and then deploys four new business. Are they required to go through a change of use? >> I'll defer the I'll defer the development services. >> Yes, it is required not only by the
city, it is required by the by the building code and it is required by DERM because if we don't comply with DERM, we get fined. As you know, each different type of businesses of business has a classification in the building codes. So
when you change the use, you need to comply with those uh requirements. >> And we started that process. >> So then my question would be has there ever been a change of use issued on this property?
>> Has did they pull a building permit and obtain the permit? Because you do the change of use through a permit. I am not aware of one. >> Okay. So it would the business is still technically operating in violation of the South Florida building code then if
these businesses had not gone through the proper >> changes. I I went through the Asper to >> I don't know what the Asper is. >> The Asper is the administrative site plan review. >> Okay. And and then after that I needed
to get permits to put the property in compliance. as was required by the city and that's when I hit a wall because I could not do that. I could not get a permit as long as I didn't pay the fines. >> No, I I understand all that part. But see
>> see many people who come into this city uh new get caught by the requirements of the South Florida Building Code when it comes to change of use. Okay. But you said you've been in the city as a business person for like 20 years or 25 years, whatever it is.
And so I mean listen I I understand the hardships, right? But you have to admit some fault. You put four different businesses into a property that wasn't properly zoned for
what it what the uses were >> and you've been collecting rents all this time. >> I have to make a living. >> I understand that. But you also have to be in compliance with law. >> And I started that process. I started that process and it was a a
I'm here because I couldn't resolve. >> I understand that's Listen, I get it. We're going to reduce the fine. But what I'm the president I'm trying to set is >> business owners have to comply with state law. >> You can't just do what you want to do on
your property. >> And I'm looking at one thing here. It says you operating with an unsafe structure. You you didn't do your building reertification? >> No, I I didn't. >> So, have you pulled the permits to do your building reertification, have your 40-year reertification done,
>> Mr. Roth? Prior to this process, I went through the 50 40 I had done the 40-year, now the 50-year reertification, and I got that approved. >> Okay. So, the city has the permits and the approvals for the reertification of this building. >> We I have to check.
>> No, I know you all the stamps already. No, it's all done. So I'm just that >> that's whole stuff that you're seeing there that was all put put in compliance and that was done around >> well that can all be verified as well that you are in compliance with the
requirements that the city is requiring. So, um, if I may, Mr. Mayor and Council, um, Madame Development Director, look at exhibit A in the package. It says the compliance date for those unsafe structures and
40-year research was 10 January 8th, 2024. >> Okay. >> So, the backup, >> which one? >> For the 40-year reertification, >> says January 8th, 2024.
And the other one was March 11, 2024. There are three of them. >> January 2nd, January 8th, and March 11. >> It doesn't say it was complied with. It just says the violation period was during that period of time. >> No, no, it says compliance date. >> See that?
>> Yeah. Title. >> That is a compliance state that was provided to us um from the actual building official back in 2024. So, in order for them to comply with the 40-year building reertification, the building official would notify our office saying that they're in compliance with the 40-year building
resertification. >> Does that happen? >> That happened on January 1st, uh, sorry, January 2nd, 2024, March 11, 2024, and January 8th, 2024, as Dr. Zuri advised. >> All I see here is building needed to be
reertified per city of Homestead ordinances. I don't see an actual compliance date. If we go to >> I see the violation period ended, but I don't see where >> on exhibit A, which is on page five, um, where it has the lean table, you'll see the deadline date and the compliance state. It's a a table that was built. It
has the figures and the numbers on it. >> Okay. I would still like to see if the businesses have gone through the proper u change of use through our city and you can't verify that today? >> No. >> No. Okay.
>> So, I would like to see those that information to make sure that the building is in compliance uh in total before we actually make a decision on reducing the fines. >> May I ask a question? >> Thank you. What was the turnaround time uh for staff? Sorry. What was the uh
turn time from when we you know new new director took over to compliance? What was the time period? >> So if I'm not mistaken, it took approximately 3 months uh between when
he reached out after um I started um for him to get the conditional license and get the compliance date. >> Okay. Um, if if we do the 15% of the
amount reduced by the magistrate, that comes out plus the hard cost. That comes out to $10,110 for four different businesses. It's about 2500 per business.
So that's a calculation based on the precedence and dividing that up per business. So >> Mr. Mayor, I'm curious. You've got a look on your face. >> Right. So So I just want to be clear. Uh we're going to look at reducing your
fine. That's not it. We're we're going to reduce your fine tonight most likely. Okay. But I also want to make sure that you know let's don't throw everything back on old staff. We had some competent people. they weren't allowed to maybe do their jobs the right way, but let let's let's give a little bit of benefit to
there were some competent people in place that were actually going out and giving these code violations out. We may not have been following up from the administrative side. So, just wanted to put that out.
Oh, and it in that regard, I think, you know, code enforcement did its segment of the job, but once it got into that area on the first floor, that's where the permitting and other issue,
the circular firing squad began. Um, >> mayor, if I may, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but this is the first time I'm hearing about this case. I've been here six years. The majority of us have been up here for a long time. Had we brought into the conversation, we probably would
got would have had this taken care of much sooner. Not that we should have to have been brought into the conversation, but I I feel like we wouldn't, you know, you would have been able to have a much lower fine if we were, you know, reach out to your council members for help if
you're dealing with issues, whoever, whoever's left to, you know, to come up for discussion. Don't wait until >> I u I reached out to the previous I'm Hi. I'm so sorry. I reached out to the
previous council person and you know you got to go through the process. >> I've been sitting here 10 years. >> Mhm. >> I hadn't heard nothing from you. >> Well, I >> She's been sitting here six years, eight
years. >> Well, I a long time. I I sold >> I have and that was the genesis of the legislation that we passed >> back in June, you know, and meeting with them a couple of times and then, you know, sharing those concerns with the
attorney that you know, you're on the hamster wheel. There was no way to to get off. So that, you know, at least speaking for myself, they they have been proactive over the last what 9 to 12 months probably at least. And before that too, I met with you a couple times
>> and and I I hope that you're not doing business anymore with that real estate agent who put you in this position to begin with because that's happening where you know the the commercial properties are being uh tied with a lease to a tenant that can't even use the the facility for the use that they want it for and then they get stuck in a
year-long battle trying to do a CU or, you know, and thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars. But, you know, I don't I don't think 2500 per business is steep. If you're able to mitigate that with the other people responsible
uh with the with the issue, if you can accept that, I think that's fair for the city. It's fair for the challenge. But >> just to to correct, well, not correct, but point out the you're talking about reducing it by 90% the original, not the original,
but the the magistrate's figure >> 85. Well, just using the 85. >> Okay. So, that's going to be at 10% it's 28,000 >> at 15. At 15 is going to be >> No, I see what the number I looked at here was 57,35.
>> No, no, no. The total amount that they reduced to was $285,925. So if you're going to do the 85% it's going to be in the $35,000 range probably. >> Yeah. The >> So 10% as we did I guess in the last guy
would take it down to 25,5 uh 28,595 whatever whatever the number is. We've been here six seven hours now. So it's getting hard to figure out. >> No the the reduction took it down to 57135
>> per case. per case >> total >> total if you look here mitigation history >> see this >> is on exhibit one >> no is that not >> 285,000 >> so that's inconsistent with the staff report then
>> because the staff the last paragraph of exhibit one talks about that the staff's the magistrates 85% reduction um so is that the the amount outstanding or was that the amount of
the reduction? Big difference. >> So for clarification, the amount of the reduction was the 57,135 plus the hard cost. The hard costs are always non-negotiable of $1,540 which brought up the total to 58,675.
That will that was the offer that was provided during the special magistrate hearing. >> Yes, certainly. I can't turn. Oh, now I can turn my mic on. Um, just something to keep in mind. Also, I'm not a math person, but as we are taking these
inconsistencies into account and pieces that we found unfair, I think we also need to look at the issue itself and not go based off of a total. Just because there are four different businesses involved, it doesn't mean that he necessarily needs to pay four times the
amount the previous person did. I think that the the headaches and the stress of trying to deal with it so long is as a local business owner, right? It it's not necessarily based on the amount
of money that that the lean um or that the business is incurring. Just throwing that out there. if we want to come to some type of term because I'm sure we are going to have quite a few more of these coming before us. Maybe it should be something that
has to do and maybe that's something code and staff can look at. Something that has to do with the amount of time that they started trying to fix the issues looking at previous emails and determining something maybe by year or by month of how long they have been trying to resolve the issues. And not
only that, I think we still don't have the question answered that did they go through the actual change of use for all to allow all those business to be operating there today. >> But that that's not a fine. That's like I might get a speeding ticket going home. >> Yeah. >> You know, so I think we need to stay
within those four corners, but obviously that can of worms has been open now uh and be prepared for uh for that. Mayor, I I would certainly prefer to not put an additional arbitrary requirement
on this applicant. You know, and I get it. The change of use is important, but that's not what we're talking about here. We're talking about this >> and that that fine has not vested. It's not attached. It's anticipatory. >> But is it aren't you supposed to be in compliance in order to get to this
point? I think that's >> we haven't determined that's a factor of non-compliance. our code enforcement and building department have not yet identified that as an issue. So I think we've got to put our blinders on
for the purposes of this discussion with respect to to the certificate of or change of use. >> Mayor, yes. >> And this kind of goes to my argument a few moments ago. We've been going around with this for 35 minutes and we're all
smart people and we got all the facts laid out in front of us. He's been dealing with this for 10 years. Just just assess him thems >> pretty smart people, >> smart staff put it all on paper and we're still messing around with it for
35 minutes or 40 minutes. Assess them the hard costs and move it on is my recommendation. Is >> that your motion? >> It is. Not everyone stands on its own facts. >> I agree. Let's let's definitely cut it.
But what happened with the previous one? Should we not go in line? Not we didn't stick to the hard cost in the previous one. And I feel like the terms were very similar. >> I don't think they had any. >> There were hard costs. >> Yeah. Just >> What was the last one? What was the
total for the last one? >> 10%. >> Right. But what was the total total of what was that 10%? >> $7,100. And the hard cost here would be 12,500 1540. >> I say $10,000 and call it a day.
>> I'll make a motion for to reduce the >> Well, wait. There there's a motion. I don't think it's been seconded. So, every dies. So, let's hear from the council woman >> for the fines to be reduced to
10,000. Oh, and that's inclusive of the 1540, >> correct? >> I'll second. >> Okay. Um, and would you factor in also that six month, you know, work with staff on installment payment? >> Yes. >> To be paid in full, not later than 6
months from >> Yes, sir. >> from today. >> I have a question. With that installment payment, will be will be will I be allowed to go through the permitting? You're compliant with the permit payment? Yes. I mean with the uh installment payment. Yes. I don't see
why. >> Okay. So, we have a motion in a second for uh a lump sum payment not later than 6 months in installments. I mean, we're not going to wait 6 months for payment of uh of $10,000 to resolve this
case. All right. So, let's have a roll call vote. >> Councilwoman Bailey. Councilman Ross, >> yes. >> Councilman Davis, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Abulan, >> yes.
>> Vice Mayor Fletcher, >> yes. >> Mayor Lawson, >> yes. >> The motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And on to the next. Well, let's have a motion to extend the meeting till 10:30. 10:06. >> All right. We've got a motion to extend
at 10:30. All in favor? I >> Yeah. Okay. You lose. And the next for discussion is tab um 19 with respect to 7:30 Northwest 17th Street. And somehow I just had a hunch
that that's that's what you were here for. >> Yeah. >> Ours two. You're in trouble. >> Yeah. Hi, my name is Juan Carl Ro.
I bought this house in 2017 from a man that got burnt by his son in 200 late 2015. It's a famous case. You know, officers here have been there. So, um I bought the house was to Mr.
Rollins. So, Mr. Rollins when we did the closing, I went to um the title company. Title company calls code enforcement to see, you know, how much money do we owe? Nobody can say Mr. Ron told me no it can't be that much because you know what
just happened you know in 2000 late 2015 and 2017 and plus he's a low income and you know he had they were going to give him a break. Well I went that year and uh got the permit. Got the permit. I
thought you know once I get the permit I'm in compliance. You know we knocked down the the house. So we just left two walls. You know, lo and behold, my mom got cancer that year. So extreme hardship I had. You know, my
mom, you know, she was dying. She died in 2019. 6 months later, my brother dies. And uh like 7 months after that, my
sister dies. So, you know, I've been going through a lot of stuff and u nobody told me, you know, nobody cited me and say, "Look, you have a the lean. The lean's going up." I tried to go there a bunch of times. They wouldn't tell me anything. I
have all the emails from 2021. I went to code enforcement myself. I don't know how to do emails. My daughter is the one that that sends them. We send emails. I get nothing back. Nothing back. Nothing back. 2023, a friend of mine, you know, talked, you
know, talked to the and I they told me the the fine was $180,000, something like that. I was like, what? How can that be? you know. So, I just, you know, we I finished the house in 23 and
they gave me a fine. I think $280 something,000. I don't even know how many thousands. It's just it's like insane. They could have gave me a $400 million fine, you know, just and then they bring it down to 189. So, when I went to the front of the
magistrate, I had to explain to them, you know, all my hardship and everything, you know, that I did get the permit. You know, I thought I was in compliance. I go there and the manager saying, you know, once you have the permit, you know, you're in compliance. So, this is all new to me. So, I went in
front of the magistrate. The magistrate gave me 85%. But they didn't give me 85% of what they bring down. It went up again to 200 something,000 to go and give me 85%. That's the most she could give me. Like the young man told me, you know, I can't have to come
in front of you, you know, gentlemen. and um $39,000 in 30 days. How am I going to come up with $39,000 in 30 days? You know, luckily, you know, I I did this hearing and, you know, and they told me
everything stops there. Then you folks could see what's, you know, what's the right thing. I think I should have paid, you know, I I shouldn't pay anything. If I bought the house in 2017, the man's a victim with major hardship,
you know, he's going to get a discount, so I should apply to that discount. I fixed the house up. No more police officers there. The house is the nicest house in the neighborhood. I thought I was going to, you know, I thought I was doing something good.
And, you know, it's just I don't know. It's been it's been tough. So, let me ask whoever either building department or code enforcement. So, as opposed to the last two cases where they
couldn't pull permits to remedy the violations, is it factual that a building permit was issued to rebuild this house notwithstanding all of the pending
violations and leans? It was supposed to be an unsafe structure. So there's no the structure wasn't even there. >> Let's let's hear unfortunately. >> So because of the nature of violation, the work would need to be completed in order to satisfy the violation as it's
unsafe structure in nature. Uh we don't want to just on the basis of a permit being issued. Um there are times where unfortunately property owners drag their feet and just by the issuance of a permit, the work doesn't get done and then you have an unsafe structure um in
the community and and poses a hazard to to the residents and children of the community. Um in addition um the property had to be boarded up twice if I'm mistaken by the department because it was neglected at that point in time. >> Okay. But that really didn't answer my
question. We had the last two cases where we wouldn't issue permits and now the assertion here is is that we did issue yes >> a permit not permits were issued. >> Okay. Yes. >> And then a CO was issued >> so the house can be
>> be occupied. Um during and if you know during the pendency of all these boardups and several years of non-compliance and work not going forward were we sending certified mail notice
and to to what address? >> So per Florida statute 162 all our notices get sent via certified mail to the registered property owner at that property address. uh in this case um since he bought the property in 2017
>> 17 >> 2017 he wouldn't have received the first batch of notices he would only have received the second batch of notices if there are any uh for example the violations that came subsequently in 2018 um he received notices for those via certified mail. Uh but the one for
2015 he would not have received those >> but not at this property address because it was a burned out vacant house. >> Correct. He would have received it to whatever the Miami Day County property appraisal mailing address would have been at that time. >> Okay. And and here's where I'm going
with that. This reminds me of the case last month. I just looked it up on miamiday.gov. This is not homesteaded property. And by the photographs in our package, it looks
like this is a highly occupied flop house in the middle of what used to be a nice single family neighborhood. So, tell me where I'm wrong here. You're an investor from outside of Homestead. You came and you bought this house that
was burned. You didn't board it up. You didn't start the work. Yes, you had a lot of family tragedy, but you were getting certified mail notices somewhere. He's telling me they were signed for. >> You got a permit. Now, you've got a a
rebuild house, but you let it detract from the neighborhood from 17 until whenever the certificate of occupancy was issued. I know. >> And and we taken a very dim view of
folks who aren't in Homestead who are just milking and degrading our neighborhoods. And I don't see anything in this package that tells me that's not what you did here. You turned your back on a house that was a significant danger
even after getting notices. Correct. >> Did I Did I graduate the place? Yeah, it was a burned out house that you even failed to board up after we sent certified notice. So to keep kids safe in a neighborhood safe and to keep
vagrants from camping out in there, the city boarded it up, >> right? It was boarded it up and when I I unboarded it to work on it cuz I had the permit. What are you talking about? I I messed up the house. No, I'm saying that between the time you unboarded it to do
the work pursuant to a permit, >> you failed to secure the house and the city on I think the testimony is two occasions had to secure the property. >> No, no, no. It's not true. That's not true.
>> I never received any any notice at all. >> Do you have your receipt to file? >> Can you bring my signatures? they would be in the case file. We can provide that later. I don't have it. >> May I May I need if we're going to hear these cases, we have to have the
evidence. We need to have the prepar the file prepped and ready to go to answer these questions because we're not trying to add this to another agenda and delay the situation. >> So, if we're going to say we were sending letters certified, we you should we need to have the
>> the evidence because this is a hearing, right? This is this is the in effect it is. >> This is a hearing and we're going to make a decision here and we don't have the evidence to support why the city should be stricter or more firm in their decision. I mean >> maybe the maybe the information is not
in the file or it's hard to get to because of you know the the practices from before fine but it's going to be very difficult for us to hold up a consistent decision if we don't have the evidence that we're that we need. noted if I may add uh per Florida statute 162
uh two components. One is if we receive back the city does a uh certified mail unclaimed >> unclaimed per Florida statue we posted at the property. So that's one caveat. The second one is all these facts are also taken into consideration during the
special magistrate hearing itself where they review the due process and make sure that our violation uh administers and adheres to due process rights. That's understood, but we're hearing it our independently, right? And we weren't we didn't witness what questions they
asked or what information they looked at or what was absent in the file and what may have come to light since then to now. So, it's it's not a it's I'm not saying this as a reflection of the way that you have been prepared in the past, but that going forward, we need to have
a full file available for us. Okay. Well, and certainly that understanding that that was considered at the hearing, but the property owner has alleged that sometime in 2021, he began making effort
and had a handful of emails. Can you locate those? Have they been provided? No, I'm asking my code enforcement director. Have those been located in the city system? Are you privy to them or is this new evidence? >> That is new to me. Those weren't
provided to me. Okay. So I think at this point >> and you need to understand this council at least on the last case >> I gave it to your secretary. >> What's that? >> The whole file. >> I to he's for my district and I gave it to
your secretary sir. But what the mayor is asking for is the received emails on our side. So we're not questioning that what you have was not provided or what you have is not legitimate. We want to we need to validate what you know through our sides
>> and code enforcement needs to see your efforts and we need to know um as as part of of the record that you made made an effort. >> I didn't I did make an effort. >> Okay. But and I'm not you know I'm a little bit insulted what you said that I
came in to milk I'm helping the community make it better a house. take a drug drug infested house and make it a decent place and you're trying to say that it come to me place. Come on. >> Apparently this house sat for several years.
>> Several years 17 I got the permit. I bought it in 17 un unrepaired. >> I bought this house in 17. My mom died. My mom had cancer and died in 19. I I was already repairing the house. I had to take the boards off to take all the burnt stuff out of there.
>> I get that. you know, look at pictures. Now, when I was building the house, when I was building the house with the permit, why didn't they knock on the door and say, "Hey, look, you know what's going on." When I went over there in person and they wouldn't tell me nothing and they said, "No, you have to send an email. You have to send an
email." We sent five, six emails and nobody did nothing. Well, and again, we need to see that in the last two cases that you had to endure with the rest of us, >> we focused in on what efforts had been made to resolve this. Don't hand it to
me. Hand it to the clerk who didn't give it. >> I gave it to them last time. They have everything from last time. >> Okay. >> 21. Everything's there. >> All right. And that's that's something that we need to see. And and in light of that, >> has Sorry. staff has >> I'm sorry,
>> Mr. Mayor. Just for clarity, >> code compliance cannot provide a payoff amount when the property is still in violation. So, the permits were allowed to be obtained by the new owner. The violations were in place prior to his
ownership. He had come to the station. I had spoken with him. I cannot provide a payoff or anyone can when it's a running daily fine until there's a compliance date. So, we can tell you the daily fine amount. We can tell you when the fine
starts, but you cannot project into the future onto when they're going to comply. And that's how we base the level of of reduction. >> So, we he what he was asking for could not be provided >> at at the time he at the time. So, what was allowed was permits were allowed to
be pulled. The work that was done by code to board up the prior home because it was a fire. It was taken care of by code. landscaping I believe was also taken care of by code prior to his ownership. So once he bought the property with the violations on them,
the only thing we can tell you is that it was brought to hearing on such and such a date. There's a lean reported on the property. There's so many dollars a day per fine. The sooner you get it into compliance looks favorable on your reduction. >> The way the code was structured before,
bring your hardship and the things that you that cost to come into compliance and the special master factors that in. That's the only information we're able to provide anyone that has an active code violation. >> Mhm. >> So that's why we couldn't give you a number. >> Mayor, if I may.
>> No, no, no. I get I I I get that. But going forward, his efforts to resolve it after the house was completed. >> Meaning house >> these these alleged emails from 2021 that went unanswered. >> Right. I I can't answer to that right now, but I do remember having more than
one conversation in regards to this property because there's not many properties that burn down in Homestead, >> right? So, >> that was the basis for that one. That one was very remarkable because of the circumstances uh surrounding it. So,
>> we the the what you say to the property owner is the faster you come into compliance, the faster you have to get permits, you have to do this, you have to do that. like we lay the basis and then also to the building official at the time. Hey, this person needs to get permits even though they have
violations. >> Mayor, if >> yes, council, >> thank you. Uh, is is there no way to know a current balance even though it's not a payoff? >> You so that's clarified, right? Okay. Um, with Can I ask >> how much are you renting the property
for? >> How much do you rent the property for? >> $2,800. >> Okay. How much have you invested in repairing the property? >> Not, don't be too exaggerated, but give me a good estimate. >> Couple hundred grand. Okay. I think it's easy to say that he's not going to
recoup what he has invested in this property in any reasonable amount of time. And I would be okay with doing a reduction consistent with what we've done in the past or a flat rate of the 10,000 like we just did to the last one.
But it's not a burned down house anymore. Or if you want to come back and table the item to get more information, we can do that, too. But we got to make a decision one way or another on >> question. Well, given all the cars in
the front yard and the photos and knowing what the market is today, I seriously doubt he's getting $2,800 a month. >> It's a good point. >> We have the obligation to tell the truth. You do not. Okay. Um, go ahead. >> Just one question. >> Yes, Councilman.
>> When was the uh staff, when was the uh CO issued after he rebuilt the property? >> So, the CO was issued on March 17, 2023.
So h how is it possible that we would allow somebody to obtain a co with leans and fines on it? >> It's not a question for you. It's for staff >> defer to development services as the ones that issue that conditional I guess
uh occupancy. >> Okay. There's no answer. >> I was I have no answer. >> Yeah, you have no answer. >> I was not here. I have no answer. I >> I was in your position before, sir. And when I bought the property, prior to
being on council and knowing all the real good stuff about what goes on up here, uh, I accepted whatever leans were on the property. I went to the magistrate, reduced my fine, and I paid it.
>> I did accept it. There's no doubt about it. I accepted in 2017. But once I got my permit and I started building the house, that should stop. So you know, okay, I >> I get the acrruing part of it. I understand that cuz it happened to me as
well. >> And nobody informed me that was getting finedund something. I don't even know how many hundreds a day. Excuse me. Sorry. I would have never built that. >> But sometimes sometimes that's your responsibility. It's not our responsibility. tell me what
>> and and and I'm not I'm not trying to, you know, belittle you in any way, but when you make a purchase on a property, knowing that there's some type of a lean or violation on that, that should throw up a red flag in your head and say, "Ah,
maybe I shouldn't be buying this property." So, now you're down the road. You owed us about what? 20 I don't even know the number. $259,000. >> They reduced it to 183 and now it's been reduced down to it looks like $40,000.
>> $39,400 plus the hard cost. >> Do you see Can you show me where it says? Cuz it says here he was fully aware of the existing code violations and recorded leans, but I don't see the amount of the leans as of the day of what was recorded on April 2017 when he
bought the property. So when we record a lean because when a fine is still acrewing we do not acrue we do not record the amount as of that date. We recruit uh we record the daily acrewing amount as of April 1st. It acrus but it
can be calculated. >> It can easily be calculated. It's visible on the front page of the lean cover sheet where it says from April 1st, 2020 until ex, you know, it's 20 $50 a day or whatever it is until >> Do we know when the when the lean
started to acrue before he bought it in 2017? >> If you bear with me one moment, I'll let you know. >> Thank you. Because that that might just take care of the whole conversation where he pays what the fine cruel amount was at the time of purchase. Well, I
don't see that in here for for review. >> Well, for some reason, it shows the vi the the staff report. >> The second paragraph under the background, it talks about the violation period was November 14th, 2015 through
March 17th, 2023. >> So, it carried on for 8 years >> because of the uh >> I found it in the system. Um, yes, Mayor. Those are the dates of the violation, but the order from the magistrate is what determines the date that the fine actually starts. And the
date it was ordered uh the fine to start is September 23rd, 2016, and it was $100 a day. >> I didn't know that. >> So, that was that was prior to his his acquisition, >> correct? >> But he purchased it with full knowledge
that it was that it existed. So, what's the calculation on that? 365 * 100 that's 36,500. Is that correct? >> It's basically what it's at today. >> Right. Okay. Just doing some maths. >> And but you know and then there are
other violations that occurred new violations that occurred during his ownership that I see one that was cured prior to the issuance of the CO. another one that was cured prior to the issuance
of the the CO. Uh several more that that were all cured prior to the issuance of the uh of the CO. But the fact remains for me that during
his ownership, an unsecured, burnedout house in a traditional single family neighborhood. That's that's my issue.
>> Mayor, would you like to um just have it move to the cow meeting? >> I I think that that's probably in this case the the best best scenario to defer this to the next council meeting. >> So, we're not going to deny your request for a reduction. We're going to defer it
to the cow meeting which is dated for >> November 12th. >> Okay. Couple weeks. I'm always >> But you're not acrewing any more fines on You're always the last one. I'm >> We'll make you first at the couch >> and and >> Well, you go back to my front.
>> Stay at the podium. Sorry. There's There's no way you can reduce that to me. >> We we we want to make sure that we're being fair to the process, to you, and to the >> and to the neighborhood and to the to the to the residents and the taxpayers. We also >> Everybody in the neighborhood loves it. You know, >> I'm sure they do now.
>> Sure. and they loved it when cuz I bought it. If not, it wouldn't have been like that. It would have still >> to accept the staff's recommendation of this fine unless you agree to come back. >> Excuse me. >> I'm going to make a recommendation
>> a motion >> or a motion that we proceed with what's written on this piece of paper in front of us. $40,000 635 38 >> unless he unless you re request the deferral to November 12th. Okay. It
stays at 40,000 until November 12th and then you're going to bring it down, right? >> There's no guarantee that's going to happen. >> But it's going to be at 40,000. >> There is a guarantee that if you don't accept that that we're going to I'm going to make a motion to push this through now and you're going to pay the $40,000. Do you want to come back and take a chance that it's going to be
less? >> Explain to me again. >> Every everyone is tired. We need to defer it until the >> meeting said about 40,000. So he's saying please take our recommendation to wait till November 12th. >> Okay, I'll wait. I just don't want it to
go up more than 40. >> It will not go up more than 40. >> Let's let's be sure. I Isn't there built into these magistrates or masters reductions that payment has to be made within a certain amount of time? >> Correct. >> Is that is that correct?
>> Per the city ordinance after the magistrate's ruling, they have 30 days to make the payment. But uh Kiki told me the moment I I I apply for this it stops. >> Yeah. So where where does that put us in the process though that he's here and we
have moved to to defer that? Does that toll his time period for payment? >> You would like it to toll? No, I'm asking does it what do we need to do so that he does not violate that 30-day
window for the existing reduction? I was under the understanding the moment I applied to see um the >> for this it stops. I stopped cuz I was that's exactly where I talked to your to your secretary Sergio. He told me I told
him look this needs to stop before I go. You know if now the 30 days is going to be over. >> Mhm. >> So I imagine you know it stopped now and then November still stopped and then November we'll make the you'll make the
decision and um that's >> um I think Matt's doing some research on >> pulling the code section, but it doesn't speak to the extension for >> Okay. So, do we have the authority to
build in a tolling into >> We can do whatever we want. >> The council has the discretion to >> eliminate it. So, we'll say that you can toll it. >> Okay. Like I said, >> so so implicit in your motion a motion
who's are you making a motion to defer? >> Implicit in that is the tolling of his deadline to make payment or lose the reduction that's already been granted. >> And just to be clear, we've spoken about the cow, but this will be a special call
so you can actually take the action. Okay. That's correct. >> On November 12th. >> Yeah. Yes. >> Okay. So everybody's clear on what we're where we're going. All right. >> And I don't know if it's appropriate, but I did bring this up during our our discussion is that it would be helpful
to see the minutes from the magistrates's meetings because obviously just like a board would recommend something, it would be helpful to see all the process that went through. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. >> Yeah. So, let's have a roll call on the motion to defer. >> Councilman Roth, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Bailey, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Aula, >> yes. >> Councilman Davis, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Fletcher, Mayor Lawson,
>> yes. >> The motion carries. >> See you next month. And in the meantime, we'll do our homework. Thank you. I think we need another motion to 11. >> Motion to Well, that's been a long time. >> Motion to extend till 11.
>> I got one. >> Okay, you're up. Tab 20. Am >> I? >> Super. All right. Will you all pretty please help me support a breast cancer walk this Saturday? >> Okay. So, no, real quick. It is this Saturday. Um, it is the third annual. It
is by Trayvon Brown with BOL who we know very well. I know that staff is doing wonderful things with helping to standardize things. It's getting a little confusing for me to know what requires a permit, what requires PD. So,
I would really like some type of outline for anyone who wants to put on an event. if they're expecting more than a certain amount of people, it would require PD and you know just the process. First we're gonna acquire the site through
parks, make sure it's available. Then what is the next step? >> Mr. Mayor, >> if I if I can uh I'm going to have a similar request right after this. We have some special event funds that we could use to support these type of events. I I I make the motion we have
staff use those funds to support both of these events, >> especially taking into consideration that we've always done it for nonprofits that are free to the whole community. >> That was a motion. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, but run run by me again. Who's
doing this? What organization is I mean I see a bunch of sponsors here. >> So, it is by Okay. >> Bill. Okay. >> Build your own legacy. You see the thing there? It was one of the mentoring programs. Eight years ago, we met uh a
previous high school student who didn't make the basketball team for eight years now. He has had a very um very successful mentoring basketball team. Um in the last three years, he has some family members and realized that there were some needs in the community to
continue breast cancer awareness. And that is how that started. And this is year three. >> Okay. just and I won't push it now, but the next term when we sit down to make some more policy and procedure decisions,
if we're going to sponsor these events or assist these events, the organizers need to have their ducks in a row with respect to being a not for-p profofit, including filing their 990s. You know, cuz everybody's running around with a not forprofit, but it doesn't mean
they're legit. >> Super. then that's going to also come on this quick and easy term sheet from staff for us to understand and help the community um know what they need to do to be um in compliance. If if I may, regarding the the filing requirements,
the 990s are needed in order to update your a certificate from agriculture to get your soliciting. And I'm tired, so sorry for saying it maybe backwards, but you know what I'm talking about. The solicitation, >> your registration with the department of agriculture to raise money. >> Correct. So if we just ask them for
their regist their certificate of registration with the department of a that is implicit that they have filed their 990s and provided them. Okay, so let me go deeper. Here's a real agenda. I don't want to see a not forprofit where all it does is pay salaries to the people who organized it. Okay, that's
why I that's why I would like to see 990s. >> So, Mr. Mayor and Council, um, we need some kind of guidance in terms of the what kind of support are we looking at? Um, >> so can we look at the special events
fund for >> That's not what I'm asking. The next item actually specifies that the amount is $1,200. This doesn't have any amount. >> We never had an amount before. We were able to vote yes to have the park fees waved. So
that's why I'm wondering where is this $1,200 now coming from. And if there was a similar event two months ago that included the same type of walk, they did not require a special event permit. I'm just confused as to what the specifics are. And I know we're getting there. So,
let's just try to figure that out as far as the events are concerned. >> It would help a lot. >> But this is, you know, not actually handing out money, but waving fees. We're not not handing out money. >> Correct. >> Just for clarity, the way code codes read, governments don't wave fees. What
you do is to authorize staff to pay >> it out of the left pocket and put it in the right pocket. >> Exactly. So, we will pay the fees associated with park and facility rental from the special events funds. We're not waving it. Will pay for it.
>> And then going forward, we do need to look at that because that adds up very quickly. >> Yes, it does. >> So, we need to make sure that we're on the same page with what we are what we are waving and what would trigger those wave waivers. >> So, the direction from council is both
as to Tab 20 and tab 21. >> Can we do both at the same time? >> That's the motion. Yes, sir. >> A motion second. Do we need a roll call? >> All in favor? Any opposed? All right.
And that concludes apparently. I know Mr. Pearl, you need to request an executive session. Very quickly, um I need to request a session in the matter of um Broward County Minority Builders versus City of Homestead CRA case number 2024-015316
in Miami Day County. Okay, let's make it happen. Uh Councilwoman, any further business? You're first. Okay, you we just did yours right now. First, >> she's next. Clemente is gone. You're up.
Manager, do we have nothing? >> We'll come back to this. Are >> you >> No, I haven't gone. >> I'm trying to get out of here. Got >> Me, too. Me, too. Um, >> I just have one thing just to ask staff just in case we uh run into this problem with the uh military and the furlow and
the government shutdown. Do we have any plans in place in case um they run into issues with paying utilities uh with with no torn off situations, things like that? Um, other other places are are are reaching out and asking if they've been
furled. Um, so I just wanted to put that out there. I don't know how long the government shutdown is going to continue on, but I think we need to have something in place in order to um, uh, help facilitate similar I think something we did during CO, but not for as long because this is not going to last as long as CO, I don't think.
>> Yes, council member. We'll look into that. In addition to that, we carried out a couple of recent hires and we gave priority to people who were followed on >> Federal and I just want to say it's been an honor and a privilege to be hanging out with you all for the last 8 hours or some of you for the last 8 hours
>> pretty much. Yeah. >> And uh you know I hope that when we do our state of the city that we come out and support breast cancer awareness as we're all wearing pink or some of us wearing pink tonight uh for the state of the city because I think that'll be a nice little uh send off for the breast cancer awareness in uh this what we do
in the city here. I think that'll clash with my shoes. >> Well, whatever. >> That's all I got. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. All right, Councilman Davis. >> Okay, Councilman Fletcher, I think we already dealt with your Orange Bowl. You're good.
All I've got is that it's the little things that just happen that make a big difference. And I've noticed over the past several days that things are being done routine m the pressure cleaning outside, the taking the scuff marks off
the walls out in the foyer doing a little extra cleaning that needs to be done for tomorrow night when we're going to have a couple of hundred people here who, you know, we need to have our best face forward and all the lights are working. Don't look at them. You'll jinx
them. And uh I you know given that certain prior administrations walked around this building with blinders on and it was like pulling teeth to to get things done. I just want to say thank you Mr. Manager to you and your staff
for uh taking care of those details for tomorrow night. With that, Mr. Man, do you have anything? >> Yes, sir. Have a quite a few for the next one. >> Uh >> move to adjourn. Yeah, tomorrow morning. Tomorrow morning, development services
is hosting uh concage services in collaboration with Miami date county staff to address small businesses and homeowners that are need issues about cus BTR and building permit questions tomorrow morning from 8:00 in the morning to noon
>> and that be added to our calendars. Those are things that we could share with our you know circle of influence. Thank you. Sure. And also the entire next week I will not be available in person but I will be available via phone and email to attend the ICMA conference
in Tampa and proceed to the city of Phoenix Arizona with the vice mayor and the chief to you're welcome to join us. We want to kind of preview their preparation for the NASCAR so that when we come back we have a template on how
to prepare with uh uh the next year's uh 2026 events. We are also going with GMO Santa Cruz from the speedway. >> So remember he's going to be in Arizona so call him at 8:00 in the morning. >> I'm always council Marila loves to call
when she and we have good conversations right. Uh the deputy city manager Kimbran is also going to be out next week. Uh she's going to be on vacation that was approved like several months ago. Uh also the city is conducting the last
sessions of the conversation with the community on the bond program. We have it on the 28th at Fico Williams at 6 p.m. and on October 30th, we will have a citywide uh virtual session at 6 p.m. as well to capture anyone that we missed.
>> Thank you, Council and Mayor. >> I got one more thing, Mayor. It's okay. Council, >> just uh a shout out for staff and everybody at last weekend's fall festival. It was an absolutely amazing event. Um >> absolutely. >> It it I there was a lot more people there. I I I think I spent three hours
there and I've never spent that much time at any of our events. So, Pedro, shout out to your guys, whoever planned that, put this thing together. I think the Seminal Theater had a show Friday night and were able to hook up the the haunted house and if you went to that haunted house, you weren't scared till
you got to the end. That guy jumped out that door and scared the be Jesus out of me. So, uh shout out to you guys and it was a great great great event and we appreciate all you guys did out there. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you. All right, with that I think I heard a motion and a second to
adjurnn. Good night everyone. Thank you. >> The GarcAs learned to be energy efficient inside their home from lighting to laundry and everything in between. But then they started to wonder about how they use water. They found the leak in their toilet by putting a little food coloring in the tank, which showed
up in the bowl within minutes, indicating a leaking flapper valve. This simple fix could save about 200 gall a day or 6,000 gall a month. They use a lowflow shower head and change their leaking faucet washers. So, what about the outside of their home? Once again,
the GarcAs went to work. Now, they save about 150 gallons of water by not running the hose constantly when they wash the car. The EPA says a typical family uses at least 50% of their water, quenching lawns and plants.
Unfortunately, 60% may be wasted because of evaporation or overwatering. So, the GarcAs use a timer, irrigate in the early morning, and use only the minimal amount of time recommended by the local water authority. They've also planted evergreens to provide yearround shade
for even more efficiency of their conditioned air. Now, the GarcAs are a model of efficiency, mega savers of energy and money, and a credit to their community and to the planet. Brought to you by your local municipal electric utility and the Florida Municipal Power
Agency. >> This is from the Homestead Days. Your quick recap of the key decisions made at the September 24th city council meeting. The council accepted 125,000 in grant dollars from the Florida Division of
Emergency Management to harden the city's code compliance and parks recreation and open spaces administration building. The project will result in the installation of impact resistant windows and doors to reduce vulnerability to hurricane damage, strengthening critical city
facilities, and ensuring services can continue and staff remain safe during severe weather events. The council urged Miami Date County to reinvest collected multimodal mobility impact fees generated in Homestead back into transportation projects within the city.
The resolution identifies a list of priority roadway, transit, and pedestrian improvements and calls for a re-evaluation of benefit district boundaries to ensure the money generated stays within our community. By directing these revenues to local projects, the
measure seeks to match Homestead's rapid growth with needed infrastructure, improving mobility and safety for residents and businesses. We are continuing to improve our parks and public spaces. The council approved improvements at Harris Fields Park Pavilion. These improvements include the
epoxy flooring installation of designated areas and the purchase of nine large commercial fans for the park pavilion. These upgrades will enhance durability, comfort, and safety at the heavily used community facility, extending its lifespan, and improving the experience for residents during
recreational activities, rentals, and events. The council adopted the citywide signage initiative, approving designs for wayfinding, trolley stops, gateway, parks, facilities, and parking signs along with the locations for new gateway
signs. The resolution also established an official city color palette and authorized the use of an alternate circular city logo with rules regulating its application. Together, these measures create a unified signage program that improves wayfinding and
traffic safety while strengthening Homestead's civic identity and brand. Don't miss the next council meeting and follow us on social media to stay informed about the decisions that impact you. Reason Please join me in the pledge of
allegiance to our great country. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
left. >> Thank you. You may be seated. Now, I want to acknowledge a dignitary I miss. We have commission Florida City Commissioner James Gold here with us as well. And now I'd like to welcome Homestead Miami Speedway Track President GMO Santa
Cruz. As an anchor employer and proud partner of the city of Homestead for over 30 years, we're honored to have him here to share a few remarks. >> Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor, council members, honored
guests, thank you so much for the invitation for allowing me to be here tonight. It is truly an honor um for me to be here. Uh I joined this community just over a year ago when I started at the track. Um and I can't tell you the
impact that has had on my life. I took the job in part because of the opportunity to engage with this community, the opportunity to give back to South Florida in general, but in particular to engage here because as I
said to my future employers at the time, the future of South Florida is here. And that is not an opinion, but it's just a statement of fact. South Florida can only really grow in one direction and that direction is south. So I know
the state of the city is strong. I know it's because of the work that you all do, the chief, the police officers. I often joke that I know every officer in Homestead. So if I got a little fast sometimes, cut me some slack. Um we had
a great partner in the city, great partners in all of you. Zoe, who's been wonderful with me since the day I started. And as I think about Homestead and the future of of South D in general, I am incredibly excited to be able to be
a part of it. Next year is going to be a key year for South Florida sports. It's going to start with the Orange Bowl, as it usually does. It's going to have the National Championship game. is going to have the NHL Winter Classic, the World
Baseball Classic, the Miami Open, the Grand Prix, FIFA World Cup, but the crowning event will be the last one, NASCAR Championship Series Weekend right here in Homestead.
That is such a big deal. It's a big deal for us. It's a big deal for me personally. I came to Homestead with a goal of bringing championship back. I was very open about it from the get-go. My very first day on the job. I had to do a press conference and the question
came up. Are you going to try to bring championship back? And I said, and I I hate to quote myself, but I would be an idiot if I didn't try to bring championship back. So the fact that we had the support of this community, the fact that we had the support of NASCAR,
of the drivers, or the teams, of everybody is a very big deal. It represents not only a a commitment from the from NASCAR and from the sport in Homestead and in Homestead Miami Speedway, it represents all sorts of
things. Think about it. Weekend, November 6, 7, and 8, 2026. Friday night, crafting uh truck series on Fox. Saturday afternoon, Xfinity series,
which by then will be called the O'Reilly series on the CW. And then Sunday afternoon, NBC, The Blimp, all the cameras, all the people, the
attention of the sport right here in Homestead. Next week, I'll be out in Phoenix for their championship. There's a few of us that are going to be out there and we we'll be there to see what they do, what
they do, right? And I have to say, they do a fantastic job. But racing here, as I always say, is racing in paradise. The bar has been set high, but I know we're going to meet it and we're going to do a fantastic job
and it will reflect and I'll give all of us an opportunity to shine and to and to really enjoy being you know the focus of the industry for for that for that weekend and then moving forward for years to come. We are looking at any
number of things for us to do moving forward. We look at our land and how can we develop it for the betterment of this community. We look at the sport and how can we be more engaged. We look at Day County Public School System that we partner with. How can we work more
closely with them? Beverly, thank you. Miami date college. How are we going to partner with them? We already do. What else are we going to do? Same thing with FIU. We are very much committed to this community. I spend a lot more time here
than I do where I live. I truly believe in the future of Homestead. I am honored to be a part of it. I know the future is bright. I know the state of the city is strong and I'm incredibly happy to be here. Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. You guys heard that
right. November 2026. I want everybody here in Homestead celebrating. Right. And now it's time for the man of the hour. Please welcome Mayor Steven D. Lawner for remarks.
Well, thank you. I really appreciate that. And uh thank you to Pastor Harden, the honor guard, Councilman Davis, and whose idea was it to give this guy a microphone tonight? I Okay, he gave me the state of the city
and what's coming. We're We're good. Um, two non-teleprompter items before we get started. Um, I want to, uh, recognize my mother who's here. She's been doing these for a long time.
And, uh, I want to thank former mayor Rosco Warren for being here. He respects the office of the mayor and this community. And I remember one time I think a a history professor in college
once said that we are all a reflection of all of the people that we've ever spent time with in our lives. And I find myself conducting meetings here and well let me back up. You know, I sat on the
dis with Mayor Warren for six years from 2001 to 2007. And from time to time as we're doing meetings, I catch myself thinking that I'm channeling Rosco that uh you know,
as we used to have a lot more meetings every month than we have now. So, we spent a lot of time shouldertoshoulder. I didn't say in agreement, but I said shoulder to shouldertosh shoulder. but you always a gentleman and we walked out
friends and colleagues and and dedicated to the betterment of of this community and I thank him for uh for being here tonight from among all of all my predecessors. So, we got this really good deal on this
teleprompter. Somebody said it was surplus from the United Nations. So, some of you will get that, others of you will will not. So, we're going to try out this new technology because my memory went with my hair sometime a few
few years ago. So, so we'll try it out. But again, good evening and welcome to the room where the decisions are made. So, let me first thank and recognize the mostly unsung heroes of our city. all of
our directors, our staff and work crews who keep our streets safe, the lights on most of the time, the water flowing, and our toilets flushing. As a result of the sea change election in 2023,
our family of city employees is no longer burdened by the status quo of the past. Under the leadership of city manager Ahaqaba and Chief Knap, there is a sense and a confidence among those who
serve you that advancement through the ranks is based upon merit and performance rather than personal loyalty. It is a loyalty to this community. But most of all, I want to thank our residents and business owners
who are here tonight because it is for you who we work hard each and every day. And we gather tonight to look forward. But we must learn from where we have been to take the best path ahead.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the contract for the construction of the sports performance hub at Homestead Regional Park, which will include the new home of our historic Homestead Rodeo. The lessons learned from decades of
false starts and lopsided agreements taught invaluable lessons and enabled us to reach a comprehensive and fair understanding. and most importantly deal with our partners, a fair deal with
our partners who understand and most importantly respect our community and its people. In short, the state of the great city of Homestead is strong. The city and its residents, for the
first time in decades, benefit from an honest, professional, ethical, and truly focused management staff. And while there is not unonymity and nor there should be, your mayor and council, each
from their own unique perspective, seek the same goal for your homestead, a separate, distinct, and unique place to call home. through a complete overhaul of internal
protocols and procedures supplemented by the latest technology to streamline and more efficiently deliver public services. We are prepared for the future. A strong and stable future can only be built upon a solid foundation of
understanding of our shortcomings, the knowhow to address them, and financial responsibility. In addition to the modernization of policy, procedure, and systems to better serve you and stabilize all operations,
all manner of infrastructure will be tackled. The foremost being roads, water, and wastewater. For the first time in the history of our city, we will be assisted by a professionally guided
and publicly shaped strategic plan for transportation, roads, parks, and all other infrastructure. We are now positioned to be laser focused on the most important issues rather than act in
a reactive and unfocused manner. Your council has established a trust fund to set aside windfall amounts currently in excess of $9 million set aside and dedicated to parks and
infrastructure. As of October 1st, our financial reserves are in excess of $30 million, nearly twice the amount recommended for a city of our size. Your city of
Homestead underwent a Doge review several months ago with no negative findings. We were in the first wave of reviews and passed with flying colors. So, looking into the coming year,
Homestead will undergo monumental and positive change. A recap of accomplishments includes the establishment of Midtown Homestead, the home of Miller Ale House, Shake Shack, Kurabas, Bonefish Grill, and First
Watch. The world's largest and southernmost flanigans will break ground soon. And the line Yes. And the lines are moving quickly at our long awaited Chick-fil-A.
They are. They are. Over half a million square feet of commercial warehouse space is completed or under construction in the park of commerce. Among the many businesses to be housed there will be the developer and manufacturer of
aerospace technology, satellites, and classified Department of War projects. This will draw more high-tech jobs and industry to homestead, diversifying our economy and enhancing our job base. At
long last, at long last, the county has approved major roadway improvements in Homestead, funded in large measure by impact fees paid by the developers to the county from their homestead projects. A bypass
for wastewater was envisioned and completed in less than one year after languishing for untold years under prior management. The completion of this effort paved the way for nearly 20 new
businesses to open with just one simple fix on time and on budget. By this time next year, phase one of our Homestead Regional Park will be nearly complete. Championship auto racing returns to
Homestead in November 26. We can expect up to 50,000 fans while millions across the world will have their eyes on Homestead, where the world's greatest driver will be crowned right here in
Homestead. Homestead Station is now under new and visionary ownership that knows our community and is here for the long term. Expansion of economic drivers continues. Homestead Hospital will double in size
with additional beds and new treatment options in a building to be located just east of the existing facility. The palace, a premier ALF system in South Florida, will also double its capacity and add new levels of care for
our elderly, not to mention create hundreds of new medically related jobs. The nearly $9 million in federal funding for the complete renewal of downtown Chrome Avenue and Washington will at long last be deployed to replace and
widen sidewalks, provide unique and sufficient lighting, street furniture, and landscaping. Our downtown can and will be a hub for family and adult amenities and entertainment that will
come to pass. But while we look to the future with optimism and excitement, there are forces that remain largely out of our control that threaten to blur our very clear and shared vision for Homestead. Over the past couple of years, our power
of self-determination to do what is right for our community has significantly been eroded, primarily through legislative action in Tallahassee, but also at the county level. For example, under the latest
live local act amendment, except in very limited circumstances and under strict conditions that are virtually impossible to meet, we are now procluded. Every city in the state is now procluded from
any future building moratoriums. Nor may we prevent the demolition of historic structures or churches to make way for high-rise highdensity subsidized apartments that do not require public
input or council approval. However, we saw this coming and we took action to ensure that our neighborhoods and commercial areas are protected from this mandate from above in Tallahassee.
A housing crisis is no excuse to degrade our existing neighborhoods or erase our downtown. Your Homestead Council remains vigilant in that vision. In spite of our continued growth,
Homestead still feels like and m and remains seen as a hometown community. We continue that spirit with bigger and better events and celebrations such as the Halloween fall festival, an Easter egg hunt, holiday and homestead,
Veterans Day parade, rodeo, and fourth of July race to the 4th. And it's my deep pleasure tonight to confirm that during the holidays, there will be two months of outdoor ice skating in Lawner
Park. This will be a permanent feature and become a new homestead tradition. Over 3200 square ft of real ice. A 40 by 80 ring
will welcome kids and kids at heart in the tropical outdoors of downtown Homestead. Now, if that doesn't draw people to Homestead for a two-month period, I don't know what will. And uh I'm not saying I'm going to put on a
pair of skates, but uh I'm going to love watching that. We've taken the lead in South Florida to celebrate and commemorate the 200th anniversary of our nation's independence. Our unique logo appears on our water towers, city
vehicles, and an area rug. As July 4th, 2026 draws near, you will see more flags, banners, and patriotic decor throughout our community. Homestead will host the first premiere
Fourth of July event in 2026 with a spectacular fireworks show and musical performance by internationally known talent. And yes, sponsorship opportunities are available for that.
We will soon implement our plan to brand and identify our city in a positive light. The placement of consistent and unique signage will let visitors know where they are and who we are. We are no
longer a small town and no campaign promise can change that. While we enjoy the hometown feel and legacy events of the homestead past, we must accept that to step fully into our role as the
capital city of South Miami Dade, we cannot rely solely upon impact fees or state and county assistance to provide funding for our needs. We must control our own destiny. So for those here who
have the sacred right of a vote in a homestead election, I ask you to use that vote to support the bond initiatives your city council has unanimously placed on the ballot so that Homestead
can be the city that we all envision, desire, and deserve. So, as I was made to promise not to deliver another 28-minute address like I did last time, let me begin to close. Hint hint, food's coming up.
Let me begin to close by acknowledging that we recognize your primary concerns are a safe, clean community with fewer traffic snarls. And I guess that's the understatement of the night. But to that end, we have funded this year eight
additional sworn police positions in this budget, bringing the total of new officers funded since 2020 to 32. Now constituting a force of nearly
150 sworn police officers when the eight new positions uh are are pinned with their badges and and turned out on the street. Under under Chief Knap, we will have the best trained and qualified police force
in South Florida, bar none. I know that that will happen. New rules have been enacted to help our code compliance officers quickly prevent, sight, and most importantly remove violations throughout our our community.
So before the arrival of Zary's manager, ironically officially on April Fool's Day in 2023, right? One day he's going to look back on that and say, "What was I thinking?" If you were standing near an exit to this building at about 5:01
p.m., you were likely to be trampled by staff all leaving for the day. That is no longer the case. Our people are here working for you with purpose and a sense
of accomplishment. In every cubicle from the first floor to the third floor, there is a new spirit among our employees in this city. So, I say that to say this. None of that
which has been accomplished in the last year and a half and what I know we're going to accomplish in the next couple of years would have been possible or will be possible without the dedication of our loyal and hardworking city
family. So tonight, I want to thank their families for sharing them with us through many late nights and some days of uncertainty as the transition occurred. The same must also be said for the families of my elected colleagues.
We owe them thanks and gratitude for their support of your council members. Without family support, what we do would not be be possible. So, as your mayor, I give thanks and
gratitude for my ability to serve you. All of that is due to my wife, Lori, who has stood by me in all my public endeavors, whether elected or not. But through thick and thin, in defeat and
victory, and in the face of obstructionism by those who put themselves over the good of the city, she has stood firm in my side and has endured it all with grace and dignity.
Thank you, Lori. Not easy behind closed doors either. Homestead. The future lives here. Good night and thank you all. So, please, as we close, enjoy the food
and drink. Plenty for everybody. I know I'm going to get hung up in here taking pictures, so please leave me a few coconut shrimp and and bites of a couple of things. cuz I don't think I got anything last time we did this, but to our manager, to our staff, to everyone
in this building who came together to help put this together tonight, thank you and thank all of you. Good night. Air flow was hardly a strong suit in the Johnson home. And no wonder. Their dirty filter made their system work harder and
run less efficiently. And their duct work was an even bigger problem. The leaks in the duct raised their energy bill by a whopping 30%. Then there were leaks in their doors and windows, like throwing good money into the wind. But the Johnson's got in the no with their
airflow. They change or clean their filter once a month, sealed the leaks in their ducks, cocked the windows, weather stripped the doors, and put solar screens or window film on the southwest and eastern facing windows. They even tilt their horizontal blinds up in the
summer to reduce the heat impact from the sun and leave them open in the winter to let the sun and heat in. Now everything at the Johnson's is tight and all right. Brought to you by your local municipal electric utility and the Florida Municipal Power Agency.
Homestead came together for a healthier future. Our first annual community health and wellness fair was a huge success. Hundreds of residents joined us for free screenings, wellness education, family fun, and resources to stay healthy all year round. Thank you so
much. Thank you to the city. Thank you to all of the volunteers that were here today. It was amazing. Me and my family had a blast. Okay. My mom danced the whole way through and so we're super super grateful for events like this and super grateful um for the hands that pour out into the community. So excited
for the next one. Thank you guys so much. >> Thank you to our amazing healthcare providers and community organizations for making this possible. Together we're building a healthier homestead. Stay tuned for more community events at homesteadfl.gov/events.
On Saturday, July 12th, the city of Homestead came together to help families get ready for hurricane season. At Harrisfield Park, the city distributed 1,000 necessity kits to residents packed with essential supplies. Thanks to the incredible support from our community
partners from early morning, cars lined up for blocks in a smooth and safe drive-through format that ensured everyone stayed in their vehicles while volunteers loaded kits directly into their trunks. The response was overwhelming. We distributed all supplies, a clear sign of just how much
this support was needed. This event was a huge success. Thank you to our partners, Global Empowerment Mission, and thank you to our partners, Farm Share, as well as our sponsors, United Healthcare and Neighbors for Neighbors. Together, we're ensuring residents are ready for hurricane season. For more
tips, visit homesteadfl.gov/preparedness. >> Good evening everyone and welcome. I'd like to call the city of Homestead special call city council meeting to order. Today is July 30th, 2025 and it
is now 5:38 p.m. Madame Clerk, could you please call the role? >> Councilwoman Aila >> here. >> Councilman Davis >> here. >> Councilman Roth >> here. >> Councilman Canaval >> here. >> Councilwoman Bailey >> here. >> Vice Mayor Fletcher >> here. >> Mayor Losa
>> here. Right. Very good. Our uh first and only order of business tonight is uh car number 4685 VSGS agreement for Homestead Regional Park. So, Mr. Pearl, if we go ahead and read the resolution into the record.
>> Yes, Mr. Mayor, this is a resolution of the city council of the city of Homestead, Florida, approving the ground lease agreement and development agreement between the city of Homestead and VSGS Facilities LLC, a Florida limited liability company for the development, construction, operation of a multi-purpose sports facility, stadium, sports academy, and related
improvements. authorizing the city manager to execute the agreement, providing for implementation, and providing for an effective date. >> Thank you, sir. Mr. Manager, I understand the city has a uh brief PowerPoint presentation providing an overview, or did we want to have the uh
proposed developer come first? >> Okay. Uh good afternoon, uh mayor and council. Tonight the administration is happy, pleased and uh
willing to guide the council through the presentation of the VSGS agreement for the Homestead Regional Park. It has taken us quite a number of weeks of intense and uh interesting conversations and
discussions and negotiation. I salute the dodgesness of the of the negotiating team on both sides and more especially the patience that everyone exhibited and the conviviiality as well as the professionalism. Thank you everyone for
this successful end to a quick fedious and compelling negotiation. something of high complexity was accomplished in a very short period of time. That is unheard of. In a previous negotiation I was involved in in city of Miami, it took close to 18 months. Uh but this
team was able to get it through to the finish line in less than 2 months. Uh having said that, recall that on May 9th, the city administration received a letter of interest from the developer team and we was presented to council on
May 28th as a discussion item and for direction. Mayor and council directed a negotiation to proceed comprising of myself, the city manager, the city attorney, Mr. M Po, as well as the honorable mayor, Steve Lner. tonight is
the product of that long winding and uh compelling negotiation and I'm happy to report back that we have a product and a draft list that we can all live with subject to any other extinating
circumstances that was going to come up beyond today. Mr. director. So, I'm going to ask the the developer team to step forward and uh pro, you know, provide us a quick overview.
>> Is a mic on? Is there a mic on? >> Ah, okay. >> Perfect. Thank you. Hopefully I used it correctly. Well, good evening, Mayor Lawler, members of the city council, Mr. Manager. Um, my name is Dennis Carbell.
I'm with Acre LLP Law Offices at 98 Southeast 7th Street, uh, Sweet 1100 Miami, Florida 33131. I'm joined by my colleague, Christopher Penellis, and our client, uh, the CEO of ESGS, Dio Salah. Um, and also part of our team, Jackie
Carmona. And um before I begin, some acknowledgements are in order. First, uh we would like to thank the uh South Dade Economic Development Council for really bringing this all together. Um and also
the South Dade Chamber of Commerce for their support. Uh the Homestead Rodeo Association who have uh worked with us and we have a letter of support from them that I believe is in your package, but if not, we can distribute it to you. Uh and also the Homestead Reserve Base. uh which has been supportive and we will
continue to work closely with them as we go through the land use and uh permitting processes assuming that you all approve of our lease tonight. Uh and of course I'd be remiss if I did not thank uh city manager uh Mayor Lawner um
special shout out to uh Mr. Pearl. Um but uh the mayor and the city manager drove a hard bargain and worked tirelessly with us including through the last weekend to uh bring this in for a landing. So I just want to give you some very brief highlights of the deal for the
Homestead Regional Park. First the lineup of who uh who you're entering into an agreement with. Uh this is a dream team of professional athletes and entrepreneurs with championship experience in soccer obviously uh
tennis, basketball and football. And uh Mr. Sal as I mentioned is here tonight. Now this is the site plan that we showed you on May 28th. This is what we have been working towards uh for the last two months and uh it has not changed from
what we had shown you before. Everybody seems to be happy with this site plan. Um, and so we just wanted to show it to you. Again, this is going to be an excellent project for the city. Um, just uh with lots of public amenities
and uh um the stadium uh hosting both soccer and rodeo and hopefully lots of other events. And just very briefly to highlight the major lease terms, um we will be providing guaranteed public access to
the fields improvements. Uh we will be paying rent in accordance with the uh schedule that's provided in the lease. We have shared revenue streams with ticket sir charges uh hotel room charges um and shared revenue in naming rights
and participation in capital events if there's uh any kind of assignment or or transfer of ownership. There is uh guaranteed city use of the stadium itself for up to 3 days. There is uh 7 days of guaranteed use for the rodeo for
the uh the Homestead Championship rodeo. We know that that's an important annual event for the city and we want to honor that tradition. Uh and uh we will be of course uh paying taxes and subject to the uh construction timeline that's set
forth in the lease. And the city will be getting what we believe to be very significant economic benefits, approximately $275 million in the value of the improvements alone. Uh in addition to 4,084 construction jobs, 513
permanent jobs after stabilization, um we will of course be paying a building permit and uh we anticipate significant impact fees to the city and payment of taxes to the uh the city and the county. Um and we are thrilled to be
able to bring this transformational project to Homestead. We are here and available to answer any questions you may have. Uh and we thank you again for the opportunity to do business. >> Thank you, Mr. Corbell. Appreciate it.
Um just for you know setting the stage. Um let's go ahead and have um any questions or comments from council. Um randomly I'll start. Councilwoman Aavala, would you like to kick it off?
>> Thank you, mayor. Thank you to staff and for um our mayor for putting forth tremendous effort to to make this happen. Um in light of what I see as probably a home run, pun intended, but um a home run for the city of Homestead.
I do I do think that this is a a legacy another legacy for the LNER family and the east side will be internally grateful to have this kind of amenity uh for for our districts and and citywide. I do appreciate the efforts of um our
parks department working with AYSO with Keysgate Charter High School and uh other programs so that we can make sure that nobody's left out in in the remodeling of of what our programming will become as a result of this of this
endeavor. And um I I think all of the questions that I had, I was able to get those addressed during our briefings. Um maybe one question that I'd like to have some clarification on would be regarding the maintenance of the park in general.
Are we going to um you know have the same standard and uh maintenance practice when it comes to fumigating landscaping things like that? Is there going to be any difference between the fields that we use more versus less or is the entire park going to be taken
care of 100% professionally all the time? the entire park and all of the amenities will be taken care of at the same level by our client because it's it's a shared use. >> Very good. Uh for now, I'm going to rest with that. I'm sure more questions will come up, but I'm very excited to see this happen.
>> Councilman Davis, >> thank you, Mayor. As my colleagues, I'm just so excited um to see this happening. We used to live in the condos right next to the old stadium. We'd walk by there, my wife and I, under unused, you know, and it feels underutilized.
And this is just great to start getting that focus back to that area. It's wonderful. I did have three things I just wanted to bring up and I think are very simple. Um, I understand the uh the hours for uh the kids to play in the uh
in the various fields up until 10 o'clock at night. I got it. What about summertime or are or do city uh Mr. city manager, do we have appropriate number of fields and things for the kids because they won't be able to play there during the uh same daytime hours? Do we
have enough field space for the young people when school is out? And does that also include like uh redeveloping Harrisfield, you know, in the future? What how are we going to work that out? >> Um I I'll tell you the from the perspective of the lease, the public access schedule is uh the set throughout
the year. >> Correct. And it's very I'm not disputing that. Um, I'm just saying what do we do with with summertime kids? >> I just want to make sure uh the school that we plan to do the presidential academy is going to be in vacation and holidays as well. So,
>> excellent. So, we keep we keep the kids in sports. There you go. >> Um, >> the second issue I had, again, very minor, uh, when you look at the games that are played there, frequently they go past 10 o'clock and they're rain delayed or overtime for a soccer game, what have you. Um, so we we are in a
place where we can we can keep the lights on, you know, even though we don't own that park anymore, but we're going to we're going to keep the lights on till that last game is is done. >> We will of course after that kick, you know, get out, go home, kids, go home. Um then the final thing that I had and
this may be in the form of of a resolution um to ensure that there's some type of a morals clause when it comes to sponsorship so we don't have the same problem that Miami Day County had with the with the heat arena you know >> I'm familiar with and I get it we'll
probably end up having you know Bud Light Field or what have you but when when something comes of that negative caliber can we have that in the form of a resolution or agreement to make sure that that is in the contract right up front that we're just not going to have that kind of problem.
>> We're we're we're amendable to that and I think uh I do want to reserve on say the Bud Light sponsorship but um you know I understand where you're coming from and yes we're >> indeed I would visit the Bud Light sponsorship u but you understand where I'm saying we just don't want to have that embarrassment not only for your organization but for the city.
>> Of course. Of course. >> So what is our resolution to that? Are we doing a Are we doing a resolution or are you committing to that in the >> We're we we're committing to you this evening. We will not uh solicit any kind of uh I guess adult uh type of sponsor,
adult entertainment sponsor. So I think council member Davis uh the administration is going to work with the city attorney's office of course with the developer team >> to ensure perhaps language is inserted in the lease that gives us that ability to make sure that there's no uh such
extraneous uh naming cl you know opportunities that arise uh I'm sure they're willing to accommodate that uh that Mr. Dario SA stands up. Who is the CEO of? >> We always in this negotiation we work with a common sense first and reward
things and park is going to be for the kids and the family. So we're not building a casino. So >> Okay. Thank you very Mr. Mayor. That's all I got. Thank you very much. >> Very much council. >> I want to make sure you're not the last one as usual.
>> Thank you, mayor. Um actually I don't have that much. Um, I like what I see. Uh, it's it's very beneficial financially to the city. Um, Councilman Davis mentioned the hours and I had mentioned those in our in in my briefings as well. And you mentioned
10:00, but in reality it's 9:00 in the agreement. And I think we need to explore extending those hours during the week because professionals like to get out later at night and play on the fields that are lit at night. And I think the weekend hours at 8 o'clock uh
should be expanded as well. Is there a reason that the cuto off times were set at at these times? >> We don't have a problem. We also understand at night at those time is where the adult league is going to run
the co soccer baseball. And I I I believe Councilman Roth that that's a reflection of what our general park opening and closing hours are now. Certainly, you know, as from the developers perspective, you know, they
don't contemplate being there at, you know, 9:30 or or 10:00. And, you know, we we can make those adjustments as necessary in the final table. It's it's certainly not an issue for the proponent. That was kind a reflection of our in-house practices now.
>> Sure. And I understand that and as we evolve into this complex is going to take some evolution as well to adjust the hours and times. This is these are all lighted fields. We don't I don't think we had the benefit of any lighted fields except for maybe
>> Harrisfield baseball >> and maybe some softball fields. So, I think um as long as it's not a restriction, >> you know, I I I just want to make sure that >> the citizens get to utilize the park as much as possible. >> We will encourage that.
>> So, I I just >> I appreciate it, but I just want to see it in writing. I just want to just make sure that it's been brought out. So, I mean, besides that, you know, um I enjoy the fact that um the rodeo is going to have a a new permanent home for the next
75 years. actually about 90 years I think according to this 80 years according to this agreement. >> So they'll get about 77. >> So um you know it's I mean as long as it it works the way it's been mapped out
I'm I'm I'm I'm hoping it's a blessing and we all benefit from it as a city and as developers. So thank you mayor. >> Thank you Councilman. If I may before councilman uh Canava jumps in, I think the rodeo folks actually submitted a
letter of support. Uh there is also a draft attached to this list that outlines some of the expectations >> that is going to work towards to thank you the home association. They were
>> um very open and really creative and finding solution and they can find in BSGS and our PH project. Yeah. >> Um a a true partnership. I think we we understand the tradition and the culture and we were open to to discuss their
high level term and we come to an agreement. >> Okay. And again we were very mindful and they've been at the table virtually from the beginning of these uh these discussions. >> And theou should have been uh in your package. We we had it executed and
submitted. It was Yes. Okay. Perfect. >> Thank you, Councilman Cannibal. >> Yes. I'm going to say something today. I am very happy with this deal. Very proud of this deal. Okay, this is all positive. I want to congratulate the city manager
and his team and Matt Pearl. Amazing job. Okay. So, you're going to have to tell the clerk to do when she's for to do the minutes what you just said. >> Okay. >> Today, understand
that it councilwoman. >> Thank you, mayor. Well, I definitely do not envy any of the parties involved in this. Um, I appreciate how far it's come. Um to the developer, thank you for really looking at the pieces of
Homestead that are really important to us. Um the hours of operation was one of the first issues that I just wanted to make sure um that the residents did have those opportunities. And we have amazing
talent here in Homestead. So I'm just so excited for all of our youth also to have more opportunities than they've ever been able to have close to home. Um, all my all my questions were answered during during our briefing. Um, just to
continue the puns with knocking things out of the park. Um, just a reminder to staff, the only piece that I'm sad to see not here is that track. So, just as you guys are continuing to do amazing work, just please look for land that we might be able to do something with with
a full full >> continue focus a full size track. >> Hopefully, we can make it possible. Thank you. >> We're hoping that's part that is part of the parking parcel. >> Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you. And I'll just let me say that as a result of the meeting that the manager and I had with the charter
school representatives recently, yes, this week, yesterday, um it appears to be a real possibility. Certainly, the field that was proposed, you know, in the oval in that option is is very
appealing to them. perhaps is is programmed largely in space that they are not utilizing that they have the right the non-exclusive right to use. >> But by having the track overlaid there, it could be done with minimal uh you
know reconfiguration of of their stacking and parking and pickup and drop off. So, uh, you know, that that's a very recent development that that's could be re re-imagined into into this site plan. Mr. Vice Mayor.
>> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and colleagues. Uh, this is an exciting day for Homestead. Uh, this is a big deal. This is a $275 million investment into our community, the great city of Homestead.
um that uh you know at one point was going to be a bond issuance for us to build a a park for the east side of town and now we're going to realize this beautiful facility and the potential benefits for a long
time. Uh it's it's truly remarkable to hear the manager, you know, express his gratitude of the mayor being on the negotiating team as well as uh the uh the omen's work that uh Mr. Pearl did.
So uh along with your team uh to uh come to this agreement. It's uh an exciting day for Homestead and um I'm just looking forward to you fasttracking your current schedule to make this bigger, sooner, and better. >> There we go. >> Uh all my questions were were basically
answered during our uh briefing and had a conversation today with uh the folks from the charter school as well and they're just uh wanting to make sure that they get some access to the facilities as well for the use of their kids. So, I think we've come to that
agreement and uh we're well on our way and uh Godspeed. >> Good job. Thank you. >> Hey, so let me give the opportunity for the public to weigh in on on this matter that's before us. Do you have anyone online? Hey, let's go ahead and do the
online folks. >> Uh yeah, we have Ram online, >> right? Ram, go ahead. You've got the floor. Three minutes. >> All righty. Thank you, May. Can you hear me? Just want to make sure >> we can hear you loud and clear.
>> All excellent. Thank you. I just want to say um I'm too am excited to what's coming to to uh Keyscape, this this big park. But I want to address this this post that I seen online that's kind of misleading and misinformation where it's
advertising this this actual facility, but it's making it seem like it's public access. I wanted to ask two questions to the uh to the to the builders. One, what exactly does the public have access to and then what exactly is going to happen
to the Keysgate kids and the AYSO that are there currently? And when you take over, what's going to happen to them? And then I have a question for the city manager. Uh Dr. Ziri, um, does the Homestead Rodeo have exclusive access to
this facility for rodeo and why? >> Thank you. Have a good day. >> If if you don't mind, if you'd go ahead and address the inquiry as to um, you know, the the I think the question was is the Keysgate school access as well as
the AYSO. So, what we have in the lease is guaranteed minimum public access for the public to use. And this is, by the way, exhibit H of the lease. Um the uh
the multi-purpose they'll uh there are multi-purpose field, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, uh base one of the baseball fields, a volleyball court, of course, the playground. Uh and there'll be some uh restroom facilities and field parking parcels. Those are available um during
non- peak hours for city residents. That's the minimum guaranteed depending on uh how the schedules work out. Um we'll be managing the park and can uh can accommodate other uses at other times depending on how uh it gets utilized during our program. And then in
addition uh there are during even during our peak hours there are not during our during the the peak hours for the city uh there are three multi-purpose fields basketball court three basketball courts for tennis courts uh one baseball field
pickle ball courts a volleyball court and of course the playground and restroom and parking >> and I implicit in that is just access to all of the the passive open areas. >> Right. Of course. >> And uh certainly I Ram I just want to
add that you know the Keysgate Charter School is and is is fully aware of of these access schedules. Um there will be public access in the earlier part of the day to a
limited part and you can go online and uh to the agenda packet. It's schedule H. Is that correct? >> Yes. that lays out the the current timeline a as well as city has the the full access
during legal holidays all weekend. And there was a representation here tonight that the uh proposed developer would not have training activities that that folks in their residential potential residential academy would be out you
know concurrent with a general summer schedule, right? >> So that you know pretty much any time during during the day uh during summertime there would not be competing activities. >> Mr. manager. >> So, thank you, Mr. Mayor. On the
question regarding rodeo, uh it's very simple. Currently, the rodeo folks are located at the Harrisfield and the city has been exploring alternative locations for them for a while. This is a win-win
situation where we intend to have part of the city days to have the rodeo folks relocate to the stadium at cost but no rent but they have to bear the operation and maintenance cost of that area when
they are there and that will afford the city the opportunity to release the Harris field for public use. Right now the location where the rodeo folks are staying 7 days or 10 days in a year are restricted for their use. So that will
let the city release that place, refurbish, remodel and upgrade it for ancillary sporting events days. So really there's no loss to the public benefit component. Uh the radio folks have already
confirmed the intent to pay for any utilities and other operation and maintenance costs during those rodeo days. So it's not really as if they're getting it entirely free. The cost is cost shared between the rodeo and uh the
developer team. So to that extent I think it's a it's a very worthy and correct position of the city public benefit criteria and package to allow them to move over to this location and that will solve a lot of problems for
everyone. Thanks. >> And Ram, let me just add, I think we we skipped over the AOISO. Certainly, there has been, you know, clear clear annunciation and provision for their needs that the that this traditional
league activity with youth soccer through AYSO will continue. >> Yes. So, it was a part of the discussion during the city's peak hours. >> I I think we we uh submitted and transmitted a copy of the AYSOS that we
currently have business with to the team. They're going to reach out to them for programming coordination. >> Yes. >> And uh currently the AYOs have some kind of uh agreement with the cities where they rent facilities and have schedules a portion to them. We look forward to a
continued mutually beneficial relationship that will continue with the AYU perhaps additional enhancements which we look forward to. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Ram. Is there anyone else on? >> Okay. Uh just Yeah, just just one more
follow-up question. Is the builder still going to um commit to the scholarships to local kids every year? And if so, how many? And that's it. That's uh the No, we we've come up with a different uh financial benefits package which is
what's in the uh in the lease. >> The short the short answer is is no. That has evolved into to other financial aspects of the uh of the package. Um okay, >> that's awful hard to pin to pin down.
>> Um is there anyone else online? Okay, Mr. Mr. Ventura, do you need to uh put anything on the record? >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, Council. Uh just a quick thank you uh mayor and uh city manager for reaching out to the air base well in advance to uh listen to our
concerns, make sure we were brought in very early, and we appreciate that. And we were able to go through any concerns we might have had. And uh that was terrific. And I also want to thank uh the folks at VSSGS uh for agreeing to work with us and they listen to our
concerns. They know what you know concerns we have and they're going to continue I know to uh work with us through things like stadium lighting as as the time comes and we progress. So we just wanted to come out here to to say thank you. We're happy it's going to work out for the for the city and for all the airmen that work out there at
the base as well and a big win for everybody. So thank you all and that's all ahead. >> Thank you. appreciate your involvement in this. All right. Is there anyone uh Mr. Bass, did you wish to speak? >> Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. Jason
Bass with an address 17895 Southwest 296 Street, Homestead, Florida 330. Um Viking Investment Group. Uh congratulations. This project looks amazing. I think it's going to be a huge asset for the city. That's a big win. um
as a great great property for for the use of it's a sports complex and and it should be developed as such. Um my issue and I'd like to go on record today is uh the 160 acres that's included in this
proposal project that gives the uh the these operators the first right of refusal I think 160 acres. Um, we've been working on a project down on that mitigation property, the 530 acres for about a year now. Uh, we have a lot of time, money, energy, and effort involved
in that. Um, that's a huge over 400 acres down there inside the urban development boundary line that the city owns. It's a extremely valuable asset. Extremely extremely. And by taking 160 acres of it off the table, it diminishes
the value of the property greatly. And it and it all but halts anybody's ability to move forward with the due diligence that that we've been doing. We have over hundred something thousand dollars with our environmental team which is I would say the best team definitely in South Florida the state
maybe the country Michael Goldstein and Ed Sucon and the Terracon group and we got a lot of money with those guys. So what I would ask is that if it's not a complete deal breaker for this team because I believe this is a huge asset and and I know you guys have a lot of
hard work in this but there's also a huge assets the south of this very huge asset. Um we have a huge project planned for down there that we were working on putting together and getting in front of you guys. Some people are aware of it some aren't. We're not getting into that tonight, but I I don't think and I don't
think that it should be a make or break for the 160 acres for these people. This all happened very fast. Congratulations on fast tracking this thing. Holy cow. Warp speed, right? Um and and and I don't see also how knowing what I know about that property, what
it's going to take to to finish just getting to where we're at to to to come up with our plan for for mitigation of other properties and everything. Once we get into that, the the price goes up and it's astronomical. And I don't see how any
use that I've seen up on there, which is great, could be financially feasible to do on this property. Cuz when you start calculating in fill prices and all the remediation, the purchasing of other properties and everything like that, I don't understand why that 160 acres
needs to be involved in this project. It's not beneficial for the city. It's it it it it diminishes an asset that the city has. And uh although I'm completely supportive of this project, everybody is. It's a great project. I'm not here to do anything to to harm this project.
But I do need to protect my interest and my partner's interest. And I'm also looking out for the city and the residents because again, like I said, you guys got over 400 acres down there inside the UDB and Day County, and it's all priceless. So, I'm on the record and
thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. B. All right. And we may may come back and address that, but let's let's take the rest of any uh public comment, any long time no see, but give us your name and address for the record if you would.
>> Good evening, mayor. Good evening, council. Doug Zerry. Uh my name is Daniel Berdier. I'm the head of schools over at Keysgate Charter School. Um, just want to thank you for hearing me for a couple of minutes here and thanks uh, Mr. Fletcher for taking my call today. Um, I am here to advocate for the
2,00 families that we do represent for the city of Homestead and for our students that we have at Keysate Charter School. I will first begin by congratulating everyone. This is a great opportunity and I I think this is wonderful for the city and we're really proud to be able to be supporters of
this and to be behind this project. um we do feel like we were a little bit late in the game um of being involved in kind of some of the conversations that were happening. So, a couple of quick questions that I have for the council is
one um as us having part of a non-exclusive lease uh with the city that does utilize some of the space that the park will go on. How will this company work with us to kind of come to a spot of mutual agreeance to have
access or access points to be able to have our students utilize that space during both peak and non- peak. And the second is with having 3,000 students, obviously safety is a huge priority to us and we know with construction uh is
not always easy. Um we do have spaces that we are utilizing in the back now. Um and we just want to know is there a plan for assurance to make sure that all workers are vetted and h excuse me and
how the security measures will be put in place to ensure that our students as they play in those uh back areas are safe. Um and then finally my last uh part would be just our focus on being
able to have access points um from the school. We know that there will be access points to the park um logistically to move students from point A to point B. Uh so what we ask is that the company or the developers do work
with us. Um we are very amable and very willing to work in order to make this project successful. um but that they work with us to be able to ensure that our students at Keysgate are being given the fair opportunity uh to utilize this
space which it is developed for for students and children and and kids. So thank you all appreciate that. >> Thank you. I think you raised a couple of points that we we need to clarify here. you've created something on the record and and I think we need to to
clarify that you talk about or talk in terms that the park is proposed to include areas upon which you have a non-exclusive right of access and I'm assuming you're talking about that
what's been called the parking area. Is that correct? Um, >> I know I think we have two two sets of documents with correct >> with Keysgate High. We've got the lease that defines a specific piece of property. >> Correct.
>> And a secondary document that def that grants a nonexclusive parking right on a parcel line generally north of the school. >> There's the one north of the school. The
one I'm referring to is um for the baseball dormitories that were converted. There's also a recreational area >> um that was identified in that in that lease. Again, I'm my legal team is is working through those documents to take
a look at um the spot that it's in reference to. Um but that's that's the particular area that we're referring to. Again, it's my understanding and again subject to final surveys that the park I mean legally without your consent cannot
include areas under your master lease, your your school lease. >> I'm not I'm not sure of that. >> Well, and and and you know, and we need to clarify that, >> right? that um you know the the the amended the
proposed site plan does not include any area under which you have the exclusive right to operate the school. >> Correct. That's that's the first issue. >> Copies of the lease agreement if I I could leave that copy. >> I defer to Mr. Pearl our attorney. So the survey for this project was when the
surveyor that the developer sent out, they looked at your your lease agreement and based on the legal description, that's how they crafted the boundaries for their for their site plan to the extent that we need to make adjustments and we'll look at that and then I'll work with
them and we'll accommodate that. But it was the the configuration that the developer came up with was based on the review of your lease and the legal that's included within that lease agreement. >> Okay. >> In in short, the ultimate buildout will
not encroach upon your lease leaseold interest. >> Okay. >> There now and let me I know you're talking about access points because at this point you can walk from the the school property out in into the park, >> correct? and there didn't appear to be,
but but let me ask it if they can answer me. Um, is there a contemplation of any permanent fencing or walls that would prevent direct access from the back of the school into the park? >> No, we we haven't gotten that level of
detail construction drawings. >> What's that? >> Yeah, that's at site plan level. >> Yeah. So, you know, and certainly, you know, all of those interests will be taken into account as as best they can. >> Of course, and and of course, we know we need to work together to realize the track on the parking parcel. So,
>> yeah, that's that's a whole separate separate issue, you know, that's kind of sprung out of our recent meeting, I guess, yesterday >> that, you know, that's a a multi-party >> discussion. Yeah.
>> Okay. Anyone else? Good evening. Brandy RmIrez, 2231 Southeast First Street. First want to say congratulations to the mayor. Um, your losser legacy is living on. This is a great project. Um, I definitely want to say thank you to the council too for supporting it tonight and also to the
staff. What a great uh job on this. Thank you for being a mayor, answering the questions and getting clarifications for everyone that was here, especially Keysgate and the AYSO. Um, I do want to schedule meeting with the mayor and vice mayor soon, reference community concerns
and also with the chiefs. I I will be reaching out, but I also wanted to give an opportunity to our uh deputy city manager to clarify. Recently, mayor and council had a presentation reference to rodeo and it was given by CES um
consulting LLC and just wanted to confirm if this is a company that she owns or does not. >> A presentation by the rodeo. >> No, it was a city. It had a city logo on it. You guys had just uh received it for
a presentation based on the cost and things that were going to happen with the rodeo. And on the bottom of it, it says CES Consulting LLC. >> Can I answer that question? >> Just want to give an opportunity that she's not the owner of. >> So, thank you, Brandon Ramirez, Miss uh
for the question. You're welcome. >> As CS consultant was retained by my office. >> Okay. >> To prepare a physibility study which preceded whatever we're discussing tonight. that was predicated on the fact
that we were exploring opportunities to find a permanent home for the rodeo folks in conjunction and as a consequence of a directive from the board of Miami date county commission >> that had asked city of homestead to work
with a triparty arrangement with the board of county commission the homestead rodeo association the speedway and agriculture community to file a permanent home for them. In order to advance the physibility study,
we retain the consulting firm of CES consultants which Sunb under the Florida State Secretary of State. You can confirm that CS consultant is owned by the principal Mr. Rudy M. Otis a
professional engineer of good standing who has worked in the South Florida area for more than 20 25 years. They prepared a physibility study. It was submitted to my immediate county and it was accepted by the board of county commission.
Personally, I was at the meeting with folks from the rodeo as well as the speedway to present the report. So, it had nothing to my knowledge to do with the deputy city manager. >> Perfect. I always like to give you guys the opportunity to clarify that because I don't like the, you know,
misinformation to be out in the community and I think it's only fair to give people that that opportunity. So, thank you for making sure that was clarified and continue the good work. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any further from council?
>> Well, hang on. Any further public comment? Um, very quickly, let let me just ask since it's on the record and is it is not insignificant. Um, with respect to to the develop to the
proposer, is at this point the right of first refusal a hard and fast deal breaker? Is there something that we could back up and and and look at during the due
diligence period? It's it it is important to us to uh have the opportunity to expand the program. And so um it doesn't kick in unless we uh pay the the fee by the commencement
date. So there's still a few months to to work that out before it would even be coming. >> Well, so right now it's really unencumbered. >> That's correct. >> So long as you're in the uh your inspection period. >> That's that's correct. All we would ask is that we have a seat at the table. Uh because obviously we have an interest in being able to expand the property.
>> Sure. Okay. Thank you. Mr. Panelis, did you have anything to add? >> No, I was just uh Mr. Mayor, uh council members, for the record, Christopher Panales, >> associate in OP is 98 Southeast 7th Street, City of Miami, Florida. Um as as
uh my colleague, Mr. Capel mentioned, my client's making a significant investment into this area. Obviously, we as a reflection of that long-term partnership, we want to continue to invest and continue to partner with the sh the the city moving forward and in in furtherance of that goal, uh we would
like to maintain at least the ability, right, to have a seat at the table and further those conversations and look at how this parcel could play into an expansion of our project and the recreational facilities that we're providing. Uh so, at this time, it is something that we want to keep on the document. We want to further those
conversations. Um, and we're happy to meet uh with the other proposal and the other party that's interested and see how we can collaborate. Certainly not trying to push anybody out of the picture. Certainly not trying to be a problem for any projects or efforts that are ongoing. Uh we're just looking for a little bit more additional space to
continue our investments in this community um and make sure that we can flourish and continue to expand with the city of Homestead. Thank you. >> All right. So, you know, with with that, um, you know, I think for the most I shouldn't say for the most part, um, I feel that your side of the table is
always dealt in in good faith. We'll provide you with the contact information and hope that tomorrow morning you can begin those discussions and and mesh your interest so that uh, you know, the the issues that Mr. as brought forward
as to the bigger picture of the value of that parcel while preserving the concerns you have I think can can all be be met. >> We'd be happy to meet with them. Absolutely.
>> All right. I think so. And let me add my thanks to to everyone certainly, you know, the other side who has uh all dealt diligently and and in good faith. Uh certainly to the city
manager and again I'll I'll add the kudos to to Matt Pearl who's given up at least two weekends, full weekends that I know of. Uh many late night, you know, I can think of a few times where the manager and Mr. Pearl and I were on the
phone at 9:30, 10:00 at night after several other after hours uh calls. Um I appreciate that. It's it's it's been fun. It's been grueling, but but
fun. Um, most importantly from our side of the table, this contract is the culmination of the learning experience from three or four decades of a lot of mistakes and missteps that have
been taken by the city. You know, when we first had the conversation and and gave the manager the authority to go out and and begin negotiating, I certainly articulated that first and foremost was public access. And we have
accomplished that. These lease numbers as fiduciaries for the public, these lease numbers, these dollar amounts have not been pulled out of our ears. We all had we had our financial consultants.
We we came to some agreement as to what we believe the property is worth as it sits, what a fair return is to the city. Balancing that with the contribution that uh these folks are going to make a significant equity contribution
to uh it's it's staggering with what what with the the amenities that are coming sooner rather than later. And I think equally important is the fact that you know from those learning experiences
we have hard and fast and very clear obligations on both sides of this deal that this is not another LA or any number of those situations.
Our obligations and our rights strict timelines and are very clear. We all understand them. we all understand our goals here and uh you know what's the saying that if nobody walks away
entirely happy it's probably a good deal and I think that's uh that's where we are you always want to second guess that maybe you could have gotten more money or some more days or some more time but let's face it the public is getting a
worldclass park with no real outlay on on the city's part. So, I want to thank everyone from both sides who spent untold I say untold and I'll joke and say untold until we get their fee statement for this month,
but um it it's been quite an ordeal. You know, our manager talked about 18 months to do the Miami Freedom Park. This has been accomplished in less than 18 weeks. quite quite quite an undertaking, but I
think it's it's a reflection of two teams that really weren't trying to get the better of each other, that were driving toward a fair and equitable and reasonable deal. And that's why we are are here. Not to compare the scope of
our property or the the intensity of the construction of of our project to Freedom Park, but it's no less important. I mean, this project is no less important, if not more important to us and the people of the city of Homestead than Miami Freedom Park is to
the city of Miami and and its residents and and the uh the impact that it will will have. I mentioned earlier, I think this is a point today where we have finally as a city turn the corner and can begin
to move forward. the manager and I sometimes feel that his daily regimen is to dig out of a hole that was two or three decades in in the digging and here we are that we're we're kind of climbing out and and
beginning to make progress and I am very thankful and and grateful for the opportunity to have uh to have been part of this and finally I'd like to say see I I told you so the county site was not the site from day one in the commission
chambers. I told you Homestead is where you need to be. So, let me have my moment of I I told you so. Only only with the uh the expertise and the professionalism of of our team and our city manager and the vision and the
commitment of each and every one of you. So, since it is in your district, Mr. Vice Mayor, would you like to make the motion to approve? I will make the motion to approve. Move to approve by Vice Mayor Fletcher.
>> Again, I I know there's no such thing, but I would love to co-se it with you. >> No thirds. No thirds. >> All right. So, Mr. May, >> yes. >> I'm sorry. Before we proceed with the vote, and I think we're all happy with where we're going, I'm gonna ask for a
slight amendment to the resolution. If I can have a motion to grant uh the city manager and I to make some non-financial amendments to address several of the issues that were up here tonight for a signature. I think I have a a short list
relating to the limitation on the naming um addressing any issues with the legal description um through the inspection period. You can delegate that authority. I think >> is that implicit in your motion, Mr. Vice Mayor? >> I revised my motion to include that. >> Okay. Thank you. And Mr. city attorney
inclusive of the time instead of 9:00 p.m. to see if we can uh yes I have extend it a little bit. >> I mean given it given it's a lighted facility maybe we we don't is it necessary to limit the public's access. Yeah.
All right. Nothing there is nothing further. Let's have a roll call vote. >> Councilman Canavan. >> Yes. >> Councilman Davis. >> Yes. >> Councilman Roth. Yes. >> Councilwoman Bailey. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Aila. >> Yes.
>> Vice Mayor Fletcher. >> Yes. >> Mayor Losner. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you all very, very much. We look forward to being good partners with you. >> Mr. Mayor, before you close, I just want to take the opportunity to extend my
deep appreciation to my staff. Um, Miss Kimar Brown, Miss Crystal Olivera, the parks director, the finance director, and uh, Josh Rios in my office, as well as Eileen and Jackie and everyone that worked on this project. It's been a
very, very tasking exercise. So my kudos to all of you and of course the police chief who has volunteered to reach out to you guys to seek perhaps some kind of incorporation in the in public safety concerns once we get into the weeds.
Thank you everyone for your support and of course the non city entities the homestead rode association the EDC and Mr. Larry Ventura as well as the members of the public that quipped in with ideas and suggestions as we walk through this.
Thank you. Lastly, but not the least, Mr. City attorney, Mr. Matt Perau. Yeah. And and just I know our stellar uh CEO of Homestead Hospital is is here. He was. There he is. There's Ken. Thank you
for for listening in. And just finally, I think this this is going to establish a new level of trust in the community when this starts coming out of the ground in early March or earlier. Um,
real sign of progress. Commit, did you have >> Yeah, I want to sponsor the >> Yes, I want to sponsor the Baptist school bash this coming Saturday at Lawson Park. It's going to cost us like $750. So
>> And that's scheduled for this this week in Lost Park. Yes. >> Very good. All right, Mr. Manager. Anything further? >> No, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, council members, for your great appreciation and for your support tonight.
>> Mr. Attorney, nothing for me. Just a collective thank you to everyone involved. >> Thank you. >> All right. I think I heard a motion and a second to adjurnn. All in favor? I. Any opposed? >> Thank you all again. >> 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. >> 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 homesteadfl.gov/expeditedpermit
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 305224-450. As temperatures rise in Homestead, the risk of heat related illnesses and injuries also increases, posing
significant threats to outdoor worker safety and productivity. Follow these tips to stay safe and beat the heat. Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. Wear appropriate clothing and wear sunscreen. Know the signs. Learn
the symptoms of heat illnesses. For more information on extreme heat safety, visit homesteadfl.gov/heat. Homestead. Homestead. Beautiful. All >> right. Good evening everyone and welcome. I'd like to call the city of Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency
meeting to order. Today is Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025. It is now 5:50 p.m. Madam Clerk, could you call the role, please? Board member Cannibal >> here. >> Board member Avula >> here. >> Board member Davis
>> here. >> Board member Roth. >> Board member Bailey >> here. >> Vice Chairman Fletcher >> here. >> Chairman Lznner >> here. All right, Mr. Director, are there any uh additions, deletions, or deferrals?
>> Uh no. Uh chair, there are not. >> Thank you. Tab one is the me the minutes from our meeting of September 9th, 2025. I'll entertain a motion to approve. Moved by board member Roth, >> second by board member Bailey. Are there
any questions or comments? >> All in favor? Any opposed? Next item is tab two. Mr. Attorney? >> Yes, Mr. Chair. Tab two is a resolution of the board of the community redevelopment agency of the city of Homestead, Florida, authorizing the
utilization of city RFP 2525 contract with Bright View Landscaping Services for Groups 1, 2, and five and SFM landscaping services for groups three, four, and six for citywide landscaping maintenance services, authorizing the executive director to
issue purchase orders and execute all necessary documents, providing for implementation and providing for an effective date. Thank you. Is there any objection to waving the staff report on this item? Okay. So, do we have any questions or
comments from council or from the board? All right. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? All right. Seeing none, I will close the public hearing and entertain a motion for the approval of car number 4762.
Moved by board member Cannibal, >> second. >> Second by board member Avala. If there are no final comments from the board, this item calls for a roll call vote. >> Board member Davis, >> yes. >> Board member Cannibal,
>> yes. >> Board member Roth, >> yes. >> Board member Avilo, >> yes. >> Board member Bailey, >> yes. >> Vice Chairman Fletcher, >> yes. >> Chairman Lner, >> yes. >> The >> Okay, Mr. Director, any further reports or items for us?
>> No, sir. That concludes uh the items for this meeting. >> All right. Are there any public comments with respect to any community redevelopment agency business? All right. Seeing none, then I'll entertain a motion to adjourn this meeting.
>> Moved. Seconded. All in favor? Any opposed? Right. Meeting adjourned. The clerk is ready. I will now convene the city of Homestead local planning agency meeting October 22nd, 2025 and it
is now 5:50. Call please. >> Board member Bailey >> here. >> Board member Avula >> here. >> Board member Cannibal here. >> Board member Ron here. >> Board member Davis here. >> Vice Chairman Fletcher here.
>> Chairman Lzn >> present. All right. Are there any additions, deletions, or deferrals for this meeting? None. Okay. We have before us the minutes of September 24th, 2025. Do we
have a motion to approve those minutes? Moved and seconded by by Bailey, seconded by Cannibal. There are no other questions or comments. All in favor? Any opposed? Next item,
Mr. White. >> Yes. Please be advised the following item on the agenda is quazi judicial in nature. You have one item this evening. Um if you wish to comment upon this item, please indicate the item number you would like to address when the when the announcement regarding this quiz item was made. An opportunity for a
person to speak on this item will be made available after the applicant and staff have made their presentations on this 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 at due. The general public will not be permitted to cross-examine witnesses, but the public may request the local planning agency to ask questions of staff or witnesses on their behalf. The full agenda packet on this 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 is any lobbyist must register before addressing the local planning agency on any of the on this on
this item. At this time the LPA members must disclose any exparte communications concerning car number 4770 tab number two uh on this evening's quai agenda. >> Are there any disclosures on this item? None.
So at this time I I I would ask the clerk to swear in any persons who wish to testify on uh tab number two. So anyone in the audience wishing to speak on this item, please stand, raise your right hand to be sworn by the clerk. >> Do you have I swear affirm to tell the
truth and nothing but the truth to help me God. >> Thank you. You may be seated. >> Tab two, car number 4770 is a resoning. It's an ordinance of the city of Homestead, Florida, approving the reszoning as requested by New Health Community Centers, Inc. of an
approximately 299 acre parcel of land from multiple apartment R3 zoning district to restricted retail commercial B1 zoning district for property located at 100 Northwest 7th Street as legally described in exhibit A and providing for conflict severability and providing for
an effective date. >> Thank you. Typically at this level, we wave the staff report. If there are any issues, we will come back at the council meeting. Um, I believe that the applicant or someone on behalf of the applicant is present. Would you like to
uh to speak to this item? Please come forward and give us your name and address for the record. Um, >> mayor, if I can, I have had discussions on this. Thank you. >> Very good. Um, let me ask the attorney. Come on up. Come forward.
Is the own the owner is required to be registered? Is that correct? >> Yes. Um the owner husband is right here. >> But I'm asking the >> Have you registered as a lobbyist with the with the city clerk on this item? Okay.
>> Yes. >> Go ahead. >> Give us your name and address for the record. And uh >> address my name. Okay. Susie Richardson. And the address is 100 Northwest 7th Street,
Homestead, Florida 330. >> Okay. And uh is there anything you would like to say to in support of of our approval here? We have been in this process for more than two years and thanks to miss um the new development
service and the gentlemen in the back in less than a month they could put everything together and bring us in front of you and I thank them very much and I have to tell you that I've been in this community since 2004 and I have with me the support of the pastor's
association and the deacon of the Haitian Catholic church not to say my patients miss um an and my family and David. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Anything further? Okay.
>> Hi, good afternoon. My name is Sandra Mura. Um representing the address 100 Northwest 7th Street. I've been helping Dr. Susie and and New Health Community Centers as their expediter and we are
seeking reszoning from as you guys mentioned from R3 to V1 so they can open up a medical center in the property. >> Okay, very good. Now, just to put it in perspective and set the stage, um the applicant is the current owner of the
building. The building, as I understand it, has been vacant for many, many years. It was a church and then I think the home of the power squadron. >> Um but it was acquired with zoning that's not compatible with with your use. >> Correct. Okay.
>> It was. Yes. So that's why we're seeking the reszoning. >> Okay. Appreciate that. And this will be for a medical clinic. >> It's going to be a medical center. Yes. >> Okay. Any questions or comments from council? All right.
All right. Is there any uh I'll entertain a motion to approve this item then. >> Okay. >> Moved by Councilwoman Bailey, second by uh Councilman Cannibal. And uh >> Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Yeah. What kind of medical center is
going to be? >> Use your mic. Turn your mic. >> Family practice. I I have been in open in a building that I'm renting for the past 10 years where I am now. And unfortunately, the owner found somebody
that is paying more and she's asking me to leave and I already have the building and I've been in this process to move and this is the reason why I'm seeking the change of the zone now. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> I
>> All right. Thank you. Well, and since we're into the discussion, one of the issues I had is that it appears there's only seven or eight parking spots for the entire building kind of seem and part of it is our code, but it would seem to me that you're
going to have that many or more staff members. So, there's really not sufficient parking there very close to a fairly main road for your patients. >> Correct. So we are also in the process of a site plan approval which involves
the restructure basically of the parking spaces in the in the lot around the whole um building so we can accommodate you know more handicap spaces for the um customer you know for the patients and for the staff as well. >> Oh but I guess my point was is staff
shared with me in my agenda briefing the proposed site plan that we may see at some point in the future. But even with that, there seems to be a significant shortage of parking spaces. >> Well, with with the new parking spaces, I believe we can accommodate, you know, the the patients and the staff at the
same time. Staff, she can probably address this. How many staff members do you usually have? >> We have four staff members in house at all time, but the patients do not come all at once. It's in a 15 30 minutes um
uh difference. So, we have time. Okay. >> By the time they commit. >> Thank you. >> Any further further questions? I think we have a motion and a second on the table. Um we'll have a roll call vote. >> Board member Ross.
>> Yes. >> Board member Davis. >> Yes. >> Board member Avula? >> Yes. >> Board member Cannibal? >> Yes. >> Board member Bailey? >> Yes. >> Vice Chairman Fletcher? >> Yes. >> Chairman Lner? >> No. >> The motion carries. >> Okay. Thank you. and we'll have the the
next reading at a council meeting just a few minutes from now. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Are there any public comments with respect to this local planning agency agenda? Is there anything further from development services or from the city
attorney on this agenda? Hearing nothing. I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. I >> moved and seconded. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? All right, this meeting is adjourned. We're hiring. Join the parks and
recreation team with a part-time position to make a difference in your community. Execute exciting events, maintain parks and facilities, and impact our youth. Great for those in need of a flexible schedule or extra income. Apply today at
cityofhomestead.com/job. >> Well, the video starts how? Black screen. >> Okay. Black screen. Then text on the screen. Something's coming to Homestead. Then you hear the skates like somebody practicing. And then you
start seeing like maybe hopeful music. And then you start seeing the images of like the Christmas event. ice skating and it's like this winter and then you have the November 22nd through 18 and then maybe the logo something like that.
>> November 22nd too. >> This January 18. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> And then what happens? >> And then like discover Homestead. Yeah. Or maybe like a real ice rink in downtown Homestead. Like right like I want dramatic at the beginning just to catch your attention and then it could
go to like fun thrills showing images of the event showing images or videos of ice skating like a mix this winter. Something magical is coming to Homestead. Discover Homestead winter wonderland experience. Don't miss our
real ice rink in downtown Homestead. Opening November 22nd through January 18th at Lzner Park Homestead. The future lives here. There's always a lot going on in the Garcia's kitchen, and most of it was
wasting energy. So, they dusted off the coils on the fridge, started running full loads in the dishwasher, and turning the heated dry switch to air dry. With the money they save, they'll be able to replace that inefficient 10-year-old fridge with
a new Energy Star qualified fridge that will save enough electricity to light their house for 4 months. But they didn't stop there. Oh no, the GarcAs were on a roll. They turned their water heater from a scalding 140° down to 120, which will help slow mineral buildup and
save energy. For maximum energy savings, they're considering a new hybrid heat pump water heater. They weren't done just yet. The laundry room was the next energy robber that had to be tackled. When they heard heating water is 90% of the energy a washer uses, they went into
action. Now they use cold water for washing and set their dryer cycle to automatically use the energy efficient setting. Brought to you by your local municipal electric utility and the Florida Municipal Power Agency. It's up to all of us to keep Homestead
beautiful. One of the things you can do is help us stop illegal dumping by reporting it to the city of Homestead's code compliance department. Illegal dumpers can be 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 today and tomorrow. Visit homesteadfl.gov/bul to learn more. Homestead Public Services is excited to introduce our new enhanced customer service process. To make your power and
water connections happen the same day, follow this simple checklist, submit your request, make your payment, and attach the required documents by noon. Our new system streamlines the entire process for faster, smoother service.
We've also provided a document checklist to guide you every step of the way. And if you need in-person assistance, our dedicated window at City Hall is available to help. We're here to make your next move easier starting today. City of Homestead is dedicated to
enhancing your quality of life and improving our community's aesthetics. That's why city manager Zarya and his team have been participating in bi-weekly ridealongs with the interdep departmental quality of life task force. So far, the city has issued 4 74
citations for illegal dumping and 108 for overgrown lots. These efforts have also led to four felony arrests and 12 misdemeanors, helping to keep our neighborhood safe, clean, and beautiful. Together, we're making our city a better
place for everyone. 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. Need help paying your electric bill? The city of Homestead is here to help.
Homestead Cares offers up to $500 a year in utility bill credits for eligible HPS customers facing temporary financial hardship. Applying is quick and easy. Visit homestead.fl.gov/cares. Fill out our online form. Make sure you
include all required documentation like proof of income, your photo ID, and your HPS utility bill. Submit your application and you're done. Assistance is given on a first come, first serve basis. So don't wait. Whether you're dealing with job loss, a medical
emergency, or unexpected expenses, Homestead Cares is here for you. For questions or help applying, contact our community development and human services division at cdhsomesteadfl.gov or by calling 3052244408. If you're a Homestead Public Services
customer facing a utility crisis, the Homestead Cares program may be able to help. The program offers one-time financial relief of up to $500 to help qualified customers get back on their feet. In this video, we'll show you the
three things you need to do to apply. Number one, to qualify for Homestead Cares, applicants must meet the following criteria. You must be a current HPS electric customer. You must reside within the HPS electric service area. This includes both Homestead
residents and non-residents. You must show proof of financial hardship. Must have a pass to balance or disconnection notice. You must demonstrate a feasible plan of payment, meaning the remaining balance must be manageable after applying the maximum
awarded amount. Number two, make sure you've gathered all your required documents. Missing information may delay or disqualify your application. The required documents are your most recent HPS electric bill showing a pass due or disconnection notice, proof of income
including two recent payubs, social security statement or unemployment, a signed and notorized letter describing your financial crisis, a valid governmentissued photo ID, and a signed 2024 federal tax return. Make sure all
documents are legible and uploaded in PDF or JPEG format. Number three, visit homesteadfl.gov/cares. Make sure to read all the information at the bottom of the page. In the how to apply section, you'll find the link to complete and submit the application
online. You'll receive a confirmation email once it's been received. Once your application is submitted, our team will review your document. If any corrections or additional documents are needed, we'll reach out to you directly by email or phone. For questions or help
applying, contact our community development and human services division at cdchomesteadfl.gov or by calling 3052244408. Thank you for watching and don't forget to share this video with someone who may benefit. I've been thinking about doing some
improvements in my house, but before I start, do I need a permit? Great question. There are quite a few things you can do without a permit from the city of Homestead. You don't need a permit for crown molding and baseboards, applying epoxy to your garage floor,
installing gutters on a residential building, changing kitchen tiles, replacing interior doors, cosmetic light fixture covers as long as no electrical work is involved, painting your home inside or out, landscape maintenance,
planting trees, and adding plastic sheds for storage up to 7 by 7 ft, just to name name a few. >> H, that's good to know. But what about everything else? When do I need a permit? >> Anytime you make improvements that involve safety systems, electrical,
plumbing, or structural changes, you'll likely need a permit. >> Sounds like I need a permit for a lot of things. >> Well, permits help us ensure life safety, energy efficiency, and water conservation. They're in place to prevent problems before they happen. The
good news is we recently launched an expedited permit process that allows small residential permits to be issued in just 2 to 3 days. These include meter repairs, tree removals, air conditioning unit replacements, and fence installations among many others. We also
offer a homeowner and small business concierge service to help you navigate permitting, zoning, and licensing. Visit homesteadfl.gov/conurge /conierge to learn more or email dsdass assisted.gov.
We usually reply within 2 to three business days. And if you're ever unsure, just ask us. The city of Homestead's development services department is here to help. Call us at 305224-4500. We're open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and we're here to
help. Hey, welcome to Community Matters, the show where we bring you important information and insights about our city's issues, departments, and initiatives. I'm your host, Josh Padet, and today we're diving into hurricane preparedness, which is something every resident of Homestead should be thinking
about this time of year. Joining us to discuss this crucial topic is hurricane man Steven Taylor from the emergency management here in city of Homestead. Alicia her coming up from Miami County management >> and Barbara Kinonas, director of homestead energy. Thank you guys for
coming back here in the studio. Alicia, good to meet you. Yeah, >> good to meet you, too. >> Thank you, Josh. >> Yeah, thank you guys. So, you know, let's kick things off, Steve, cuz I I want to talk about uh you know, we're in the middle of hurricane season right now, which runs from June 1st to about November 30th, end of November. >> Exactly.
>> Okay. And it's now more more important than ever to be informed about all things hurricanes because so we're going to start with the basics. Uh emergency management operations. What do you guys do uh in emergency management? Well, our role and responsibility is to make sure that the community and um the city
government is prepared to handle any type of man-made um or natural disaster. And uh you know we develop plans, we develop procedures um and we do training um and we get everybody all on the same page so that we have good communications
amongst each other so that we can service the community and give them what they need and get the community back up on its feet and running. >> Okay. And is that basically the the same thing you guys do on a county level, Alicia? >> Yes, Josh. Just like Stephen reiterated
that on a county level, we deal with a more a broader scale. So we have more of a geographic region. We have 34 municipalities that we have to monitor. So making sure that all of our municipalities, our stakeholders, whether they're internal or external,
making sure that everyone is on the same page. >> So yeah, 34 municipalities within the county. >> Okay. Can you imagine all 34 communities trying to call one entity for help? So that's why they they've got it broken down into divisions, which is a good planning uh modality uh in order to be
able to coordinate resources that the community needs. >> Absolutely. And I guess throughout the year training staff now with Barbara like are you are you responsible for training just the HPS energy staff and Steve do you do you assist her in that
or are you mainly for the rest of the city staff and you kind of hold the power company? >> Well the answer the answer Josh is really both. We participate in the city drills and we have drills of our own that are just specific to the electric
utility. And so our our training for our folks is is both internal and then we also participate in the training with the city and on occasion we participate in uh other mock simulations that are
held statewide just for electric utilities. So it's it's a little bit of both. But we definitely value the the education of our folks to prepare us for these uh these events because we we know
what it's like to get hit and we know if you're well prepared things go much much more smoothly than if you haven't prepared. >> So Steve, how do you prepare the rest of the city staff for hurricane season? >> Uh we do a lot of training um and we get
uh uh city staff involved. uh the uh the room that we're sitting in right now, the studio is also our emergency operations center. So when it's not being used as a studio, this is where we uh gather and this is the center of information, the core of intelligence
that we can get uh all the information coming in and we practice that through mock drills. And we get all the department heads in here with their supervisors and managers and we give them scenarios if you would uh mock incidents that they need to address. And
so this training is important to make sure everybody is on the same page and using the tools that are available to assist us in getting that done. We have vendors that are specialized in moving debris, okay, in disposing of that
debris. Uh we have vendors that repair fences. Uh we have those that come in and assist Barbara with uh restoring power. Um and then we have the county that we turn to. If we can't do it ourselves, we reach out to them and say, "Please, can you offer that assistance?"
I can just give you one example. Going back to Irma, we needed gasoline and diesel fuel to keep our trucks running. So the county was able to provide that to us. All we simply did was enter the information in. Uh the county responded and we were getting fuel deliveries.
>> So Alicia, what's the number one resource that the municipalities ask for most from the county? >> It all depends, Josh. So, you know, it's a it's a collaborative approach. Um mainly when we go through hurricanes in the aftermath, it's all it's always
gasoline. That is the number one contender. Um there's also uh for dams, you know, for uh water flooding mitigation purposes. So those are the two main resources that we see coming uh through our emergency operations center.
>> So with hurricane preparedness, what's the number one thing municipalities struggle with the most? >> Uh making sure that there's not just one or two particular people within your organization that knows the plans, the policies and procedures, right? So that comes into play with the whole training.
Exactly. Right. of your staff uh prehurricane even during hurricane season and in the aftermath when you do your after action reports right so you want to make sure that you have an improvement plans what have you um so I think that is the biggest challenge so
that everyone is on the same page is you know just not one or two people are the gatekeepers of all the policy and procedures everyone knows what their role and responsibilities are um and then if there's issues there are direct they know who to go to for those answers.
>> We also with the county have this ready Miami date app for the residents to use. Can you explain to the people a little bit about that app and what it entails? >> Yes. So Miami Day County has an incredible app. It's called Ready MDC. In order for you to receive it, you can
go to your Apple store or you could go to Google Play uh to download it. It is a real time application uh in regards to preparedness. So, we have our hurricane guide that is on this application. So, if you didn't receive the physical copy
because we mail these out uh to every resident every year. Um if you haven't received it through the mail, you can download the app and all this information is actually in the app. We have it in three languages, English, Spanish, and Crayola. Um so, it gives
you a real-time information. Say for instance the mayor gives the order for any type of evacuation orders. You can receive information in regards to what shelter is open in your geographical vicinity. So you don't have to waste time to say okay what shelter is open.
So not only can you use it during hurricane season, you could use it before, during, after because it has all of our contact information within the county. Now, are evacuation routes and shelters uh do those locations stay the
same throughout the year or are they updated right before a storm or during a storm? Do they change? >> Yes, they change on an annual basis. I want to say that the pickup the bus pickup points. Uh they rarely change. Um however, on an annual basis, uh our
shelters change and some of the bus pickup points change. Uh we make sure that with the bus pickup points uh there's clear visibility to know that where their locations are. Um it's just so important that during an evacuation
order is that you're cognizant of broadcast whether it's radio, television, and what have you. um to make sure that you just don't self-deploy to these shelters because sometimes people in their community, they're so used to certain evacuation centers that are open and they go
straight to those evacuation centers. Well, if we're if that location is in a surge zone, you know, with flooding, we're not going to open up that shelter. So, it's very important to be cognizant of the information that is coming through our mayor's office and through
our uh director of emergency management to let you know which shelters are open. So, then to piggyback on this app, you don't have to listen to all of that. You can just download the app in real time. You can see what shelters are open, which ones are at full capacity, um
which ones are pet friendly, >> which ones are our medical evacuation centers. So, it's a wealth of information. >> So, physically with for evacuations, what do residents need to keep in mind when if they're going to try to evacuate the city before a storm?
>> Okay, so the main the main important point is to have situational awareness, right? Um, make sure that there is an evacuation order. When you go to evacuation center, you want to make sure that you have your essentials, your
clothing, uh any specialized medication, and if you're on a diet, a special diet, make sure you take your specialized food. Uh the shelters do provide food, but you want to make sure before you arrive there, get something to eat. Uh because, you know, it could take a while
uh for operations to progress and then feeding time. You might be in a shelter not just one day. you might be in a shelter for 2 or 3 days. So, be cognizant of bringing a little bit of, you know, extra clothing and toiletries and what have you. >> As far as storm preparedness, uh, can
you talk a little bit more about how HPS Energy is getting prepared throughout the year? >> We have a number of initiatives that are ongoing. We're replacing wooden poles with concrete poles to harden the infrastructure. In some cases, we're
putting in larger wire sizes. We're also undergrounding sections that are currently overhead. Uh we go in and we hit the trees because trees are one of the biggest problems or for us after a hurricane as we've witnessed. So we go
in and we make sure that we do all the tree trimming that we can ahead of time. And we're also even the wooden poles. If we're replacing a wood with a wood, we're going for a bigger, more robust pole. We also pre-order material because if a storm comes, our current inventory
will not be sufficient. >> So, yes, speaking of tree trimming, I mean, that's a huge topic that always comes up every year. Uh, so for residents to to not to to mitigate that much problems with the trees during a a hurricane. Uh, when is the best time for
residents to cut down their trees? >> Don't wait till hurricane season. Do it before hurricane season. The the the biggest problem is uh people neglect thinking about that until all of a sudden the weatherman is saying get
ready. You might get hit and prepare. So that's when everybody will start cutting and putting limbs out, piling up debris in the front of their home for the community to take it away. >> So yeah. So when the hurricane's on its way, people start cutting. >> Exactly. and we may not have enough
resources or time available to get it all. So, just think about it. You got a mountain of tree limbs out in front of your house. We couldn't get to it. What happens when that wind starts picking up? Okay, that tree that mound of debris that you have in your front yard now
become projectiles. You're damaging other people's homes. You're damaging your own home because it's flying across the yard, hitting your roof. And you know what good are storm shutters if a tree limb ends up going through your roof. >> So this is like a spring cleaning type thing.
>> That's a good analogy. Yes. >> And then I would imagine uh it's suggested to do that right before your bulk pickup day. I would imagine. >> Exactly. Exactly. And you know don't risk uh trimming limbs that may fall on a wire or something like that that's
attached to a neighboring house or or your own home. you if you if you have an issue, call a power company. >> And so during the storm and people are losing power, the grids lost power. Are you well aware of the areas of the city that have lost power and still have power?
>> Yes. Yes, we have remote um monitoring on our main circuits and so we know every main circuit that has locked out because of problems from from the storm. Do you have um a list of priority areas that you want to hit first?
>> Yes. Yes, we do, Josh. Um first we we focus on critical infrastructure. So critical infrastructure is going to be hospitals, fire and police. The next tier is assisted living. And then our
next tier of um triage is what can we do that's the least amount of effort to get the most amount of customers on. So we'll look at circuits, main circuits that are lightly damaged and we'll go ahead and work to get those online so
we're bringing out a wider swath of customers. And then the last ones we're trudging through are where the damage is just very very severe. You know, the most dangerous part of the storm is actually after the storm. >> Now, how is that? >> Well, you got to take into consideration
that all this damage has occurred. You've got one of the probably most common issues with accidents that occur after a storm are electrocutions. You've got nationwide that's typical statistic is a lot of deaths occur as a result of flooding. Um, then you also have
anaphilaxis, which is allergic shock because what happens after a storm, all those nests of uh bees and hornets and whatnot, they're stirred up and they're angry. They're upset that their home has been disturbed and folks that are allergic are out there and getting stung. Uh, so that's another uh another
big issue. >> I never even thought about that. Oh my gosh. So yeah, you survived the hurricane and now you got swarms of bees. >> Exactly. and the resources, the lifesaving resources may not be available to them like an EpiPen or or an ambulance is showing up at your
house. So, that's another issue. Um, people get into accidents after the storm because the street lights aren't working. So, all these things can occur after a storm, >> right? Cuz you're going to have city staff out there uh trying to clear the roads so that you can get people's power
back up and running. Because of that, most likely there's a lot of down power lines. Now, this is kind of a this obviously poses a danger for residents. What kind of advice do you have for people with down power lines around their house? >> Well, yes, definitely, Josh. They they
pose a danger and we would ask folks to stay away from any down line that that you see. Do not in any case touch those lines. It's very very dangerous. You don't know if they're energized or not.
So, please just stay away from down power lines. Report them back to us at either our website or the number. >> So, the city of Homestead has introduced a new program to assist our elderly and disabled residents during emergencies.
Uh, EEDA, EDA, emergency elderly and disabled disaster assistance program. Stephen, can you tell us a little bit about what that entails? EDA. Um, basically, um, folks that qualify for that program, the EDDDA, um, are folks that are unable to go to our dist
distribution sites, you know, prior to a storm and after a storm. We'll set up distribution sites for sandbags prior to the storm. Uh, ice and water both prior to and after the storm because those are resources that folks out there, our residents really need. And, um, there
are folks that are unable to do that on their own. So, the city of Homestead has taken on that program where we'll use uh um resources that are available to us to take those supplies to those that desperately need that that are unable to get it themselves.
>> And yet, everyone at home uh homestead residents, you can find that uh program on homestead.gov/assistance. And once you're registered and verified and verification is completed, uh these items are going to be delivered right to to your home. >> Exactly. I'll be part of the the
interview process and uh my intention is to to go visit these folks and then to to make sure they understand how the program works and just do a quick face to face with them. >> Okay. And so this is uh in in and with the county Alicia, you have other programs similar to this that can be
used additionally uh with homestead residents. >> Yes, Josh, we have an incredible program. Um it's called our emergency and evacuation assistance program, EAP. It is a resource that we have in the county that is free for all residents.
So this program provides uh wonderful benefits to our residents. So it provides specialized transportation. So if you need transportation to one of our evacuation centers um if you are eligible for the program then we provide that specialized transportation. It
provides a safe haven. So a safe haven meaning it provides the safe shelter. um it does not provide one-on-one, you know, medical uh care, but we do provide the medical monitoring piece. And this is done um in conjunction with our health department and our healthcare
partners. Um and also this program also has wellness checks. So, you might not need to go to a shelter or what have you, but you want to make sure that someone is checking up on you after the storm. Um this is an incredible program.
You can register uh on our website. It's miday.govdem. Um it is our EAP program. Um once you go on our page, you can either register online or you can actually uh request a physical copy. So this is a physical
copy of the application. Um again, we have it in three languages. We have it in English, Spanish, and Creole. So, that's a that's another great resource for residents to have here before a storm comes. Uh, thank you. Thank you for that. So, what do we have here, Steve? You set this table up. Um, I see
we've got a lot of items here. We got your MREs, uh, some protein drinks, and flashlights, batteries. These are all essential items that you need for an emergency kit. Can you go through some of that? >> And these are these are just some suggestions, you know, and again, it's going to depend on whether you're going
to an evacuation center or you're hunkering down and staying at home. Okay, >> so let's just focus on staying at home things that you should have. You got a first aid kit, okay? A radio to listen to weather reports, you know, a little tool kit uh that you may need uh you
know, for whatever reason. Uh make sure you have trash bags uh and these are also things that you want to bring along to a shelter. Make sure you have a gallon of water per person per day. Okay, that's a big resource. A gallon of water per person per day. Remember, there's no AC. All right. So, folks are
going to need to be hydrated. >> Um, spare batteries. You know, I've got a a little thing here of uh playing cards. That's just to demonstrate, you know, something to keep the kids and yourselves occupied. Okay. Um, and then uh, of course, it's very important.
Credit cards require internet accessibility in order for them to work. And if the internet is down, cash. Okay? You need cash. I've got a little USB uh thing here in a in a waterproof container along with uh you know if you have special needs like hearing aid,
batteries, meds, things like that. Uh glasses, make sure it's all together. That USB drive has all your photo records on it. Okay. Remember, if it's on the internet and you don't have access to the internet, what are you going to do? >> Okay. Um remember your cell phones. Um
your cell phone is not a phone. >> Yeah. >> It's a two-way radio. And what does a two-way radio need? Antennas. What if the antennas are laying on the ground? How are you going to communicate? All right, so you need to keep the things in mind. These resources may not be available. So you need to think about
that how you're going to plan ahead. Some things that you can have the kids get involved with. Emergency lighting for the house. What these things are, you you go to one of your local big box stores. They have the the the yard lights that are out there that are solar powered. Instead of having candles lit
around your home or kerosene lamps, these are great little things to have. And you know, just take it, pull the little thing out, and it lights up. Of course, it's not going to light up because we have plenty of light in here, but you set these around and they're little candles, okay? And then at the end of the uh you know, in the next
morning, have the kids gather them up, put them out in the sun to charge up again. And of pennies, okay? Uh so it's a fun little thing to have. Flashlights, um you know, hygiene kit. If you're going to a shelter, you want to make sure you have something available. We do have meals in a box. Those are
available. You can get them online. There's 72 hours worth of meals there. And that's what the recommendations from all agencies are. If you're going to prepare for a storm, prepare for 72 hours without any assistance. We may not
be able to get to you. So, you need to be prepared. Don't depend on us. Depend on yourselves for 72 hours. And that's a that's a good gauge to go by. >> Okay. 72 hours everybody. So that's that's a lot of stuff. So these these MREs are good for that for that amount
of time. And uh that's a lot of water for every member of your house for 72 hours. >> Exactly. >> Yes. >> Okay. So and it's a gallon a day for >> a gallon a day per person. >> Okay. >> Awesome. All right. Well, so at least three gallons per person >> for your household. Well, that's uh
that's great. Thank you so much, guys. Steve, Alicia, Barbara, thank you so much for coming in and educating me and everyone here at home. Uh thank you guys for coming in and uh and watching this today. I want to also remind you guys to
our viewers to make sure you register for the emergency assistant programs if you qualify. You know, download the readymiamade app and check out Homestead's hurricane preparedness guide. You can go online homesteadfl.gov/preparness. Stay safe. We'll see you guys next time
right here on Community Matters. Take care, guys. >> Today we celebrate the people who keep Homestead running with pride, purpose, and heart. >> I serve to protect this community, my community. >> I serve to keep our city clean and beautiful.
>> I serve to keep your water safe and clean. >> I serve because I love to help. I serve to keep our city clean and fair. >> We're here to keep the lights on no matter what. >> I serve to build beauty into every day. >> From permits to parks, patrols to power.
Thank you to all of our public servants from the city of Homestead. Thank you, Homestead. The 8th annual Homestead Art in the Park event was a huge success, and it's all thanks to you. Hundreds came out to LNER Park to celebrate a magical day of art,
creativity, and community. From live art and entertainment to cooking demos, kids activities, and a pop-up gallery, the energy was incredible. We're proud to support local artists, children, entrepreneurs, and families coming together through culture and expression.
Stay inspired, Homestead, and don't miss our upcoming events. Follow us on social media or visit homesteadfl.gov/events. Hi, my name is Adam Juel and I'm a sculptor and muralist from Denver, Colorado and I'm painting a mural on the historic Seminal Theater here in Lostner
Park. My name is Kenny Maguire. I am a professional muralist and artist and uh this mural was just completed about 2 weeks ago. It took me 47 days and this entire thing is hand painted in oil, oil-based enamel. This project's about
two years in the making. Um I I was one of three finalists who presented at a city council meeting and was one of two artists chosen to paint on the theater. I put a scaffolding up and climbed to the top of this building over 250 times
to to paint to finish painting this thing. Such a great opportunity. It's an honor to be down here and uh to create a piece that's lasting for a community that this one specifically um highlights the Everglades. And so we have a great
blue heron and uh two actually endangered species of the Everglades. One being the ghost orchid on the left there and the other the hieroglyphic moth. I've wanted to paint the Everglades on a mural for a long long time. So this is kind of the fulfillment
of a dream for me. The fact that I got to put that here when homestead is kind of the gateway to the Everglades is pretty great. This is from the Homestead Day. Your quick recap of the key decisions made at the September 24th city council meeting.
The council accepted 125,000 in grant dollars from the Florida Division of Emergency Management to harden the city's code compliance and parks recreation and open spaces administration building. The project will result in the installation of impact resistant windows and doors to
reduce vulnerability to hurricane damage, strengthening critical city facilities, and ensuring services can continue and staff remain safe during severe weather events. The council urged Miami Date County to reinvest collected multimmodal mobility impact fees
generated in Homestead back into transportation projects within the city. The resolution identifies a list of priority roadway, transit, and pedestrian improvements and calls for a re-evaluation of benefit district boundaries to ensure the money generated
stays within our community. By directing these revenues to local projects, the measure seeks to match Homestead's rapid growth with needed infrastructure, improving mobility and safety for residents and businesses. We are continuing to improve our parks and public spaces. The council approved
improvements at Harrisfield Park Pavilion. These improvements include the epoxy flooring installation of designated areas and the purchase of nine large commercial fans for the park pavilion. These upgrades will enhance durability, comfort, and safety at the heavily used community facility,
extending its lifespan, and improving the experience for residents during recreational activities, rentals, and events. The council adopted the citywide signage initiative, approving designs for wayfinding, trolley stops, gateway,
parks, facilities, and parking signs along with the locations for new gateway signs. The resolution also established an official city color palette and authorized the use of an alternate circular city logo with rules regulating its application. Together, these
measures create a unified signage program that improves wayfinding and traffic safety while strengthening Homestead's civic identity and brand. Don't miss the next council meeting and follow us on social media to stay informed about the decisions that impact
you. 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. The city of Homestead is serving up fun, fitness, and community spirit with a grand reopening of the newly renovated
tennis and pickle ball courts at JD Red Park. On Friday, May 2nd, families, neighbors, and players of all levels came together to celebrate the transformation of one of Homestead's most iconic parks. The project includes resurfaced courts, new spectator
seating, on-site Wi-Fi, and permanent equipment that makes playing easier than ever. So, we're so glad to be able to bring this long overdue renovation and expansion of the tennis courts, the pickle ball sports here at Jay-Z Red Park to bring it to fruition. Pickle
ball is just sleeping the country. Homestead is no exception. The courts are packed every evening. It's opposing time at night. This is just another amenity for our community to to keep up with the times. >> We are so excited. We just unveiled our
pickle ball courts here in the city of Homestead. We are very happy for our residents. This is a great addition to our parks and to our community. >> We have six dedicated pickle ball courts. We have six dedicated tennis courts. The back course has six blended lines, but we can have up to 12 pickle
ball courts going. This is a great park for the community. It's a hub of activities. As you can see, it's filled with families, people of all ages playing here. Um, we hope that everybody comes out and enjoy. >> Pickle ball is the fastest growing sport in America and Homestead's right in the game.
>> To be a trainer and to be able to have six permanent courts and not to have to pull out those rolling nets and have everything here except for us is a dream. It's pretty a dream a dream cocktail. >> These courts are bringing new energy to
JD Red Park every evening with extended park hours until 1000 p.m. For many neighbors, this upgrade is more than just courts. It's a connection point. >> I'm a youth minister uh leader of my group at First Baptist Church of Homestead. We always looking to play. We
play at our church, but our church is not really outfitted for us. So, having courts right here in this community is a great idea, is a great benefit to our community. Having additional pinball courts here, it allows the community do their exercise, come out at night, you
know, have the camaraderie with the community and neighbors, and just have a lot of fun. JD Red Park is once again a vibrant center for activity, energy, and connection. To learn more about the city of Homestead Parks, Recreation, and Open
Spaces Department, visit homesteadfl.gov/parks. So, what's behind me is our newest art sculpture that's came into the cyber. The artist took about 10 days or so coming in set getting it all set up. If you came in during that time, you saw
him in here with some scaffolding and a scissor lift and just all sorts of stuff going on everywhere. But we are absolutely delighted to have the sculpture here. We think it's a wonderful complent to all the services and the beautiful library that we have. and we want you to come in, check it
out, get a library card, use some of our services, see what we offer. >> This sculpture is part of our art in public places initiative. We also have the chrome statue, the murals, and the utility box. There's much more to come,
so please stay tuned. >> Uh, so to come in and visit us, uh, we are at 80 West Malerie Street, so we're right in the same shopping center as the movie theater. And right next to the parking garage, we're also across the street from Homestead uh police department. So, we're not, you know,
we're easy to find. And, you know, you can also visit our website at cybrarium.org. And you can go on, see what all we've got going on, see what time we're open, and then come in, pick up your pick up your card, and start going looking for your next opportunity. The
city of Homestead is hiring and you can be part of a great team. Whether you're starting out or looking to grow your career, we have part-time and full-time positions available across multiple departments. Enjoy great benefits, a supportive team, and the chance to make
a difference right here in the South Florida community. From development services to finance and budget, from parks to police, there's a place for everyone at the city of Homestead. We're hiring for everything from entry-level roles to leadership positions. Ready to
join the team? Head to homesteadfl.gov/job and apply today. In the city of Homestead, where the future lives, Homestead Regional Park is rising, blending our rich past with bold
new opportunities for South Dade. Homestead has always believed in big dreams. In the mid1 1980s, Homestead had envisioned the regional park as an engine of economic opportunity, striking a deal with the Cleveland Major League Baseball team to host spring training
games. But Andrew devastated the stadium and though it was rebuilt, the team walked away. >> So, let's talk a little bit about Hurricane Andrew and how it impacted Homestead and Homestead Regional Park. for better or worse. And we we try not
to any longer be the victims of Hurricane Andrew, but we can never not marked mark time in before and after. And those of us who were here don't have to say Andrew, we say the
hurricane. And everyone knows what you're talking about. The Homestead Regional Park remained in use, but it never soared. With baseball, softball, and soccer fields, it continued to serve the community, but its true potential remained unexplored. For years, the city
searched for funding and explored ideas to revitalize the site. There was a plan on the table, but limited funding options until now. Homestead wasn't searching for a grant proposal, but it found us anyway. In May 2025, the city
received a proposal from VSGS facilities for the redevelopment of Homestead Regional Park. that was thrilled, excited and impressed when I believe I received the first written formal request for availability of real estate
in Homestead which coincidentally is the city of Homestead what we call the Homestead Regional Park uh aka previously known as Homestead uh sports complex. The letter was short. It was very thrilling in terms of what the
details comprised of. They were seeking permission to utilize the city's uh regional park as the future home of what they call the Homestead Regional Park Soccer Academy/ the sports hub.
>> This is not just a sports complex. It's a $275 million privately funded regional park. No cost to the city, all benefit to the community. Currently, the Homestead Regional Park has four baseball fields, two softball
fields, and one large soccer green space. The new Homestead Regional Park will feature a 10,000 seat multi-use stadium, a 100 room hotel, and an expansive sports campus that includes six professional soccer fields, six
multi-purpose fields, and 12 halves fields. The development also brings new baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and dedicated spaces for tennis, paddle, and pickle ball. At its core, it's a premier youth sports
academy with dormitories, classrooms, and indoor training facilities. The project will also include a community hub and a dedicated kids park. >> When preparation meets an opportunity, it's almost as if it's happening in real time fast. Uh, these guys were prepared.
They knew what they wanted and the city of Homestead successfully put together based on council direction uh a negotiation team that engaged, facilitated, and make sure that the negotiation was fasttracked.
>> Homestead Regional Park is more than a sports destination. It's an investment in the city's future and the quality of life of its residents. Designed to serve generations to come, it offers world-class facilities while honoring what makes Homestead unique. That's why
it will proudly serve as the new home of the Homestead Championship Rodeo, a beloved tradition that has brought the community together for decades. This project embraces progress without leaving our roots behind. >> Well, what was your impression when you saw the deal for the park? So this was a
real win for us. But when we sat down at the negotiating table, there were the three overriding issues for us were public access, a home for the rodeo, and financial fairness for the city.
>> In the past, promises weren't kept. This time, we asked the hard questions. Do we have guarantees? Who's really behind this $275 million project? The answer, some of the biggest stars in soccer, basketball, tennis, and more. Juan
Sebastian Bon, Argentine soccer legend. Manu Jenobili, NBA Hall of Famer. Dario Salah, former professional goalkeeper and CEO of VSGS. Juan Monaco, former top 10 ATP tennis player and a group of
elite athletes and top investors. Together they form VSGS Sports Performance Hub. >> SPH is more than a project. It's a movement that unites a sport, community, and education. And we are
really proud that it begins here in Homestead. >> This isn't just a dream. It's a movement led by global icons. Now, what else does the city get from this deal? A lot more than worldclass facilities. Homestead will receive millions of dollars in rent
over an 80-year ground lease, plus all property taxes generated by the site. The city will also share in ticket revenue from stadium events, hotel room share, and even revenue from naming rates. >> We're going to increase revenues for our local businesses and hotels. Uh we're
going to have, you know, top-of-the-line sports facilities uh for not only uh the operator, but for our residents to use as well. On top of that, the agreement includes dedicated city days, and significant infrastructure improvements,
upgrades to electric, water, and sewer systems, new access roads, expanded parking, and worldclass park amenities that will be brand new to our community. It's a long-term agreement that guarantees a steady, sustainable flow of income, reinvesting private success into
public benefit. >> None of the investment dollars is coming from our city budget. is all privately investments. And uh when you look at this, you say, "My goodness, this is what we call a proper and
realistic public-f facing public private partnership that has under the belt. what we consider the best and highest use for a taxpayer where your tax dollars is not being invested but you
will be the direct beneficiary of the completed public facility. >> The Homestead Regional Park is a gamecher not just for recreation but for jobs, quality of life and national visibility. The project is expected to generate more than 4,300 construction
jobs and over 600 permanent positions once completed. It will also create additional tax revenue and spark a major economic ripple effect that will benefit local businesses, schools, and families for years to come. >> We have the motorsports complex. We have
the park of commerce right here. Uh this is where South Date is growing and this is going to be the center of Miami date county uh for all things uh for family entertainment as well as the new center for the great city of Homestead.
>> So what's next? Negotiations are complete. The city council voted unanimously. Now it all begins. Construction of Homestead Regional Park will unfold in phases over the next 3 years, commencing in 2026. Like any major project, there will be
growing pains, traffic, dust, and change, but it's all part of building something transformative. The road ahead is long, but the destination will be worth it. >> I think Homestead will stand as a new reference point in sports and community
development. >> And as part of the deal, Miami FC will come to Homestead. >> Well, bringing Miami FC here is a milestone for the city. It means professional football, professional soccer in Homestead with new jobs, international visibility.
Remember the club will train and playing here. Most importantly, will become part of daily life. So, it will inspire families, children, and fans while uh generating momentum that extends far beyond the stadium. Wherever you are in the rest of the world, when you talk
about the greater Miami area, you must be forced to recognize the city of Homestead, the home of the Speedway, the home of the rodeo, and now the home of soccer and other ancillary sporting facilities. This is big. Homestead is on
the way to being the go-to place. And I keep telling folks, this is the last frontier. >> This is where the future lives. Homestead is where the future will be made in in South Florida. And certainly with the the designation of spaceport
and aerospace technology on the county lands surrounding Homestead Air Reserve Base, that opens the doors for a whole new range of highpaying, very skilled and educated jobs that we just we don't
have here. >> I love that. Where the future lives. This is where the future lives. >> Stay tuned for upcoming updates at homesteadreionpark.com. Homestead. The future lives here. Fore!
Foreign! Foreign! Oenta. >> Well, good evening everyone and welcome. I'd like to call the city of Homestead City Council meeting to order. Today is Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025. It is now 6:06
p.m. This evening, the invocation will be given by Pastor Gabriel de Demostin, president of the Haitian Pastors Association, followed by the pledge of allegiance, led by Councilwoman Aavala and the Homestead Police Explorers. Could you
please rise, pastor? Almighty and gracious God, we thank you for bringing us together this evening in service to the people of Homestead. You have blessed our community with opportunity, resilience, and a share
purpose. Grant the members of this council wisdom and unity as they deliberate on matters that affect our neighbors and future generations. Help them to speak with respect, love, listen with understanding and act with integrity. May even may every discussion
tonight be guided by fairness, compassion and truth. Bless those who serve, our leaders, first responders, educators, and workers who labor each day for the good of this town. Bless all
families who call homestead home that our community may continue to grow in strength and unity. Let peace preside over this meeting and may the outcome of our work bring honor to you and benefit to all. bless this
wonderful and powerful council our mayor and uh let's see let homestead be flourishing in Jesus name. Amen. Forward left. Left, left, right.
Left, left, left, right. Left, left, left, right. under right face. Breathe that alliance
to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisibley andice for all. Order arms left face
forward arch left. Thank you. Please be seated. Okay. So, Madam Clerk, let's have a roll call, please. >> Councilman Cannibal, >> here. >> Councilwoman Avula, >> here. >> Councilman Ross, >> here.
>> Councilman Davis, >> here. >> Councilwoman Bailey, >> here. >> Vice Mayor Fletcher >> here. >> Mayor Losner, >> I'm here. All right. The next item on our agenda is the public comment section. I'm not aware that anyone pre-registered to make a public comment. This is your
opportunity to make a comment as appropriate. We'll have a threeminut time limit. We'll ask you to come to the podium. Give us your name and address for the record and keep your comment to three minutes. Good evening. Mayor, how are you? From Mara. I live at 24 off
East 19th Street. Um, the reason why I'm coming here today is because at the at our last meeting where I was properly introduced to your staff at the uh at the town hall at uh at the villages, I was um improperly introduced. I am no
problem child. Okay. My name's Romero Orton. All right. I've been in banking for over 25 years. I started my banking career against your dad's bank at community bank. From there, I went to Washington Mutual. from nurs from the little Wells Fargo where I actually
employed some of your majors in here and now I'm at TD Bank as a small business specialist. I'm no problem child. I just know my stuff. Okay. So, the next time you see me in public, please just say hi. That would suffice. No other comments, please. Um the the reason why
um I am here is because I sent an invite to the candidates. Unfortunately, there's no forms where we don't know your platforms and and we don't know what you're running for. So, um thank you uh Councilman Bailey and Councilwoman Abula for your um confirm
your attendance. Mr. Davis, will you be attending tomorrow at 12:30? >> I will not. >> Uh okay, then can I ask you this? Why is it that you ran 2 years ago on promises to stopping over development, but you actually approved 3,000 project over
3,000 new units in the past 23 months? >> Mr. That's not an appropriate question. >> Yeah, I'm not discussing >> for this forum those matters here. >> Okay. So, I I can't ask anything. So, what what's the whole point of >> not campaign related? Absolutely not. >> Oh, no. It's it's not campaigning. It's
actions that he took. He actually ran on that, but he actually voted on additional units, you know, adding more to the overdevelopment. Why did you vote for that when you ran on opposing it?
>> I will not discuss campaign issues from the das. >> I wish I thought so. Um, Mr. Ziri, why are you ignoring my emails and my phone calls? I called you four times. I left you four messages with your gatekeeper and not one call. not aware of your calls, sir. You
>> you're unaware of of my phone calls. Please get a hold of uh Deputy Brown. I left uh four messages. My inquiry was what was your thought process when you were hiring your deputy manager with an adverse background.
>> Sir, I'm not obligated to respond to such personal inquiries from the DS. Uh >> well, I mean it is public record, so it's out there. So, of course, we we can discuss that. Thank you. Okay, so
moral of the subject, why I am here. I'm just here because I do run True Homestead. I am the one that runs the page. Yes, I am. Um, why I do it? Because no one else will. And we need someone to hold all of you accountable.
So, um, Mr. Davis, if you do decide, a chair will be there for you tomorrow. Okay. Thank you. Okay, Mr. Georgia, real quick, cuz I I didn't catch your first little comment there and didn't realize until later in your discussion that it was aimed seemed to be aimed at me that
you were introduced improperly. >> No. >> Okay. >> No, no, no. What I was saying is you didn't introduce me correctly the the last time when you introduced me as the problem child to your staff. Do you recall that? >> I did. Okay. And and in the context of
the conversation, we all know that at that moment that meant and in the context was an entirely different thing. If you want to play word games, I'll be happy to go outside with you and have fact-based word games anytime you're ready.
>> I'm not running for office, so that debate is pointless. >> Nor am I. There you go. Well, nor am I. You are asking for former technically you are. Any further public comment? >> Hi, pastor. >> Good evening, honorable mayor,
uh, council members, distinguished city leaders. As you already know, my name is Pastor Gabriel and, uh, I'm present the consulation. I think that the first time we have a city council that work closely with the pastors. I have to commend and
thank all of you cuz we need that. But uh that's not my purpose to be here today. But um I feel uh convey to uh thank you because I think of each one of you every day. Keep doing what you're
doing. That's good for the city and we can see that our cities is in peace. That's a blessing from God. Thank you. Thank you. >> I stand before you as represent of the home, a coalition of faith leaders serving the
local churches and there isn't a quasi city. Our mission is to foster spirituality, unity, and community well-being. Today, I come to speak in support of a project that aligns perfectly with those goals.
The proposed clinical initiative led by Dr. Susan Chhatson Aras, a respected physician of Haitian descent. This project is not merely a building or a business plan. It is a lifeline for a community in need. Homestead is home to many hardworking
families including Haitians, Latin Americans, and other immigrants who struggle daily to access affordable culturally competent healthcare. The vision of this clinic is to bring medical services closer to those who
need them most. Mothers, children, seniors, farm workers, and the uninsured. Dr. Amas is not just a doctor. She's a servant leader. Her deep roots and this community and her proven commitment to public health make her
uniquely qualified to lead this effort. The clinic's role is to provide preventive care, chronic disease management, and health education and multiple languages, bringing bridging cultural and gaps that often keep our neighbors from seeking help. As pastors,
we see firsthand the consequences when families cannot afford healthcare, when treatable conditions turn into crisis, and when people must choose between medicine and rent. We have pray with too many members who suffer needlessly
because of limited access. This project will not only heal the sick but but also strengthen families. We do self disparity and support the city long-term vision of a healthy thriving homestead. We acknowledge that every development must meet regulations
and respect community concerns. But we confidently affirm that this clinic will bring positive impact creating jobs, reducing emergency cost and partnering with local nonprofits and churches to ensure holistic care. It is an investment in life, dignity and
equity. In closing, we urge this council, this wonderful and my wonderful people. And I said from the my heart because believe me I'm a spoken guy and I'm very um watchful if I say something I said from the world of my heart. You're an excellent group for the city.
Um I encourage you u to support such a project. In closing, we we need this council to see what they can do. The 2014 to help relieve people, empower local of Haitian descent and
demonstrate that Homestead is a city where we desent and demonstrate that Homestead is a city where we included as you have been doing since you have been elected. Let this clinic stand as a testament
that when faith medicine and civic leadership work hand in hand, our city goes stronger together. Thank you again. Um let me just make a distinction to council Jennifer with uh with the support back of all of
you that always stand as a Haitian personality. We appreciate you all. Thank you city manager. Thank you the police officers. You're doing an excellent jobs especially in this time of uh difficulties for us. God bless you all.
>> Thank you. All right. Any further public comment? >> Sure. Council Roth. >> Thank you, mayor. I just want to recognize that the mayor's youth council has walked into the chambers to uh continue their uh education on what civic government is all about. I'd like to introduce the mayor of the mayor's
youth council, which is Brooke Marcel Marcelli. It's a great group of talented kids and um you all work hard to make our mayor very happy. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you, guys. Thank you, councelor. >> Yeah. And hope that I know you've all
been invited. Should have been invited. Hope we'll see you tomorrow evening at the state of the city address at 6:30 here in the chambers. All right. Any further public comment? Is there anyone online? No, no one else in the audience. All right.
So, I mean the public comment I'll now close the uh public comments section and I'll ask uh manager and staff if there are any addition any additions, deletions or um deferrals. >> No, Mr. Mayor.
>> Um unknown by Mr. uh is Mr. Lopez here. Iggy, are you here? Think he's one of the uh one of the last items this evening. Um
think I think we need to based on information I've received, I think we're going to need to defer item 18 to the next regular council meeting. I don't see I saw him earlier. I don't see him here now.
>> Yes, >> Mr. Mayor. I think he's with the city clock's office. >> It's being resolved then. So, we may not need to uh >> So, I would suggest you table that on council. >> Okay. So, we'll we'll ensure that is uh Okay.
Very good. Then, um if there's no objection, I understand that folks have uh come from out of town. Uh, Councilwoman Avala for one of your items under your business if what's that? I thought I saw Walter back here
somewhere. >> How can you miss that? >> Sorry, I didn't see him come in. Thank you, Mayor. But, uh, under my, uh, under my items, under my business, I do have a presentation that Mr. Jenkins would like to, um, give for council's consideration for our city manager and staff. Thank
you. The floor is yours, Mr. Jenkins. Thank you. >> So, just, you know, so we have a record. Give us your names and addresses so that uh we have those on file. >> Thank you, Walter Jenkins, 475 Northeast
40th Road, Homestead, Florida, 33033. Thank you, council members. I appreciate the time. Uh I know all of you personally and I'm here before you today because um I think it's so important for our city to participate where there's an
opportunity to leverage uh better utilization of our spending and to be able to bless our employees. I think there's 511 of them within the city that I I calculated with as much benefits as we can to be as attractive
of a city as we can to those city staff members as well as to be able to reduce our cost as a city. I understand that you guys have been hard at work at some bond referendums etc. and and uh I thank you for the the improvements to our city
that you're focused on, but I do believe that our city internally also needs care that supersedes any other municipality around to continue to attract the talent like our new city staff and uh and other team members that we have. But I today
Colton is with me and he's uh one of the directors for Champion Health's uh distribution. And the reason why I look at this is because it's it's a multiplefold benefit. And I said, let's go ahead and bring this to our city because other municipalities across the
state and uh the country are benefiting from this cost-saving tool that also gives our employees within the city additional benefits and Colton will share what those are. But the most important thing, and the reason why this was created, council, was because we
don't know which of those 511 staff members are going to call in and say that they're fighting a cancer battle, they're fighting a heart attack, a stroke, something to that effect, because they did not take preventative care, they didn't have the opportunity because their utility bill or their red
was more expensive than the cost to go to the uh the urgent care or the hospital and find out what's going on. So, Colton will talk more about the how it works and what it is, but I wanted to let you know that this is a goal to remove any barrier from preventative med
care for all of our our city staff. The byproduct of it is savings for the municipality, approximately $1.6 million impact per year. there. There's many different layers to that, but this is some of it is guaranteed and some of it
is based on other levels of of investment and and discovery. My goal is to let's take a look at this. Let's find out what other cities are doing and let's find out if this applies to us as a city. Colton, thank you, Walter. Thank you, council
members, mayor. Um, I'm joining you, Colton Ben, tonight from Wisconsin. I reside at 743 Fiesta Drive, Nusa, Wisconsin, 54457. That's my advice as well. Uh, and we're
we're bringing forth the educational session on Champion Health. I come to you as a product matter specialist. I work with public entities and private across the country on promoting better health care spending, better healthcare benefits, zerocost access to healthcare
and preventive measures. And that is what I'm here to present to the council members. So, we did uh supply our overview of this for everyone to review. And I just wanted to start this off with
sharing uh the history on what we've been doing with our program across the country. We've been operating the Champion Health Plan for around 10 years now. I've personally been working with them for over seven. And in that time, we have uh brought this on board with thousands of employer groups across the
nation. And it does three key things. We're able to coordinate some zerocost access benefits for employees of organizations where they otherwise may have a cost to seek preventive health care, to seek visitations, to seek blood
work. We get to remove that barrier for them. At the same time, we are able to reduce the tax bill overall for an organization that is supplying this to their employees along with the real magic ending of it and that is
increasing take-home pay wages for employees that are part of the program as well. We do work with other cities across the country um some of them in Florida in the state of Florida. And so there are a few dynamics to this program that I'll review. The primary piece to
it and I want to review on the on the first portion is supplementing somebody's current medical benefits or just providing them with some in the first place if they don't necessarily have any. Now, as Walter said, we never knew who the next person may be that calls in with stage 4 cancer
or has a heart attack or has a stroke. And there are ways to prevent that. There are ways to detect that early. So our entire program has been designed around prediction and prevention of illness, injuries and diseases using technology and education in the medical
space. That is what we're promoting to employees that are on this program. At the same time, funding healthcare benefits that they can actually use on a daily basis all across the country to seek out doctor visits, to seek out walk-in clinic visits, to seek their uh
medications being covered. and they no longer have to choose between keeping the lights on, paying their utility bills, putting groceries on the table, and going to a doctor visit. So, what this comes along with is unlimited zero co-ay, primary care visits, urgent care,
walk-in center visits, anything that is affordable care act, preventative care gets covered on this outside of an existing insurance policy. So where another avenue is that we bring forth monetary benefit to an organization is
when you have a health insurance policy and you use it, rates tend to go up year after year after year as we've been seeing the trend happening. We're able to mitigate that by putting this in front of a health insurance policy, reducing claims utilization, reducing
claims spend for a self-insured plan account, and in turn reducing long-term health care costs for an organization, which we have proven with a track record of large insurance carriers over the past 10 years. at the same time providing other support
services for employees, unlimited 247 virtual care in both the physical and mental health space. And I think the number one uh utilized piece on this is the mental health component to it. Something that is better than any EAP. It's it's better than waiting 4 weeks to
seek out a therapy visit in person. something that employees can gain access to immediately and visit with a therapist, visit with a counselor, have their children seek out uh teen mental through what we're providing. Now, there
are a few other things put in here, added that added here for the the animation at the bottom, but we're able to actually supply additional perks and benefits that employees can use on a day-to-day basis. One of them being virtual veterinarian services. What's
more stressful than having your pet have a problem that you can't get them to see a vet for very quickly? So, that's something else that's provided here on a video and and phone call basis uh for employees to go and use as much as they'd like to. Never a co-ay or any kind of out of pocket associated with that along with laboratory testing kits
and vital track um technologies that we can integrate. That's another piece in this world of preventing injuries and disease can just come with a simple blood test on a yearly basis. And so many people don't do that because of the inconvenience or the cost of it. So
we're supplying that to employees to order through their uh accounts here that they can actually do it themselves at home with a simple prick of a finger and send it into the labs. They'll get all kinds of results for metabolic panels, lipid panels, whole blood counts, precancerous markers,
pre-diabetes, which can extremely help with the prevention of those diseases being late discovered and difficult to treat. I'll skim through on the last part here, but we want to promote the heartbeat of what Champion Health has been, and that
is that prediction and prevention of injuries and illnesses using our technology and education based on risk, based on assessments, based on family history, medications that are being taken. So when employees are a part of this program, your employees within the city or many of the employees that are
with private companies that we have this program in, they are starting off with an assessment of risk. Champion Health will determine what their high risk factors are, what kind of chronic illnesses there may be, what kind of medications they're on, and then we prescribe them actionable items that they could use on a daily, weekly,
monthly basis from the Mayo Clinic that are designed to help manage, treat, prevent injuries, illnesses, and disease they follow along. May be a video, it may be a study, it may be a article, a recipe, a routine, something that's relevant to
that individual's life uh in order to help them prevent things getting worse or prevent them from happening at all. Now, the overall analysis on this, we have two components to Champion Health. One of them being a section 125
medical plan that's going to go in front of any other benefits that employee currently has. But it takes a pre-tax funding mechanism through payroll that ends up directly reducing payroll tax matching costs for an employer group. Now this applies to any size, any type
of industry, public or private. We all have to uh pay social security and Medicare tax matching within payroll or just payroll taxes in general. We're able to reduce that with what we are funding through the CHAMP plan at the same time as actually rewarding employees for being a part of this plan
with medical benefit payouts to them simultaneously. End result in that being the organization sponsoring the plan reduces their overall taxes they can reallocate into the budget and in this case apply to public projects
give uh incentives to employees or actually end up completing some of the things that we're looking for money to complete for the city. At the same time, employees end up retaining more of their earnings and wages because they also
have less tax being withheld and they fund some medical benefits simultaneously that they can go and use as much as they would like to without any costs out of pocket for it. And I'll wrap this up with this final image. And this is the proposed overall
savings that Champion Health supplies to the city of Homestead just based on an employee count where we are going to the next step on this. And our request is to actually do the full detailed analysis on this. But based on just an employee
count, we have some guaranteed and some variable savings that come into play based on our national averages. It is in the green of a $1.6 million swing annually that we have as a proposed savings. The last piece in here on how we
actually calculate that and generate that that um report on a specific basis is simply looking at payroll figures and we're able to come out with final figures on that to share what that number truly would be. That is the final wrapup I have just on
the overview of this at the current state. I'll pass it back over to you, Walter. >> Thank you, Colton. And we'd love to field any questions that you have. However, I do want to say that we have um potential bond. I just looked at the numbers that you guys have shared and
and it looks like if all funding at the same time, it's around 60 million in interest cost over time. I just look at this as a great way to repurpose and reposition those same dollars that we plan on paying outside of uh our existing plans in the budget. And it
also gives us an opportunity to better attract talent with a a benefit that does not leave when an employee decides to go to a different municipality. And it really sets us apart. And so I don't think there's a single employee within the city of Homestead that would not
like their pay increased or their benefits uh improved. Uh and I know that our city would also enjoy the additional reduction of expense. So my my goal is for us to explore this further, find out what it is that it means for the city over time. And uh I hope that you guys
also want to explore that with me. >> Any questions from council? >> Thank you, mayor, and thank you for our present uh presenters for bringing this item uh to my attention. And I mean, we're always trying to find ways to find, you know, pennies in the couch
cushions and a million pennies um of savings is is quite a good reason to explore it further. And I wanted to make sure that we all had an opportunity to hear the presentation at least once and to uh hopefully give general consensus to our city manager and staff to review
it further, digest it, really uh maybe give us some one-on- ones as to what the the numbers um confirm to be after they do all that analysis and maybe bring it back for a future meeting. But I'll rest there. Thank you again for bringing the item. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. And let me let me turn to the city manager. It's my understanding that he and his staff have received a presentation and have done some preliminary review of vetting, if you will, of of this plan. And I' I'd like
to have a briefing from the manager or his staff on on their perspective as to this is your >> to this plan. I won't call it a proposal, but this product. >> Sure. >> So, thank you, Mayor and Council. Several months ago, another group had
come into the city with the same presentation about the CHAM plan and uh we had asked for references of any governmental entity that has done a similar program and we were assured that there were and especially Miami date
county. Uh a razo was presented to us as coming from the county. Uh we read through the resolution. It was more a direction from the board of county commission asking the administration there to look into the feasibility of
this plan and nothing moved forward from then and the entity was unable to provide any further proof of any municipal or governmental entity that has accepted this plan or implemented this plan after they had been presented to them. So
that's why it didn't move forward. Uh the city advertised for the city's health plan. Uh I'm not too sure is the procurement director in the room. I don't think we received any further representation from the entity that they interested in offering any type of plan
to the city. If there's any additional comments, uh madame director of HR, I would like you to add if they have more. >> Good evening, U. Mayor and Council. Um I've reviewed several of these programs. Um, and as the manager said, as your
subject matter expert, um, I did not recommend moving forward with this program. There's no cities that I've been able to locate that have implemented or would provide me any feedback regarding these programs. >> Can I respond? Yes. Just want to make
sure I'm concerned. Uh, I had a chance to meet with Mr. Zuri. I have never had a chance to speak to Are you, Miss Beet? first time I'm meeting her and uh we would love to explore this for our city. There are other municipalities. There was no open dialogue between myself and Miss Babette. I would love to explore
that with our city because neither Mr. Zuri or Babette represent the entirety of our city. Everyone in this community are the representatives of paying tax members who should see this through as a opportunity. And whatever it is that Mr.
Missouri and his staff have looked at so far. None of it came from a dialogue with us to show them their answers to their questions. So, I understand they're very busy. Uh, Miss Beet, welcome to the community. We appreciate you, Ziri, as well, but the full due diligence has not been done. And there
are other municipalities that are on this already. I showed Mr. area that Miami Day County as you mentioned is uh is currently actually Colton was is the one that's helping them with that process but they are still in that process and they are doing full due diligence and moving forward. So our
goal is for us to get ahead and not to be behind. So uh yeah there are other municipalities Mr. M I bet there are uh other people that are on this and I think that it's important for us to look at it internally and do proper due diligence.
>> Just from my understanding is would this be a supplement to the insurance plan we recently adopted or is it a potential replacement? because when when I go through this, there seems to
be a lot of duplication from what was recently represented to us in the plan that we adopted a couple months ago. I love that question because as you guys know, I've spent over 24 years in insurance and and I'm a pretty big nerd in it and there's no mitigation
for our rising in I don't know if there's a single person business owner in here that can say they've received overwhelming rate decreases from the same insurer year-over-year. Most of the time people are expecting rate increases sometimes to the tune of double digits and there's frequency and severity and
this stands in front of the health insurance policy that you have. It doesn't have to do any coordination of benefits and it offloads all those claims whether it's severe claims or regular uh severe claims through uh prevention or regular urgent care doctor
visits, prescriptions, none of those hit the major medical and that's where a lot of the savings are coming from from existing clients that we're familiar with. So, uh, this works in front of the health insurance. So, it doesn't do anything to replace it and it also helps
these benefits extend to family members who may not currently have family benefits through the existing health insurance. So, no, it doesn't interrupt. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes, Mr. Since uh the reverend gentleman mentioned that they do have other additional cities that he has
information uh I think we should welcome he's providing us those additional information because the only one that was provided in the past did not pass most the county did not have any information. The county passed a razo back in November of 2024 asking the
administration to come back within 120 days. This is no this is October 2025 and none has happened. However, if you have additional information, we're welcome to receive it. >> Yes, there's and I'll let Colton speak to that uh due diligence process, but yes,
>> if I may, thank you just for the for the sake of our meeting tonight and there's a lot of other items. I think what we're not passing any motions tonight or any decisions. It was just a matter of presentation and I appreciate the opportunity for our city manager's office to um continue the dialogue and
perhaps bring back something that they can support or additional questions and concerns for us to review. But uh I think we can cut the presentation at this time if unless there's anything really urgent you want to add. >> I I I just want to add that I will provide some references for the cities
that are currently using this. Hey, that that was my thought before the manager jumped in is that if we don't have complete information, >> um if you could provide that so that the manager can can make contact and uh try
to determine the uh legit legitimacy or viability of the uh the plan that uh the program that you're you're offering, >> right? It almost sounds too good to be true. So, it does deserve some real good due diligence as we're all talking about
and if there is a way to find us the savings, I think we'll all be very appreciative of it. So, thank you. >> Well, and and we would be and Colton, I want to apologize that I think you've been snared into a really craven political stunt here tonight. There was no reason for you to have to come to
Homestead from Wisconsin to do this. Uh this is a very unusual procedure. it really doesn't meet protocol of of procurement. So on behalf of at least myself, I'll only speak for myself. I apologize that you have been ins snared
in uh in something that uh could have been resolved otherwise without a trip to Homestead. >> Again, look forward to your provision of the information. >> I I appreciate the visit. I was able to spend four months here last. Love it. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Walter. All right, let's go back to Right. So, we have addressed the additions, deletions, or deferrals. So, tab one is a pres an ARPA update
presentation. Is that you, Mr. Manager? >> Uh, yes. I will ask the deputy manager to handle this. >> Good. Good afternoon, mayor, council. I will work to be very brief um in both
this presentation and the one that pres uh follows it. So, as you are potentially accustomed to at this point, at least on a quarterly basis, we try to give council um an update on how we are
progressing with the ARPA dollars and the projects that coincides with those ARPA funding at a very high level. For the benefit of uh mayor and council, we have 54 total projects that are either fully funded through ARPA or
partially funded. Uh today, of the 54, there are 11 active projects. Um which means 43 has been completed and officially closed out. Um, as a point of
recollection, the city received $19.1 million in ARPA funding back in um June uh 2021 and then again in June 2022, the second trunch of those dollars
were delivered to the city. Uh and ultimately the charge was to um identify initiatives and projects across five areas. Public health and negative economic impact. Uh there was a premium pay for eligible workers, administrative
expenses, um investment in infrastructure, which we have done a lot of. Um and then there are there's an opportunity to replace um some dollars from general revenue. To date, we have spent um or we've
expended almost $17.6 million. Um and we have 11 projects in the for the purpose of brevity. I will quickly run through the 11 projects towards the back of your presentation. You have the complete list
of um uh the 43 projects that have been completed. Um so the first item is the the America 250 initiative. Um the pending item there are the pole banners uh that we have to work uh finalize as
well as there's some um America 250 hats that we are working on um bringing into production early next year. Uh the second initiative is our EPL build which we'll talk a little bit
more about uh later on. But as a as a reminder, ARPA funded partially funded the EPL project to the tune of $400,000. The third project is the park solar portable lighting and camera initiative.
We actually have received all of the equipment. We have completed the project. The component that is still running is the um recurring monthly AT&T charges which is a part of the general
revenue our broadband infrastructure. So this is our Wi-Fi in the park initiative parks initiative. We have completed nine of our 13 parks um are now Wi-Fi enabled
for our the new code and parks administration building. Um as we know we completed the parks project I'd like to say in June or early June of this year. Yes. No, May of this year. And um
there are some several administrative costs that are recurring. Um but the project itself has been completed as a part of the EV pilot program. The we had allocated the purchase of um a EV
vehicle. Um we have had some challenges with securing that vehicle um to serve as the initial uh pilot program for the city. Um, so that is still an ongoing effort.
We get to Flaggler Avenue gravity sewer design. Um, I kind of want to jump a little bit to a completed project to explain the Flaggler initiative for a moment. Uh so with the Homestead Regional Park, if you recall, we had about almost $2 million slated for
Homestead Regional Park and there was a remaining 93 thou $97,000 to complete the design and permitting with us moving forward with the VSGS Sports Performance Hub uh partnership.
that $97,000 was uh reallocated away from Homestead Regional Park. We know we no longer needed to airmark those dollars in that project and we moved it to the Flaggler Avenue gravity sewer design. Um there is
there there is a need for or there was a need for dollars to be um supplemented for this project um as we work towards completing the design and moving into the construction in Q1 of next year.
As you are all attuned, the Chrome Avenue water and sewer design, we have a little bit under $20,000 remaining um in that initiative and it's 20,000 of ARPA funding. Um, this project is funded by
multiple sources, but we have 20,000 left of ARPA rema ARPA associated dollars for the Chrome Avenue water and sewer design. Uh, for our Siberian third and fourth floor elevator and bathroom um buildout,
we have $130,000 um a little bit over $130,000 remaining in the way of an update. Um this particular project uh the the elevator cabins have been installed. Uh we are waiting for connections and to be able
to test. Um the bathroom is also complete. Uh we are still essentially working through the punch list items in order for the project to be project to be considered complete. We have a little bit over a million dollars for our
sewer system evaluation survey. Um and this is essentially our continuous effort of lining um different uh pump station basins to further reduce the inflow of the in the infiltration in
those pump stations. And I believe that is uh a quick summary of the 11 active projects. Um I'm happy to take any questions if you have any. Council, any questions or comments on
the status of the expenditure of the ARPA funds? >> Yeah, keep moving. Quick question. Something that occurred to me. >> Yes, sir. >> There's one thing worse than having no Wi-Fi, having spotty Wi-Fi. >> What's the lifespan of the equipment
we're placing in the park so we'll know, you know, we're going to need to begin to set money aside to to upgrade and replace? >> That's a great question. And I think our IT director is walking in at the moment. Uh Yanel, uh the mayor would like to
understand our um replace well the the life the lifetime duration of the equipment that we've done for the Wi-Fi in the park and what is the plan for replacement once we approach that term >> for the Wi-Fi.
>> Right. So that equipment usually lasts a good 5 to 10 years. So ideally what we would like to do is include it in the in the CIP plan moving forward. And um that's pretty much it. >> Good. So 10 years none of us will be
sitting here. >> Hey Yanel, technology changes, right? So by year three, this city should start planning on replacement programming even though technology may have changed by year three. >> One of the one of the other things to
make note of at least on the Wi-Fi side is the equipment is one thing but with the recurring uh subscription through with um is it AT&T we are able to increase the bandwidth as as capacity is
needed. Right. So there's the equipment and then there's the actual service. By virtue of the service that we've um signed up for with AT&T, we can increase bandwidth and coverage. Um and then the equipment piece is something that we have to start planning for within that
70 to 60 month window. >> Council Roth. >> Thank you, Mayor. So, with lifespan for the Wi-Fi out at the parks, what's the possibility of bringing fiber optic out to those areas and also Chrome Avenue?
Um, I was talking to Carol Harris and a condition of her closing on her home was to bring fiber optic out to where she lives. If they can do it out there, we certainly can do fiber optic along Chrome Avenue and to the parks, which would give us a lot more lifespan. So,
council member, AT&T has actually been implementing a fiber optic installation in the entire South Florida. Uh, they've been swapping out existing systems, which I was informed was one of the reasons they sold the facility, the building beside city hall here because
they don't no longer need it. Uh, we'll reach out to AT&T rep who's been here several times and have written confirmation how soon they can complete the city of Homestead. Thank you. >> It's all I can ask for. >> And that's from what I understand that's
just in lie of or in replacement of the old copper. >> I don't know how >> that's what I Yeah. And and I guess the the next level of thought process is as long as we're digging up chrome and Washington, let's at least put in the
conduit >> for for fiber optic, if not the actual fiber optic. >> Okay. Yeah. >> All right. So, the EPL build item. >> All right.
>> I'm going to be shorter, sir. I'll try at least. >> Say that again. >> I put me on the three-minute clock. We'll do it. So, um, for the I would say maybe since last year or so, so we're circling about
a year. um mayor and council have has heard about EPLP build and we've talked about it um in with the objective of the big goal of essentially transforming how the city does business. So we'll quickly talk about what is EPL build. We'll talk
about the departments that are involved. We'll do a very quick review of phase one and phase two. Um I'm very happy that now we officially have statistics that we can share. Um and then I'll we'll talk a little bit about gritics
and then really close out with a lot of the complimementaryary initiatives that staff staff has undertaken to make really an ecosystem of services come online. Um so this is the maybe the the one of
the big things that I I really want to make sure that that uh council understands. So EPL build is the front-facing software that folks see but in reality we are integrating with a
whole host of legacy systems. So our GIS platform we've estab we've we've developed almost 27 to 28 different layers through integrating and pulling layers from the county to establish the city's own GIS application.
Um we've purchased as a part of the Tyler technology platform Tyler payments and Tyler cash sharing ultimately now facilitating citywide payments online and we are moving to a world that it's one payment system across the
organization. We do have um some legacy systems that we will continue to work with but going forward all uh services must connect to Tyler payments and Tyler cash sharing and the solution uh facilitates that. Uh Cclickfix which is
our fix it homestead tool uh we are integrating cclickfix with EPL build for code compliance purposes. Digi plan um in is our electronic plans review solution that facilitates um
electronic plans review by staff um wherever they are um Navalign. So in the past there was a manual effort to reconcile payments done in our permitting system um to um the finance
and budget Navaline system. We have worked with both the Tyler as well as a local developer to create that connection that now we have an automated um solution that pushes over
um transaction completed transactions into the Navaline uh platform. And then last but not least, we have Laserfish, which is a our the city's document repository that we will integrate EPL build with
laserfish as a part of the phase 2 project. Um, quickly, uh, phase one involved again, we configured, uh, 27 and I'll take a moment to really thank staff. They have worked tirelessly
to to to get this done. I'm pretty sure if you drove by at 9 10:00 at night sometimes you saw staff here trying to ensure that the system was up and running um by October 1st. Um I think we
did it in 7 months. Um and it is no it is no small feat. So I really would like to thank all the staff that has been involved in this initiative. Um we really do appreciate the hard work that has gone into this. uh 27 building processes, four public works processes.
The clerk came online with lobbyist registration. We had uh one energy process. In addition to all of the configuration in parallel, we did the permit fee study. I've mentioned we built out uh in coordination with IT and
a consultant 27 GIS um layers uh several integrations and then in addition to that we built a back-end application to get bring offline uh several um legacy applications that exist within the city. Um what will an
applicant be able to do? They will be able to submit online, upload their drawings and documents online, pay their fees, monitor and track the progress of their applications uh without even submitting uh an application. They will be able to estimate their fees um and
then request their inspections online. Um before you is a uh a screenshot of what the portal looks like. Um you saw it a little bit earlier where we've also draw brought in um other applications that folks can uh use this
as a jumping off point for our city staff will be able to pre-screen applications. They're performing concurrent plans review. Um they're addressing code code compliance issues. We are performing inspections.
um they'll be able to manage the administrative processes post permit issuance and then ultimately issue the certificate of occupancies or uh certificate of completions. And again, here's another quick screenshot of what
the city staff workspace looks like. Um the departments that are involved to date, development services, public works, our energy, code compliance, city clerk. In phase two, we will add on solid waste and a few other departments.
So, here's what I'm really excited about, right? One of the strategic plan objectives is for us to become a more data centric operations. So uh since we've gone live and since the creation of uh this uh presentation which was
last Wednesday um we have we now rolled out we also rolled out a solution called Qless which tracks the number of track people that walks into a given department. Um so with that we are
now able to showcase that we've had 146 folks that has visited us to speak with to deal with building related issues. 69 for business licensing issues and 117 to address planning and zoning inquiries.
Um we've had uh about 52 applications submitted in the uh EPL portal. uh one application is in review and we haven't issued any permits to date. So one of the things that we've observed here is
that applicants are not used to having to one that the system generates a package and for them to sign and notoriize. Right? That is a that's a change issue that they're working through which is why we are seeing a lot of applications submitted but or
submitted but they haven't returned it to the city. Uh so that is something that we are we are working through with our applicant community. Um on the legacy side because we are working in a dual world uh we've had 188 applications
submitted since the since 101 and we've issued about 154 permits to date. On the code compliance side, we've gotten in large part issued about 175 notice of violations. And a very a very
important thing that we haven't articulated. In the past, it took about 45 minutes, and I think this is important because it gives context. It took about 45 minutes for a code officer to open a case in community plus right
which is our legacy system. We have moved to less than 10 minutes for a code case to be opened. So when we when we also talk about you know presence and being on the the being on the field when it takes 45 minutes for production for
one case that significantly impacts the ability of productivity for staff. Now we've gone to less than 10 minutes for a case to be opened. Um, additionally, we have intentionally built in automated
reminders and reinspections as a required step that did not exist in the past. uh on the clerk's side which is a very popular service uh if I if I may say so and brag on the clerk for a moment uh we
r although it was an EPL build we rolled out the passport services the clerk uh utilized the Qless solution which is our uh appointment making system and um we've seen 76 online appointments made
51 of which we've been able to complete uh passport whether it's a renewal ual or a new passport request um for the local community. Uh some change management things that we've we are working through. Um
internally we are trying to adjust procedures, ensure that staff understands what the new processes are. Uh we are implementing ongoing trainings, a feedback loop. Um, and we are going to be ramping up an externally
facing component for customers to be able to get assistance and provide feedback for continuous improvements. Um, really important, we are not just building out a system. It's really an ecosystem of services.
And if today, another quick screenshot, we have created a central page on our website for all things EPL build. Um, and all of these little tiles brings you to different uh instructional pages for folks to be able to navigate the new
processes and the system. Quick screenshot of the Qless online applications application that we are all we've we've rolled out in conjunction with EPL build. Um, we talked about Gridics uh earlier today and phase 2 is
also a lot of work I think more work than phase one. Um, but now that we've gotten to we've done this in a seven-month time, I I know with a little less sleep apparently, we'll get phase two done. Um, and with that, I again, I'd like to thank the team that has been
involved. Um, and I'll take any questions that you may have. >> Thank you. Any questions, council comments? I hear rave reviews on the street so far. >> Okay, that's great. >> I really do. very complimentary of the ease of the system and and how
successful it's been. >> Okay. >> So, >> thank you, mayor. >> Anyone else? >> All right. Thank you. All right. We now have our uh consent agenda tabs 3A through
4. I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. Uh, I heard uh I think the vice mayor moved it, seconded by Councilwoman Bailey, I think. Um, all in favor? >> Any opposed? All right, let's go to our
land use items. Mr. White. >> Yes. Please be advised the following items on the agenda are qua judicial in nature. If you wish to comment upon 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. The full agenda packet 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 lobbyist must register before addressing the council on any of the following items. At this time, council members
must disclose any exparte communications concerning tab five and tab six on this evening's quazi judicial agenda. >> Um, >> tab five is the reasonzoning from the former city halls.
>> Additional >> and tab six is what we just heard uh at the LPA meeting, the reasoning. >> Okay. >> Six for me, please, mayor. >> Yeah, sure. As disclosed earlier. Okay. So at this time I'd ask anyone in the audience who's wishing to speak this evening to please stand right raise your
right hand to be sworn in by the clerk. >> Do you hereby swear affirm to tell the truth and nothing but the truth to help me God? >> Thank you. You may be seated. >> Tab five card number 4736. This is the second reading of an ordinance of the city of Homestead, Florida, approving the reszoning as requested by the city
of Homestead of an approximately 16.116 acre parcel of land from government property GP zoning district to retail commercial BTU zoning district for for the property generally located at 700 and 700 790 North Homestead Boulevard as
legally described in exhibit A providing for conflict severability and providing for an effective date. This is second and final reading. >> Thank you. Is there any objection to we waving the staff report for this second reading item? All right. >> So moved by Councilman Roth, seconded by
Councilman Cannibal. Let's open the public hearing to see if anyone is against wings, burgers, and ribs. And uh Mr. Spino. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council was so good to see you. Daniel Espino, office
is 7:30 Northwest 107th Avenue, sweet 315 Miami, Florida. Here on behalf of Flanigans, no quite the opposite mayor, not not here rising in support of this. We fully concur with the staff recommendation and encourage you to support this item on second reading. Uh first and foremost, this is consistent with your land use the resoning category
of B2 and also in line with the with the uh trending of that neighborhood. U it's also an uncommon situation for all of you because you are the property owner and it encourages your goals of redeveloping this site and sites along major corridors. before we found out that we would uh that you all at the city would be graciously reszoning this
property. We intended to submit an application to reszone just the uh former library site to B2 because it would accomplish and facilitate the uh Flanigan's parcel. So just know that it accomplishes the objective of the concept that you saw. Uh it's been a great experience so far working with
your manager and your staff including your new community services director. Um to further along that process, we've been working with concurrent paths that is um supporting the resoning talking about the site plan and this is a condition to close. Uh we've waved the condition that we'll wait for site plan
approval administratively. So as soon as this goes now with your prior approval of the uh waiver of plat and this one will be clear to close and then promptly that submit the site plan and be on our way to getting a planning here in Homestead. So thank you so much for your time this evening and I hope you support it. Thank you.
>> Thank you Mr. Espino. All right. Any final questions or comments from council? We've already opened the public hearing and closed that. Let's have a roll call vote. >> Councilwoman Abula, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Bailey, Councilman Roth, >> yes. >> Councilman Davis,
>> yes. >> Councilman Cannibal, Vice Mayor Fletcher, >> yes. >> Mayor Losner, >> yes. >> The motion carries. >> And moving on to tab six. >> Yes. Tab six, card number 4770. This is the first reading of an ordinance city
of Homes of Florida approving the reszoning as requested by New Health Community Centers, Inc. of an approximately 299 acre parcel of land from multiple apartment R3 zoning district to restricted retail commercial B1 zoning district for property located at 100 Northwest 77th Street described
in exhibit A providing for conflicts of building providing for an effective date. First reading. >> All right. Moved by Councilman Roth. Do we have a second? >> I second with a comment. >> Sure. >> I just wanted to thank you Dr. Susie for your patience. I know that it has been quite a lot. Uh the only reason I'm sure
I heard of this and and no one else is just because of our relationship and from previous issues that just seemed to continue and not being able to really find a good answer for uh thank you for your patience and good luck. Thank you.
>> You anyone else? Okay. And I would like to say the applicant, you know, earlier I voted no and I have real concerns and this is a code issue and we're going to have to it's one of those things we keep talking about for decades. We need to fix our code. Medical use is very
intensive and our code for parking for other uses is in no way sufficient for any medical use whatsoever. So that that was I want you to understand that was my concern. It's not to you, your
product, what you're doing, who you serve. My prior objection was as to a bigger picture issue. We have issues all over the city with people parking on swailes. It creates traffic issues. There's a school across the street. It
was a perfect storm of for me of a lot of issues. And we're going to have to clean that up internally in our code when we address uh holistically our building regulations and deal with with parking.
What else? Okay, if we have a motion and a second, let me open the public hearing and see if anyone wishes to speak in opposition to this matter. Okay, seeing none, I will close the public hearing and ask for a roll call vote. Councilwoman Bailey,
>> yes. >> Councilman Cannibal, >> Councilwoman Avula, >> yes. >> Councilman Roth, >> Councilman Davis, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Fletcher, >> yes. >> Mayor Losner, >> reluctantly, yes. >> The motion carries.
>> All right. Next item. Tab 7 is a resolution. >> Yes. Moving on to legislative items. Tab 7 car number 4765 and tab 8 car number 4766 or companion items. Um the tab 7 is
for the uh uh establishment of a proposed CDD. Tab 8 is the corresponding uh item related to uh uh the creation of a uh multi-purpose uh dormant special taxing district. Um I can introduce both
of those. You could have a collective discussion on both of those and then take a separate vote on each item. >> Yeah, let's proceed in that fashion. >> All right. Tab seven is a resolution city of Homestead, Florida expressing support for the establishment of the Cindereo Landing Community Development District aggregately encompassing
approximately 82.95 acres more or less having external boundaries as depicted and legally described in exhibit A. approving such action by Miami date county board of county commissioners providing for transmitt by the city clerk providing for the adoption of representations and providing for an
effective date tab 8 card number 4766 is a resolution of the city of Homestead Florida supporting the creation of the sand Sandere Landing multi-purpose maintenance special taxing district aggregately encompassing approximately 82.95 acres more or less having external
boundaries as depicted and legally described in exhibit Author authorizing the city manager to enter into an interlocal agreement between Miami Day County and the city of Homestead for the creation and immediate transfer of the multi-purpose special taxing district to the city upon creation pursuant to
section 18.31 of the county code of ordinances providing for transmitt by the city clerk and providing for an effective date. >> Miss Harrow. >> Good evening council mayor. Uh pleasure to be before you this evening. uh
offices at 200 South Biscane Boulevard, Marita Haro. I'm joined today by Keith Leonard and Rebecca Cortez from Dr. Horton, uh our CBD attorney, Ginger Wald, as well as my colleague, Ben Sherry. Um happy to be back before you
on this really exciting project uh that the city approved unanimously last year. Um the applications before you I would call them ministerial. They really as your city attorney summarized uh the approval essentially of a funding
mechanism for the future maintenance of uh storm water management system rideway internal roadways etc of this uh project. But I'd like to start um by giving you sort of a a brief introduction of what we've been up to
since this project was approved. I'm sure everybody's wondering, you know, what's happened uh since last year. So, you're all very familiar with the uh almost uh 97 acre uh project assemblage that we call Cindereo Landing. It's
located just north of 328th Street. And so, you might recall the pro this is a one-of-a-kind project in the city of Homestead. mixed use. Really exciting. A combination of residential and over 200,000 square feet of commercial uh were approved year. Um and so since last
year, we've been working handinhand with the city. Uh we're really grateful to your new development services director, Deborah Storage, your city manager, and the administration for helping us get over uh the administrative site plan review application. We received the
city's intent to adopt uh the ASPR on October 3rd and we're expecting the full approval by November 3rd. That essentially unlocks our our ability to move forward with permitting. In addition to that, we uh h after having
dealt with a wetland uh determination issue with the South Florida Water Management District for over four years while we were concurrently getting the project entitled with the district. uh Durm, you know, reached out to us this year claiming the entire property as a wetland. So, we, you know, went through
that uh overcame that hurdle. Durm has now issued a no wetlands determination on the site. So, happy to report that. And then lastly, we're grateful for your city manager coordinating meetings with the Turnpike authorities. That is uh top of mind. We know that's uh not only
important to the city, but to the commercial developers as well as Dr. Horton um to ensure that we have a direct access to this project. Uh essentially we've had meetings with the turnpike the issue is funding. So we're calling all of our friends in
Tallahassee and everywhere to um put those funds together to try to expedite and bring that date closer. Um the other item I want to update you on is that Dr. Horton, as you know, is a residential developer, right? and they've been looking for a commercial
partner uh on this for the site. Uh we're very close to having one. We anticipate that that'll happen. Uh we'll have something formal at the beginning of uh 2026 at the mayor's request. Uh we're happy to once we have um a formal
commercial partner on board have a meeting whether it's a sunshine meeting a meeting with your administration we'd love to introduce them to the city and you know work handinhand with the city to ensure that um you know the the permits are happening expeditiously and
that the city you know puts uh their money where the mouth is right um welcoming commercial developers because we know that uh this project would not have been approved approved uh if it were not for that commercial piece that we're all excited about. So with that
update, we'll get into uh the reason we're here. So we're ask we're essentially the ask this evening is uh the city support for the establishment of the Cindereo Landing Community Development District and a dormant multi-purpose special taxing district.
This is required by Miami date county before uh they move forward with our applications for the formation of of the districts. So on the screen you'll see the CDD and STD areas 82.95 acres. You'll note that
they exclude the commercial piece. This is this was done on purpose. We don't want the future residential residents to be responsible for the maintenance of the commercial. Typically that is done by a management company uh on the commercial site uh any maintenance of
the commercial space. So things uh the CDD will be responsible for things such as storm water management system, internal roadways, improved swailes and medians, landscape lighting, any related utility bills,
turf, trees, shrubs, landscaping, etc. And this is you know in order to ensure that the beautiful Sandere Landing project that was approved in fact stays beautiful for years. And there's a funding mechanism to ensure that that happens. And so this is uh consistent with your
comprehensive plan, your zoning code. It's again uh pretty typical project uh process, especially on projects of this size. Um it with that, you know, we I I welcome any comments. Uh our whole team is here
available to answer any questions and we respectfully request your support. >> Thank you, council. Any questions or comments on the uh CDD and special taxing district application for sender? Councilwoman Bailey. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, so I do understand
the benefits of forming the CDDs. Um, I've raised it before. I think that one of the biggest cons is it ending up in the small print for potential residents. So, that is the one piece that I've
asked staff in our briefing. Um, is there anything more as a city that we can do to make sure um you know, they're either incurring those fees pretty much with their buying cost or spreading it out. Um, but the one thing that I just want to make sure of is that that we do
our best to make sure that everybody who is coming in understands what that means because it is a very long and um it's a lot of information for somebody, especially new new time home buyers. And as we're continuing to try to make sure
our residents can continue being homeowners, I think that's a really important piece that I know you guys would be passionate about as well. >> Absolutely. uh Dr. Hort and I'm sure their uh closing team goes over uh with uh buyers uh in detail. Uh but we'll
make sure to, you know, note that um and to highlight that as part of that closing process. >> I would really appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman. >> Yes, Councilwoman Avala. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um I appreciate the
conversation we had earlier today and and giving bringing me up to speed on um the updates you were giving tonight. Um the CDD um over you know historically here in the city has um as you mentioned been used as a funding mechanism and you
know my experience with it has been um you know developers uh attempts to try to pass on the cost of the infrastructure over generations of homeowners versus hitting the first buyer upfront with those uh with those costs for developing. And you know in
theory that makes sense. Um, but the the the cons of this is that it hides in the taxes. And when you talk with the actual residents and you speak to those that have purchased in these communities, these gated communities like Waterstone,
Malibu Bay, Oasis, Bentanas, Del Soul, for example, they're clueless. They're clueless regardless of all of the um they're clueless about the CDD and what it's for and why they have to pay it. And they think it's an extra tax that the city is charging. and um you know
while you know having chaired a CDD I understand the concept and the budgetary um and um however it's not necessarily what the residents as a product of
I I would like more time to discuss this specifically because it's a mixeduse product it's one of the first and and it also being a vertical mixeduse um I'd like to have some more time to review how is it really beneficial for the commercial components or the commercial
owners not to pay towards the storm water and maintenance of the uh common areas that they will be benefiting from as part of the development. I don't believe the commercial side will have different uh infrastructure for storm water. So why wouldn't they pay and help
reduce the costs to the to the future homeowners uh that that would be incurring the CDD fees? Um similarly the landscaping and the lighting um if if they're completely separated in terms of how they're being managed then you could have a very clear uh line of demarcation
between maintenance and what's looking good this month versus next month and are they being cut. We have the issue here in the city as to what's county what is the county maintaining versus what is the city maintaining. So in the bigger picture I can understand why the developer needs this. But when it comes
to the residents and the product choices that are available, I don't know if this is the right as of right now, I don't think this is the right um way to go. And have we even explored what would it be for as the alternative to a CDD just
the HOA taking over? And so what would those HOA fees be? What would it be spread out to the to the uh commercial side of things too? I I would like to have the opportunity to talk more with the team about why that's a benefit at the end of the day for for our residents
and our future citizens here in the city of Homestead. I'll rest there, but if this is going to move move forward tonight, I will have to be a no vote on it tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, I'd like to just respond with all the >> be why can't they just isolate be why
can't they just isolate the common area impact as part of their so I' like so I' like understanding is that the commercial there's other maintenance responsibilities that come along with
that um Ginger do you want to Thank you >> Ginger Wall Bill and Cochran. Um the commercial is excluded for a variety of reasons. That's that's one of the major
reasons as to the control over the common areas of the property and what is going to be common as to the sense of CDD responsibility and ownership and what is going to be the responsibility in regards to the commercial. So if the
commercial portions are included within the commercial portions are included within the CDD boundaries and they are going to be paying for their share, right? Uh as to debt because they're going to have to have debt on them as
well and they're going to have the operation and maintenance that are placed on them. the utilization when you look at the uh assessment methodology and I know you're on a CDD board so I understand oh not now but at the time at the time I know you're you can't do it
two at the same time but you were so you understand how the assessment methodology works as to when you have a house that's a larger house the eru is one when you have a town home it's smaller they use less facilities so the eru is going to be smaller maybe a8 or 6
that is done by a methodology consultant because commercial properties are done on a square foot basis. Their utilization of those services is usually smaller. It's not the same as to water. You use more water in a larger home as
to a smaller home. It's not the same as to the wastewater as well. So, the amounts that they pay as to the operation and maintenance therein is usually smaller. So they're receiving those benefits as being part of the CDD,
but they're not paying as much. Now, I can't say specifically for this because none of that analysis has been completed, but that's what I have seen for others. And looking at other mixed use CDDs that we have that are where where it's very small as to the
commercial portion versus the residential portion. I'm not talking about Midtown Miami. I'm not talking about Miami World Center where it's a full mixeduse. But when you're talking about that that small amount of commercial, that's usually what ends up. And then you see residents getting very
upset that live in the CDD saying, "Why are we paying?" And we're paying for them, too. >> Thank you. Can you tell me how much square feet of commercial space Landing is? No, you're I would like to ask the attorney because you're referencing small square footage. Do you know how much square footage of commercial this
project is bringing? I I can't answer that because none of that determination has been made because nothing's been formed. >> Okay. So, I I appreciate the the was in one of your slides, right? >> Right. It's one of my slides. It's 216,000 square feet.
>> Thank you. Another item that I have about the storm water is that um in the CDD communities in my district, uh the storm water is um in the in the retention ponds, but we're being charged
storm water fees uh by the city. So that's another question in contention of at least for the the CDD communities that that I represent and another reason why I have a question in with city manager's office to look into this as to
whether or not this is accurate and for how long have we been uh been charged for storm water if uh and and moving forward if it's still applicable. And so I have I have those reservations that I need to discuss. Um it on top of that
the CDD as I mentioned in theory is supposed to pass on a savings or pass on the costs rather over multiple generations of homeowners not just the first one but I don't know if that's necessarily the case in practice
in terms of how we're pricing these properties. So um I'm I'm I'm going to keep listening if there's more questions. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Mayor. Just to clarify the comment from councilwoman, I would like the public works director to redirect on the
eligibility to pay storm water utility fees in the city which is typically for >> correct. Good evening. Water as a whole as a whole whereas private developments um are usually um traversed by those that live within
him and they are usually not used as a way to go from point A to point B for any other residents just those that live within the community. I believe that's the mentality and the reasoning for for the code and the way that is written and implemented you know statewide.
>> Thank you. I appreciate I mean that's >> just just for clarification there are institutions government institutions government agencies that own property as well as schools do not pay on water utility fees.
State government agencies and their build is done on water utility fees. Mr. facilia attorney redirect if you have additional comments. >> Well, that's because of a judicial decision that said they're basically not collectible.
Um is they enjoy sovereign immunity, but that's a separate issue. >> Okay. Thank you. I I I'll have to talk with you after the meeting to make sure I understand um you know the clarifications for the storm water and how that what that means to the district. But I appreciate the answers.
Thank you. I'll go next. Why not? Everybody knows I'm not a big fan of CDDs and I've only voted for one that was brought forth and that was because it brought a public purpose and that was in Keysgate and it
was to sustain the golf course hopefully in perpetuity that those condos that were being bought and sold by those folks knew that they were going to own a piece of a golf course and that's why they wanted to live in that community and it was a public purpose.
you brought up the the commercial aspect of the development and up until you mentioned that you had uh an interested party. I hadn't heard that and in fact I've heard that nobody was interested in doing that project. Uh we have no
asurances. We have no insurance that that commercial development will ever be built because we didn't require it and that was our mistake. So you brought it up. Is there anything
you can give us up here an assurance or assurance that that commercial development will be built? And I bring in the example of the property Caddy Corner across the street where Dr. Horton is building town houses
now. 4 acres were reserved for commercial and poof, the commercial's gone and now LAR is building townous there. So I voted in favor of the development because of the commercial aspect. You
gave us a hope that we would have a very unique product in the city of Homestead. And I'm having a hard time believing or understanding that that's even going to happen here. And I don't want to see what happened across the
street happen there 5 years from now where they can't find a developer for the commercial side and somebody comes back and asks us for reasonzoning to residential. Um it's definitely something we don't need there. Um
the generational payments of the CDD. Do you have an estimate of the cost per unit for each of those units? They're all relatively the same size. They're going to be relatively the same square
footage. >> Yes. Uh it's for the twostory town homes is 3,173 per year. That comes out to about 116 per month.
Um for the threetory town homes is 150 and then the live work is 133 per month. >> So that's what it starts at. I was talking to a couple of residents the other day that live in the Oasis
area and they started at $1,800 a month or a year, I'm sorry, and now they're up to $2,800 a year. So, if it's simply to help offset the costs of development
infrastructure and they plan to live in this place for 30 years, let's say, till it's expired, right? they pay it off in 30 years. Why does it go up in every year or every two years, whatever it is? Why does it increase?
>> That's a good question. So, it's maintenance, right, of the areas, uh, and costs go up regularly. So, they have a budget and it's based on, you know, based on whatever responsibilities like, you know, in this case, um, the internal
roadway maintenance. Understand? Right. So, so are these people expected to pay after 30 years additionally into a CDD to maintain all those structures? >> So, the community will continue to be maintained, the land, >> right? So, they're going to have this.
So, it never ends. >> So, it's essentially the private uh a private party taking on the role of what the government would typically do >> at $3,000 a year. So, if that community is essentially self-sufficient and
covering those costs versus sparrowing those costs uh citywide, I don't know if uh I >> think your question was it keeps going up. >> So, the East Homestead CDD is the oasis.
It's been controlled by the residents that live there. So, they're the ones making the determination. If the CDD didn't exist at all and everything at that point would be owned and controlled by the HOA, you're still going to have those costs.
You're still going to have the maintenance costs. You're still going to have the operation costs. So those amounts are still going to be there. They may be the same. They may be higher, but they're still going to be there. Those residents are either going to pay them through the HOA or they're
going to pay them through the CD. >> Correct. So for disclosure purposes, if I was buying in a community like that, I'd rather it be through an HOA that's being disclosed to me at closing because that helps me with my financing,
right? So and and and as the other council member said, the majority of people don't know what they're signing, right? We all know the euphoria of buying a new house, right? We we often neglect looking at all of the expenses that are there,
right? And then next year, you know, especially in a new development, their taxes were one thing one year and then the next year their taxes go to market value. So they get sticker shock, right? Their escros go up and you put people in uncomfortable positions because they can't afford to make those payments
anymore. And that's what I'm getting at. So, um, obviously I'm going to be voting no and guess this, uh, because it it it's just against my character, but I think that others need to think about the fact that the benefits that we were
told in the in the past may not even come to fruition. And all of a sudden, some of us may be sitting up here in 3 or 4 years, and the question is going to come again and say, "Okay, well, we can't find an operator. We need to reszone that property because it's it can't just sit there vacant." and I
don't want to see additional housing put there. So, um, if there's an assurance that that commercial component will be built in in some way, I don't know, Matt, is there something we can do to assure that that commercial component,
if we give them the CDD and the STD, that they're required to do that? The >> simple answer is no. >> No. Okay. So, I I I' you know, I'll listen to the rest of the comments
and see if I have anything else later. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you. I'll look to my left. >> Well, Mayor, my my uh issue is Thank you very much for your presentation. Uh at this point, why don't we just postpone this vote until the next meeting, and
that gives us plenty of time with which to review any questions that we may have. There's been a lot of things that have been brought up tonight. Uh perhaps the wisest course of action would be to to um delay this vote until the next meeting is plenty of time to review in
earnest all the issues that have been brought up today. >> Is this from your position timesensitive to take the next step toward um the development? >> Yes. Uh this is as I mentioned is tied
to an a county petition that is being scheduled for board of county commissioners. Uh so we were trying to line up this um this hearing with the board of county commissioners hearing. Um so that would cause a you know it's a
trickle down delay. Um what I'd like to uh you know just say is this is a great project. Okay. Dr. Horton uh has done everything that they've said that they will do so far and they will continue to do that. They want to be uh in
partnership with the city. We understand that like I said earlier this project was approved right conditioned on this uh commercial piece. Uh the Dr. Horton has not one but multiple you know has
had there's m there's interest there's a lot of interest in this property. I'm not at, you know, privy to disclose that right now, but like I said and at the mayor's request, we're happy to once we have the formal agreement with a commercial partner to involve the city
uh in pushing the project forward. Uh the item before you today is ministerial in in nature. It's really a funding mechanism and the question is who's going to pay it and through what way, right? Is it the is the city going to take maintenance responsibility for
these rights to wait the landscaping etc. Is the HOA going to do it? Somebody's has to pay it and it just the CDD in the past has been the mechanism um to do that most effectively mainly because the as everybody knows the board
is is elected. So um the residents will have the opportunity to elect who is managing those budgets and what um you know keeping those costs in line. And so with that uh Counciloman um we kindly ask
that this move forward today and allow us again we're not going anywhere. We're happy to continue to be you know Zary knows we're not going anywhere. um happy to keep you updated and and answer any questions that you have.
>> Mayor, may I >> council? Yes. >> Thank you, mayor. So, I I would like to clarify that the um at time of closing a buyer, they do they see those disclosures and if they're getting financing, they are qualifying with that CDD payment in there. So, I do know that
that's happening. Okay. But what I what I want to make sure that we understand is that over time the Homestead has now been able to see the evolution of how CDDs affect our residents and their overall lifestyle and and the burden
that it does bring even though it is a funding mechanism, right? And it has its pros, it has its cons. And we've been able to see this over 25 years now. Uh uh so it's it the reality is is that the HOA meetings right those happen monthly
CDD meetings happen usually monthly it's another layer of meetings that residents have to be aware of it's another layer of budgeting that residents have to be aware of in addition to their taxes so and then I think this community remind
me um one for the single families one for the condos so you just multiple layers of taxes. And so intellectually we can understand why these these systems might be necessary but it's not at the benefit not for the not
ultimately at the end of the day it's not at the benefit of the of the taxpayer and the resident. It's just too much too many layers, right? I I can I can expect you and I and us to understand this, right? But the regular
the lay person the m the mom and dad even the business owner that is uh you know working uh the entrepreneur th this is extra information and stuff that they have to uh make sure that they are constantly on top of making sure they're
reading that there's a CDD budget CDD uh evaluation uh a cost going up if you guys can go and come back with a CDD option that maybe takes takes out the operating and maintenance of let's say the clubhouse, right? Or and so only
in the CDD is the bond which is the 30-year component and maybe only in the CDD is the storm water, but there is a clubhouse in this pocket or in this project. >> I think it's part of the budget. There's a discussion as to so there's one HOA to
answer your question. So, so the condos, the houses and the town houses before, so specifically there's the CDD for the town homes and the live work that will have one HOA and it has not been fully determined whether the clubhouse will be
the CDD or be the HOA that will maintain it. But again, it's more of the funding mechanism that will which will be used. They have different purposes. Um, >> I can appreciate that and I would like to be fully informed, right? There's a
lot of there's still there's too many to be determined or to be um decided as to what's going to be in what. Um, but I mean you can call the question and and uh and proceed. But for those reasons, I'm I'm still I'm getting a hard time I'm getting I'm having a hard time
getting to where we can we can overlook the effects of how the CDDs are affecting the families and having to continuously educate and even on the even within the CDD that I know this board of supervisors they work very hard to try to educate the residences
residents at the board meetings. They try to host, you know, what is a CDD, how learn how it how it affects you. It just it doesn't connect to to the bottom to the taxpayer at the end of the day. It's not connecting. And I don't think we're going to 2530 years from now,
we're going to be regretting that we're adding more and more CDDs to the to the city. So, >> well, let me let me ask um and I don't know that it's our place to get into future financial decisions and
allocation between HOAs and CDDs. That's just not our place. But for the attorney, let's cut the brass tax. If a CDD is not approved, what will become of Zendero Landings?
I think I know what I want to hear from you. >> The responsibility will be on the HOA uh to maintain I mean the costs are the costs for this community. So any way you slice it and I understand the
educational component uh Dr. Horton is publicly traded company, right? They're in the business of selling residential homes. They have their closing packages. You know, I we can I can assure you that they are spending the time with the buyers, explaining to them exactly line
by line, line line item. And as a loan officer, real estate agents, I understand the concern, especially if you're, you know, this is first-time home buyers, so they're typically, you know, their estimated tax bill, CD, all of that will be considered as part of that loan. It'll be pretty true to what
the next year's tax bill will be. The concern is mainly you know in the resale of these units. Um I think you know Dr. Horton will continue to educate from from their um you know they will do that education component as part of those
sales. Well, I guess I I guess what I'm getting at if if the CDD is not approved, the development portion, and from what I'm hearing tonight is that, and I'm saying thank God, I don't live in a CDD
and hope never to have to. The CDD fee has two components. the initial debt for the development of the infrastructure in the community and the annual operating cost to preserve the caliber and character of the
neighborhood. >> Right? So if the CDD were to fail tonight, that amount will be built in in full in the price to the buyer on the first
sale. And unless you start cutting corners and reducing quality and put in for mica countertops rather than granite countertops, prices of those homes will be generally unattainable for what they are. >> Correct. And there will be no money for
public improvements otherwise. Right. >> Okay. I just Yeah. That that it's going to impact and perhaps suppress Yeah. the first sale because there's no way to and and I get the concern for a CDD. I I
really do. I think in the early days CDDs here in probably a lot of issues there that I think have been resolved on on newer ones, but a CD the
philosophy of the development portion of the CDD allows folks to get into a home. Otherwise they would generally not be middle class affordable and you know whatever CDD board does for the annual
you know fru that's that's their business now and I think we're and and I get it because I've had these same concerns. I've heard the same rumors. We're kind of mixing apples and oranges about, well, unless you can give me assurance
there's going to be a commercial component, we're not going to approve your your CDD. Um, and absent the profering of some asurances by the developer, similar to
something that we did at the golf course where until you complete the clubhouse, you don't get the second half of your permits. Our hands are are tied in in that regard. But, you know, the the failure
to adopt a CDD is going to change the entire pace and com I'm not saying it's going to stop it, you know. So, everybody out there that doesn't want one more house built some days I feel like that.
That's not going to be the result of not approving this CDD. That's just not reality. We all know what your client paid for that dirt. It blows my mind every time I think about it. So, it's not going to sit there as land. It's
going to increase the prices to families who are looking for homes. >> Is that a fair >> That's a fair assessment. >> Okay, Mayor. >> Mayor, if I may. >> Yes, certainly. >> Thank you. You made good. You made great points there. Um, what I do want to clarify the comment of it would transfer
in full. that I have to disagree with because on the CDD budget you have attorneys that are present at every single CDD meeting. You have elections that you have to hold which I would assume in that size of a development you probably would have to hold that. You would have an additional property
management company that is specialized in CD.