Testing. Testing. One, two, three. I've already testing. Testing. But now if you talk I cannot hear you. Welcome to Zoom. Enter your meeting ID followed by pound. Enter your participant ID followed by
You have entered the meeting as a panelist. Attendees can now hear you speak. Testing. Testing 1 2 3. Testing one two. Testing. Testing two. I see the dice now. And did you say that twice?
Ci, can you hear me? I can hear you. Oh, thank God. And did you do testing? You did the testing twice, right? Can you share your screen? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I'm just kidding.
Listen, dude. Come on. And then um open uh your volume is kind of low for me. Daniel, is it low? It's a little low. You know, one thing that Juan told me, why didn't we bring the broadcast a
little bit higher to see if it's the Hold on. Hold on one second. Let me go upstairs. Can you talk? Hello. Testing. One, two. Testing on the Bosch mic. You're on the Bosch mic. Okay.
For you, uh, Lazro Adam, can you try again? Can you try again? Okay. Testing the wireless. One, two. Testing the wireless mic. Okay.
Now test the Bosch for me. Try the wireless mic. Hello. Testing the Bosch mic now. One, two on the Bosch mic. Okay. And then and then last, when you speak from your phone, I'm trying to I'm trying to find the
difference between when somebody's on the on the Zoom versus somebody in the in the chambers. So, can we do that test? So, leave Adams in the changer in the chambers. Hello. Test and you go out.
Okay. So go ahead l do it from yourself. All right. Testing testing one two one two testing testing one two one two. So we higher from Okay. I'm trying to I'm trying to make
some changes here on the flight without colian feedback. So Adam go ahead and and talk. Hello. Testing testing on the Bosch mics. All the volumes sound good in chamber so far. I hate to bring this to 20, but let's do
it. Okay, go ahead again, Adam. Hello. Testing again. Testing on the Bosch mics in chambers for Did it make a difference? Okay. Do it again. Um, Adam, test.
Testing again. Testing again on the mic in Chambers. Yeah, you sound nice. Can you do it? Sounds good to me. Testing. Testing. How's the YouTube? Uh, let me
open it up. Give me one more second. What about the channel? How's the channel? The YouTube. All right, let me check my channel. Okay. And testing on the wireless mic again. Okay, I on one and two on wireless now.
Um, so Adam sounds really good on the TV channel, but everyone joined in sounds pretty staticky on the TV. Can you really quick? No, just say testing testing. 1 2 3.
Testing again. Testing in chambers on the Bosch mics. Testing. Testing chambers on the wireless mic now. Testing. Testing. Testing. Is that too loud? Sounds good.
Testing, testing, testing, testing. Testing again on the Bosch mics. Testing on the wireless mics. Testing again on the Bosch mics in council chambers. Testing. Testing. One, two. One, two.
One, two. One, two. One, two. Testing. Testing. One, two, one, two. Testing, testing. Audio test. One, two, one, two, one, two. Yeah. Neil, that's better. Yeah.
Goodbye. start construction as early as Q1 of 2026. Uh while we're working through design and engineering on phase two, on phase two, we're anticipating groundbreaking as early as Q3 of 2026 as well, seeing the total development
really come together and complete by the Q4 of 2027. These are some of our team members that we involved with this project. A lot of them are here today. We do have uh starting from Del Valencia. We have
Doris Ara, Brian Sidman, Max Daniels, Michelle Fosio, and David Buren here with us. So these were just some of the financing complexities that made this project a
little more difficult to put together but we were able to make it work. So we are at 120 units which is closer to the 60 units per acre because the economy is a scale. Fewer fewer units raised
per unit cost for our debt to income ratio and S could probably better to that point if you have any question on the scale. Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. No, I was going to say and and we actually are um on the 3.3 acres that
slightly different number, but I would do want to give the opportunity for the executive director, Zary, if there was anything he wanted to add. Otherwise, certainly turn this over to the board for for discussion or recommendation. No comment at this time.
Thank you. Well, thank you. Appreciate that. Very, very comprehensive. But let me open it up for questions and comments from the members of the board. I'd like to kick it off. Board member Ala. Thank you. Thank you for the
presentation. Thank you for being here and speaking on behalf of the the the company and the reputation. Um, this has been in conversation for quite a while. Uh the economy as a whole has changed significantly significantly since we
began discussing the potential of these projects. Um the legislation in general for residential development has also seemingly become more and more aggressive. So that that does concern me. Um the density and how it relates to
how it affects live local and opening the doors for other developers and properties to kind of follow suit. That's obviously a concern. Um, but I understand the intricacies of this property, the the the county's uh contribution and the requirements that
we have to do the affordable housing components. Um, but what I'd like to do is is really defer, you know, my my decision- making to our mayor, who I know has read everything involving this with a fine tooth comb and um and of
course to Councilwoman Bailey where this directly impacts her district. So, I'll just, you know, put a hold a pin in there at at this point, but I've I have supported this project from early on, the vision in general. I think that this
would be a great catalyst for for um you know, commercial and investment in general. But for those reasons, I am kind of on the fence right now. So, thank you. Okay. Thank you, board member Bailey. Thank you. So, yes, we have been disappointed
multiple times with funding falling through and I have been especially excited about the potential that this piece has. Um, having to be a gateway to the historic Southwest neighborhood. Um, there is just so much potential. The
linear park I think is an amazing amazing piece to it. Um, I do appreciate the broader range of housing. Um but obviously density is a very bad word. Um so as long as the amenities and that you
know commercial pieces there which it does look like like it can be um the shade trees with the opportunity for the farmers market that definitely is homestead um the rooftop amenity. I
would absolutely love to see if we can't afford a nice big swimming pool to maybe do some type and I know we're not getting into design yet, but I've my mind's been racing. Um to to maybe have that uh that focal part be a big fountain that could double as a splash
pad because that is that is one amenity that the Southwest is in desperate need of. Um but I appreciate I appreciate the beautiful rendering. I I can visualize it and I think if we can if we can really look at that density and make
sure that the amenities outweigh um outweigh that piece, I I really appreciate all all the hard work and the thought that went in behind this. Thank you, member member Davis.
Thank you for an excellent presentation. like my colleagues were very excited to see this go forward. I did have a question about the um the number of units that will be considered affordable at 80% AMI. Correct.
Uh what mechanism is there um in my history? I've seen developers come back say in 24 months and say, "Oh, look at that. The cost of living is up. It's no longer 51%. Now they can do maybe 30%." You know what I mean? They want a modification to that number.
Is there a mechanism for that to not happen? That's what I really want to know because we really need that affordable housing here. I don't want to see that number fluctuate. Yeah, my understanding there is a deep restriction on the property I believe from county that
requires us to be at minimum 50% 51% 8 up to 80% AMI. So that affordability is baked into the project as a requirement. That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks. And we will put it into the development agreement as well. Thank you very much,
Vice Chair Fletcher. Yes. Thank you, uh, Mr. Chairman. Um, thank you again for the presentation. Um, I've been, uh, watching this project for almost 5 years now, and we're finally seeing something come to fruition. I know we all kind of get scared of the word density down here in
South Bade. Um, but I believe this particular project is going to be the catalyst for the redevelopment of our southwest section of Palmstead and uh we have a lot of work we have to do down there and and if we're able to make this uh work, I think this is the right plan
at the right time to move forward. So those are my comments. Uh we can we can work on the the other intricacies later, but I I believe this is a a solid project ready for implementation. Thank you. Thank you, Vice Chair. And you know to your point there are numerous
intricacies and those you know not to be cliche and we'll hear it again later tonight. Those devil in the details that you know if we give an affirmative vote to authorize the CRA director and the manager to go forward with negotiation
that that those will come out of the woodwork and they may need to bring some of that back to us to uh to mediate or uh you know make a decision on. Um, I think it's it's setting aside the bad
word of density for a moment. I think it's it's notable that the maximum height on the street on Fourth A um on Fourth Street seems to be three stories. I know that the Southwest
community is very concerned not to have that overwhelming height and scope and scale right on the uh the street. So, the town houses look like they're three stories, and it looks like the facade portion that that hits the uh
the south side of Fourth Street is uh at least on the street only only three stories, which I think, you know, generally uh most of us can uh can get behind. Um got a couple questions. You talked about the the public portion. So,
what what I kind of envision is we're going to have two different crews out there. you're going to have, you know, city contractors and your people out there. Is that the way that's going to work? Where the the the public contribution of the hardscape, the streetscape,
uh, landscaping, um, are we just going to fund that or is that going to be through our procurement processes? You had a table there that that that itemized that.
So u if I mayor and council I think there's a feeling and a direction and guidance that during the general this is a general terms when we get into the details we may have to look for opportunities of facilitating those infrastructure improvements perhaps
through the developer. It will accomplish a lot of things. It will lead to savings. It will lead to reduction of time and will minimize impact to the environment. uh there are certain intricacases with respect to uh mitigation of the site. We
use this particular site to get a federal funding for mitigation and there are requirements as to how that could be accomplished. So there's a whole slew of details that needs to be worked out. Well, thank you. Certainly that was my concern, the time constraints, the the
the constraints on the use of public dollars to go out and do these things. So, you know, you you hit the nail on on the head of my concerns is, you know, how you know, we know that that our contribution will be up to to X. It's
just the logistics of of how to do that. That's what uh what jumped out at me. I don't believe it was in the materials, but you had a table talking about the phasing and clearly we're under some constraints with respect to those properties that were transferred to the
county from us. Talk talk to us about what's contained in each phase. So the town homes will go first as because w with the permitting and so forth that should be the quickest and
we'll also be doing the engineering the MVPs during that time. So we'll have a flow soon as the town homes are done. We would immediately transfer over hopefully to start doing the building. I also wanted to mention that the town homes are two stories, right? I saw that. Yeah. two on the
north, three three stories for the adjacent to the sidewalk for the the apartments. Yes. Well, Mr. Manager, aren't with those time constraints that we have with respect to those properties conveyed from the county, then the proposed
phasing is really reverse of what would expedite and give us plenty of time to meet those county deadlines as they currently exist. Is that correct? So my feeling at this point is to focus on compliance with the reverter clause from the county. It
requires us to have those units affordable 51% by 2029. We we need full project completion by 2029. Yeah. Okay. I'm thinking 27 and looking here at quarter four of 27. So okay. So we're in
knock on wood we're in good shape. Yeah. We're going to make it happen well within that time. Okay. you know, and again to to your density concerns and certainly there are loopholes, if you will, under the Live
Local Act where we can determine what the bonus portion of the total number of units is so that we don't inadvertently increase the cap or the the the level that we're forced to now deal with under
under Live Local. And that that will be, you know, baked into the cake that that comes back as the actual development agreement where we determine, you know, by the wow factor. And I, you know, I remember some of you may remember when uh, you know, former I think you were in
on the conversation. I remember former Vice Mayor Guzman that in in awarding some bonus, we talked about the wow factor. you know, if you bring us this and they've brought potential rooftop amenities and and open space and, you
know, open air markets and and playgrounds, those can all go to the wow factor to justify whatever 40 per acre is above what is uh layered in for that site that site now.
So yeah, that that is a very very valid concern under under live local and as well as the RTZ. So those are those are some of those details that we'll we'll have to deal with and and come back with. So you know with with that and I
guess you know it's fair to say with respect to density it's a time and a place for everything. Typically, this is not a level that I would ever begin to support without other safeguards or other, you know, rationale or justification.
Um, I sit here also and I've got to say I think that, you know, when we undertook the purchase of these scattered properties, prior public works directors, prior CRA directors, prior managers never said,
and I think it was because they didn't have the capacity to realize and understand that we did not have the infrastructure necessary to do the project that was being sold to us as a justific ification for these acquisitions.
And I think if you know these guys were really candid tonight, we would talk about that the process here to bring this to us tonight has really accelerated under this manager and under this CRA director and the public works and whoever else is, you know, whatever
other cooks are in this this kitchen. we were really uh you know not well served by the lack of due diligence when these properties were were acquired. I'm I'm certainly willing to go forward and see if we can overcome all of those those
issues and obstacles. Vice Chair Fletcher. Yes. Thank you. And you know, one other one other thing I I believe needs to be said is the of course the staff has worked on this diligently uh with the new manager and and I'm glad to see uh
the requested action is for us to approve the recommended development rather than we are seeking direction. So we actually have some staff people are doing their homework. So I appreciate that. Thank you very much. So, do do we have a
motion to approve the general terms for development for this item? Oh, I'm sorry. Board member Bailey. All right. Board member Bailey, the the district uh the seat holder for that area has moved the approval to to move
forward and negotiate and bring back. Seconded by board member Cannibal. Let me open this up for public comment. Is there anyone online or in the audience wishing to speak for public comment with respect to this
item? Okay. So, I'll close the public hearing with respect to this item. Any further from staff or the proposers? Don't snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Thank you for coming down
through the mayor and thank you to the council, to the mayor, the vice mayor. Congratulations, Mr. manager. It's been a pleasure to work with you over the last few decades. Uh this is a great opportunity for us and I promise you that we'll deliver something that will make everyone proud. Thank you very much. Good. I look forward to working very
closely with you know my background, you know, in what I do in real life. Look forward to uh to being intimately involved in in bringing this this package forward. So with that, we'll close the public hearing. And Madame Clerk, let's have a roll call vote.
Board member Davis, yes. Board member Cannibal, yes. Board member Roth, yes. Board member Avula, Board Member Bailey, Vice Chairman Fletcher, yes. Chairman Lawner, yes. The motion carries. Thank you. Thank you all again. Thanks for coming down, Mayor. Appreciate it.
All right. So, we will go back to the uh agenda order and uh with the uh with the knowledge that the uh police honor guard is waiting in the wings and the pastors here to pray for the regular council
meeting. Let's have the CRA annual report. We can Oh, actually, let me grab the the remote. If he leaves with a clicker, all deals are off, right? And we can keep this fairly quick. Uh
board members, uh as I have shared with you all in the past, we as a CRA are required as a special district to provide annual reports um that have various uh performance metrics and data included. It is just a special district requirement of the legislature. What you
have in your package is the 2324 annual report. So this spans from October of 2023 through September 2024. Uh it covers all of the required elements uh essentially the creation documents uh tax increment values uh the appreciation
over the years as well as our overall structure um staffing our uh CRA area highlights on the financials the programs that we've started as well as just an overview of some of the projects that have been undertaken uh currently
and also some of the things that we are looking towards in future years. There's no action necessary from you all at this time. This isformational. It is something that we do have to uh compile as I mentioned for statute. Uh this has been posted on our website. Uh we are meeting all of the requirements as
necessary. So um just giving you a brief overview. I also have a hard copy that we'll distribute to each of you for reference and then we will be using this as the basis for going uh in future years and elevating some of the metrics that we have. So certainly glad to entertain any questions or comments that
you all have. Uh but wanted to give you the courtesy of presenting this uh at a board meeting. Thank you. Appreciate that and certainly respect and compliment the caliber of the report that is contained in our council package. Board members any further?
Just keep up the great work. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Anything further for this board this evening? Uh, no sir, not from staff. Very good. Well, with that, um,
public comments with respect to any CRA matter. Again, this is with respect general community redevelopment agency matters. Okay, seeing none, I will close the hearing and ask for a motion of adjournment.
Moved and seconded. All in favor? I. and let's uh let's take uh five and we will uh convene the regular city council meeting. Thank you all. Need a permit? We are here to help you
and faster than you think. At the City of Homestead's development services department, we offer a new expedited permit service for selected permit types and you can get approved in just 72 hours. Expedited permits include in
electrical safety inspections, temp for test, meter repairs, temp for construction and sub permits. in plumbing, water heater replacements, cosmetic plumbing fixture upgrades and toilet replacements in mechanical air
conditioning unit replacements. Also, tree removals, commercial building painting, fence installations, and resurfacing of floors or slabs, and we'll be adding more to the expedited list soon. We're committed to making the permitting process simple, efficient,
and friendly for both residents and businesses. And the city of Homestead has an exciting new update to enhance how residents, contractors, and businesses track projects in the development services department with our new Homestead's enterprise permitting
and licensing system. Soon you'll be able to apply, upload, pay, and track your project entirely online. Visit homestead.fl.gov/expedited permit or stop by city hall to get started today. We're open Monday through
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Got questions? Call us at 3052244500. This is from the Homestead Deis, your quick recap of the key decisions made at the June 18th city council meeting. The council approved a six-month extension
to the 12-month moratorum on highdensity residential development. This will give the city time to complete the infrastructure master plan and continue with the ongoing zoning code rewrite efforts. The council approved renaming the energy landmstead
cares customer assistance for reliable essential services. If a customer is experiencing financial hardship and is on the verge of disconnection, they are able to apply for a onetime credit of up to $500. This credit would be applied to
their electric account. Customers are eligible once per year for consideration of this credit. Residents can apply online at homestead.fl.gov/cares. The council approved an ordinance to create a presumption of violation if an RV is expanded while parked on
residential property. The goal is to ensure that RVs don't disrupt neighborhood standards, block visibility and access, or burden the city's infrastructure. The council approved an ordinance to close a gap in the business tax receipt process. The new ordinance
allows the city to issue a business tax receipt to businesses with open violations, giving business owners 90 days to resolve outstanding balances by supporting continuity while ensuring compliance. Don't miss the next council meeting and follow us on social media to
stay informed about the decisions that impact you. Homestead Homestead. City of Homestead Punto. It's up to all of us to keep Homestead beautiful. One of the biggest things you can do is help us stop illegal dumping
by reporting it to City of Homestead code compliance. Illegal dumpers can get fined up to $500 per day until the mess is cleaned up and in some cases even get arrested. Together, we can keep our community clean for today and tomorrow.
Visit cityofhomestead.com/bautiful to learn more. Introducing the energywasting Johnson's. When it comes to heating and cooling, conserving energy was never at the top of the Johnson's to-do list. They set their AC on 72 all day long, adding up
to 8% more to their bill for every degree below 78. They also let their bushes get overgrown around the outside compressor, a device that accounts for more than 40% of the household's energy expense. And all that wasted energy was costing them a bundle. But today, the
Johnson's have learned their lesson, are energy smart, and discovered how to not only save energy, but save money as well. Now, their to-do list includes keeping the compressor clean and debrisf free so nothing blocks or restricts air flow to the unit, allowing it to work as
efficiently as possible, setting the thermostat between 78° and 80°, and installing a more efficient high sear heating and cooling system, including a heat pump. And their new ceiling fans make it feel up to 5° cooler and could reduce energy use by 10%. With all their
saving, the top of their new list includes a fun-filled family vacation brought to you by your local municipal electric utility and the Florida Municipal Power Agency. Meet Jorge and Lupe Lugo, recipients of
the Homestead CRA residential grant. Well, they fixed up. They put a new roof, which we're very glad because it was too old. And they also fixed the garage door, which it we couldn't set. I
mean, it has to be hold by stack, otherwise it will fall on us. It was very dangerous. We have a new one, which is great. Thank to Malika that help us, you know, with the program and we're so happy now
about her. Thank you to the CR Homestead. We're very pleased and we're so happy and I really thank them. much. If you're interested in the residential facade program, contact the Homestead
CRA by emailing CRA grants at homesteadfl.gov or call 305224-4486 to learn more. Great news, Homestead. Homestead Public Service Energy has one of the lowest residential electric rates in the state of Florida. According to the April 2025
report from the Florida Municipal Electric Association, HPS Energy ranks third lowest among all investorowned and municipal utilities in the whole state. HPS Energy customers pay just $108 per,000 kilowatt hours. That's well
below the state average of 127 and SPL's 130. At HPS Energy, we're committed to providing reliable power at an affordable price. We know how important that is to the residents of our community and to the businesses here.
And if you live within the city of Homestead, you save even more. This is how HPS Energy supports Homestead's growth by providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. Powering your life, powering our future. Because at HBS, our commitment is personal.
You're not just a customer, you're our neighbor. If you're looking for a rewarding, hands-on job, come join our team here at the city of Homestead. You won't regret it. What we do here is vital. We keep the power on and help restore the
infrastructure after natural disasters. It's more than a job. It's an exciting career with real impact. We're hiring experienced professionals in several positions ready to take on big challenges. You're just not fixing things. You're building the future of this community.
We offer full-time positions, great benefits, health insurance, and a solid retirement plan. Be part of a team working hard to make Homestead shine. Apply today and start your rewarding career at Homestead Public Service. I'm always looking for creative ways to
save money. But one place I know I never have to worry about is with my HPS energy bill. Homestead Public Service offers some of the lowest rates in all of Florida. We pay an average of $15 less than those who use FPL.
Now that's what I call savings. The GarcAs know a lot about insulation. When one of them wants to get away, they insulate themselves in another room. But that doesn't keep all the sound out unless you close the door. Just like sound, cooled and heated air is always
on the move. But with the right insulation, you have a protective thermal barrier that keeps the conditioned air where you want it. Truth is, insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to lower your bills. Insulation is important anywhere your house meets the outdoors. The cathedral
ceiling, walls, crawl spaces, but the best and easiest place to insulate your home is in the attic. Its effectiveness is measured as an R value, meaning resistance to heat flow. To do the job right, you'll need at least R30, but R38
is the best. Now, the GarcAs know how to insulate themselves and their house. Brought to you by your local municipal electric utility and the Florida Municipal Power Agency. This July, it starts in the parks. Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month in
the city of Homestead where the fun never stops and every event is free. July 7th, take a stroll for National Fatheraughter Take a Walk. Enjoy quality time and sweet moments at any Homestead Park. July 9th, the free throw contest
is on at Mayor Rosco Warren Park's basketball courts. Open to kids 17 and under starting at 400 p.m. Prizes await our top scorers. July 16th, get ready for punt, pass, and kick at Harris Stadium. Show off your football skills
and compete for fun and bragging rights. The event starts at 400 p.m. July 18th, don't miss our Movies in the Park event showing Captain America: Brave New World at Lawler Park starting at 7:00 p.m. July 19th, it's Kite Day at Mayor Rosco
Warren Park from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Bring your kites, catch the breeze, and watch the sky come alive with color. July 23rd, it's the soccer shootout at Harrisfield Stadium. Starting at 400 p.m., take your best shot. Prizes go to
the top goal scorers. July 26, bring your bikes for the Greenway Trail family bike ride event starting at Harrisfield Park. Pedal together, stay active, and enjoy the scenic route. Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. July 28th, cool off
at James Archer Smith Park for National Waterpark Day with the ribbon cutting for the newly renovated splash pad. Water fun, splashes, and smiles guaranteed. It starts at 2:00 p.m. and we're offering free snow cones while supplies last. July 30th, wrap up the
month with a pickle ball friendly tournament at JDR Park. The city of Homestead just reopened the tennis and pickle ball courts now with up to 12 pickle ball courts ready for action. The kids tournament starts at 5:00 p.m. and adults starts at 6:00. This summer, it
starts in the parks right here in Homestead. Fun for the whole family all summer long and always free. For more information on parks, times, and locations, visit homesteadfl.gov/parksmonth. Want to know more about our parks? At
homestead.gov/gis, we have a complete map of our parks, amenities, hours of operation, and much more. Good evening everyone and welcome. I'd like to call the city of Homestead regular city council meeting to order.
Today is Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, and it is now 6:02 p.m. This evening, the invocation will be given by Councilman Tom Davis, followed by the pledge of allegiance with Councilman Davis and the Homestead
Police Explorers. You please rise. There you go. Forward. Left, left, left, right, left, left, left, right. Left,
left, left, right on the guard. Hulk, right face. Present all. Please join me in the pledge of
allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Honor guard, if you'd stand in place while Councilman Davis offers the
invocation. Almighty God, we once again thank you from our hearts for who you are. fill our hearts tonight with understanding of your truth and have us display vision, drive, and humility as we conduct Homestead City Council matters here
tonight. Finally, we pray for your grace, mercy, and peace to rest on each of us tonight in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Order on Forward march. Left, left, left, right,
left, left, left, right. Thank you again, Councilman Davis and honor guard, please be seated. Madam clerk, let's have a roll call. Councilwoman Abula, here. Councilman Ross,
here. Councilman Davis here. Councilwoman Bailey here. Councilman Cannibal here. Vice Mayor Fletcher here. Mayor Lawman here. Thank you. We have a quorum. All right. This is the portion of our agenda where
we allow up to three minutes per person of public comment. I'll first um call upon those who have pre-registered and then those who are present here in the room. followed by anyone online.
Um, the first individual who has registered to speak is Jonathan Osborne. Mr. Osborne, are you here? Please come forward and give us your name and address for the record. And uh, got three minutes. Good evening. Welcome.
Jonathan Osman. Uh, address 1478 Northwest Second Florida City. So, I'm on I'm here on behalf of the community. As everybody knows, I do Instagram. I've been very big with the immigration community, ICE, and stuff like that. Notifying the community where they're
at, notifying them that Homestead PD is not cooperating. Well, not that they're not cooperating, that they're not working with ICE right now. That's a concern that the community has. There's a big concern that has been posted on one of my posts. I had a little tiny protest this weekend. Um, as you see, it
was small because of my inade. But there was a comment made by Jeff Lner that was very disrespectful. You know, it's words, but the community and Spanish community have reached out to me. True home said that they want an apology. Whether or not it comes from the council
or the police or himself, they're going to keep doing what they're going to do and it's just going to get worse. They want protests every week. They want protests every day. I'm trying to stop that. I don't have time to do this every day. You know, I don't have time for the chief to bring out this mobile command
unit every day. You know what I mean? And but I'm here for the community. And if the community doesn't want to back me up, I'm going to go forward and keep protesting. It's going to get bigger. I got a lot of organizations right now reaching out to me. One is sitting with me today. I got Tampa, I got people from
LA, DC, New York contact me today and all this week and they will be down here and we can be at all these meetings and we'll be at city hall every day until we get an answer, you know, and an apology from Mr. Judge Lzner. I know what goes on with the LNER family. I have intel from a lot of people that know what goes
on here, the farmers and this and that. I can stop a lot of businesses from serving a lot of people. I have power here. And that's all I want to say to the to the council that just bring awareness to the community, especially the Spanish community right here. Some of you might be Spanish, some of you might not be, but it affects all of us.
And I'm white as can be. Okay? I got to go to Walmart and spend 15 bucks on oranges because of this this garbage that's going on. You know what I mean? Let me clarify one one comment, one of your your early comments that there was concern or a perception that our
department is cooperating with ICE. That's the rumors going around and I've been trying to let the community know on Facebook, Instagram, it's not they're not working with them. It's the county and state that are working with guys. I keep telling them I know the police here
and not working with them and but the community doesn't believe that. You know what I mean? I'm out here every day. I'm out here every day, every night. I don't sleep because I help out the community. You know what I mean? Instagram has become my job. You know, I don't disrespect nobody and I wish not to be
disrespected by anybody either. Like I said, the community needs to know that ICE is not working with Homestead PD, which I've already established that, but I'm only one person, you know. So it's up to council and even this and that who
can go on social media and say listen for the concerns of the people we have yet to work with ICE I'm getting videos today Testing. This is a test. Testing. One, two. Audio test. Yes. Lazaro. This is Steve Hman.
Good evening everyone and welcome. I'd like to call the City of Homestead Council presentation ceremony to order. And for the record, it is Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 at uh 5:32
um p.m. We have uh four proclamations to uh to present tonight. And uh I'll start. Uh is there anyone with us from the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association?
Anyone here from the Florida operators, water operator, pollution control operators? I'll come down there. Okay. So remember last month I think we recognized some of the uh the electric
guys and uh it was after the fact that it was all over social media that we were presenting a a May proclamation in June and so tonight's going to be uh proclaiming the month of August
ahead of time. So whereas the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association organized in 1940 is a nonprofit trade organization that promotes the sustainability of Florida's water utility industry through workforce
development to protect the health of Florida's citizens and to preserve the state's water resources. The organization offers water and wastewater treatment plant operator and water distribution operator training courses required for their foreign licenses,
voluntary certification programs and continuing education. This organization recognized the importance of the Florida statutes and codes that regulate the water industry acts as a liaison between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
and all of the personnel throughout the uh particularly the governmental and and quasi governmental water services. So whereas the Florida Water Pollution Control operators recognizes all who have played a
significant part in operating and maintaining drinking water, waste water, and storm water systems in Florida by celebrating Florida Water Professionals Month, which applauds their constant efforts to protect our health and environment.
So, we proclaim the month of August 2025 as Water Professionals Month and recognize some of the men and and women of our own water utility who keep it running and keep it flushing.
Thank you. Mr. Mayor, thank you very much for this proclamation. We truly appreciate being appreciated and u your time. Skip ahead. Councilwoman Bailey, you want to go ahead?
Good evening everyone. Uh we do have quite a few proclamations today and the one thing that they all probably have in common is that they probably had some amazing teachers during their their schooling. And it is
it is my honor to present the proclamation this evening for a teacher of 20 years at Homestead Middle School, Mr. Charlie Tyson III, Tomlinson. If you would like to come join me up here, your
family's welcome to come as well. So, Mr. Tomlinson served Homestead Middle School for 24 years, beginning in June 2000 with teaching certifications in business education, reading, engineering, and technology education,
mathematics, and whereas Mr. Tomlinson started the first Dell Tech no program at Homestead Middle School where he taught students to assemble and disassemble Dell computers. His students were able to
take these computers home after finishing them. And whereas Mr. Tomlinson as a certified entrepreneurship teacher helped to pilot the first national foundation for teaching entrepreneurship, a course at Homestead Middle where
students learned how to design their own business plans. And whereas Mr. Tomlinson started the first Microsoft Office certification program at Homestead Middle where students received their Microsoft Office cert certifications in Excel, Outlook,
PowerPoint, and Word. And whereas Mr. Tomlinson has worked with the 5,000 role models of excellence as site director and a mentor for many of those students. Also, whereas Mr. Tomlinson started the
project lead the way introduction to computer science program at Homestead Middle and allowed students to learn coding. Mr. Tomlinson also coached the Homestead Middle School bowling team. I was not aware that Homestead Middle had a
bowling team for many years under the school's athletic program. And whereas Mr. Tomlinson has worked diligently as an in as an IB teacher at Homestead Middle since June 2009. He has served
both as an IB team leader and design teacher for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. And whereas Mr. Dr. Tomlinson, while at Homestead Middle, received his specialist degree in business education
and his national board certification in career and technical education. Therefore, by virtue of the authority of our mayor, Steven Lner, we declare July
2025 as Charlie Tyson III Tomlinson month in Homestead. We thank you very very much for your service. Homestead Middle holds a very special place in a lot of our hearts and to know that the students there had such an amazing teacher for so long. We thank
you from the bottom of our hearts. I just like to thank the city of Homestead. Thank you, Councilwoman Bailey. Uh, I'd like to thank my principal who's here, my wife who's always there, and my grandchild. Uh, I just want to say thank you, and that's
it. Well, thank you all for being here. Thank you for your dedication and I wish you a wonderful night. Happy retirement. Oh, can one picture real quick in the front here, please? If anybody would
like to join or stand up. Thank you, Councilwoman. Vice Mayor Fletcher. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and other members of council. Today I have the distinct privilege of presenting one of my first proclamations uh to one of my best
friends that I grew up with here at Homestead. Mr. Schaefer, would you come on down, please? I I've known Mr. Schaefer since 1983. And at first we were kind of enemies uh because we both decided he had a lawn
service, I moved into the neighborhood, I started a lawn service, and about two days later we decided to join join uh together. And uh our biggest uh achievement during that time was we wanted to make enough money so we could
buy pizza for lunch every day. And then we found out that Domino's couldn't find my address. very easily. So, if they didn't deliver in 30 minutes, we got the pizza for free. So, we were able to keep some of that money. But, uh with that, uh Gary spent uh 32 years of his life
working for the city of Homestead. This is a little bit late, but uh uh we finally got it done. And uh I'd like to to read what's said here today. This is a proclamation. Whereas Gary Schaefer was born and raised in Homestead, Florida in 1973.
From a young age, demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to responsibility. At just 15 years old, Gary launched his first job running a neighborhood lawn service, gaining early experience in entrepreneurship and customer service. He later worked at
Cooper's Restaurant. I don't know how many people remember where Cooper's Restaurant was. Uh where he continued to build his skills before embarking on a lifelong career in public service with the city of Homestead. In October of 1993, Gary began working for the city of
Homestead as a custodian driver in the parks, recreation, and open spaces departments. Although he this was an entry- levelvel position, it laid the foundation for decades long career of service to the city of Homestead. After about a year, he transferred to the public works
department where he started as a maintenance mechanic one within the wastewater division. Gary worked diligently to master the technical and operation demands of the role and ultimately advancing to the position of foreman. His professional development was further
marked by earning a wastewater collection license through the city underscore underscoring his dedication to both his craft and the residents of Homestead. In addition to uh his day-to-day responsibilities, Gary also served in leadership roles with the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was elected as vice president of the local chapter serving from 2012 to 2018 and then went on to serve in as president from 2018 to 2020. His time with the union reflected his
commitment to fairness, advocacy, and improving workplace standards for his peers. Beyond his professional life, Gary has always valued family and community. In February of 2008, he was married to Elizabeth Scott and the two have built a
life rooted in mutual support and shared values. Gary is also an active me member and volunteer at the Leisure City Moose Lodge International where he contributes to various charitable and community centered initiatives. In his free time, Gary enjoys saltwater
fishing, listening to classic country music, and driving Ford trucks. I never could get that out of him. Um, his life reflects the values of hard work, loyalty, and community service. Whether as a public servant, union leader,
husband, or friend, Gary Schaefer is deeply respected by those who know him, he is a son, brother, husband, uncle, and a steadfast presence in the lives of many. Now, therefore, by the virtue of Steven D. Er, we do hereby comp hereby
proclaim July 16th, 2025 as Gary Schaefer Day in Homestead. a great career. Love you guys. Thank you, Gary. Congratulations. All right. Well, this concludes our uh presentation ceremony. Is there Oh, I'm
sorry, Tom. Councilman Davis. Well, I will tell you that I am honored to be here today to recognize a an absolute pillar in our community and one that you may not may not have heard about. Sometimes when you do your good deeds in life, you're under the
radar when you do it. You don't seek recognition. You don't seek fanfare, but you do it every day. and that's Chapman Partnership. And as for one, I've been uh just humbled and honored to be associated with Chapman Partnership for gosh about 15 years altogether, 20
years. And uh am delighted to have this proclamation today. Chapman Partnership uh cares for our homeless and our community. one of the one of the st uh one of the greatest anchors that we have that people go in there, they get job
training, they get a new place to live, they get a second chance. Uh many of you don't know Alba Chapman, uh who over the passage of time, we've kind of forgotten who Alba Chapman is. Well, you talk about Alberta Chapman, the guy who founded Chapman Partnership, a World War
II veteran, a pilot who at 23 was a squadron commander in uh England. He flew over 30 combat missions over a Nazic controlled air in Europe. That's an era. If you ever watch that old movie 12:00 high, uh that was Alvin Chapman
and you made it to 20 missions if you were lucky. And he threw he flew over 30. comes back, a successful journalist, successful uh business person, lands here in Miami, sets up the Miami Herald, and it's in its absolute heyday. In his
retirement, if you remember back into the early 90s, it was just a terrible mess that we had homeless on the streets everywhere in South Florida. The governor called the one person he knew that could get the job done, and that was Alberta Chapman. and he set up a
unique private p private public partnership that we see today and has other um city other cities in the United States have sought to replicate because it works here and uh that is a great legacy for him to have. So I'm delighted
to uh if you may come up Scott I'll be delighted to read this proclamation and then I know you have a couple words for the for the council as well. Um, so let me go ahead and read our proclamation here. Whereas Chapman Partnership has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to
serving families and individuals facing homelessness in Homestead and South Dade, providing essential support and resources to those in need. And whereas since 1998, Chapman Partnership has positively impacted more than 8,739
individuals and families, showcasing their dedication to uplifting our community. And whereas through their programs, 13,237 adults have received critical services empowering them to overcome challenges and build better futures for themselves
and their families through supportive housing services and workforce and education programming. Chapman Partnership has served 5,391 children, ensuring that our youngest community members have access to the
necessary resources and support for uh healthy development and growth through an on-site family resource center. And whereas the organization has addressed the urgent issues of youth homelessness, providing assistance to 1950
homeless youth, bringing them or helping them find stability and a path towards self-sufficiency. Whereas with compassion and professionalism, Chapman Partnership has supported 5,55 households, fostering a sense of
community and belonging for families facing hardship. And whereas the work of Chapman Partnership not only meets immediate needs but also lays the foundation for long-term success and resilience among individuals and families in our community. Whereas, we
recognize and commend the tireless efforts of Chapman Partnership staff, volunteers, and supporters who make these impactful services possible to empower residents with dignity and respect to overcome homelessness by achieving and maintaining long-term
self-sufficiency. I now therefore I Steven D. Lawner, mayor of the city of Homestead, Florida, do hereby proclaim July 2025 as Chapman Partnership Empowering the Homeless Month.
I will certainly be brief, but uh Mr. Mayor, uh members of the council, thank you so much. This is an honor. Um, and I want to also just specifically uh mention Councilman Davis who's been a stalwart champion for Chapman partnership for many years and we're
very thankful. Um, and on behalf of the 170 plus Chapman employees and thousand people a day that reside in one of Chapman's uh two campuses, we have one here and one downtown. Also want to thank you for that. Um, the reasons and
the root causes of homelessness are very complicated. the solutions are even more complicated and it requires uh partnership with the public sector for sure and the government uh but also with employers with the education uh
department of education uh here in the county as well as Miami Day College and other and that to people to get people on this path to economic mobility is tough and uh so we are really doubling down on our commitment to the to the city to um to reach out. I met with
several of you already. Would love to meet with more just to talk about how we are better partners, how we can be more of an anchor, as you said, institution here. We we were a lot more active before CO and uh there's some leadership changes, but we really feel like we're
an integral part of the economic ecosystem and that I think everyone can agree no one wants to see street homelessness increase anywhere. So, um we thank you for this. We're very appreciative and look forward to continued partnership. Thank you. Okay,
shake hands. Congratulations. Our coin from from the city council and I would say in in concluding never never you know never give an attorney the mic mayor. You know how that goes. Um but uh uh Alba Chapman today will be proud of
the heritage of Chapman partnership. A warrior, a humanitarian, a Christian man as Alba Chapman will be proud to see how Chapman has Chapman partnership has continued. And I thank you very much for that. Come on up. So now that concludes our uh
presentation agenda for tonight. Um, please feel feel free to stay. Momentarily we will convene our community redevelopment uh agency uh agenda and thank you all for coming and thank you and congratulations to all of
those we have recognized tonight. It is your efforts that truly are integral pieces of our community. Thank you. All right. Good evening, everyone. I'd like to call the City of Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency meeting
to order. Today is Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, and it is now 6:01 p.m. We have a roll call, please. Madam clerk, board member Ross here. Board member Bailey here. Board member Avula here.
Board member Davis here. Vice Chairman Fletcher here. Chairman Lawman here. Do we have uh any deletions or deferrals, Mr. Director? No, sir. We do not. All right. we have before us as the only
item or the first item of new business, the approval of the uh minutes of this body from May 28th. Um we have a uh motion to approve move member Roth, second by board member
Davis. All in favor? Any opposed? Next item, tab two. Mr. Pearl. Yes, Mr. Chair. Chab 2 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Humpstead, Florida, approving the award of a contract to RCS construction and
remodeling in amounts of $250,000 for ITB 202513 from marketplace new surface parking lot providing for implementation providing for an effective date. Thank you, Mr. Director. Uh good evening. Um, what I would add to
this is that as you all may know, you had previously approved the budget allocation for the construction of the parking lot adjacent to and at the rear of the Crow Marketplace building. Uh, we are underway with the undergrounding of the utilities there. The parking lot
being the phase two is one that we are seeking to proceed with. Uh as it occurred though the bids that were submitted after we had put this out all exceeded what the initial budget allocation was or our anticipated allocation. So this is simply a budget adjustment to allow us to move directly
into that process. Uh these are dollars that will be drawn from the uh overall bud budget allocation that we had for the Chrome marketplace. Um so it's one that we would recommend we uh approve to proceed with and expedite that work. Thank you. Any questions from the board
on this this parking lot uh development? There none. Do we have a motion to approve? Moved by council board member Aala. Second by board member Bailey. Is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this matter? Seeing none, I will close the public
hearing. Uh roll call. Madam clerk. Board member Davis. Yes. Board member Roth. Yes. Board member Abulu. Yes. V member Bailey, Vice Chairman Fletcher, yes. Chairman Losner, yes. The motion cars. Any further, Mr. Beck?
No, that is the only voting item tonight, sir. Very good. Are there any public comments with respect to the community redevelopment agency? Any general public comments? All right. Seeing none, I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. Moved and seconded.
All in favor? Any opposed? Meeting adjourned. And if you'll give us just a couple of minutes, we will convene the regular city council meeting. Good evening everyone and welcome. I'd like to call the city council meeting
for the city of Homestead, Florida to order. Today is Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and it is now 6:05 p.m. This evening, our invocation will be given by Pastor Alex Pacina of the Summit Church of Homestead, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Councilman Roth and our very own Homestead Police Explorers. We all rise, please. It's Pastor Pacina here. Please, Councilman Davis, please join me in prayer. Almighty God,
we thank you for this assembly here today as and we pray that you would bring a blessing upon each of us as we do the city's business. Help us to uh conduct ourselves with wisdom and compassion. Help us to look for the uh for the well-being of all those around
us in Jesus name. Amen. Forward, right, right, right, left. right face. Please join me in pledging to the greatest symbol of freedom in the world. I pledge algiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to theublic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you all. Please be seated. Madame clerk, would you please call the role?
Councilman Ross, here. Councilman Davis here. Councilwoman Bailey here. Councilwoman Abula here. Vice Mayor Fletcher here. Mayor Losner here. Right. Thank you. Um,
this is a portion of our agenda where we allow for a period of general public comment limited to three minutes per speaker. um we have a registration system and then I will go to those who have not
pre-registered who are here and then to those who are online. I make note though u right Mr. Zang if you're here looks like Mr. Zang register to speak with respect to tab 27.
So, well, were you going to speak now or when your item is heard? Okay, very good. Thank you. So, the first registrant, the only other pre-registered speaker tonight is Mr. Jonathan Osborne. Know you're here. If you want to come to the podium and uh
it's for the record, give us your name and address and uh your comments. How you doing? Jonathan Osman. I live at 1524 Northwest Fifth A. So, I got a couple questions for both council and chief nap. My first question is from
obviously the people. I got a numerous questions to get answered from people, but these are only the the ones I got. I was told to ask Chief NAB about Ryan Collie's uh new assignment and what does it have to do with internal affairs? I mean, for me that's irrelevant, but you
know, the main concern is um just asking Councilman Clemente, who's not here, but we're going to skip that one. Um Councilman Jennifer Bailey, nothing personal. This is from the people. They want to know if it's if you're okay with ICE terrorizing um your immigr immigrants in your
district, the Southwest District, and Exit One neighbors. Um that's one of the questions from the people. you know want to answer that's up to you but you know I'm just here to relay the message another question was Tom Davis is he still a reservist at the homestead air
base and is his wife an immigrant descent that was another question and another question answer question was thank you Larry Roth um Steve Lner are you a Republican now my there's no founded fears in Homestead well there's
a lot of fears in Homestead I've had videos Chief Nap This one's going to be for you. I don't care how you take it. You made a post earlier today, yesterday, whatever. We're not fake news. We go by what we see. The department running with Florida City uh
highway patrol ICE right down the street here. Our our information is the same as if you get it too. I don't post nothing that's not fake. And if I do, I take it off. I've done it numerous times. There's only two of us that do Instagram in this
community and we're very big with it. One you guys hate. I'm not going to mention his name. Okay, y'all know who he is. I am his sister Instagram partner. My page is blown up because of this immigration thing. I stand with the immigration. If you are an immigrant
yourself, you should be ashamed of what y'all are doing with this community. Okay? Because they support you guys. They put food on your tables. They built your buildings. You know what I mean? I have immigrants that work for me in New York City on my construction sites that I had to let go and I'm still paying
them guys because they got to stay off the streets because they're scared. Some have been deported. You know what I mean? But we are all immigrants here. We're not from the United States. I'm an immigrant. My family's from the Netherlands. Just because I'm born here doesn't mean I'm a I'm a naturalized
citizen. We're all immigrants. And if none of you agree with it, that's not you guys. I stick with the community. If y'all want to be fake, be fake. But don't lie to the community because I will expose it. Unlike some people, I'm out here every day on the streets just like the police without a badge, without
a gun, without a m sorry, without a vest. Okay. So, that's all I have to say. Thank you. All right. Is there anyone um in the chambers tonight wishing to speak on any general matter?
Is there anyone online? Yes, sir. On down, Mr. Hayes. Good evening, everyone. Uh, Cardell Hayes, 3910, uh, Northeast 13th Drive. It's that time of the year again, Black Business Month. This year, another
celebration and expo. We are delighted uh to be in partnership with Homestead CRA Jared Beck. Uh, we've been in conversations on how we're going to curate this year's event. It means a lot for us because in our community when it comes to minority businesses, our goal is to always
support, provide a platform, do everything that we can. Uh this event is geared towards everything related to that. Uh and at the same time put a little bit more eyesight on our current CRA. Um there's no doubt the mission of the CRA is phenomenal with all the
capital projects that's going on. uh we just want to put uh in that same theme, you know, the minority businesses that are part of the community and offer information in regards to opportunities uh that the city of Homestead have. Uh
so on August 8th, and I apologize that I didn't have uh the the image to put up on the screen, uh but I did share uh a small flyer. Uh we're going to do something great again right across the street over here at Miami Day College,
fourth floor. the conference room, the outdoor terrace. The best part about it, the best food in Homestead. So, I don't want anyone to miss this. This is for everybody. Um, and more importantly, our community
as it continues to grow when it comes to economic development. I mean, there's nothing better than City Homestead and the way that we're moving. Uh, I'm glad to be a part of it. Uh, I think it's a blessing, you know, that we're able to have this third year in a row. So, uh,
to the council, thank you. You know, thank you for all your support. Thank you, Mr. City Manager. Uh, and forgive me, uh, to the new chief. You invited, too. Right. I want you to be a part of this. Uh, so it means a lot that we have everyone involved. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. A. Appreciate it. Okay. Um, Mr. Manager, do you have any is there anyone anyone online? Last chance public comment from those in the room. All right, we're going to close the public
comment section of the agenda. Mr. Manager, do you have any additions, deletions, or requested deferrals? Yeah, Mr. Mayor and Council members, car number 4575, which is the bond referendum resolution
for geo bonds for parks and roadway improvements. Uh the administration would like to withdraw this item. We hope to come back on the August 5th car meeting with a special call to reconsider this in view of the conversation we're having with folks on
the Homestead Regional Park. So, we want to make sure we capture both on the same thing. And also I do have a supplementary item to add. Uh car item 4680. I think you have it on your in front of your desk.
Uh this is a razor to amend funding for strategic plan consultant travel expenses. Uh based on the existing contract that was established back in December of 2024, we need an additional
$5,000 to cover their travel expenses. Thank you, Mr. Manager. So, let's do this. Let's have a motion to um approve approving the withdrawal of the the bond item tonight. Um second
uh motion would be to add the the item with respect to the strategic plan. And while we're there, we'll go ahead and consider uh that payment, put that behind us. So, do we have a motion to approve the uh requested withdrawal of
the bond item? Moved by Councilman Ross, second by Councilman uh Davis. Questions or comments from council on that? Any questions or comments from the public? Seeing none, and let's have a uh
we'll have a roll call on the uh approval of the withdrawal of that agenda item. Councilwoman Bailey, yes. Councilman Ross, yes. Councilman Davis, yes. Councilwoman Abul, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Lawson, yes. Motion.
And now we'll need a motion to add um car 4680 to the agenda. Moved by Councilman Roth, seconded by Vice Mayor Fletcher. There's nothing further from council. Is there any public comment on this item?
Seeing none, let's have a roll call vote. Councilwoman Abula, yes. Councilwoman Bailey, yes. Councilman Davis, yes. Councilman Roth, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Losner, yes. The motion carries. And now a motion to approve
uh the request contained in in car number 4680. Moved by Vice Mayor Fletcher, second by Councilman Davis. Any further questions or comments or any public comment? Seeing none, let's have a roll call vote
on the approval. Councilman Roth, yes. Councilwoman Abula, yes. Councilman Davis, yes. Councilwoman Bailey, Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Losner, yes. The motion carries. Now, if there are no
objections, if we jump forward to tab 25 as we have another city attorney standing by online who has uh been the lead attorney for for this matter, we could jump to tab 25.
Mr. Pearl. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Tab 25 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestead, Florida, approving a commercial contract and addendum between the city of Homestead and Flanigans Enterprises, Inc. for the sale of approximately 2.49 acres of city-owned property, authorizing the city manager
to negotiate and execute any necessary documents to complete the transaction, providing for implementation, and providing for an effective date. Thank you, sir. Um, we have a uh a brief report on this this item.
Mr. Mayor and Council, back in February of this year, 2025, this the city issued a notice of disposal of property in the CRA. On March 4th, Flanigan's Enterprises submitted a proposal for the acquisition of approximately 2.4 4 acres
of the old city hall library site at a per acre price of 974,771 or a total price of 2,332,627. The per acre price was consistent with the most recent appraisal that was completed at the time for overall 17
plus acre of the old former city hall property. The proposal includes approximately 8,500 ft² of restaurant space, a 3,200 square ft of approximately retail store and approximately 120 parking spaces. Access
ements will be acquired as part of the planning and sale process to provide assured and perpetual access from US1 which is also known as state road 5 and Campbell Drive to the subject parcel. On August on April 16, the city council
adopted Reso R20250440 directing staff to negotiate a sale contract. Pursuant to that direction, the the attached resolution approves the final commercial contract as well as an addendum with Flanigans for the sale of the library site for a total price of
$2,332,627. The agreement sets forth the terms and conditions for the closing including submission deadlines, escro deposits and obligations regarding the due diligence, title and access. The contract also requires Flanigans to develop the site
as a full service restaurant and retail liquor store subject to certain postclosing obligations related to plotting and development. We stand by for any questions, sir. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Uh, is there anyone here on behalf of Flanigans?
Anything to add? Mayor, council Jose Fuentes, Becker Polikov, 2525 Pon. Um, I you have the agreement. Uh, we really appreciate the hard work and and the collaborative work that we've been doing having with the city. So, we thank you for your efforts.
Thank you. We look forward to it. Mr. Vice Mayor, yes. I had heard that there may have been some discussion about the cost of the the demolition and there being uh some increased uh funds there that that kind of may throw the this whole thing
into a little longer time period. And I was wondering uh through the mayor and with the rest of council's approval if we might be willing to throw a credit back towards the the cost of that demolition up to an amount of not to right now I think it's 100,000 so maybe
give a 50% credit back uh if there's any agreement to that. So the in the form of a motion in the form of a motion I would offer that would be an I I guess really I guess in the form of of yet another addendum that
the closing statement would reflect a credit to the buyer of $50,000. Yes. Okay. We have a second. Second second by Councilman Roth. Any questions or comments from councel? Mr. Mayor, I just want to be clear
before we vote. It'll I'll implement that as an amendment to this addendum. We won't be bringing back another addendum that'll we'll just incorporate that request to change into the addendum that we have. Okay. All right. So, any we have a motion, a second to accept
the contract as adjusted as as pursuant to vice mayor's motion as seconded. Any public comment? Okay. Seeing none, Mr. Fentes. Sorry, just that's too generous, right? Just want to say thank you for that. And
again, we do appreciate the effort and the hard work we've been working with manager and vice vice mayor. Thank you for for that. It's it's important uh in building this relationship. We're so excited about getting this uh restaurant kicked off. My biggest excitement is if
we can beat Cutler Bay building theirs first. So there you go. All right. Question. Yes, Councilman Roth. Thank you, Mayor. So, Jose, just for a second, if you come up, I I got a some, I guess, time frame and logistical
questions for you. The the process you're going to take this through as far as getting your permits and and and all the things we've got to get done. Do we have to wait for that process and you guys close? And maybe this is a question for the city manager as well, before we demo the building.
Maybe we can demo it ahead of time and they give us a credit back for $50,000 in in in a in a way the same time because they would have to demo that building after we get all these approvals. Is that right? So I mean the demo once they've they've done the I think they're we're working
with Weisser on the platting of of the site for accuracy uh parking and eress and ingress as well. That's being worked out. I know that on the demolition we've really worked closely with the administration and uh there is even I
think we're trying to figure out if the material can be used on site uh as well. So there's that conversation as far as exact schedules um this this contract this agreement we will start to move the wheels in motion. Obviously this is always the most difficult part
in some sense. I would think Councilman Roth that probably given our procurement restrictions and the time that it takes government to act to bid it out that they would probably be ahead of us even with those land use and other issues.
And it's my understanding that where we are able to do so um we'll issue permits based on a whole harmless agreement uh from fair from Flanigans too expedition of all
this is is in the groundwork. So that's correct. Perfect. All right. Thank you Jose. Thank you and thank you mayor vice mayor. Thank you. I'm sorry Mr. Mayor. Yes. Just one more um adjustment I wanted to mention. There was a an
amendment that was it's not reflected in the one in the agenda. I believe it was circulated. I have one here. But just reflects that if the Flanigans were to fail to um develop the property and the schedule reform will include a provision the city can buy back at the purchase
price if they fail to develop it. Right. At at our option. Very good. All right. Let's have a roll call vote for some uh ribs and wings. Councilman Ross. Yes. Councilman Davis, yes. Councilwoman Abilo,
Councilwoman Bailey, Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Lawson, bring on the green cups. The motion car. Thank you. So, back to the uh normal order of the
uh agenda. Tab one, we have a presentation under car number 4675 regarding the uh Florida retirement system. How about it? All righty. Good evening, mayor and council. The item before you tonight is
a discussion item on retire on Florida retirement system. I'm going to call it FRS for short. Um so during the last budget process the city council requested the administration explore additional u pension plan for employees.
So after evaluating several options FRS seems to be the most feasible option. So actions to date um FR um HR has already initiated conversations with FRS to discuss the transitional period and um
and the implications of moving over. We've also collaborated with the city attorney's office to conduct four informational workshops for general employees comparing FRS to the current 41 plan that we currently have. We discussed the benefits and the
trade-offs. We've also worked with our finance and budget team and completed a cost analysis um of the impact for the potential transition to FRS if full participation by all 250 employees. Just to go over a little bit about the
Florida Retirement System. It was established in 1917 by the legislative uh FRS currently has 646,000 active members. It is comprised of various state and local government entities including school boards, cities, counties, and other public
entities. There are two retirement benefits offered. The pension plan and the investment plan. Employees can elect which plan that they want to go into. So how the city joins FRS is once the city uh passes the ordinance the
decision is irrevocable. Membership will be mandatory for all new employees after a set date. Um and it's also would be eligible for employees and part-time positions that are not temporary. Mandatory employee contribution will be
3%. And the normal retirement for anyone who started the plan after 2011, 8 years of service at 65 years old, or if they've done 33 years of service. So, I'm going to go over a quick
comparison of the 401A versus the pension. Employee contribution currently under the 401 is discretionary. The employee can pick what percentage or dollar amount that they want to contribute. Under FRS, it will be a mandatory 3%.
For the city contribution, right now it is up to an 8% match. So if an employee puts in 8%, the city puts in 8%. Under FRS, every July, they release their percentages and for this current year, it's 14.03%
for general employees and then for senior management is 33.24%. For the earnings on the 401, it's based off of contributions and of course the gains and losses based off of the market. For FRS, they calculate your
general salary, overtime, any annual leave taken and payouts up to 500 hours. For the average earnings, um the 401 doesn't doesn't calculate that, but for FRS, it's your highest eight years that they use as your salary calculation
for the vesting period. The 401A has a 5-year vesting period of 20% per year and for FRS anyone who started after 2011 it is eight years. So quickly I will go over the financial
impact. Um below outlines uh the total cost of the worst case scenario. So this is if the 250 employees that are eligible transition over to FRS. Please note that sworn officers are excluded due to uh collective bargaining
agreements and employees enrolled in the general pension plan are not eligible. So at the bottom, I know it's kind of small. Um the total cost uh to move over annually could potentially be $1.7 million. And for the general fund that equals
about 838,000. This is a worst case scenario. This is only if every employee eligible moves over. So we also did employee uh focus groups. Um over 200 I'm sorry 150 employees participated in four FRS workshops. A
total of 128 employees completed a follow-up survey. We asked one question. based off of the information received, would you be interested in transferring to FRS? 93% indicated they would be interested. We also reviewed feedback uh gathered
through the strategic plan process and when HR has gone out to the different departments meeting with employees, they've also spoken out regarding a pension plan. Some of the be benefits of transition transitioning to FRS include the cost
predictability for the city. While the city contributes are required, the state provides oversight and manages the independent retirement plan. It also is very helpful for recruitment for professionals. Offering FRS makes the city more attractive to highly qualified
professionals, especially those with prior service who are already vested in the system. It also makes us competitive with talent acquisition. FRS is widely respected and recognized throughout the state of Florida and participating increase the city ability to compete with other
municipalities and state agencies for candidates. It also provides um improved retention. Employees are likely to stay longterm due to the vesting pension benefits and the stability of FRS.
F FRS also provides a financial security for employees where the defined benefit option under FRS provides predictable outcome. Um it is more appealing than the market dependent 401 type plans. It also allows for portability within
the public sector. FRS participants can transfer their service between different agencies which appeals candidates who have worked at many uh different municipalities throughout the state. For the 401 For the 411A plan, the risk
falls um is assumed by the applicant, I'm sorry, the uh participant and for FRS, it falls in the state. Um lastly, it's a positive perception by current and prospective employees. The move to FRS is also viewed as a commitment by
the city to invest in our workplace. So, at this time, I'll take any questions and we're just looking for guidance on if this is something the city would like to move forward with. So, I'll take any questions at this time. All right. Thank you, council. Mr. Cl.
No. Councilman Davis. No. Vice Mayor. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And uh I believe I'm the one that brought this up back uh during the uh discussion time during the uh bargaining agreements, but uh I understand there's
lots of benefits for the employees here and a few benefits for the city, but what are some of the contrast to that? Uh currently it looks like about an $800,000 a year contribution contrast that we have to come up with to help
offset those costs. But long term, I understand it. It allows us to attract other employees that we currently don't have that market for. So, is it something that we want to take on as that risk in order to ensure we're getting the best talent here at the city
of Homestead and that our taxpayers are getting the right long-term investment for their money as well? Question. You you talk about worst case scenario if everybody who's eligible goes over that our our downside is is an
initial $800,000 the first year but then later on you mentioned that we're relieved of you know other administrative costs. Is that calculated into the 800 or would that eat away you know if because we're we're
bearing we're bearing costs to manage our our system now. Correct. is not included. That is just the employee cost of the the employees the employer's contribution. Employer's contribution, right? Um but to note, so currently in the pension plan that we currently have,
each year we have to contribute a certain amount to keep the plan basically afloat. Once an employee leaves under FRS, that cost goes away from the city and is goes into that pool through the state. Um so that is the long-term kind of
aspect to it. Well, and I think that's For me, that's where our focus needs to be is long-term foundational stability and controlling of of unknowns. So, Mr. Mayor, just looking for
direction to to proceed. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Uh we're looking towards if this goes through today, if you direct us to proceed, we are going to come back with another item for your approval. In terms of an ordinance that creates the actual retirement system and
additional workshopping will be done by Florida retirement system coming down here to talk to our employees more before anyone makes any financial decision. It is the hope to have this in place for the next for the coming fiscal year.
That's the expectation. By 101, we should be able to have transition. Yeah. Very good. Do we have a motion to direct uh management to proceed? Moved by Councilman Davis, second by Councilwoman Avala. Further discussion, vice mayor.
Okay. A public comment. No one online. So, we'll close the public comment. Last chance. We're good. But we'll we'll see this at least one more time. All right. Let's have a roll call then, Madam Clerk. Councilman Ron,
Councilwoman Bailey, yes. Councilman Davis, yes. Councilwoman Abula, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Osman, yes. The motion carries. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Our next item is the uh consent agenda. Tabs 2A through tab
nine. Moved by for approval by Councilman Roth. Second by Councilwoman Bailey. Is there any public comment? Seeing none, let's have a roll call vote on the approval of the consent agenda. Councilwoman Bailey, Councilman Roth,
Councilwoman Avula, Councilman Davis, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Losner, yes. The motion. Very good. Thank you all. Okay, moving along to
agenda item number seven. Mr. White. Yes. Please be advised the following items on the agenda are quai judicial in nature. If you wish to comment upon any of these items, please indicate the item number you would like to address. When the announcement regarding the quai judicial item is made, an opportunity
for persons to speak on each item will be made available after the applicant and staff have made their presentations on each item. Swearing in, all testimony, including public testimony and evidence, will be made under oath or affirmation. Additionally, each person who gives
testimony may be subject to cross-examination. If you do not wish to either be cross-examined or sworn, your testimony will be given its due date. The general public will not be permitted to cross-examine witnesses, but the public may request the council to ask questions of staff or witnesses on their behalf.
Full agenda packet is on each item is hereby entered into the record. Persons representing organizations must present evidence of their authority to speak for the organization. Further details of the quai judicial procedures may be obtained from the clerk in accordance with code
section 2-590. Any lobbyists must register before addressing the council on any of the following items. At this time, council members must disclose any exparte communications concerning tab 10 on this
evening's quasi judicial agenda. Disclosures on tab 10. Councilman Davis. None. Vice Mayor, I did have exparte on tab 10. Counciloman Roth did also councilwoman Bailey and Avala.
So, at this time, I'd ask the clerk to swear in any persons who wish to testify on any equal items. So, anyone in the audience, if you wish to speak on this item, please stand, raise your right hand to be sworn by the clerk. Do you swear by Do you hereby swear or affirm to tell the truth and nothing but
the truth to help me God bond? Thank you. You may be seated. Uh Mr. Mayor, I would like to I did have quas a judicial I did communication on this this so noted. Thank you. So tab 10 car number 4657.
It's a site plan amendment. It's a resolution of the city of Homestead, Florida, approving an amendment to a previously approved site plan as requested by Milrose Properties Florida LLC for the development of a new residential subdivision totaling 296 residential town home dwelling units
located on an approximately 59.08 8 acre of land generally located at the northwest corner of the intersection of East Palm Drive, Southwest 344 Street, and Southeast 12th Avenue, Tennessee Road, as legally described in exhibit A
and providing for an effective date. Thank you. Do we have a presentation by uh Well, let's let's hear from u the applicant. Good evening views of 71 Burgl Avenue. Pleasure to be here before you uh as always, mayor, vice mayor, council
members, manager. Um special welcome to Miss Storch. I worked with her in her previous uh city for many many many years. you all have a wonderful addition to your team here and I look forward to continuing to work with her. Um I am joined by uh representatives and our
design professionals. Don't be scared. They stood up in case there was a question to be sworn in. I I promise to keep this brief. Um, this is a project that should seem familiar to all of you as it is on the west side of uh 12th Avenue on the other side of Homestead
High School uh Caddy Corner to the recently built Publix um in uh in the south part of your city. Uh I brought an application before all of you um some time ago, a few months ago at this point
last year to uh get seek approval for a town of home development project. The property at the time had the density, the medium density uh land use designation, the zoning designation, all that was in place. So all you took upon your uh review on that date was a site
plan approval. We were doing so on behalf of the then owner of the property. Subsequent to that, when our homes purchased the property, and I'll get to why we're here in a minute. Um there is the corner parcel, which is a commercial parcel. that parcel remains in their under the ownership of the
prior um owners, the ones who own the entirety of the site. We actually have an application in for the development of that site as a commercial uh center. And so hopefully we'll be bringing that one to you in a few months, but it is not before you yet. It is not right yet to be brought. So um the takeaway from here is what we're doing this evening does
not impact what's been previously approved. The density, the land use, the zoning, all of that has been kind of spoken for. And here are some of the original uh ordinances back in 2016 when those changes were made and then um what we have before you today. And so your
code provides for site plans once approved to either be modified uh as a minor modification which is an administrative process or as a full site plan amendment process which brings it to the the council for consideration. Um
I think but for one distinctive item this application would have run through a minor modification administrative process. There were just some adjustments to the civil plans. I mean again, same number of units, everything being the same, but when you start laying out the civil plans and all of that, you've got to make small adjustments and you run that through
administratively so that everything catches up. However, as I mentioned, Lenar had purchased a home and had purchased a property and wished at the same time to introduce the elevations, the models that they wished to replace the improved models with uh in order to
sell. And so we submitted that application and your code does give deference to your development services department to consider that something that moves it from minor to major and that comes to all of you, you know, beauties in the eye of the beholder, so to speak, right? And so they they understandably wanted us to to come and
answer any questions that we have and we'll do that. Um, just by way of a heads up, you'll see me hopefully soon. We are planning on bringing the final plat application. We have a CD and special taxing district application. And you'll recall that all of you have to give a resolution of support for those.
Those will come at hopefully, you know, maybe by next month, but they're they're also making their way through. And so here's the project as approved. This layout doesn't change. I got a question, I know, from console at one point about the preserve and the area that's there. It doesn't change. The site plan doesn't change whatsoever. The commercial
remains where it is. The entrance is really the site plan um looks and feels the exact same way. The amenity that's being provided, the pool and that area, all that, none of that changes. Um Here's the uh much earlier black and white version of it and everything that we have including the robust parking and
everything we went through that's been previously approved. So here are the original um two dimensional black and white renderings of the approved models. And you know what's striking I think is the flat roof a little bit more of a of a modern look which was the vision for
the prior property owner um when he went through this process to get this approved. Some additional um elevations for those town homes and what they would look like. There we go. And this is what the the rendering of what that might look like.
constructed looked like at the time. And so what Lenard is proposing to do is to change to, you know, I think a typology that is familiar to this community. Um I think the most telling thing without a doubt is is the roof line, right? We've
gone from a flat roof to a pitch roof. Um I I know we've had some conversations I've had some conversations with some of you about some of the challenges with flat roofs from a uh construction cost, waterproofing standpoint. And so, um, Lenar's great experience in developing
sites, um, has really kind of pushed them in the direction of of proposing projects like this, uh, because of their track record of knowing that this is the kind of stuff that, you know, holds up over time and and really doesn't provide any kind of further burden in the future. Flat roofs, whether they are in
a commercial building or a residential building, water, no matter how well pitched, tends to pool, and so that creates waterproofing and leak issues. So, um, in addition to the fact that it's an aesthetic preference and and most of the communities surrounding, you know, this one and and South Florida
tend to look more like this than that more stark modern look led Lonard to propose this. I mean, I will note we still have balconies in the rear of the property. I will note that, you know, we've got abundant um um windows and the like. There's no blank walls or anything
like that. So, we're not we're not looking to get away from some of those enhancements, but principally looking to this type of use. And here are some of the additional renderings that we have. Um, which I will be the first to admit doesn't quite look the same. I think just the quality of the rendering, not the quality of the work. Um, the
approved plan, just those renderings were, I think, a little bit more, um, digitized and generated than these. But, um, I think this gives you a sense of of the direction we're going in. And I think frankly what what you've seen both in your community by LAR is is what you've seen previously. So, um, really,
um, We're seeking to change that architectural look for the approved town houses and the site amenity building. Um that'll cause us to change up some of the interior floor plans. Um but it's consistent in terms of the number of uh units and and the parking and all that remains the same. And again, principally
no change in the number of dwelling units. We're not here today asking you to approve a single additional unit. Uh we're asking you to consider this change in architecture uh for our project. And so I'm not going to read all of this, but um you know, it talks about how we need code. Um otherwise, obviously any
other change, we do have your staff's recommendation of approval for uh the project as you can see here with the conditions they've imposed, which we accept, standard conditions. And so um I would urge you uh this evening um to allow us to to go ahead and continue moving forward with the project. As I
said, other applications are in, including the plat. I think it'll, you know, obviously start to see some some vertical construction there in the coming months. Um, and you know, in a challenging economic time, which I think we all appreciate with with real estate, um, the additional costs associated with
the currently propos the currently approved uh, elevations um, a as well as the familiarity that has with the product that they do in your community and throughout South Florida leads us to request uh, this this evening um, from all of you. happy to answer any
questions and uh look forward to your favorable vote. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Arza. Before I go to council, um I don't want our new building our development services director to feel slighted. This would have been the second meeting that I didn't put her to work. So, uh anything
to add? Would you like to touch on the conditions that you know were part of the uh the approval recommendation? The condition the conditions are basic conditions about engineering and and things that need to be provided that don't even need to be conditions because
the plans won't be approved if those conditions are not met. More technical than you know what what we or the average person out in public would would really care about. Councilwoman, did you have a
Thank you, mayor. Um, can you remind me the where the American flag is on the site plan? I think where the amenity pool area will be. Okay. Yeah. And those will be included in the in the permits. Thank you. And then is the the proper
I'm trying to confirm that road um in these in these site plans um on the corner where the commercial abuts the preserve. That is Palm. That's Palm. Okay. Right. Yeah, we're we're on the west side of the Homestead High Caddy Corner
from the New Publix. So, the south street is Palm. Okay. I'm just I'm familiar with uh right after we passed that site plan, there were some concerns brought to my attention, not not in particular to the site plan, but the need for some sidewalk improvements for um school bus
um drop off drop offs right around Southwest 336 and um and where the the Keys gate intersects intersects right there. I'm not sure if that's part of this development, right?
Yeah. No, we're our south side's 344. We don't go all up to 336 yet. We don't we don't make it all the way up. All right. I figured I'd ask, but thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Bailey. Thank you, Mayor. I um I don't have an issue with the roofs. The only thing
that I would that I miss from the the previous elevations are those different finishes on the facades, especially when you have such a long row of the town homes. It's I think it's nice to see a little breakup. Um, if you want to go back to the to the elevation
figure out how to do this, I'll be happy. I'll be very fancy with your the approved. I know. I know. I'm getting better at this. I'm sure that was you. So just to see some differences in in each one if they could alternate um just
to add a little a little interest. Yeah. So this is what we're proposing which you know like I said I don't certainly doesn't have any blank walls and has as you can see and I think this has a little has like you know the different brakes like right there like the kind of vertical brakes um and then
the the different areas that I think I was taught the word today for out something out I forget the name of what those are called one of the so and then I'll go back if you wish me to let me go
back to current approved. So you can So I mean, you know, I mean, I think here it's kind of a white and then kind of a brown and then a white and then a brown and then I just showed you the other one. So I I don't know if there's something specific. I mean, I I think what we're proposing does have breaks,
but I'm happy to pass along any suggestions. Um, no, just basically to be able to tell where one ends and the next one starts that I don't see very clearly with these. Got it. Got And they are impact windows and doors. I it's an option. So so as as I think
I've answered many many times I mean um you know we based on the sale it is an option it's costlier. So some folks make a choice not to go down that road. It's not a requirement. It wasn't a requirement of your original site plan. I don't recall. So I believe it was from the original
was it? No. Then we'll keep it. Sorry I didn't go back and read if that was one of the conditions. I know that typically we try to keep the cost down, but if that was one of the conditions, then we're not changing any other conditions. So, I apologize. I didn't remember that one. So, I appre I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you,
Mayor. Pleasure. Thank you. Yes. Good catch on that. And it was part of the variance request for the 40 square foot we for the storage. Right. Try I've been trying to forget that 40 square foot closet to nowhere for uh 16 years now. Uh nothing other. Uh,
I do at my house, so I know I know the pain. My comment would be nothing other than, you know, again, I'm tired of the same brown earth tones. Mr. Gonzalez understands where I'm coming from there. You can let him know the Fletcher yellow still would stand out very nice there.
So, uh, that's my comment. Thank you, M. I know we have a palette of colors we're proposing, but I'll I'll see. I I would like to mention something that when you were approved for the other project the condition was that the there
asked for a variance to don't have the storage but the condition was it was profer that they were going to have impact yes no thank you storage I just had forgotten because that that was like the fifth time I had had to ask for that uh waiver for the 40
foot closet where you hide you know hide the shutters hide shutters And so but but absolutely we're carrying forward the conditions and so we'll of course honor those. Good. Yes. All right. So do we have a motion to
approve? Yes, Mr. White. So, um, so with regards to the new resolution, uh, approving this amended site plan, um, I would like to just read into the record, um, a couple conditions that we
need to carry over from the original site plan and place in here, which aren't the conditions related to the more technical building permit aspects. So, we would like to add a condition that says all town home dwelling units constructed within the approved
residential subdivision shall include hurricane impact windows. The applicant shall install a flag pole, American flag at two roundabout dedicated areas located along the main spine road and at maximum height and
size provided pursuant to city code and the applicant shall coordinate with Miami Day County Derm RER agency to determine viability of constructing a pedestrian walkway walking pathway which shall be located along the eastaster
eastern boundary of the main spine road running adjacent and the full length of the 20.9 20.90 acre existing wetland preserve area. Applicants shall provide staff with written evidence from Miami Date
County's Durham Agency indicating their preferred result prior to obtaining a building permit. And these aren't new. This is just a an affirm affirmation that those conditions are carrying forward to this site plan.
No objection. All right. So, we have a motion that includes those uh those conditions. So, I think we have a mo. Do we have a motion? A second. Moved by Councilwoman Bailey. Second.
Second by Vice Mayor Fletcher. There are no further questions or comments from councel. I'll ask whether there are any public comments to be had. No one online. Don't see anyone in the audience. So, let's have a roll call
vote on item 10 on tab 10. Councilwoman Abula. Councilwoman Bailey. Councilman Roth. Councilman Davis. Yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher. Yes. Mayor Lawson. Yes. The motion. Thank you all. Good evening. Thank you. Here you go.
All right. So, moving on to tab 11. Mr. Pearl. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Tab 11 is the first reading of an ordinance of the city of Homestead, Florida, amending sections 19110, 1911, 1911, 1911, 1911, and 19118
of the city code to revise registration fees, revising maintenance and security requirements, clarifying city's immunity for inspections, and adding a schedule of civil penalties for violations. Providing inclusion in the code, providing for severability, providing for conflicts, and providing for an effective date.
Thank you. Is there any objection to waving the staff report on this this item? I think we've all been briefed. All right. So, let's get it on the floor. Do we have a motion to approve tab 11? Moved by the vice mayor. Second by Councilman Davis. Do we have
anyone wishing to speak on this matter? Okay, I'll close the public hearing and ask if there are any further questions or comments from council. Seeing none, let's have a roll call vote. Councilwoman Bailey, yes. Councilwoman Avula, Councilman Ross,
yes. Councilman Davis, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Losner, yes. The motion carries. And tab uh 12, Mr. Pearl. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Tab 12 is the first reading of an ordinance of the city of Homestead, Florida, amending section
2-553, use of trust funds of division 6, parks and roadway trust fund of article 9, finance of chapter 2, administration of the city code of ordinances to add water and sewer infrastructure improvements as a use of trust fund monies providing for conflicts, providing for severability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing
for an effective date. Thank you, sir. Any objection to waving the staff report on this amendment to the pre-existing trust fund? Are there any questions or comments from council? Do we have a motion to approve?
Moved by Councilman Davis. Second by Vice Mayor Fletcher and to Councilman Ros. Yeah. I think during my one-onss I had a question about allocation and if we set this up today
what's to stop somebody from using all of it on one project. I'm just saying self-restraint of whoever's on council at that time. So that's what you want you want to leave it for that whoever's here. It could be 20 years from now that this is still going on. I'm just saying I'm just saying I again we're kind here's my
perspective. I think we're going to in the very near future see some much needed water and wastewater and well not spend it all but perhaps then make those allocations. We know there will be big monies coming in in
the future. No, I I fully I I know where you're coming from. The ordinance is only good as the next four votes, right? Councilwoman, did you have a comment question? Okay. Any questions or comments from uh the public? Is there anyone online?
Anyone in the chambers? Seeing none, this has been properly moved and seconded. Let's have a roll call on this amendment to the uh trust fund. Councilman Ross, yes. Councilwoman Bailey, yes. Councilwoman Abula, Councilman Davis, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher,
yes. Mayor Losner, yes. The motion carried. And tab 13, that's the second reading on the shopping cart uh restraint issue. Mr. Pearl. Well, let let him read it first. Yes, Mr. Mayor. This is the second
reading of an ordinance of the city of Homestead, Florida, amending section 17-26 of the city code entitled shopping cart control plan by amending definitions providing for methods of compliance and enforcement against violations. Exemptions authorizing the city to remove, store, and dispose of
shopping carts and requiring shopping carts to display ownership information. providing for inclusion in the code, providing for severability, providing for conflicts, and providing for an effective date. Thank you. Any objection to waving the staff report on this second reading? Didn't think so. Do we have a motion to
approve, council? Do we have a second from the next offending district? I don't know. You all may be tied, but district one's pretty bad sometimes. All right. So, it's been moved and seconded for second reading. Are there any public
comments? Being none, I'll close the public hearing. Any further from council? Let's have a roll call on this second reading of the shopping cart control plan. Councilwoman Abula, yes. Councilwoman Bailey, yes. Councilman Davis, yes. Councilman Ro, yes.
Vice Mayor Fletcher. Mayor Lawson. Yes. The motion carries. And tab 14, Mr. Pearl. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Tab 14 is a second reading of an ordinance of the city of Homestead, Florida amending the city of Homestead code of ordinances by amending
section 2-321 city departments created of division one generally of article 5 departments of chapter 2 administration to rename certain departments within the city further amending article 5 departments of chap departments of chapter 2 administration by creating division 3 public works departments who
include provisions relating to the public works department and the director of public works providing for codification providing for severability providing for conflicts and providing for an effective date. Thank you. A second reading. Is there any opposition to waving the staff report? We have a motion to approve.
Moved by Councilwoman Avala. Second by Councilman Davis. Is there anyone online or in person wishing to speak on this matter? Okay. I'll close the public hearing and ask for a roll call vote on tab 14. Councilwoman Bailey.
Yes. Councilwoman Abbula? Yes. Councilman Davis? Yes. Councilman Raw, Mayor Lasner. Yes. The motion carries. And moving on to tab 15, car number 4653. Mr. Pearl. Tab 15 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestate Florida
approving and authorizing a group health insurance contract with Sigma as insure providing for implementation and providing for an effective date. Very good. Um, any questions or comments from council?
Yeah. Tremendous. All right. Do we have a motion to approve? Moved by Councilwoman Avala, second by Councilwoman Bailey. Uh, looks like we have a presentation. We're official to work twice tonight. Go ahead. You spent a lot of time
getting ready, so go ahead. That's good for the public to hear. Good. Good evening, Mayor and Council. The item before you is for our renewal for our medical dental and vision insurance for October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026. Part of our
process was with our partners Brown and Brown who are here tonight um to help us um look at our current plan, look at what we offer, and if there was any ability to um improve the plan that we have. We received three competitive bids through United Healthcare, which is our
current provider, Sigma Healthcare, and Edna. Each cure provided us a renewal pricing with our current plan and then we requested enhancements based off of employee feedback. The current rates um for the current
plan as is with no changes uh United uh provided us a savings of -2.3%. Sigma offered a negative 5.2% and Edna a negative 4.4%. With the feedback from employees, we
asked for some enhancements. So, we also have provided the renewal rates uh with the enhancements. The enhancements included uh decreasing the deductible from 750 to 350 on the core plan and for the family coverage plan reducing the
deductible from 1,500 to 700 for out-of pocket maxes. uh decreasing it for employee only from 5,000 to 4,000 for family coverage from 10,000 to 8,000 for per prescription coverage tier three
which is your specialty drugs um we're reducing that tier from $75 to $50 with those changes uh United Healthcare provided us an increase of8% Sigma provided us a savings of a
negative 4.1% and ENDA gave us a flat Other enhancements with the plan included a wellness fund. Currently, the city receives $25,000 in wellness fund monies which can be used for wellness initiatives, uh mental health workshops and trainings, any programs based on
over helping employees health and quality of life. They also provided a discretionary fund or a premium credit um which could be helped for on-site wellness initiatives um hosting any events establishing an onsite clinic
that I'll get to in a minute. Um and for example, recently we had onspot dermatology on site. It's they saw 34 employees. Out of those 34 employees, they were able to identify one melanoma, which if they wasn't caught, we're not sure if the employee would have went to
a dermatologist. So, these initiatives are are really important. When it comes to our dental and vision plans, we're making no changes to the actual plan. Um, the carriers provided us um rates based off of our current
plan. United provided us an increase of 15.2%. Sigma an 8.1% and EDNA a negative 3.3%. We will still continue to have the DHMO plan and the PO plan
for vision. Um, United and Sigma provide us no increase and Edna it was a negative 14.4% decrease. Other notable highlights um as part of the proposals um there was the discretionary fund with the
discretionary fund monies we are interested in creating an on-site clinic for employees. This would be for employees and their dependents covered under the plan. Um, this will be staffed by a third-party healthc care provider and it will be able to provide
comprehensive care right at the workplace. The purpose of this on-site clinic will provide services including annual wellness exams and vaccinations, any urgent care services, lab services, and personalized uh health coaching which
includes like managing chronic conditions, lifestyle changes, nutrition and and stress management. At this time, the city is recommending that um through our carriers and uh through our agent of record that we move over to Sigma Healthcare for our 2025
2026 medical, dental, and vision insurance. Uh the reasons are for the savings of around $378,000. They also provided us the highest discretionary fund of 500,000 that could help enhance our employee wellness initiatives.
Other things to note regarding our recommendation is the cost savings, the enhanced benefits, uh the wellness investments, and the future costability. A 9% rate cap for year 2 was provided by
Sigma. The other item to note is the level funding structure. Under Sigma's level funding model, if actual rates run lower than the projected, the city will share the surplus 50/50 basis. That combination of savings and
long-term cost control is why we're making that recommendation tonight. Thank you, council. Yes, councilwoman. Thank you, mayor. Thank you again so much for all the details that you put into this. I think that the wellness
fund is an amazing idea um for employees with families who are able to bring their children in for shots. Um the dermatology that is that is a great story. It's something that obviously um could have saved a life. Uh, so I'm
only asking if when you're considering these this wellness fund to just take some other things into consideration as well with the dermatology, maybe mimography, and just making sure that we're doing as um just covering as many bases as we can
with this uh with this new fund. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Councilwoman. Again, I think earlier tonight, we we talked about financial stability and predictability. And I think, you know,
in these days of talk of wiping out a huge portion of our revenue through residential uh property taxes, again, this is another big piece of moving forward to become more I don't want to infer that we're
unstable, but to be more stable and uh and predictable in our our expenses in the future. So, I think we already had a motion in a second on this, didn't we? We did. All right. Is there any public comment?
Seeing none, then let's have a roll call vote. Councilman Davis, yes. Councilwoman Bailey, yes. Councilwoman Abula, Councilman Roth, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Losner, yes. The motion carries. Thank you all.
Thank you. And moving on to tab 16, Mr. Pearl. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Tab 16 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestead, Florida, approving service order 36435 for professional services to upgrade the Laserfish platform in the
amount of $47,992 and service work order 36434 for license upgrades in the amount of $29,54.33 pursuant to master service agreement 288.25 25 as amended with MC MCCI LLC
providing for an aggregate expense of $84,7126 authorizing the city manager to execute the service work orders therewith utilizing pricing from Omnia NCPA01162 exempting the purchase from competitive
bidding pursuant to to section 2-411.1 A5 of the city code providing for implementation providing for an effective date Thank you. Uh believe this was second reading. Any uh questions or comments from
councel? No objection to waving any further staff report. Is there anyone in the public wishing to speak on this matter? Okay. Well, let's have a motion to approve tab 16. Moved by Councilwoman Avala. Second by Councilwoman Bailey.
Let's have a roll call. Council R. Yes. Councilwoman Bailey. Councilwoman Avil, yes. Councilman Davis, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Lawson, yes. The motion carries. If there are no objections, I mean, the
next several items are are pretty pretty tedious and routine. I know that the U parties who have requested a discussion on tab 27 are here. If there's no objection to jumping forward to 27 so
that we can dispense with that and those uh individuals don't need to sit here um any further. So Mr. Manager tab number 27 Mr. Mayor and council, the tab number
27, which is car number 4612, is a code compliance lean mitigation request for property owner at 1105 through 1107 Southwest Street. Uh there has been a number of code
violations and citations with leans on the subject property prior to the acquisition by the current owner and subsequently there have been continuous uh citations and additional uh leans placed on them. Uh the property had been
administratively looked into with a 25% reduction. uh the property owner decided to go before the special magistrate on March 27th which resulted in an additional reduction of the lean up to the maximum allowed by
code which is 85%. The property owner is desirous of coming before you today to see if there is possibility of further reduction. Uh with that I ask uh if there's additional comment from the good the the property owner here property
owners representative come down. Hi good evening. Each of you could give us your name and address for the record and uh you know what capacity you're here.
Samuel 7750 Southwest 78 Miami Florida. Is your microphone on? Sam Meccas 7750 Southwest 78th Court Miami, Florida.
Jacob Zan um 13351 Southwest 36 Court uh Davy Florida 33330. and uh just and you are the joint owners of the property. Uh who's the property owner? Okay.
Yeah. I I I helped uh solve a lot of these issues and this is the uh the owner. Um so let us have it. Okay. Um, so his wife was the the one that was involved in purchasing the property and
uh I think she she was informed of some code violations prior to the purchase and felt it was going to be an easy thing to fix. So went went ahead and purchased the property not realizing that there was one code violation back from 2014
that I guess there was four different violations that were under the one code case and they had been charging $50 a day for each of the four since 2015. It turned into when we got in compliance the total was like $683,000
and she was completely shocked. property is probably worth maybe $400,000. Um, so we went through a like a two-year process trying to fix everything because uh, one of them was that there was no business tax receipt and with code
violations, it was impossible to get the business tax license. So, we had to pull four to five permits and spend thousands of dollars, put a new roof on the property, legalized all the illegal work that was done by the previous owner.
And uh at this point, they have a mortgage on the property and even with a reduced fine, you know, they couldn't even sell the property and pay the fines off. So, we feel that potentially this case, you know, if we we could get a further settlement, they would be
willing to to pay it off in a capacity that they're capable of of doing it. the the case that happened, you know, I I was researching further and the four violations were were for
uh it was uh maintaining a public nuisance which was a broken window and shoes on top of a wall unit AC which I think for nine or 10 years that's been fixed. It was building needed paint. I don't think they pulled a permit but it was painted several times and we didn't
after the fact permit for a paint that was done prior to their ownership. So, it hadn't looked neglected for for many many years. There was accumulation of garbage and junk, which was there was multiple tables and chairs in the front and the rear of the property, which I don't think for many many many years
that's been a problem. and then the operating without a business license that was applied for right when she purchased it. But it took 3 years almost to get everything settled and uh she now has it and without Jose's assistance I
don't think we would have ever got it because every time we went we were told you have pending cases and you can't get the license without having all the cases closed but the case was pending because she didn't have a license. So we were kind of lost and thankful for him that
he was able to assist us there and now a problem property is all legalized and in compliance and providing housing you know it's a duplex providing housing to low-inccome individuals. So so again when was the property acquired? 2022
and 22. So now it's three three years ago more or less and through our normal process the fines have been reduced from how much $746,000
to like 115 115. Yeah. There's one case the others two of them we've paid and and done. Another one has about nine. We were offered 9,236, but we wanted to come here to see what the the other one was going to
potentially be reduced to to try to come up with an action plan on how to pay them all off. Okay. All right. Thank you. Um, just hang tight. I'll go to council for any further questions or comments that uh that they have. Councilwoman,
honorable U. Mayor and Council, if I may interject, um Jose Perez, the director for the code compliance department. I just want to provide clarification and give specific figures for the numbers that were mentioned here. I'm going to pull them up real quick. One second. So, the figures of the property um are
approximately $568,779.75. Um that was the original reduction. Then it was further reduced to $114,24.75. And those reduction figures were from
the total stemming lean of $758,86 for clarification. Okay. Thank you, Councilwoman. Back to you. Thank you, Mayor. Did you want to say something else before I start? No, just that that $114,000 figure included a
couple that were already paid and sent. So, those cases have been erased and all that's gone. So, there's only two pending cases left on the property in addition to the hundred that you're seeking some assistance on tonight. The one that's was around 100,000. Yeah,
that's the one that we're uh seeking assistance on. is my understanding from and maybe I misread it that you know all of all of the the fines you know the aggregate of the fines over several years let's just
round numbers 800 that have now been through our process reduced down to 115 correct are there for my computer are there others still pending that have not been
addressed by our by our other process. So for clarification, there are violations at the property currently that are not acrewing any fines. So those have not started acrewing. Um if that answers your question, which violations
physical violations, but no no fines acrewed yet. Correct. Yes. Um so for clarification, the gentleman's asking for um the specifics of the violation. Um, a site visit was conducted on
June of this year and the conditions of the property revealed there were several things such as a uh commercial trailer stored on the property, uh several potholes within the parking uh lot slashd driveway entrance uh and the property needs um to be pressure washed.
amongst some other miscellaneous uh aesthetics at the property. If I can make a comment about the trailer, there's there's three duplex properties in a U-shape that share a parking lot. The trailer belongs to a tenant in a neighboring property and that's just parked in front of us.
As the property owner, you have the right to have that vehicle either removed. If it's not, they're authorized. Uh uh but in essence, it still constitute a viol violation, unfortunately. Is are all three violated or just the one in the center? There there was one in the center.
Okay. And if we pulled it up on map, I could show everybody that there's three that share a parking lot. I I think at one time they were all like owned under one folding or something. So during the time of the current
owner's ownership, these are apartment units and they've been rented and producing income. Yes. Correct. Okay. And does the owner does the owner
possess any other real property in Homestead? Yes. Okay. Are are those on our radar? I don't think anything major like this, you know, maybe that there's significant trash finds that get put out all the
you know, for people putting trash out early. Little things like that have happened from tenants, but I don't believe there's any major issues like this. But there are Well, you may not or the owner may not consider them major, but they're major enough that they caught the attention of our code compliance
officers over the period of of their ownership. Is that correct? I would assume. Yeah, that is that is correct. uh mayor and uh for clarification under the LLC that they have the property, they have one
other um within the jurisdiction of City Homestead. That other property does not have any active code violations at this time. Okay. Thank you. And um just to clarify, uh a home address in
Davey has been been given, correct? Yes. Okay. So, we're talking about an absentee landlord, correct? All right. Any further, Councilwoman? Thank you, Mayor. Um, I I think that it's it's it's important that seasoned
real estate uh investors take extra care to monitor, manage their tenants, their property conditions. Um, you know, as you've mentioned, the the type of violations like sneakers on top
of an AC unit, broken window, um, you know, trash, it shouldn't take three years to resolve. And when a property is purchased, title companies present, um, um, you know, searches for violations, even if there are no fines
being accured on a violation, you're made aware of it and you're expected to resolve it. And and most investors will purchase and acquire a property with existing violations, property at pro probably at a discounted price and they're supposed to cure the
violations. And years and years and years go by and if they're not resolved, who's whose responsibility is it if it's not resolved? Now, if you fix the window and you don't tell anybody, I mean, that's a different challenge.
But that's part of what I'm trying to say is that you need to do a better job as an investor who's profiting off of the property and and having problematic tenants who are putting out trash, who are not keeping the property in good condition. It's your responsibility to
make sure you're informing the city when you've fixed the problem so that we can cure and close the violations. Now when I say that in in one breath, but at the second at the on the other side, it's also important that our process allows for a property owner
who decides to sell to try to cure the property issue and and pay the city fines that they're able to do so. In the current scenario, the value of the property wouldn't even be sufficient enough to be able to make us whole. I think if you were to sell both, it's a
duplex that you have. You have two units. Well, between the mortgage and and the cost. Yeah. Depending on if they got the tip tip off top of the market with the current amount, they may go get close to paying, you know, to making it whole. So, so I do see that
there is a challenge there in a property owner being able to even sell pay the fines and make us whole. And the the goal for us as a city would be to uh you know, obviously cure and and have a property come to compliance, but at least be made whole through the process
of the finding. So maybe there's something there we should be looking at at a a percentage of value, a cap on how much we are able to find up to a certain amount. I know in our homeowners associations, if we have a violation and it's not cured, we get fined a certain amount every single day, a $100 a day,
not 50 until it's cured up to a certain amount. So maybe there's an opportunity there to look at that process. I I I cannot sit here and support um
you know any any reduction that the district representative wouldn't also be supportive of. Uh, so you you can't have properties, profit
off of them, and then have uh what what are the current the current violations? Um, you need to have exterminations done because of rodents. You need to have couches and furniture removed. I mean, it's properties like these that we are
constantly having code uh code missions about picking up bulk trash and and poor property conditions and furniture, bulky trash, and people who are in compliance are living next to you and driving by you and kids are walking to
school and passing the properties. So, you can't be an absentee property owner making money off of residents and not enforcing the code. Those are you should have better standards. Okay. But I'll I'll rest there and I will
we we do have better standards. We have better standards. Absolutely. If I may address a comment for the council woman, um we do have a procedure in place where when the previous owner was in the process of selling, they could have gone through the mitigation process and pretty much um complied the
violations before selling the property as to have not transferred the issues to the current property owner. Um so that is a a process that we do have in place as well. Correct. Thank you. And I am familiar with that. Absolutely. if there is anything. I mean, we we got
the final inspection for paint in July of 24, but we didn't get weren't able to get the permit closed for one reason or another until February of 2025. So, we closed one, two, three, four, five. We did we did everything to get
into compliance with permits. We applied for six permits and spent significant dollars including putting a roof because the roof became old, you know, after the ownership and needed to be replaced. So, there was also significant dollars spent to improve. And there is three
properties next to each other, like I said, in a U-shape where they share a common courtyard. And this one is in the best condition of the three there, which is scary to think about, but it's the truth. Councilman. Yeah, let me let me take a let me take a
swing at this one. Um, I can speak from experience. Prior to me coming on this council many, many, many years ago, I bought a property in the city.
That property had the same situation as yours did. not to the extent of yours with that amount of money. I went through the same process you went through and when I got to the final ruling from the magistrate, I blessed
him and said thank you and I went and paid my bill. Um I too bought it without knowing what those fines and leans were. So I accepted that responsibility
of taking on that challenge and I went through that process just like you guys did here. Um it's still a little high I guess and I'm not ready to
make any statements on what I think we should do. I do have a couple of questions for maybe staff and as I was showing the mayor here just a minute ago and I'll share that information with you. Their property
looks to be on the eastern most part of that property. And then when you take into consideration their property, they technically have no driveways assigned to them. Essentially
landlocking them. Then you have the two front properties which are owned by other people. It could be these people. I don't know if they have different corporations. I don't know. that those are not owned by by that are responsible for the or at least
the folio shows that they're responsible for the driveways on both of those properties. So, I'm not sure if we're citing the right property owner for the potholes that are
in the driveway because technically or legally based on the description, they don't own that property. Councilman, if I may. Um, so on on the script, sorry, circumstances of the property itself, since they share the common area, it is in essence shared
responsibility amongst the three property owners um to make that uh whole again. Um as their tenants are actively using that as well as their parking area. So it it it's become that they all share that collective responsibility.
But how do you consider it a common area when it's owned by three separate owners? I understand the the philosophy in a condominium association or a townhouse association. Um those are shared uh areas in this and I'm only talking
about the park. I'm not talking about the other stuff that you've got on them because how do you make that designation when they may not even know that's what you're taking into consideration because they don't I wouldn't consider that a common area. I mean, in fact, I'm not sure why it got
set up this way and why it was separated this way. Who allowed it to be separated this way. Um, you know, so I'm just I'm just kind of throwing that out there as part of this. Um, absolutely. And that's something staff could review further um so we could
provide further clarification. I'm sure we're more than willing to to pressure wash the property, but the trailer that's in the common area is belongs to the tenant in the building to the side of us. We're we're talking about the potholes
in the driveway and we're trying to get clarification on whether or not you your property owner is actually responsible for the driveway. And so I agree with Councilman Roth is unless there's a covenant that's running with the land that is tying the three property owners together to sharing the expenses and any
penalties and violations and fines that would arise. I don't know how we can legally pin one property owner that doesn't even have the parking lot on their folio with that violation. So that definitely should be looked into. And considering that you said that these
potholes are new and they're not accumulating any fines at this point, it's a mood point when it comes to reducing what was already the 115 we're looking at. Yeah. So, I just I just, you know, when I started looking at this, I'm like, it it just doesn't make logistic sense that we
would charge them for potholes because they don't actually have any driveway. They have grass. They don't even have any grass based on this except for the south side of it where it looks like there's a pool or something. Yeah, there's a gate that they come in from the other side also that gets into their yard
off of 11th Avenue. Yes. So, there's street parking or something there that's on that side. It looks like that's that's like our parking there. It doesn't look like it's it seems like bigger picture. We're going to need to look at a history of ownership of those those parcels and see
how this came to be with with no on-site parking for how long and when. And and I get that going forward with the the current violations. Um, but there's there's no inference here
that those that the the fines that are sought to be further reduced don't belong to this property. Correct. I'll tell you in in my first six years
on council and this this goround nearly six years. Yeah. I don't recall a case where a council I was a part of maybe once or twice considered this kind of request and the
facts just didn't bear out any further reduction. I we've been very generous I think on our recent overhaul of of our codes and the the the ability to come in. I mean, there's an admission
on the record that they knew of the violations and and closed on it. Anyway, um not clear whether any attempt was was ever really made uh timely
uh to go forward. I'm I personally and I get the mortgage thing and and I get the pandemic I I'm not inclined to. And if we if we set the precedent of
relieving you of of significant monetary fines for items that went on for years, we really have no basis to to hold anyone else's feet to the uh to the fire.
The only argument I wanted to make was that like a broken window and a pair of shoes on the AC I don't think were going on for 10 years. I think that you know for many many years that was gone and the building was painted many many times and looked better and us as the people
that bought the property I mean I can show you here we pulled all these permits to retroactively do it and the process was very slow. we would submit something and I don't know what was going on in the office but take four months for comment and ask for a change and then we had to wait again and and
you know we we did everything that the code enforcement officers asked us to do and and continue you know applied for the business tax receipt the second they closed on the property but we weren't able to get it till 2025 because of the processes of you need to pull these
permits and close these out and we tried and we were doing our best and I don't No, I I believe now with the communication's been better with the code enforcement, but within the process, Jose was not who we were dealing with. We were dealing with multiple people and it seemed like they
kept leaving and people kept changing and it was a bit confusing on on how to, you know, how to get this solved. Sure. And I think if the process were easier when we closed, we probably could have been in compliance two years earlier. Listen, and I and I understand all of that, but
you bought the property knowing yeah I think a big mistake violation well and I think she might have misread it because it was only one code case but apparently they were charging for four violations on one code case daily
so that you know and the outside is any indication of the inside that's homestead Gardens 2.0 O and I'll be blunt. I don't have any sympathy for an out of town slumlord. I I'd like to have a uh a motion to deny
the request. I'll make the motion. And it's also on the basis of 85% of the current fines were already reduced. So given the circumstances of the time and the delay maybe prior administration
uh you know poor communication it was it was granted already an 85% reduction. So you know walk hopefully you'll you'll improve the property conditions. you'll get stronger tenants that will pay a higher uh uh a more
market rate rent and maybe be able to recuperate the uh the fines here and and become a better standard in the neighborhood. I'd be happy to second your motion. Questions or comments from council? Davis.
Mr. Mayor and I do agree with the comment of of my colleagues and particularly when we when we think of the standard of living for those individuals that are living there. That's that's the thing I've been listening to the to the comments back and forth. You know, they deserve a solid way to
live, a solid place to live and this isn't the highest uh income area and I get it. But you know what? We do better than that for the people of Homestead. And I agree with this motion and look forward to the vote. New kitchens, flooring, windows and everything was installed in this process
with permit. You know, the the units were completely overhauled throughout this process. The bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, windows, roof, you know, I would say they're leaps and bounds better than they were when she acquired the
property. You know, to the tune of, you know, 50 $60,000 worth of improvements on 550T units. So, it was a lot of money, including removing old cast iron plumbing to prevent backups and all
kinds of improvements. Wasn't, you know, and by the way, the unit size doesn't even meet Homestead's current standards for minimum minimum unit size, but you know, you've got a grandfathering, but just saying, um,
let's let's see if there's any public com Well, we don't need to have public comment. This is not a legislative Okay, let's have a roll call on the motion to deny the request. Councilwoman Bailey, yes. Councilwoman Agilo, Councilman Roth, yes.
Councilman Davis, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Losner, yes. The motion carries. Thank you all. All right, let's jump back to uh tab 24, the Hera properties item. Mr. Manager, Mr. Mayor, are we taking tab 24 out of
order? We're taking tab 24 out of order. We're gonna impute approval of everything else that we skipped over. No, we're taking 24 out of order. So, mayor and council, let me ask Deputy
Manager Kim Brown to present top 24. Thank you, m Thank you, Mr. Manager. Good afternoon, Mayor Council. Um, car item 4546 is an agreement with Hera Properties. Uh, we are looking to engage them for a
term of three years and it is a Z uh fiscal impact to the city. However, it does propose or profer a revenue share opportunity with HAR. Uh essentially
they provide a platform that um our code compliance department will be able to engage and monitor foreclosed and vacant properties throughout the city of Homestead and uh those property owners
andor banks in the event of a foreclosure will be required to register um on the platform for residential properties. we're looking at a registration of $200. Um, and for commercial properties, we're looking at
a a registration of $300. Uh, Hera will for the first year of the agreement, they will retain $75 for both re residential and commercial properties. And year two and year three,
uh, they the the fee the administrative fee that they will retain will be $100. So the city uh the revenue share opportunity is there is a split um on the city's side as well as the the um the vendor's side. We are open to taking
any questions. Sure. Thank you council. No point of clarification. Okay. I get the foreclosure part but you say foreclosed and abandoned properties which vacant properties. Yes. Vacant properties but that doesn't really apply to temporarily vacant where
You're missing a tenant, whether it be commercial or residential. But let me throw out an address that should be familiar to code enforcement because there's two notices on the front door and the yard is eyeball deep and a lot taller than I am, which you know, not
saying a lot, but pretty tall tank cane grass in the backyard. 444 Northwest 21st Street, which was related to the horny detective case. 444 Southwest 444 Northwest 21st Street.
21st Street. That's just been an ongoing problem. Most recently, the handyman died in the house and not a whole lot and cooked over the weekend and not a whole lot of work going on. Okay. Since since then. So, would that be a
good example of of of something that would fall under this this umbrella? So for clarification, this is for foreclosed properties. Foreclosed only specifically. Yes. Okay. All right. Very good. Wrong tangent, but okay. You talked about
foreclosed and aband I guess foreclosed and abandoned. Okay. It is that really still an issue? I know in 2008 through 13 it was. Is it do we see it through code compliance as an issue? Yes. Um, I've worked mult multiple
municipalities and we've had issues where um if the properties aren't being upkept by the bank and and their proponents, they don't have registered agents that are upkeeping it. We have continuing violations, whether it's overgrowth, graffiti, um sometimes even vagrants come in and and unfortunately
take habitation of the property, which is another issue within itself. Um, so by having this system and this in place, um, we'll be able to better have communication with the registered, uh, property manager and we'll be able to
highlight these communications and avoid potentially these other issues that come with um, foreclosed properties. So, but how do they come in onto our radar? Through monitoring the foreclosure filings. So, through through Would you like to
take it? Go for it. Um, we actually have the CEO, Mr. Johnson, here from Hera Property Management. Okay. Um, so I would love for him to speak on how his software is able to determine that. Well, as long as he had to watch us, you know, air our dirty laundry. Otherwise,
we might as well uh let him speak. Thank you. Welcome. Uh CJ Johnson, CEO of Parropy Registry, uh 1917 South Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida. Um, so the way that we we have different data sources, but we're constantly scraping uh data every
night, uh, determining uh, every filing that happens within the city of Homestead. It immediately gets uploaded into our system. We have over 30,000 bank contacts, servicesers, property preservation companies, local contacts uh that get immediately notified through our system that they not only have a
property that uh foreclosure filing has been uh filed upon, but if there's any other violations or anything that happens that's in our system, they get notified that they need to uh comply with the code and and register the property. So, how far back are we going to go though retroactively to notify these
lenders? as as far back as the ordinance allows. Okay. And that is I don't believe I don't believe there's a time limit on how far back if it's still um foreclosed, I believe we could
still go ahead and proceed to collect those revenues. Okay. So, you know, if a house was foreclosure was commenced a couple years ago and it remains vacant and owned by the lender, we can go back and and drag net dragnet that back in. Correct.
Okay. Council questions. I have a a question if I may. So, I get a foreclosed upon property. What about those properties that are simply abandoned? How do we Is there is that fall under your umbrella as well?
That was my question. That was my question. Foreclosed and vacant. It it it just depends on on the ordinance and the code. And so, we work with over 200 cities throughout the country. Each one has a varying ordinance. So, the first thing we do uh and we work with staff on the ordinance to make sure it
complies with national standards um is make sure that if it falls within the ordinance, we have uh various AI tools that go through make determinations and provide feedback um for staff to to help us determine is it actually vacant? Uh what are what's the likelihood that it's
vacant? Um and that way those issues can be uh resolved uh not only through um the property address but the owner information. Vice Mayor. Yes, Mr. Manager. So, mayor and council um the administration will be coming back with
a different ordinance in the next uh few maybe couple of months that addresses uh abandoned properties with squatters. It's called Ordinance where people travel out for a year or two and someone moves in, it depresses property value.
Those run into the ramification of abandoned properties. So that could be something we would kind of define and come back perhaps if you want to utilize Hera to track them as well for compliance. A separate service. A separate service.
Yes, sir. Vice Mayor Fletcher and then Councilman Davis. Yes. quickly. Uh kind of another thing that falls that that hits my mind is there's a house in my neighborhood that's actually been vacant for probably four or five years in probate
and nobody's taking ownership of the property. It's sit there. It's ugly. It's it's dilapidated. There's rodents. Is there anything we can do about those other other than run up the code code enforcement or and the other ordinance? Well, again, nobody's living in it,
right? Mr. Ch. So perhaps when we define the squatters ordinance, we can create a section that addresses abandoned properties of any different definition whether probate or the owner has perhaps uh vamused into
thin air. Nobody knows where the owner is. So we've done that successfully in city of Miami. It falls under actually under the purview of police because it's a police action to take ownership of such properties. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Councilman Davis, any brother? Good. Did we have a
motion? Yeah. Yes. Okay. Go ahead. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I see I see that it also is including and remitting fees to the city. So, are you going to be like collecting violation fees, penalties, registration fees, right?
So, we collect registration fees uh in the ordinance. Uh in many instances there is a late fee and civil penalty uh that is autoc calculated through our system and gets paid through our system and then um we remit that uh portion to the city according to the contract. All right for a second there. I was
thinking we'll have our own debt collector but thank you. I made the motion. Thank you. Okay. So it's been moved second by Councilman Roth. Is there any further question or comment? Is there anyone wishing to speak on this matter? None. I'll close the public hearing and
ask for a roll call on tab 24. Councilwoman Aland, yes. Councilman Raw, yes. Councilwoman Bailey, yes. Councilman Davis, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Losner, yes. The motion carries. Where are we going? Where where did we leave off, Mr. Pearl?
Tab 17. 17. Okay. It's on you if that's something. Tab 17 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestead Florida approving the settlements of all claims by Marcela Marino providing for implementation providing for an effective date.
Moved by Councilman Ross, second by Vice Mayor Fletcher. Roll call. Davis. Yes. Councilwoman Bailey. Councilman Roth. Councilwoman Abula. Vice Mayor Fletcher. Yes. Mayor Lawson. Yes.
The motion carries. Tab 18. Tab 18 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestead, Florida, approving the settlements of all claims made by Veronica Salceto and Marie Grenella, providing for implementation, providing for an effective date. Thank you. Do we have a motion to
approve? Moved by Councilwoman Bailey, seconded by Councilwoman Avala. Any further from council? We'll call Madame Clark. Councilwoman Abula, yes. Councilman Davis, yes. Councilman Raw, Councilwoman Bailey, Vice Mayor Fletcher, Mayor Losner.
Yes. The motion carries. And tab 19. AB 19 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestead, Florida, approving the settlements of all claims by made by Antonia Asbury and Anuanica Homes, providing for implementation, providing for an effective date. Have a motion to approve. Moved by
Councilman Roth, second by Councilwoman Bailey. Roll call. Madame Clerk. Councilwoman Bailey. Councilman Roth. Councilwoman Abula. Councilman Davis. Yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher. Yes. Mayor Lawner. Yes. The motion cars. And tab 20.
20 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestead Florida approving the settlements of all claims made by Freigh Warren providing for implementation providing for an effective date. A motion to approve. Moved by vice mayor. Seconded by Councilman Roth. Roll call, please.
Councilwoman Abulu. Councilman Davis. Yes. Councilman Roth. Councilwoman Bailey, Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Lawson, yes. The motion carries. And tab 21, Mr. Pearl. Tab 21 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestead,
Florida, authorizing the city manager to accept and execute the first renewal of the turf and landscape maintenance joint participation agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation, providing for implementation, and providing for an effective date. Wave the staff report. Do we have a
motion to approve? Moved by Councilwoman Bailey. Second by Vice Mayor Fletcher. Roll call on tap 21, please. Councilwoman Bailey. Councilman Roth. Yes. Councilman Davis. Yes. Councilwoman Abula. Vice Mayor Fletcher. Yes. Mayor Lozn. Yes.
The motion carries. And I guess we're to slow it down a little bit. Tab 22. Tab 22 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestead Florida establishing a proposed operating mill rate of adorum taxation. establishing a proposed military for debt service on
the general obligation bonds for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 ending September 30th, 2026 and providing for an effective date. Thank you. Good evening, mayor and council. Tonight we're here to set the millage rates for the fiscal year 2026. Um, basically
these are the rates that will appear on the property owners trim notices when they go out in late August. and more importantly they're the ones upon which we build the budgets for the general fund and the CRA. Um this year the values for the city are $6.3 billion
which represents over 13% increase from the prior year. At staff is recommending for the operating millillage to leave it the same as uh the current which is 5.9604 and at those rates that would generate
citywide $36 million in property tax revenues. That would be approximately 32 million for the general fund and 3.8 8 million for the CRA. That translates to an increase from the prior year, an increase in property tax revenues of 3.7
million for the general fund and just over 600,000 for the uh CRA. As far as the debt service, which is the one that generates the property taxes to pay the the existing general obligation bonds that we have, since the since that debt
service remains constant, whenever property values go up, that millage rate goes down. So, there is a recommendation to reduce it down to.2445 mills. Um, I'd also like to say that I know that every year council challenges
staff that when we come to the September council meetings that we try to reduce it the millage rate by one or 2% and we've been successful doing that in the past. I just want to put into context that currently an average property the average assessed property value in the
city of Homestead is $171,000. So giving a 1% reduction in the millage rate only gives relief to a taxpayer of about $10, but conversely, it's a loss of revenues to the city of $381,000. Thank you.
Thank you. And that that is a very important perspective for for the public to uh to keep in mind. We're all sensitive to taxes and tax rates, but there is the same side of the two-headed coin. Council
Turn Michael. I move to set the rate at the recommendation. Thank you. Do we have a second for discussion? Second by Councilman Davis. Any further discussion? This is a preliminary rate. We'll have a full-blown budget discussions and the
adoption of a final rate about what 60 days. Vice Mayor. No, I think we uh had some discussions with staff earlier and if we can look at reducing it, you know, through other means, we'll look look at that time. But uh we set it at it now.
Yep. Very good. Is there anyone online or in chambers wishing to speak on this matter? I think that's the first time in six years. So, we'll quickly close the public
hearing and ask for a roll call vote. Councilman Ross. Yes. Councilwoman Avula, Councilman Davis, yes. Councilwoman Bailey, Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Losner, yes. All right, we have uh dealt with tabs 23
and 24 25. That takes us to tab 26. Mr. Pearl. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Tab 26 is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestead, Florida, approving the procurement and installation of new playground equipment with shade located
at Flaky Park utilizing the city of Charlotte, North Carolina's contract awarded via Omni Partners contract number 201700135 for playground equipment and associated services provided by Compan Inc. the
amount not to exceed $579,88856 authorizing the city manager to negotiate and execute the agreement and associated documents therewith pursuant to city code section 42-411.85 exemptions from competitive bidding providing for implementation providing
for an effective date. Thank you. You like to make the motion council woman? I would love to and just big thank you to staff and our city manager. Don't laugh at me. You did it. Thank you for getting it on this month. Um the design is phenomenal. I love all the mixes. I
see parts of Rosco Warren's park in there. Um so really exciting for the kids to have some new stuff. Um we've been doing a lot better with the upkeep. Um that would be my my only ask is that we just make sure we have enough staff if anything cracks or needs replacing
that we just keep it up as best as possible. Thank you. Do we have a second down there? Second by Councilwoman Alawa. Any further from council? Is there anyone wishing to speak on this matter? Mr. Pearl. Sorry. One item that I would I'd like to request if if we could get an
authorization for a 10% contingency on this particular procurement as portion has been funded through grant funds that may require some additional expenditures. Good. That's typically you accept that into your motion and second. Thank you. I did have that here in my notes. All
right. Roll call. Councilwoman Bailey, yes. Councilman Roth, yes. Councilwoman Avula, Councilman Davis, yes. Vice Mayor Fletcher, yes. Mayor Losman, yes. The motion carries. Thank you. Since we have already dealt
decisively with tab 27, that takes us to item 10, business from the city manager. Mayor and council, it's my privilege and honor to extend deep appreciation to staff. For those who were not aware, last
Saturday we hosted the annual hurricane preparedness drive. Councilman Davis, Council Member Bar Roth and I believe I think those were the only two council members that were able to make it on a rainy day. It was a huge success. Shout
out to Miss Rachel Cano for such an excellent job coordinating this drive. And fortunately for us, the collaborators from FarmShare and GM were so happy with the way it turned out that they instantly offer the
city a repeat next year at no cost to us from them. So thank you everyone that participated on this. Uh on June 25th, we hosted the inaugural conversations with the community at the Dickinson Community Center. an issue of great
concern came up which was the pedestrian gate openings in Pioneer Village. Uh we are hosting a sec subsequent follow-up conversation with the residents. Uh it's going to be on Friday, August 1st at
5:15 p.m. at the at the P at the CRA building because this is going to be customized for folks who live within that area. So we want to kind of walk them through the process. what is the impetus for what we're trying to do. Uh I'm sure once they
understand what the reason is, folks will decide to key in. Uh just also a note of privilege, the county tax collector just uh yesterday reached out to the city administration uh through the CIT
with an offer to open a new tax collector's office here in Homestead, which will encompass a driver's license uh renewal center. uh preliminary information that is that looking at the Homestead station at one of those vacant offices or stores down there uh to for
them to be able to rent it and have a driver's license tax collector's office. Uh between Florida City and Kendall, those are the only two we have down here. So, this will be a good relief for city residents. uh July 18th, which is in a couple of
days, the um mobile DMV event that we're hosting will be at the community center at 9:00 till 4:00 p.m. Uh this is being hosted by the city's community development and human services division again in the city manager's office uh for those who want to renew their
driver's licenses. We also have been reached out by the AMOV engineers that are working on a preliminary design what they call a backbay physibility study on how to do some kind of mitigation measures for the
for what they call storm surge. Uh they've been working from I believe north of downtown Miami coming down south to build embankments or some kind of flood mitigation measures. So they'll be coming down to Homestead on July 23rd to have a community meeting at the
Dickinson Community Center. Uh so we're going to be posting this online. There will be a subsequent virtual webinar as well for those who are not able to come in person. On July 30th, Honorable Mayor Losner will be having a meet and greet with the
supervisor of elections, Alina Garcia, at Marios, which is going to be at 10:00 in the morning. Uh we applaud council members that will be interested to show up and meet the supervisor of elections. We are planning to have the unveiling of
the the mural at the Los Park. Uh for those who haven't seen it, it's a beautiful mural. Uh those guys have done a wonderful job. So, we're hoping to schedule this for July 31st, subject to concurrence of council members. It's probably going to be at 6 PM so that um
to have an evening reception as well. And uh I think I want to recognize my folks in parks, recreation, and open spaces. Pedro, you here? Thank you so much. You did great with Blakey Park and especially in attracting additional funding for that from the state
recreation funds. So this month is the parks and recreation uh month and they've been hosting a series of events citywide and I continue to urge that we participate and join enjoy the importance of our park system. Like I keep saying God creates parks and
recreation recreates. Thank you guys. Thank you Mr. Manager. Mr. attorney. Just one comment for me and a request. Um, some pleasant news for the city. Uh, there has been a settlement of portions
of the PAS litigation that the city is a participant in and the city will be receiving several million dollars as a result of that. There will be documents that need to be executed on a timely basis in order to facilitate the transfer of the money. And I was hoping I could get a motion
from the council to authorize the manager to execute those documents as they come in. Moved by Councilwoman Alo, seconded by Vice Mayor Fletcher. Roll call. Councilman Ross. Yes. Councilwoman Avul.
Councilman Davis. Yes. Councilwoman Bailey. Vice Mayor Fletcher. Yes. Mayor Lawner. Yes. The motion. That it. Very good. All right. Councilman Roth. Thank you, Mayor. Uh c can I get a
reminder of Flaggler Street from I guess Lucy down to Chrome down to uh Campbell? Very fantastic inquiry and at the right time. Very timely. Very timely. So the city attorney just
spoke about intended recipient of money. uh I think an initial trench of funds coming be I think by the end of fiscal year is up to $3 million and remember it's coming from PAS which is the forever chemicals that come from water. So the recommendation from
administration will be to channel those funds on the flag street project for several reasons. The water and sewer along that corridor has been a very challenging installation. they've been breaking and the county has a roadway
improvement project. We want to engage them on a interlocal uh joint participation project. They will pay for the resurfacing and we pay for our installations to the extent feasible. That solves the problem of Flaggler. As soon as we get that money
coming in, in addition, it resolves the water and sewer challenge east of Flagler Street. The old city hall side is tied into a pump station that ties into the forcemen of Flaggler. So this preempts any issues that Flanigan would
have if we fix this. So in various ways it addresses our Flagler streets, Flaggler Avenue, addresses the infrastructure deficiencies, creates ample capacity improvement for any development east of Flagler. Great. So
that's from Chrome to 8th Street. It's from Chrome to It's from Mari, sorry, from the south end of Flagler going all the way to Campbell to Campbell. Yeah. Now, we reached out to the county about segments north of that.
That's what I'm talking about. So the county says, I think about a couple of days ago that that segment of Flagger is not within their CIP as of yet. We thought we could move their money to the north segment to address it
first in anticipation on the few coming months to receive the money from PAS. They said you couldn't do that because it's a CIP project already funded, approved, and appropriated for the segment on the south side. So, it's going to be done along in
tandem with the south side. No, they are saying that will be a future CIP project because that road is it's in it's in worse shape than the one on the south side. Yeah. I don't know why they remember this a county road. Yeah. Yeah. They decided to prioritize the south
side more than the north whereas the need is more on the north side. All right. But we can't there's no way to get a time frame or range for we'll continue to monitor their capital improvement planning efforts on that. Can we can we get Ky McGee or somebody
to maybe maybe move up the timeline on that because I mean we'll reach out to them and see what their timeline is going to be. Okay. I'm just c you know sometimes the squeaky wheel gets some oil. So yeah, I like I like sometimes the squeaky wheel. And also I just want to say thank you for everyone who participated and helped
put on the Fourth of July event. Uh I'm going to make one comment and most of you heard it already. We need to extend that fireworks show a little bit longer and get what we uh thought we got. So uh and that's all. Thank you, mayor. Thank you.
Okay, Councilwoman. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I wanted to, um, congrats to all the parents who are making it through the summer safe and sound. School is going to start very soon. Um, school is going to start very
soon. Hang in there. So, in light of that, we do have several back to school uh school supply distribution events going on. On August 2nd, the city of Homestead will be hosting one uh from, I believe, 4 to 6. Uh but in addition to
that in district five we have community uh members that have come together including uh water stone representatives Victor Vayarades and friends mayor Lazer and family uh South state bank uh impact signs they they've come together to
bring school supplies to the the district 5 community is open to the public. So if you oh this is where the kids give all the backpacks. So that will be from 1 to 4. So, if you can't make it to the city event, uh you can also try to pick up some school supplies
at the Waterstone distribution. Uh and there will also be one in Malibu Bay around the same time frame. So, keep your eyes open for those opportunities and get your school supplies so your kids can go back to school happy. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Bailey.
I was going to share some back to school events as well. So, since that has been done already, hang in there, parents, and enjoy the rest of the summer. Thank you, Councilman Davis. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, again, kudos
to the staff. The hurricane preparedness event was awesome. It was so outstanding and so wellreceived as well. Uh, particularly for the staff. Boy, the flow of traffic was great. These things go south fast when the traffic jams up.
And that traffic between the police and the and parks, the traffic was so smooth going through. It's so easy to say, and it's true, we need seven days of food at home uh for a major strike, right? But it's a whole lot different when you got to buy seven days of food uh in
anticipation of a hurricane strike. So doing this was such an important event and I very much appreciate the the just the professionalism of of uh of everyone. I walked the line a couple times talking to people. They were so satisfied with what they saw. It was a
great event. Uh as your uh government teacher here in in middle school, that community event was awesome and he did uh Kamari did such a great job keeping it together. you know, there's a lot of people that uh had were very passionate
about that issue and it kind of came out of the blue. We didn't see that coming, but that's exactly local government in action. That's exactly what we do and it went really well. I thought it was very well responded to. One thing that's come to my attention uh uh Mr. City Manager
is mosquitoes. Of course, welcome to South Florida, you know, in the summertime, but what are we doing for mosquito control? So, we've had ongoing conversation with the county and uh the challenge is
getting them to be here on a much more routine schedule. Uh the last conversation we had was this afternoon with the director of uh solid waste at the county that oversees mosquito control. Um the last attempt they met
was prior to the 4th of July event that they came out here. They've claimed that they've been in Homestead 21 times since June 15th. My position is going on specific places does not constitute mosquito control.
Mosquito control has to be coordinated and be citywide at the same time. So that's what the I think the profer this afternoon from the director was to let her staff meet with our staff and create a schedule. That's my opinion and that's my expectation and that's my experience
as well. create specific dates, specific locations, coordinate, and have a repeat on a routine schedule. It's not a one-time shot. You're not going to eliminate mosquitoes. While we continue with public outreach, encourage our
residents not to leave standing water. There are several types of plants that uh retain water and these are receptacles for mosquito uh to dwell on. So, these are some of the outreach we have to do on our side while they engage
in mosquito control. Can I add something to that real quick? I'm sorry. I don't mean to interrupt. I got a call from one of my tenants about mosquitoes in their house. And so, I went and visited with them and
we discovered that there was a bathroom they were not using. And in the toilet, the mosquitoes were breeding. So, this is a public service announcement. If you're not using your toilet, flush it once in a while. Cuz I
was shocked. I was like, "Here's your problem." I mean, they were all over that toilet. So, PSA, thank you. So, just to piggyback on that, the county has a special program. If you need fumigation or mosquito control at your specific residence, you can request
for them to come directly to your own home and address that. That's an additional offer that they're making. Yeah. Let's see if we can social socialize that on social media. Yeah. Any further? Councilman, Vice Mayor Fletcher?
Yes. Thank you. Uh Mr. Mayor, uh, fellow council members, um, want to bring the tone down just a little bit. Uh, we've all seen the the terrible tragedy in in South Texas over the last few weeks. Uh, then we see how
our city has responded with with some of these hurricane drives, etc. And I know what we've done in the past, we've we've we we've partnered with cities uh to assist uh with with knowledge and and sometimes supplies,
but more with knowledge uh in regards to, you know, major catastrophes. And I was wondering if we can get a a list of sister cities that we may have. Uh I
don't think we've really done anything other than with uh S Fort Pierce, I'm sorry, Fort Meyers area, Pontagora, I believe. But uh I know we've sent some supplies to North Carolina during their floods. There's also some some knowledge
gaps, you know, that we can get internationally through sister cities. Um, so I I would just ask that we all take a look at uh at what other options are out there for us to get some information in regards to to to to both national tragedies but also to to to
best practices on how we can move forward. Um, so if I could get some type of list of of what we currently have, uh, provide that to the rest of council and and get some ideas on some some other opportunities we may have to to get
those best practices, you know, from anywhere in the world. U, I think there's a lot out there for us. Um, great July 4th event. Uh, walking through the crowds, people are excited.
Uh, entertainment was uh, outstanding. I chose not to go up on the the stage with everyone because I didn't want to take away from the real excitement because I thought I would have been the big deal there. So, we we we we stayed in the background, you know. Um, but uh, the
the overall event was a great event and the mosquitoes weren't bad inside, but as soon as you walked to your car, they were bad. So, uh, public service announcement 311. Again, uh, they are bad. Uh I have seen I've personally seen Miami Dade mosquito control in the southeast side of town like three times
in the last two or three weeks, but that's not enough. So I agree with uh uh what you were talking about getting a a routine schedule. kind of going back to the uh discussion we had with the
the the investor uh here in town with his property. You know, uh the old saying caveat emptor, you know, when you're buying a piece of property. Uh but I look at we we we
reduced their impact $680,000 from their initial fines. Um, my question is one, do we have other properties that have that type of outstanding leans on their properties or code
enforcement fines? And two, what can we do to try and prevent this from occurring in the future? You know, I get it. $700,000 is a lot of money all of a sudden and then, you know, we take 85% of it away. It's still a lot of money at
the end of the day. Uh so what can we do to maybe prevent that from occurring in the future and uh uh the costs are the cost. I know we have to collect we have to pay our employees for their time but uh we have to do something. Uh with that
I wish everybody a happy rest of their July and uh thank you for your time tonight. Mr. Vice Mayor. Yes. So on the question of hurricane preparedness, we recently had a walking visit at the national uh hurricane
center uh chap run by the new city's emergency manager where we exchanged ideas on mutual aid how they going to come in and assist us if there is any inclement weather or flooding in the city. It was very productive. They offered all their technical expertise to
help Homestead. The drive is that we want to make Homestead the epicenter or ground zero for hurricane preparedness based on the special experiences of people that live here and they were very enthusiastic about starting it. This just happened last week on sorry on July
1st. Uh we also a few days ago rolled out Everbridge which is a public notification system of inclement weather. Once you register, if there's any type of storm or flooding or inclement weather coming your way, it notifies you immediately on your cell
phone. It will not stop until you answer the call. It's very annoying, but uh it has been deployed everywhere. It's a way to keep people uh updated that there's something coming your way to seek a safe heaven. Uh we're also hoping that when
we have a health fair sometime in September, we can ask for public donations for victims of the recent flooding in Texas. Okay. Thanks. Hey, Vice Mayor Council, did you have something? Yeah, I just want I forgot to make a mention that those of you that are fans
of Sister Act this weekend, the 18th, 19th, and 20th at the Semino Theater, our local performers are putting on an event they've been practicing for for about three months now. actually went to the auditions and watched them audition. I haven't been to any of the practices, but you're you're always welcome to go
to the rehearsals and see what's going on over there if you want to do that. And then the following week on the 25th, 26th, and 27th as well, I think Sundays they have matineese. I think it start at 3:00. So just go to seminal theater uh I guess is docom or.org or whatever and buy your tickets and go out there and
have a good time. It's a great place to go see a show. Thank you, sir. All right. In the interest of time, Mr. Mr. I think we can represent that the workshop on branding and signage and so forth that had been
set for the 29th will be postponed. However, it is our anticipation as we sit here today that we will use that time slot to bring the formal agreement with respect
to the development of the Homestead Regional Park. So in addition to that, we would like to have individual briefings on that package before you guys consider it at the actual council meeting special call. Okay. On the 29th. So between uh when
once it's finished, I just p my city attorney. He's been working beyond normal schedule uh to see if we can get a package ready. We like to schedule individual briefings before you bring it forward on the 29th for consideration. Yeah. I just want to share you know that
our manager and Mr. Pearl and I had three uh two two very grueling yet productive days of in-person negotiation and move the needle from zero to
not bad. Yeah, as as you all heard the other night in our in our presentation. But that that is the the plan. So we've got some extra time to give your input on the signage and branding issue.
That's all I have and it's not yet 8:30 so we didn't do bad. But do we have a motion to adjurnn? Moved by Councilman Roth. Good night everybody. Thank you.