--------- Good afternoon everyone. We are officially calling our budget workshop for fiscal year 2025 2026 to order. The time is now 2:14 p.m. Madam clerk, please call the role. >> Councilomano, >> present. >> Counciloman Rafael Pedro, >> present. >> Counciloman Cabal, >> present.
>> Vice Mayor Morin Porz, Mayor Chris Fraa, >> present. >> Mayor Horn, >> please rise for the pledge of allegiance led by Vice Mayor Porz. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> All right, I will now turn it over to our city manager's office for the budget presentation. Good afternoon, honorable mayor and members of the council. I'm proud to present the proposed fiscal year 2026
budget reflecting our shared dedication to building a safer, stronger, and more connected community. This budget is more than numbers. It is a roadmap to deliver services, programs, and infrastructure that our residents deserve. It provides
the quality services our residents expect while maintaining the city's strong financial position, highlighting the administration's focus on sound and operational practices. Guided by five strategic priorities with your valuable
input, public safety, quality of life, revenue and efficiency, exceptional service, and communications. We remain focused on advancing these areas to better serve our community and build a stronger, more resilient future. Together, these initiatives will
safeguard our neighborhoods and foster community pride. I look forward to working with you to bring this vision to life. I want to sincerely thank the mayor and council for your guidance and support. I also as well would like to send city staff for their dedication and
hard work in preparing this proposed budget. At this time, I will turn the presentation over to assistant city manager and CFO Fernando Casamayor and finance director Solanel Perez. >> Good afternoon, it can you put up the
presentation, please? >> So, good afternoon. Fernando Kasameota, assistant city manager and CFO for the city of Dural. Uh, Salange Perez and I are going to be tag teaming this presentation. So please bear with us. Um first slide here is just a calendar of
our budget process. We've been working on this budget since prior to April, but um in April is when the strategic planning meetings that are the core of our financial decisions uh take place. We've gone through a variety of different um iterations of this budget,
meeting with departments, meeting with the departments and the manager, making decisions and then leading up to July 30th when you set the millage rate as per the state requirements. And here we are today doing the budget workshop. The
next steps after this uh officially will be the two meetings in September where hopefully we will finalize our budget and be able to submit everything to the state of Florida. So, at a glance, our budget is approximately $174 million. That's all
funds. The general fund, which is kind of the one we always talk about, is about $99 million and just under $19 million on capital improvements. The all other funds budget, which is things like impact fees, transportation, um,
building, uh, is about $56 million. So, this is our fund balance history. I know that there's always questions regarding fund balance which is really a good indicator of the fiscal stability of any government organization. As you can see going back to 2017 our fund
balance has risen significantly. Um we are projecting this year a drop in fund balance and I'll explain that because that is covering some significant investments that this city has made not necessarily made in one year. Back in
2022, this city council uh decided to put $33 million towards the bond programming to complete Central Park. Over the last three years, we've been expending some of that. This year, we plan on expending the majority of that because Central
Park construction has come to a close. The other large uh expenditure that actually occurred during this current year and got spent during this current year was the $21 million settlement and purchase for the Dural 10 uh 10acre site.
The green is what our 15% required fund balance is. So as you can see we are way above what our required fund balance is. On the next slide is just an indication of what revenues make up our general
fund. Um taxes in general make up 37 I'm sorry 67% of our general fund but only 36% of that is at valorum what we call property taxes. The rest of those tax line items sales tax PTP funds some of
those other taxes that are collected by uh other agencies and shared with us. This is a visual uh description of that last slide. So it is basically the pie chart showing you that advalorum is about 36% other taxes 31 and then the
variety of other charges and fees that make up our general fund. So this is a a visual interpretation of what our millage rates have been. I didn't go all the way back to 2003, but back in 2003,
the original millage rate for Dural was 2.4 and change. It has gradually come down over time to where we are today, which is 17166. The green bar is the debt millage, which is what voters voted on for the park
bond, and that is set on that is set for whatever amount of bond payments need to be made for that fiscal year. So this is a comparison of everyone else and where we are. So as you can see here, Dural is that orange line kind of
uh at the end there. We do have the lowest operating millage rate in Miami Dade County. The second closest is Aventura. We are at 17166. They are at 1762 and change I believe.
So we do more with less. This chart here, I think you all saw during the uh trim presentation. This is the uh average Dural homesteaded residential property value multiplied by the millillage rate and
that equals about $657 for the average resident of Dural to pay for the operations of the city. So this one it's a little hard to read from where uh you are but this is an
actual tax notice. We have cleared out the name and address and folio numbers so that we don't um you know identify any particular person. But this Dorado resident pays over $8,000 in taxes and fees of which less than
$600 goes to the city of Dural for its operating. The majority of this is going to Miami date county, the school board, other state uh taxing authorities. And then on this case, uh the county solid
waste bill is almost $700. They have a CDD which is over $1,000 payment. So of that 8,000 bucks, um about $600 goes to operations for the city of Dr. >> Mr. Can you identify what area is the
CDD part in this? Right. So, the tax notice is colorcoded. You're welcome. Um the uh the colored part up at the top is the actual property taxes that are based on the value of your home. So, in red or
light pink is the school board. The state is in this orange color. Miami date county's blue. Dural or your municipal government would be in green. And then below the line where it says nonadvalorum assessments, you see three different lines. The first one looks
like a land light or guard district in wherever this individual lives. It's a small amount for the maintenance of um whatever that special assessment is. The second one is Miami Date County solid waste. And yes, this person pays more for Miami date county solid waste, two
pickups a week than they do for the entirety of Dural operations. And the last one is over $1,000. And the code is kind of weird, but that looks like to me is a CDD, a community development district, which um imposed by the
developer when this project was. >> Just to confirm, Deral does not get any of those nonadvalorum assessments. >> No, we do not. >> So, this is one that members of the council have seen before. This is the
iteration of that in a $100 bill. You will see here Miami Dade County gets $44.55 of every $100 that ei resident pays. The school board gets $38.30. Regional millages, which again are those state millages, $1.50. The children's
trust, $2.90. And the city of Durell, $12.75. This is um just a breakout of what our expenses are by department and then what percentage of the budget those are. Um obviously our largest uh expenditures
would be you know police and parks um because you know those are the two most important um those are the two most important departments that we have in our community. Our community values police and park significantly. So this is the $1 iteration of okay what
you pay dural where does that go and uh again the largest portion is uh police at 35 cents park and recreation at 14 code compliance 2 planning zoning 2 and then general government 38 cents but it seems like a lot for general government
but there's a lot of things in there these are uh council mayor city manager's office public affairs CIP the clerk HR finance procurement, IT, and they're all kind of pennies um
compared to everything else. So, this is an expense analysis of, you know, kind of where that money goes. The majority of what we pay, about 56% is personnel. By the way, of that, 55%
is police. So, you know, it's hard to have a police department without police officers. That's why our personnel costs are significantly high. The rest of this are operations cost, transfers, and capital outlay. Okay. So, some of our highlights and
what we've included into this budget. Um, we are proposing a 5% COLA and a 5% merit for our nonsworn uh non-bargaining employees. We are in negotiations with the PBA for a successor contract for
next year. These numbers may be a little bit different for them, but again, we are in the middle of negotiations. Um, our proposed uh budget headcount is 543 positions. Our health insurance rate
increased by 3.78%. We are not planning on imposing that onto our employees. The city will, for lack of a better term, absorb that. We are also absorbing an F FRS rate increase. F FRS is a Florida retirement
system. It is the only pension that the city of Dural is part of. That is for our police officers and is part of our um labor contract. That rate went up from about 32% to 35.19. and our general liability and property
insurance went up significantly by approximately $2 million mostly due to the opening of Dural Central Park, the aquatics facility and the community center. Uh those are some significantly high liability uh for the city. And then
lastly, um we are investing in revenue generating assets to try to continue to diversify our revenue so that we are not as reliant on property taxes. Um in this budget, you'll find, you know, money for the Dural 10 development where we'll
hopefully put out an RFP, uh public private partnership to develop that land and put it on the tax roles. um funding for the Dural Central Park parking garage um and retail facility. We have a naming rights study and we are working
on a parking master plan. So this is an analysis on the cost of living versus the consumer price index over the last several years. Um our cola which is what was given or what has been proposed what was given is the past the last line is what's being proposed. This
is the cost of living increases that we gave our employees from 2022 to today. The blue line is the CPI. This is the consumer price index. And as you can see here, um the consumer price index has risen significantly higher than the
colas that we have given our employees. And even if we do get uh approval of a 5% colas we're proposing, we would still be below the increases in CPI over the last several years. I will turn it over to Salan to continue
this presentation. >> Thank you. The fiscical year 2026 proposed budget includes CIP projects to fund Dorado Central Parking garage and retail conceptual design and architectural and
engineering services as well as police department headquarters conceptual and A&E. In addition to that, there's government center space reconditioning and downtown Dorado Park and Dorado Meadow Park new
playgrounds installation as well as city hall parking garage EB station expansion. The following are the strategic priorities outlined in the fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. These priorities served as the framework for decision
makingaking processes and guide investments to maximize impact across key operational areas. As the city manager detailed, those are public safety, quality of life, revenue and innovation and efficiency, exceptional
service, and communication. The following slides will present you with the budget highlights tied to the strategic planning goals. Enhancing community safety and engagement.
We've established a specialized park response unit with five new sworn officers. Strengthening workforce capacity. A continued investment in the police trainee program and academy to bolster staffing levels and expand
patrol presence. Modernizing modernizing fleet and operational excellence. Building community trust. Launching dedicated community outreach units. Upgrading park safety infrastructure by
implementing citywide lightning detection system upgrades. We move on to quality of life by building capacity to support growth. Maximizing impact of Dorado Central
Park. With full operations underway, the park now delivers a wide range of expanded recreational, aquatic, youth, sports, cultural, special events programs supported by 9.4 million of the
city's budget. that includes personnel operating and the insurance impact. but it will serve as a vibrant community hub. Enhancing inclusive and enriching programs, expanding senior and special
needs services alongside cultural arts initiatives, advancing active and connected lifestyles, finalizing the citywide trail network, and launching phase two of the Dorado Boulevard master plan,
expanding transit operations, enhancing trolley and freebie services as part of the city's holistic investment in providing providing free transportation options, including implementing key recommendations from the Dural Transit Plan,
investing in B bus shelter improvements, advancing the construction of new and upgraded bus shelters citywide. My personal favorite, revenue innovation and efficiency, strengthening organizational capacity. We're adding
two key positions to enhance technology support and provide datadriven process improvements citywide. Driving revenue gourd growth and operational efficiency. expanding regional sponsorship outreach, including
naming rights opportunities and piloting a business compliance inspection program to boost revenues while sim simultaneously leading citywide business process improvements and prioritizing
capital projects that generate recurring revenue to enhance sustainable operations and efficiency. initiating a comprehensive parking master plan study to address future future city mobility and parking needs.
Upgrading technology infrastructure to modernize network systems, license plate readers and computer equipment. enhancing communication operations, upgrading AV AV systems across city meeting spaces, and implementing new
parks and recreation customer software to streamline service deliveries. Exceptional service. Expanding staff to enhance service delivery.
Adding six new positions to support community cleanliness, safety, workforce development, operational needs, and support local businesses. Investing in infrastructure and safety enhancements.
Advancing projects citywide such as road resurfacing, sidewalk restoration, landscaping, traffic calming, bus shelter upgrades, storm water improvements, and new signalized intersections to improve mobility and public safety.
improving maintenance and sustainability, focusing on facility upkeep, fleet management improvements and energy efficient initiatives, including EV chargers and hybrid vehicle acquisitions
to promote sustainable operations, enhancing customer service and staff development, strengthening customer services through targeted training, leadership development programs, communication. Enhancing content education and
engagement by creating videos, infographics, and newsletters to remain transparent. Increasing targeted advertising to drive involvement. Investing in real time responsive communication.
Launching citywide 247 community and customer engagement platforms, including a robust text notification system and chat bots, strengthening transparency through community events and using data to
improve outreach and participation. This concludes the presentation that we have prepared to council. >> Thank you. Hey, >> Madam Manager, do you have anything else? >> Um,
>> thank you, Mayor. Um, we, um, have put together what I think is, um, a great proposal for our budget for next year. Um, we are trying to plan for the future as I asked and wanted to do. um when I
came here to do great work uh what I hope and have been supported as such with the great staff that we have um they have worked very hard. I asked for this to be a different type of presentation from what Dorado has done in the past because I feel that the
community needs to see things for what is important to us and our strategic goals are the ones that are important to us. Um, I want us I want the city to be set up in the future to be able to have these recurring revenue. Um uh and that
is what I'm choosing to what we've put in the budget is to have recurring revenue generating assets that will diminish our um reliance on property taxes so that the residents so that we can have the funds that we need to
support the city and the residents won't be taxed for it. So um that is our proposal and I'm ready to answer any questions you have. >> Thank you madam city manager. Um so what we're going to do now is um everyone's had an opportunity to meet with staff
independently. We have our line item budget. We have the summary budget which is also available to the public online and attached to the agenda. So everyone hopefully came prepared for questions um and proposals if need be. This is our time to make suggestions. um we can vote
on it by consensus. However, uh the city attorney feels is best in the administration to be able to act so that when we come for our first reading, we can take an action and then second reading take an action. I do not want a repeat of what happened last year. So this is your opportunity. This is the
opportunity to bring to the table your ideas, your comments, your concerns. This is where we hash it out so that when they come forward in a month um with the final budget for adoption, we are not making staff scramble and they
come with a balanced proposed budget that we have had input on all this time for vote and move on. Some of us may agree, some of us may not. We will not have a repeat of last year. I just want to lay that out right now. Um, before I open it up to everyone so we can each go
through our proposals, I actually brought a proposal myself. I asked uh the administration just a little while ago uh to please have it ready. So I think it may have it ready. I also have copies for st for our for everyone here for council
members and he's going to help me pass that out. So when it is ready if you could put it up. I want to present this before we start hearing um everyone's comments because this is something that was kind of I threw out during the millage rate meeting and I think it's
important to discuss now during the the workshop. I'm making three proposals today to add to the budget. These are not currently reflected in our budget. I'll wait till everybody has copies. I have had had prelim preliminary
discussions with staff with the administration, city manager office and our CFO about this and how where we could find the funds and its impact. The first proposal is the DAL golden hearts supporting our senior community grant. This is a targeted grant program
providing direct financial support to DA's most vulnerable senior residents addressing the gap left behind by the county's program which has been reduced or at this point suspended from what I understand because of their large budget cuts. So, uh the county used to provide
senior homestead exemption residents a $600 uh grant that they would receive directly in the mail. Um I believe they did that for a couple years and they reduced it to 200. This year it's been completely eliminated. So, I had staff look into how many homes in Dural currently have senior homestead
exemption, and we found that 250 homes currently have senior homestead exemption. To qualify for senior homestead exemption, you must be 65 or over um and be living on a fixed income of at least $35,000 or less. So, right now, 250 homes qualify. My proposal is
to provide these 250 homes with a direct $200 grant in the form of a check or credit. Um, and so we would send that directly to them in the form of a grant. This would cost the city $50,000. Why this is important and why it's
important to support uh support our seniors. Raising property taxes, utilities, and living expenses create financial strain on our fixed income seniors. Miami date county is no longer providing this direct relief to these households on their current budget cycle. and many seniors have dedicated
decades of building our community but now face difficult financial choices. This is not a tax refund or exemption which is prohibited under state statute but a direct support grant to those who truly need it most. What is the difference between a
targeted relief versus a general tax reduction? Roll back rate problems. A general tax reduction or roll back rate would provide only about $50 savings a year to a homeowner
while giving large commercial properties hundreds of thousands in savings. The Golden Hearts Solution direct 200 grant $200 grant to qualifying seniors provides meaningful true relief to those who really do need it the most while preventing the city's
revenue for from from cutting essential services. the community benefit. This demonstrates Dorado's commitment to supporting the most vulnerable residents in our in a fiscally responsible way that maintains services across the board for all. The eligibility for this would
simply be to have your senior homestead exemption which is granted by the uh uh property appraisers office. This is my first proposal and I'm putting it on the table which we could uh either take a vote or by consensus have staff move forward and uh include the $50,000 in
our budget and then I will bring forward a formalized resolution with the program and how it'll be adopted so we can distribute those grants. Next I'm proposing the DARL EHGF I'm see I'm sorry EHG4 emergency
hardship grant for DAL families. This is also a targeted grant program providing direct financial support for hardworking Dorado families who face sudden emergencies through no fault of their own. Our proposed one-year program provides targeted relief with strict
oversight delivering up to up to $3,000 per eligible household for housing, utilities, or emergency care with payments made directly to service provider, not to the resident directly. This program structure would be $100,000 in our budget is is what it would cost
us. It could impact an average of about a 100 families and they are eligible to receive approximately up to $3,000. The eligibility requirements for this grant would be a minimum of 12 months residency and dural which would need to be verified an income limit of about
approximately 80% AMI for a single household 100% AMI for dual full documented uh verifiable hardship with proof uh and the administrative controls we can put in place are you get one award per household per 12 months uh public reporting of all dispersements
and outcomes administrative administrative by city staff a panel We did this for the drought cares program back when COVID. Um, and payments made directly to verified service providers, never in cash or never directly to household to to a a a resident. Um, and
this is not a permanent entitlement or a created um, you know, benefit in in perpetuity for any resident. Um, so what does this mean or who would qualify? How would this be impacted? Intended circumstances of assistance would be loss of employment or significant
reduction in work hours, a death or incapacitation of an income and an income providing member of the household, an unforeseeable medical emergency or expense, a pending eviction or foreclosure, imminent utility shut offs, emergency child care expenses, um
or transportation. Let's say your transmission blows and you're just not financially prepared for that. That could be a hardship that you provide. Um the immediate impact provides rapid local relief um you know to when the country when our our our county or nonprofit organization the federal
government are delayed or or don't provide it for these specific outcomes. Prevent evictions, utility shut offs and family displacements. Maintain community stability during personal crisis. Keeps children in our local schools during family emergencies. And the long-term impact is reduces long-term social
service costs through early intervention. strengthens public public trust and responsiveness in in local city government, preserves neighborhood stability and um property values and demonstrates your commitment once again to practical compassionate government. And it's taken on a case- by case
scenario. Um again, I would bring forward a formal resolution with a process for this. My thought process is that um to extend this grant as much as possible is we would open it up for a 10-day period at the beginning of every month. Households could apply under the qualifications if there's a hardship. um
and they could receive up to $3,000 for any of these cases. And therefore, it would allow us to extend the $100,000 throughout the year for unforeseeable costs for families who really are suffering hardships. Um and and again preserving our our our our income, our
revenue for the city through through Advalorum, but and not cutting our services, but still providing relief to people who really truly need that relief in in a um in a way that's really impactful, not just potentially a $50 to
$100 savings a year. And the third proposal I'm making is called Deral Seeds, which is a Dorado innovation grant program for businesses. This would be in the form of $20,000. Um, our our idea is to host a competition.
Additionally, I'm in conversations with some banks to match these funds. So, potentially it could be a lot more for the business. Um Dorado has never done a small business grant to incentivize uh innovation in our community and really
fuel um job growth in our city. So this is the proposal for this one. Can I go to the next side slide please? Why draw seeds matters? Um contribute to our local economy. Strengthening existing business uh creates a multiple a multiplier effect throughout our
community. um they pay taxes that fund that can fund city services uh in our in as far as businesses are are concerned. So this is important to make sure businesses are succeeding in our community and it can absolutely create new jobs for residents. The standards and qualifications to apply in the
competition would need to be would need to be drawn out and we're working on that as well. But uh again this is just an overview of of what we would need to put in the budget so we can get this going. Program structure and benefits. just an oversight of kind of what we've put together. The grant would be about
20,000 would be $20,000 from the city. Could be more if we get matching funds from uh other entities that would be directly given to the business for businesses operating for at least 6 months in our city. Transparent merit-based selection process, independent panel and designed to avoid
political influence or ensure and and to ensure fairness. So this would be it would be done by a separate panel. We could put all that together beyond the money. um increased visibility throughout the selection process, valuable connections to mentors, potential access, publicity
opportunities for these businesses, and strategic introductions that fuel long-term growth. So, we're really focusing on highlighting and growing the businesses, small businesses in our community that really truly need it the most. So, these are the three proposals I have um that I would like to add to
our budget. Uh we've really given this a lot of thought. Like I said, when I made the comments I made during our trim notice, uh I said I rather give it the money real the re real relief that's needed directly back to the people in our community that need it and this is a
fiscally responsible way of doing that. We recognize that people in our community are uh do suffer hardships at times and so this is I think our the way of putting our residents and our and those who really need in our community first. So, I'll leave those on the table
and then we'll take it up um as we go for because we will need a consensus or a vote. Mr. Goa, you tell me what you feel more comfortable with so that staff can put it in the budget. >> Yeah, I I think a consensus, you know, and a conversation. Uh it's not a a formal notice meeting, so that would
probably be the proper thing. >> Perfect. All right. So I will now go ahead and open it up to any comments or questions regarding the proposed budget. I have some questions. >> Sure. Absolutely. Vice Mayor Forest.
>> Okay. So we are not I thought today we were doing um departmentbased presentations, but it was just going to be done by the the assistant city manager. So we're not we're not going through the the budgets per department.
>> No, ma'am. I put out an email explaining to you what the structure was going to be like. I think I covered it during the meetings that we have. We are we are changing the way that we're do that we do this presentation um because it is
the most widely used by other municipalities of not doing this department by department and taking 5 hours to go uh granularly through for you to be able to to ask questions per department. if you so desire. I just wanted to tie it back to what our
strategic goals are. >> Okay. Yeah. I guess it was my misunderstanding because I thought we were going to do all of the departments, but it was just going to be one speaker. I think it's important for the the public to see it. I we I mean I I
reviewed all the budgets. I've reviewed all of all of the departments. I'm still waiting for documents um to fully give my opinion and evaluation on the budget. We I still have outstanding documents right from your office. >> Yes. I believe there is one email that
we have not been able to get to because it does take extensive work of the way you wanted the figures computed and finance was getting ready for all of this. So, um but I've answered just about everything else, every other email that you've sent. >> Okay. And I'm going through those
emails. I know we still have another meeting with your office next week. I don't think that this is the time to make a decision. This was for us to learn and hear from each department from a little more detailed. And and to be
quite honest, again, I don't have all the information that I think I need to make a decision. And while I agree that um the mayor's proposals are I think in the right direction, I think it's great that we finally realize that residents
really do need help during this time and we you know I I don't know and I would still have to review it. To be honest, I don't know if taking people's money and giving it to a select few is the right way to go. Personally, I would like to
see something along the lines of making an exception to the advalorum taxing to our all of our um senior citizens, which is something that >> the um the legislature is going to be
probably taking up next year. And I think it's something that we as a city can lead. As like I said, I don't I would have to review this, mayor. I'm being sincere with you and think about whether this is the most beneficial and the most optimal way to move forward
with providing our residents relief as opposed to lowering the military and allowing each resident and each homeowner to choose how they spend the money that they're going to be saving instead of again paying extra taxes this year and then us deciding what to do
with that money. I think that I trust the residents with their own money. Personally, again, I'm not ready to vote on anything. This was supposed to be um a time that we were reviewing and analyzing each department budget. I still have outstanding documents that I need and some of the um responses that
I've gotten from your office, city manager. I I'm going to respond because I I asked for different formats than the ones that I've received. And so, you know, that's still something that's outstanding. So, for me, I like the idea. I think it's on the right track,
but I have to review this and I cannot make a decision today. Okay, anyone else? All right, just to explain this process real quick and maybe it can put up the presentation with the timeline. I think it was the first slide of the manager's
report. So, for those who haven't been doing this too long or or maybe this is new, um we get the budget. I think we got the budget. When was this? When was it that this was submitted? Submitted proposed budget. July 31st. We received the
budget. Um again, we started this back in strategic planning. Since then, I'm pretty sure the manager's office even before then put out um emails about the budget and meetings that have taken place. I've had at least four meetings about the budget with the administration
um to answer questions, make suggestions, and what they felt they could incorporate and what they felt needed to come to council for consensus, which is why I brought these three proposals here today because they felt that that was something that needed council consensus to be able to actually implement into the budget. I brought
today. The purpose of the workshop while in the past has been um a presentation of each individual department this is just as efficient because we are going over what the what creates the budget which is our strategic goals and each
department's requests are put into that format. So every single request or significant change in our budget everything else is normal operations has not changed. The city has not changed. Every large request that may impact the budget was put into this presentation.
Am I correct? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So, in an effort to be efficient and really focus on the things that would change the structure of our budget, whether increase, decrease, whatever it may be, have been put into this presentation. I believe everybody
had individual preparation meetings which it was identified significant changes per department. At least that's how my meeting went. Correct. >> Yes, mayor. >> Okay. And everybody had their meetings. >> Yes, mayor. We've had two meetings with each council member. >> So, the workshop is really this is this
is the proposed budget by staff. And I understand you may have questions that have not been answered. I think we got responses to most of the questions that were asked because it's shared with everyone in preparation for this workshop. But staff doesn't have any other direction other than the strategic
plan which is what created this budget to really make changes of significance for an adoption which is how we end up in the mess last year because some people didn't understand that. So this is that meeting. This is the meeting where you
have your colleagues that will agree or disagree on the significant changes proposed. We can take things off. We can put things on. We can leave it the same. This is the meeting where we do that. Otherwise, staff can't be prepared for adoption
because the meeting that we come to vote is for us to adopt what we have discussed. There's no other time to do that. I want to be very clear. So, you can come the day of the the public hearing of adoption and make all the comments you want. There will be no
changes that day. This is the time to do unless there's something that happens that's crazy and that we need to have a discussion and then we can change something from one from first to second minor things but we can't have huge changes like last year from first to
second because it can significantly change the budget. So I did my homework. I did my homework. I was here. I read the budget. I went through everything. Asked my questions. I have more questions I'm going to ask today and I'm making my proposals of what will
significantly impact the budget that's being prepared, that's being ready, that's working for the residents. So, while you may still have questions of things that haven't been answered, you have had the budget. So, now would be the time to make suggestions that staff can go work on. And if we need to
call another budget workshop, let's do it. I'm here. Let's call another budget workshop where we can have those discussions. Everyone here is here and can come come be here. So I just want to make that very clear because it's unfair to say to staff. I can't make today's
not about making decisions. Today is about putting on the record and giving guidance to staff as to where you want to see changes. So we'll hear from anyone else who has suggestions, proposals, recommendations.
This is the time to do that. >> I have some comments again. Okay, go ahead. >> So, I think it's perfectly fine to do another budget workshop. I said it last year and I'll say it again this year. This is not a process
that should be rushed. And I'm still trying to figure out how our expenditures went up from 72 million in 2022 2023
to what we're proposing today 118 million. So yes, it is going to require line by line and in fact the budget that's presented to us is not sufficient to review line item to ask questions and
you know with all due respect once I asked for the information you guys took couple days to figure out whether you wanted to give me the information or you wanted to charge me for it then you decided that you didn't want to charge me for it only for some. So, you know,
the delay is really on a lot of moving parts and I understand that because a budget is a big deal, especially to residents. So, like I said, I'm still waiting for documents that are very important for me to review and to also give the public information on how their
tax dollars are actually being spent. And I'm not going to be rushed. So, if you guys want to have another workshop, I'm fine with it. But until I get all the documents that I requested and again I go through my other budget meeting which we have next week, I'm not going
to be rushed into making a decision. >> So you have no suggestions for today. I would like to hear from everyone and then I can tell you and I again I really do need documentation. I wished I would have given I would have been given the
documents without being threatened to be charged for it. But since, you know, they're delayed, so is my recommendation. I I received responses to several things. I didn't ask for them, but I received several responses because to my
understanding, our code provides that when a special request is made, so if things are not the way normally presented and staff has to do additional work, then responses are shared with everyone. I received several response. I actually have them all printed here that
could be discussed. Um, and then I believe there's also public records requests that can h take place. >> Yes, through the mayor. Um, Vice Mayor, all the emails that we have received, we have answered. There were things inserted within your emails that were
public records requests. Um, you asked for people's emails. You asked for um, work applications. You asked for things that are being handled up as public records requests that aren't necessarily
tied to the budget. we answered and did the work for the rest of the things that you answered. The only thing that hasn't been answered to you that would have been given to all of council was that you wanted to see um per seat of of of
uh the mayor and council budget what the cause was per seat. that requires finance to go back in in a manual sense to compute all of these numbers fa mica and separate them in a way they don't keep them. So, we have not had time. We
were getting ready, having meetings with everyone, um getting ready for the agenda today, getting ready for all of this. And that is the only thing that we have not answered as far as the public records requests like um uh that you have submitted. Those are all in the
clerk's office. Um and you have had the budget book as such. But I just want to clarify that we have answered um everything except that one request >> if I can just follow up on that. That
was actually my first request to your office and so that you guys understand why I need those that information. I need to justify whether the mayor needs for assistance.
So I asked for calendars. I asked for um things that would show me whether there it's worth having the mayor increase her office with four assistants. Does does that make sense? And that's still the item that I that I haven't received and
it was the first one that I asked some of the items that you have some of the responses that you have sent me. And again, we can we don't have to do this here, but if you would like, I'm I'm going to go into it. Um, some of the items and responses that I've received
from your office are not in the format that I requested. For example, I requested all of the invoices from the city attorney's office and I got them in in a bulk format. So, I'm going to respond to your email and ask for all of
the invoices separately so that I can see exactly what has been charged to the city. So, again, I don't want to do this here. That's why we're going to have another meeting next week. But again, I'm not blaming your office. I'm just
saying that it took a while for you guys to even consider my request for additional documentation, which I mean, I think it's part of my duty to ask for as many financial documents as I can to review and really again justify my vote
on a budget. So, >> madam city manager, I have a quick question. Um, are the city attorneys invoices available on Munis? >> Yes, mayor. >> They're all available. They can be pulled up on Munis. >> Yes, mayor. >> Did each one of our assistants receive
training on Munis for these purposes? >> Yes, mayor. >> Did the vice mayor's assistant legislative analyst uh attend that meeting? >> Part of the meeting? Yes, mayor. >> The part where we talked about the mun training? >> Yes, mayor.
>> Okay. So these invoices can be pulled up by each individual office. Since how far back >> since the existence of of munis? >> Okay. Well >> 2015 16 >> 2015 16 all available in our computers >> and I I actually mentioned that during
our email I said your office and I've never had an issue from any of the city managers in providing me with these documents. Your office and your staff are more well equipped. They have very easy access and they have always been able to give
me that information. So now you want to put it back on my staff when you have staff that are literally in the finance department doing this job that can do that. So I understand the different blocks that you guys want to set up for me to get documents. I don't think the
residents are going to understand it. But if you want to continue to deny my request for those documents, you know, that's on the city. That's fine. >> No one is denying anybody's request. I'm making a I'm making it a point because it's unfair to sit here and make these comments when the true picture is not
painted. They're unreasonable requests when if that's something that's important for you doing your job. You have a legislative analyst who can go in there and do that. But to put that onus on our staff who is providing a service to the community and doing work is
really unfair. So that's the truth. And secondly, you say that the that the mayor's office has four assistants. I do not have four assistants. I have one chief of staff and there's a person who does the community outreach. I'm sorry, does the uh uh protocol and communications. That's the only two
people that I work with directly. The other person is a constituent services which by the way you email too because she's here to provide service to all of us which she does. She's handling all the constituent services. She's doesn't she reports to my chief of staff but she does not work directly for my office.
She's out in the community. She's making meetings with with residents. She handles all those concerns and requests to take to take work the busy busy work away from the staff and handle everything in in one one location. um and keep track and make sure residents
are getting timely responses. And the other person is the Hispanic outreach which helps with the Hispanic and has absorbed a lot of the sister city programming which is a responsibility of the mayor. So they're not my assistants
that are directly working for me or doing any of my legislation or anything like that. So I just want to make that very clear. These are positions and you can read their um job descriptions. they are providing a service to the community. We are a serviceheavy city.
Um that's why one of our strategic goals is exceptional services and that's the service that that's being provided. So we're going to move on to anybody else has any questions. I think counciloman Reinoso has some comments. >> I do I have um a few comments from the discussion just that arise in the
situation. So just to clarify for our residents, public record requests are answered based on the public records that exist. If a format needs to be created, then public records are going to take longer to create. So, it's not that this record already automatically exists. The data is there, but you're
asking for it to be formatted in a specific way. Our staff is not here to at a whim provide that information without moving around the work that they have to do. So, it's going to take a little bit of time. It's not that the records are not being answered, it's
that they have to be created. So, that's one. Second, some of the invoices that I'm sure the attorney's office has has to do with open lawsuits that you have against the city. And if you really care about the budget, stop suing the city.
That's the one way to help these. Okay? And then the I think the real problem that's happening right now in this conversation is that the budget that we're trying to get through is increasingly being shaped by misinformation and not by facts or
evidence. There's like a 300page book here that if the public wants to look at, they can look at it, too. There's another binder here that breaks down how everything is built that the public can look at, too. We have staff that has
worked on this for months. And the fact that we come in here and we're so demanding on information on a whim, it's just not fair. Now, in the last meeting that we had that had to do with setting the cap of our millage rate, I had
asked, I'm not ready to make a a decision based on the information presented because I still had to review it. And when I said that, vice mayor, you put me in a position that said, is that a yes or a no, that is the same argument that you're making today. I
can't make a decision because the information is presented today, which, you know, I think it's fair. So I think it depends on who and when different things are said because when you look at things logically things make sense. When I said I just needed a little bit of time because the the staff has taken I
don't know 3 4 months to make a budget. I needed a little bit more time to over to review what you were presenting that day is fair. Like today you're saying I need a little bit more time mayor to look at what you're presenting is fair too. But, you know, I think I think what's happening again is that
we let our feelings, our emotions feed into what we really need to do. And things are presented here in a way that we can look at it, take our time, and make the right decision. But I I really hate the fact that we're like regurgitating this information to the residents. Like, if
something is being done wrong here, it's not. It's not. We just, you know, let's look at the information. It's here. And there's plenty of time to do that. and we're going to do things in the most transparent and fair way possible. That's why we were elected. >> Thank you, Councilwoman. All right. Any
questions on items from the budget? Uh things you want to add, delete, recommendations, >> if I may. >> Yes, Counciloman Cabarat. >> Thank you for the uh the presentation um today and for your office as well. Uh
one thing is that uh my concern definitely I share with the vice mayor that I I really would like you know for the different departments to be able to present. I understand that you're bringing another view things how it's done in other cities, but I know uh
firsthand that our residents uh really like to see the presentation of each of the departments and see how is it that they um why they have requested you know the things that they need for the budget to be refle to be reflected in the
budget. So I I understand that sometimes it's a it takes time but it is the people's money and it's what they work for for them to provide those taxes. So we make the decision and we administer those. So for me it's a way of respect
of giving the opportunity for each of the departments each of the directors to explain why is it that they need why and you know why do I need this to be more efficient and to give um the res to get the resources to be more efficient to
the to the residents um and for me it's not the passion or whatever wants to be called here in the day but in the past three years there haven't really been a major construction when it comes uh in
the government as well as the community growth in the past three years and my concern is that I can see that it's being an increase of 45% on our budget we're talking that actually and this is something that I've been talking since
the last two years or two bud years um that we went from the actual 2022 2023 to $70 million700 and so to what is projected to be close to this budget year of $125
million 600 and so I see concerns in different departments for example public affairs an increase of 205%. Uh I see um on the uh I understand that that one was the residents who voted for
it on the city council that there's an increase of 78% but it's not just on what it was approved but other expenses within uh the mayor's office. We're talking that co- compliance went up to 60% police 40% general um government
86%. So, uh, parks, I understand some part of it because we have a new park that went 45% increase. So, my concern is that we have seen a total revenue of 22% increase, but
expenditures go to 45%. Uh, and that's something that I really need to to go over. My understanding also is now that we're taking today a decision for me was that each of the
department were going to come we're going we're going to be able to ask other question they're going to be based on their presentation and and their needs uh the other thing is that thank you for bringing this up I need time to review this I think that they might be even um there will be areas that we can
even improve within your presentation to see how we will be able uh with our taxpayer money we'll be able then to support others that are going through difficult times because I do understand many goes through difficult times. I've been a homeowner from this city since
2008. I actually had two properties and it's not really $50 that you pay it based on the value of your house. So, it's not really $50. So, I don't know. I mean, whoever doesn't have I understand that maybe some of the council members that are here, they have never been a homeowner and maybe that's why they're a
little bit confused on how that works. but not it's not really $50. Um that goes with the value of your property and there's a math and a formula that is done. So uh as you as everybody knows I
in the past two I have not agreed on this one. I see so many things uh that need question and um and no I'm not today is not the day to vote. Today is the day just to go. We were supposed to go over this even if it is five whatever
hours needs to be taken. That's why we are here for to make sure that we allocating the uh the taxpayers money the way that it should. And I see that it's not responsible. I mean three in the past three years 45% from 70
millions to 125 it was where is reflected to be closed. I think that there's many expenditures um that are not needed and many expenses that are not needed especially in public affairs. I mean we're talking that this is what
um we need to be promoting you know the mayor's office and many other things that she always love all of that that I don't think that we need to spend uh all that money uh for the things that the residents really need.
>> Okay. Are you done? >> Yes. That's your comments for now. >> For now. >> Okay, perfect. All right. Anything else? Yes, Council Minto. >> Thank you, Mayor. I just want to make a couple of comments. Um,
starting with, you know, comments about why the budget has increased in the past years. uh this is the seventh time that I sit to through a budget discussion as part
of the city of the four as a staff three as a council member and the first thing that I want to say to uh Mr. Kasamayor and your team all great job. I mean you guys keep exceeding
their putting the bar very high. So congratulations. Thank you for your time dedication and as it has been mentioned you know this require a lot of time and and and
hours to put this together. So I I did my homework and I came prepared and couple of comments. I don't need to be a an economist or to have a finance background to realize
that in the last three or four years we had an increase in in different areas that the city actually needed. And in order for us to deliver what we call excellence and to keep improving our services and quality of life for the
residents and for us as elected officials that out there love to preach that we have the lowest milit street in Miami day county that we have the best police department in the world which you guys are. Don't take me wrong.
I don't call you drivers. I respect your your position very well. and I respect what you guys do. Uh, and I believe the sergeant in arms is a is a it's another officer
not only here in city of the but all sergeants in arms in Miami date county. So, I want to start with that because I believe it is shameful that council members call
quote driver to a police officer when we have sergeants in arms in all Miami date county including county commissioners, other municipalities. So the fact that we call quote driver choper in Spanish to a police
officer, shame on you. Having said that, when we speak about the budget, it's easy to understand that when you look at departments like the police department
in 2021 2022, we had 237 funded positions as part of our budget. Last year 260, this year is projected 262. So, of course, you're going to have
an increase in the budget. It's common sense. And why? Because we need more officers. People demanded to have more officers when we got elected in 2022. So, come on people.
And not only that, last year compared with this year, we're only talking about two more positions. And then we love to put pose and go out there and say, "Yes, we have the lowest crime rate. We have the best police department, but then you're criticizing
probably the most important department that we have in the city, which is the police department, and they need more funding." So, it's not it's not a secret. So, when you compare 2021 with 2025 2026 budget, of course, you see an increase in the police department of
close to $11 million. They need that money. They need more officers. They need more equipment. They need better salaries. They have done whatever they can in the last three years. We have made great improvements in our police department in
the last three years. And yes, we're proud to say that we have the best police department in Miami Day County. But that's why you need more funding. When you look at other departments that you love, you guys love to preach out there. The parks department It's not a secret. 47 2021 2022
73 positions 2526 of course there's an increase of course there's more funding that is needed and when you go over the budget from 2021 to 2025 2026 that by the way I don't know
why you want to compare 2021 2022 with the last three years which by the way has been a way far better council that back in 2021 21 2022. For the record, when you look at other departments,
human resources, 13 in 2021, 2022, 19 in 2025, 2026. These people need more bodies in there. You know how many hours they spend trying to hire all the staff for Dorado Central Park in
less than in months plus everything that is going on inside the city as well including the police department. Public affairs. I know you guys love to talk about public affairs.
Correct me, Madame City Manager. Economic development now is part or is becoming part of public affairs. That's why you have an increase in budget. >> Yes, councilman. I circulated an email to everyone explaining that the increase
in public affairs was because we it reabsorbed the economic development positions into its department that have been put under the city manager. Thank you. Public works 39 in 21 2022
now 49. We need more people out there. We need more people taking care of our streets, more people taking making sure that everything is clean, nice and neat. And it is right now and it has been for years. They do a great job. They need
more people in there. So it is normal that when it's like me saying what was the population in 2021 what's the population in 2025 same thing. So to make those comparences and try to project and say out there
that we're just increasing the budget spending the money that way the the whatever we want is very responsible because you have to look at the departments and what we offer from each department. And let me just keep going because I mean if if you do your your
research, you do your homework, you get the numbers. Anyway, for the first time, another area that you guys love to speak about it and love to take pictures with
them, seniors and special needs. For the first time, there is a budget of $700,000 just for them. for the first time in Dorado history. And thanks to that, we're increasing programs, we're increasing the
activities and everything that we offer for seniors and special needs, which they deserve because it's not just a matter of reducing $50 a year, which that's the number. And we have Mr. Casamayor here to answer.
And I don't have your background, sir. So, you have a lot of experience. So it is $50 a year is a fact. Correct. >> So that's the average. Yeah, that's the average homeowner. Again, depending on
the value of property, it could be less, it could be more depending on average. >> Yeah. How long you've had your homestead exemption is a whole list of things, but we every year we go through and figure out what the average homeowner looks
like. And that's what we presented, the $382,000 because that would be the average homeowner. Taking into account that they would have a homestead exemption, um double homestead exemption because the city adopted that many years ago, the average tax that they would pay is a
little over $600 to the city of Dur. Thank you. So, the fact that we're being able to offer $700,000 to increase community programming for seniors and special needs, we should be
proud of that. Let me keep going on. The fact that we're expanding more cultural programming, something that we have never done in the city, $326,000 towards cultural events and programming.
No other city in Miami Day County can say that you're talking about a million dollar just between seniors special needs and art and culture. No cost to the residents
when it comes to park improvements. 2.4 four close to $2.5 million in park improvement. When you add that up, it's about $3.5 million just in parks in programs. So, of course, you see an increase in
budget. Now, you want to take that away, that's my question. You want to defund the police, go ahead. cut positions because if you tell me how or if you show me how are you gonna reduce the budget without affecting police and
parks, I might entertain the idea. But so far discussions about if the mayor has assistance or a driver that doesn't help the resins out there.
That doesn't clear any questions. This is the reality. This is where the money is going to. And that's why I'm glad to not only defend our finance department and staff because this is a great presentation.
This is a great proposal for our city and I'm glad that we're not going to play the same game that some of you tried to play last year. and and mayor, when it comes to your proposal, the only suggestion I like it. The only suggestion that I would like to make is
when it comes to the to the local business proposal, >> draw seats. >> I'm sorry. Yes. >> Draw seats. uh since you're talking about a competition maybe you want to make it
like a first place, second place or third place and I'll be amicable increas in increasing that budget uh to to make it more >> attractive >> more attractive and more competitive if we have >> absolutely >> at least first place second place and
third place and also I would like to suggest that instead of uh business operating for the last 6 months to make it at 12 months or a year lease. >> I'm also looking for private funding to be able to increase that amount >> that and that will that will be great. And other than that, I think that the
other two programs will certainly make a relief. I'm glad that you're moving forward the emergency hardship grant. Something that I by the way didn't happen when during the COVID I know you try and the rest of the council didn't approve funding uh approve funding
uh helping businesses back then. So, I'm glad that we're creating this. And when it comes to the seniors, you know, I'm all on board when when it comes to the seniors. So, the $200 grant is more than than $50
a year uh that has been proposed. So, those are my comments. >> Thank you, Councilman. So, I'm going to do a couple things very >> I have comments to answer some of his questions. >> Well, I I would like to do my presentation. So then after that then after that I would like to ask the word.
>> Absolutely. So um first a couple things. All of our city directors are here and present and so I'm going to go ahead and ask for you know do some of my questioning and have them come up and and answer if finance feels that they are not prepared to answer and directly. I also want to make a comment that that
is exactly what strategic planning was every department presented. Correct. And I'm sorry you couldn't join us councilwoman at that uh counciloman cabraw at that. my excuse. >> Yeah. So, you weren't there for that, but we spent an entire day of listening to each department director come up and
tell us what they need and their vision for their department to formalize and create this document, the budget. So, this is just the reflection of that. We already did that last year. We had the budget workshop. Each person came up,
most people were on their phones. No one paid attention at the end. No one asked any questions anyway. Nothing happened. So I really believe this is a very efficient process and it ties everything back full circle. We start with strategic planning. That's where we hear what their vision is. That's where we
provide feedback. What's our goals? How are we going to give the best services to the residents? How are we going to best utilize this this budget? They create the budget. We have our participation. Now we're here. So I do have a couple of comments and questions about this
current budget. For those who don't understand how the budget works, what you're looking at it, there was a a comment made that the budget went up 45% and that in 2022 2023 it was $70 million. First of all, that's not the adopted budget. That was the final that was the the that was the actual how you
close out at the end of the year that changes because we don't always expend. For those who, you know, maybe don't understand this, when we adopt a budget, it's a road map. It's not necessarily what's being spent 100%. Sometimes we
can't spend it all. We have POS that are open, money gets rolled over. So what actually reconciles and closes at the end of the year, which is the fund balance and what you see actually in numbers changes. So what you adopt and what's actually expended is two totally
different things. Which brings me to this first document that I want to pass out. Madam clerk, if you could help me. This is an ordinance from September 30th, 2020. No, sorry, this is uh what date was
this? So, March 9th, 2022, April, it was second reading, April 13, 2022. And this was the decision of the city council to take $33 million from our reserve to fund Dorado Central Park. So
if you look the last page at the bottom. Okay, here we go. Adopted fiscal year 2123 amended the amounts. If you look at the ending fund balance that
was proposed when they made this this decision, the ending fund balance was supposed to be $40 million 96, but that wasn't actually what ended up closing. When you look at the history that is not reflected here in our current because the money didn't
actually get expended because D Central Park wasn't built didn't get built till last year, the year before that. So that's why you see a a significant decrease in our fund balance this past year because two big things happened. Dorado Central Park is being closed out.
That's also why you see so when Councilwoman Cabral says $25 million it's gone up. That's not necessarily accurate. You're not you're not depicting the truth, the real numbers here, okay? Because in operating this
budget right now is actually $98 million. 15 million of it is capital. And the money you're talking about in this fiscal year's actuals include DAL 10, which was $21 million.
Okay. and throughout Central Park. So, you're not being truthful and honest as it goes back to what Councilwoman Reoso is saying. So, those are not real depictions of a 45% increase because there's costs there that are one-time
costs. Our current real operating budget is reflective of the growth the city has had. And I'd like to go by some departments, each one, so that we can clarify some of these. All right? And if you reviewed the book that you received, not the full line item book with every
single line item, because I know it's hard to go through that, but on page 16 of your your summary book, which is the one you have open in front of you, it explains what I just said about the actual numbers. So, we have to be, you know, if we want
to be so righteous, as we say, then let's be honest because that's not a true depiction. And you can see it very clearly here. You see the actuals and you see the amended and the year end estimated of what we we intend to have. And then at the bottom you'll see use of
fund balance capitals and prior year operating balances which transfer over because they're expected to not be completely paid out by the September 30th date closeout date because our fiscal year runs October 1st through
September 30th. So that's another thing I want to clarify because it's said a lot of times and I'll be honest, I thought it was like that until I did this many, many times. When we talk about a reserve, it's not a savings account that the city has like just sitting there that we dip into. It is
literally our fund balance. It's like a checking It's like a checkbook. It's a checkbook. It's a revolving account that all of our funds go through and all of our money is spent from. And at the end, you're left with a sum and then your revenues come in. that's some increases
and then you have your expenditures and that fund balance that you see at the bottom is that leftover amount and that fluctuates depending on what POS are actually closed out at the end of the year. That's why you don't see the fund balance expenditure in the year that
this decision was made. You see it last year or this year, right? It's this current year. Sorry, I'm thinking 24, but it's it's actually 2425. So that's why you see it now, but the decision was made back then. so that we could finish building throughout Central Park. So, I just
wanted to clarify that. The la other last thing I want to pass out, Madame Clerk, if you'll help me also, sorry, before I go into each question and department for anybody who may have forgotten, maybe you can just help me pass it that way.
This is the charter compensations. The only salary that was not affected was mine, but it was more than 120% increase. That's why you see a huge difference from last fiscal year because we had an
amended budget to this fiscal year because it's accounting for the full year of the change in salary from $19,355 for council members to 56,438. So it took our compensations from 158 to
306. >> That's double. I voted against it. I advocated against it. So just as a reminder now, let's continue. Let's go through some of these one by one.
Public affairs. It was addressed by the councilman. The reason why there is a 41% increase reflected is because it was adopt it was assumed the economic development division correct. I don't know if Mr. Kasamayo
wants to just confirm or >> sorry I think it helps when you open up the book and follow along. >> Yeah, I'm doing Yeah, some of us are not. >> Yes. Other than the proposed 5% cola and 5% step increases for employees, we are
also moving the economic development team from the manager's office back to public affairs. >> So that's the large significant increase from um previous years that obviously also the increases over of cola over the
years make up for some of the increases that we've seen year-over-year in public affairs. >> That is correct. Is there any other significant costs in public affairs? Have have any more positions been added this year in public affairs >> this year? No. >> Okay. And is there any other significant changes?
>> No. >> I believe last year there was and maybe Maggie can come and help with this. But do you believe last year there was one position created or two positions created in public affairs? >> Yes. The year before. >> The Okay. Okay. The year before that which was the marketing
>> marketing specialist and sponsorship coordinator >> and the sponsorship coordinator's position is to what's the what is the why? What is the the reason? >> So the result came to centralized sponsorship for all departments. So that position works with all the departments
to go ahead and garner and foster better relationships with our businesses and get more funding. >> So create revenue and make up for what we spend on some of our >> of our events. So, some events you'll see that are budgeted for, yet we still strive always to get more sponsorship to
underride those costs and not use the budgeted funds. >> Perfect. Okay. And uh Maggie, I'm sorry. Uh so this year, is there any additional increase? I know that one of our uh strategic goals is communication. It's one of our biggest ones because one of
the complaints we get is that people don't know, they don't hear about events, they find out later. So, we've strived to continue to improve on that. And one of our strategic goals was to enhance communication. Can you give me a couple of examples of what we're doing to enhance that
communication and new implementations that are budgeted for this year that could affect uh the budget? So really, it's continued efforts um in how we're kind of directing our resources and staffing to create more integrated communication campaigns to be
more transparent, to engage people more. Um we do have budging for text notifications. However, it's not reflected in public affairs. That's under it. But again, the goal is to not only provide emergency text notifications, but just general events canceled, rescheduled. We have a public
workshop to really get people more involved and more a part of the conversation. Yes. And also um I believe that we added and it wasn't this year but we also are doing more we started doing mail again to homes the draw. >> Yes, mayor. So a couple years ago we did go back to doing the quarterly
newsletter digitally but we mail out postcards every quarter to inspire people to tune in um read it and learn more about what the city is doing. >> Okay. And anything else significantly that you feel has been um increased or has a significant change or that we are
pushing for? I think we also u I asked you about ads. We're going to start doing ads to push city events and so people get more information >> more targeted, more purposeful and intentional advertising across all of our platforms. >> Educational educational campaigns >> educational
scooters to ensure safety to ensure that citizens are abiding by our laws and our rules. Um more targeted to make sure that we're reaching our audience. >> Okay. So, that's what's reflected in your budget, >> right? >> Okay. Anybody have any questions on that? Maggie's up here. >> Yes. Uh I think Soul has a quick
>> Sorry, >> we have made the summaries the not the line items but the summary page for each department available for it to pull up. >> Okay. >> Like that. You see personnel, operating
and capital categories up on the screen for the benefit of the public. >> Okay, great. Thank you, Maggie. >> Thank you. >> All right. Another department that I believe was discussed and I want to point out that in this budget, again, I'm going to say it again, our operating
is 98 million plus there's also 3 million that is uh capital allay within each department, which is like computers and things like that. And then there's our OPED fund which is 400,000. And then the rest the additional 15 million is capital
improvements like you know which was outlined in the presentation. It's the police building the garage we're looking to build the retail to gen generate revenue. So I think we need to really focus on those on that operating fund because that is where our everyday
municipal services are are operated from and that's the real fund that we need to be worried about growth because that's what is funded by the fees and the taxes that come in. All right, I'm going to go to Well, obviously we now have an inspector general
that's funded here. Human resources. Um can I have human resources please? Sorry to put you on the spot, Maria, but it's okay. >> Human resources. So, this is a this is one of those departments that had a significant change this year. I believe it it was addressed at least during my
review, and I did ask >> um there is positions being added in this um in this budget. Mia, can you give us a little bit of information about the positions that you're requesting? >> Sure. Um some of the positions I'm requesting actually three positions. Two human resources coordinators and one
human resource generalist. Currently um with the growth of the police department and parks department, we can barely stay afloat. I need more manpower to process on boarding to provide benefits to employees and to engage with employees. Um our jobs is to on board them and keep
them sustained through their life cycle here. We're not able to do that to the best. We try our best, but just in the last year, we've onboarded 140 part-timers for the parks. Uh we onboarded um >> and that's due to what, Maria? I'm sorry. 140 new employees and parks
>> around Central Park. >> Oh wow. That's right. It's open now. >> We also had to on board um um lifeguards uh which was a brand new position. Um they needed certain testing, certain physicals. We have to ensure that they have all their certifications and that
the certifications are up to date and are kept. Uh we had to also go through contractors for additional lifeguards that we had to deal with them. Um and for janitorial services also for the um
parks um Dorado Central Park. >> Yeah. I will tell you when I sat with the administration I raised a flag on how many positions were being added. However, I heard our directors when they said and I I complained about it a bit
and you know that I felt that it took a really long time to on board people and get employees, you know, in in the process. Uh and and so I heard the rest of our directors saying, you want us to provide service, we need to have them capacity. And so I think that and I
asked at at my meeting and it I was told that since 2022, personnel in police and parks has increased 27%. that's significant and obviously your department is the one that handles all of that. >> Um, so they justified it to me enough that I said, "Okay,
>> thank you. >> Thank you." >> Obviously they need they need the help. Um, >> the other the other thing I want to mention and this is reflective in the entire budget is even though these positions are fully funded, it may take time to get them onboarded. And so
therefore, our actual at the end of the year may be significantly less because the the while the positions may be staggered, they're not you're not going to fund them completely. And also there's ranges. >> There's ranges and there's it's twofold also. It's depending on the applicant. A
lot of times we pursue the applicants and they're not responsive. So that's something that you also have to take into account, >> right? Okay. Any other significant changes in your department, Maria? Reflective here. Um, no. Those are the three things that I'm looking for. And if I could get them, it would be great
because we could provide a lot more service to our our personnel. >> Okay. >> And our departments. >> Okay. And what I'm seeing here your um >> also you have to take in consideration
that all the fees have increased for uh testing for drug tests for psychological testing for um polygraph testing all the fees have increased and that's where some of our increases have reflected also. Okay, perfect. Thank you very
much. >> You're welcome. >> All right. Another area that was significantly increased according to the mention is information technology. And to my understanding in this budget,
two positions are being added to information technology IT. Hi class. Good afternoon. >> Happy birthday today by the way. >> Thank you. >> It was miss it was put incorrectly in my thing. So >> don't worry. >> We're going to sing to you later. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. So um you do have uh an increase and a you have two positions that are being requested here. Can you tell me those two positions? What's your why? Why are you asking for these two positions? >> Okay. We're asking for we're looking to create a business analyst unit which is going to be the bridge between IT and
the business and the departments in this case. Um, this unit is going to be tasked with finding the best solutions for the departments, helping them be more efficient and um have more alignment with the
strategic goals and making sure that everything it's for the better of the community and the and the departments as well. Um, the other position, one position is a business analyst which is going to be for the the business analyst unit. The other position is an IT
technician for the DAL Central Park. Um due to the need of Dal Central Park and moving the parks department there and the amount of systems and employees that they have there, we need to have a
a technician full-time there to offer services and not be back and forth driving from here to there. Um due to the immediate need we decided to originally we were going to reclassify one of our current position for the business analyst and open a second
business analyst in October with the IT technician. What we did was we reclassify the current position for the IT technician because that's the current need the most imperative need right now and then we will have the two business analysts in October. >> Okay. So your department was also
impacted by the opening of Draw Central Park and it's reflected here. >> Yes. Correct. >> Okay. Any other significant changes um pro programs or um that you have planned for implementation this year?
Uh in personnel? No, in personnel would be just that. Um there is a big increase always in maintenance. um it it's in charge of every single um technology or system that the whole city uses being the police department and all the
departments here at city hall renewals always increase big systems as Microsoft they have big increases every year so that's that's a number that would always go up and it's just renewals there are some solutions that we always try to
find um another solution that may provide the same services and cost us less. There are some others like for example Microsoft that there is not a lot of options out there. But um our maintenance account is one that it usually goes up a lot and it's
because it's a maintenance for all the systems in the city including the police department which has a lot of systems of course for security. >> Okay. >> And I think that's that's much on the capital. It's most of
the items on capital is replacement of end of life equipment like the LPRs uh the the laptops desktop the equipments that we have here and at the police department and network equipment as well that always we need to keep up to date
to be safe. >> All right. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Okay. General government. I know if we want to cover a little bit of general government. I think the biggest change in general government or increase in general government and if you compare from the year that was compared earlier
of 2022 23 to this year's proposed um I think the biggest increases there have been insurance right the soul Fernando >> correct the biggest increase in general government was in the insurance account
5450 in the general liability throughout Central Park was the main driver. So when we received the fourth quarter bill and they completed the audit um for the fiscal year end that's when we received how much the insurance
was going to come up go up for the following year. So that is the main driver increasing your operating in general government that was an impact of 35%. through the mayor. Um, real quick,
mayor, um, it's important to note, I understand the park's been around for a little bit and we're wondering why the insurance goes up now. While the park is being built, the the community center, the aquatic center are not operational and the insurance that is being used to
cover that is the general contractor's insurance. It is being carried by them. The city is absorbing this high cost right now because we have TCO on the buildings and we've begun to operate them. We therefore the insurance conducted an audit and went through the
entire park looked at the skate park, the aquatic center and the community center and that is why the insurance is going up by like $2 million. >> Okay. I have a comment on this. >> Yes. Go ahead. Thank you. So, so
in the earlier more a bridged presentation, there was a circle that had the difference between what the liability increase now between hold on. I think it was just have so many notes here.
>> Anyways, it was like 2 million or so, right? And that encompassed three, right, areas of liability, which was our park, I think it was our cars, general liability. Yes, >> let me pull up the exact >> Please pull up that circle.
>> Yes, it goes to our presentation, our budget presentation. Yes. So the categories are typically AD and D which is accidental death and dismemberment. Um general liability, >> auto insurance, we have cyber security
insurance and pollution insurance. >> Okay. >> But the largest increases were all on the liability side. >> Correct. >> And what was that amount? >> Approximately $2 million. >> And if we roll back our millage rate,
what is our loss projected? $2.6 million. >> Okay. So, it sounds like we would be at a negative if we do a roll back amount. I'm just truly some math here. >> Okay. >> We'd have to cut because you have to have a balance. I know. So, you had you
would have to find So, what we need is if that's the case, we need to find where to cut. So, we're going through that now. >> Okay. Good. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, um we'll move on to police because I think this is one of the most impactful changes. I'm looking at the 2023 2020
2022 2023 fiscal year. It was uh actual which means what it closed at was 29 million47. Um to my understanding in that year there was uh in an effort to reduce and
roll back the rate at that time an election year >> there was 20 positions frozen I believe in police. Yes, I'm seeing nodding heads. Somebody come up and confirm this please. Thanks. >> Yeah, I'm not the police. >> I know. >> Definitely a finance,
>> but I do help them a lot. Um, when I when we got here, when I got here, there were about 24 vacancies in police. 20 20 21 of them were frozen. Um, because again, when you they did the roll back
millillage the year before I got here, that was how they balanced the budget. >> Correct. Since then, Maria and her team, the chief and his team, we have hired as many positions as we can, and we're almost to a point
where the vacancies are about normal. >> Correct. And I I believe that there was a question about vacancies asked. I did not print that uh information, but I believe there there was vacancies, but it's really trainees that we have in they're not really vacancies because we
expect our 17 trainees to fill those positions. >> We hold the position when they graduate, >> right? We hold the position and when they graduate, they fill those positions. >> Yeah. Currently, we have 17 trainees either in the academy or ready to go to the academy and we are holding 17 police
officer vacancies in order for them to come out of the academy and become a police officer. >> Right. And again, that's why you see that the actual may be different than the adopted because some of those positions while funded may not actually be expended any this year. I know we're adding the police parks unit. So, we're
adding positions there that requires vehicles and you know when you when you add these positions, it's not just the body and the the officer unless you want to put them on a scooter or a bike. Um, in that case, so you have to have all the equipment and everything that goes
with it. So, I don't know if the chief wants to come and address this or anybody else, but is there any other significant changes in your request other than the community engagement, outreach, all your equipment upgrades, and things that require just normal
maintenance? And >> um nothing else, Madame Mayor, but uh like you mentioned, the parks response unit has been a critical uh unit for amongst all the other units that we've seen, but um those really were allocated this year to support Dorado Central Park
and the other parks as well. They're not only assigned to that park. We have personnel that are working seven days a week, but we did pull resources from existing units like our traffic section, our school resource officer unit, and our patrol to be able to staff that adequately. So right now, um, we're assisting as needed, all hands on deck,
but ideally, um, when this after October 1st, we'll be able to back fill those positions and and reallocate them to those other specialized units, which are equally as important. >> Okay. All right. I just And then your the capital improvement, which is for the building that we're looking at uh, building cuz obviously you need to
vacate the public works. Public works has grown. They need their facility back for vehicles and everything. So, we're looking at building this police building, which was part of our strategic plan and and the land that we have from the state. Um, that capital is not reflected here, but there is a large
capital improvement that we are looking at um at putting in right. So, this is that's not is it reflected here? No. Right. It's the one. >> No, it's in >> it is reflected. It is reflected in the capital improvement funds. That is to
just maintain the funds segregated from general fund and it keeps the accounting of it very clean. Yeah. Here's the thing that is hard to explain with that. Um the capital improvements is still funded from general fund. So I questioned this when I saw it in our budget because I
said I the 15 million looks duplicated in our budget when you look at the full 174. And the reason for that is because for accounting purposes to pull the 15 million out of general fund and transfer it into the CIP fund you have to show it
twice but it's actually and so I asked so I said could we gener hypothetically fund capital improvement projects from general fund your answer so was >> yes but that goes back to how we want to lay out our funds and segregate our
commitments. >> Yeah. And so better practices would and that's why we have triple bond a rating and our and our audits. It all goes back to those things. That is a policy decision to take that fund transfer it out put it into CIP and ear market so
that it's basically it they're uh identified separated separated funds from our general fund. >> Correct. But that has to show that debit out and in and that's why you see it twice basically reflected in there.
>> And it all goes back to the trim ad. So that will be a transfer out that the residents will see going from general fund and it will be an appropriation an expenditure in the capital improvement fund. >> Okay. I just wanted to clarify that. Thank you, Chief. Anything else you want
to add about your budget or a need >> now that you're here for us to make a better decision? >> No, at this time no. But I I do want to give uh special kudos to the city manager and the city manager office and Fernando and Soul because um it is a very uh tedious process and I know that
the police department has a big slice of the pie and they've been very supportive and uh and I'm grateful for that. Thank you. >> Okay. I also want to just point out I'm going to hand it to you right now. Um I also just want to point out and it was made uh we were made aware of this also
during their presentation is that FRS is up to 30 what% now? 35.19%. >> 35.19 with no significant changes to the program over the last year. >> All right. So 35 >> have no control. >> No, we know we know but it it it it
affects the budget. It's so so we have to account for that and we're currently in negotiations for for the uh collective bargaining. >> Madam city manager, you had a comment. >> Yes, mayor. Um in the public safety slide where we um that soul went through
um we also highlighted um the uh the amount that we're allocating which is 2.8 million for end of life patrol vehicles, motorcycles so that our force can remain mobile, efficient and safe and serving our community. We have done extensive
meetings with respect to fleet. We are doing specific programs that we have put in place. police has been very active um in their new structure to be able to do that to establish policies for the cars. We are working with public works at the
same time who's um weighed in in this on these meetings. We are establishing a fleet replacement fund so that we don't have to expend things um when they when there are end of life, but there is money to do that every time that we are
going to do that. So, we're planning for the future. we're spending money now to replace um things that maintenance-wise it doesn't make sense to keep because it's costing us more to maintain it. So we are looking for efficiencies with respect to everything that it is that
they use. Um and again that was part of like the public safety slide and why we wanted to to expand that and I've I've met with some of you specifically about these things. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. I'm going to move on to code compliance very quickly. We're running on time. So I believe in
code compliance significant change this year is the uh additional position you're asking which if you could please uh Edgar tell us a little bit about that position because I asked and I was very you know I was I really grilled administration this this year about
positions being added in certain places but this one seemed very justified. >> Okay. Sure. Uh so the code compliance technician position is going to clear up some efficiencies for our regular co- compliance officers. This particular position is not going to be an officer per se, but they are going to be taking
care of uh minor nuisance issues uh when it comes to private property. So, uh loose litter, which can be seen throughout the city at certain times, uh graffiti, uh anything that is seen from the public right away is something that the code compliance technician will go
ahead and take care of. Uh it'll provide what I like to call white glove service uh to the community. So, a lot of times what happens with our officers is they'll see loose uh trash on within 5t of the rideway. So, that's not something
that public works will usually take care of. Um, that's something that our officers would need to take care of. A lot of times these are commercial property centers that have uh they don't have somebody on site to address that immediately. Our officer would need to initiate a code case. it might take two
three days for a notice to reach that property owner and then for them to take care of that that issue. This particular position will take away all of that uh extended work uh and that time that paperwork. That uh position will go ahead and take care of the issues
immediately. They'll touch base uh with somebody that is on site, let them know that we're here as a courtesy. we're providing uh that that service to them so it doesn't uh draw out our our officers from handling other more complex issues.
Okay, perfect. Is there any other significant and I'm looking at the budget for your office right now and um really the bulk of your budget is personnel which is what your department is. It's it's people they're out on the road. >> Yes. you know, enforcing our code and
and making sure the city stays compliant. >> Correct. We've always had a pretty lean budget uh and we're personnel heavy. So, the percentages might be a little bit misleading only because our operating budget is uh from this year it's 45,000 uh and it's going up 24%, but that
accounts to a $10,000 raise um for for operational uh supplies. And then our capital, we're we're acquiring three three new vehicles. One for the new position and two to replace uh some existing end of life vehicles. >> Okay. All right. Anything else you would like to add?
>> Not at the moment. No. >> Okay. Thank you very much. All right. I'm going to go into um parks and recreation. I'm going to skip public works because I think that one's pretty self-explanatory. I believe there's one position being added there.
Uh with two two positions. You want to address those real quick too? I think that's the only significant change there because most of that those capital funds are from transportation and storm water. >> Yeah, correct. So, the two positions that are being uh recommended for public works is an electrician, full-time
electrician. Uh the the city systems have grown to a point where we're using contracted help whenever something breaks. It's constant. It's every day. So Carlos believes that we do have a full-time um enough for a full-time position to not only do the
repairs but also do the maintenance to prevent repairs in the future for all of our systems. So that's electrician and the other one is an assistant director position. The department has grown and the responsibilities in that department have grown uh significantly where you have kind of a specialized
transportation, parking and you know trolley area and then an infrastructure area where you have street improvements, infrastructure and maintenance. So you have two different talent types that are need needed. Right now we do have the talent type on the transportation side.
Carlos has been doing kind of wearing two hats as director and also doing all the infrastructure. So we believe it's at a point where we need to have an assistant director in that department that can focus on the infrastructure side. Those are the two positions that we're recommending. >> Okay. So the the department will kind of
be divided into two areas. Infrastructure and construction and the other one more transportation, mobility and >> that is correct. >> Okay. All right. Um and then parks and recreation I think is the other big change
we're going to have. Obviously, the large increase here is that we now have Central Park 100% operational. >> That's correct. >> Um, and therefore, there is a lot of operational costs. I think we saw in the presentation that it could be up to $9
million that really impacts Central Park and that's encompassing all different departments that uh support Central Park. Is there any other major changes? And I know obviously we're doing a lot of uh capital improvements in parks as well too. Not just the parking garage
we're looking at in Central Park for, you know, and retail to generate revenue, but also we're replacing the playgrounds. >> Two playgrounds. Yeah. >> Two of the parks. So, can you just highlight a little bit of the major changes um and improvements that we have to parks to reflect that significant
increase? >> So, of course, now we're running the community center and the aquatic center. Um and then we're going to be expanding the seniors and special needs programming. Uh we'll be onboarding a new uh online registration software for programs and rentals which is needed. Um
and then we have the two playground replacements and then uh a vehicle uh for a new park ranger that's being requested. Uh and then some positions uh to support both central and the other uh sites. >> Yes. So I know that there are a couple
positions being uh requested in this department as well and I did have the discussion with uh the administration. I did have a concern with the park ranger because we are investing into the police parks unit. I felt that it was duplicative to invest into another park
ranger. Um I shared my comments with the administration and I'd like to see a re-evaluation of what we're actually using those positions for. Okay. to make sure they're supporting the needs of the service in the park and the maintenance. What we did, what I noticed, and I I
made many complaints about this, was that I saw a deterioration of the maintenance in our other parks while focusing on getting D Central Park open. And that was concerning to me because it is a large responsibility and and and um
it's a large upkeep Dorado Central Park and our other parks can't suffer because this is open. And so I want to make sure that what we are supporting in investing in in this budget is that is that we are is that it's it's in the service and
what what what our residents are using and in the maintenance. >> Yeah. So we for example we have 85,000 budgeted for pressure cleaning the parks on a more consistent basis. Uh and then we have positions which we really haven't expanded the parks maintenance side uh significantly over the years.
So, you're going to have uh another foreman. You're going to have a facility coordinator that will do some of the uh uh coordination with the contractors that deal with the trades. So, AC's, electrical, plumbing, etc., uh to get on on on that and to provide more support
to the staff that we have at Central. That's they do more of the day-to-day opening of the park, changing the liners, those those types of activities. This coordinator position would do more of the coordination with with the trades and the contractors that we have coming in to do maintenance.
>> Okay. All right. Perfect. Any other comments or any that you want to point out on your budget? >> Uh we are expanding cultural programming as well. Um so that's reflected in our budget including uh new events like an October Fest.
>> Okay, perfect. Thank you, Michael. Thank Thank you, Erin. >> Thank you. All right, those are really the um bulk of the departments and the services that are provided and I think the reflection of the changes
while we have to say that they are increases um they're really the cost of operating in the city. Obviously just like everything else there is a cost of operation and and and it does uh it does increase in in everything as you saw
services programming they all have they all reflect an increase. So, um I think that this was a very thoughtfully prepared budget, understanding the situation we're in, also meeting the needs of the community and the growth
we've had, managing the growth that we've had and managing now obviously a very big facility that we have online. Um, moving forward, I think we definitely do need to look at our and I we're doing that in this budget is an investing in how we create and diversify
our revenues so that we're not fully dependent on tax revenue so that we can lower mil lower the mill rate, keep it the same um as the city continues to grow because we are not done growing as a city. That's just the reality. Um, so
I just wanted to put that out again. Everyone is here prepared, ready to go. I want to thank um finance, Mr. Kasamayor, Saul, Michelle, Mika, all of you. Great, great job. You guys did wonderful um and our staff. Uh I mean
our administration, Zeta, Frank, everybody did a wonderful job. We had several meetings um on that. I I I I was very tough. I you know, we looked to find savings where necessary. There's still a couple that I, you know, I've mentioned to them that they have to
justify. But, um, it's also important to say that this is a proposed budget so that we can have a roadmap moving forward. This does not mean that every single penny is expended. It still has to come before us uh to be administered.
So, I want to mention that as well. Um, okay. So, what we're going to do is I just want to make sure we have consensus for the three items that I presented to be added to the budget. Do we have consensus? >> Yes. >> Say yes. >> Councilman. >> Yes. Yes. Okay. So, we have consensus to
go ahead and move that. Mr. Gasamayor, you told me this would not impact our budget. You have a place to take it from, so we're not going to be making any large cuts or >> Yeah, I don't think we're going to be reducing any services in order to get that. I mean, we do have a contingency
reserve that is set aside for things exactly like this. And, you know, we're not completely done. We'll continue to look through our budget as we get estimates from the state of Florida for other revenue sources. Um, you know, it may be easier to implement versus others. So, it's a work in progress. By
September, you will definitely have a recommendation as to how to fund what you have in front of you plus whatever um you're asking us to look into. >> Perfect. I think we have consensus to uh add that. Is there any other requests to be added to the budget at this time or
to be reduced? >> No, but I have a comment. >> Okay. Councilwoman Reynoso. >> Okay. So to administration, to our city manager, our deputy city manager, assistant city manager, um in my meeting, all my suggestions were discussed. So I felt
that it was a very fruitful meeting when I would meet with you. And I want to thank our mayor for her leadership. I don't know if everyone in the public knows, but you know, her trade is accounting. So, she really did an excellent job breaking this down so we
can understand a lot of what goes into uh making a budget. And to our staff, I know this wasn't like the rapid fire that the chief does with his officers. That's a little fun. You guys really killed it. I mean, this goes to show that
each of you really know what you're talking about, love what you do, and Dorado is a city of excellence. And it really goes to show based on the work and the responses that you guys had today on a fly. So I want to tell you how proud I am to have each and every
one of you work here in the city, represent our city. Couldn't have asked for a better group of people to stand up here and address the things and answer the questions as fast and as truthfully as you did. And that really is the definition of transparency and fiscal responsibility. So thank you staff for
being as amazing as you are. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Can we get the presentation that you had today? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Can you send it to us? >> I think is it attached to the agenda? No, it wasn't. >> No. >> So, you can can you send that to us? >> Absolutely, Vice Mayor. We will forward
it to you. Yes. So, we'll forward it to everybody. >> Everybody. Thank you. >> All right. Any other comments? All right. If there are no additional comments, then I think everybody has their direction. Madame clerk, uh we need an adjournment. Motion to adjurnn
the uh >> motion. >> Yes. Motion to adjurnn our budget workshop. We have an in the shade session that we're a little bit behind for. So um all in favor say I. >> This meeting is adjourned. Thank you. We'll see you back here at six o'clock. Part: 2
podcast is now starting. All attendees are in listenonly mode. >> Good my Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to our regular council meeting uh agenda. Today is August 13th, 2025. The
time is now 6:14 p.m. and I hereby call this meeting to order. Just a quick reminder, please silence your phones and if you must take a call, kindly step outside and let's maintain a respectful atmosphere. Okay. Um, madam clerk, please call the role.
>> Councilomanorso, >> present. >> Councilman Rafael Pinedo, >> present. >> Councilwoman Dina Cabra >> here. >> Vice Mayor Maras here. >> Mayor Christie Fraga >> present. Mayor, >> please rise for the pledge of allegiance led by Councilman Pedo. >> 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. Agenda, order of business. I don't believe there's any changes this morning. None. Okay. Being none, we'll
move into the public comments portion of our meeting. I am now opening up the public comments section of our meeting. Each speaker will have three minutes to address any item on this count on this agenda or anything germanine to this council. Um, please begin with stating
your name and address for the record to ensure you're registered with the city clerk and if not, see the city clerk after. We will first hear from all pre-registered residents or business owners and then I will call anyone up who would like to speak that is not pre-registered. Please remember that for
public hearing items, we will open up in before every public hearing. So, if you would like to speak on a specific item, hold your comments until the that item is read into the record and I open up the public hearing for that item. As a reminder, in accordance with our city's code of conduct, we ask that you you
refrain from any direct remarks, keep everything respectful, courteous, and in an orderly manner. All right. Anyone who would like to speak on any item, and I believe I have one comment card. I have a comment card from Adrien Castro.
Please approach the podium. Name and address for the record and let us know what you're here to speak about. >> Yes. So, yes, I'm Adrian Castro. So, you need to speak into the microphone. There you go. >> Okay. >> Name and address for the record, please. >> Adrian Castro. I live in Corsica 7731,
Northwest 111 Court. I live in Dorado for the last 15 years. I always participate in all the different events that you guys do. So, I'm very happy in the place that I live. There is only one concern that I would like to raise my voice today. Um, you know, I'm a father
with two kids, 12 and seven years old. They play every day soccer all the time. Um, we live very close to Legacy Park. In Legacy Park, they closed the small soccer fields that I understand for
beginning of June based on the records that you guys have. June 4th. I do believe that was earlier than that, but since June 4th, it has been closed. Um what it says is that in theory there is some issues and I prepare a little small
presentation for you guys. I don't know if I can give it to you. >> Yes, you can uh give it to the city clerk and she will incorporate it into the record and give it with share it with us. >> Bottom line what I want to share is that in my opinion we need to do something to improve the planning. That's my my
position. I always try to be very constructive. I am part of the community board community of my place that I live and I definitely believe that this can be handled in a better way. I know that perhaps the approval process for
everything it's takes time and especially here I do get it. So, but in this case the soccer fields because of it's popping up uh lines white lines and you will see in the the pictures I mean
it in theory it is a a hazard issue. I I do get it. It's for our kids. It has to be fixed. But we can plan in advance that right. So it has been the same way for the last six months. And when they close now it's two months and a half nothing has been happening. I have been
trying to call in different times you know to the the people in the park to the city and Marinu has been helping me a lot. Thank you very much for that guidelines. I have been calling with someone here that I can't remember the name. And bottom line today this still
closed right. So our kids lose the opportunity for play for all the summer. So my point of view and my position is can we do something better? Is that a way that we can improve the planning? Because again this is a I understand
that there is a process. I do get it. We can do that in advance and then once you close then it's fixed, right? So based on what I can see in the public records, yes, you guys authorized um to change this uh in June 4th, I do
believe based on a council meeting memorandum that I have here. I found it in public records. Same scenario for the resolution. I I believe that the resolution from you guys was signed in June 4th. Today is August and we're
still not having the part. So please again don't take it in the wrong way. What I'm trying it to say is that let's improve that. >> Thank you Mr. Castro. So our uh parks and recreation directors in the back and can uh address your concerns on the way out and I do believe that constituent
services has been in contact with you as well. >> Um artists from constituent services I believe may had been in contact with you as well. But um I believe parks can probably address your concerns. >> He suggested me to be here and that's the only reason why I'm here. >> Yes, of course. So they can definitely
address your concerns. We don't do back and forth for public comments, but our staff is here to address the the concerns. So if you mind, Michael, if you don't mind, he can definitely speak with you and give you a little bit more information. But thank you. Thank you for being here and bringing it to our attention. Again,
>> thank you. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Castro. Okay, I have no other public comment cards at this time, but anyone else who would like to speak, this is your reasonable opportunity. Please approach the podium. Being none. Okay. Public comments is now closed and
we will go into the public hearing items. Madam clerk, would you like to swear in the witnesses? >> Yes, madam mayor. Thank you. If you'll be presenting testimony in any of the public hearing items, please stand up, raise your right hand, and repeat after me. Michelle,
>> I do solemnly swear >> I solemnly swear >> that the information that I'm about to present >> that the information about >> shall be the truth and nothing but the truth. >> Thank you very much. First item 19A, a resolution the mayor of the city council of the city of D, Florida, authorizing the city manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with Miami date
county for the provision of the city of draw on demand transit service at no cost to the city providing for implementation providing for incorporation of recitals and providing for an effective date. All right. Thank you very much, Madame Clerk. Let me go ahead and open up public comments for this item. Public
comments is now open for item 25-6267. Anyone who would like to speak, please approach the podium. Being none, we close public comments for this item and I turn it over to Rita Carbell, our assistant planning and say planning and zoning public works
director. >> No worries. Thank you. Um good evening everyone. So this is a housekeeping item. This is a approval that was um passed by um the city council and the mayor back in April, but they require a public hearing component as part of our
interlocal agreement. So this is what we're doing. So it's just basically a housekeeping item in case anybody had any comments on the interlocal agreement that we're um entering with Miami County for the half sales penny tax that we allowed to use it for on demand transit. Okay. Thank you very much. I believe you've done this and we just had to
>> Yeah. Thank you everyone. Motion to approve by Councilman Pinedo, >> second by Councilwoman Reynoso. There's no other questions. Madam clerk, please call the role. >> Motion to approve by Councilman Po, seconded by Councilman Reynoso. Council Pedo, >> yes. >> Counciloman Reynoso, yes. >> Counciloman Carell, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Poras, Mayor Fraga.
>> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. Thank you very much. 19B, a resolution of the mayor and the city council of the city of Dorado, Florida, approving the site plan for Mahoodi International Court, Fingle Lakes Warehouse for the property located at 2100 Northwest 95th Avenue in the city of Dal, Florida, pursuant to
section 53-184F of the city's land development code providing for implementation, incorporation of recital, and an effective date. >> All right, thank you very much. We're going to go ahead and open up public hearing for item 25-6254. Anyone who would like to speak on this item and this item alone, please approach the podium. I do have one
comment card for this one, Mr. Gonzalo Pieri. >> Yes. >> Did I say it right? >> Yep. That's close enough. >> Okay. >> Hi. Good afternoon. >> Thank you. Go ahead. >> Uh yes. Hi, my name is Gonzalo Pisca. I'm the president of the Greater Miami Ski Club. We were established in 1955 of
the Fingerlakes which has a huge amount of waterways uh from Northwest 25th Street to Northwest 12th Street. the property uh boots our property our lakes and the only issue that we would like to know is like make sure the slope that goes into the waterway into the lake complies with the ordinance from the
city that was approved in 2009 which is a four and one slope otherwise we do water skiing there of course we go up and down the canals all the time we have 100 members and the thing is that uh when they build a retaining wall I think I think there's a case on that also in
87th Avenue uh that it was built without a permit and we cannot use that lake anymore. So, we want to make sure this other property goes complies with a with a with a required slope which is 4 on one. Otherwise, um if they build a retaining wall on our lakes, we cannot
do the water skiing anymore because creates a lot of backwash. So, it's just difficult to water ski. >> Okay. >> So, we just want to make sure that you know whenever they approve the plants, it's according to the ordinances approved in 2009 already. >> Okay. >> That's all we have. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you very much, Mr. Ch. Anyone else would like to speak on this item? >> Is surname and address for the record, please? >> Uh, yes. Hi, good afternoon. Man Fernandez. My address is 8103 Northwest 33rd Street here in Dorado. I'm the architect for the project and and I have spoken to
>> Gonzalo, right? And and we will address your concern. As a matter of fact, I believe at 99% that the slope is 4 in one. We're not putting in a retaining wall right at the, you know, water edge where we have a small wall inward of our site, but your your concern of the 411 slope, it will be there on that on that
site. Okay. >> So, I just wanted to >> Thank you for addressing that. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Please register with the city clerk just to have on record your public comments. Thank you. Anyone else would like to speak on this item? We are on item 25-6254. Being none,
public comments is now closed and we will move into hearing from planning and zoning. it, if you could ceue up the presentation, please. Thank you. Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Michelle Lopez with your planning and zoning department. Uh,
presenting before you this evening, site plan. Sorry, I'm just having a great night so far. uh site plan presented by Mahoodi International Corp. The applicant for project referenced as Fingerlakes
Warehouse 95th Avenue. Uh the applicant is requesting site plan approval for subject location 2100 Northwest 95th Avenue. The site is just shy of an acre at 0.98 acres, approximately 42,500 ft for the lot. And the applicant is
proposing to construct a new two-story building totaling 14,854 square feet for warehouse operations and office space. A zoning workshop was held on June 25th. Uh no comments from the community were presented at that time.
The site is zoned and land used as industrial and completely surrounded on all four sides by the same zoning and land use. The site plan was reviewed for consistency with your comprehensive plan and your LDR and uh all land development
code requirements have been met. Existing conditions for the site are presented on the screen with views from 95th Avenue. Um and also across the right of way you'll see on the east view uh some existing vegetation that
currently exists. Um, in addition to the items just presented, the project features mo modern architectural design for warehouse and office building. They're providing 20 parking spaces which include 17 parking spaces, one ADA
space, and two loading docks. Um, they're also proposing through their site plan bicycle racks as required by your land development code. Uh, they're upgrading their landscaping and they're providing heat reflective material for the parking area. Here's a copy of the site plan where you
can see the parking will front the right of way as well as a loading area and then the building will be set back situated between the parking and the existing uh waterways. Here's some elevations of the east and the west
and then elevations of the north and the south and uh renderings to show the uh building articulation and the movement in the front and to address the uh residents concerns in the isometric view which is a little bit hard to see.
You'll see there's a slight slope going into the lake. Um when we receive the construction documents, we will of course confirm that that slope is consistent with the code requirements. But as the designer for um the applicant uh stated on the record, they they are
designing with the intent of complying with the city code. As I mentioned, the site plan is fully consistent with your code, meaning your far height, uh lot widths, setbacks, etc. So no issues there. and the site
plan was reviewed for consistency with your site plan evaluation standards that are codified, meeting consistency with the comprehensive plan. They are promoting better site design, um integration of the project more effectively into the surrounding environment, enhancing property values
as the site is currently vacant. They're ensuring harmonious relationship among buildings, uses and visitors uh with the mindset of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community and visitors. Um, all traffic concerns have been addressed and item H is not
applicable to this application. With that, staff recommends that the mayor and council approve the proposed site plan for Fingerlakes Warehouse 95th Avenue located at 2100 uh 95th Avenue as the project is consistent with your comprehensive plan land use elements
goals, objectives, and policies, consistent with your EL uh land development regulations, consistent with your industrial zoning district regulations, compatible with adjacent land uses and zoning districts, compatible with warehouse and office use in the surrounding area, and meets all
of the site plan evaluation standards pursuant to city code section 53184 C3 approval of development plans in your land development code. Thank you so much. >> Thank you Michelle. Is there any presentation from the applicant? Not
necessary but okay. >> Yes, Councilman Pedato >> just have a quick comment. Uh I'll be in favor uh but Miss Lopez can I know we had the conversation about 95th Avenue. >> Yes. tends to, you know, when it rains a
lot, all that section tends to be under pretty much underwater. Uh, and it's a private road >> and I know each business owner has been trying to take care of their section. Yes. Outside in the on 95th Avenue. Are are we doing the same with the
applicant? Is there >> Currently, there's no improvements um proposed for the right of way. Uh, I I I do plan to speak with the applicant tomorrow. Um but as of right now on planned there are no proposed improvements. Okay. I think to address.
>> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Yes. To to your question. Yes. The owner actually paid for for an easement. We it was done already by the survey and we are upgrading the the >> French drains >> the the the storm water drainage on that side around that along the frontage of the road.
>> Perfect. >> Appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> For those that don't know a lot of those streets are still on French drains proper there. So >> motion to approve. >> Second. Motion to approve by Councilman Pino. Second by Coun Councilwoman Reynoso. If there's no additional
questions or concerns, comments, then we can call the role. >> Motion to approve made by Counciloman Pinto. Seconded by Councilwoman Reynoso. Counciloman Pedo. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Reynoso. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Cavan. >> Yes. >> And Vice Mayor Poras. Mayor Frag. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> All right. Thank you very much. Okay. We
move on to the next item. >> First readings. Item 19 C, ordinance number 202525, capital improvement element update. An ordinance of the mayor and the city council of the city of D Florida adopting the annual update of the capital improvements element CIE of the city's comprehensive plan for 2025 and the 5-year schedule of capital
improvements for fiscal years 2526 and 2930 pursuant to section 163-13773b Florida statutes and providing for an effective date. >> Okay. Opening up public hearing for item 25-6255. Anyone who would like to speak on this item, please approach the podium and
speak only to this item. Okay. I have no comment cards and no one has chosen to speak. Closing public comments. Madam clerk, the record no one has chosen to speak at this time and I will now hear from planning and zoning.
Thank you. So, every year the city uh in order to comply with Florida statutes and the requirements of their comprehensive plan, we do a five-year update to our capital improvement element. It's a rinse and repeat. We do this every year. If there's any specific questions related to the projects
inserted into the capital improvement element update, uh I'm here to address those questions as well as my colleagues in public works and parks and capital improvement. Thank you. >> All right. Any questions for any of the
department heads or administration? >> Motion to approve by councilman Benedo. Second. >> Second by counciloman Reynoso. If there are no further question, comments or concerns, madam clerk, please call the role. >> Motion to approve ordinance number 202525 on first reading. May by counciloman penedo. Seconded by council maroso. Counciloman penedo.
>> Yes. >> Councilo. Yes. Council. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Poras. >> Yes. >> Mayor Fraga. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> All right. Wonderful. Moving on to the next item. >> Item 19D, ordinance number 202526 BP. Dural 826 FLLC reszoning an ordinance with the name may of the city council of
the city of Dal Florida approving an amendment to the city's official signing map from industrial commercial IC to industrial I for plus or minus 1.8 acres for property located at 7775 through 7785 Northwest 48th Street providing forability conflicts and an effective date.
>> Okay. Um I'm going to open a public hearing for this item first. Public hearing is now open for item 25-6256. Anyone who would like to speak on this item, please approach the podium and speak only on this item.
Being none, public comment on item 256256 is now closed. Madam clerk, I the record record reflect. No one has chosen to speak at this time and I will now take exparte communication. >> I've spoken to the applicant and that
will not influence my decision. >> Okay. Also, I want to um disclose that I spoke with the applicant. That will not uh it will not affect my decision. >> Okay. Anyone else? >> No. >> All right. Being none. Okay.
>> Motion to approve. >> Well, I need to hear from planning. We have to put on the record the the uh presentation. So, I need to hear from planning and zoning. >> Mhm. Thank you. Thank you. It the applicant BP Terrell 826 uh LLC
is proposing a resoning on property located at 7775 7785 Northwest 48th Street for approximately 1.8 acres of land. Uh the zoning is industrial commercial with an
underlying flume of industrial. Uh on the on the graphic before you, you'll see the change. On the left side of the graphic, you'll see the industrial commercial and the right side industrial. If the resoning request is adopted,
the site uh is uh has industrial land use categories to the north, south, east and west. Uh and then zoning to uh industrial commercial to the north and industrial to the south and east and industrial commercial and MF4 to the
west. existing views of the property. So, effectively the site is splitz zoned with industrial to the east and industrial commercial to the west. What this application is trying to do is provide consistency in zoning throughout
for purposes of future development. At your next council meeting, you'll see at second reading of this item the um concurrent site plan. So, as I mentioned, the western side of the parcel is approximately 1.8 acres. It's it's part of an overall uh overall
warehouse development which includes a guard house, some surface parking and two-way uh road with vehicular access to northwest 79th uh and the Palmetto office park. The request to reszone the west parcel from industrial commercial to industrial district um is consistent
with your comprehensive plan industrial future land use. Um, it's consistent with your land development code and it's compatible with the surrounding neighborhood through the request to reszone. Permitted uses would include under industrial uh professional offices,
hotels, motel, retail services, uh, educational facilities, trade schools, warehouses, showrooms, manufacturing, uh, automobile, parking lots, etc. um with some prohibited uses that include amusement centers, entertainment centers, health and exercise centers,
sports facilities, and schools. Staff recommends that the mayor and council approve the proposed amendment to the city's official zoning map from industrial commercial to industrial for approximately 1.8 acres generally located at 7775 7785 Northwest 48th
Street. the applicants uh land use council is here as well with a presentation ready should the council wish to uh hear that presentation. Thank you. >> Thank you Michelle. Would the applicant like to make a quick presentation? >> Good evening. My name is Tracy Slavvens.
My address is 3800 Northeast 1st Avenue, Sweet 200 Miami, Florida. Um staff eloquently presented the resoning. This is a a very straightforward application. The as she mention as Michelle Lopez mentioned, there's a split zoning on the
property. The majority of the development will be on the industrially zoned property. It's just the connection from that main development site to Northwest 79th Avenue that requires the reszoning. And it that area in the site
plan, which you will see next month, is essentially the entrance, driveway, and some overflow parking. And that's it. same as it is configured and designed existing today. Happy to show you pictures if you'd like to see them, but otherwise um answer any questions you may have.
>> Thank you, Tracy. I don't know if anybody has any additional questions or would like to see the presentation from the applicant. >> Okay, second. >> Okay, there's a motion by Counciloman Cabra, second by Vice Mayor Porus. I believe uh Councilwoman Reynoso wanted to clarify the record.
>> Yes. Um so I did speak with the applicant and it won't affect my vote. >> Okay. Thank you very much. If there's no additional questions, madam clerk, I believe you can call the role. >> Motion to approve ordinance number 202526 on first reading by counciloman Cabral and seconded by Vice Mayor Porz. Councilwoman Cabral. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Pores. Council Reynoso.
>> Yes. >> Counciloman Pedo. >> Yes. >> Mayor Fraga. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Next item 19E ordinance number 202527 text amendment special exception. An ordinance of the mayor and the city council of the city of D Florida
amending chapter 53 administration to establish a process for review and approval of special exceptions providing for incorporation of recital incorporation into the code severability conflicts and an effective date. >> Okay, I'm going to open up the public hearing for item 25-6268. Anyone from the public who would like to
speak on this item and this item alone, please approach the podium. Okay. Being none, public comments is closed on item 25- 6268. Madam clerk, let the record let no one chosen to speak at this time. And this is my item
along with planning and zoning who was very instrumental in helping develop it. Um, so Michelle, you want to go ahead and present? I can help a little bit after that. >> Thank you, mayor. Thank you. So, your city code, when the city was
incorporated 21 years ago, it adopted the county code, that's not unusual. It happens. It it happens almost every time an agency incorporates. Um, with that adoption of the county code, there was a transfer of language that referenced
certain uses by special exception. Uh, there's a codified fee for the application of special exceptions. uh some of your districts reference uses by special exception. For example, a few months ago, uh I presented an item for special exception approval for paddle
court. Um and that kind of fell within this wheelhouse. The hole in the code is that there is no process that's currently codified for the special exception permit, leaving the interpretation up to the director, not providing clear transparency for the
community, the applicants, the businesses, etc. So what this code amendment does is it it adopts a process that's already referenced in the code but not delineated. So I will briefly take you through um the various items uh
of the proposed amendment uh and then uh here for any follow-up questions. So purpose and intent. Um the challenge is that the current land development code lacks a clear comprehensive framework for review and approval. Um issues that present in the current system include
that there's no standardization in application procedures. Uh there's unclear criteria and standards. It's incon there's an inconsistent evaluation process because it can change from director to director. There's limited transparency for applicants and the community and there's no defined
enforcement mechanism. Um, so the the goal is to to provide uh clarity and regulation so that all of those issues that I've just described no longer are issues for the development community and the residents and the
businesses. The um the code amendment provides an application process which includes a pre-application conference with the planning and zoning department. Every application that we process that's presented before you or reviewed administratively goes through a pre-application meeting. We do them on
teams. It's very fast and easy. Um obviously the application submitt process which is done through our CSS portal. Um the the code provides um the staff the the the staff review technical requirements uh and completeness check. we will request a zoning workshop which
is uh something that the code requires for variances and site plans and and um your other types of applications. So we maintained that same criteria and then um city council approval for public hearing and final decision. So the first
the application will be presented to to the council upon first review and then if approved by the council every every year thereafter it will be automatically renewed as long as there's no extensive code enforcement action your police
services don't have to visit the site um they're not you know conducting work without permits inconsistent with the Florida building code etc. Um the the documentation that's going to be required through the application includes a site plan with buildings,
circulation, parking, landscaping, etc. A current survey, traffic study, um building elevations, and 3D renderings, and then some operational information to include description of major facilities, the hours of operation, um and
additional data as requested by staff. The um review criteria will include compat compatibility with surrounding areas um to ensure that there's no excessive noise or light or density uh impacts uh traffic review which your
public works department does with almost any application uh including site plans, changes of use etc. Um consistency with the comprehensive plan goals, objectives and policies. Um there's um provisions related to code compliance, design
standards to limit you know visual impact site configuration, ensure consistency with setbacks um and your landscaping code. We want to make sure that the development pattern is logical, timely and orderly and you know special
considerations that may affect the uh surrounding area and the neighbors that exist. public notice requirements consistent with site plans and variances and resonings will also be effective for uh the through this code amendment. So
property postings and public advertisement and then permit terms as I mentioned the special permit will be valid for one year and then will go into automatic renewal consistent with the BTR cycle so long as the applicant is compliant with your city code and and
isn't undergoing code enforcement and isn't doing work without permits. Um, enforcement measures are also implemented through the code. First offense, uh, could be up to $1,000 a day. Subsequent offenses could be up to $5,000 per day. Again, that's um, uh,
when an applicant is operating outside of the permit and violating the code and not being a good neighbor. Um enforcement actions um can include unannounced inspections during business hours, suspension or revocation of non-compliance,
uh enhanced penalties for health and safety threats, injunctive relief, um and a 12 month probation after revocation of license if we get to that point. Um there are criteria for minor and major changes. So minor changes
include uh relocation of square footage less than 5%. Increase of square footage less than 5% increase of structure in height less than 5%. And the applicant will only be allowed to do one administrative modification. The reason for that is we don't want them
compounding. Okay, I'm I'm I'm doing less than 5%. And then I'm going to do another modification in a year less than five, you know, at 5%. And they can go up to 20, 30, 40. So, we want to make sure that we control um the original intent of the permit and the council
action. Major changes beyond that will go before the city council for review. Benefits include both the city and the applicants. For the city, there's a consistent evaluation process that will be codified. There's clear enforcement mechanisms so the applicants understand
what they can and can't do. Um there's protection for the community character. There's uh alignment with your comprehensive plan and enhanced public transparency for the applicants. Uh it provides for clear application procedures, defined review criteria, predictable timelines, opportunity for
conditions versus denial, and appealable rights are protected. staff recommends that the mayor and council approve the proposed amendment as it provides consistency and transparency community protects community interest, provides
clear guidance to applicants, supports the city's planning goals, and ensures appropriate enforcement if passed upon first reading. Um the applica the code amendment will proceed to your September 10th city council meeting. um and it will be effective immediately uh upon
second reading and then in the future we will start looking at potential uses for special exception which would be adopted via each individual district. So for example your uh ARRA district sub area district allows for fitness sports
centers by special exception over 5,000 square feet. we would expand upon that list um ensuring that it's compatible with the surrounding area. There any questions? >> Thank you, Michelle. >> Thank you. >> Just to put it into a little more layman's terms for everyone as to why I
asked to bring this forward. Um we are pretty restrictive in our industrial area uh when it comes to entertainment uses. And for example, we get a lot of requests for paddle or indoor soccer fields or a um golf simulator, you know,
type of business where they want to do indoor golf lessons. Um but our we have been very intentional about preserving the uses of the industrial zones, which I very much believe is important to do and we want to continue to do that. However, we also don't want to be so
restrictive where we're losing good businesses in our community or we get, you know, we basically box businesses out that um are needed in our community and some of these are better utilized in warehouse spaces with certain exe
special exemptions. So, our code did not allow for that. um special use permit or special exemption permit, conditional uses. These are different terms you can find across different municipalities that um applicants can uh go to to allow this type of business in an area. And it
gives us a more thoughtful process on choosing um where we would allow and what types of business we would allow in certain zones to while still protecting the characteristics of our neighborhoods and the industrial uses. So, I asked Michelle to take a look at this. um so
that we could bring forward the process. Um and like she said, the next step will be to bring forward list of uses that could apply for these ex uh for these um special exception or conditional uses. Um and then it would be up to us to decide and what what what zoning we want
to allow that in and what types of uses. And then even then we still it would still have to come to council for those approvals. Um >> we've discussed doing a limited number amount of them. you know, there are certain businesses we definitely don't want to encroach into our industrial uses, but I think that there is an
opportunity for uh especially in the um you know, athletic fields um or in in the in in the world of sports that it it is it is beneficial to our community. So, we're studying this, looking at it, but this is the first step to being able
to do it. So, I would appreciate the support from my colleagues to be able to get this done so that we can move forward and uh hopefully not have to turn away as many businesses as I I do at least in my office that come to to try and and do this in our community. So, >> motion
>> motion to approve by Vice Mayor Porz, second by Councilman Pino. Any other questions, comments? Nope. All right. Thank you very much, Michelle, for your hard work on this. Really appreciate it. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Motion to approve ordinance number 202527 on first reading made by Vice Mayor Pora. Second
by council Pino. Vice Mayor Pores. >> Vice Mayor Por. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council Pedo. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Kal. >> Yes. >> Council Reoso. >> Yes. >> Mayor Frag. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> All right. Great. Thank you very much. Next item. >> Next item 19F ordinance number 202528 telecommunications on the rightway. An
ordinance of the mayor on the city council of the city of D Florida amending chapter 38 article two title communications right away providing for incorporation of recitals incorporation into the code serability and an effective date. >> Okay. I'm going to go ahead and open up public hearing for this item. Public
hearing is now open for item 25-6276. Anyone who would like to speak, please approach the podium on this item. Being none, we will close public comments on item 25-6276. Madam clerk, let the record reflect. No one has chosen to speak at this time.
And I will now turn it over to Councilman Batal. I believe this is your item. >> Thank you, Mayor. As some of you might know, the last time that we actually had a revision on the on the telecommunication on rights away ordinance was back in 2008.
In 2019, the state of Florida passed legislation that removed many of the rights of local governments to regulate telecommunication infrastructure on rights of way. However, this legislation prescribe the manner in which local governments through local legislation
could regulate distance placement permit process application. And something that is very important and and it's one of the reasons why I decided to bring this forward is the aesthetics. The proposed legislation, if gets approved, will
update the city's current ordinance and certainly strengthens the city's ability to regulate the placement of telecommunication on the city's rights of ways. So, and and I want to thanks our city attorney and and administration, the city manager for helping in going over. It's a it's a
long extended ordinance. Uh but we I believe what we're accomplishing here it's it's great for our city especially looking forward and I want to thank the city attorney and I want to pass it to him since uh thank you Lorenzo for for
helping putting this together. I think that revisions that that we're making to the ordinance certainly will help uh from now on everything that is related to all these telecommunications and antennas that sometimes you see they're placed in different locations around the
city without us knowing anything or having any any inputs at all. So I pass it to you. >> Thank you very much Councilman Pora for those words. Um, as you eloquently uh stated, yes, uh, back in 2019, Florida
statute 33741, which regulates, uh, the use of utilities and the rights of way, was overhauled by the state of Florida. And then, uh, new amendments were also made in 2022. Um what this amendment did was it prohibits uh municipalities from completely restricting uh any utility
polls uh that have telecommunication or collocation of uh telecommunication technology on uh polls that are on cities municipalities rights of way. That being said, uh the city of of Dural as well as other uh cities across the state of Florida do did retain a
significant amount of authority uh which if codified uh can be used in order to maintain as as you you stated the aesthetics. Uh it can also uh be used to ensure that there is a distance requirement uh between polls. It also requires that the applicant register uh
with the city uh and that when they do uh uh provide their actual request for a permit uh that they also provide for a bond. At the time that they provide the the request for a permit, the way that this ordinance is now written, it requires them to provide a set of plans, a set of engineering specs, a set of uh
different types of of documentation uh to ensure that the actual product that is going to go on the uh cities right away is is a product that is found uh appeasing uh to the city. Uh, one thing that we're going to be analyzing between first and second reading, I'll be sitting with you and with sitting with
staff is is to come up with different uh, types of not not necessarily specific designs, but specific uh, elements that we want to incorporate in these poles uh, as far as uh, the structure of the poles as far as the color of the poles. Uh, do we want certain types of stealth uh, in order
for it to not to look like a telecommunication poles? Those sort of things that as a city uh, we do have the right to to regulate. Um finally I I if the uh individual or the the applicant uh fails uh to abide by any of these uh
his permit may be revoked uh there are penalties uh and provisions for penalties in in this agreement as well in this ordinance. Uh and finally it also does uh provide that if certain polls are abandoned on the right of way that the city has the right to take remedial actions in removing those polls.
>> Thank you. >> Motion. Okay. Motion to approve by Vice Mayor and Porus. >> Second by Councilman Pinado. All right. If there is no other questions or comments >> then. Okay. Madam Clerk, please call the RO.
>> Motion to approve ordinance number 202528 on first reading made by Vice Mayor Pora. Second by Counciloman Pedo. Vice Porz. >> Yes. Counciloman Pedo. Yes. >> Counciloman Cavalo. >> Yes. >> Council Reynoso. Yes. >> Mayor Fraga. >> Yes. Motion passes. >> All right. Thank you very much. Great job.
>> All right. Next item 19G, Ordinance number 202529, amending rules of procedure, public comments. An ordinance of the mayor of the city council of city of Dford amending division 3, rules of procedure of article 2, city council of chapter 2, administration of the city's code of ordinances providing for implementation, incorporation into the code, incorporation of retital,
severability, and an effective date. >> All right, opening up public comments for item 25-6266. Anyone who would like to speak on this item and this item alone, please approach the podium. Being none. Okay, we will close public comments. Madam clerk, I got the record
of cl. No one has chosen to speak at this time and I will turn it over to the city clerk. >> Thank you, mayor. >> Item. >> Thank you, mayor. This is just uh an item in order to continue with the streamlining process of council meetings. Uh our code currently stipulates that for public comments, individuals have to come up and fill out
three different color cards. And that just takes a little bit of time for them to do that when it's just much easier to implement a QR code which you already kind of started doing it for the signin sheet. But now this is just to clean up the code and make it more user friendly. >> Yes. >> To approve
>> grow the city clerk on this and making sure that it wasn't removing any opportunity to participate. Uh it's just really creating a more digital >> correct way of of uh keeping the record. So >> second >> less papers. All right. Motion to approve by Councilwoman Caval, second by
Vice Mayor Pores. If there's no other questions or comments, please call the role. >> Motion to approve ordinance number 202529 on first reading made by Councilwoman Caval. Seconded by Vice Mayor Porz. Councilwoman Cabrell. Yes. >> Vice Mayor Porz. Yes. Council Marinoso. >> Yes. >> Council Pedo, >> yes. >> Mayor Fo,
>> yes. >> Motion passes. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Last item. Second reading. Ordinance number 202521. Adopting a ratified investment policy. An ordinance of the mayor on the city council of the city of Dal, Florida, adopting a ratified investment policy for the city of Jeral, providing for civility, implementation, incorporation of recitals, incorporation
into the code, and an effective date. This was approved on first reading on June 4th. >> All right. I'm going to open a public hearing for item 25-6185. Anyone who would like to speak on this item, please approach the podium.
Being none, public comments is now closed. Madam clerk, let the record reflect. No one has chosen to speak at this time. And as if finance had not gotten grilled enough today. We have questions. No, I'm just kidding. Anybody have any questions? If not, I need a motion to approve. This is the second reading. And I don't believe there's any changes.
>> Motion to approve by Councilman Gaval. >> Second by Councilman Binedo. >> All right. No additional questions for finance. They got their fair share today. Madame clerk. >> Motion to approve ordinance number 202521 on second reading. Made by Counciloman Kavar, seconded by Counciloman Peno. Councilwoman Karan. >> Yes. Counciloman Penedo,
>> yes. >> Councilman Reynoso, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Porz, >> yes. Mayor Frag, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> All right. Thank you very much, everyone. That exhausts our council meeting for August. We appreciate your attendance and participation today. I need a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion.
>> Motion to adjurnn by council pen. Second by council moroso. All in favor say I. >> I. I