000 in FPO bills and 3,000 is for that right so just an interesting note and as per the EBA every passenger vehicle emits approximately 4.6 6 tons of carbon dioxide per year, right? And based on this value, the cities has
helped prevent the emission of approximately uh half a million pounds of greenhouse gases, right? And this is like planting like uh 58 uh 100 trees and letting them grow for 10 years. So, uh we are the only uh free
charters in the area right now, right? Um so we've been in discussions with the city manager's office to uh the to to look at the possibility of charging to recoup some of these uh fundings that we're spending right and also to promote transfer use and uh and prevent uh or
minimize abuse. Okay. So some of the examples in the area you have some charges at downtown Dural Pac Boulevard. They charge uh 125 per hour. they have a 30-minut grace period and after the time has expired the rate increases right per
hour. So the city of Miami Springs for example they charge 99 cents per session plus 150 per hour and uh let's the city of Carables they charge uh 30 cents per kilowatt hour and they have also a 30 minute grace period and after that you
time has expired the the rate increases by by 3 cents per minute. Okay. So as per the car and driver magazine uh the average charging cost in Miami it's uh 36 cents kilowatt per hour and the average charging cost in the nation is
uh 55 cents. Okay. So uh we're going to look into the possibility of an establish a rate with the city manager's office and uh and see how how we could charge if we're going to move that route. Right. The the current system allow allows us to uh have uh various
options. we can have uh don't charge some vehicles or you know give a couple of hours free and then increase the charging. You know there's there's various options that we could look at. So in order for us to improve the the capabilities and increase the the infrastructure at the government center
uh you know we we apply for a grant uh it's called the ECBG the energy efficient efficiency conservation block grant right uh that was awarded by the department of energy. So we the city got awarded $140,000, right? And it's going to be used for these purposes. So we
planned we need to actually uh increase the the electrical panel uh uh output and also uh uh install a new transformer, right? So the plan is to add uh those uh improve the the panel, add the transformer, obviously install
the infrastructure and then add five dual pedestal uh chargers and one level three single pedestal charger which will be located on the first and the third floor of the parking garage. So here you have the locations. Um we currently have uh two uh double
chargers on the first floor. We're going to add an additional two. So, we're going to have a total of four and one level three, which is the fast one. And we we're adding uh three doubles on the on the third floor of the parking garage. That's going to give us uh 17 ports.
And you know, that's it. If you have any questions, thank you very much. I'd like to go fast, but any questions from the council through the mayor? Yes. Council Marinos, I would like for the city manager to consider the possibility of not charging
our employees to use the charging points whether it's in the city building or at our parks through the mayor. Um yes, councilwoman. Um so what we have discussed is that certain uh uh the companies that we have
um they have uh a way to be able to obtain codes or be able to exempt um our employees from doing that here um uh or at any of the chargers that we have. So yes, we were we are definitely considering that uh as well. I think um
with respect to the charging, I think the conversation um that I've had with staff is really not about necessarily covering the cost of the electricity, although it will go to cover the cost of the electricity that we're spending. Um but also because we find that there's a
lot of people that come and leave their cars for extended periods of time here in our garage. They don't pick up their cars. Um there are kids that are going to school and leaving their cars charging while they're at school. Um and we don't get to be able to have the
service for everyone to be able to use it. So not only do we want to expand the amount of chargers that we have, but we want to be able to make sure that it's being used responsibly um by by the user. Um so that's that's one part of it. Um the other part is is
that I also would like to take some time to to look into which public works is going to do. Um there are companies that that also want to enter into agreements so it doesn't uh it doesn't bring a cost to us to put the infrastructure in um and and that we can enter into
agreements in that sense. So we prepared this brief presentation for the meeting to inform you, but obviously this would come back should we decide to actually institute a policy and do everything else. So, I thank the council woman for bringing this forward and we're we're um
definitely want to move in this direction and if it is the will of the council. Thank you. Thank you very much. Any other questions? Motion to approve. Motion to approve by Councilman Pedo. Second. Second by Councilwoman Reynoso. If there's no additional questions, madam clerk,
please call the role. Motion to approve made by Counciloman Pino. Seconded by Council Reynoso. Counciloman Pinedo. Yes. Council Reynoso. Yes. Council, yes. Vice Mayor Pores, yes. Mayor Frago, yes. Motion passes. Thank you very much. All right, we're going to take up this last item and then we're going to recess and hear the rest when we come back. Um so
let's go ahead and take up item E. Item E, advisory boards, committees, and commission member nominations. All right. So um madam clerk, you put this item. I think everybody put the forth their names as best as possible with the changes that was made to the policy was very
difficult because there was a lot of people wanted to participate for the first time and reasons why I was not in favor of amending the policy last time. Um it creates an undue burden on residents who want to start getting involved and haven't been able to participate in the past. So in the
evening we'll be amending the the ordinances again so that people can be added. So I foresee that we will be bringing back more names in May. In the meantime, if there's no objection, we can go ahead and move forward with an approval for the current list that's being provided so some of the boards can start meeting. Motion. Motion to approve
by Counciloman Reynoso. Second. Second by Councilman Pinedo. If there's no questions, Madam Clerk, please call the role. Motion to approve made by Council Reynoso. Seconded by Counciloman Peno. Council Reynoso. Yes. Counciloman Pedo. Yes. Counciloman Cabal. Yes. Vice Mayor Poras. Yes. Mayor Frago. Yes. Motion passes. Okay. If everybody is a meeting,
I'd ask for a recess of this meeting. We will take up the rest of this agenda first at 6:00 this evening. Motion. Motion to recess. Motion to recess by Councilman Benedo. Second by Councilwoman Reynoso. All in favor say I. I. It's a unanimous vote for a recess to the meeting. We'll be back at 6
o'clock. Thank you. Part: 2
okay good evening everyone to our April 16th council meeting evening session We're now calling this meeting to order Madam clerk please call the role Councilwoman Eoroso present Counciloman Rafael Pinedo
present Counciloman Cabral present Vice Mayor Marz here Mayor Christie Fraga present May you have quum Please rise for the pledge of allegiance led by Councilwoman Reynoso I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation
under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all Okay Um agenda order of business Do we have anything additional from this morning nope I think we're going to continue with the order that we had from this morning All right We will now go into public comments Public comments is
now open Please approach the podium If you would like to speak to anything on this agenda or anything germanine to this council you have three minutes to speak in a respectful manner to this council If you did not fill out a comment card please visit the clerk so that you can fill one out State your name and address for the record Now
would also be a good time to put your phones on silent please Anybody who would like to speak being no public comments we will close the public comment portion of this meeting Madam Cler the record one has chosen to speak
at this time Okay We will now go into our morning items that we left pending Correct So madame mayor if it's okay we will start with the two layown items and then we'll go to the items on consent that were actually let's go ahead and go into on the same order we were in and
we'll do the lay down at the end Okay sounds good So then we will go to item 6C a resolution the mayor of the city council of city of D Florida approving a settlement agreement with Navar Pñena providing for implementation incorporation recital and providing for an effective date This was pulled by counciloman Caval Okay Counciloman Caval
this is your item Thank you Okay I just want to say that I already have the information that I needed from the city attorney So thank you for taking the time this afternoon and meeting with me You're welcome Thank you Would you like to place a motion to approve motion to approve Motion to approve by Councilman
Gavali Need a second Second Second by Councilman Pedo If there's no other questions Adam clerk please call the role Motion to approve by Counciloman Caval Second by Counciloman Pino Counciloman Caval Yes Councilman Pinedo Yes Counciloman Reynoso Yes Vice Mayor Porz Yes Mayor Fraga Yes Motion passes
Okay next item Next item 6D A resolution the mayor of the city council of state Florida approving a settlement agreement with Glenn Stozenberg providing for implementation incorporation recitals in an effect debate This was pulled by councilman cabal Okay counciloman this is your same I
already have the information um about this item through the um the city attorney Okay thank you very much Let you place a motion to approve Motion to approve Motion to approve by counciloman Caban Second Second by counciloman Benedo Madam clerk please call the ro There's some motion for questions Motion
to approve by counciloman Second by council pedo Counciloman Kal Yes Counciloman Pedo Yes Counciloman Reynoso Yes Vice Mayor Poras Yes Mayor Fraga Yes Motion passes Okay Next item Madam Click Item 6G A resolution of the mayor of the city council of city of
draw Florida approving the award of fiscal year 2025 cycle community based organization grants in the amount of 30 3350 to Mary plus community services corp 2450 to RAW Contemporary Art Museum 3,150 to Dudo Arts Inc 3,750 to Everlasting Dance Foundation 3,750 to
Miami Dynasty 4,300 to Passion for Labresca and 4,250 to SVC Foundation providing implementation incorporation of recitals and an effective date This was pulled on Mayor Fa Thank you um Madam Clerk So I just wanted to bring it to everybody's attention I actually reviewed all the applications for um
each of the organizations that applied There was three that were left out which I felt were not only beneficial to the community but also equally deserving And so I'd like to ask for us to fund them at $2,500 a piece Um if there's any questions I spoke to the CFO and the manager's office and there is funding
that we can allocate Um and so I I would request that we please go ahead and fund those three organizations as well if anybody has any questions Yeah it is Um give me one second
Sorry So one of them is um memory okay corp The other one is power to voice corp And the other one is education for all All of them nonprofits If there's no objections I need a motion Motion to approve Motion
to approve by councilomano Second Second by counciloman Reynoso Madame uh city manager or city attorney do you need additional clarification on the funding or I believe the funding source was identified by the CFO No the funding source was identified by the CFO
We're we're good on that Okay Just want to make sure it's clear on the record Okay There's no more questions Madam Cler please call the role Motion to approve Main by council Pedo seconded by Counciloman Reynoso Council Pedo yes Counciloman Reoso yes Council Gabrell yes Vice Mayor Porz yes Mayor Frago yes Motion passes All right Thank you very
much for your support We move on to the the last pulled item Uh second to last mayor This is MP Oh I'm sorry I missed M I only had P Item 6M a resolution of the mayor of the city council of the city of red Florida pursuant to section 2-322 of
the city's code of ordinances authorizing the city manager to utilize the General Services Administration contact contract number GS07F0031W negotiated with Millennium Products in an amount not to exceed $1 million for the purchase of license plate readers LPR and equipment Authorizing the city manager expend
funds from account number 001605-500647 providing fundamentation incorporation recital and an effective date This was pulled by counciloman Okay Thank you very much counciloman Gabali The floor is yours Thank you for um meeting with me the city manager and city attorney for providing the information that was not included in the
agenda and I understand it was let's say sensitive information Uh so thank you for sharing that with me and going over it Okay No motion Motion to approve by Councilman Cabal Second Second by Councilman Pino Any other questions okay being none Madam Chair please call the
role Motion to approve by Counciloman Caval Second by Council Peno Counciloman Cabral Yes Councilman Pedo Yes Council Reoso Yes Poras Yes Mayor Fraga Yes Motion passes Okay Sorry Now we're going into the final pulled item Item P a resolution of the mayor of the city council of city of Dorado Florida authorizing the city to enter into a
memorandum of understanding with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE a component of the Department of Homeland Security DHS as a participating United States governmental agency authorizing the city manager to execute set agreement and to do all things necessary to effectuate this resolution providing for authority implementation incorporation recital and an effective date This was pulled by
council Okay madam clerk Thank you very much Counciloman Cabra you pulled this item Yes thank you I decided to pull this item because I know that it's a sensitive item and so many um uh residents that have already reached out asking questions and I know that they're
very concerned on how things might be handled how things unfortunately have been handled in some other states and municipalities So I um I know that this was our police chief who placing the
agenda and I wanted to uh through the um the mayor to to the manager I would like to ask some questions to our chief Yes Um chief if you could come up please Through the mayor uh to the councilwoman if I can lay down just a couple of facts
and issues with regards to this before the chief uh speaks Yes Do you Mr City Attorney yes absolutely Thank you very much Madame Mayor Thank you Councilwoman Um I just wanted for the the council members to understand the reason why this item was was brought before you Uh
this is a an item that pretty much all of uh local governments uh sheriff's offices municipal police uh departments have been asked to answer and the uh attorney general uh James Oathmire has
taken the position that not signing the letter uh is violative of Florida statutes 908102 What 908102 is it's called the sanctuary city law sanctuary city The definition is a local government that
adopts or a law or a policy that has um that impedes a law enforcement agency from complying with either u immigration law or impedes a law enforcement agency from communicating cooperating with a federal immigration agency In this letter that they sent the city of Fort
Meyers on March 18th 2025 the attorney general opined that the uh council uh disapproving the signing It was it was a 3-3 vote so it died the motion And by it dying it it said that the city had
violated uh the sanctuary city law 901 908102 And that it could and I and I quote uh states sanctuary policies are not tolerated or lawful in Florida immediate corrective action is required Failure to correct the council's action will result in the enforcement of all
applicable civil and criminal penalties including but not limited to being held in contempt declaratory injunctive relief and removal from office by the governor Recently 2 days ago on April 14th 2025 in the city of Orlando uh the council
who had signed uh 287G uh decided to take uh an action or or pass a resolution that would somewhat minimize uh what the police department could do Uh and in a similar fashion the attorney general sent a similar uh letter uh
threatening that it violated 908102 uh and that by doing so uh the city of Orlando could face criminal civil uh uh penalties and removal from office Uh I can tell you that in the case of the city of Fort Meyers uh what ended up
happening is that uh the city uh reconvened and they did pass the 287g and I believe that the city of Orlando is also not passing that resolution Attorney General's opinion are not necessarily binding but they are persuasive and most local governments
follow their lead Uh I can give you one example Earlier uh today we did pass a a resolution authorizing uh myself as a city attorney to take action against the tax collector should the tax collector decide to withhold the 2% Uh that whole argument is based on attorney general
opinions uh from 1970s Uh the city of Dorado does not allow for certain electronic participation to count for quorum based on an attorney general's opinion of what quorum means and their uh interpretation of statute and that's something that's followed by the entire state So attorney general opinions are
extremely persuasive and they are followed and they're meant to Besides that the attorney general does have the authority to do what he is stating here uh in the enforcing criminal penalties and civil penalties amongst all of you Passing this is painful for all of
us We're all immigrants I'm an immigrant Everyone here is Um we all have families uh that derive from different places where uh right now you know there's there's great suffering uh for what's going on and the confusion Uh nevertheless we all took oaths uh to defend and protect the the law I took my
oaths and and you did as as well And this is one where we have very limited discretion on what we can do We're being mandated by the state to take certain actions and if we don't we're being threatened uh with criminal penalties So I just I kind of wanted to put that out there This is not something that the city wants to do I know uh but it's
something that the city is is pretty much being mandated uh to do Thank you Mr City Attorney Madam Councilwoman you had a question Yes Like I said one the reason that I pull uh this item is because of the how sensitive it is and I know that there
are many questions from our residents and I just want to go through those ones Um I don't know if might you if you have some of those answers already uh or then for you to keep in mind because I would like you to answer those ones then later
on because they're important for our our residents So within one of the first questions is that I want to know have you already been in contact with ICE have you already meet with them uh prior to this meeting to today's meeting no no I haven't had any communications with
anybody from the eyes office This is just a preliminary If you can get closer to the Yeah I haven't had any communication with um any supervisory staff from ICE regarding uh this item So this is in the infancy stages right now and u you know after today we'll see
based on your vote how we move forward Okay So I just going to proceed with with um with some of the questions that I know that are concerned from our residents and like you said you haven't met yet with them and but anyway maybe you have already an idea or you will be
able then to answer those questions later on So some of them is um what are the department policies regarding uh detain uh requests from from ICE well we have a multitude ofUS memorandum understandings with law enforcement agencies not only in the local and state
level but at the federal level as well already Uh we're have under car of law a duty to act and assist our you know partnering agencies Um we haven't been requested at this time to agree uh to assist in any uh dealings in terms of immigration Uh our primary focus is not
immigration matters in our community is something that as a police chief as a son of immigrants you know and and been here two and a half years I have a a deep love for this community especially the Venezuelan community a lot of them are have become close friends of mine but we have a duty to act as well and follow the law and um we have an amazing
legal team as well and the current interpretation that this is a mandate and we will you know follow the law My opinions come second Our duty to act and be responsible comes first However the primary focus of the Dorado Police Department is the safety and security of residents in this community and our
officers are not um currently uh trained or equipped uh nor is it our mission to enforce immigration laws um in our community When we conduct a simple traffic stop our officers are not Sorry to interrupt you It's just because I have a a few more questions Well maybe
maybe what I'm saying is is answering some of it No no So that's why I just wanted to go over them and have a short a short answer Sure But but so then I can go over the the the concerns Sure I want to just finish a statement I was saying and um the primary focus of our officers during encounters with citizens
do not involve questioning regarding their immigration status Um we are here to serve and protect each and every uh person in this community regardless of their their uh their uh immigration status Now during the during the course
of our investigations for extreme felonious acts or anything related to that matter if um during our investigative process it comes to light that the person is in this country illegally illegally um there may be additional charges that that person may
face but for but the primary encounters that we um face on a daily basis not me here cuz for me to stand up here um and say that I do the work of the men and women behind me I know I'm going to cut you Please because then I I have to go over and we have a many other things
It's just going to be quick Let me let me clarify something Councilwoman your time is not counted when he's responding because he's responding It's not about my excuse me I'm speaking right now If not it's not about my five minutes I have a set of questions and I just wanted to go over it It's possible that
you're putting your statement and that's great But the thing is that some of the questions it might be within already and I don't want you to be repeating So council woman it's just that It's just that council woman when when the chief is responding he's not just responding to you He's responding to all of us I
understand But I'm the one making the questions not you And I'm chairing the meeting here And that's okay But I I am I already request that I want to ask some questions It's been granted to me So this is my time Tell you what and that's okay Here's here's how we're going to handle this No one will be
interrupted If the chief needs to finish his statement he'll finish it And then you will have the time to ask all your questions No one is going to take that away from you However I think it's unfair to not allow someone to finish a statement when you're asking very sensitive questions That's how we're going to conduct ourselves here Let's do
this Could you please then give your statement at the end if there's something that is not included within the questions that I'm asking you i I would love for you to give your statement Listen I am not here to attack anybody I'm just here to make because this is like how it sounds like I asking
these questions because these questions are important for our residents Like you said there we are here to protect them Like you said I am also the daughter of immigrant I am an im immigrant too because I came here when I was 25 and expecting my second child So I know how
it is I went through the process too like everybody else So I just want to ask these questions because I know that there are many people that they want to hear the answer And like I said if there's some answers that you don't have right now that's okay If not we can have these you can give those answers later
on because I know that many of them might be after you already have you know the plan that you already have sit down with ICE and and whatever other agencies that has to be within So it's not we do understand and we know that you're already have shown that you are here to
protect the community to look after us and I do understand that and I'm pretty sure that everybody knows that but I just wanted to go through these questions and like I said there's some that you might not have the answer right now and that's okay So it's just I understand what you're saying ma'am But
the statements that I am making reach far beyond the communication between you and I and those in this room The officers my officers that encounter these questions every single day out in the community It's important for them to
recognize that the leadership in this city respects the valuable work that they do every day And we are not communicating amongst ourselves only We have media outlets here We have residents here in this community that love Dorado that love our police department And my responses are not only
to your questions but to the questions that we get every single day the men and women behind me that are behind the scenes doing the work every day So um even though I am not stopping you to be able to do but that's the reason that that's the reason that I may be
expanding a little bit on my responses And please I don't speak often up here but give me the chance to address from a global perspective Thank you I am not stopping you to to answer to I'm not stopping you to be able to uh give your
statement I just wanted to go through the questions and then you will have all the time that is allowed by by the council for you to say everything that you want to say Thank you Next question So and yes I do appreciate the police department I actually was the chair for the park vice chair of park and police for kids here
So how do you balance how do you plan to balance enforcing local law while ensuring immigration immigrant communities feel safe reporting uh reporting crimes by our actions every single day ma'am whether it's a coffer service whether it's a coffee with a cop
event whether it's one of the mayors or the vice mayors or any of our elected officials amazing events that go on this community our officers are there handinand each and every day The backbone of our agency is community policing The relationships that we've made with this community far far exceed
any law in this country The bonds the relationships in our schools our school resource officers building the rapport with the students Our community outreach unit visiting homeowners associations on a daily basis Are the number of warnings that we give instead of citations in the
community the educational campaigns that we embark on through social media platforms communication platforms through digital media through a host of channels That's what ensures the trust in the community partnerships that we have established in this community Not only for the last two and a half years that I've been here but but over the 17
years that the men and women behind me over the 17 years that those two majors have been in this department over the 17 years that that lieutenant over there has been in this department they have laid the groundwork for the trust that we have in this community and I've taken the baton and my job is to take it to the next level which I'm doing Are you
planning to increase personnel and how many if you already have a plan to be able then to work to within this test as well well through the support of our entire elected body our city manager we have been increasing the number of police officers here that we
have for the last two and a half years When I came we had a little over 130 sworn officers Now with the folks in the academy we have about 175 We will continue but we will be continuing to staff our officers so that we can put extra cops in schools extra cops in our intersections Like every time there's
someone that drives into our community every single day there's marked police cars with their lights on deterring crime We have over a 40% reduction in crime over the last two years One of the safest cities in this country And that comes on the heels of adding additional officers Not adding additional officers
because of this bill Adding additional officers to create additional community trust and deter crime like we've been doing understand that these are questions are brought to me and I'm just the voice of residents that want the answers I love I love the questions Bring them on because all we do is keep highlighting the good work of those
behind me So and and that's and that's how that's why you still here The chief and all our police officers we always are very grateful for all the work that they do So like I said these are not questions to criticize These are not questions to attack These are just simple questions residents No no If it
if it sounds like I'm passionate I'm passionate because I love and I I not only do I love them but I see the work that they do every day behind the scenes in the face of adversity often in the eyes of criticism So it's not a popular job it's a thankless job and they go above and beyond And we are successful
because of their work So I love the questions It gives me an opportunity a platform to to highlight their good work I know how it is I have a cousin that he's a police officer and I also have a cousin that he's a military too So I uh that might be you already like I said in some of your statement you might be
already answer some of these questions but I I'm just asking you these as part of the or respecting our residents that are asking these questions Uh what measure are you planning to put in place to build trust in immigrant communities uh giving the
presence of ICE in the area well I think I answered that That's why I was telling you you know um how are you going to handle situation when victims of or witnesses of crime may have concerns about their im immigration status by this by by being
able to communicate during these times Uh we are able to use our platforms that we do to communicate We have we're embedded into the community So uh this provides opportunities to communicate I feel at the root of it that our um residents visitors people that come to school here people that come to play
here have trust in us Um yes we use calls for service to educate the community as well It's not only us responding to a call for service We have uh a multitude of training whether it's in crisis intervention whether interpersonal skills deescalation We know how to handle situations We know that uh some situations are best handled
with um with silk gloves and not maybe an arrest looking for alternatives to arrest and many times we do that Thank you What will be the process for handling complaints or concerns regarding potential uh overreach in
collaboration with ICE well we have an internal affairs unit that handles um internal complaints We also have the state attorney's office here uh that that you know investigates um certain matters involving police conduct So we have the the infrastructure and the backbone established already to investigate because this isn't in the in
infasy stages because a memorandum of understanding hasn't been drafted yet by our attorney's office Uh this is just a preliminary this today provides an opportunity to start exploring the partnership uh so that we are compliant with the law Uh we'll have those um detailed items uh forthcoming
What kind of training will the officers receive regarding federal immigration law and their limitations that's yet to see I have yet to meet with any any personnel from ICE to see what what training our officers are going to receive specific to any duties that are required by law but um in order to for
us to be compliant by law uh we will partake in any training that's needed Um I'm pretty convinced that our officers already have a a skill set and how to deal with certain matters But any training new training that um comes out that we got to partake in in order to be compliant with the law uh we'll have to partake in it uh how does your
department will educate officers to identify potential civil rights issues in collaboration with ICE i'm sure the training will cover that So uh those were the questions that were um referred to me and my duty is to be able to be the voice of my of the community for
those ones are concerned as well those ones are also um that already have their status already uh in place So because as you know and everybody knows our community is based in many immigrants and there's some that they're within you know in the process of getting their
status others are unfortunately haven't been able to So anyway we represent everybody that lives here in the city Uh so that's why I wanted to ask you these questions because it was important for them like I they say that they want to hear from you Um so like I said again
this is not attacking anybody This is not trying to put you in a difficult spot but they wanted those answers and and that's my duty Uh as well as um uh to thank you and the department I always
uh are grateful for everything and every every work you do every day The job that you do you go over beyond your job description every day Uh so I I love the department and I always looking forward to work with all of you I mean I appreciate the questions It gives like I
said an opportunity to to highlight the work of of those folks I love the Venezuelan community I come from you know my mother from Spain my dad's Cuban so I'm very sensitive to the needs of of the immigrant community Um and my parents still don't speak English so it's it's a you know it for me hits home
but we have a job to do and but we're going to do it um from from an amazing place We have amazing people here We're sensitive to the needs Um and I'm I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to explain um the role of the police and um
what what may come of this Um I ask you to give my personal cell phone number You have my personal cell phone number Although you rarely use it I ask you to give it to any resident or visitor in this community that has any questions regarding our roles Please give them my personal cell phone number and I'll be happy to answer any question And now you
understand where I was trying to cut you a little bit short because of the questions that I have Okay that it was going to be redundant you know okay for you to be able to answer those ones Give them my cell phone number Thank you Thank you Thank you for answering Okay Any other comments or questions
i have some good questions Vice Mayor Chief Chief if you could hold on don't go Thank you I'll be brief because I know the resolution was amended so it answered a lot of the questions that I had actually
Um first I want to thank you Thank you for all the great great work that you do your commitment your dedication um the dedication of all your officers and I think we do have the best police department in all of Florida So thank you for all the great work Um obviously
there's a lot of fear there's a lot of questions and I've been trying to answer them as well Um I obviously do a lot of work within the community I'm an immigration lawyer so I hear a lot of people I help a lot of people And there's a lot of bad narratives There's
a lot of myths There's a lot of lies And so I want to take this opportunity to ask you just a couple questions so that we can clarify some of that The first one is will suspicion of unlawful
immigration status be a primary basis for a stop or questioning someone no No No And profiling is is another term that's been thrown out uh you know but no we don't we don't partake in profiling uh due to any for any reason
And uh that that definitely will not be happening with the Dorado Police Department Okay There was also um a rumor that the Dural Police Department participated in ICE raids here in Dural Is that true that is not true
Okay I think those were the only two questions because the resolution really um changed a lot of the wording and I think that just to understand this is an initial step towards discussing um an agreement It's something that I think
will help the police department It's going to also help the city of Dural to remain in compliance with both state and federal mandates I think it's an important step in maintaining public trust as well because our our police department does a lot of community work
already and anyone that lives in the city knows that we can trust our police and you've done so much work to build that trust that I'm fully confident that you're not going to abuse that and we're not a city that weaponizes our police
department And so for me I think that I just really wanted to make it clear that one while we don't have an actual agreement and this is an intent to discuss one it's not going to be designed to discriminate against anyone
nor obviously would this council ever support doing it or for that purpose And as I said I I know that we will make sure that our law-abiding citiz citizens and residents are not negatively affected We do want to ensure that we
are applying um and also enforcing our laws because we want to continue to have a safe community And I think that this is something that um as a city we are going to work hand inand with you with the community to make sure that it it
does get gets applied correctly So I just wanted to mention that and you have my full support Thank you vice mayor Thank you Any other questions comments councilman Benedal Thank you mayor I also want to thank you chief for for
clarifying and and for your statement because I think that it really answer a lot of the concerns out there and and I want to start by saying that because uh unfortunately I think that for the past couple of weeks have
been a lot of u misinformation out there and and especially from not only from certain part of the media but socalled community leaders that start spreading some rumors and and things that we're not planning to certainly we have never
done it in the we we're not going to do it now and that's why I want to say that I I trust in your judgment Thank you and I trust in all the men and women behind you and I do say that we do have the best police
department in Miami Day County and the state of Florida and and that is recognized by other agencies and the numbers that we have uh since we had the lowest crime rate in Miami day county So I want to thank you for that and I know that we're going to make sure that it continues to be that way you have built
that community policing that we have been talking about for a year two years and you have done an incredible uh work on that But I also want to use this time as the only Venezuelan American of this
group to to ask especially again those so-called community leaders to stop using the Venezuelan community as as the target because what is going on or what we're discussing right now it really doesn't
have to include the Venezuelan community at all I mean this is not to target one particular community And I think that it's unfair That only creates more division more panic out there than
trying to find out uh how this is going to move forward and and we have to look back how we actually got to this point I mean we're we're dealing with this unfortunately because of of a four years
of open border policy that was a disaster and now our communities are facing the consequences Unfortunately the Venezuelan community is one of those And but I want to make sure and I want to be clear that as I understand the
fear that many in our city feel right now uh because we're a city of immigrants I mean it's a fact that we have close that 40% of our Dorado resins are Venezuelans and most of them fled the
country uh for persecution oppression humanitarian crisis as Cubans as Nicarawans and other uh uh members of our community from different parts of the world And certainly there are no criminals We know that We know that
there are no criminals There are small business owners There are students their professionals their families are contributing to our community every day And it's something that I I wanted to leave on the record because I I recognize that too I also as I have been
mentioning and saying for the past two weeks to different uh media outlets and and reporters uh you know this agreement or looking forward once is signed certainly I know is meant to target individuals who have
committed crimes not to run up uh up law- abiding citizens Uh I do believe that no one should be targeted because of how they look as as I have been saying in the past or the language that they speak and
I will certainly make sure as we have heard uh from my colleagues as well to ensure that our police department certainly uh keep acting with dignity and upholding the rights of everyone in our community
So as I have been also mentioning to the media uh for me it's not an option I mean I'm not 100% uh in support of everything that is going on Absolutely no I mean I this is
not we're not proposing this We're not I'm not the one moving forward in this is the stay low We're just following the law We're following the rules And it's something that people have to understand as well but at the same time to understand that we're here to make sure that not only that we're following the
law but that we're going to make sure that this is done the right way And for me this is not just a blind check that we're signing to the state of Florida If by some reason we have to bring back and have a discussion about it I'll be more
than glad to do it So but I want to make sure the residents understand and especially the media that is here as well that we're here to do the right things and we're going to make sure that is done the right way Thank you Thank you Thank you Councilman
Any other comments Councilwoman Reynoso okay Well first Chief I think you did an excellent job answering the questions I think that brought a lot of clarification to our community that was uh extremely needed at this point I want to thank all our police officers as well I know that they worked really really
hard day in and day out And what I would hate um to come out of this agenda item is for that hard work to be affected in the negative way And I have a message to the media I hope that the media will use
their platform to clarify what has been reported and help our police and help our city send the right message to our community that public trust should not be affected because of thisou Um the mission is very clear Our
police is here to serve and protect and that immigrants all people within our community will be protected and taken care of That's my comments Thank you Councilwoman Yeah I do have some final comments before we take up the item So
first I also want to thank the chief of police and the entire police department because I think you guys do a great job of being out there and building relationships with our residents and it's so important and I think it's always been a priority of this department Unfortunately as it's been stated here today and I passed out a folder as we did a lot of research
before we were told that this needed to come forward and we had to do this to be in compliance um on the obligation that had been put on us by the state to comply Um we have a um we have an obligation and a responsibility to
follow the law It would be hypocritical of us to tell any community you need to follow the rules and follow the law and then we go go around and do something different We don't just take red lights because we don't like red lights It is the law and we have to follow the law And while we may not like it as
Councilman Pedo very well said we didn't make the law Can we sit here and watch things that happen in court and then repeal it absolutely And we'll do that And I think that no other community has spoken up for its community as much as we all have because we can be from the
same party and have a difference of opinions and do it respectfully but doesn't preclude us from having to comply and follow the law So I want to thank you for your comments because I think it very clearly stated where our priorities are and where the heart of this city and this police department is
And we want no one to feel threatened or um victimized or um feel anxious about what's happening Although I know all those things are hard to to to to put aside with what's being
experienced I've made it very clear in every part every time I've been asked that we are not here to weaponize our police department Um I think that you humanize what the work of police officers do which is a very difficult job to do And it's harder today to find
people who want to come into the line of public service and law enforcement because of its stereotype And so obviously legislation like this doesn't help that understanding the intent of
why it's done many times And so I think our job is to continue to raise the voices of those that we know that come here to do the right thing Those who are here following the law those who are here to provide um to be productive members of our society But I think the most important part of this is this this
resolution is not the memorandum of understanding This is giving direction for our legal department and administration to enter into a bar of understanding With that being said there were a couple items I asked to be included into the resolution which is now before all of you And Councilwoman
Cabaral I believe this answers the questions that you asked more than anything And so it's important to highlight what is actually in front of us One of the whereas clauses says it is desire of the city council that an agreement be executed that fulfills the city's obligations under Florida law
without exceeding budgeted funds We cannot provide resources we don't have So we're not going to take officers off of our patrol or officers off of our HOA fraud unit or officers off of certain um units that serve a purpose to do a
purpose that we're not responsible for having to serve Additionally we added in the final where I'm sorry in the final um section in section two in the last uh statement says as a participating United States
government agency to protect for operational assistance pertaining to the enforcement of laws to combat illegal illegal immigration to the extent necessary to comply with Florida law which means no one's going above what is what we need to do to comply ly with our
obligation by the state of Florida So while many of us may have a a a a an understanding that this is a difficult item that we are not proposing rather doing administr doing ministerially
because we have to comply I think the department has its direction on what its priorities are and I don't think it's ever lost its way on that and this for sure won't steer them in any wrong direction But we do have an obligation to comply Um and we will continue to
watch what happens in the courts and everything else that's being challenged um so that we have an opportunity to to act should we need to in those cases So I want to thank also our city attorney because he worked quite some time on
this I I I really drove him crazy in making sure we had all of our legal bases covered so the city wasn't in any liability on either side on either side because I think that overall the moral obligation of our police department is
to serve and protect everyone So thank you all very much for what you do Um and we look forward to continuing to support our men and women in blue and every single resident that lives within the city of Dorado We'll continue to lift the voices of those who are deserving of
that So thank you Mayor We'll ask u for someone to place a motion Motion Motion to approve by Councilwoman Reynoso Second by Councilman Pedro Madame Clerk please call the role Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Reynoso Second by Councilwoman Reynoso Yes Counciloman
Peno yes Counciloman Gaval yes Yes Vice Mayor Pores Yes Mayor Fraga Yes Motion passes All right Thank you very much all for your patience on this item Thank you Chief Great job All right We're going to take um Counciloman Reoso's layown item now Yes May I read it into the record ma'am yes
A resolution of the mayor of the city council of city of D Florida expressing support for House Bill 983 sponsored by State Representative Hon Carlos Poras providing for transmitt recital and an effective date All right Uh Councilwoman Reynoso this is your lay down item Thank you
mayor This laid down laid down item has to do with House Bill 983 This was proposed by Representative Juan Carlos Bores It has to do with homeowner association reform Why does this matter in Dorado many of our neighbors in
Dorado are run many of our neighborhoods in Dorado are ran by HOAs and we often hear the complaints about lack of transparency financial issues not having access to important records and this bill helps protect homeowners and gives
them more rights and oversightes Um for that reason I thought it was very important to bring it to this agenda to hopefully get the support of my colleagues as well to support the bill that Representative Porz is proposing
Thank you Thank you Councilwoman Any comments motion Motion to approve by Vice Mayor Porus second by Council Member Pedo If no one has any comments I do have two First I want to thank you Councilwoman Marino for bringing this forward for being attentive in all the meetings for participating during our Tallahassee visit um in all of our
meetings and taking this and running with it We had a extensive conversation about HOA reform because it affects us deeply um and I think the most important part of this bill if it passes is it allows local authorities to investigate and audit um and be more part of
catching those fraud And a lot of times we see our senior citizens fall as victims more than anybody So thank you for running with this I think it was extremely important and timesensitive so that it gets in the hands of legislators and hopefully we see it pass and can help more locally our residents that are
affected by HOA um criminalization and and and um abuse So thank you very much I'd like to be a co-sponsor if that's okay Absolutely Thank you Mayor Okay Madam Chair please call Motion to approve made by Vice Mayor Pora seconded
by Councilman Pinedo Vice Mayor Pores Yes Counciloman Pedo Yes Council Marinoso yes Council Moran yes Mayor Fra yes Motion passes All right Thank you very much Okay Now I believe we're going to go into mayor's report the city attorney's uh laid down item Do you want to take that up now we can take it up
now You good with that i Yeah Yes Okay we'll take it up Get into the record Yes A resolution of the mayor and the city council of city of D Ford approving a modification settlement and release agreement with Dal Costa Capital LLC Dal Costa Manager LLC and Oasis is a draw one manager providing for limitation incorporation of recitals and an
effective date Okay Uh Mr Kia yeah this is your item Thank you Madam Mayor So this item that's before you is uh as many of you aware uh back in 2023 the city entered into a settlement agreement uh with uh Oasis as it's commonly known Uh it is a development of multi-family
Uh it was uh running under what is commonly known as the Live Local Act Um that agreement covered most things uh as far as height and intensity but it was not completely clear as far as parking and parking has become kind of a sticking issue in in this um the
applicant which is here today uh being represented by Vanessa Madrid from Holland Night uh has been wonderful in in working with us We've we've been meeting uh diligently Um I I want to thank uh Michelle Lopez and and Edna and and the rest of uh the staff who we've
also met uh the mayor the manager everyone uh in in trying to come to some kind of an agreement And so what you have before you here is an amendment to the settlement agreement that uh provides for a a percentage of parking that is acceptable uh to the applicant Uh and we've made some some concessions
Uh and so I think it's it's a good compromise uh it avoids um having this uh drag on and or become latigious uh and it will allow the uh the project to move forward And uh Miss Madrid if I've left anything out I mean feel free to Thank you very much Mr Goa If there's
any questions that would be the time Otherwise I need a motion to approve Motion to approve by Councilman Pedo Second Second by Councilwoman Reynoso Madame Clerk please call the role Motion to approve made by Council Pen Second by Councilwoman Reynoso Council Pino Yes Councilwoman Reynoso Yes Councilwoman
Gaval Yes Vice Poras Yes Mayor Frago Yes Motion passes All right Thank you very much So we're going to take up the reports at the end of the evening I'm going to go ahead and take the public hearing items now Yes Madam Mayor may I please the witnesses yes If you will be presenting testimony on the public hearing items please stand up raise your
right hand and repeat after me I do solemnly swearly swear that the information that I'm about to present the information shall be the truth and nothing but the truth Thank you very much Thank you First item item 20A a resolution of the
mayor on the city council of city of D Florida approving a special exception for smash paddle courts for the property located at 880 Northwest 58th Street in the city of D Florida pursuant to section 68849B5 of the city's land development code providing for implementation incorporation of recitals and an effective date All right Thank you very much
Madame Clerk I'm going to go ahead and open up the public hearing item the public hearing for this item Public hearing is now open for item 25-6110 Anyone who would like to speak on this item please approach the podium at this time Okay being none public comments is
now closed If the applicant would like to approach I don't know if there'll be any questions If there's any questions I don't know if there's staff staff presentation Okay we'll let staff present and if there's any questions then you can come up Okay Good evening mayor and council
The applicant uh Blas Sanchez is proposing a project by the name of Smash Paddle Courts The applicant is requesting a special exception approval to permit fitness sports facility services uh including health and exercise centers that are larger than 5,000 square ft pursuant to city code
section 68849 B5 for approximately 2.05 acres of property located at 8080 North 58th Street The proposed project is an indoor paddle facility in an existing structure totaling 36,612 square feet located in the
adaptive reuse area to include seven paddle courts a self-service concession area uh some offices The site plan also proposes enhancements to the parking area landscaping the addition of some bike racks and uh incorporation of
public art There was a zoning workshop held on January 22nd 2025 So this is a little bit of a unique request and so I'm going to give you a little bit of background on the adaptive reuse explain that explain um special exceptions um to better assist the
community in understanding this process So in our city we have an overlay called the adaptive reuse It's also referred to as the downtown Dorado art district and it's just north of this city hall facility Uh bounded by Northwest 58th
Street to the north uh Northwest 54th Street to the south Northwest 79th Avenue to the east and Northwest 87th Avenue to the west And the purpose of the district um is to take uh buildings that already exist that are previously
heavier in commercial and industrial use um and convert them to more uh commercial uses that uh promote the city's arts culture and wellness So an adaptive reuse is essentially a change of use of an existing structure
from unauthorized use to another authorized use in which the structure was not originally designed for And so in our code we have a series of uses that are permitted by right or uses that are permitted through supplemental or uh
with conditions and limitations So in this district uses permitted by right uh include uses permitted in the underlying zoning districts alcohol and beverage establishments cultural activities and exhibitions eating establishments indoor pet centers retail services retail
services for fitness sports services including health exercise centers limited to 5,000 square feet parking structures etc There's also supplemental uses and conditions with limitations Um there's three in this category The first
is prohibited uses which means your zoning code says we cannot have any of these uses in this area which include residential hotels lodging medical uses assisted living facilities drive-through facilities educational facilities funeral homes etc The second category is special exception uses in which this
application falls under and those uses may include self- storage facilities indoor outdoor halls for hire for more than 200 people fitness sports services including health exercise centers that are larger than 5,000 gross square feet Again this project as previously stated
the structure is 36,612 square ft So this specific site for this specific use falls under this category And the third category is uses subject to supplemental conditions which include auto truck van sales rental
storage uh repairs in uh storage etc And then fitness sports services including 5,000 square feet including sorry under 5,000 square feet Um and so what does all this mean in terms of use so in our
code and in other codes we have two types of changes of use when you have your zoning and your land use in place and they're consistent you're going to either have uh uses by right or uses by special exception And so uses by right only require a review by your planning
and zoning department and your building department Uses by special exception have an added layer of review which include review and approval by the city council and then your administrative process which is a review and approval by your planning and zoning department and your building department
This specific site uh is zoned industrial with a future land use map of industrial as well It's surrounded by industrial districts on all four sides The future land use category on all four sides is also industrial Uh the overlay is adaptive reuse And then you've got
warehouses to the northsoutheast with medical center um to the west So all the uses are consistent um and it's exactly what we want to see on our maps On the screen before you you have um perspectives from the south and the
north and then an overhead perspective of the site Again the site plan proposes seven paddle courts self-service concession office spaces enhancement to your parking lot area and landscaping addition of the bike racks and compliance with public art All of the
zoning data is consistent with your code There's 48 parking spaces And with that staff recommends the mayor and council approve the proposed special exception to permit fitness sports services including health exercise centers that are larger than 5000's grocery street
pursuant to city code section 68849 B5 for smash paddle courts located at 880 Northwest 58 Street Thank you so much Thank you Michelle Okay Is there any questions for the applicant otherwise or for staff i think it's pretty
straightforward Any motion to approve motion to approve by Councilman Pinedo Second Second by councilwoman Cabaral If there's no additional questions madam clerk please call the role Motion to approve by counciloman pedo Seconded by council cab Counciloman pedo Yes Counciloman Caban Yes Councilo Yes Mayor
Porz Yes Mayor Fraga Yes Motion passes All right Congratulations Look forward to having you guys in our city A lot of people wanting paddle Get it all the time All right Thank you very much We'll move to the next item We're now going to first readings Item C an ordinance of the
mayor of the city council Ordinance number 202514 amending article 3 boards committees and commissions An ordinance of the mayor city council of city of draw Florida amending article 3 boards committees and commissions in chapter 2 administration of the city's court of ordinances revising the sens provision or appointment requirements providing for implementation incorporation into
the code serability conflicts and an effective date All right I'm going to go ahead and open up the public comments for this item Public comments is now open If anyone would like to come and speak at this time please do so This is item 25-6137 All right No one has chosen to
speak Closing the public comments portion Madam clerk the record no one has chosen to speak at this time And um this is my item Basically we are amending the ordinance for boards and committees Once again um as I mentioned earlier when we were approving the
committees it's very difficult to meet some of these standards We don't even impose them on ourselves as elected officials I wasn't supportive of the change initially So we're going to roll it back to the way it was which has worked for 20 years So if there's any questions Madam um I would need a motion to approve Motion to approve Motion to
approve by Counciloman Pedo Second Second by Councilwoman Reynoso Madame Clerk please call the vote Motion to approve ordinance number 202514 on first reading made by Counciloman Pedo Seconded by Councilwoman Reynoso Councilman Pedo Yes Counciloman Reynoso Yes Counciloman Gaval Yes Vice Mayor Pores Yes Mayor Fraga Yes Motion passes
All right Thank you very much madam clerk Next item Next item D Ordinance number 202515 Amending chapter 8 pedals solicitors and canvasers An ordinance to amend city council of city of Florida amending chapter 8 business article 3 pedals solicitors canvasers providing implementation incorporation into the goal seability and effective date All
right Thank you very much We're going to open up public comments for this item Item 25-6126 is now open for public comments Anyone would like to speak please approach the podium Being none public comments now close Madam clerk let the record reflect that no one
has chosen to speak at this time and we will hear from the city attorney Thank you Madam Mayor Uh so this item is one that I worked with the the clerk Uh and basically what occurs is that anyone that is a canvaser peddler it could be someone that owns a fumigation company
and wishes to go to door to door to sell their services uh needs to first uh apply for a permit with the city Uh the way that it was currently currently reads is that the permit has to be sought by the city clerk which is somewhat strange being that the clerk is not the main person in the the city to
deal with permits for especially dealing with uses That would be the planning and zoning department So should you uh adopt this ordinance it would change from the uh city clerk to the planning and zoning for folks that are uh canvasers or peddlers Uh this has nothing to do with
um political speech or religious speech at all This is just for for commercial purposes Thank you very much If there's no questions I need a motion to approve Motion Motion to approve by Councilman Reynoso second by Councilman Pedo Madam Cler please call the role Motion to approve ordinance number 202515 on first
reading made by Counciloman Reynoso Seconded by Councilman Pino Councilwoman Reynoso Yes Counciloman Pedo Yes Council yes Vice Mayor Boras yes Mayor Farrell yes Motion passes Next item Madam Clerk Item E ordinance number 202516 amending office of inspector general duties An ordinance admitting to the city council
of city of Rford amending chapter 2 administration division 5 section 2-15 office of inspector general providing for implementation incorporation into the code servability and an effective date All right I'm going to go ahead and open up public comments Public comments is now open on item 25-6118 Anyone who would like to speak
please approach the podium at this time Being none public comments now closed Madam clerk let the record reflect no one has chosen to speak at this time and we will turn over to the city attorney Thank you Madam Mayor Uh in November of 2024 the
city of Durell uh residents uh pursu made a charter amendment uh opening the establishing the office of the inspector general Uh subsequently this council passed an ordinance creating the actual rules and responsibilities of the inspector general Uh there are certain
uh sections of our code that uh do not deal with uh you know the general public but really deal with the internal functions of of the council and administration as a whole especially chapter 2 Uh for those uh there are no set violations and there's no set format
for enforcing those Uh so it it's appropriate that since now we will have an inspector general that the inspector general be uh given those authorities under chapter 162 uh to be able to act as that code enforcement officer uh for the for the city uh should he receive any uh notifications of citations and
investigate them and find that a citation is warranted Uh those uh citations uh that are received uh may be appealed uh to the Miami date county court uh as provided again in chapter 162 And that's the evidence that's before you All right Thank you Mr City
Attorney Any questions from the council being none Motion to approve Motion to approve by councilman Pinedo Second Second by councilwoman Reynoso Moral clerk please call a role Motion to approve ordinance number 202516 on first reading by council pedo Seconded by counciloman Reynoso Counciloman Pedo Yes
Councilwoman Reynoso Yes Counciloman Caban No Vice Mayor Porz No Mayor Fra Yes Motion passes All right Thank you very much Next item Madam clerk Item F ordinance number 202517 penalties for violating rules of conduct An ordinance amendment to the city council of city of Dorado Florida amending chapter 2
administration article 2 city council and creating division 5 penalties providing for implementation incorporation recital incorporation to the code severability and an effective date Okay we're going to open up public comments once again for this item item 25-6140 Anyone would like to speak on
this item and this item alone please approach Being none public comments is now closed Madam clerk the director of reflect one has chosen to speak at this time We will turn it over to the city attorney once again Thank you Madam Mayor Uh so this is the companion item to the one that we
uh just heard before uh which allows the inspector general to u make citations of violations of uh article 2 uh chapter 2 article 2 city council Uh this division five creates penalties and sanctions and it pretty much lists out what those sanctions are including uh fines uh 500
for the first violation,000 for the second and 1,500 for third and subsequent violations Uh should you pass this would be uh the schedule of fines uh that would be applicable if there citation is received by the inspector general given rather Thank you Mr City
Attorney Any questions from the council motion to approve Thank you very much Counciloman Pinedo Very much Second by Councilwoman Reynoso I think the fines are kind of low but I'll support it Call the role Motion to approve ordinance number 202517 on
First Street made by Counciloman Pinedo Seconded by Council Reynoso Counciloman Pinedo Yes Counciloman Reoso Yes Councilwoman Caval No Vice Mayor Poras yes Mayor Frago yes Motion passes Okay Thank you very much Last item for the night Before your reports Yes Mhm I
second reading item G Ordinance number 202513 amending rules or procedure An ordinance of the mayor of the city council of the city of Dorado for amending division 3 rules or procedure article 2 city council of chapter 2 administration of the city's code of ordinances providing implementation incorporation into the code incorporation recital serability and effective date This was approved on
first reading on March 12th All right we're going to go ahead and open up public comments for item 25-60 Anyone would like to speak on this item please approach the podium at this time All right No one has chosen to speak at this time We're closing public comments
and this is this is my item So this is to amend the rules of procedure as we did last time which will just efficiency of the meeting So starting next month we'll start implementing these rules Anybody has any questions there was no changes from first to second reading Motion to approve Motion to approve by
counciloman Benedo Second Second by councilwoman Reynoso Any further questions i have comments Okay Council woman Uh well I know that I have expressed before that the I have a lot of concerns with these rules I really I really uh my opinion is that it's just
um giving the effect of being a strong mayor when that's not the type of government that we have uh res reduce transparency and participation limiting council members ability to represent constituents risk violation first amendment and due process um of
protection and like I said and I know that somebody questioned when it comes to section 273 and number 10 that says no member shall have regular council um leave a regular council meeting without permission from the mayor any nonpert
permitted exit from regular council meeting shall result in a non-excused absence And like I said before I understand that um maybe you're bringing this to yourself because I I remember when I was here and you were a council woman how many times you would just stand up without not even letting know
anybody what was going on And I know that I said at that time that I have here the uh the either absence or no presence to vote And I going to to be able to share to share this because in my case I think I just have what one um
in what seven almost seven years that I've been here uh absence without an excuse and there have been other with excuse but has not been granted Um but from 2013 to 2020 because I want this to be in the record Uh when it comes to
resolution discussion item on 2013 uh Mayor Fraga had one item that she missed nine consent items and on 2014 was 15 consent items that she was not present on 2015 she has 16 consent items and
four local planning agency uh and six city ordinance On 2016 it was 55 consent items five local planning agencies and three city ordinance 2017 two discuss uh
discussion items 54 consent items one local planning agency four city ordinance and one resoning resolution Then on 2018 one local planning agency Then on 2019 one discussion item one
city ordinance and one resoning resolution on two on 2020 23 consent items she wasn't present Two local planning agencies and with a total of those eight years of four discussion
items that she missed 172 consent items 13 local planning agencies 14 city ordinance and two reasonzoning resolution with a total of 205 items that you were absent So I don't think
that this is fair because we sometimes like I said we need then permission even to excuse ourselves I guess to go to the bathroom and all of that like if we are in a kindergarten um set Uh and there are many different things here that I
really think that is a violation the first amendment uh right um for me and any other uh member of this council Thank you Motion to approve I think we have a motion to approve by council pato And I would like to add this to to the
record I will give you a copy Second Second by councilwoman Reynoso Thank you Councilwoman The important thing is I have perfect attendance now Yeah So yeah Eight years Eight years Actually I've actually served for 14 but
eight years Okay All right We have our motion to approve or the second Please call the role Motion to approve ordinance number 202513 on second reading Made by council pen Seconded by council Counciloman Pedro yes Councilwoman Reynoldso yes Councilwoman Cabra no Vice Mayor Porz no Mayor Faga
yes Motion passes All right Thank you very much We're going to go into our reports now Mayor's report Yes So I have my report first All right First I just wanted to thank uh my colleagues and um also our city manager our chief of police and everyone that came uh to the Tallahassee
trip was very um fruitful and I think that we're going to or at least we're on the right track to get the funding that we need as well as um uh see the legislation that would would affect us pass Um and so I just wanted to thank everybody for their participation and
joining us in all those meetings Our city attorney also participated in was the present So thank you very much Um also I wanted to uh invite everyone to our National Day of Prayer exhibit and worship concert that we're going to be having on May 1st It's going to be an incredible event We've been very hard
work planning it Um and I wanted to thank it as well as parks and recreation and public affairs for their commitment as well as my staff um to this event All the churches that are participating in pastors it's been great We did an open call to artists and got a lot of uh a lot of requests Um also I wanted to
thank Duis from public works for helping us with the mayor's philanthropy day and the um keeping our city beautiful street cleaning Uh Councilman Pino and Council uh Reoso also joined us So thank you for participating in that Um and I wanted to
give a special shout out and thank you to Mr Fernando Kasameayor He was extremely instrumental in the fight for all cities to save the 2% which is over $40 million that you helped us save to
each um municipality on the 2% from the tax collector Those funds are going to be well utilized back in our community where they should be utilized serving the public So thank you Fernando because I got calls from every single mayor um and the manager's association saying how
instrumental you were in putting together the presentation to help us convince a tax collector to back off of our tax dollars which we use to fund important resources in our community So round of applause to you Thank you I was very
proud Um and I just want to wish everybody a very happy Easter this weekend with your family and friends May God bless you always Um your and your your your families and and our community Thank you for being a part of uh of the city of Dal That's it Um I don't know if
I can mention I think I can because it's already on our calendars but Dorado Central Park opening will be on May 17th So we'll be putting that out very soon and we hope to see our community there But that's the tensative date I think it's the finalized date we will have for
the opening of second phase of Draw Central Park So we look forward It's been long awaited We look forward to seeing you all there That's concludes my mayor's report Council comments All right Any council comments i do Okay Councilwoman Reoso
Thank you the mayor April is autism awareness month Just want to recognize that um visit month and every month that we are always aware of that community that we have to take care of and um should be taken care of
Next we together with Councilwoman um oh Vice Mayor uh Boras Councilman Binedo Mayor Fraga and myself We did the sixth annual autism bike ride that Miami
date county fire hosted which was an amazing event Our Dorado PD did an amazing job also taking care of us and putting us on the right route Um we also had a productive time in Tallahassee during day days We spent an incredible
amount of time meeting with our local representatives advocating for needs that are in Dorado I I want to say that they are doing an excellent job up there in Tallahassee representing our needs especially for our police And
parks extravaganza was an excellent event Our community enjoyed it so much and it was great to have it in our central park I can't wait to see how next year is going to look Um our community garden grand opening at Dorado
Parks in honor of Earth on the 22nd I hope our community will come out there to see the garden that has been um built over the last couple of weeks And wishing everybody a happy Passover and Easter to all those who celebrate it
Thank you Mayor Thank you Councilwoman Any other comments councilman Bonito Thank you Mayor I also want to echo what you just mentioned about the Tallahassee trip I think that was a a very productive uh trip to
Tallahassee Very positive comments uh that we heard from legislators over there especially our our representative They're all happy that the R is back on track and they look forward to have a great year especially to help us to
continue to help us in our in our city I also want to take the chance to u to also recognize and say thanks to Miami Day College West campus As you know towards the end of March my office hosted a a job fair which we call in
play 2025 We had and I know the mayor was present too Uh we had over a thousand participants with the collaboration of over 45 different organizations and company not only local company but
nationwide companies as well and that was um that was a great event that we look forward to hosting once again towards the end of this year I also want to thanks our parks department because they as councilwoman Renoso mentioned
they I think they did a great job in the in the extravaganza uh event It was huge It was packed a lot of people So great job And I also want to thank parks because they and our police department because they were
present at the 5k uh run event that took place this past Saturday at Dorado Meadow And let me tell you that was close to 2,000 or over 2,000 people participants That was that was amazing It's the first time that we have such a large crowd and I want to
thanks our departments because I know everybody was involved and obviously I want to thanks the organizer uh Eduardo Rosco all his team because they did an incredible amazing uh run and and activity for everyone in the
participated So I look forward to Uh certainly the opening of D Central Park next month We're all excited I know next month is also mother's uh mother's day We're celebrating Mother's Day And um I want to thanks our city attorney
our city staff for everything that you guys keep doing Uh the feedback out there is is amazing Everybody's happy with the job that you guys are doing and we're the face So I want to every time that I have the chance I want to say thank you to you guys and thank you to the city manager because everybody's
talking about how amazing the city manager is and everywhere that we go they just speak highly about our city manager So thank you so much Thank you Councilman Any other comments i do Council I would like to be to begin
by recognizing the recent passing of Commissioner Manolo Reyes from the city of Miami his dedication and service left meaningful impact on his community and beyond I had the pleasure to work with him with um some issue that he had at one point and my deepest condolence to
his family and his loved ones and all his colleagues and staff I uh also would like to uh provide a brief u update on my recent trip to Talahasi I was able to meet with different elected officials local uh elected officials as well as
our state legislators and I had a very productive meetings with the ones that I met Uh even though uh there was a tremendous effort to jeopardize my meeting with the m with Mr Saskki who is the director of the Dodge um task but I
was able to meet with him We had a very productive meeting Uh so I'm thankful that he gave me all his time and went over a few things with me uh when I was there Unfortunately my item as you may know uh has been um removed from the
agenda Uh but we're going to keep working on transparency and making sure that things are done the right way in the city Thank you very much Any other comments being none madame uh city manager it's
your report Thank you mayor Um well first of all I just want to let everyone know that um city hall will be observing good um the Good Friday holiday for those that um observe that Um and that will be on Friday We will be closing
early at noon for Good Friday Um also I wanted to update council um regarding um in January councilwoman Reynoso brought a forward an item uh regarding a feasibility study to implement uh a tree
protection ordinance um and permitting program So um thank you so much to public works and to Dulce um Carlos and Rita who um went out They have requested proposals and we now have um a proposal
Uh they they got three quotes Um the lowest quote was actually by New Leaf Environment LLC who provided the assessment report back in 2019 So they will be updating that for us and I will be keeping you guys um updated once that
returns regarding this Um that's all I have Thank you so much We did have a very productive meetings in Tallahassee and I was happy to be there and uh I I can only say that I'm very proud after having missed so many years in between
because I didn't do that in Coral Gables I didn't go up to see the respect that uh Doral uh garnishes now um with the city with the state legislature and how welcomed we were how much we got done um on the state agency that I visited um
and uh I I'm very proud of that and the job that our lobbying firms are doing in Tallahassee for us So thank you so much and that's all I have Thank you Madam Manager Mr city attorney Uh the only thing I wanted to do is uh echo everything uh the sentiments of the
council and the sentiments of uh the city manager with regards to the trip to Tallahassee I think it was a wonderful uh event I I was truly enjoyed being part of team Dural uh Blair and uh all the meetings with the the U representatives and especially the meeting that we had uh with the state
agency Um there's great things to come Awesome Thank you Mr City Attorney and Madame City Clerk The report is attached The report is attached in the backup of the agenda And I did not go to Tallahassee You were missed for the
record You were missed All right That concludes our meeting for the day Thank you very much for joining us This uh this adjourns our meeting If I have a motion Motion Motion Oh we have a new motion to adjourn by Councilwoman Reoso second by Councilman Pine All in favor
say I I Meeting is adjourned We beat him