--------- We're going to start the council meeting. >> Gentlemen. >> They they can they can talk. So this are we good? Full moon, how are we looking? We're good? All right. The special council meeting for Tuesday, July 30th,
2026 is called to order at 6 03:00 p.m. We're going to have a moment of silent meditation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you very much. Madam Clerk, please have roll call, please. Madam Clerk, roll call, please. >> Roll call. Mayor Nickerson. >> Here.
>> Vice Mayor Martin is not in. Councilperson Urbom's not in. Councilperson Lightfoot War. Councilperson Winters. >> Present. >> Also present for the record, Denesha Causey, Village Clerk, Joseph Giddler, Village Attorney, David Roseman, Village Manager. You have a quorum. >> Thank you very much, Madam Clerk.
Appreciate that. All right, move to approve the agenda. Moved by Councilperson Lightfoot War, second. Seconded by Councilperson Winters. All in favor say aye. >> Aye. >> All those opposed say nay. Hearing none. Moving on to good and welfare. This is the time where any
resident can come up. You have 3 minutes. Name and address for the record. And you can speak. >> Hi, Noel Pace, 206 Northwest 91st Street. Um, good evening. Uh, I know this is a special meeting, uh, early start time. Not too many residents are
here. Uh, with that being said though, um, I did, uh, hear about the securing of county funding for septic to sewer for the entire village. With that, I hope that, uh, the prioritization plan of
work is re-looked. I, uh, strongly suggest that instead of starting, I think where they had it planned, I guess on the west side, that, you know, obviously tonight is a a discussion about the budget and about our tax base.
And as we know, there's potential legislation that could erode our tax base here, uh, coming up in November. With that, I strongly suggest that the county and the village look at re-prioritizing septic to sewer to probably focus on the Z5,
uh, area first. First of all, there's no roads to tear up right now. Second of all, the sewers could go in real easy since there's no roads. And third of all, that will enable our tax base to grow, uh, more quickly than starting with residential homes.
Uh, a sewer will enable commercial development, will enable, uh, higher density housing over in Z5. Uh, and then I also suggest the next is on Northeast Second Avenue, so we can, uh, exponentially increase our commercial footprint there on Main Street, uh, so
businesses can expand. Obviously, one of the constraints for, uh, restaurants, for other establishments is the fact that we are still on septic, uh, in those areas. Um, at the same time, looking at the overall picture, uh, I
think if you look at El Portal, Miami Shores, and Biscayne Park, one of the reasons why we haven't really had a Wynwoodization here yet, uh especially in some of our residential home areas, is uh due to the fact that we still are on septic. So, for all the great things
that sewer could do in terms of protecting the Little River, in terms of the environment, at the same time it may welcome in uh a development that may change the character of uh El Portal, uh especially uh in the residential uh bedroom part of the community. So,
that's why I especially recommend that we start uh that project and that funding should go toward where there's no roads right now and we can do commercial development rap- rapidly and easily, as well as a Northeast Second Avenue. Now, residents said, "Oh, well, uh septic to sewer, we shouldn't spend
money on that from the county uh in Z5, cuz that will come with some development agreement." But, you know, not I you know, not ever- I I think that that, you know, we always we have to stop counting on developers to fund everything, right? I mean, you know, they are uh uh great
partners, but at the same time I think we need to look at at at a proper uh prioritization for this. And that's all I have to say. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. One last thing, one last thing, um sometimes you'll see uh uh veterans saluting the flag during the Pledge of
Allegiance or the uh National Anthem. In 2008, the National Defense Authorization Act uh authorized all veterans and military in uniform or not uh that if they choose to salute the flag versus putting their hand on their heart, uh they can do that. So, just thought I'd
mention that to you, especially to Dr. Ward, who is a veteran. I I think I saw her getting ready to whip out a salute, but hey, I'll be with you uh next time, okay? All right, thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Good evening, everyone. Board members,
council people, vice mayor. Um my name is Ian McKenzie, 8950 Northeast 4th Avenue. I've lived in El Portal for over 23 years. And when I first moved in, I heard these grumblings or rumors about septic
tanks being eliminated in the near future. We're going to have um actual um sewer systems installed and so forth. And I heard that we had a grant that was >> [snorts] >> uh obtained to pay for that. Anyhow, as the years went on, then later on I
asked, I guess the front desk here, whatever happened. They said, "Oh, I guess they lost the grant or they didn't do it because nothing got acted on." Then I heard that Miami-Dade couldn't accommodate our village because they didn't have the capacity to
um uh process our waste, I guess, if you uh if that was the issue. So, I have no idea really what happened. But now here we come again. So, the only thing I want to know is um how this pro- I think it's a great idea. I mean I I I think it's
really necessary. I fully support it. But the question is is uh how is this being funded? Is this a state grant, a federal grant, or a federal pass-through funds, or is this just a gift from somebody? Is this uh the Dade County that's being generous and from our
taxpayers or coming out of our taxpayer uh base? How How How is the money coming through to pay for this? And it will pay for everything? Will it pay for each um homeowner to hook up to? Because there's also putting in the sewers, but there's
also hookup. And you have to hook up. Will there be a hookup period for that? These questions we need to know up front, not after the fact or sudden things at the uh you know, as they just happen as bombs
dropping off on us. So, that's one thing. The other thing is I want to address the the um millage rate, which I guess we're discussing tonight. Um the proposal was 8.2, I guess. Uh that's an 8.6% 8.06%
increase based on the trim notice. So, um what I see, uh I mean, I have no idea where our money's been going anyhow this year, so I have no idea. But, I I think we need to do go back to the rollback rate and keep it that keep it steady. Um we don't know what's going to happen
with the vote on on November 3rd, I guess, for the um uh the um property taxes anyhow. So, we need to practice, you know, conservative fiscal spending, I think, and we need to really
look at all our line items carefully, uh determine what's a priority, and that should be shared and discussed with um villagers because it's really important to know that. Um and I have some steerage. After all, it's our village and uh you know, we're trying to
be we're concerned about it. Thank you very much. Say bye. >> Greg Steer, 120 Northwest 86th Street. Uh one of the questions you didn't answer at the last meeting on Tuesday, Mayor, was the same one I've asked at the previous meeting and the one before that, so I'll just
keep asking it again and again. Where is the independent audit of the budget that the State Auditor General mandates be completed by June 30th? Simple question. Where is it? Why wasn't it done on time? What is the balance of the unassigned
general fund or our rainy day fund, which we could really use if Amendment 3 passes in November. I know the CFO was here last Tuesday, but you didn't let him speak. Will he be allowed to speak tonight?
Why are we scheduling budget hearings 2 weeks before the deadline instead of now? Why are we waiting 6 weeks to talk about a budget that starts in 8 weeks on October 1st? The sewer project, what exactly is this
new septic to sewer project that you claim you personally brokered the funding for? Where exactly is it going to begin and end? When will it start? How long will it take? What role will the village manager play,
if any? And who's paying for it? You said you knew the location, but you didn't want to share it even with your fellow council members, much less the residents. Why not?
You said WASD would have a definitive map of phase one by August. Well, that's the day after tomorrow. So, I'd like you to commit tonight to posting that map on the website.
Uh the millage rate, uh I hope the council will at least consider adopting the rollback rate of 7.8. We could all use a break from the ever-increasing cost of living in South Florida. People need to understand that even if we do adopt the rollback rate, our taxes can still go up because assessed values
go up. Even homesteaded properties go up. But new owners in particular are especially impacted. My neighbor, who's been here forever, pays $3,000 a year. I pay eight. But the guy across the street who just bought his house two years ago pays
$26,000 a year for the exact same services. The total assessed value of all the property in El Portal four years ago was $300 million. Today it's 400 million. That means the village has been getting
another $800,000 in revenue and yet claiming that they haven't raised property taxes because the millage rate has stayed the same. That's a 33% increase in four years. So they may claim they haven't raised your taxes, but they have by doing nothing.
By not rolling back the rate to it adjust for the steady increase in property taxes. Property values, sorry. As they say in Cayo Hueso, basta ya. Enough already. >> Next good and welfare.
>> [clears throat] >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Council. My name is George Alvarez. I live at 165 Northwest 88th Street. Hello. Um >> [clears throat] >> I want to uh again, I want to commend them the mayor and the council for
taking on the millage at this point. As we remember last year, it was a little bit later than this. So I have to give you guys props for getting on it. Um I won't make [clears throat] any commentary on the arithmetic. Uh but I will occasionally applaud when I hear a
diligent fellow resident of mine uh doing some good work. Um so uh thanks to all those diligent fellow residents of mine. Um I do hope that uh the mayor and council
and city manager will share the name of the program uh that is funding this uh sewer system. Um I think it's very important. Uh the mayor mentioned last uh a couple uh a couple nights ago that it's not
it's not uh connect to protect, which is a service which may become relevant to those of us who live uh in the areas where the work will be done eventually. It says service uh that helps you a discount service. Perhaps
the mayor or council can talk about that or perhaps manager Roseman can mention it. Um >> [clears throat] >> Secondly, uh I'm going to reiterate the fact that uh the only the only uh water and sewer
ticket that's open right now, and I I'm I'm going to beg your forgiveness with regards to my using allegorical terminology, but the ticket that is open right now for sewers is the one that would connect uh
a theoretical proposed structure at Raider Church to 97th Street in Miami Shores by way of the alley that is parallel and due west to Northeast 2nd Avenue. Other than that, um
no tickets, but I am looking forward very much to hearing where and when. Um I'll I like a lot of what uh my uh my neighbor Mr. Pace said, but uh there's a couple things that I would try to like uh
nip and tuck cuz I do believe the devil is in the details. Uh the idea of doing things to lay the the groundwork for some development in the commercial zones of El Portal is important. But it's just as important that it take
place in in prudent way. I could go on and on about this and some of you probably fear that I do or can or will. But one of the major threats to El Portal is overdevelopment in the region in South Florida.
Right now, we are bordered by Miami Shores, we are bordered by unincorporated Dade aka Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami. Any of those entities could approve any number of development and it doesn't matter that it's live local or not
because all the live locals 120% AGI so any market rate discount is is kind of a joke. And it doesn't matter. The overdevelopment it can be
live local, it can be luxury. It can be market rate or Section 8. If there are 5,000 6,000 10,000 new units around El Portal, it behooves us
to do the things that we've talked about in the past and I got to I got to give the the council props for for considering things like a master road plan. But having a master road plan having an emphasis on green space and
doing the little things that we can do so that we don't do to ourselves what nearby municipalities may do to us because a thousand units across the river is going to impact us in terms of flooding
in terms of traffic in terms of public safety. But if we don't get that extra commensurate tax base from whatever new development we do have in El Portal, how are we
going to pay for the police, the public works, etc. etc. etc. to deal with the extra impact that besets us from the planning, or lack thereof, of other communities.
So, I look forward to great new ideas coming from this this council ASAP after the business of the the millage and the other things are done this evening, but this is something that I think all residents need to be aware of. What what
may happen two blocks outside of our limits can happen to us, can impact us very greatly. Thank you for your time. I'm 50 5 seconds over, I think. Cheers. >> Thank you very much. >> Hi there. Ashley Lucio, 127 Northeast
90th Street. I'm with Dr. Ward. Um I just want to ask that uh maybe we table this millage rate discussion until after we know what's happening with the property taxes later this year,
and um once we know what our actual budget is, current and projected, which I don't believe we've seen yet. So, I think we need to have facts at hand before we can make adjustments to our millage rate.
That's it. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Good afternoon. Um Alexandra Bassa, 120 Northwest 86 Street. I am actually following Ashley's uh proposal to um push this decision to a later
date. Um maybe not until we know the results of the property taxes because we that means may not be feasible, but definitely um do a a couple of workshops where we can have an informed opinion of
what's going on with the budget that we have been asking for and we were were promised since October last year and we have been asking consistently in every single meeting. Uh we were supposed to have a report hanging on our on our doors
um last week or the week before. I do appreciate uh Mayor, your effort of going door by door, although I think that your time would be better spent um maybe conducting the the committees, especially the budget one. Uh one thing
that we still don't know anything about the results of the conversations with the police agreements, which is the biggest part of our budget. Um so, yeah. Thank you for taking our time, you know, the
our in consideration our input. Uh I did see the the your note about restricting the comments during welfare to just uh the agenda items, uh but sometimes we need to ask the questions
that we need to ask. That's that's all. Thank you. >> Yes, thank you. Also present for the record Councilperson Erbaugh. >> Hello. Daniel Rojas, 60 Northeast 86th Street. Um so uh I want to piggyback on all my neighbors and everything that have been mentioned
is is is extremely valuable. As we're speaking about the military today, I just want to bring up the issue of budget transparency, how we've been asking since last year for workshops. We wanted to get this started a lot sooner. Uh we and and this
will be our first true mention of budget items for for our village. Uh and it was mentioned there's going to be two meetings in September, but there was no mention of any workshops. Um
so I I believe we need to make sure uh as as a resident and as somebody who's been asking for this for a while, we want to know before any decisions are made. We want to ask why. We want to try to, you know, make sure our our hard earned money's
spent wisely and not rather than after. And uh so if you guys can commit to any workshop dates, it would be really appreciated. Uh that's it for me for right now. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else? >> Gooden Weather.
Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Thomas Pulliam. I live at 205 Northeast 86th Street. Um I have several points here um and I will be quick. The first one, um who at the village processes business tax receipts? Who is that go-to person? Um and is
there specific guidance for short-term rentals in El Portal? Uh thirdly, El Portal's current business tax receipt application, uh which is from June 2022, seems to list erroneous information for short-term rentals and
seems to neglect other information that I think is required. Who is the point person El Portal who can guide me through it? Uh different subject, point number four. Um on July 1st, HB 803 came into effect to streamline the residential building
permit process, reduce bureaucratic de- delays, and eliminate unnecessary costs for minor home improvements. That same day, on July 1st, at the Village Council special meeting, I asked for the updated building permit fees and processes that comply with this change
in the law. To my knowledge, this is still pending. Where is the Village on this matter? Uh next, point number five, uh regarding Florida Amendment number three, which is about the property taxes, um is on the November 3rd ballot. I think
everyone knows that. Don't forget to vote, of course. Um if passed by 60% of voters, this will slash the non-homesteaded assessment cap from 10% down to 5% starting in 2027, which is a benefit to rental properties specifically.
So, I would like to know how many properties in El Portal are homesteaded versus not. What percentage of revenues do each type make up? How does El Portal's estimated revenues for next year look like if Amendment 3 passes and if it fails?
And then my last point, number six, uh I've been making a lot of FOIA requests recently around the county, and it seems like everyone besides El Portal uses a software portal to service this and keep everything organized. Why does El Portal I to operate only via
email or paper forms for public records requests, and what is the cost-benefit analysis of each of these approaches? Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Marilyn Brooks, 400 Northeast 90th Street. Short and sweet.
My question is, when did we stop giving the budget? I've been here next 2 weeks, 43 years, and we used to give that every time you came to the meetings, there were
signing-ins and budgets. I haven't been coming to the meetings very often, but that's why I didn't know about this. So, that's one of my questions. As to why have we stopped doing so?
Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Last one, I think. Edna Edelman, 301 Northeast 88th Street. I I basically want to reiterate what what's been said. I mean, I I'm not really understanding how we can talk about a millage rate when we don't even know what the budget
is. Um also regarding the sewer project, um the map and the plan for phase one, at least, is posted on the Miami-Dade um .gov website, um and it seems like in that stack of
flyers perhaps a link to that uh could have been provided. Um, so again, um I don't know what our budget is. As Greg mentioned, uh we have new housing in El Portal. The tax base is moving up and yet we're
discussing raising the millage rate. Um, I'd like to understand how we're doing that. Thank you. >> Uh good evening. I'm sorry I'm late and I probably missed a lot, but I'm here anyway. Denise White, 173 Northwest 88th Street.
Um as I was trying to understand, I'm always trying to understand. My whole goal in this whole thing is to learn more about everything. Um, but I was as I was trying to understand, my question was
are are you are you trying to raise the millage rate because you anticipate the tax bill passing? Um and if so, are you trying to you know, yes, the last meeting you were
talking about moving things around. If that pass, you're going to move things around. So, is this part of your moving things around because you anticipate that to pass? And maybe it's just a little premature because
but maybe you have to do it at this time. I don't know. Like I said, I'm learning, so I'm not sure. But, um I was just wondering if that was a thing. Um as for the sewer, like I really love Mr. Warren our promise and I do want
him to have a solution to his issue. Uh but afterwards, that's a lot. That's a lot of money. And I know it must be frustrating to you, Mr. Mayor, because you try to find
solutions for people and then we come up and we go, "Hey, but why it got to be so much?" Anyway, that's my That's my I do want to find a solution for Mr. Warner. I think it's important to find a solution for the residents, but again, why is so much? Especially after
somebody just did something. And like Councilman Erb's said last time, if they broke it, why they can't fix it? But okay, you man. Hi, everybody. >> Anyone else good in welfare? Okay. I'm going to go and start answering. Um
you want to speak first real quick? >> Ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Lightfoot-Ward, I appreciate very much you all coming with thoughts and concerns about what's in the village and what's not being happened what's not
happening in the village. I appreciate that. I really do. At the same time, there's five of us Is there five of us up here? Five? >> Five total, yeah. >> Huh? >> Five. >> There's five. There's five of us up here.
If there's five of us up here, I have had nobody come to me and say, "Doc, just call me Anna. I know who I am I know I got a PhD. Just call me Anna." Nobody has said anything about what they want, how they want it,
and yes, they'll be a part of it. We don't have little um Mayor, what was that? We had little circles at one time. Did we not? With people didn't come up here just to Why did you do this? Or why haven't you done this?
They've always said, "I'll be happy to bring together something that would help us." Not one person up here is doing anything wrong. But what I'm hearing, now this is just Anna talking. What I'm hearing is you're not satisfied
that things are not moving forward. I can appreciate that. I really can. But to not have situations and circumstances When I came on the council, people would meet right here. I wasn't even on the council. They would
meet right here and say, "I got an explanation to all the things that you all think that we know what to do." Well, I can't tell you that we do know everything what to do. But when I came here people were anxious to say, "Let me be a
part of a committee that would allow A, B, C, and D to be taken care of." I keep writing every time the military facts. Septic to sewer. Miami-Dade, and we are the smallest. If you didn't know it, we are the smallest
village, the smallest one in the in Miami. Dade County. And last but not least tax rates is moving up. That's right. All over the United States. Why? I'm
asking the same question. Why? All the big babies are already grown and old. How do I know? I'm one of them big babies. Okay, that had Y'all know what I'm talking about, right? All those people born at one time, at the same time, and everybody going, "What we going to do
with all these children?" Well, these children are now adults. When you come here to talk to us, I've heard it too many times. You don't come with solutions, you come with arguments. What do you What would you like us to do? How would you help?
We're not the ones to do it. We have to hire the people. I've been in this system for a long time. Those of you that know that I'm I'm part of five cities where I was the city as- assistant city manager. I know
what cities do. I also know that people get involved and say, "What can I do to help us move forward?" From listening to y'all, thank you. I hear raise the millage rate, facts. Septic to sewer, what we going to do about it?
Miami-Dade, generally speaking, and tax rates are moving up. We're not making a move up, but they are moving up. I'm not happy with that, either. Why have we stopped financial recordings?
All those things are not what five people can do. What happened was people would come in and say, "Listen, I want to be a part of what you all would like happening. If you can't put together the group, I'll put together the group. Just tell me
what we have to get done." I have have not heard that. I have barely spoken, and I thank all of you that call me periodically and say, "Doc, you don't say a whole lot anymore." I said, "Because you're not asking for questions."
You're giving excuses for no answers. The mayor can't do it by itself, and neither can I. What is said to us when we get it from our attorney or one of the other people like um um
like the what what we call it now? She used to be a woman, now it's a man. Right here. The manager. Unless I get something from the manager or we give something to the manager or you are telling us, "Listen, we got somebody that we can work with."
We are regular people just like you. You voted us in here, yes or no? Yes. And somebody saw me getting out and 27 people came to my house and said, "Doc, we don't need you off the council, we need you on the council
cuz you don't put up with foolishness." And I decided, "Okay." But also I'm very quiet, yes or no? I'm very quiet cuz I'm looking for solutions. You all coming up here with problems. You're not telling me solutions. We are all not the people.
We are working for the people. We just happen to be in the same city as the people. Everybody understand what I'm saying? So all of what I'm hearing is, "You ain't done this and you ain't done that, ain't." And I got a PhD. "You ain't done
this and you're not ain't doing How you know what we're not doing?" We ask you. I mayor, correct me if I'm wrong. We ask you all to come with a group who are interested in millage rate facts, septic to sewer,
Miami-Dade County in general and how it can help us and tax rate is moving up. We're not doing that. The people are doing that. We asked you all to work with us the way they used to. Am I telling the truth, uh mayor? >> Yes.
>> People out in the in like you all would come forth and said, "I got five people who live here and we'll be glad to be one of these. Millage rates, septic to sewer, Miami-Dade General tax rate moving up. You ain't asking for
how you going to help us. You're trying to tell us what to do when we don't even have no one coming forth and say, "I'll be the committee person to make sure that we know what we want to do." Uh-huh. And I just want to be able to tell you
all, you know I don't talk a lot. But everybody knows who I am. Maybe not here, but in other places. I've been the manager, the deputy manager of more than five cities. I know what's going on. You all brought me back here.
You all told me not to not to not to leave because of the way I'm speaking and the way I tell you, we are human beings, too. Give us what you want. If you got people out there that know how to do things and they're got their own business, talk to
us. If you know folks that not doing what they're supposed to and permanently, you know I saw I saw part of our people here living, digging up the doggone sidewalks and the and the um and the roadway. And
I stopped and said, "Why are you doing that?" Well, ain't nobody else doing it. I said, "You're tearing up Miami-Dade County inside of What do we call El Portal? You're tearing up stuff so you can come to the council and make it look like
we're not doing anything. You're tearing up stuff. You haven't told me one time, I appreciate you. I tell you I do. You haven't told me one time what they used to do. The group would come together and say, "We want this and this and we got this company.
We want this and this done. Right, Mayor? But long before you were Mayor, right? >> Yes. >> Things were already on because the people understood that five five people up here five people can't make the decision by themselves. We got the best attorney in this whole county. Everybody knows this
attorney. We have a city clerk didn't know nothing. Am I right or wrong? When you started out, didn't know nothing, right? But now she is keeping us in place. Then you come back to to
argue about it. I like the man that said I got a solution. I like that. I like the woman that said last time and I'd be happy to form a committee. You haven't said to me or us anything
about how you want, what you want, and who you want. Where before they were Am I telling the truth, Mayor? >> Yes. >> They were telling us we got a company that can do ABC. We got so-and-so. So we talk them I'm telling
you, we would talk them and see which one we wanted. Three people. Three at one time. I remember three times companies came to us because people came from outside like you all and brought something in. Look at there, you remember that. I love you.
Yeah, help us. We are just like you. The bit The difference is you voted us here. Doesn't mean we have all the answers. But what you did to make me come back cuz when I tried to get get out of here, we had already done everything we needed to do and they said, "No, Doc, stay."
So I stayed. But now you come with stuff as opposed to explanations. What will help this do this? How can we do this? We got most of this stuff. Tell me Tell me, Mayor, if I'm telling it too fast. >> No, you're
>> We had people come to us and say, "I've got a company that can do ABC." Thank you, sir. You remember that, don't you? Cuz we had that. Where people would come to this You know this is the tiniest city in Miami-Dade County? So we have to know that
know people come to us and say, "I got so-and-so. We need to do X Y Z like you all talk about." We never said no, right, mayor? We never said no, did we? >> No. >> We never said no. Five people up here, we all five, aren't
we? Five people up here can't do it all. The way we were doing it when I first came is cuz people came together with people and said, "I got the company. All I got to do is introduce it to the What are we? >> Yeah.
Yeah, the council. >> Council? Give it to the council and then we decide. We decide on what we need to have done and we did it with the opportunity for everybody that's not looking around for us to do
it, but for the city. This the smallest city in Miami-Dade County, period. We did things because of what? Am I telling you the truth? We did things because you all made decisions of how we can get this done.
>> Thank you, Councilwoman Football. Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Thank you all. >> Okay, so, um when it comes to septic sewer, anything that's on the website, I'm not sure if that's a confirmed confirmed version cuz
once it's confirmed, they'll put out the um the map for the for the phase. So, there's anything on the website now, it might be like a older version or it might be something that's not confirmed. It might be a tentative. But, once the confirmed comes out, um they'll put that out. When I said that the confirmed was
com- When I said that the confirmed was coming out um next month, um I meant by September since we're talking about this on Tuesday. Um so, I mean like a month from from then, basically. So, that was that. Um I never stopped anybody from talking uh here, so I don't
know what that is about. Um when it comes to when it comes to the the dates, so the um hearing dates, the hearing dates that you see on the uh on the resolution of September 10th and
September 22nd, and people saying that we're late. Um Biscayne Park's dates, ours is the 10th and the 22nd. Biscayne Park is September 8th and September 22nd. Um Miami Lakes' first budget hearing, September 9th.
No, September 10th, the same day as our first one. Um Cutler Bay's first one is September 8th, 2 days before our first one. Virginia Gardens um is September 8th and September 18th.
Virginia Gardens, Key Biscayne, first is September 8th, 2 days before our first one, and second September 22nd, Key Biscayne. North Miami, their first is September 4th, second is September 15th.
Hialeah, their first is September 8th, their second is September 22nd. Hialeah Gardens, their first is September the 1st, second is September the 15th. So, we're not anywhere outlandishly outside of what everybody else is doing
throughout the county as far as their first and second budget hearings. When it comes to um details about the the sewer, I uh maybe I shouldn't have put out anything, but I'm putting out confirmed information.
Um had a meeting with them earlier today, and confirmed information they're going to bring it out uh as soon as they possibly can. Again, they reiterated within a month, um but I told them to speed that up if they can, but they don't want to rush and put anything out that's going to change or be adjusted,
so they want to put out confirmed information is what I'm going to give to you guys. As far as the millage rate, well, as far as tabling this particular um, resolution tonight, and then I'll get to the military and kind of clear that up.
As far as is tabling this, we can table, but this has to be done, I believe, by August 4th. Everyone has to have it turned in by August 4th. Um, and so, the thing about it is because I don't think you guys want the military to go up, right, at
all. Okay. So, once this goes in, we can't raise the millage rate, we can only lower it. Okay? So, this is more of a, um, the resolution tonight is more of something to be in compliance. Everybody has to have it in by August 1st, I mean,
August 4th, excuse me, August 4th. But, once we put this in, like, for example, we were going to raise tonight, if we were going to raise it, we would have to raise it tonight. All right? So, right now, our millage rate is 8.2. So, if we wanted to raise it before this past tonight, we would
have to make it 8.3 or 8.4 or whatever. But, if we keep it 8.2, we can only lower it once this passes and goes in. We can't raise it. Okay? Um, so, we can lower it down to whatever we want to lower it down to once this passes, but we can't raise it once this
passes. The good and welfare, yes, so, when I was talking about good and welfare, you guys can talk about anything that you guys want to talk about. What I was saying was the council up here, you can't introduce new items um, that wasn't on the agenda uh, previously. That's what I
was saying about that. Um, what else? Mr. Pulliam, we'll try to get the answers to all your questions. Uh, I appreciate that. The business tax receipts, the short-term rental information, um, and the various questions that you had. Okay, so, thank you for that.
Um, never want to say that anybody's wrong or incorrect. I do remember that when it came around budget time for the workshop and hearings that we would have the budgets back there on the pianos.
I've been here for a long time, but that wasn't every meeting, you guys. That was just when we got to the budget um hearings and the budget workshops. Okay. And so yeah, and so the last question again, we're not raising the military rate um at all. And by passing this, this is a compliance thing. We can only
lower the military rate. All right, you guys. Um Councilperson Urban, Councilperson Winters. You good, Councilperson Urban? >> I just wanted to say I'm glad you're here, Mr. Manager. We missed you on Tuesday. Hope you're all right. And I'm glad to see the CFO back there
in the back. Don't hide. You can come forward. Uh we're We have a great discussion today. >> Thank you. All right, bringing it back to the council. Um do we have uh any other questions or comments about the resolution? Yes.
>> I'd like to read it out loud. >> Um Attorney Geller uh >> Either way. >> should be the one to read it out aloud. Um if uh Councilperson Lightfoot-Ward You can go ahead and read it,
Councilperson Lightfoot-Ward. Um just read the the dark part, the resolution part, the heading part is what we need to read into the record, please. >> You want the resolution G? >> Um yeah, let's do the resolution G, then we'll go to the agenda item cuz that's much shorter. >> Okay. Cuz it that the other one is something
else. A resolution >> Yes. So, we're going to So, read the resolution for us, Attorney Geller, then we'll come back to the agenda item. >> Well, we have um F1 first, man. >> Yeah, read the read the read the resolution first. >> Yes, sir. F1 is just approval of the um
Village of El Portal Title VI program plan. Uh discussion and possible action is presented by the manager. So, I think the manager can present the the details on that and we can vote that up or down and then we'll get to the millage. >> Okay. We've been discussing the millage rate, so the budget
>> Yeah, we're just doing that. >> want to continue the discussion. All right. Uh Mr. Manager, would you please talk about title um title nine? Title seven, I mean. Or six. I mean, title six. Just please discuss title six for me. And we'll we'll read it in a second. Come first, come all.
>> And we'll put the rest on on record as soon as we move to that item. >> What is this about? >> What is this about? >> Oh. >> [clears throat] >> Mr. Mayor, council members, this is a requirement for all of the municipalities that
accept CITT dollars um pledging that the use of those dollars will be done according to the principles and the um restrictions of title seven, which says that no one who
benefits from those um proceeds uh should be um discriminated against or maybe limited, etc., etc. So, it's just a standard um pledge that all of the municipalities that use CITT dollars um make to the
state saying um "We will be using those dollars um according to title seven." Okay? So, it's just a requirement to to acknowledge and to for us to follow with regards to how those dollars are used. >> Yeah, I'm going to let Councilperson
Urban jump in. This is something that we have to do also every year. I remember doing this with the manager Alou um every year also. Councilperson Urban. >> So, are we able essentially to uh take action on this item tonight and instruct the manager to
keep us in compliance with this title? >> Absolutely, Council person I would. Any other questions or comments from the council before I go to the audience? >> Yes. So, you talking about item G, yes? >> No, we're talking about the agenda item.
>> about F, Village of Bellwood Title VI. >> F one. >> Council. >> I got it. The It says Village of Bellwood Title VI Program Plan Discussion and Possible Action. That's where we are now, right? Right here? >> Yes, it's supposed to say Title VII.
That's why when I was reading it said Title VII cuz I knew what it was about, but then when I saw the number, I said Title VI. That's what I was >> It says Title VII. You need another one on that. >> another one on that, next to that new Roman numeral. >> Are we ready for the question? >> So, we're going to go to the audience
real quick. Anybody in the audience have any comment about this particular item? Questions or comments? Hearing seeing none, back to the council. Do we have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Moved by Council person Lightfoot Ward. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Seconded by Council person Ervin. Madam
Clerk, may we have a roll call, please? >> Well, hold on. >> Yes, Council person I would. >> I want to read to you what we're doing, okay? Cuz I know you all don't have everything we have. And we all have two things. The Village of Bellwood Title Is that >> Seven supposed to be seven. >> Seven supposed to be seven Program Plan
Discussion and Possible Action. This is what we're about to vote on. You have been talking, we've been hearing you, and this is the day that we're going to do the the Village of Bellwood Title VII >> Seven. >> Seven. Program Plan Discussion and
Possible Didn't say that it would be actually happening, and possible action. >> Yes. >> Once we get started. >> Thank you very much, Council person Lightfoot Ward. Madam Clerk, we had a motion and a second. Madam Clerk, can you do that roll call, please? >> Roll call, Councilperson Winters. >> No.
>> Councilperson Lightfoot Ward. >> Yes. >> Councilperson Erbaugh. >> Yes. >> Mayor Nickerson. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 3 to 1. >> Item F Item G1, Mayor. >> Thank you. >> Resolution on proposed military resolution of the Village Council of the
Village of El Portal, Florida of Miami-Dade County, Florida determining the Village's proposed military rates as required by Section 200.065, Florida Statutes and setting the date, time, and place of
public hearings to adopt the tentative and final millage and budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Directing the Village Manager to file this resolution with the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser
authorizing the Village Manager to change the budget hearing dates, if necessary providing for incorporation of recitals and providing for an effective date. Now, Mayor, as you pointed out we are required to read certain things
from this resolution into the record, not just the title as we usually do. So, I will read those into the record per your your request and direction. >> Thank you. Thank you for that clarification. >> Um we received from the Property Appraiser
of Miami-Dade County, the Honorable Thomas P. Regaldo uh on or about July 1st um a certification of taxable value showing certifying the Village's 2026 taxable value as 399
million Sorry, Mayor. 399 million 711,719. Whereas the Village Manager and staff have prepared a tentative budget and have computed
the proposed millage rate necessary to fund the tentative budget other than the portion that comes from non-ad valorem sources. And we're required in answer to some questions
by law to furnish this proposed millage rate to the property appraiser within 35 days of the issuance of that certification on
July 1st. And are therefore we are required by law to furnish this proposed millage rate no later than August 4th. So the declaration of the proposed
millage rate for this year and again as you said correctly mayor this is effectively the maximum um in order to raise this rate, I mean it practically speaking it's it's it's
virtually not able to be done. This is the maximum it can go down but it cannot go up and that rate is declared to be 8.20 mills which is $8.20
per $1,000 of assessed property based again on the property assessments within the village based on the total assessed valuation which I read a moment ago.
We are required to read into the record the declaration of the rolled-back rate. The rolled-back rate as defined in that section of statute 200.065 is 7
.78 18 mills. And that's the same again as $7.7818 per $1,000 of value
on property based that on the assessment in the village. That rolled back rate Looks like this is cut off, Mayor, because there is supposed to be a place here where it says the percentage
that the rolled back rate is higher. I'm not seeing it on the resolution. Looks like it got cut off. >> help you out. It's uh the the percentage is 5.37% more than the rolled back rate. >> Okay, thank you for putting that on the record, uh Councilman Erb because it's
cut off on this copy. Can you 5. >> 37 >> 5.37% higher than the rolled back rate. In addition, the dates and times and locations of the first and second budget hearings
per this resolution are declared to be the first budget hearing is September 10th 2026, which is a Thursday, by the way. Note there was a typo in an earlier version that went
out. Some people said Tuesday, it is not. September 10th is definitively a Thursday, and that's what this resolution in front of you says at 6:30 p.m. here in the village hall. And the second and final
budget hearing is September 22nd 2026, which is a Tuesday. It is also the night of our regular council meeting. So, that's this is set for 6:45
that night prior to the regular council meeting. And at that time, the final millage rate and the final budget will be adopted. The 10th September 10th is the proposed millage rate and tentative budget. And September 22nd,
the final millage rate and the final budget 6:45 p.m. Also, here in the village hall. And of course, this resolution is to be transmitted as said on or before August 4th. And the manager may change it only if necessary if
you know, because of some kind of public emergency or something like that, the uh county or the school board reschedules their hearings. That is the resolution before the council tonight, Mayor. >> Thank you very much. Going to open up to the audience. Does anybody have any questions or comments about this
particular item, this resolution? >> Hello, Thomas Pulliam 205 Northeast 86th Street. Um I remember being here last year uh when this was being discussed. And at that time, the council uh decided actually our taxes are too high.
We need to roll it back. Um I think you did a point uh point one roll back haircut with that. And there was a promise made as well to be looking into the future to continue that roll back. Um hearing that what's on the
agenda tonight is 5% over the recommended roll back, um I think is a total miss for us to approve that. Um I would like to see um what goes forward being 7.6,
which would be the same haircut uh that was given last year based on that rollback rate. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Can I just say something for clarification real quick? So, uh when I first came on the council and went through my first budget uh hearings,
uh the concept of the rollback rate was completely alien to me. Uh I had not been a homeowner before I moved into this neighborhood and and uh and so I didn't know what rollback rate meant at all. Uh I thought it was the rate that it used to be. That is not at all what
it is. Rollback rate means if we want to have the same dollar value for our revenue generated from taxes from last year to this year between new assessment values
to have the exact same dollar value budget that we had last fiscal year, we would drop the rate that is currently 8.2 7.7818 to achieve an identical dollar value
budget to last year. That is what rollback rate means. So, it's not it's not it's not explicitly prescribed or recommended. It's it's it's a it's a marker to show essentially what the overall increase in value of
properties in the village has been from year to year. It gives you an idea of that. And 5.37 is fairly large, I think, historically in terms of a year-to-year jump. So, we certainly are uh
clearly witnessing increased property values from last year to this year. Just want to make that clear as we have this discussion. >> Thank you very much. Uh next for uh public comment about this particular item? >> Mayor, while they're coming up, um if I could just add to to
Councilman Nerbom said, uh it when you produce the exact same revenue, if general prices and costs, etc. are in a period of decline, that's all well and good. But when you're suffering from inflation,
where everything costs more, the idea is that if you go to the rollback rate, you have nothing additional to deal with any of the costs of of inflation. When things cost more, that's one of the purposes of having
some additional dollars above the previous year. Other than that, of course, Councilman Erbaugh's explanation is entirely correct. >> So I I you're right. Denise White, 173 Northwest 88th Street.
So when you take into account what Mr. Geller said, that there is inflation, when you take into account the fact that I'm not because we didn't finish last year's, but at least I'm not even sure where we we finished last year's budget. I know we started to break it down and
we were supposed to finish it, but we didn't finish it. But this year's budget's up for or I might be wrong. Please correct me if I'm wrong cuz I'm not sure we finished examining last year's budget completely, and now this year's budget's up for review now.
>> You're correct. >> Right. Okay. So if we didn't finish last year's budget and we don't know whether that was balanced or whether we have a deficit because I remember when I started coming and we started looking at the budget, there was this big thing Mr.
Greg said, "Hey, there's a deficit, $500,000." Now, we would like to clear that up so that we are not a village who owes money. So if the raising of this helps with that, then let's say so. Um
if we're afraid that hey, again, if this tax thing passes, we're going to be at a deficit, we're going to have to move money around, then let's say so. We know that there's inflation. We know that um even up here, quite possibly, you know,
there might be a need for, you know, things to be put more in place because of the fact that people have to spend more nowadays. Like I don't know about you, but gas at $4 is is making me scratch my head. I grew up in 97 cents per gallon. So, I get confused. Maybe
I'm telling my age. I apologize. But um yeah, if we have to raise it and there's a reason why. And now, Mr. Mayor, you did say, "Well, we have to turn this in by August 4th and we can lower it." Our only problem is Oh.
We be a little skeptical about whether things get lowered or not. But anyway, we're not going to talk about that today. We're going to act like, you know, every everything's on the up and up and we're just trying to figure out why. Um >> [snorts] >> if it has to be raised because of inflation, because of gas prices,
because things need to be paid off from last year, then explain that to us. I'm sure we would understand that, you know, and there would be no problem. Um but I think what we're unclear about because right now we have Mhm, it's like, you
know, we've been punched in the face. Somebody tore down our church. So, we're a little mhm sensitive. If you could just kind of explain to us, well, "Because of these issues that might come up later, we're going to leave it here, and then we'll have a meeting later on
to say, 'Hey, you know, let's lower it because, you know, we had to turn this in August 4th, so we wanted to make sure we had enough.'" But just explain it to us. I'm sure we would understand if that's necessary. Oh, they're kicking me out, y'all. >> Next for public comment for this
particular item. Okay, going once. Uh very very quickly because we really don't don't do this. >> Yeah, so uh point of inquiry, I'm just trying to understand um if you guys said that at the rollback
rate, we're still getting more income than ever before because of the total property valuation. >> That's incorrect. >> That is incorrect. So, please clarify. >> Holding it at So, so I've been uh I'm in my eighth year in the council. When I first came on, the
rate was 8.3. It's always been 8.3 until last year, when we lowered it to 8.2. >> Mhm. >> So, uh so keeping it at 8.2 would result in an increase in our budget because we have an increase in property values.
If we want to If we want to uh maintain the exact same identical dollar amount that our budget was last year, then we would roll the rate back to the 7.7818 that uh is there. The roll back The rollback rate achieves the previous dollar amount of the
>> Yeah, that's exactly my understanding and I am so with that that reinforces my exact understanding. My thought is the same that it should be reduced to 7.6, which is a trim on the budget for this past year. >> Hey, the Let me just say what was done
last year was not a reduction to or from the rollback rate. The rollback rate was exceeded last year and the year before and the year before and the year before. But, as Councilman Erbaugh says again, correctly,
after adopting 8.3 as the proposed, the council did come back and reduce the proposed millage rate >> Got it. >> from 8.3 to 8.2.
But, that was not in the rollback rate is about 7.8, not quite 7.8. It didn't go from 8.3 all the way back to 7.8 because that would have been the dollar amount as the previous year, but more
people move in and everything costs more. But, so the reduction last time, even though it was hard for the council to do, they cut the proposed, the rate that's being set tonight, the proposed,
they cut a a point one, pretty big one, off that rate from 8.3 to 8.2. It was not a reduction to the rollback rate or a reduction from the rollback rate. The reduction last year
Well, I'm not saying it's good, bad, or indifferent. It's just whatever it was is it was a reduction in the proposed, which is the rate being set tonight. >> Yes, I understand. So, and the rate proposed tonight is 8.2, the same as last year. Is that
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, if we follow the same trajectory, then it would be 8.1 tonight based on last year's precedent, not the rollback rate. >> Thank you for the clarification. >> Anyone else public comment? >> Thank you. >> Daniel Rojas, 60 Northeast 86th Street.
Uh just a quick question. Uh Mr. Geller stated that there was a tentative budget created to plan this millage rate, will that budget be presented to uh uh the residents at any point? And uh yeah, and I just want to clarify
something. Um we do want to come up with solutions. We do want to work with the council. Uh we do not like surprises. I mean I mean I like some surprises, but not when it comes to my taxes, when not when it comes to big projects. So, we just want to help everybody make informed decisions, and that's why we
come here and ask questions. Thank you. >> If I might, Mayor, sir. >> Thank you very much. >> The The answer, Mr. Rohacs, is that at both the first and second budget hearings, there are two separate resolutions. First,
the entire proposed budget is presented, and that's a public document. It's made available in advance of the meeting, and it's open to public inspection.
And then, once that is adopted at that first meeting on as a tentative, then the exact millage rate, not the cap that's being imposed tonight,
is presented to fund the budget that's adopted. If the budget is reduced, then you can have less tax revenue to fund it. If somebody wants to increase the budget,
you may need more tax revenue, but you can't raise the rate. And then, at the second and final hearing, again, the the budget with any amendments from the first meeting is presented.
Everyone gets to see it. That's voted on as the final budget, and then you vote kind of to backfill it by setting what the millage final millage rate will be to to fund
the proposed budget that's just been adopted and that's all presented in detail and it's in advance of each meeting. So, yes, it certainly is reviewed and reviewable by any member of the public. >> Thank you. So, we're going to get to see that budget prior to the meetings. And
are we going to And so, no workshops or are we going to have some workshops? >> I'll respond. Yeah. >> Noel Pace 206 Northwest 91st Street. Also have a business property at 8661 Northeast 2nd Avenue. I I've been listening to the dialogue
and the public comment and you know, I I sometimes review financial information for for private organizations or companies that are seeking funding and you know, getting ready to do Normally, they present
the last few years of the budget, right? So, there's this year's budget. I would ask this council to also have it where it is like one-for-one, line item to line item compared to last year's budget and then maybe even the year before that, right?
So, we can It's not just a snapshot in time, but we can sort of see the trend here and see, you know, cuz obviously we've talked about inflation and other issues or whatever. And so, it would be good to get the totality of the circumstances. And so, if that's possible, I know with
with, you know, modern techniques in terms of Excel and AI and Gemini and all those things, like you can produce data now uh in a flash. So, hopefully uh these workshops and other things we're talking about, we'll be able to compare the
budgets from year to year to see what the trend lines are. Does Does make sense, everybody? >> YES. >> ASHLEY LUCIO, 127 NORTHEAST 90TH STREET. A louder, okay. Um so, I want to thank you for your patience and the clarification that this
is a compliance item, pretty much, right? So, thank you for that and um I think one thing that might be helpful, and I I don't know how you do this, but maybe it's through, you know, the the website or what have you, is just kind of explaining
that stuff to um residents, so that, you know, we're not coming in here like hysterical about a potential millage rate increase, right? Um the other thing is um I want you to consider
the amount of very large-scale homes that are uh there's three right on the corner right there, right? That are about to be opened up to buyers. And it's not just those three, they're they're all around the village. So, I want you to consider that that is an
additional increase in tax revenue for next year, right? So, for the rest of us that aren't building these mini mansions and who might feel very pressed by inflation um and not so sympathetic to businesses or even
governments about their inflation issues, because we have our own. And having our own inflation issues can be life or death. You know, it can it can be us losing our homes. It can be us
losing, you know, ability to buy food. I mean, you know, the the consequences for us, residents, is much higher for than for the village. So, I would encourage you to think about number one, the number of large-scale,
multi-million dollar homes coming online this next year. And two, how squeezed current residents may be. Um, and yes, there is inflation, but I would say middle-class residents are feeling it the hardest.
Thanks. >> David Connelly, 355 Northeast 87th Street. Um, I'm more concerned about the way that information gets to us as residents in the village. I know, I'll speak for myself, I come
here almost every meeting. So, I put forth the effort, Ms. Anna, you know, to be involved, to try to understand what the issues are, to try to be you know, present solutions. And I can tell you what my experience has been
that when I've presented solutions, and I've done that since I first started coming to these meetings 5 years ago, and every single time ideas that I've brought here, things I've tried to organize, have been shot down. They have not been welcomed, they have not been well received, they have not been
met with, "Oh, let me help to facilitate and organize." That That has not been the experience, and I've heard other residents constantly come up to this podium and ask, "Can we be on committees? How does it work?" And we're constantly being told that's not how it's written in the charter, that's not
allowed, it has to be the council. But now, as far as I understand, even the council is not having their meetings, right? As far as like the when I came here, there were committees on the council, and we could sit in for those meetings, and those meetings haven't been happening. And that just
keeps going on and on, and nothing is said, and nothing is done about that. And so, I know it may seem like when we come here, there's just a lot of complaining, and I can acknowledge that maybe there's not as many solutions being presented as could be, but I think the complaints are coming from the fact
that people are trying to move forward with progress, and are not being met with the facilitation of yeah, how could we get involved? How can we get more information? Then when we even come here, a lot of these things that you guys are talking about, even like the millage rate, there was a lot of misinformation that went out before this
meeting saying, "Oh, you know, we're going to there's going to be raised." A simple email could have been sent out to say this is just a compliance issue. Right? We live in the greatest technology time generation, and we can't get information to a small village?
So, I mean, I think those things are valid concerns, and I think that they keep being asked and addressed, and people keep asking for more information, including myself. I know there's a lot of information that I asked for that I have not yet received, that a lot of times I'm told, "Oh, I don't know, or this person knows,
or that person knows," and I'm not able to get to the bottom of it. And so, I think that there's a lot of capable people in our village who do take their time out to come to these meetings. Our time is not valued to make sure that when we come here, time is not wasted. We're not able to get the information we
need so we can bring [clears throat] better solutions to the meeting ahead of time, and we're not being encouraged to participate in the civic process. So, for me, I just want to be clear, even on these issues, I'm confused. I want to be honest about that. I I'm here
because I'm willing to contribute, but I'm confused a lot of times at what's being said. I'm having a hard time following it. >> Thank you. Anyone else for good muf- for public comment? Okay. Hearing, seeing none. Let's come back to
the council. Um, any questions or comments from the council before we talk about emotions? >> Yeah, so uh uh So, taking a typical inflationary rate of 3%. Uh that would put us at
Uh let's see, 8. 78. So, 8.78 would be the, in my opinion, would be the bare minimum. The bare minimum millage rate to accept uh to cover
uh historical inflation at 3%. So, uh In light of Amendment 3 being a potential reality, uh I would think that uh if we
survive it by the skin of our teeth and it does not pass, that we would be glad to have almost any budget we were left with in the face of having potentially lost the entirety of the budget, right?
So, to give our CFO the very best possible chance to present to us uh the most accurate uh budget for the following year, uh in comparison to the budgets in the previous years,
I think it would be worth discussing on the council what we think the millage rate should be so that our CFO would have the most clear possible idea as we head into the first workshop at the end of August or the very first
days of September ahead of the first budget hearing out of the two budget hearings. So, I would I would want to set the rate at 8.1 tonight
and feel good about it with a 3.2% pad for year-over-year inflation to arrive at a budget that would be equally functional to the budget
that we've had this past year. And um it has been beyond frustrating not to have had mid-year budget reviews consistent admin and finance committee meetings. And so, now instead of having
been able to have this discussion over the past 6 months to a year technically we're going to do a cram session once again. And uh the last cram session we had resulted in a budget that was unclear and we still
don't have clarity on today. So, I would like to I would have liked to have avoided being in the same situation this year as we were in last year. And we have not been able to avoid that situation. But I would like to see the
council be a little bit aggressive on this in light of the potential loss of everything essentially and just say 8.1 feel good about it. Uh feel comfortable we've got our inflation
our inflationary cost covered. And uh and be able to be able to go from there. I mean, one of the one of the goals of developing some commercial business in the village is so that we would be able to continue to lower this rate over time. Um and just a reminder that that while
while we're not talking about, you know, uh huge jumps in uh in in numbers here in terms of, um, the millage rate or the cost, you know, uh, to the homeowner. Over time, this is how you lose, uh,
tenured residents. This is how you lose residents who've been here for 30, 40 years is by not, uh, keeping track of this reality of the creeping, creeping, creeping increase. Uh, the the new homeowner is frustrated cuz they saw what the previous homeowner
paid and now they're going to pay more cuz they bought the new construction or what have you. So, the new homeowner the new homeowner has that, oh, man, kind of feeling, right? But, that's not the same type of dread that a long-term resident feels watching that number creep up year
over year. And now, the resident who's been here a long time is wandering into a fixed income reality. So, they're not going to be able to earn their way out, uh, of uh, uh, of that hole. So, uh, there is a very real risk
to losing, uh, residents, uh, who you would hope, having been here so long, would would be able to continue being here as long as they would choose. And so, um, that is a very tangible reality for a lot of our residents.
Thank you very much. All right, anyone else from council? >> Yes, sir. So, uh, I guess we're approaching 7:30 here and we had a meeting that was supposed to start at 6:30. So, I will be brief as I can. Um, last year we talked about lowering the millage rate,
obviously, and we did by 0.1 and, um, we were assured that we would have information to be able to, um, know how much further we can go the next year. Uh, I didn't get that information. I'm not sure if anyone else did. Um, I know that we've had some
projects finished, parks and, uh, trails and, um, I know there's some places we can cut. I don't feel I don't feel confident um in raising it. I I feel that the rollback rate is still too high. Um and I'm hoping that um maybe the CFO can
come up here and tell us how our millage rate that we kind of blindly voted on last year to lower survived this year and how we're doing. >> You got anything else? All right, you guys. Yes, Councilwoman I forward. >> Please inform what our millage rate is
right now. I keep seeing 7.7818. >> Yeah, millage You want to say something? >> Well, the millage rate for the last fiscal year was 8.2. >> I didn't ask that question. I asked what is the rollback rate right now? Is it 7.7818? >> Yeah.
>> And if it is, how did it go from 8.2 to 7.7? >> No, that's that's the rollback rate um Councilwoman I forward. The word the millage rate is 8.3. Um right now currently you guys know we're about 75% um through our year. You know we're 75% through our fiscal
year. Our spending we've underspent this year. Our spending and you guys will all get this if you guys remember on Tuesday I said that I have a whole budget breakdown going out this weekend. I said that on Tuesday. I don't know if you guys remember me saying that. So um
you'll get the entire breakdown. And so we're under we've underspent um so far throughout the year. We've underspent so much that right now we're looking at a uh surplus of $85,000 because we've underspent. Doesn't even include revenue. Revenue we're looking at we're bringing in more revenue. We're
looking at a surplus in revenue $116,642. So so we've so we've underspent we've underspent. We've underspent. Looking at a surplus of $85,000. We brought in extra revenue, that's the
money we bring in, hasn't to do with the spending. $116,642 is where we at currently in revenue coming in over Our entire budget breakdown is really easy to understand when you guys see it this weekend.
I spell out everything. Um, every page is separated and then there's an explanation with every page throughout the entire budget. Okay. As far as tonight with the um As far as tonight with the millage rate
I would just say, you know, I'm not necessarily against it. What I would say is you guys up until September 22nd, um, in the evening of September 22nd, we can lower it. You know, we can lower the millage rate up until the evening of September 22nd.
So, what I would say is my suggestion would be is that um the information go out. We have a workshop beginning at the very end, beginning of September, um, believe it's September 1st. We have the first budget hearing also. Okay. So, with the information going
out, then with the workshop, workshop you guys we go line by line. You guys remember last year at the workshop, we were here, we started at, I believe it was 6:30 or 7:00 maybe, and um we were here till past midnight. >> No, we were here till 2:00 in the >> 2:00 in the morning. We were here till 2:00 in the morning.
>> 2:00 in the morning. >> So, any anything you want to go through, any question you want answered, we go line by line. Okay. So, there's going to be multiple things starting with this weekend when all the information goes out to you guys. All right. Any last questions or comments from the council?
Hearing seeing, now we have a suggestion by um councilperson Urbahn or do I just have a motion with the resolution as presented? >> I will uh make a motion to accept the millage rate as the rollback rate this year. >> Point of order.
>> Yes, Council Person Lightfoot. >> I think we need to read the proposed millage rate. These people didn't just come here for nothing. And we read what the what the idea what we really want to happen. Proposed It says proposed millage rate. It didn't say we completed
it. We said proposed. >> So, it's not done. It's not done in written in stone until the second budget hearing, which is September 22nd. And so, what I would say is what I would say is that we pass this too because we can always drop it. We can drop it to the rollback rate. We can
drop it to 8.1. We can drop it to whatever we want to drop it to after today. But, we need to look at because I know, for example, I know there are um are things that will be coming, you know, into the budget this year that we
currently don't have, right? We have the historic preservation board. We have the tree board. I know you guys were looking for arborists for the village. So, we're going to roll it back to the rollback rate, then there's going to be a lot of things like with those type of things that you guys would just won't be able to do. So, I would say, you guys,
we can drop it to the rollback rate anytime by September 22nd. So, as we pass it um through the information we have this weekend, through the workshop, through the first budget hearing, you look at these things and you
consider these things. And then, you come out of that and say, "All right, we look at what we need. We look at like what we want to this year. We look at the priorities that we want for this year." And then we say, "All right, you know what, you guys? I think this can go back to, you know, 8.0. I think this can
go back to." But, if we lower it now, we can't raise So, if we lower it now, and then we go through the process, and we say that we want these things or we want to implement these things, there's no way we can raise it. So, I just think the most responsible
thing to do, since we can we can lower it up until September 22nd. Okay? So, I think the responsible thing to do is to um pass the resolution, and then we look at the information, and we can lower it up until our second budget year. >> But, there is a motion on the table, is that right?
>> There is a motion. To roll it back to to the the rollback rate. >> The rollback rate says 7.7818 mills. >> That's the motion um >> per 1,000. >> That's the motion from Councilperson Winters. >> what that is?
If you all Okay, we got people out there that knows what it says. >> the motion from Councilperson Winters. Is there a second? >> I think the motion's been made. >> Yeah, Councilperson Winters made the motion. >> He did? >> Yeah. >> Did Let's do it again. If you
Anybody hear the motion? >> and second? It hasn't been seconded yet. >> it again. >> It hasn't been seconded yet. Um Councilperson Winters made a motion. Councilperson Winters, repeat it for the Yeah, he's I'll repeat it right now. >> I made a motion to adopt the proposed
millage rate using the rollback rate. >> So, the rollback rate will be the new millage rate. Is this a motion? And what's that rate, Councilperson um >> And the proposed millage rate >> Say it. Say it. I believe so. >> It's 7.78 mills.
>> It's 7.7817, I believe. >> It says 7.7818 mills per 1,000. >> Thank you for correcting me, Council. >> What it says. So, everybody will know we're not speaking in some other language. This resolution says, you got a problem
with it? Now is when you talk. A resolution of the Village of Council of the Village of El Portal, Miami-Dade County, Florida, determining It says determining the village's proposed millage rates as required by section
200.065 of the Florida statutes and setting the date, time, and place of public hearings to adopt the tentative and final millage. That's what we're doing tonight, a
proposed millage rate. >> Yeah. >> To file directing the village manager to file this with the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser. Has to be that way. Authorizing the manage the village manager.
Everybody know the village manager? >> Yes. >> Okay. I I don't want to say y'all y'all have Yeah, okay. The village manager to file this resolution with the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser. This happens every year.
Authorizing the village manager to change the budget hearing dates if necessary. Providing for incorporation of recitals. >> Yes. >> And providing for the effective date. >> Yes. Thank you very much.
>> rate is 7.7818 mills. >> Yes. >> All right. Per 1,000 value. >> Yes. >> Anybody got a problem yet? >> No, we're good. Thank you Thank you, Councilwoman Lightfoot. We appreciate the clarification. So, that's the motion you guys to roll
it back from 8.2 where it currently is back to 7.7. And that's the motion. And do we have a second? >> To roll it back to 8.2 when the rollback rate is 7.7? >> Yes, it would it would go from 8.2 to 7.7. Um
7.78 but 7.7 basically. >> 7.7818 >> We have a we have a motion. Do we have a second? >> So, we have a motion. We have a second. Madam Clerk, may I please have roll call, please? She said so moved. >> She doesn't may may mayor.
Um She I don't think she really understands that it's not as is. She might think it's as is. >> If she's >> And I think the CFO maybe should say what the fiscal impact might be on that. >> If >> That's not being fiscally responsible. I'm sorry. I have no place in this, but
I think that >> Madam Madam Clerk, I understand what you're saying. >> I don't. Anybody understood what she said? See? They understand what you just said. We're here for the people, by the
people, and with the people. >> So what she's saying is is from 8.2 to to 7.7. What would that be? Let me just say from 8.3 to 8.2, when we did that, that was a $41,000 drop. >> Mhm.
>> So that's from one. That's That's the point one. Point one, the 8.3 to 8.2, which is which is going to be in your thing today. I'm just I'm looking exactly on the on the notes from the thing you guys are getting this weekend. The 8.3 to the 8.2 was a minus $41,000
in in from the budget. From point a point. So that's what it kind of equals up to. >> Which made the road back rate be 7.1? >> So if you're talking about 8.2 to 7.7 >> 8.18 mills >> Yeah. >> per thousand. >> Which means we'll have the same budget
as last year. >> Yeah. So So essentially >> Does that mean we're not raising the millage? >> Yeah, so you're talking about anywhere from anywhere from $164,000 to $205,000 would be the deduction
from the budget. And you >> That's what I'm talking about. He's not making it clear. >> So >> No, I mean somebody has to talk and say what's really going on cuz they really They don't know what is going on. Here
>> My motion was just basically keep the budget the same as last year um financially. >> But but are you asking for the roll or are you asking for a direct deduction of the millage rate? >> Uh Harry Talbenfeld, chief financial officer. Um I think it'd be important
just so everybody get an understanding of what uh is being asked to potentially move the rollback rate move the millage rate to the rollback rate today. Uh uh What the mayor estimated is actually
somewhat correct, pretty close to the number. You're looking at somewhere between $175,000 to $200,000 of potential lost revenue. Yes, you would be maintaining the same revenue that we received this year.
However, it's $200,000 of lost revenue and it doesn't factor in uh what uh councilperson um member Urban mentioned as far as any inflation. Um one thing that hasn't been mentioned that I want to add as well as an item
that's up and coming for next year that needs to be discussed is the new um contract with the police department. So, that's something that also needs to be factored in. Um I think the mayor's direction, quite honestly, is the way to go today. It's
not a lock on a number of where you nobody's proposing and saying that the number needs to be 8.2, but if we effectively want to run the village properly, we need to have the revenue to support it. Um and I think right now to start at 8.2 is the way to go
and then we could always work our way down from there. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um >> Go ahead, councilperson. >> Just a point of order, there was no second. >> Councilperson Lightfoot Ward was was referencing the as is. There
Um my point of order is that there was no second. >> All right, for for clarification if if there for clarification if there was confusion that there was a second, councilperson Lightfoot Ward, are you withdrawing your second? >> I'm not withdrawing. >> Okay. Make it make your motion again so we can see if we get a second.
Make your motion one more time with the number, please. >> My motion is to adopt the rollback rate, which is 7.7818 mills,
rather than the 8.2 mills, which is an 8% increase from last year's revenue. >> Thank you very much, councilperson um Winters. Do we have a second for councilperson Winters um dropping it to the 7.7818? >> Did everybody understand what he said?
>> Yes, we understood. We understood. Councilperson Lightfoot Ward, thank you very much for the clarification. So, second time we got Do we have a second going twice? Do we have a second going three times, you guys? Okay. Do I have a new motion of any
sort? >> From what I heard, the rollback rate would be 7.7818 mills per 1,000 per 1,000 value. >> But I'm Let me see if there is a motion on the table. >> to >> I move to go forward with as is with a mind to lower it in the budget
hearings. I motion to go forward as is. >> We have until September 22nd to lower it down, you guys, to whatever you want to lower it to. We have a motion. Do I have a second for the motion? Do I have a second? Do I have a second for the motion?
Going once. Do I have a second for the motion going twice? >> Mr. Mayor, I don't mean to be rude, but my rollback rate based on what I've heard so far was 7.7818 mills per 1,000 value. Now we're going back to 8.2.
>> We have We have a We have a motion on the table for 8.2. That's where it is currently. Councilperson Urbom >> I know. >> which remain as is. >> I'm not The reason I haven't said anything >> Yes. >> and everybody knows I'm talking for us
that the rate is 7.7818 mills per 1,000 value. It was 8.2. >> Yes. >> Are we on the right track? Getting lower? Are we messing up? >> Yes, so it just depends on what the the you see it, Councilperson Lightfoot
Ward. Like I said, it was my suggestion that we can lower it up until September 22nd, the second budget hearing. So, it's my suggestion that we keep it as is for now, and then, um, as we go through the budget workshop in the first hearing, we can see what our priorities are, what we want, and then we can, um,
lower it, you know, as we go over that process. >> Okay. >> So, that was my suggestion to keep it as is, um, from what from what Councilwoman Erbom suggested. >> So, there were there was a lot of communication after I made my motions. I want to make something really quickly. The council does not have a good track
record when it comes to lowering the millage rate over the last 10 years, and though I would like to believe we will do it in September, I I I'm I'm just a little hesitant. >> Yeah. Understood. Thank you very much, Councilwoman Witches. We have a motion on the table. Um, do we have a second
for the, um, 8.2, uh, leaving the millage rate as is for now? We have a motion. We have Do we have a second going once? Do we have a second going twice? Do we have a second going three times? We We have a, um, failure of a a light >> for the record, you are privileged to
second if you so choose. >> Can we get some kind of, uh, discussion up here that it I'm I'm open to seconding something that's a little bit lower, but I I I really would like to see something change. >> the risk, as as clearly outlined by the
CFO and the mayor, of moving forward tonight with reducing it to 7.8, we cannot get above that headed into budget season. So, if we get into budget season and the
CFO's telling us what the cost of the police department, uh, uh, collective bargaining agreement is, and it goes beyond what we can cover off of the rollback rate, then we will be locked into a deficit for next year.
>> And we don't want that. >> So, while I want a lower rate, Dr. Lefkowitz Ward wants a lower rate, Councilperson Winters wants a lower rate, I imagine the mayor is not entirely opposed to a lower rate. We would be absolutely handcuffed and
and uh we would be absolutely handcuffed to the exact dollar amount that we operated with last year. And um when Councilperson Winters proposed that each Councilperson gets $67,000 a year,
the argument for that was the unbelievable inflation. And now the same I'm very frustrated. It's So, advancing forward
as is allows us to lower it. I was clear in my statement that 8.1 I'm good with moving forward. I don't mind going lower than that possibly, but I think that the inflation discussion is valid. It's 3% outside of the insanity we're
experiencing now. The self-inflicted just I mean, you It's like an AR-15 to the foot. Like it's 30 rounds it's 30 rounds every 15 seconds right into the foot what we're experiencing economically right now. And so um
And so, we know we know I mean, we know we're going to have at least a 3% increase in cost if we do nothing different. If we do exactly the same thing exactly the same way next year from this year.
We're going to have a 3.5% increase in cost doing that. That is reality. It is measurable reality. So, I will move to move forward at 8.1 if that would satisfy
people's desire to at least be guaranteed a reduction because we would not be able to go above 8.1 in the budget hearings. But, announcing 7.8 tonight is guaranteed deficit next year.
>> Yeah, that's guaranteed deficit. >> Yeah. So, so is there a motion coming? Um anybody who'd make a motion, you can make a motion again. So, >> I'll move to move this item forward with the millage rate of 8.1. >> We have a We have a motion on the table. We have a second um
for 8.1. Madam Clerk, when you get a chance, um please have a roll call, please. >> We're waiting. >> Roll call. Councilperson Winters. >> With the intention of motioning in September to lower it again, I'm going to vote yes right now.
>> Councilperson um Lightfoot-Ward. >> Yes. >> Councilperson Urbom. >> Yes. >> Mayor Nickerson. >> No. >> Three to one. >> Okay. Thank you very much. It passes 8.1. Congratulations, uh Councilperson
Urbom. All right, you guys. Do I have a motion to adjourn? >> So move. >> Move by Councilperson Lightfoot-Ward. Second by Councilperson Urbom. The special council meeting for Thursday, July 30th is adjourned at 7:49 p.m. Part: 2
So, the planning and zoning committee meeting for July 30th, 2026 is called to order at 7:50 p.m. >> We've already had uh silent meditation. We've already had the pledge of allegiance. Madam Clerk, planning on Let's get a roll call, please.
>> Roll call. Terry Nickerson >> here. >> Vice Chair Martin is not here. Member Bomb >> present. >> Member Winters, >> present. Member Lightoot Ward and Ward. >> Just say present. Say present.
>> Just taking calling. Roll call. >> Present. >> Okay. Um, also present for the record, David Rulesman, village manager. Janice Jacobe, village clerk, and Joseph Geller, village attorney. You have a quorum. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate that. Um,
we have approval of the agenda. >> We're an hour and a half late on this. I mean, are we can we motion to move this to another time because this is not fair. I'd like to give everyone a full amount of time, but I want to go to two o'clock in the morning. >> Um, no. Do we have a motion to approve
the agenda? >> I I'll address it. Right. >> I move to approve the agenda. >> Okay. Um, is there any is there anyone that shares uh council person um Winters? Do you want to make a motion to table? I'd like to make a motion to table this
>> we have guest here tonight though >> to table it to uh next week maybe Tuesday if the clerk can confirm that everyone can make that date. >> There's a motion by council person Winters. He wants to stop the meeting. >> Um Council Person Winters I think
there's people who even flown in today from out of the state for their hearing. like three months. >> Yeah. >> And I want to make sure we get everyone the full amount of time. >> I just want to make I just want to note
that for the record there are people I don't know we would it would be something that maybe logistically I don't know if we can afford reimbursing them for that. >> Do you want to withdraw your motion? >> I'll withdraw my motion. Can we um see if there is a way that we can make a motion to move some of them that are not
flown out to next Tuesday so we can shorten this meeting and and still get to it in a timely manner that is guaranteed to happen next week. I mean, it's only 7 7:52. Council person, >> you think we're going to make it? >> I think we're going to make it. Yeah. Our meetings normally start at 7
o'clock. We be only an hour in. So, um, so let's go to agenda item. Uh, the quicker we get started, the quicker uh, we get done. Agenda item E1. So, this is 435 uh, Northeast 87 Street, new site plan. Will the
individuals representing 475 Good and welfare is at the end >> for this committee meeting. >> Next, >> who are the individuals for 435 Northeast 87th Street? Good evening. Katherine Line with the
Cordino Group in and in in place of Scarlet Hammonds. This evening, 4055 Northwest 97th Avenue. The applicant is requesting site plan approval for the construction of a new single family residence at 435 Northeast 87th Street.
The site is 6,700 square foot lot and the current home was built in 1948. The proposed residential use is permitted under chapter 24. The proposed home is to be two stories and 4574 square ft. It will have five bedrooms,
six and a half bathrooms, onecar garage, and pool in the backyard. The home was reviewed under the code's development standards and found to be consistent. No variances are requested. The proposed design for the new residence is in a modern architectural style. Staff reviewed the applicant's code criteria
and found no issues. Approval is recommended for this new construction of a one-story residence with the condition that um they receive derm approval for the demolition of the current house. >> Okay. So, one condition is the derm approval for the demolition of the home.
>> Okay. Um questions, comments from the council, from the committee? >> Yes. I see here it says something about be. That's a that's >> it's supposed to be neo typo. >> Okay. This person knows that we are having this tonight, right? >> Yes.
>> Okay. >> Thank you very much. Um Winters, >> I I went and visited the home. I met with the architect and um I mean it looks like it's going to match the homes that are next to it. That's all I want to say.
>> Thank you very much, Counc. Uh are there any um uh are we dealing with any uh um live oak or other issues involving uh uh trees? Do do we have tree removal replacement? >> Just one avocado tree in the back.
>> No, no oaks. >> And then um as far as setbacks, uh percent what percentage uh of the coverage are we at right now? >> Lot coverage. What are we at? >> At least one the other person's Nate. They comply with all the setbacks. The
lot coverage is at 40%. >> Exactly at 40%. >> Well, it's the 40% is 2700 and they're at 26.83. >> Fair enough. Okay. And then uh proposed height is going to end up at >> 24 feet. >> Very good. And then um uh are there I I
imagine one of the setbacks is exactly five foot Correct. East and west. >> Okay. Um and then uh uh driveway the driveway that's existing whether it's a
same construction or not, but the but the uh the um the >> are they going to change it? >> The area of the driveway is increasing >> or decreasing. >> You're basically maintaining the same footprint of each. It's a 12t wide.
>> There we So that's what I'm trying to set footprint. So the so the driveway that's going to be uh put in at the end of the construction there will have the same footprint as the existing drive. >> No, you I was told that it's actually going to be narrower than the current driveway.
>> Well, it's 11 11 ft. >> It's 11.9, but right now the driveway is 14 or 16, right? Wide. >> Uh 30%. >> Okay, fair enough. It doesn't sound like Mr. >> Very good. And then um so
>> sound like they they know what they're you just asked a question. It's very quick. >> Yeah, he's good. Go ahead. C >> uh so uh uh do you live here Miami? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes.
>> Okay. So uh uh this is just a um I don't know advice, right? like take it or leave it. But um uh please uh please be >> extremely diligent in the preparation of
that lot. >> Uh uh to avoid any issues with your neighbors uh to uh avoid any issues with future uh owners >> and um flood water mitigation basically, right?
So we uh we would expect the highest level of diligence paid uh to uh water uh to water containment for the property and and uh and drainage. So So that's the very specific reason why our lot
coverages are prescribed is to allow for water to drain. So that's uh just a uh I would just say from the very outset just please uh uh pay extreme diligence to the uh the water plan uh for the lot.
>> Understood. >> Now I understand the landscape architect's not here today but but the landscape that you have here is actually not on the architectural photos. Um, giving the style and area that you are moving or building this house in, would
you consider instead of putting the There's two trees you have there. Um, I forgot the species, but consider using the oaks instead because it's the whole canopy around that area are oaks. >> What is your question? >> Would you consider being able to change
the two large trees in the front of the house uh to be oak trees instead? >> Yes. >> Okay. Do you want that as a condition? >> I'm trying to look that up right now. I'm pulling up the 57 pages. >> Um, >> we're going to go out to the uh to the
audience. Public comment for this particular um line item, 435 Northeast 87th Street. Uh, do we have any comments about this site? >> Yeah, it's a new site plan, so you need to speak up now. >> She'll if anybody comes up. Yeah, they'll move
for you. Denise White, 173 Northwest 88th Street. Um, sir, so so and I know that we are okay. So, first of all, two like I don't even know
where to begin. So that in our village, most of our houses are one-story, but we've been appro approving a lot of two-story houses. I got a house on 89th Street. That man's window opens up into that other man's wall. He don't got no view anymore. He has no Let me speak
proper English. He has no He doesn't have a view anymore of anything but his neighbor's wall. Now, I know people get to build whatever they want and that's fine, but I'm
asking number one, I think we are such a fabulous um village because we have space between my house and my neighbor's house. There is space between my house and hey, Mr. George, George's house,
there is space. If George wanted to drive something in his backyard, he could because there's space between our houses. Sometimes houses, we're building them a little too big. And your neighbor gets to look into your wall, the other
house, the monstrosities. Oh, they going to be pretty when they ready. But when they Right now, I'm going to call them monstrosities that are across the street from my house. There is no room between walking through the house and the neighbors. Now, I have yet to ask my neighbors if they're flooding, but I
plan on going around and asking them because it one, it's really high. So, my neighbors must going to flood. And I asked you when I was here the last time when we approved that house whether or not my neighbors were going to have an issue. I'm going to go ask. I haven't asked yet, so I can't speak up here
right now. But we keep building them bigger and bigger. this monstrosity across the street from our village hall. There are three houses on this property and two of them are two stories high looking crazy. So in [snorts] the end when El Portell
starts to look like everybody else and we're not the little beautiful village with the beautiful trees and canopy and what have you, what we going to say? Now I'm asking my council. I I get that things get to evolve and it's gonna if it's going to evolve to the point where
all you're going to approve is two-story houses that block other people's houses, let me know because I might not have to start looking for some property up in north in North Florida or something cuz let me know because we keep approving these really big and they keep getting
bigger, my boo. They keep getting bigger so that there's no they told us that on the second floor they weren't going to have many windows. the windows were going to face each other. Miss Carrie Dot know she can't walk naked in her house no more cuz that back window that catches her stuff right there. I'm in love with y'all. I'm just urging y'all
to see the bigger picture of, you know, the little guy who wants to be able to turn around and see his tree or his neighbor, but not a wall. Amen. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else with this particular item?
My name is Warner Dreer at 486 Northeast 87th Street. So I'm actually uh your neighbor in front of you. So I I brought up this to council. The two homes, the twotory homes that are being built, we've had issues about the trees, the
water drainage. People are coming and telling me are those office buildings they're building here. We're starting to lose that whole neighborhood look because, you know, with all the respects we have architects, we have but we also want to
have some revenues, right? So, but we're losing that that charm. People are telling me, are those office buildings they're building? What's going to happen with the water drainage on 87th Street? These are two-story homes. Council person Urbum, you you brought up the the
water drainage, but who's overseeing this? Who's overseeing about replacing the other trees that were somehow three trees, which I was here a year ago, two didn't survive. I know council person
Winters knows this, but who's overseeing this? You know, I know everybody has the right to build, but do we have the infrastructure for drainage on 87 street to build this two stories? You know, they look pretty. You know, I don't see
a drawing here to the audience. We usually have drawings of the of the property. >> You want to see a drawing? >> Well, it' be great for the audience to see it, right? At least for the council persons who But I I just want to see where we're heading, right? You be did
mention just be cautious on the water drainage, but what does that mean, Council Person Anders? And thank you for bringing it up, but who who's overseeing all these projects? >> People telling me these are office buildings they're building.
>> Thank you. >> That's not what we got. >> You said it was homes. >> Exactly. But any anybody that sees this go over there and says there's office buildings. That's what my uh few people have said that neighbors are those office buildings they're building.
>> Yes. >> That's not what they told us. >> But he's saying that they >> but they look like office. >> Correct. They look like it. So my point is here everybody has the right to build anything. But let's not let's carry it
away. >> This is starting to look like these buildings according to other people. So, um, with all due respect, you know, I I look from the council to guide us with the water issues, the drainage, it's not
just relying on the developer or whoever the uh person is. Right. Then they leave and they build and they sell it. >> That's right. >> So, Council Person Anders, who from our village is going to be overseeing those water drainage, especially in 87th
Street. So, that's my comment. Uh again, we welcome development, but just keep in mind, you know, we don't want to lose that that charm of the village, right? It's 1937s, >> all their homes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> mayor. >> Um any any first of all, anyone else
from for public comment about this particular item? >> Let them speak first. >> I have a question. >> Let them speak and then we'll >> I'm good.
Alita 12 Northeast 90th Street. Uh yeah, actually it's Is it possible to Hello. to put it so we can see it a little bit. >> Clerk Jacobe >> Janice or can you use our name plates to maybe like hold it down?
>> Weigh it down maybe. Would that work? >> Yeah, you can move you bend it. Yeah, >> perfect. Thank you. >> Just want to help him uh display the >> Yeah, actually we don't blame you. It's it's the fact that
we don't have an emphasize on actually like when you I mean it's our job as a as a village of Elportal to actually make the zoning department the planning the zoning to emphasize trees trees trees trees. Everyone that moves into this village
understands that the beauty and the and the um the positivity of or the luxury that we have that this is the only area that actually is left with trees in Miami. It's El Portal, Miami Shores and
Coral Gables. Everything else is just completely concrete. So that's why we would like to emphasize you as a developers. I mean we understand that you know in the end it's all about profit and you know you have the right and it's good that you stayed within the
40% so that's also positive for us. Uh I would also advise I mean I know it's not going to be popular opinion but if you have 14 ft of driveway don't take that away leave it because we are residents now we are suffering of having like
twocar driveways and um and actually not being able to park our cars that we need but I would suggest the permeable um materials if you could possibly use in your property. So that way as you understand um I don't know if your
street is in a flawed area but that will become a problem eventually for all the residents and it's going to be flooding. So, those are the two things I would like to emphasize. Please, uh, oak trees, they're very beneficial. They're very strong. They don't damage your
property. And the second one will be permeable materials as much as you can all over the property if you can work with the planning and, you know, department so they can give you those suggestions. So, thank you. >> Thank you very much. Anyone else for
this particular property? Just quickly, uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. [clears throat] Uh, George Alvarez, 165 Northwest 88th Street. Um, first I I would I would say my my compliments to the architects or the
renderer of the drawings. It's a beautiful looking house. Um, I I'm sure it would be very welcome in many, many places. Um, I'm going to uh just with no disrespect to the
applicants because they seem to come here in good faith. I'm going to urge the council to take heed of some of the other concerns of the residents um that were brought up. This is an application
for a two-story house. I I believe madam from Corino Group said one story but let me phrase oh okay there was one time that you said one but okay it's okay >> it is a two-story home so now we have a
corner right here kitty corner to uh to the village hall with four large [snorts] properties well one is being applied for um and then the three if this one is granted um will be very very close
together Uh years ago in a former life, I worked for developers um in Los Angeles, California, where we saw many, many neighborhoods just like this one who were looked at very favorably by developers and I think rightfully so for
some of the great things that those neighborhoods and that our neighborhood has. However, we have to be one step ahead of things. If we're going to create a warren of two-story homes, all of which are
pushing right against the setback on all four sides. So, this applicant quite smartly is going to five feet within the boundary on the east, five feet to the boundary on the west, right up to the
front boundary, which is thankfully already a little bit bigger, and five feet in the rear. That's three sides max out 40%. We don't know what the flood mitigation impact is going to be, but we do know that there's not a lot of green space.
If you walk out right now, >> you will see the house that's under construction is being built in such a way that the new occupants of this proposed house will become very close friends very quickly or we'll
uh appeal to this board for a uh variance for a 40ft fence maybe. Hopefully that's not the case. But considering that two days ago we spent an hour talking about flood mitigation issues
right in front of this property. And I hate to be dissuasive to well-intended developers who are putting together beautiful homes, but I think I would encourage you guys to um think about this one a little bit
more because not only is there going to be flooding in front of all of these homes, none of these homes are built on crawl space, they're all they're all >> flat slab, concrete slab. Crawl space of
course does mean that we share the water table below us. The owners of that home are probably going to have foundation issues before the owner of the home next to it on the crawl space. So,
it's a beautiful house. I would dig living in a house that looked just like that, but I would feel a little bit weird about its proximity to the next house. And on top of everything else,
you put a house like that next to an old house built in 1935, 1937, the de facto value of that older house goes down because what happens is that this house sells for a lot of money. And I mean
>> a lot of money >> from my from my lips to God's ears for you guys and I hope you get it if you can build it. But then the house next to it is paying an is paying t property taxes on an assessed value based on the
averages of recently sold homes in the area. >> Would it be a huge huge huge difference? I don't know. But I better be the kind of difference that does mean something to somebody who's trying to stay in their home, especially if they're still
in that 1935 home. Uh I I'm I'm hoping that there's a compromise. Like I said, it seems it seems that that I mean that I'm I'm not looking I'm not looking at like this kind of like secondary packet from Durm with like all these
complicated requests to cut down all the trees. They're going to protect the one tree that's in the back. Uh they they apparently cut down an avocado tree, but I think the avocados are not protected. Anyway, um there's a lot to like about this application, but what it portends
for the neighbors in the neighborhood and also the entry. All right, that's that's one of the reasons why have why we have this roundabout here is so that Elertell has a beautiful Eltel entry. Right behind that entry, we're going to have
5,000 square foot houses with six bathrooms or whatever, all extremely close, possibly within 10 ft of each other. It's going to look like a whole different thing. I don't know who may have advised the
applicants because I do think that there there's ways that this house and its design could be edited or mitigated, but I think its effects on the neighborhood and that they are mitigated would be the most important. Thank you for the extra time. Thank you, council, I mean
committee. Sorry. >> Thank you very much. Hi Ashley Luchio, 127 Dorothy Stein Street. Um, so [sighs and gasps] I am, you know, I appreciate that the
home, the proposed home is only taking 40% of the footprint, correct? Of the lot. 40 >> 40%. >> Okay. Um I just think that going from
what's currently a 1,500 square foot home to a what is it? 4700 square feet >> 47 >> 45 >> 45 >> still a lot. >> That's a huge jump. And and this is
something I keep trying to emphasize to you all about scale right in our village. It's it's out of scale, right? And to go from a 1500 foot home to a 4500 foot home is
a huge jump. And I'm proposing that the council considers a limitation of how big you can go from an existing sized property. Um, that being said, this can help the
supposed def deficit that we may have, right? These sized homes are going to go for quite a bit of money and it will generate quite a bit of tax revenue. Um, but again, I it's just in terms of scale
of the overall village. I mean, what we're creating right here at our entrance now is a little canyon of mini mansions, and we need to keep that in mind. Is that what we want? I mean, if so, let's say that and let's proceed and let's have a master plan for our
community of many mansions, canyons of them going down every street. But I think residents need to know what are we looking at here in the long term and if we can reduce the jump between an
existing size home to new homes. Thank you. >> Thank you. Hold on. >> Daniel Roa, 60 Northeast 86 Street. Uh, I guess I just have a few questions. I saw you the the proposed driveway is a
shell driveway and I guess that's for your uh drain uh you know flooding mitigation. Uh I don't know what other measures you're taking to help with flood mitigation considering that it it is a much larger footprint of a home and I'm not sure I saw anything regarding
the foundation and whether you're going to have a slab foundation or piles or whatever. Not an architect, nothing. Just thinking about flood mitigation considering that we are all we are all we're all needing we actually need to use every single resource in our village
to prepare ourselves for the the side effects of the climate and also the sea level rise and all these things that are happening in Miami considering we are less than a mile away from the bay. Um correct me if I'm wrong. Uh so my questions are uh
that uh what what type of flood mitigation measures are being taken in this and and in that I also have a big issue with the fact that it was referred as you're only removing one avocado tree. I think
the removal of any trees is actually very important especially in the village that's considered a bird sanctuary. Avocado trees whether they're fruit trees or not. I don't know. I mean, maybe you guys are from South Miami or further down south where you have a lot more trees, a lot more avocado trees.
Here we have to value every single tree in our village. They provide they provide shade, they provide like like a habitat for our for our birds, for our pollinators. Uh so just want to make sure that if you are removing an avocado
tree, is any measure taken to replace this habitat? Uh, is there any is there any trees that are going to be planted afterwards? Um, those are my two main questions. Thank you. >> Yeah, by by requirements, we're we're actually going over the limit, way over
the limit as suggested by the zoning department on how many trees we're planting on this property. It doesn't show on the render, but in the front there are there are way more trees. And in the back, too. And as to the floor mitigation, we're building the house by
code. Um I'm not sure what where your question is or you want to add anything. >> Yeah, I don't I didn't understand what you're asking. >> May I speak >> and so I I can clarify that. Um so uh so
from Buen a Vista up until like 119 123rd Street is an elevated uh limestone shelf. Mhm. >> So one of the primary values for looking at property in this area and Elport specifically is flood zone X.
>> So uh with uh the state of flood insurance nationwide, but certainly in Florida, uh self-insured only, which would be probably the category of client that you'd be looking for to uh buy this property once it's built. Uh self-insured uh don't necessarily care
about flood zone X or otherwise. Right? So on Miami Beach for example, uh what you can see happening is uh is independent seaw walls going up. So you have a property that literally has like a 15 foot concrete wall that surrounds three sides of the property with an
outlet into the street behind it. I'm talking about bayfront property, Miami Beach, right? And so uh and then on top of that, you might have an 8,000 square foot home, right? And then overall height is uh 50 to almost 60 feet. Um uh
and it might only be three stories, might only be two stories, but it still has like a 50- foot height to it. Right? That's the future of Miami Beach is independently built fortresses sold to, uh self-insured people, right? The resident's question is to whether or not
you are paying diligence to the uniqueness of your exact lot and how it relates to the water table. Understanding that all that's required is the code, right? But for residents in Elporttow, we uh we
desperately want developers who would have an who would have a u a uh an understanding that lotto lot there are no two lots that are the same in Elportell. And so because you own that lot, the residents are asking that you
understand how that lot interacts with the water table >> and what the impacts are going to be of increasing the uh footprint and reducing the permeable surface on the lot. That it's a >> it's not a that that's the question is
is uh is >> are you aware? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We we understand there's the code and that's all that's required. They just want to understand how much more do you understand beyond that. >> I know I know the old neighborhood >> I know the all the neighborhood is worried about the
>> sorry uh name and address for the record. >> My name is Joel. I know the all neighborhood is worry about the footprint of the house, but the foot the footprint of the house is the same footprint of the 16 uh the of the 16
residence >> with the addition. >> Just we need 40% because count first floor and second floor. But >> there's a pool there now. >> But the >> there's not a pool there now. >> No, but the but the footprint footprint is the same. on the
the driveway. Uh we going to do with the sea shell. >> Gotcha. >> Uh right now is in concrete. >> Yeah. >> But we're going to do and the sea shell to perl the the drain to the so to the soil. >> That sounds great. And then also just as
you do uh uh as you do make plans to dig out the cavity required for the pool. Um, I mean that is going to affect the way the water table interacts with that property. So, so those types of those types of things are what are what the
residents um you know we He has a pool of neighbor. >> I understand. uh the the pool retain all the wall or 100% the world some place some city like a Miami beach count 50%
but the the pool retain all the wall of the all the water so that's no problem for the drains in the in the lot believe me >> but that's the res that is the the that is your neighbor's primary cons primary
concern there are obviously secondary and tertiary concerns but That is the primary concern. So, >> all right. Any other um it's like a mix between public comment and the council. Any other uh public comment? >> All right. So, we're going to close up
public comment, >> guys. I'm trying to stick to the rules here. 486 Northeast 87 Street. Just to be clear, the specific question is when that water resides into the ground, are
you going to push it onto 87 Street? Because 87 Street then we have lower homes on the other side and that's the concern that's going to create the the impact to the water uh the water impact. So, we want to be clear. I think your explanation you compare it to something
else you said don't worry about it but from where I was sitting at with all your respect you know we couldn't understand it and I honestly don't think the council understood it so but with all respect no >> the the load in the load is going to be
uh uh uh a small swell and burn around the property to avoid to avoid the the the water is going to the the the the load in the neighbor in the neighborhood, you know, a little swell
and around the load. >> Okay. But the question was specifically >> to retain to to retain the water to to to retain the the water. >> I think what he's at time of building permit they do require drainage plans and on that at that time they're
required to retain all their water on site. >> Yes. Yes. >> So that that's what happens at building permit. building permit stage. >> So you can ask to state that the water is not going to go on 87th Street. It's not going to create any additional flooding on 87th Street. You cannot
state that. >> Not me myself. I'm not reviewing the drainage plan. >> Okay. But that's but that's what I'm trying to get. Who can that? We have several plans that are being >> All right. Hold on. You guys see this is what I was talking about. >> Hold on. >> Sorry, sir. Yeah. >> Hold on. Yeah. Yeah. No, you guys are
good. All right. say what you were going to say really quick. >> Yeah. That we have civil plans that are being turned into the city for them to review for these type of stuff not to happen. >> So what he's trying to basically say is is that when someone's building a new
house, they have to go through the inspection process for and get approved for the drainage and things like that. And he's saying that it's done at the what the county level. >> Yes. And city. >> I think that's what the other one. So,
but the thing the problem is is that what um what Mr. Dreer is saying is that that's all well and good, but since they don't they're not from this community and don't live in this community, a lot of people just kind of mark things off and they go home where we're stuck here
and we're left with the consequences of when it goes bad and it's kind of like oh well like you know it was marked off or it was passed or I went through the the process or but we're looking for >> because of the way the house is, we're
looking for like >> we want you to be sure by what you're doing that it doesn't contribute to these things that we're we're scared about and we're trying to avoid and so that's what the concern is >> and you haven't told us yet. So, so the
so the the thing about it is is that if we don't see what we feel is like a definite solution to these concerns that are being addressed, you know, we just don't have trust in like you know these other government entities coming in from the
outside that they have our best >> interest >> interest at heart and so that's the problem and that's where the reservation is if I have that correct. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you mayor. I'm the owner of the property. >> I understand. And
>> I sorry, I had a question. Do you guys don't check several plans? Village of >> We do through the building department. Yes. And we have engineers that we that we do. Yes, we do that. Um but still, but that's the concern that you're hearing >> is my point. That's concern you're
hearing. And so I I don't think and and the reason why I'm going to kind of stop this right now um in a way is because I don't think that I don't think they can give us the answer for the comfortability because we'll just be going back and forth.
>> So, I think now it's up to the council to take this information and we have to decide as residents >> what we feel like we want to do. It's kind of on us, you know, it's our responsibility at this point. >> So, I think that's where we're at.
>> Thank you, Mr. Dre. >> May I speak? >> Yes. Uh, council person like forward. Gentlemen, we heard you the first time. We did. You remember when you came the last time? >> First time here? >> Did you come the first time? >> Yes. >> This is your first time?
>> Yes. >> Haven't we seen them before? >> No. So, this is the first hearing. Um, if it passes through this hearing, um, then they would have to go to a regular council meeting for the final. >> Has to go to council meeting. I mean, >> yeah, they would still have to go to the council meeting for the final. Well,
>> the only thing that we're concerned about, please stop talking out loud, what we're concerned about is if you're going to build a building that's not accustomed to the other buildings, that water is going to drain
out whether they have the the thing on or it's just raining. You know, this is Miami, we get rain. And what we're trying to say is you build a big building next to houses that have been here since what 20some.
It's really 1900s. Since the 1900s and we're walking around making sure that we don't have an excess of water with what what you what you are talking about. I heard you say you want to plant it, but you didn't say anything about
how you're going to keep it from flowing. You didn't tell me anything about the ground. You just told me about the house. We're talking about the ground. And how are you going to keep it so that water
isn't all everywhere and always otherware? That's all we're trying to find out. And what you're talking about, we you you were kind one time to show us the the diagram, weren't you? Was that someone else? >> That was someone else.
>> Either way, we're telling you upfront before you put that thing and make it real that we are not going to tolerate overflows of water to the next neighbor or the next street.
You're going to lose a house if you have not gotten an idea that we, the Elpertel people, are not interested in big housing that can't keep water on that property. Instead, it's going
everywhere. >> Am I right? >> That's what we're talking about. We're not talking about how you build. We're talking about what you going to do with the ground. And I ain't heard I haven't heard anything that has changed my mind since
the time you started talking a few months ago. >> It's our first time here. >> This is your first time in here? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. This is your first time. >> We're we're h we're happy to work with the city of Portal to fix any draining issues. Again, um we're we we're
submitting plans for this not to happen. And if you guys want to suggest anything for us to improve that problem and to make the rest of uh the people that live here in city of Patal, we're happily do that to work with the um what department is that?
>> Yeah. Building department. The Yeah. Yeah. The building department. >> Yeah. >> How are you going to stop the water? It comes down to how do you stop the water? >> Yes. So they'll >> their their answer is that they'll they'll they'll uh they'll meet the
requirements as outlined by the um uh county >> the map by the county. Yeah. So that's the answer. >> So So this is where so this is where we're at. Um so we these are our options. So this is the first reading. >> Are we are we on the council here right now? >> Yes. Okay. Can I just make one more? Yeah. Go ahead.
>> So my so my actual biggest concern honestly is the is the two setbacks uh east and west the five foot and 5 foot. That's actually my biggest concern. There's a property on 89th where it just seems very obvious that as they actually
put those walls in, we're going to fudge 6 in 7 in. So, you know, seven inches this side, seven inches that side. So that my biggest concern honestly is the uh is the setbacks being so exact to the five foot
>> because in application of actually laying foundation and starting to erect the walls, right? This is where you know the game of inches is is played and things like that. So so uh so
it's a this is not a fun seat to sit in. I'll tell you that during these types of things talking about other people's property, right? You know what I mean? Um, so I'm someone who doesn't believe in HOAs. I don't care what color people paint their houses. Um, I understand the neighbors have to look at it, but I
mean, property rights is property rights. And so I'm not a big fan of telling people what to do with their properties. It's not my it's not my comfort zone, right? But as we look at these plans, um, you know, we we have we have our limitations and, uh, I've, uh,
I'm always glad to have a site plan that does not have variances. I'm always glad to have a site plan that is not asking for us to bend our own rules, right? So, I very much appreciate a site plan uh, like this actually that doesn't have a
request for any type of uh, favors or rule bending, right? Um, and so, uh, and so that comes down to, so you put in your site plan, you say you'll be at five feet and five feet, it'll be our job to, uh, to make sure as the foundation goes in and things like that.
So, to resident's question, it's our building department that that has a lot of that oversight, right? So, so um I say these things just so that you as a builder before you're breaking ground, before you're get getting going, you understand uh where you know your own
pitfalls might be, your own challenges might be as you as you get going. So that you know there would not be any uh interruption of work or or delay of uh construction because of man, why didn't anybody tell me this would be like such a big issue? You know what I mean? So,
my greatest concern flat out is the setbacks. I am extremely concerned that those it's going to become of a game of inches and now we're going to be down to four and 1/2 ft on one side, four and three/4ers on another. Um, so so that
that to the to the residents uh uh point of you drive through the neighborhood and you're like, "Wow, this place is amazing." You walk through the neighborhood and you think, "It's so great to be here." And a lot of that is because there's so much open space. >> Front yards are open. Uh neighbors, you
know, like that. So, so I'll just I'll leave it at that and just say my my my personal greatest concern >> uh really is the setbacks. >> Thank you very much, Council President Urban. All right. So, I'm going to let Council Person winter speak. I think he has something he want to say, but let me just kind of put this in context. So
where we're at right now, um the going options right now are so this is a planning and zoning committee meeting. Um they have to go through two meetings regardless of what what happens. This is the first meeting.
So we have one option. One option is to vote with conditions that we want to see at the final hearing. The well the first option is to vote it through as is. Right. The second option is to vote through what conditions we want to see at the final hearing. The
third option is to table and review and try to put in place things we want to see. It's the third option. Table and put in place things and ask them to put in place things we want to
see and come back. And the fourth option is to plainly vote it down. Those are our four options. Everybody understand options? We all good. Okay. Um, Council Person Winters, >> thank you. Uh, so I didn't get your
name. You're um, Miss Hammond's replacement tonight, right? >> Yes. Katherine Lion. >> All right. Wonderful. Um, so I have a few questions for you. Um, so the the two proposed satin leaf trees um in the front have a mature canopy of
10 to 30 feet. A live oak can be approximately 60 to 100 feet. If the applicant was to replace the two satle leaf trees uh in the front yard with one adult uh sized oak tree, uh would it satisfy the village requirements or
would they so required to have two oak trees in the front yard? >> No. Um they're already over by three trees. So they're only required to have five and they have eight. And uh with your expertise um do you
believe that we could fit two oaks in that property or would it have to be reduced because the satin trees are more than half the size of an oak tree a full canopy? >> That I I wouldn't know. I'm not an arborist. >> This is something I I would like to see if we go to council that we see um an
arborist telling us what is possible. And of course the entire canopy in this area is mostly oak trees and it's right here north of Short Forest. I'd like to see as much as possible. I do appreciate that you guys have gone over and beyond.
It looks like with your um whole plant inventory here, the plant schedule is very diverse and I I appreciate that. Um and I also understand everyone's concern as well with when it comes to drainage, but I feel that you can adjust not
address all this if we go to council meeting and if it's not addressed, then we would vote it down. But I think that you probably have all that stuff already um in documents by now, right? >> Yes. >> All right. >> Yes.
>> Thank you very much. Any questions or comments from the council before I ask what you guys want to do? >> You got it. >> I'm just looking to to hear what I'm trying to say. Mhm. >> Are you all aware of the distance from
what is already there where you want to build a house? Are you already aware of that difference? Yes or no? >> Yes. >> And how are you aware? The information
is not that you can't build a house. The information is best to know how you are going to set that house and how it's going to interrupt the ground. That's what this is all about. Anybody can build a house, but if
it's not going to if it's going to like, let's say it rains, the house is built, it starts to rain, everything gets flooded, including that, and it's all running in the street or in the neighbor's yard because why? All you wanted to do was put a building up. Yes
or no? You're trying to put up a building. >> Yes. >> A house. A home. Not a a store, right? >> Mhm. >> You're talking about a home, right? >> Mhm. >> You said Mhm. What does that mean? >> That means yes.
>> A yes. >> That means a yes. Okay. I just want to make sure you understand. We're not picking on you. We're trying to stop something before it starts. Just because we're a little bitty city doesn't mean you can come in and do anything you want. I believe that you can do what you
said, but you've not shown us in some time what's really happening. That ground is the same ground that I live on. It's the same ground. It's just in a different place. >> So you see, we're not making any
>> When when you when you say we're not showing you, what do you mean by that? >> Where are you building this house? the questions the questions that the concerns that we have we're not getting solutions for those concerns and therefore we feel like what we're
looking for is not being shown to us. H >> how how are you not getting solutions? We're working with the city for flooding not to happen. How how are we not getting solutions? >> Because >> I'm not I'm not an architect. I'm not again I'm the owner of the property. >> Yeah. >> Let him answer.
>> Yeah. even though you even though you're working with, you know, the city and we're going through this process and you you're working with a consultant, um there are certain realities that we deal with in this community and even after individuals
work with the city, even after they work with consultants and it might not be their fault. It might it may be that the level to get your approvals are much lower than the reality physically of the
house and where we live. That may be what it is. >> Maybe the level of approvals need to be raised. Maybe they haven't raised with the times. And so it might may not be the the, you know, the um building department's fault or the consultant's
fault, but we don't want to go through, you know, the problem happening and then being told that, well, we went through the process and we got approval and then because then it's kind of like, well, deal with it. You know, we went through the process, we got approval, so we're
good on our side, right? because we're the ones that have to deal with the situation um once the house is built and once you know individuals are are done and completed and and that's the apprehension that you're seeing >> and what do you suggest supposed to do? >> So like I said >> talk about erosion.
>> So like I said um the council up here has a responsibility where they have those four options and I believe the second option because the first option was to pass it as is. The second option was um or the third option the second was we could pass it with conditions. The third option though was we could
table it and we could see any changes that we want to see that will make us feel whole, you know, any type of adjustments we want to see to make us feel whole and make us feel more comfortable with this situation. That was my third option and the fourth was to vote it down.
>> I would. >> So those are the options that the council has right now. >> Okay. uh you know the right now the the footprint of the existing house is 2,00 500 square ft.
>> Okay. >> You know the proposal house have in the in the first in the first floor less 2,000 uh square feet. you know, we have to get
the city uh a CV plant permit. >> We have to present uh for I am professional engineering uh and professional calculation to to demonstrate the the water retained
in the in the load 100%. with SW with burn. Uh the civil plan have to calculate the that problem.
The the water is not going to the to the neighborhood uh of the load, you know. So we don't have problem with the with the retaining water in the load. We have less square foot the existing
house in the footprint of the house. Just the house is a bigger house because have a second floor but the the footprint in the lot in the lot is less the existing residence.
Okay, that's no problem for retaining the water in the lot. >> We we understand. We understand what you're saying. All right. So, so this is where we're at you all. So, um I would need a motion of some sort. Um again, we
have the option number one of uh voting it through to the final hearing as is. They still have to go through another hearing regardless. Um if they do pass tonight, that's option number one to vote it through to the final hearing as is. Option number two is to vote it through with certain conditions that we
can lay out now that we want to see um going into the final hearing. Option number three is to table it for tonight, come back to another planning and zoning meeting um with a review and maybe suggestions
to come back to another planning and zoning committee meeting. That's option number three. Option number four is to vote it down as is. Um, and that would be the end of that. So, I'm looking for a motion of uh based on one of those four options. I suppose
>> I believe that a lot of the the responsibility lays on the council and our building department, our code, our sharet. I have a difficult time uh I have a difficult time going against
what it what what current laws are. It's it's hard for me to do that. It's it's hard for me to just say well I don't like this or so it's difficult for me to need we need a we need our sharet
committee to get us into the future. We we got to put some more teeth into some of the code. And so and so >> I move to advance this application. >> You move to advance it? >> Yes. I move to approve this application
to the consideration in front of the council. >> We have a motion to approve um to the final hearing. Do we have a second? >> I would like to second. And this is not a condition, but just to let you know for my vote in the council meeting, I would want to see those uh things we talked about earlier, but I will at
motion to second the motion. >> But without conditions, >> without conditions, he just won't get my vote. Doesn't >> seem right. >> I got do it right or we're not. This is your second time here. >> Okay. No matter. >> All right. So, we're good. We're good. >> We're good. We have a We have a >> We have a motion.
>> We have a motion and we have a second. Madame clerk, this this would go to the um this would be moved to the September >> no >> October >> October council meeting. >> This will be moved to the October council meeting. Mad, could you please have a roll call on this, please?
>> Roll call. Council person Winters. >> Yes. >> Member Member Bomb. >> Yes. >> Member Lifewood Ward. >> No. >> Chair Nickerson. >> No. >> So two two. >> Yeah.
So we No, it doesn't pass. We need another motion or somebody can remake the motion. >> Um, so we have those four options. >> Condition you're looking for. Mayor, >> I just need to I I would feel comfortable with a table and a review
um to see if there are any other if there's anything else we could implement. That's >> to help shore up, you know what I mean? The flooding situation. >> That's my kind of desire as well. However, >> yeah, >> between now to October is a table in a
review. Uh so, I mean, while I don't feel confident I would be able to vote on this as a final project tonight, uh I certainly don't feel that. I mean, I I I definitely do not feel that I'm in a position where I could just approve
approve it as is on a final tonight. That's not the that's not where I'm at. I I I do think that we have uh articulated uh primary concerns. I think that the builder is in a better position now than
they were before the meeting with an understanding of what the primary concerns of residents are. And I feel that the time between now and the next time we see the applicant, there will be uh a time for review. So, uh, so,
>> so you're basically saying pass it tonight as is and then >> try >> Well, that was my motion, but I was just asking for clarification from you in terms of, uh, >> in terms of where you're trying to be at. And I think we're I think we're all So, if let's say we table this,
>> let's say we table this. >> So, a PNZ meeting >> in which month? >> PNZ meeting could be in September. >> What month will it be in? It could be it's whatever we can get. >> When will it be in? >> I don't understand what you're asking. >> I'm asking how much beyond October are
we going to be having? Uh >> I mean we get a quorum. We can do a PNZ in August. You know PZ could be in September. It just depends on if we have a quorum. We can do a PNZ whenever. But let me just I understand what you're saying. So I'm just for you know for clar clarification. And I'm just saying
that you're basically saying pass it tonight as is and between tonight and when they hear the final and when we get the final hear in October, that's enough time to look over it. And if we don't feel comfortable with it, then in October we can vote it down. I don't see anything in this application that's far
enough outside of the code to cause me to give any other instruction other than to have more time to review the plans. Um I feel confident that between now and October I will be in a position to end
to to speak uh exceptionally well the full spectrum on it. By the time October gets here at that meeting I I'm confident I'll be in a position to be able to make uh an exactitative decision. But but I just don't see
anything in this application on its face that would that that has me at a full stop. And so uh I don't think you're saying you're at a full stop either. But uh but in terms of tableabling it I would like a more clear timeline on what
tableabling would would entail. It sounds like you're saying we could table this, discuss it again, and still arrive at a decision in time to put it in front of the October council meeting. Is that what you're >> Are you believing that that is what's going to happen? >> We could, if this were to be tabled
tonight, >> you were feeling confident that >> if we get a if we can get >> we would revisit it with enough time. >> If I can get I'll be one. I can get a minimum two other individuals. I you know, I'll do it whenever we can do it. Um but so but this is my um situation of
council person if we let's say we pass it through tonight right and yes I agree with you we have enough time between now and October to look at it and to really digest it and to maybe even come up with ideas but now we come into the the October meeting which is the final hearing and we haven't given them any
conditions or ideas. So then we get there, they're coming with the same exact thing. And then at the final hearing, we say, "Hey, like, you know, we don't feel comfortable with this. You should do this, this, this, and that." And then we have to wait, you know what I mean? So it's like either we do it now and they come back with those changes or
adjustments or whatever. We table it or we do it at the final hearing. >> I move I move to table the item to a P&Z meeting later than the end of August. >> Can we come with an exact week in August? Um, so it's more I know she has to figure out which who's available.
>> Yeah. The problem with August is is our recess. It's been and a lot of you are out. >> That's right. >> Can I >> and that is the only thing with August. I think the planning and zoning >> What's the problem with September? The problem with September is budget >> the Yeah. Um I think she has a suggestion coming from the director.
>> Can I recommend Can I recommend a condition that um they provide >> We pay We pay your organization a lot of money to have you come and give us recommendations. So please give us a recommendation. just a condition that at the next hearing in in September or
October, whenever the clerk schedules it, they'll bring engineering certification that all water will be retained on site and they'll have the drainage plans and everything at that time. >> Yeah, that's all. Yeah, >> I think we all know that that would be the case. I've said that I will be available I will make myself available
for meetings in August. I know, you know, I know it's recess, but um I I've said that, but uh and I I mean that's what we're here to do. I don't mind cramming another meeting into September. I mean, if that's what has to get done, that's what gets done. But but uh but my
my motion is on the table as end of August, >> no later than. >> Okay. And I know I know that August is the uh recess for a lot of individuals, but also school starts a lot earlier this year.
>> Like the second week of August. So >> also have to count with uh elections. They do use this and they need two weeks. I forgot about that. Actually, I'm waiting on them. That's another reason why we don't do it in August because they do use this facility. No one can be in here with >> I withdraw I withdraw my motion and I
withdraw my motion and I move to table this to the third week of September. >> I move to table this to the third week of September regardless of current calendar. >> All right. So, we're good. two, three.
Yeah, third week of September, we'd be good. Um, all right. We do have a motion on the table, you guys, um, to table this until the third week of, uh, September and to review it and come back with possible suggestions. Uh, that we
heard as a condition um, that they come back with, can you say it again? So, they're clear. They come back with engineering. >> Yeah. Usually at building permit, they're required to have engineer certification and drainage plans and everything needs to meet the code. If they can provide that at the next meeting, I don't know if that would be a
condition that the council >> that's the condition we're looking for with the table to come back. Do you guys understand the condition? >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you very much. That's the um motion. We do have a motion. Do we have a second for that motion? >> We have a second for that motion. Uh council like for award madam clerk roll call, please.
>> Roll call. Uh member Winters. >> I just wanted the exact date before I >> said week. >> Third week. So there's no exact >> any day between that third week, Monday to Friday. >> Yeah, I guess a date that I can get everybody on board.
>> Um, >> sorry, I got to look at the calendar. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council person lifewood ward. >> What is the motion? It is to move it to um September to come back
the third week with conditions. Okay. Yes. Okay. Perfect. Okay. Council person bomb. >> Yes. >> Mayor Nickerson. >> Yes. >> Motion passes for Um Clerk Jacobe, you were you were saying we had somebody here.
>> Um >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Defin Daffany Campbell. So, so Senator Campbell, come on up. >> The first thing is Senator Campbell, until the clerk told me you were here, I had no Why'd you sit in the back?
>> I had no idea you were here. >> Who told you in the back? We know you. >> I had no idea you were here. Zero. Until the clerk came and whispered it in my ear. >> So, come up. So, >> mayor,
>> madam, madam senator, how you doing? >> I'm doing fine. >> And and and you're and you're here and these are your constituents here. >> Well, and >> I was sitting in the back quietly. >> Why were you sitting? I I had no idea you were here. >> Cuz I'm watching you guys because it's
been a long time. >> I had no clue. Had no clue. Of course. >> So, so, so we appreciate you being here, but not only that, um, we going to have you talk to the people really quickly before we move to the next item. And there's something else that you're that you're up for. So, you've been up in
Tallahassee for a very, very long time. Correct. And you're looking on your way back up there. >> Correct. >> So, so, Council Person, >> Council Person, >> So, so tell us tell us uh what's going on. Tell us the latest really quick. Let
me say good good evening to everyone. I'm Senator Daphne Campbell. I represent this town for eight full years in Tallahassee. >> I was the one who bring a lot of money here. I don't know if they don't have they don't get money no more, but I used
to bring a lot of money and you could I could assure you I'm going to bring more. And um I was the one who did a did a street name for our beloved past mayor Daisy Black
and um I heard someone was talking about drainage drainage and I kept saying to myself I used to bring them a lot of money for the drainage. [laughter] So listen, I don't know. It's been eight years. I haven't been here years.
Everybody knew I I lost a son 2021. So I sat back a little bit. But everybody calls me back to come back. So I'm here. I'm back. So you don't have to worry about money anymore. You don't have to worry about drainage money anymore. You don't have to worry about no
appropriation here anymore because Daphne Campbell is back. [laughter] >> Senator Senator Campbell, we really appreciate it. Um, before you leave, just tell us like your top three priorities as you as you feel like
you're going back to Thailand. >> Well, my my as usual, you know, my top three priorities is housing issues. El Portal we don't have that that much but other like a not Miami you know Miami
shows you know we do have that the district have four cities not Miami Shores airportal and Biscin Park I don't know if anyone knew I was the one who bring the money to Biscin Park to build
the city the the the city hall they didn't have a city hall before they have a lock cabin when I got elected 2010. I went to visit Biscin Park and I saw, you know, water was dripping and they have a little bucket to pick it up. So I said,
"No way. I have to fight for that." So I did. So this is why I was able to bring as a proud Democrat four over four billions dollars to all the cities I did represent. As a state
representative, I had four cities. As a state senator, I had 15 cities. And everyone got money from the appropriation from Talasi. Everyone, not even one don't get no money. So I am back. Let's work together and let's get
the village move on. >> Um and and as as you step off, just kind of remind us because you're going back for the state rep seat. Correct. Correct. Correct. >> So you were state rep, then you went to state senator. Correct. Now you're going back to state rep. Correct. >> And and your state rep seat covers what? Cities? is very important.
>> Four, I just said it. Not Miami, Miami Shores, Elportal, Biscin Park. Only four cities. But we do have neighbors. The neighbors are we have Biscin Garden, Akola Lakes, Little River, Little Haiti,
a very small part of the city where you know, Commissioner Ken Adam and from Commissioner Christine King and and Winwood. That's it. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. And and and next time sit in the front. I
had no idea you were here. >> Well, you know, sometimes you have to lay back and sit back and make sure they see who you are because, you know, I was very very very popular in Elo. I Yeah. Okay. So, I work a lot in Elo. We do a
lot of food drive, you know. I help a lot of citizen with all situations, you know, you name it. So just Google Daphne Campbell, you'll see all the work. Even Chad GPT told me everything I've done in El Potal. I can't believe it. >> All right. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you so much and God bless you guys. >> God bless you. Take care. >> Nice to see you guys. >> I don't know him. >> They want they want your number. >> Say your voting number. >> My number first. I'm Senator Dafany Campbell. M let me give you my cell
number as well because my cell number is public. I'm a public servant. 786274 0166 and my punch number is 102. That's it. >> Thank you very much. >> Oh, thank you. Look at my colleagues right there. Representative Joe Gailer.
I always seen him. So I don't know if you want to go back like me. So but anyway, we still working together. >> Well, you know he's a school board member. as a school board member. So, we're going to continue working together >> to bring money for the public school. Correct. >> Thank you so much. God bless. Have a
blessed night. >> Okay, Madam Senator. Thank you very much, Madam Senator. >> You know our turn, right? >> All right. So, >> I'm not going to forget you. >> Very good. So, we're moving on to E2, you guys. This is uh two Northwest 88th Street.
Two Northwest 88 Street. Okay. >> So, I'm unfortunately have to leave soon. So, I'd like to see if the per if we can change the agenda to whoever is um flew in from New York. I think you said something like that. >> The Jacob M Jacobe, who who which uh
agenda item was the one that was flying in from New York? >> Can we can I make a motion to move the the last agenda? >> I didn't get it out. I'm we're going to be really quick, right? >> The applicant's requesting for the same,
>> trust me, super quick. >> Okay. >> The applicant is requesting a variance approval for hedges in the setback of a new single family residence at 2 Northwest 89th Street. The site is an 11,000 foot lot and the current home was built in 1953. The applicant installed
hedges without a permit. The property was cited by code enforcement. The hedges are both in the front and side setbacks. The hedges will be maintained at 4 feet. Applicant states hedges are needed due to the visual noise from Second Street. Staff reviewed the applicant's code criterion. Found no
issues. Approval is recommended for hedges in the front and side setbacks. Applicant demonstrates hardship due to the house's unique location on a busy road. >> All right. Thank you very much. Um, are there any questions or comments from the council before we move to the audience? >> Yes. So, we're talking about part of
these hedges are across the uh frontage of the property. Yes. >> How high are they? >> The proposed is 4 feet. >> Four feet. >> What do you mean proposed? I thought this was an after the fact. >> It's an after the fact. I don't know what it is at >> They're four feet. >> They are four feet.
>> Yes. >> I have pictures. >> Those are my questions. >> All right. Any other questions? Council person. Um any questions from the audience about this particular item E2? Going once, going twice, three time. No, I don't see any. Um, coming back to the
council, do I have a motion or any other question to come? >> I make a motion to pass it as is. >> Okay, we have a motion to approve. Do I have a second? >> Second by Council Person Light Ward. Um, Madame Clerk, may I please uh have a roll call. Remember, this does have to
go to the full council meeting in October. >> Roll call. Council person Winters. >> Yes. >> Council person Lifewood Ward. >> Yes. Say yes. >> Councel, >> no. >> Mayor Nickerson.
>> Yes. >> Motion passes 3 to one. >> Okay. All right. Let's move on to E3. Take care. Have a great night. >> Sorry. >> Have a great night. Take care. >> Um E3, this is 8635 North Miami Avenue. The applicant is
requesting a variance to convert a garage to a living area with an existing residence at 8635 Miami Avenue. The applicant is bringing the house up to code. The site is 7,875 ft and the house was built in 1957. The carport was enclosed to convert into
into a garage. Then the garage was previously converted into a living space and the application is for an after-the-act variance. The garage enclosure is compatible with the existing home. The existing driveway can accommodate more than one vehicle. Staff reviewed the applicant's code criteria
and found no issues. Approval is recommended for the garage enclosure. Applicant is bringing the former garage enclosure up to code. >> Okay. Someone has to help me understand how a garage conversion was accomplished as an after the fact. So, so yeah, let me ask this question.
>> Is the applicant here? >> If the applicant's not here to table this immediately. >> Okay. I second that. >> Yeah. >> Is the applicant not here? >> Not here. That's what I was looking for. >> I move to table this item for the next P&Z meeting.
>> I second it. Um, okay. We have a table. We have a second. Let me ask one question. The the garage, it used to be a carport. It was enclosed. Correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. when it was enclosed as a garage. Have we been in there to see that they've converted it to a living space
already or is this or is it still a car garage as far as we know? It's just enclosed. >> Yes, it's they enclosed off the front of the home. >> So, it's no long it no longer has a garage door, >> but they have not converted the interior yet. >> Or do we know?
>> But my my curiosity is how was any permit obtained for this? that I mean that is my that's my they would have got we got to find out what happened >> a motion in a second >> the garage was previously converted into a living space so I guess code enforcement caught on to it that they had enclosed
>> it all right we do have a motion we do have a second um madam clerk please have roll call >> council person winters >> yes >> council person lifewood ward >> yes >> council person bomb >> yes >> Mayor Nickerson >> yes >> motion passes four to none >> thank you very much E4 8620 northeast
2nd venue. >> The applicant is requesting variance approval for hedges in the setback of a I don't know why it says business, but 8720 Northeast 2nd Avenue. The site is 7,344 square ft and the current building was built in 1944. The applicant installed
hedges without a permit. The property was cited by code enforcement. The hedges are in the front setback. The hedges will be maintained at 4 feet. Applicant states hedges are needed due to visual noise from Second Avenue. Staff reviewed the applicant's code criteria and found no issues. Approval is recommended for the hedges in the
front setback. >> Thank you very much. Um, appreciate that. Uh, council questions, comments. >> So, do we have anything and my question is this is for the council for for for our
for our side here. when it comes to when it comes to a property owner who's going to put in landscaping and that landscaping involves, you know, uh uh fencing in absentia, right? So, we're not talking about a fence, we're talking about a hedge. If
this was a fence, it' be a no-brainer. The fence has to be removed immediately. Absolutely, without question. And so, now we're dealing with a hedge instead of a fence. So, the question becomes, when someone contracts a landscaper to
come in and put things like this in, is there anything in a landscaper's day-to-day activities that would cause them to say, "Let me find out if this is within code?" I feel like once again, we're we're dealing with a a a lack of teeth in a code or or or something to
that effect. Uh, this property was purchased two years ago. Uh, 2023. >> 2023. Three years ago. Okay. All right. Um, and you guys have made uh improvements to the structure uh uh as well. Is that right?
>> Yeah. So, we paint we painted the property. We put landscaping. >> This is this is the corner lot >> uh right next door. >> Okay. There we go. Immediately adjacent. Okay. Okay. >> On the south side. >> Okay. >> So, these hedges run front and then they continue along the uh
>> Well, the hedges on the side we left, but they run that's the front northeast second. >> Yeah. Okay. Um, >> did you own property in Emporttown before you bought that property? >> Uh, we live in Miami Shores. So, >> you live in Miami Shores? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> But this is the first uh airport property.
>> All right. Okay. Those are my questions so far. By the way, I I heard everybody introduce. I'll just say David Rapo is my name. >> I'm the owner. >> I just want you to know I like what I saw. >> Thank you. >> I know. I see what you did and it looks
but it looks much better than it used to look. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um any questions or comments from the audience for this particular item? >> Hearing seeing none back to the council. Do I have a motion from the council? >> So move. >> Second. >> Moved by council person Ward. Second by
council person winters. Madam clerk, please have a roll call, please. >> Roll call. Council person Winters. >> Yes. >> Council person Lightoot Ward. >> Yes. >> Council person Irv. >> No. Mayor Nickerson,
>> make it harder. Um, >> yes. >> Motion passes 3 to one. >> Okay. Somebody will be in touch with you. You had have to come back in October. So, we'll be in touch with you. Okay. >> Here you go. Thank you very much. Um, good and welfare. If anybody has anything that they want to say, um, you
come up name and address for the record. Hi, George Alvarez, 165 Northwest 88th Street. Um, quickly, I thank you for the council's indulgence. Um, number one, I I I I just ran across the street
uh with a uh tape measure because I I'm the guy who has a tape measure in in my car, which relates to my apology from a few nights ago to uh Attorney Geller. I was trying to help uh the council like,
"Oh, no, it's not. There is no Fifth Avenue here. I tr I'm a fixer. I try to fix things." It sometimes gets you in a little trouble. Ask any ex of mine. Listen first, fix
later. Um anyway, so I uh obviously this is a I I this is a non survey uh number here, but I went with a um a tape measure and there is a construction
fence between uh the previous applicants uh proposed property 435 Northeast 87th and the new build that's there right now. from the wall of the existing
structure, which I don't know where he he said it was more than 2,000 square feet. It's it's listed at like not even 1,600 ft. Uh the east wall to the construction fence is about 6 1/2 ft.
The construction fence to the new build's west wall is barely 4 feet. So depending on where that fence is, somebody's going to sue somebody else because those setbacks, there's no way
that there's going to be maintained. So if the applicant is building something that he or she believes to be outside of the five- foot setback, they may be proven wrong. Uh I would have loved to have m suggested that that be a condition of the things that you guys
asked for, but that is not 10 feet. I'd say it's about 9 and 1/2 ft between the existing wall and the new build uh next door. So, um that is that. Uh I am going to use uh
the last 45 seconds of my of my time here in good and welfare to once again ask for any updates regarding any of the properties proposed at Little Farm or at
the former Raider site. I think the sooner that this council gets ahead of big developments or any developments as we saw tonight, the quicker the the fears can be ellayed and if the fears are justified can be dealt with in a way
that works for the developer as well as for the the village. I know. I was thinking next seeing this new build across the street that wow, the person who owns that old house at 435, they can't be happy with the sun being
blocked out from them every morning. Well, now neither will the new build's owner as far as sunsets go. So, I I just I I I I'd love to know, is there some sort of enforcement teeth to uh quote what some
one of you guys said uh a little bit earlier for situations where you found somebody built a house and they've uh exploited the setback rule? I'd like to know about that. perhaps uh the city uh attorney
uh or one of you guys um and I would again >> Okay, thank you. I I it if somebody builds a property and flouts the setback or the swale or
whatever and let's say they are not let's say that they are not outside of five feet of the boundary of the property of the property line. Is there a penalty for that? And uh I can I can he answer? I'm sorry.
>> You can you're talking attorney. >> Yeah. >> Good. I like this question. the the the short answer is there's no one-sizefits-all answer. Each property is going to be different depending on the nature of the property, the kind of violation, the effect of it, whether it
can be remedied or not. Uh you know the each case is fact specific. >> Okay. So the so so there are codes which will inevitably be debated by any parties therein. Okay. >> That's what lawyers are for. I I understand it's a sturdy profession as
Abraham Lincoln once said. Um okay. Uh thank thank you Mr. Giller and I would like uh to again um request uh the name of the program under which
the septic system is going to happen. uh since it's it's not connect to protect and um I'm sorry for uh I was there was something else I was going to ask but uh you are saved. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Email is good and welfare
is >> Adam Simon uh 316 Northeast 85th Street. Um, I just wanted to ask uh one question which is um been my concern since I moved on 85th Street in 2012, which is
the speed bumps that was briefly brought up. Um, and then it seems like it was canned, but I'm not sure what the next step with the speed bumps are, but I can tell you that um I have a four-year-old
child. I live on 85th Street and I would say in the last four years there's probably been three dozen times and incidents where you go to the end of my driveway, there's cars parked in the swale. He tries to go a little bit out
and [snorts] cars are flying by at 50 60 miles an hour. Um he's almost been hit at least two dozen times. He's four. you're starting to move around and it's very unsafe. And from what I heard is that there might be
alternate solutions to speed bumps. I don't want that conversation to stop. Um I can tell you that if you put big enough speed bumps in, it may not be the perfect solution, but
it is some solution, even if it's temporary. So, I only ask that if it's already passed and you already have the funding and the money for them, let's have a little bit of progress on
that front, right? Because I I go back and I'm just thinking about like the last since I've come to these meetings, I don't see a whole lot other than this tot lot, which is awesome for me because I have a four-year-old and we're always there and I know uh counselor Urban the
same. He's got kids and he's there, but you know, everything I do in my life now is about my child. And uh you know, our street is not safe. And if I ever did run for council, which I'm not going to do, but if I ever did
run, it's going to be on safety because that to me is, you know, especially for I'm seeing more and more kids in this area, more and more kids in Elportal than I've seen in the last 10 years. I just they're everywhere. There's nannies and parents all over the place. We don't
have sidewalks on our street. There's nowhere to move. And when you have cars going 45, 50 m an hour on that street on their cell phones, it's just very unsafe. Okay? So, the only thing I'm asking for is speed bumps
as a resident. So, I know I got one guy that wants cobblestone streets. That's never going to happen. Okay? But I think let's use logic. Okay. Um and and use some funding where it's going to actually contribute to
some safety in El Portell. So I I appreciate it. I got two seconds left. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate that. It was it it just didn't get a second that night. Um but the it was already passed previously. I was just trying to shore it up. Uh hopefully we can bring it
back. Anybody can bring it back because it just didn't get a second. So it's not like it failed that night. So, hope I can bring it back soon. >> Madame Mayor, >> I did say madam. I should have said mister. >> It's all good, >> Doc. >> Yeah, >> I'm thinking about what the gentleman has just said.
>> They've been working. I put I put them over there by your house, Doc. They're working really good. >> Yeah, they put the speed bumps in most of the small areas in my >> where I live at. I was great. I was glad. >> Yeah,
>> they slowed that traffic. so so purely >> that even I had to say my goodness and be grateful because people used to run past y'all know I live on 88th terrace they just ran through the place but now it doesn't do that and because they don't do it because we did something
this this council did something about that >> absolutely >> and that's why more people want what we have and I told them to just come and tell us >> I told them just come and tell us let's look at what we can Zoom. Thank you, mayor.
>> Thank you very much. >> Hi everyone. Uh Mike Parker, 8565 Northeast 4th Avenue Road, uh just down the two daughters down. Um I watch most of the meetings on uh online. So, first of all, I wanted to say I really appreciate that they are available
online because I can't always make it. And so people there may be more people actually paying attention than than we realize, which is great. Um, and then as I watch those, I do notice um, and I don't expect the the residents to be as
professional as our our mayor and council members, but there's, you know, a lot of times people are talking when you can't hear or they're talking when other people are talking or they're saying things that they're not really grounded in fact. they they're getting
fired up because we all are fired up about certain issues like the tree canopy and and things that that I'm fired up about as well, but I just feel like it doesn't add to the discussion when people aren't making their their decisions based on facts.
>> And then um when the uh applicants were here, I was a little disturbed um the way they were treated. Uh I'm not uh in favor of of McMansions myself either, but um it it was clear that um there
were some things that were in it accurate the way it was described. So we didn't know if it was 4,000 ft or 2500 feet. Um so just the accuracy and and having the right facts so everyone's making decisions based on the facts. Um I know what that lot looks like. There's
no trees in the front. So they were going from zero to eight. they were within all the the guidelines of of what the city asked for. So, I was surprised how much push back there was on the facts. If we didn't really want big
houses um overcrowding lots, then we shouldn't have put three houses on a single family lot on the corner. Like that ship has sailed. So, I think if we don't want less than five foot setbacks, we should make that the code. Um, so I,
you know, I don't really want, you know, ideally they could find a smaller way to do it, but they need to maximize their property, but I was just a little disappointed the way that they were treated. Um, there I think you also uh, council member, you had you had said
they had been here before, which implied that maybe they were trying to pull a fast one on us or something that that they had said twice that it was their first time. They they shouldn't have come with any baggage. And so I think that kind of may have clouded the discussion as well. So I just wanted to
say I don't expect professionalism from the citizens. We know we're we're not public speakers, but I do expect it from our elected officials. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate that. >> Yes. He said um any last questions or
comments? Good and welcome. >> Oh, how could I how could I resist? I was having a conversation. I felt like people was talking about me. My name is Denise White, 173 Northwest 88th Street. And um yeah, I'm gonna say one more time. This my mouth. I'mma run it. And
um I hope to be an elected official. I promise I do. And if anybody feels anyway they too are allowed to come here and speak their opinion. And I'm also not afraid of anybody in the audience that may say something while I'm up here. if I ever get up here, if God
willing, he wants me to be up here. Um, passionate or not passionate as a citizen, I get to run this mouth. And then I spoke to my mayor and I was like, you know, I be sorry. Sometimes I be hitting hard. And he said, "That's okay. I got thick skin." Cuz to be in
politics, you have to have what, Mr. Mayor? Thick skin. That's what I was talking about back there. And um sometimes we gonna disagree, but people can't be afraid of disagreement because then we wouldn't have a democracy because that's what it's about being a
democracy. And um yeah, well, if we're looking for professionalism, I'mma do my best, but [laughter] I'm also going to be me. And I think being yourself and saying how you feel and expressing your opinion might plant
a seed in somebody else to care a little more and come and be a part of government. And what do we want? We want all our residents, all 900 to come here and state their opinion. Even if we got to stay here till 1:00 in the morning, we going to have snacks though. Yes, we going to have snacks. And um what else?
What else? What else do I want to say real quick? Um so I do agree with Mr. bomb. We need to have more committees [clears throat] and we need to put some things in place so that when a developer
comes up, it's not a question of right or wrong. It's it's already written down and it's in, you know, whatever code or plan that we already have so that we don't have to go over this. Maybe the stuff that we have is too old and we need to revise it. Then we sp should
have spent this year trying to revise it. And I know we spent a lot of time on the budget, but in between that time, we could have had our committees working on that. There's a committee, Miss Eden and I want to start where we when we spoke to the mayor already. We hope, you know, we can get in his committee of the
seniors. He has a senior committee and we're hoping to get in there so that we can hopefully be able to take seniors to the store, maybe get some grants so that we could have these little carts or even a van so that we could take the seniors to the store because we have a bunch of seniors that live alone in their houses
and some of them need help going to the store. So, Miss Edna, when you said earlier solutions, we ready for the solutions. We need the committees. And if you present the committees to us, I'm sure we will all join. Just like the Arbor, the Arbor Day, you know, that one
right there, we had this cute little thing over by the park. It was fabulous. We all went cuz there's a committee that we could see and we we know who's there. [snorts] So, if we could put these committees out and say, "Hey, we're joining." And maybe that will happen this year. I didn't see it happen last year, but maybe that will happen this
year. We're ready to join. I I have a whole group of people who come here all the time who are ready to join the committee. I got Mr. Greg. He's probably be on the budget committee. You know, Miss Lolita, she's probably going to be on the how we build it, what it look like committee. Everybody's here ready to get on the committee, I'm sure. We
don't want you guys to do everything for us. We do want to help. We do want to be here, you know. Um, so if you would just open it up to us this year better than last year, then we will be here. I'm sure we will. And if we not, then if I get in office, I'mma pull everybody here
by any means necessary. That's what I want. All my all my residents to be involved. And if I offend you, oo, I'm sorry, but I promise you I'mma talk. Amen. >> Thank you very much. Anybody else for um for good and buffer?
>> Well, he's coming up. I do just want to remind everybody that the uh three lots across the street were three separate lots. We did not uh approve a division of a lot into three lots. They were already uh three individual lots. So, I
just want to at least put that on the record. >> Daniel Roa, 60 Northeast 86 Street. Uh just going to pick it back on Denise. Uh any committees, anything that we can help, even like, you know, some of us work in certain areas that could help
the village solve issues, we're willing to help. We're willing to come up with solutions. We're willing to work with you. Um, that being said, I know I said it on Tuesday, but also, uh, can we get to work on that tree ordinance? Can how
can we get some teeth into into that thing? How can we make sure I brought up the avocado tree and I asked questions, not to give the builders a hard time. I asked questions to be bring education upon something that didn't seem very clear in the paperwork. Right? So, so if
I come up here and ask questions, I just want to get educated and I want to learn and I want to I want all of us to to move forward. Um, but uh but you know, I brought up the trade just because that's one of one of my biggest concerns as I see all these developments and the the
drawings look really pretty. Uh, but a lot of the times they don't live up to to the hype of the drawings. So, just want to make sure we have all those things going. And again, whatever you guys need from us, like I'll we'll make ourselves available and we'll help you come up with solutions and if we can help, we'll do it.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate that. Anyone else? Good and welcome. hearing. Seeing none, um coming back to the council, I'm going to ask for a motion to adjurnn in a second, but um I've started so many boards, you guys,
and shout out to uh Miss Lucio for her historic preservation board, but I've started a lot of boards that people can join. Um for the tree ordinance itself, uh myself and Scott Cobri, uh we've pretty much and Warner Drea, we pretty much went through it. It's pretty much done. I think where we left off, Scott, I'm not sure, correct me if I'm wrong, I
think I have to format it. So you can do I have to format it or I I kind of forget where I left off but I have it I actually have it right here. I can pull it up right now. But I think we left off because I think where we were we went through everything when we finalized everything. I think that like just the format just the format like some of the
fonts were like you know we just have to format it. So I'll format it and then give it to you so you can give it out and then we'll do like that. And that's what I'm saying. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That that's where we left off. So we left off that uh Mr. Kob was going to send it to the tree board. send it to your tree board so that you guys are
good with it and then it'll come um through the council. So, >> we'll be ready by uh we'll be ready by September to have it uh all those boards are subject to the Sunshine Law, ethics disclosures, to you know, all kinds of other public records
act can't talk to each other when they're not meeting. >> Yeah. Yeah, they are. All right, you guys. And everybody will tell you that's on um any of my boards, I explained that in the very first meeting. So >> yeah, I I do I do all of that. Yeah. Mayor,
>> I know you know it. I'm just saying for the benefit of the public, people want to be on a board, but sometimes they find out >> there's a lot more to it than >> it's a lot of work. Yes. Yes. But I tra All right, you guys. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Um motion moved. Do I have a second?
Second. >> Second by council life award. The planning and zoning committee meeting for July 30 of 2026 is adjourned at 9:33 p.m. Thank you.