testing. Testing All right, guys. We're going to get started with proclamations and presentations. Where's Alex? JV, can you go get Alex? Thank you. Arms. Bring them
[Music] Good evening everyone. Thank you all for being here. Uh we're going to have a great night and honor a couple of special individuals. We are going to begin with Mr. Antonio Deos of Casavana. I think it's appropriate considering
that he is a part owner of or the owner right of Casavana part owner of Casavana and today is May 20th the real Cuban independence day right so we went ahead and are issuing a proclamation declaring today as your day in the town of Miami Lakes and with your permission I'm going
to read off our proclamation for you proclaiming May 20th 2025 as Antonio de laos day in the town of Miami Lakes Whereas Antonio de Laos is a valued member of the Miami Lakes community, celebrating 19 years of dedicated service as owner and operator of
Casavana Cuban cuisine and by extension the entire Miami Lakes community, often referred to simply as Casavana. Whereas during the CO 19 pandemic, Casavana under Antonio's leadership took the initiative to gift and deliver meals to
seniors, ensuring that some of the most vulnerable members of our community were cared for during this time. Whereas Casavana has been a long-standing sponsor of the Optimus baseball club and the American high school softball team while also supporting other uh local
youth sports and encouraging healthy active lifestyles. Whereas Casavana Cuban cuisine has also generously provided food to military service members including the United States Coast Guard at the Opaaka airport for over for over four years showcasing
Gasavana's commitment to those who serve our country. And whereas every year Gasavana contributes to the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce business expo by providing food which fosters community engagement and support for local businesses. has donated food for the Our
Lady of the Lakes Carnival, bringing a taste of Cuban culture to the festivities, and has actively contributed to the Zanta Club, participating in community focused programs. Now, therefore, I, Joshua Diegas, by virtue of the authority vested in me as the mayor of the town of
Miami Lakes, and on behalf of the town council and 33,000 Miami Lakers, do hereby proclaim May 20, 2025 as Antonio de Laos day. Congratulations. Yes, thank you. Next up, we have a terrorist that we're
honoring. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. I love this lady very much, and it is my honor to go ahead and present this proclamation to her. We clearly have a good time with each other and a great relationship. But hey, you're meaner to me,
okay? But uh for you, we are going to proclaim May 28th as your day in the town of Miami Lakes, right? And whereas Rosie uh Rosa Rosie Barroso has been a dedicated member of the Miami Lakes community for over 20 years, founding a mental health counseling business in
2016 based in Miami Lakes, which offers invaluable support to families in the town and the broader community. Whereas Rosie has generously and repeatedly donated free counseling services to those in need, demonstrating a deep commitment to the mental well-being of
others. Whereas during the CO 19 pandemic, Rosie provided weekly wellness calls to over 200 elderly residents as well as deserve or delivered essential food and supplies which ensured that this vulnerable population remained
cared for and connected. Whereas Rosie has also made significant contributions to the revitalization of the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce by assisting in its growth and helping to foster a vibrant business community in the town of Miami Lakes. And whereas Rosie has sponsored
numerous local events, made other generous donations to the Mammy Lakes community, and volunteered her time and effort to help organize and support town activities, which have strengthened community bonds and promoted civic engagement. This includes spearheading the creation of the mental health task
force which later transformed into a formal committee within the town and has played a a crucial role in raising awareness and providing resources for mental health care. Now therefore, I, Joshua Diegas, by virtue of the authority vested in me as the mayor of
the town of Miami Lakes and on behalf of the town council and 33,000 Miami Lakers, do hereby proclaim May 28, 2025 as Rosa Barroso Day. Congratulations, Rosie. You want to say anything? Oh, come on.
You You love talking. Oh, now you don't want to talk. Okay. At this time, I'd like to invite Under Sheriff Christopher Kurthers to please come up for a special presentation for a good friend of the town of Miami Lakes. Please come up.
So, uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, thank you for the, uh, opportunity to be here. I'm here on behalf of a Rosie, not a Rosa. So, uh, and that is Sheriff Rosie. Uh, regrettably, she couldn't attend today. She's actually in DC on her newest mission, uh, that she has up there with
the FEMA committee. Uh, so it caught her off guard for here. Uh, rest assured, her heart is here, uh, in this moment. Uh so this is quite simply uh a certificate of appreciation, a letter uh from her uh and on behalf of the men and women that serve with MDSO. It's a
recognition of State Representative Alex Rizzo for his commitment in recent um years of uh service in regards to the town as well as statewide for law enforcement. Uh the two things that are cited in particular in this letter without reading it, uh we're going to
put it together in a nice frame for you, sir, very soon. Uh but the idea is to say thank you. You defended uh uh police uh from harassment. Obviously the halo bill is uh uh so critical to uh the way that we do things. Um that law allows us
to be safe performing that that job without the fear of harassment and a distraction quite frankly. Uh and then in the town I understand that there was some direct service that was done to increase the safety of the roadways for emergency vehicles. And so whether it's local or whether it's a statewide, it's
clear that you're a strong advocate for us as well as the entirety of of the town and your representation. Thank you from Sheriff Rosie and myself for all you do. Thank you very much. I love to talk. Yeah. Yeah. Really? Uh where's the timer? Where's the timer? And the and the hook. And the hook.
Thank you very much. Under sheriff. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Uh and and thank you very much to to the men and women uh that you work with and of course to Sheriff Rosie Code. U Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Council. Thank you, everyone. Uh uh Mr.
Manager, Madame Clerk, everyone. Uh and and of course our major, Major Gonzalez. Thank you so much for all the work that all of you do. Thank you. It's it's an I I'm humbled. I'm humbled that that that you would take this time. I mean, you know, for for my part in it, um this is
what I signed up to do is to serve everyone in this room, to serve everyone that that's in my district and uh and really to protect the true heroes in our society. So, thank you very much. Thank you. Congrats, man. You got
it. You got it. [Music] Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. Council members, come to the deis. I'm calling the meeting to order of the Miami Lakes Town Council for May 20th, 2025 at 6:35 p.m.
Please take all conversations outside chambers. Council member Garcia, present. Council member Cuadra Garcia, present. Council member Fernandez, present. Council member Hzburg, present.
Council member Sanchez, here. Vice Mayor Moretta present. Mayor Diegas here. Mayor, you have quorum. Excellent. Please rise for the invocation led by the vice mayor, Brian Moretta. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Lord, as we gather
here today to do the work on behalf of the residents, we pray for your guidance. We pray for your intercession. We pray uh in the name of your your your only beloved son Jesus Christ that you give us the guidance and the wisdom to make the decisions that are in the best interest of our of our town and of all
of their residents. Uh I also want to pray especially for all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of this country uh now as we approach Memorial Day. Let's keep the families of those in our hearts uh as well as of all of those who are currently out there
serving on active duty, on reserve duty, uh whatever the case may be. Bless them. protect them, keep them safe, and help us to always keep the best interest of all of our residents in mind. Amen. Amen. Please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance led by Council Member Ray Garcia.
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. Thank you. You may be seated.
All right, council. We're now on item five, the order of business. Are there any deferrals, additions, or deletions? Yes, Councilman Garcia, I'd like to pull from consent the item regarding um the vehicles for purchase. Uh and also, I
know there's a new new business items that are pretty much similar. So, I'd like to ask uh Councilman uh Sanchez, if you'd like to uh mirror ours so we can uh tackle it together. Absolutely. Thank you, sir. Okay. But um the item on the
consent calendar, which uh which uh I know you described it, but which uh item number is it? Mr. Manager, can you uh It's a It's C. Item C. C. Item C. That's correct. Perfect. All right. So, we're pulling
item 12 C from consent and consolidating items just out of here. 14, excuse me, 16, 16 J, and 16. Where is it? Oh, and 16E. There we go. Are there any other uh changes? Yes, Mr.
Mayor. I'd like Garcia. Thank you, sir. I'd like to pull um item uh 12 Bravo from consent uh for discussion. Okay. Item 12B is pulled from consent. Anything else? Yes. Good. Councilman uh Sanchez. 12H, the Royal Oak Standard uh
the special taxing district ID check. Excellent. Okay. So, item 12H is pulled from the consent calendar as well. Anything further, mayor? U Mr. Manager? I can't make a motion, but I'd like to recommend that we move 15A to consent. It probably should have been in consent
from the beginning. Is is a prefuncter approval. I don't think it needs to be a lot of discussion. And special needs advisory board advised that they will not be reporting tonight. So, I'd like to just pull that from tonight's agenda. Okay. We'll just go ahead when the time comes and we'll move on to the next report. And uh uh as far as 15A, is
someone uh willing to make the motion there to Oh, well, not the motion, but uh uh to sponsor the manager's request. I'll sponsor it. Okay. The council Garcia sponsors to move 15A to consent. Is there um with that, is there a motion on the revised agenda? Yep. I'll I'll move it. I'll second.
It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. I. All oppose. No. You guys have it. We now uh the agenda is modified as as stated. Okay. All right. We are now in uh public comments. Madame clerk. Please read the rules. Good evening and welcome everyone
to the town council. Um public comments are now being heard. If you want to express your opinion, please come to the podium. State your name and address for the record and we will give you three minutes. Please, no clapping, applauding, heckling, verbal outbursts
in support of or in opposition to a speaker or his her remarks and will be permitted. And should a member of the attending audience become unruly or behave in any manner that disrupts the orderly and efficient conduct of the meeting, such person will be asked to
leave the meeting. As well, we welcome public comments remote. We have a few tonight. I see them on the screen. Thank you for your patience and again if you need to speak or you need to listen to this meeting via phone or to participate
in public comments remote the only thing you need to do is please raise your hand by pressing asterisk 9 and it will allow you to to speak in a little of time. Welcome again and please approach the podium state your name and address for
the record and welcome to the meeting. Bonnie Cron, 14770 Lewis Road. Good evening, Mayor Diegas, council members, Mr. Peterman, and staff. As you know, I generally come before you, speak in broad terms. I'm I've never been good
with details, but I prefer to try to see the big picture. And to say that you don't have much to do would be a ridiculous statement. You are very busy people, but I I wanted you I mean, you
wanted to serve the community, so you worked hard to get elected and get where you are. Why does it seem that many of the lessons that you have learned in the past apparently are being forgotten and some of the same faulty decisions are
being made? I'm referring specifically to the letter that Mr. Boris Foster wrote to all of you where he reminds you of the proper procedures to be followed when dealing with issues pertaining to special tax districts. Mr. Foster has explained
everything perfectly and I urge you to pay strict attention to what he has said. There was another message you received that came from Clauddio Luces and I just want to add my voice to hers because I'm in full agreement that we
don't need to spend money on a comprehensive compensation study. Many of these so-called studies are just a waste of time and money. And I'm sure we can find other ways, better ways to economize and and we should save that
money. For example, maybe we don't need quite as many vehicles from uh Miami Lakes um center where for our feeble our what is it called? Freebie freebie transportation. when you renew that,
maybe we can take less of them. I don't know. But there are many ways you can come up with to save us money. One very good thing that I did see was that if if I understand correctly, you're trying to reszone an area from a general use to a
low medium density single family home use. And anytime you can reduce a higher density use to a lower one, you have my full support and my gratitude. Um there's very much though
on as a governing body that you have to deal with. But this is the main huge issue that I want you to think about. It affects all of us and that's the property tax situation. It has gotten out of hand and gross
injustice is being perpetrated on we the people. Please, I urge you to use your power of your office which gives your words more impact and I want them to be heard at the county level and in Tallahassee. support Governor DeSantis'
attempts to get some reform to the property tax misconduct and get in touch with our county tax collector directly and urge him to to modify what has been going on because it's criminal. It's really criminal. People are being forced
to sell their homes when they don't want to because they just can't afford to keep up with the property in uh always increasing escalating property taxes. So in closing, I will add that I hope you have been looking into what can be done
about narrowing the flight uh paths, the approach and departure uh configuration of the flight path at Opalaka airport. And um I would also hope that maybe you have gotten in touch with FPNL to see
how much they would expect us to pay for putting the wiring underground in Lake Patricia, Lake Catherine. They probably expect us to pay a lot of it, but I was hoping maybe they would come up half and half. Thank you for listening. Thank you
very much. Our next speaker, please come up to the podium. Thank you. Name and address. Name Jesus Gonzalez. I am the uh property owner of u of one or two folios that are under the resoning. I'm not sure if this is the time uh to
address it or if it's when the hearing takes place as it's uh today. You can use both opportunities. It's your choice. Okay. Okay. Thank you. So, uh, mayor and councilman and Mr. Peterman, the reason why we're here, and it's, um, it's, uh, the majority of us that are affected by that reszoning that we want
you want to do on, um, close to 7474 Northwest 145th Street is that, um, we don't really see the benefit of reszoning that for the for the residents that live there. There are actually 10 properties there. here today. We have
six or seven out of I'm not sure if somebody else will be joining us out of that 10 folios that are against uh any type of reszoning going from general use to uh real estate zoning. So, we understand that the the properties there
uh basically have are larger lots and for several for multiple reasons, we just are uh against it because we we want to continue to have that feeling that has always been there. Uh my mother-in-law has been in that location for over 30 years. I've owned one of the
properties there for over 20 years. It is really somewhat secluded from the rest of of Miami Lakes. There's a wall that separates it and we're kind of on the other end where right across from there's an FPNL station and then there's all across that street there's a lot of
commercial buildings that uh a lot of them which are healthcare and and other uh uses. But um we uh we don't uh at this point we we are not in favor. The majority of us uh are not in favor if not all of us because there's some that
we couldn't get a hold of but of of reszoning the that uh that location. I'm going to let I don't know if it counts towards the same time. Mr. Mr. Mayor, if if I may just really quickly they can speak obviously it's public comments and it's it's fine but their testimony has not been given any
weight. It's during the quasi judicial proceeding that they would need to come up and provide testimony under sworn or not sworn. In other words, for purposes of the record, if you were want wanting to take legal action uh on the town's decision at some point, then you need to come back and put those thoughts on the
record at that point. Uh but you do have the opportunities, as I stated earlier, to speak now and also to speak later. So, um but but it'll be your choice. Would you like to come back then uh for the hearing? I mean again you you can have both opportunities but this one is
timed. Just make sure I understand. So if we do it during the hearing is that then then we'll be able to sw. Okay. So then I guess we'll wait until and and and I I'll repeat this during the hearing. But one of the things that we're doing is our comprehensive plan already includes that
that that's residential. So all we're doing is just matching our zoning to what's in the comp plan already. But I I'll explain that during the hearing. The decision has been made. No. Okay. No. We're voting on it tonight and then when we get to that item, there will be another opportunity for you to come and
speak. Okay. Yeah. Next speaker. Hello. Name and address. First, thank you mayor for allowing me to speak on behalf of a neighbor. So at the present moment I am Claudia loses 8220 Menest and comments
on her behalf. Item on the consent agenda authorization to award a contract for RFP 202212 for comprehensive compensation study. Moredo Peterman and Claudia says that it is extremely disappointing to
see the town of Miami Lakes moving forward with a 23,500 employee compensation study, especially at a time when basic maintenance and core services are visibly lacking as seen in the attached pictures from the Roberto Alonso
Community Center. She sent photos that I think you have on the de I did not bring copies to show here. Claudia then close enclosed pictures that reflect there are a few yellow urine stained toilet seats, an exit sign being held together by a piece of tape, and that appeared it
would fall at any point, a water stain on the roof of the facility by the door. As residents of a town that spans only 6.5 square miles, we expect our limited resources to be managed responsibly and
with a clear focus on the essentials that directly impact our daily lives. Prioritizing this type of expenditure before addressing neglected infrastructure and maintenance issues sends the wrong message to taxpayers. Just as our roads have clear physical
limits, so too must our payroll and administrative costs be kept within reasonable and sustainable bounds. Every dollar spent should reflect the needs and the priorities of the residents first, not internal studies that do
little to improve the town's immediate quality of life. We urge the town to reconsider its priorities and ensure the taxpayer money is used with the utmost care, transparency, and accountability. Thank you very much. And that was Cladio.
For me, I have Thank you for representing her. Well, for me, I have a bit of a show going on. My name is Esparansza Reynolds and I live at 8465 Mentas and I'm here because of special taxing districts. I brought a
copy of the six different ordinances the town of Miami Lakes administers, but let's just focus on the guardgates. Section one, 94233, 31 years. Seven different HOAs beyond the guardgate. Lake Carol,
Cynthia, and Sandra are town homes. Lake Elizabeth, most plots of land were sold by buy for buyers that actually build their homes. The first were built by the Grahams and have consistent style and square footage. But once the Grahams
stopped and sold the land, instead the homes got larger. The styles are unique. My favorite resembles a beach house. And the last few that were built got even bigger to the point that I think there's a neighbor that can actually shake hands with the other neighbor through the
window. At the top there is Lake Glenn Ellen. the first homes built on the west side where we bought 44 years ago. I am aging myself. I just read the public comments of the person who actually owns the house that served as the model and we sat in her garage for three days
trying to um qualify to buy the home. Then Regata Point, which is condominiums and the anchorage town homes, both with their own guarded entrances. The first just a gate and the last with a security guard. Then comes Llmon
82-2, 43 years ago. Then comes Royal Oaks 25 years ago, the land was sold and the owners build their own homes. Then comes Royal Oaks section one 967 29 years ago. So do do those look the same
to you? When we read that the effort is to standardize guardgate services, that is not only impossible but not appreciated because we lose our identity and our uniqueness. During a fall conference today with one council member, he asked a rather interesting
question that we focus our public comments. What item in the budget do we have issues with? And that was a brilliant qu suggestion. So, thank you for providing that because it narrows my focus. We all know I could write books. So we are why are there so I'm going to
give you the examples of the things that bother me in the budget. So why are there no funds on the line item that says property damage settlement? Are we forgiving everyone who breaks an arm? Have we ever collected? Do we file a claim against insurance companies?
Please return to the correct way to charge for expenses and provide a time card that is punched in and out for every hour spent on our STD. 6% sounds right. And if that does not cover the cost, hire somebody on a fixed income, perhaps recently graduated students that
are rotated every year to ensure that the cost is fixed to run the administration side. Return us to level one guards. Better yet, since all that is done at the guardgate is take pictures of the cars, oh my lord, of the license plate, then how about hiring
anyone at SFM that's willing to stand for eight hours. And once the budget is redefined, the contingency reserve will be based on much less since it should be no more than 10%. Our numbers hopefully will be no more than 208, which is what was promised. Thank you, Miss Reynolds.
No matter what I do, it's good to see you and thank you for representing uh Claudia. Well, next speaker, Alex Ariano, Lakeland, and Ellen. Here we go again. Just last year, two of you on the council
uh voted along with Marilyn Rouano and Lis Coyazo for an ordinance that specifies what property owners need to do to petition for any change that 50% plus one agreed to be charged by.
This is the same process that was utilized to initiate the original ordinance 94-233. The petition to add new services at the guardgate must be initiated by us. Yet we read on the agenda that you
plan to install three new humps at the guardgate. If that is done at the cost of the townwide budget, have at it. But please realize that at the entrance quadrant there are four stop signs. An
aging community beyond and to install speed bumps is illegal. Just like the two speed bumps installed on Dundy terrace that fail to abide by the mandatory distance from driveways that is required by
law. You can't arbitrarily ignore traffic laws that are already on the books. If there is anything that the 50 + one property owners agree as additional services, just wait for our
petition. In the meantime, be aware there is nothing additional that we want or need. By the way, the sign Josh, the sign about having bicycles able to do
the whole path is still up. Okay, thank you. Thank you very much. Next speaker. Name and address, please. Kimberly Trellis, 16501 Northwest 84th
A. I'm here um well, I'm here for a few things. So, I'm just going to keep it to one item for public comment because I'll be bugging you later. Um, I am here in support of item 12H, Royal Oaks, um, ID check protocol. And I also wanted to
make a mention that I believe they should be level one guards. Thank you. Any other uh, speakers in chambers? Okay, welcome. Name and address, please.
Hello all. Irene Gutierrez, 8025. I remember this time. Oh, it feels like if it's attacking me. 8025 Northwest 162 Street, Royal Oaks East. I am here to
support Juan Carlos Fernandez uh motion for the asking for the licenses that motion and that protocol. But I am also here because I have mentioned to neighbors and to John Yanes and others
regarding our guard arms and the frequency and the those that live on the east or Royal Oaks, they know that the frequency of breakage because of the cars hitting it is a lot. But in section one where my daughter lives, there is a speed bump right there that forces the
car to stop before the guard arm. That's money savings there because it doesn't break it so we don't have to fix it as much. So I thought of that and I also looked at the line item from the budget. I know this is not a set in stone of the mailings and the paper and the ink and
it came out to 24 $2,437 as a budget item. Right? If we did do TVs, monitors or whatever you want to call them to to state those messages on the guard house rather than
mail it. I don't think these things installed like a 30 inch because that's all the probably the size for it. And this is hypothetically speaking that's not going to cost that much within the year. We pay for this already. We make money there. We save money there. That was one of the things that I wanted to
to remind or or express to the council to see if that was an option. Another option that I also thought of to save a little money. What if Well, I don't even know if this is going to be a savings, but as far as the
guard when they're on bathroom break, if we install a device where that guard arm can operate, can we save the money of that sergeant that that supposedly goes around and doesn't to to keep an eye on the guards? I don't know. But I thought,
well, it's, you know, we comply with the ordinance and that's something that we should be doing because it's 247 and we're not now when they go to the bathroom that guard arm is open and anybody can go in. So, I just wanted to share that with you if you wanted to save some money or added security. Thank
you. Good night. Thank you very much. Next speaker. Good evening, council members. Um, Lydia Hernandez, 7941 Northwest, 166th Street, Miami Lakes, Florida, which is the east side of Royal Oaks. Um, I didn't
understand because it's very hard to hear in the back why you said something about taking 12H out regarding the reading the licenses and maybe I misunderstood what you were saying, but I am in favor of reading the licenses and I wanted to let you all know and we
all are in favor of trying to keep our neighborhood safer, especially at night. So, I'm all for uh that uh item. Um also, I'm in agreement with Irene about putting the ste the speed bumps at the gate. While I don't like speed bumps generally, uh and on 79th Avenue, there
are now two already, maybe we could space them out and instead of having three, put one where it is now and another one at the gate and save money. Um I also agree with Irene and in favor of the TV at the gate. uh it will save on all the mailings and I think it's
better sometimes I don't get the mailings especially the ones in the little cards I never get them so I think that's a good idea and that the council should consider it and we were supposed to have a guard arm that constantly works 24/7 but we don't have that so sometimes you walk in you come into
Royal Oaks uh east or west and the guard arms are up and it gives a terrible impression to the people sort of like come on in we're open in case you want to steal from us that's what the impression that I get even Oh, I don't steal. Um, and I think if the guard arm was constantly down, if there was a
system where the guard and when he went to the bathroom when they changed guards was constantly down, it would give a better impression to the people who are trying to come in and commit crimes in our neighborhood. And also, when I uh do my
budget for my own expenses, I created my own version of Doge, which is Dole because my name is Lydia. And what I do is I try to look for places to save money, not places to spend money. And it comes and seems to me like every time we do a budget, we're looking for ways to
spend more money. And the budget grows and grows every year. And I would like you to look at and of course when we saw the budget, paper does not refuse ink. So I can't follow the money. I was told I could find all that information online. I haven't had a chance to look. But I think we need to be able to focus
on more on saving money and saving money in big ways than spending money since we're all on the train of spending money. And maybe we the town of Miami Lake should have their own doge. And um the last thing is I do agree with the
lady who spoke because I think the um airplanes coming in from Amazon into Opalaka airport, unless they're paying my property taxes, they shouldn't be landing on my roof. And that's what it feels like all day long. And I don't know what happened to make things worse, but I think that also needs to be looked
at. Thank you for your time. Next speaker. Is there anyone else in chambers? Excellent. Good evening, mayor, council members. Boris Foster 15221 Mint Place. Uh my comment has to do with the uh special
taxing district and um uh there's lotman Royal Oaks section one Royal Oaks East my lake section one and I'm going to keep repeating that they're called security districts by the town and that
label is a convenient shortorthhand but when it starts shaping the thinking of the town and starts overriding the rights of each of the owners in each of these districts. It be begins to become
misleading and it's dangerous when the town acts as if there's no difference between Loman Royal Oak section one Royal Oak's and Miami League section one. That's the problem. You
know, each of the districts, Lachlman 1982 that was established, section 1 1994 and Royal Oaks section one and east in 2000. They all have their individual
infrastructure and services that were approved by the majority of the owners and then by referendum by the residents of the districts. So every district that's how the ordinance were made and that's how the ordinance have to be
amended. Every district has their own specific services infrastructure approved by at least 50% plus one of the owners and that is the first step in the formation and the first step in any amendment. So my message is simple.
Follow each of the district's ordinance. honor and respect what the was approved by the majority of owners and ratified by referendum. Each district must be treated as its own lawful established ordinance and not based on a push for un
uniformity and assumption about it being a security district. Thank you. Any other speakers in chambers? Going once, going twice. Excellent. Madam clerk, is there anyone online? Yes. So I'm going to start I have several speakers so I'm going to
start calling as I see them in my screen. Thank you help desk for putting the time. Mr. Abel Fernandez, are you ready to speak? I see you with a ra with a hand raised. Okay, we I think we see you. I
see you. Great. Go ahead. Good evening, sir. Good evening, madam clerk, and thank you, Mr. mayor and town council for allowing me to speak here tonight. I'd like to address several items. First, I'm in uh support of the
checking of IDs during uh the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for the uh Royal Oaks Community Section 1 and Royal Oaks East. Uh I think it's a uh good deterrent uh to possibly uh prevent any
unnecessary um entry and uh hopefully it decreases some of the vehicle thefts that are occurring. In regards to the same time the budget that you're going to be setting for the
uh special taxing district and our community, I spoke about this during your special taxing district meeting and it's in regards to the level one versus level two guards. Uh I believe that the job that has to be accomplished can be
done with a level one guard reducing our costs. I urge you to to consider that as you approve this uh this millillage for us uh for the special not millillage but the taxing for the special taxing
district. And in regards to the employee compensation, I understand everyone has to be uh paid fairly and justly for a job done and we want to retain employees, but we are a fixed income
community in the sense of our taxing dollars. We're not a Dorado. Uh we're we're not a city of Miami Gardens. We're not Miami Day County. we only have x amount of businesses and homes that provide taxing uh uh income to the city.
With that said, uh I understand that this job is not for everyone, but it could be a good springboard to get into bigger municipalities or bigger government. At this time, I would ask that you reconsider and think thoroughly
on not approving this um pay scale study. I believe that the uh 30 almost $30,000 could be used for other expenses in the town. Again, I I understand the need to compensate our employees and
they work uh and do a tremendous job. I don't think that this is the time for it. In regards to our time speaking, I've mentioned this before, 3 minutes to cover the entire agenda is is very short. Um, I ask you all to look into it
and allow beyond general comments uh that are not related to the agenda to allow us to return and speak on each item. With that said, I'm I'm almost winding up. Uh, thank you for uh, Council Member Alejandro Sanchez and Council Member JC
Fernandez and along with Council Member Steven Herzburg that have taken the time out of their busy schedule to attend our meetings at the Royal Oaks Homeowners Association. Much appreciated as a resident and a member of their board of directors. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Next speaker, Madam Clerk. Yes, Mr. Mark. I see a name under Mark Evergreen. If you're here to speak, just unmute yourself and welcome to the meeting. If not, I'll move on the list.
Nelson. Oh, yes, sir. I was just going to say I'm here to address some questions on an agenda item, so I don't need to speak right now. Thank you. Okay. Thank you very much for clarifying. Former council member Nelson Rodriguez, I see you on the screen.
Welcome to the meeting. Council, former council member Rodriguez, can you please unmute yourself so that we can hear you? Please unmute yourself. We see your name in the screen but we cannot hear
you. We see you now sir. Welcome. But you have to unmute yourself. Oh well. We see you sir. I don't know if you can hear us but we cannot hear you. Can you hear me now? Yes. Good evening
sir. Welcome. Excellent. My apologies for being uh technically uh behind. So I'm I'm speaking to you on 12A and so I'm calling I'm talking to you about we know that the the employees
are underpaid. We don't need to spend $23,000 on employees that are underpaid. We already know that. Okay. So what we need to do is we need to either divvy up that money as benefits to the employees as bonuses or maybe tuition
reimbursement. Give that money back to the employees instead of spending it on a consultant to tell us something we already know. Uh in the news lately it's been coming out about information of a certain uh politician that we've known for years is not well and all of a
sudden now it's news. Okay, this is not news in Miami Lakes. We know our employees are underpaid and what we're asking for is that or I'm asking for is not to spend that kind of money on a consultant to tell us the obvious. Have our HR department contact uh the former
employees. Maybe it's already in the information of our exit interview and ask them hey why did you leave? We know it's a significant raise. So most of them will answer. We can also call through our public record from other cities and ask them uh you know what
what does this category of employee make as a starting salary? Uh we don't have to show any names but these are simple things that we don't have to spend $23,000 on to to find out of the obvious. Our employees are underpaid.
My suggestion is that you look at other options. Uh employees and as one person said that all the employees should be doing only essential uh all the monies in the town should go to essential services for the town. Our employees provide that essential service and we
can't continue to be the Miami Marlins where they took a championship team and get got rid of all the best players and now have a minor league team salary based major league team. Miami Lakes is
major league. We hire amazing young people who are super talented. We mentor them up. We educate them and then they go off to to another city and we start all over. We cannot continue to have this folks. I advise you to vote no on
12A. Miami Lakes residents are essential services deserve essential ser essential services from our employees which are essential. Okay. They work through CO. They're essential. Okay. And that's why they deserve the proper salary. Council
mayor, have a good evening. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Vice Mayor. Take care over there. I will continue reading the names. Mr. Oscar Martinez. Welcome, Mr. Oscar Martinez. It's I'm just calling the names that I see in the screen. If you're for public
comments, just unmute yourself and state your name and address for the record. I also see iPhone Javier. iPhone Javier and I see Miss Ava
[Music] Leafant. So again, Miss Ava Leaf, iPhone Javier, and Mr. Oscar Martinez. Those are the names that I see. If you're here for public comments remote, please just unmute
yourself and welcome to the meeting. Mayor, they're not unmuting your themselves. So, all right. Public comments is now closed and we're moving on to item seven, appointments. I'm going to read off the names of individuals who were appointed to various committees and have already been
sworn in for their service. Although, if they're here in the audience, as I call out your name, please stand. Omar Seua, Cultural Affairs Committee. Uh, appointed There he is. uh council member uh appointed by council member car JC
Fernandez, Ethan E. Rivero to the special needs advisory board by council member Steven Herszburg, Isabelle Diaz to the elderly affairs committee by Councilman JC Fernandez and Stephanie A. Cruz to the special needs advisory board appointed by council member Angelo Cuadra Garcia. If you're here, please
stand. Thank you. [Music] Thank you for agreeing to serve the community and uh we look forward to your contributions. Thank you. Uh with that, we are now on the manager reports item
eight. Let's begin with the police major uh with his police report. Good evening, town council mayor, Mr. Manager. I'm Jose Gonzalez, your town major. Um, with the April police report, we'll start off with the
uh crime report. We continue to be at all-time lows at uh almost 62% uh reduction compared to last year at this time. So, the guys are out there uh working hard um and uh keeping the town safe. We stopped about almost uh 500
cars, gave out 254 written citations and 192 verbal warnings for the month. Um, also just wanted to touch up on the new sheriff's initiative on the cruise lights. Um, I know the town just put it on social media yesterday that this is a
a countywide initiative where all police cars will have their their cruise lights. It's just a steady light on for high visibility to campaign. Uh we've been doing this already for a couple years here during the afternoon and midnight hours. Um so I think I think they like what the town was doing and
now they implemented it in the whole county. So um the Bob Graham school traffic um we've been monitoring that for the last two weeks. Things have been going smooth as far as the any residual effect onto 154th Street. There has no been no
backup on 154th Street. Um I think the first day of school, the first day we implemented on that Monday. Um, could have been that some some people didn't get the memo, so there was some small adjustments to be made, but every day since then has been real smooth. We've been out there every afternoon looking
at things. I know I've seen Councilman Sanchez personally out there and Councilman Quad Garcia checking on things and for the most part, we haven't had any issues. I have seen maybe one or two cars inside Rogue, but those seems to be like parents and people that live in there um and that just want to get
kicked out or have to go the long way around. So they just have the kid walk, meet him in the car, and then just probably go home. So it's been working out. But the issue of the the real big congestion traffic, fighting to make a left into the school against the northbound traffic, th those days are over for now. So we've been doing a good
job with that. Uh traffic on 154th Street. Um we've been working with the engineers to streamline things. I think they are a lot better right now as before. Um it's as good as it's going to get. Um but it is synchronized um and everything is working well. The
light at 154th Street um and 79 Court for uh Councilman Fernandez. I know that we have spoken about that and they finally fixed it where the cars have room to come out now on 79 Court on 154 Street in the afternoon, during lunchtime and in the morning hours. So I
think that's all solved. any of the uh the the adjustments um have all gone well and we've been monitoring it and and I I I like the what I'm seeing in the morning and in the afternoon. So, that's a good thing. And we continue with the high visibility patrols. Uh obviously the
midnight high visibility um has been working and uh the enhanced traffic enforcement. And with that, I'll open it up for any questions. Thank you, Major Gonzalez. Any questions or comments uh from my colleagues? Yeah. Uh, council member Sanchez, you are recognized.
Well, first and foremost, thank you very much for the information about the no left turn at 79th Avenue. I know this was just a trial phase to see if it was something that we could install permanently for the beginning of the next school year. And I'm happy to see that we're having great success with that, not only with the the exit of Royal Oaks, but with Miami Drive as well
without the backing up of traffic. I just have one question with regards to the to the reports that you sus you submit to us. Homicide, zero incidents here today. First and foremost, amazing. Very happy to hear that because of the alertness that our officers have of being out there, being present, and being very visible. But the year to
date, is that as of January 1st or October 1st? January 1st for the calendar year. Okay, perfect. Well, but thank you very much and and I look forward to to the lunchon on uh on Thursday to, you know, to honor everything that that we uh advise all our staff and we're looking forward to
it and thank you very much. Anyone else? Just thank you. Thank you for all that you do. We appreciate it. Any other questions or comments from the council hearing? Oh, council member Garcia, you're recognized. Excellent work. Bottom line. Thank you, Councilman. Thank you,
Council Major Gonzalez is going to be leaving early tonight. Um, so I just if you have anything unrelated to his report that you wanted to just uh run by him, now would be the time because he's going to be leaving in a little bit. Thank you, Major. Thank you. Moving on
to Director Santos. Good evening, council. So, I usually do I'll highlight this time our maintenance activities. We've since last time, we've completed several sidewalk repairs and street light um repairs as well. And
with that, we well, we're also in the process of closing one of our drainage projects. Franchesca Mary. We're doing what we call just the punch list, doing the the final touch-ups before we put the final asphalt. And we're also doing the same in the lock lmen community. With that, I'll open up for questions,
questions, comments from the my colleagues. Just one quick question. I know you council member Garcia, can you kind of go over the 59th Avenue extension? I know you have a couple bullet points here. Last time I highlighted that project. I'm just choosing a few, but I'll go over it again.
So since the last time we completed our survey that's already been the delivered. Okay. The consultant is currently working on the roadway uh designs to send to us the 30% so we could review that. We've also completed
the legal descriptions and our legal team's working on certain items they have to work on as far as permission for or agreements for construction within certain areas north of the of the project. We've also completed the
relocation of uh the existing tenants and at the moment we have in the procurement process the demolition services uh invitation to bid. We expect that to be in before the end of the month. Yeah, before the end of the
month. So depending on review time, it should come before you for approval by June or July. Where would you say we are as far as being on schedule? I will tell you once we get into the permitting. So right now design is
progressing. So once we get 30%. Um we're working on getting the geotechnical services uh approval to go in. That one takes a little bit more time because they have equipment that exceeds uh I believe it's 10 ft. So they have to get special FA approval and and
they're actually boring in the ground. So they have to get utility approvals. That one's taking a little bit longer, but the design is progressing. Is there anything the our third party consultants can do uh to help you spill on the process or anything we need to do as a
as a council uh to help? There would be I would I would request it through the manager but right now we've like we're pushing to get things uh done as fast as possible and we're as much as we can we're assisting our consultant with our contacts in the
county and also the through the manager's office. He's he's been helping us and so far we're making consistent progress. And last question, any way we can find out um I know it's every month you give us this report, but I'd like to see where we are as far as where we are, where we
should be. I know there are things that are out of our control. Okay. Um and any any access or any opinions from the third party consultant of where we are, where we could be, where we should be. um just like to instead of letting a month go by if there's anything that can
be communicated to us before the the week maybe we can do something about you know maybe make a phone call here a letter here you know whatever it takes I mean I understand this is a most complicated project that the town's ever done involves so many different stakeholders FAA and and the county and
and and federal funds and everything so um again the reason I'm asking these questions is because you have for support and we want to anything we can do to make it easier for you and make it quicker for you. Since the last hurdle that we that we went through which was
getting uh the design revision started, we have been making consistent progress. So it's we haven't seen much uh delays. Uh so it's it's moving along uh fairly well. Well, I congratulate you for that. Yeah, can can I just chime in on that
just before we leave that that point? the current phase that we are in council member Garcia there's two things going on right now as Omar stated is the design right and the design um is essential for many elements right so kind of things are interrelated the
other crucial thing that was important that we have to get resolved was what's called in Omar's world the right of way certifying the right of way right and certifying the right of way means that now we have permission to run this road through this property that property this property etc
So at the beginning there were four elements to certifying the right of way. We' knocked already one off which was the uh the acquisition of the warehouse. One that's one down. The other three that are left are a license agreement that we have yet still to negotiate with
the Miami date aviation department that has a lot of interrelated things with FAA and so forth. But the design is interrelated with that because they need 60% plans before we spoke to them I think with 30 they're
they're they want to see the 30 and see if they can proceed. Okay. And those are almost those are close, right? Yes, they're almost. So the the plan design before we can sit down with Miami date aviation to finalize the license agreement, they need the um the six 30%
plants. The other thing is the design will also affect the other two on the north end north of the canal which is going to be the little sliver that we need from the school board and the little sliver that we need from Caterpillar. In order to be able to sit down with Caterpillar and have a
conversation with them, we need to have the plans done so we can provide them some back some input on what are the things that we're going to do to mitigate. they have a a a driveway on the southern end of the Caterpillar property. So, in order to mitigate the
the access for that uh driveway because as the road comes and approaches the bridge of the canal, the roads, it's not going to be a flat bridge. It's going to start to elevate. So, that's going to impact the in and out from that southern
uh uh uh driveway. So, our designers are developing alternatives for Caterpillar to consider. So we can't sit down yet with Caterpillar until we have the plans further along. Right. So the certification of the ride ofway back to that is we have the warehouses
warehouses done. Caterpillar and aviation we need the plans to be further along before we can do that. The one that we are now going to start initiating conversation with to get that out of the way and check that box off is with the school board. The little sliver in the roundabout that we need from the
school board. So would you through the chair, would you say the bottleneck right now is Miami Aviation and the school board? I I wouldn't call it a bottleneck because a bottleneck I would say it means that things are, you know, we can't get something accomplished. We can. It's just a time thing because the
designer, you know, they can't do what they have to do. This is a very complex project. They can't do because, you know, we basically had almost 90% plans before. Once we decided that we were going to reroute the roadway because of the impacts to the Caterpillar property,
it almost almost wasn't 100% but almost required us to start the uh development of the construction documents all over again in the design. So, it's progressing now. Thankfully, once these things, the approval by the FAA of the
new uh of the new uh uh route of the street and the acquisition of the warehouse, those things were major major milestones that got us back up and running. We were in a bottleneck and now I think that the log jam that existed in that bottleneck have been have been
opened and we are back underway. So if we would reach out to uh Roberto Alonzo's office perhaps to see if you know if he can put some pressure on that as he move along because there there's there's you know regular speed and then there's sometimes there's county speed and we've all been not you know we love
the relationship we have with them but there's sometimes we have to remind them they have a lot on their plate. Yes. So squeak a wheel right? So is there anything we need to do in that end or I know Senator Garcia's representative is here on his end. I don't believe that we need that right now, but trust me, if we were to need that, similar what Omar
stated earlier, if we needed any kind of uh access that somebody on this deis can help us with, trust me, we will not hesitate to ask. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Council member Sanchez. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Um, with regards to the sidewalk repairs, yes, I'm aware that we're looking for a second vendor. How far along in that process are we? So, it's it's a second contract. Within that contract, we're going to we're going to contract multiple vendors as we we've
done in the past. Yes. Um that one, where's Rosa? She's I think that the letting date or the day that we get the bids, it's in the next two weeks. Okay. There's a review process. We got to vet everybody that has uh submitted a proposal, make sure they meet the
minimum qualifications, and have the capability of actually doing what they said they did for the contract. So if everything goes well, it should be but it should be coming before you June I I believe for throughout the next meeting
we'll be approve we'll be deciding if we if that once I speak to Rosa if that's different I'll provide the update through the manager. Okay. Yeah. All right. Thank you very much. Anyone else? Uh seeing none uh director Santos. Uh number one thank you for including the time frame as I requested at the last
meeting. Thank you very much for that. Um, and then I was going to ask, can we also include like right under sidewalks, we we have the uh 2005 square yards of replacement completed. Right under that, can we have grinding numbers? Cuz I've noticed that there's a lot of uh
sidewalk grinding uh taking place around the town and it also helps us kind of visualize how much activity with regard to sidewalks overall we have all around the town. So is that a number that we can get? Yeah. The reason it's not there because this year we have primarily done replacement replacements which is good.
I prefer that. That's the proper solution if we and and that's why because what we have found through our inspections um didn't warrant a grind. It it would have left too little of concrete and it would have cracked. But when we do grinding we do included. Okay. So so it would be here if it was
included. Yeah. Perfect. Thank you. That that's all I needed to know. Thank you Director Sanders. With anyone else? No. Uh with that, I'll turn it over back to the manager uh for item 8 C. Yeah, this is a a very simple thing. The veterans committee uh asked that we uh approve a
budget transfer from the 5K veterans run to grants and aid so they can make two donation checks totaling a total of $8,20. If you look at page 19 on your agenda, that's the uh transfer allocation and it exceeds my budget authority. So, we're asking for council
approval. So, I need a motion from the council to approve the budget trans moved by Councilman Garcia, seconded by Vice Mayor Mora. Uh, all any debate? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. All oppose, no. The eyes have it. The motion
carries. Thank you all. We're are now on item 8 D. Yeah. The next item, the next item is our annual budget calendar that we present to the council every year right before the budget season starts. And some of these dates are beyond our control, although mostly
all of the uh dates that are in black ink and black letters. The four that are in green letters are the ones that we have a little bit of latitude with or a lot of latitude for the first two, the two sunshine budget uh meetings. The two in September, which are the two budget
hearing dates, uh those two are a little harder to manipulate as far as moving around because we have a lot of restrictions. They have to be so many days between each other. They have to be can't be on the same day as the county. Can't be on the same day as the school board. So what I wanted to verif uh
basically do was to see I know two of you indicated to me in briefings that the date of July 10th was going to be problematic. So um what I what I saw was that there were to me there were three
options. One would be probably the worst option would be for the two that have uh um conflicts would be to participate remotely from wherever on the face of the earth you are at that time. erh in the middle of the ocean. The other
option would be um to do it on the morning of the 15th and then that way we'll have the item before you on the evening of the 15th for the setting of the millillage, right? And that's the problem. We have to this council has to
take action on setting the the cap the millillage cap by the end of July. The third option would be to not even address it before the middle of July. not even address it before the 15th council meeting, schedule the budget uh
workshop or the budget sunshine meeting for later in July and call a special council meeting just to approve the millillage cap for the latter part of July so long as we do it by before the 1st of August. Th those to me would be the three alternatives or the
alternative four would be the two that have conflicts wouldn't wouldn't participate. But that's that. So, I wanted to plant that for you and have you guys tell us what you prefer so we can have develop our road map uh and timeline for the budget season. Mr. Mayor, Mr. Vice Mayor, to the chair, uh
what is the date that we set the cap rate in July? It has to be done in July. We had scheduled that we would do it at the regular council meeting. Is it the July 15th date though? That's right now. That's what the game plan is to approve it that night. Staring over there. All right. Um, any discussion on this?
Council Harrisburg. Oh, sorry. Yeah, go ahead and answer questions. Good evening, Mayor Council. Um, the date that I need to submit to Miami date county is August 4th. August 4th. So, that means our July meeting. Yes. And
our July meeting falls on the 15th. Yes. That's a day. Okay. All right. So my my comment on this is no, the the sunshine meeting should happen first and foremost. It you you don't blow that off. Uh second of all, I don't think you
have it the same day as the council meeting at which we set the nudge. We need time to digest it. We need time to properly analyze it. We need time to think of creative solutions as these people have been asking us for uh uh at the podium. Um make it earlier than July
10th. If if we got to make it in June, we'll do it in June. Let's figure it out. But but I don't think we just toss it in the morning of July 15th and then make a decision on the evening of July 15th. Vice Mayor, the difficulty with doing it too early is that we get many estimates and budget revenue estimates
from the state and the county. And if we do them too early, they we haven't gotten them or we've gotten really preliminary numbers and there it's not worthwhile for you to to have a a a substantive conversation. Um, if we do the uh budget sunshine meeting, we got
that on July 1st, right? Pardon me. Yes, we got the advalorum by July 1st. But keep in mind that whatever is published for the agenda for the council meeting of July 15th, it has to be published a week before on our website on the 9th.
On the 9th, right? Okay. I'll ask my colleagues, how are you on July 2nd? No, we're through the mayor. You're recognized. Thank you, mayor. Um I I I agree with you in the meantime, but my position would be we should do a special call on the millillage. Let's do
it towards the end of July. Let's we can even have the workshop before the July meeting, right? The July 15th meeting before the meeting. We can have a workshop then or workshop any other time and then have the special call meeting to set the the cap of the millillage a week or two later towards end of July,
giving us though a little bit of buffer in case something crazy happens and we have to get called back. I don't think that will happen, but I, you know, we've seen some things happen. So, that's what I think we should do is um have our own meeting. Have our own meeting about this. This is, let's give it time. Let's give it the time it deserves. So, let's
have a meeting on just setting the cap of the military a few weeks later. I'm one of the ones of the conflict. I'm gone from the 3rd to the through the 14th. I come back to I come back to 14th. I know Councilman Zench is also one of the ones of the conflict. I mean, we'll we'll do what we need to do, but I
think having our own meeting to set the cap, which I believe we've done before, makes a lot of sense and have it a few weeks later to give us all enough time to digest and give staff a little bit more time, too, to work the numbers and get us numbers we want.
Yeah, if we do a special call meeting, council, I I'm probably looking at a sunshine meeting the week of the 21st sometime and then a special call meeting the week of like a week later or several days later to give uh Melissa some time
to compile and put into play the um the feedback from the count from the sunshine meeting. So what I'd like to know is if there are any other conflicts other that would have conflicts in the latter the second half of the month of July vacations or
any other conflicts. If not then for we don't have a specific date but just any conflicts in the second half of July. All right. So if there's none, then we can if somebody will make a motion that we move this sunshine
meeting. So I'll make a motion to move the sunshine meeting to the week of July 21st and the Oh, sorry. Go ahead. And the subsequent special call meeting the week within seven days. Yeah. The following week. Yeah. The following
week, but before August 1st. Is there a second? I'll second. I I'll second. Okay. Is there any discussion on the motion? I'd like to move an amendment uh just to set the sunshine for Tuesday the 22nd and the special call for Tuesday the 29th.
I'll second the amendment. It's been moved and seconded. Uh any discussion on the amendment? Anyone got a calendar conf? Make it work. Any discussion on the amendment? All right. All those in favor say I. I.
Oppose. No. The eyes have it. The motion carries. And now we're voting on the main motion as amended. Uh all those in favor say I. I. All oppose. No. Eyes have it. The motion carries. Excellent. Okay.
Uh with that, Mr. attorney. Um, I really don't have have much. Uh, right before I left on vacation, uh, I just the legislature seemed to pass a bill. It was,
um, the legislature passed a bill essentially having to do with emergencies and it could affect some of the stuff we do down the road as far as resoning. I'm not 100% familiar. I understand there's an item tonight, pass
it, but knowing that it could be an issue later. The bill hasn't even been signed by the governor yet. So, uh it's it's hard to say, but I do want to put that on your radar screen in case you hear something back from us on that issue. And do you know the uh the date that it
would take effect, the effective date of the bill if you were to sign it? Is it upon a signature or would it be in July 1st? I'm not sure. Okay. I I don't I just wanted to ask. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Well, with that, we're moving on to item 10A, the cultural affairs committee report. Mr. Mayor, I had a question for
the attorney. Oh, sorry. Uh, before I move on, uh, Councilman Sanchez, so with regards to the agenda item from last meeting on the foreclosures on the non-homesteaded properties, how are we doing on those? Um, go ahead, Mr. Man. Yeah, administration is doing our review
first. Okay. and we're looking at all of the whatever it was 70 properties plus what has happened is there have been a few more that have kind of now met that three-month criteria that have now been added to the bottom of the list. So, our uh staff is looking over and double-checking and triple checking and
making sure that the they all still fit the bill and qualify. And once we complete that, then we're going to turn it over to legal for them to run title searches or whatever they need to do to to do that double and triple check. Good to know. We've been checking and they're they're working on it. It's you know
it's real work. Yep. Thank you. Any other questions of the attorney? All right. 10A cultural affairs committee report. Is there a representative from the committee here? Excellent. Yes. Now it's on. Right. Uh good evening, Mayor. Uh, council
members, manager, uh, madame uh, clerk, I guess the attorney stepped away and staff. Um, I'm here to present my semi our semianual report. Uh, I hope you have a copy in front of you. Um, we have a list of the
roster of the new members of the members and then I guess we have uh, Omar over there who's became a new member today. Um, we go down the list and these are the events that we had for our 2425
uh fiscal year. We had the uh book talk um back in September of 24 Hispanic Heritage Month which we feature Argentina in October 12 um December 7th Mrs. Claus. January 11th we had a
concert in the park. Um, February 22nd, we have our Florida Memorial University Corral um, concert at the uh, Methodist Church. And then we had our women of distinction ceremony in in March. And then we recently had the paint a picture
for mom um, at the farmers market. Um, as far as the initiatives, um, we look forward um, June 14th we're having our um, Father's Day fishing tournament. If you have kids, please bring them. It's a fun day and it's our
tradition to have it. Starts at 8:00 in the morning. So, we have to get up early to catch, you know, to fish at the Graham Dair Park. I mean, Graham Derry Lake. The next item will be um July 4th, of course, uh 6:30 at the Veterans Park.
Um we have our concert at the Methodist. Um this year we're going to have um Music for America, the summer string concert August 16th at 7:30 again at the Methodist Church. Uh book talk September
4th at 6:30 here in town chamber. We're going to have the author in person. Normally we've been having virtual presentations, but we're going to have a local um author and uh it should be an interesting uh topic to to discuss.
Um, also I wanted to add I know I my next report will be in October, but we have um our Hispanic Heritage Month will be October 4th. Um, that's for the next fiscal year and we're featuring Peru. We
are um our team is working on on the on the uh event. So we we we're getting feedback from them in our next next meeting. Um, and then we have um the holiday book reading in December
and uh that's at 11:30 p.m. um a.m. and future projects considerations. Take my glasses off cuz I can't see. Um we've been uh doing the Main Street Live as you know it's been uh growing the the audience has been growing. So this last
one that we had uh last Friday was uh phenomenal. I think it was one of our best ones. They're all good. They're good bands. I always try to make sure that we get uh good music. Um so we're looking forward for next year. Um we're going to see if we can move money around
for our budget and bring some of the events on to Main Street, some of the the the bands that play perform. And then the next item will be um the cultural um center collaboration initiative. Uh we hope to have public
and private entities to establish our cultural center one day. Um and on that topic um um I'd like to include this item uh item 16B which um council member JC Fernandez
is is um proposing um to have a plaque for um this design the sign a plaque to commemorate the life of Ario Candela. I don't know if you know that Elario Candela is a a well-known iconic figure in the in the architecture u community.
He designed um the Marine Stadium. He also designed um Miami Day College North Campus, Kendall campus, and the Wolfsonian I mean Wilson campus. And um I think it would be an honor to to have
that plaque. Um, unfortunately he passed away of COVID back in 2020. Uh, I I actually I worked on with him a little bit with the the restoration of the Marine Stadium. Uh, and I think it's the
having one of his buildings in our community. I think is is very important. And on that, I think it could tie it up to your your item of historic site plans map. we could have, you know, a a famous
architect building here in our town and um just basically, you know, if that becomes a cultural center, it will be even more more exciting. So, um next we have, sorry I'm taking a little bit
longer. Um we have the attendance um log. We um well, I guess we have to change it because of the new rules. Now, it's going to be a rolling year. So we're starting May 14th. So it's a clean slate for as you can see you know the
those who attended I haven't been attending. So hopefully you know we'll get corum for our next meetings and the minutes and u and then our fiscal financial report. So we're trying to work with what we
have and luckily get you know sponsors for next event. Um, so I look forward for you to attend our for our events. I mean, we're trying to make them the best we can with what we have. So, uh, you have any questions?
Thank you very much. Are there any questions of the chairwoman? Councilman Harrisburg. Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, chair, for coming. Uh, the Main Street Live, I've been to most of them. They're great events. My kids like them a lot. Uh, how is it looking on getting them to move
forward next year? Are you working with different committees? I guess I'm sure it goes forward. Yeah, we had the the for the fortune of having the Grahams sponsor th those events. Um we had um yeah, three. We hope to have from
January to June. So, we'll see. I mean, our June concert probably we don't have the the the the sponsor for that one, but I'm I'm working I'm we have tons of groups that want to perform for us and they're very
good. I'm trying to pick the best ones. So, so um hopefully we'll next year we'll we'll get you know if we can move money around we'll have the money. We'll be saving actually if we if we do the venue on Main Street. Um I mean a major
event like the 4th of July we'll do in the park because that brings a lot of more people. But for for um for that venue I think it's good uh working you know with the merchants and the chamber and the economic development committee who has been very supportive.
Everybody has been very supportive. I think it's something that like I mentioned before we did it back in 2005 as a test. Then it it you know faded away and then when I brought the idea back they loved it. So, so far, like I said, we're getting a bigger audience every time. Uh, you were there that
night um for last Friday and so is uh you were there. Uh, Mayor Diegas was there. I don't know who else was there. So, I I encourage everybody to come. It's fun. Uh, like I said, we're planning for the the 2026 session
season. So, we'll see. We'll see. Uh, we're working on it. I'm excited about it. It's fun to do. is is uh so anyway, thank you, Councilman Sanchez. Hi, Felicia. Hi. First and foremost, thank you to the Cultural Affairs Committee.
Um the committee puts on some of the best events that we have in the town, you know, highlighted by Fourth of July, and I'm I'm very proud to say that, you know, on behalf of of Miami Lakes with regards to the Hispanic Heritage Month, is it still the same venue here in the township? No. Uh it's going to be at the
Roberto Alonso. outgrew this place at Robert because it's Yeah, it's going to be at the Roberto Alonso October 4th at 6:30. Okay. Because the space is bigger and um hopefully because here that what I liked about this people just walked in from outside. Oh, there's something
going on so they come in. So hopefully over there we'll we'll have uh because it's a little bit farther from the town center. But um if we promote it well enough and we we so far we're going to have uh good groups of performers um so
um I'm I'm confident uh the team that is putting it together um is is going to do a great job too like I they did for the for the last one. Thank you Felicia and thank you very much to everyone on the committee for all the hard work that they do. Thank you. No, it's just team work. That's all. None me just team
work. Any questions of the chair? Anyone else? Thank you very much. I enjoyed doing this. Thank you. Okay, without objection, show item 10B deferred. Um, and we are now on the items pulled from
consent. Let's take up uh item 12B, authorization to award a contract for RFP 2025-12 for comprehensive compensation study. Uh, I believe uh it was Councilman Quazad Garcia who pulled this item. So, uh, go ahead. Uh, do you have
a particular motion though to get us in the proper posture for discussion? Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Can you explain that one more time? Are are you looking to uh to support the item or to oppose it? I'm actually uh I would like to not
support the item. So, I'm against the You're making a motion then uh to not approve item 12B. That is correct. Okay. Is there a second on that motion? Second for discussion. Seconded by Councilman Garcia. And we'll begin the discussion with Councilman Cuadra Garcia and then
Councilman Garcia. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Basically, um, after looking at this item, we have very talented people working for our town with doctorate degrees, all kinds
of degrees here. So basically what I don't understand is why do we need to go out for any kind of studies when we can do the best studies in house? That's pretty much what I'd like
to ask. Uh I don't think there's a need and if there is a need let's do it internally. That's my uh that's my uh proposal. Councilman Garcia. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
That we have talented uh staff. No doubt that that they do a lot more than they need to do because we're a smaller town. They wear many hats. Absolutely. Um that they deserve they get paid what they're worth 100%. So I don't think there's any
doubt on my mind how wonderful the staff is. Um, but $20,000 for a study um that I believe the information could be gathered internally uh through current sources. I myself looked at a three or four different municipalities uh our
size and larger. Their key roles, their duties are clearly stated plus the range of their salaries are clearly stated and of course the range of salary depends on the experience they bring and of course how long they've been there. Um, but I
think uh $20,000 could be better spent, for example, adding a police aid, which I've been advocating for for years, um, than a study that I think could be done internally. And I realize you want to get the best bang for your
buck, uh, Mr. Manager, there is no doubt that you want to take care of your staff. You want to make sure they're getting what they deserve. And I agree 100%. I just think that we have perhaps our HR department uh and a couple other members could work
on this and perhaps get maybe not exactly the information 100% as a consultant will do, but at least close enough uh for for you to bring in front of us your recommendation for for staff and how you want to handle staff uh
salaries and bonuses. I'm always a big proponent and the forgot who said it but the person who said it uh I believe uh uh in public comments using it for bonuses is another idea. Um but I think that honestly our staff deserves uh
bonuses and they deserve to be well compensated so they don't leave because I know there's a lot of pressure. You're good at your job and and you're getting calls from other towns. Absolutely. And all the organizations you're part of. I mean, you're you're constantly going to to um to meetings uh with like-minded
professionals and you're seeing what they're doing and I'm sure when there's an open position, they talk to you about it. So, um we want to keep you here and we want to compensate you uh to the level you deserve. But I would ask my colleagues and I would I would present a
motion to consider doing it um inhouse and I believe or direct the manager to see if he can come back with a plan to see how we can do it in house and see how much savings we can get and um keep that money and direct and and direct it in other other ways that we can add to
to the town. I'll I'll sec I'll second your motion. All right. There is a amended motion. uh to have the town staff uh conduct a
similar study independently uh and internally uh by council member Garcia, seconded by council member Herszburg. Any discussion on the item? Mayor, that was yours. Oh, go ahead. Anyone else wishing to speak on this
item? Okay, Councilman Hsburg and then uh anybody else and then Councilman Sanchez and then I believe the manager at some point wants to apply. Councilman Herszburg and and Councilman Garcia, I like your amendment because it doesn't necessarily shut the door. I understand the reason for the study. The reason is
that you have a concern that's Mr. Manager that our employees are not paid market rate and we're losing good employees. I honestly don't need a study to tell me that. I believe that's the truth. Um and that's a decision that we as a council decide if we want to give
you a bigger budget or not. and we have to work within that budget. Uh but I also and I said this during the sunshine meeting during the workshops this is all public records a lot of this things some of it is not as easy such as the total compensation like other fringe benefits and you can talk about that what the
what the study would provide but I do believe that we would get enough we have the brain power and staff that's that I know for sure in HR that we can get enough information that you can give us information from that internal study let us know where you think we are and then
we can make determination if we really need the extra information that this study would provide that we can't necessarily get through just public records and speaking with different municipalities. So, I don't want to shut it down because I don't know what we're going to find in our own internal study, but there's a way to do it internally
and save $23,500. I'm all for that. Keeping with our order, uh I'm going to go ahead and pass it to Councilman Sanchez and then to the vice mayor. Okay, just to clear up so there's no future confusion, this item 12B is in
response to our carry forward amendment where we approved three line items for a study to be no more than $60,000 that was approved at the last meeting. If we deny this tonight, even with the amendments, does it mean that we are denying just the contract being awarded
to Evergreen Solutions and at the next meeting another company can be presented or are we amending it to the point that no contract will be issued and these funds will be reallocated for something else to the point that our staff will be
completing the study themselves? If this is only awarding the contract, if this is not awarded tonight, the money just sits in this account in this line item till the end of the fiscal year because it's earmarked for this
study, right? For studies. So, um, the only way for that to change, right, if you wanted to reallocate it to whatever, you would have to come back with a budget amendment, which is an ordinance. It would require two readings to reallocate this to some other uh line
item. Okay. I just wanted to clear the air before we take a step that just brings it back to the table at the next meeting. Yeah. And and let me be a little more clarifying. If the money stays in this line item and it stays there through the end of the fiscal year and it's never spent, right, then it
just rolls into um well, yeah, it's it's it's fund balance. It just stays as fund balance till the end of the fiscal year and then next year it's just there as as additional fund balance. Okay. Okay, Mr.
Vice Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh so, first and foremost, I really do uh like Council Member Garcia's amendment. Uh a matter of fact, before he made it, what I was considering was actually moving to table the item. uh which would have essentially had the
same effect as what he's doing except he's actually putting an affirmative um task on the staff to see if we can save the residences 23,500. Um from where I see it, you know, I I do understand spending money
to create a better atmosphere uh for our residents, I'm sorry, for for our staff and staff retaining. I understand that. Um however my hesitance with this is that again during the carry forward
process um we we mixed together we bundled together three separate items uh and we assigned it this $65,000 um price tag. My my fear and and my concern is um I don't know how much the
other two are and I don't know which of those two are going to ultimately pass through the dice. I'd like to have the numbers on all three when I'm going to make a decision. Uh so that was actually what was um moving me in favor of of tableing this item, but I actually
really do think uh Council Member Garcia's amendment is actually an even better solution. So I'll be supporting that. Okay. Any other any other discussion or debate? Uh Mr. Manager? Yeah, just before you take a final vote, I just
wanted to make a couple things clear. Uh first of all, some of the comments that were made obviously as their hopefully as their leader, they view me that way. I completely agree that we have a staff that is second to none. Right.
And you know the the I don't want to keep anybody here hostage because they happen to live down the block or they they they like working here or we create an environment that makes them happy because each and every single one of these staff members have a family to
take care of, right? And they can love it. They can love love love working here. But ultimately they got to pay their bills and they got to support their families, right? And and at the end of the day, praise and adulation that that's that great that works great
for for their pride, for their ego, that makes them feel well and makes them feel wanted, which is super important because morale is a is a great predictor of performance. But ultimately, each and every single one of these um they have their families to feed just
like each and every one of us, right? So, it's important that we properly compensate them and not take advantage of the fact that they are here because they love the environment, because they live in town, because a lot of because their kids go to school down the block. To me, I think that that is that is an
abuse of of of certain privileges. The reason for this study is because I do not want to just do a halfhazard study, right? Because this is a big deal, right? Every single penny that we spend here, as you know, is important. It's the taxpayers's money.
It's my money, right? Because I'm a taxpayer. Each and every one of you are taxpayers. Every single penny that we spend is the taxpayers's money. So, the reason for this was to do things methodically, logically, sophisticated, and have a true and complete study that
analyzes uh financial compensation, uh benefits, uh the the whole gamut. this company that we are recommending, they were one of four that submitted to the RFP. They were the ones that scored the highest on the evaluation. When I say scored the
highest, they were head and shoulders above any of the other ones. The Evergreen Solutions is a company that's been in business for many, many years. They've done many similar compensation studies for other cities, big and small, school districts. They're based here in
the state of Florida. They've done studies for the city of Jupiter, North Miami Beach, Dural, Sunny Isles, uh, Coral Gables, Plantation. They've done many, many studies. This is their niche. They only do governmental compensation studies. They don't they they're not going to go to IBM and do a study for
them. They're their niche, the data that they have, the information that they have for us to task our uh HR manager is a part-time position. It's not a full-time position. It's a single person. And it's not like we have an
human resources department, right? We have a single person and staff time is is a zero someum game. In other words, if now I charge our HR manager, go and do this study and it's going to take her whatever two or three weeks to bring
back even uh a smidge of the information that evergreen can put together for us. That's two or three weeks that now something else is not getting done. Right. as as we know, our staff wears multiple hats. They they work head and shoulders above, you know, the the
they're not clocking in, clocking out, and looking to see 5:00, okay, I'm out the door. They don't do that, right? They do they work until the job is done. And and that's part of the rationale behind properly compensating them because I've seen it in my six years
here far too often that we hire young talented all-star type employees and then we lose them. I don't want to be the training ground for somebody else. I don't I don't want I really don't you know I think that we're a major league team. I don't want to be the AAA team
for for some large city or or the county or or whatever. I want to retain our talent. Part of that is the environment that we create. They create because all I do is help them create it that family environment. Part of that is the
financial compensation because two and two is always going to be for and they got to support their families. So I just want to kind of put those ideas on the on on the record. And you know when you consider a multi- multi-million dollar budget and not to diminish $23,000,
right? $23,000 is $23,000 and it is what it is. But the number one asset that this town has is not this building, it's not the parks, it's not our roads, it's not our trees. The number one asset that this town
has is our staff, our human asset, right? And so for us to do or consider doing something that is not as good as we can for them to me I think is is cutting a corner. If this council decides that that's going to be the way
we're we're going to do it. We're going to get it done. You know all hands on deck. We're going to try and get it done but it's it's it's going to be inefficient because there's going to be things that are going to not get done because we're we're spending time doing this. So, I just wanted to kind of lay
that on on put that out on the on the table and uh just for your consideration. Obviously, you're the decision makers. We'll follow the the direction of this council. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Councilman Garcia. Thank Thank you. Um and again, I agree with everything you say about the staff and what they deserve 100%. And I think the
staff knows uh since I've been here, anything they need, I want to give to them, you know, and uh even adding more employees, helping with the grant department. Um, the reason that I ask you uh to consider or my my colleagues to consider, you said it was um this
company has done this before with with cities here in Miami Day County and they're the best. What I would recommend to help your staff is that that's also public record. The report they they they presented to these these towns are public record. We can request that public record. we can request that
report and it could uh give a head start not only to the HR department but if you want to assign another another person uh the assistant manager perhaps office uh since he honestly the man is a brain he has a PhD he's he's seen this before I
think that um we have again you talk about our staff I think we have the the the knowledge and the experience on the staff to handle something like this and it'll give them the experience on reports and perhaps in the future other reports that we're considering since they if they do a good job on this one,
which I'm sure they will, we're actually consider them adding to their CV, right? Adding another skill role to their CV that can help them in the future putting together these studies and we can save money in the future. So that that's what I would would say to you, sir. I believe
they deserve the maximum amount of money they can get and also I believe they deserve a bonusbased uh commission structure that we I've talked about in the past. the one the superstar should get compensated for their superstar performance. I'm 100% for that. Uh so I would just consider uh I I say that uh
for my colleague's consideration. Thank you manager. Any other discussion or debate on this item? All right. See none. Madam clerk, please call the role. Yeah. Mayor, again, mayor and council members, we have someone from the audience that would like to speak on
this item. I said that I would ask all of you if you allow him. He's remote. If not, you tell me and I proceed with the roll call. Madame clerk, we have uh a lot of ground to cover tonight. I spoke with the attorney uh who confirmed that
it is in the discretion of the mayor whether to grant that opportunity or based on council motion. Um I'll turn over to my colleagues, but uh but yeah, just reminding everybody that we have a lot of ground to cover and if we open this Pandora's box, we're going to have a a stoppage basically at a variety of
items. So, um, with that, I'll I'll give a give it a moment to see if anyone wants to make a motion. Okay, seeing none, ma, madam clerk, please call the role on the amendment. Yes. The amendment by council member Garcia, seconded by council member Hzburg. Motion for the compensation study to be
done in house for town staff to provide information later to the council. Is that correct, Council Member Garcia? That was your motion. Council member Garcia. Yes. Council member Hzburg, yes. Council member Sanchez, yes. Council
member Fernandez, yes. Council member Cuadra Garcia, yes. Vice Mayor Moretta, yes. And Mayor Diegas, yes. The motion passes. The amendment to that motion passes. Excellent. Please uh is there any further debate on the main motion as
amended? Seeing none, Madam Cler, please call the role on the main motion as amended. Mr. Mr. Mayor, can you just uh clarify for the benefit of our colleagues what a yes and a no means? Okay. So, in if what everyone is going to want to do since we just voted yes is we're going to vote yes again. That's
the simplest way to put it. Okay. All right. Let's go. Council member Sanchez. Yes. Council member Garcia. Yes. Council member Fernandez. Yes. Council member Cuadra.
Yes. Council member Hsburg. Yes. Vice Mayor Moretta. Yes. Mayor Diegas. Yes. The motion passes. Excellent. Thank you, Madam Clerk. So, the motion was The motion was to have I got lost. It was for staff to handle. Correct. That was
the amendment. Yes. And which replaced the main motion? The main motion. Oh, yeah. The main motion was to uh just not to do it. So, the awarding of the contract is defeated. Yes. Okay. I want to be clear. Yeah. And then uh with that, we're going to take a step back. Um I've been informed that there is a
representative for the special needs advisory board here. So I'm gonna ask her to come up at this time. And we're going back to item 10B, report by the Special Needs Advisory Board. Hello. I told you I'd be back. Good evening, Mayor, council members. My name is Kimberly Trellis and I have the
honor of serving as the secretary to the special needs advisory board. First, I wanted to extend our heartfelt thank you on behalf of our entire board because this council has consistently shown up
not just in words but through meaningful action. Your support has really made a difference and I'm confident I speak for everyone on our committee when I say thank you. So tonight, I'd like to share information about uh three upcoming events that reflect our mission and
values. The first is the Demoa Foundation meet and greet happening this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. The Demoya Foundation is dedicated to creating employment opportunities for young adults with unique abilities. Their work is not only impactful, it's also
transformative. They empower individuals to lead purposeful independent lives and their mission aligns beautifully with our goals as a board and as a community. The second um which was already um mentioned
by the cultural affairs committee, the upcoming fireworks at Veterans Park. Um we are going to have the sensory room open at the Mary Collins Community Center. So, I invite anyone that needs a sensory friendly option for Fourth of
July celebrations to please join us. And lastly, I have we have Gigi's Playhouse pickle ball tournament, which takes place on August 30th. GG's Playhouse continues to be a vital resource for families and individuals
with Down syndrome, providing free educational and therapeutic pro uh programs that promote confidence and independence. So, all those pickle ball players that I saw here last month, I hope they could come out and
support. Um, so with your support, we would like to request that the special needs advisory board logo be approved for use as a sponsor on materials for these events. Having our logo present not only reinforces our partnership with
these out outstanding organizations, it also demonstrates our town's ongoing commitment to inclusion and advocacy. So, I kindly ask that a motion be made to allow the use of the special needs advisory board logo as requested. Thank
you for your time, your trust, and your continued support. So, moved. I'll second that. It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. I. I. I oppose. No. The motion carries. Congratulations. Thank you. Congratulations. All right. We're now back on 12C. We're not back. Uh we're
getting back to the items pulled from consent, but we're on 12C. Authorization to negotiate with Miami Lakes Auto Mall for fleet replacement. Um who was the the council member who pulled this? Okay. Councilman Garcia. Uh you're recognized for a motion. Thank you, uh Mr. Mayor.
Um, this is a I know I spoke to the manager earlier today about um these vehicles and as you know I'm an advocate for trying to save money anywhere we can and replacing our current uh any chance we get to replace our current um uh
fleet with electric vehicles. Uh I'm I'm for I know Mr. Mayor you're also an advocate. I know a lot of the uh um of my colleagues are as well. Um, I'm a little concerned because, um, you know, again, I I I want to do business locally. I want to do business with with our local Miami Lakes Auto Mall. I'd
love to do business with them. What I'd like to see if there's an electric option uh for this instead of leasing a car and then turning it in after a while. Um, it's all about cost of ownership throughout the entire life of a vehicle. When it when you're when you're determining this, uh, once we pay
off any electric vehicle, it's going to be ours. We're not paying any more monthly. Electric vehicles last hundreds of thousands of miles to to half half a million miles. They include not only uh generators uh but also um they include
um um a generator and a lot of them come with um you know air cond um what do you call it? Compressors. Air compressors. Absolutely. Which would which would be you don't have to buy a separate uh compressor or a separate uh when you're going to work anywhere you don't have to
buy a separate um uh generator. So I would ask my colleagues, it's 2025. When are we going to make the transition not to saving the environment, that's fine, to saving money. Electric vehicles save money
because they save on the cost of cost of ownership. You're going to reduce 50% of your total maintenance. All you need, honestly, is your tires. That's it. Because the brakes, you know, there's regenerative braking. You don't have to change those brakes forever. Um, and honestly, you don't have to spend money
on gas. And I know we've been talking about putting electric chargers here in the town. It is time. We are way behind the eight-ball here. Every other town, every other city in Miami Day County has an option, at least one vehicle. Uh, I think it's time we do it. And I think it's not only, you know, it's good to
have clean air, but it's also going to save us money in the long run, which we can put to savings on our taxes and also other projects that are that are needed. So, that's my uh why I pulled it. I'd like to make a motion to consider electric vehicles for this uh for this contract. Is there a second? I'll second
to discuss. Okay. Excellent. Councilman Herszburg, you're recognized for discussion. Thank you. And and and Mr. Manager, correct me. I mean, I I believe you might Do you have hybrid options on on or electric options on here yet or no? Yes, sir. Okay. I mean, first of all, I I don't know anything that much
about electric cars. I do know they cost a lot more um at least upfront cost. And right now we're focusing on replacing what? Two pickups in the Crown Vic. Three. Yeah. It'll end up being either three pickup trucks, three fulls size pickups or two fulls size pickups and a
small pickup in to replace um the two pickups and a Crown Victoria that's a thousand years old. Okay. Exactly. Um so for the pickups, I I think it's just cost prohibited. I'm not aware of any pickup electric pickups that are less than 70 80 grand if not more. Uh I know
Ford has some. I don't know how much they are. Maybe for the Crown Vic, a small we I mean I don't I don't know the exact uses we use for the Crown Vic right now, but maybe a small type electric vehicle could make sense for for the Crown Vic. I think for the pickups, I don't think we have an alternative that make that fits a
budget. I like the leasing because it forces us not to have the same thing right now with the worst and most aging fleet of vehicles in Day County. Uh the lease requires us to p to just continue to change. Uh maintenance should be pretty low in a lease. Uh, I mean, I'm open to seeing better options. I don't
know if there's a viable option for pickups. Maybe there is for the replacement of the Crown Vic and it, you know, I'm open to see the options, but I do think we need to, there's some vehicles that need to get done and need to be moved forward and we have the money now to try to start that. Yeah. And and remember, this item is not you
making a final decision on it. This is authorizing us to go and negotiate with the autom. did an informal survey which uh some of the data is on your page 213 of this uh item and we looked at the Florida Sheriff's contract. We looked at Sourcewell contract, Miami date county
contract to see about piggybacking and then we also had some inquiry directly with Miami Lakes Auto Mall, our hometown uh dealer and right now the auto Miami Lakes Auto Mall uh was providing us the the best rate. I I know that our paradigm is always when we think about
leasing that we go and we con try and compare it to our own personal leases when we go and get our own car. When you're looking at either corporate uh commercial or um municipal leases, the the rates are completely different as compared to an individual uh personal
lease. um with regard to um consumption and uh as as far as just even the numbers we got from Miami Lakes Auto Mall, the they do have a uh Chevy Silverado electric vehicle option, but
the rate was over $200 more a month for the electric vehicle. They just most of the manufacturers do not make uh those kinds of vehicles in like a work truck, right? So they make the electric vehicle, but it's going to have a lot of bells and whistles, things that we don't necessarily need to accomplish our
mission. So to get a just a plain jane stripped down pickup truck that is that will help us accomplish our our objective, uh the gas is significantly less because they don't have the EV, the electric vehicle in the in the plane uh
work type truck. Uh with regard to consumption, I know Omar, I don't know if you want to come up and speak a little bit. He he did some analysis with regard to one of the biggest differences is what uh council member Garcia mentioned which was the maintenance and one of the our hopes in negotiations is to get some concession from the dealer
with regard to oil changes and things of that but that's I don't want to talk about that ahead of time but uh with regard to uh fuel consumption or energy consumption whether comparing the EV versus uh gasoline there is some data that Omar had put together that the the
the difference is not as stark as one would think but yeah it's as uh the manager mentioned in the table there is a a column which I got the information from the fuel economy.gov gov uh site.
So these are estimates from from that site. I I felt it was a a good source to site for now and as we dig further into this if we find anything different we can provide it. But the difference we're looking at approximately,
$1,400 for the year between a gas uh Chevy and the EV Chevy. That would be the first one. and the fourth one. And then once we go into the smaller trucks, it's it's uh the difference is more. M
Mr. Mayor, if I have a question for the manager. You may ask your question. Of course. Thank you. Um right, we're this is just to you to negotiate. So you can come back to us with more data on the the correct
negotiate back next month with with you know specifics. Hey, this vehicle with this VIN number and this is the bottom line dollar and this is the any other things that we've been able to a concession we've been able to get from the dealer with the final final final and we'll be able we'll bring that our hope is and our intent is to bring it
back to you in the month of June so we can pull the trigger on this. So, Councilman Garcia, I guess your motion is just to make sure that we include electric in that in that offer so we can make a a good decision. I'm all for that if if that's Yeah, absolutely. if we can include electric vehicles. Um, and I know Ford
has work uh Lightnings. I mean, they're their work Lightnings are a lot less, you know, just to take a look at the differences. I know the Silverado is not a work truck, per se. Um, but I just would like uh the the options and if you
can give us a 10-year cost of um you know cost of owning ownership uh between the continuing to pay a a a lease every single year because we're going to have to turn this in eventually and and and right
we're not buying them. We're leasing them. We can buy it out at the end of the lease, right? Are we are we eventually going to purchase these? No, sir. the the intent would be if we were to lease them outright. We our intent is to continue to rotate to the point that council member Hersburg made is so we
never get in the situation that we are now where our vehicles are embarrassing to the town and they're falling apart. The the the lease it's inherently obligatory to just keep turning the vehicles over and they're always going to be in uh you know top
condition. Sure. I just like to real quick and I know we're in a hurry. police departments all over the country are converting to police. And no, no, no car, there's no vehicle in a in a fleet that's that's that sees more miles or sees more damage or sees more action
than police uh vehicles and and uh a lot of departments around the country, around the world are turning to them because the 10-year again, the 10-year uh uh uh cost of ownership is done. Once we pay finish paying for this truck or car, that's it. There's no more monthly payment. So that's it. you're not paying
a monthly payment for this for this vehicle and the savings started adding up and up and up and again these cars last hundreds of thousands of miles of half half a million miles. So I just want if you can add that to the um you know the cost uh uh I guess comparison so we can make a decision next time I
appreciate that. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Thank you Mr. Mayor. First and foremost I do want to point out that Miami Auto Mall uh does one of the three options that they are providing is an electric vehicle. the Chevy Silverado is the 1500 EV, which is their electric pickup
truck. Uh, second of all, the ones that you're mentioning with the air compressors with these electric, and I say this as somebody who has done the research on electric vehicles, owns an electric vehicle, with these vehicles, the second you start adding add-ons,
that's when they get very, very expensive. Uh, otherwise, the the cost of entry is marginally higher. Um that being said, um to something else that you said about shopping local, obviously
we have very very good connections with uh Fred, with the auto mall. Um that being said, I am also a big fan of of um what's it called? Capitalism. Um and so I I'm going to put Fred on his heels a little bit and make him compete with
some of our our neighbors. Um you know, why not contact Breeze? We have several Motor Breeze brokers in the town. I My own car came from a Motor Breeze broker uh who's an Our Lady of the Lakes's dad uh Alan Gonzalez. Let's reach out to
them as well. Uh they get very very good rates from not from dealers not just here but across the country. We are still supporting a Miami Lakes business uh and possibly saving some money. Third point. Um I I know I'm pretty sure I
asked this the last time this issue came up, but I'm going to ask it again because I forgot. What does a vac truck operator do? The the vac truck are the is the big giant back truck that cleans out the the the So why does they why do they drive a Crown Vic? Well, that's
just their alternative vehicle because sometimes they have to take it to the shop. They have to do certain things. Sometimes when certain weather conditions are out there that they can't go and do uh when it's raining, they may be tasked to do other things. So, they're not going to drive this big giant back truck around. So, they have this alternative vehicle that is their
their secondary vehicle for them to uh to move around in. Got it. That being said, then I'm sorry. And there's also equipment that the that it's like an assistance vehicle that there's equipment that is carried in the crown. What kind of equipment? Uh, we can have
hoses, we can have cones, we can have parts for the main truck. Um, okay. You name it. Either way, what you're saying goes with what I'm about to say. Um, I think there's no reason whatsoever on any of the public works
department vehicles that it should be anything above a Chevy Colorado or a Ford Ranger. Uh, those are the vehicles that make sense for that department. Uh for parks and wreck, I do understand sometimes they do need the slightly larger trucks because uh they're they're
helping prepare events. They need to move the big canopies, the big tents and and uh haul the big trailers uh of the town. Those I understand uh it can be a full-sized pickup truck, but I think that the small pickup trucks make a lot of sense for uh public works unless you
say otherwise. For for we've actually had that conversation. It's I think the agreement was opposite really. For the main public works vehicle, we do need the larger one. Uh that's where we carry most of our temp uh our emergency asphalt patch uh equipment. Okay. We
carry we have to put a sign that's fallen. Those are Would that fall under the inspector truck or the general services truck? No, the inspector general services that is the facilities team. General is the facilities. That's currently what I'm thinking is I look at
this and I see an inspector truck and I'm like, "Okay, well, an inspector doesn't need a truck, uh, period. They're they're just inspecting." Um, you know, it doesn't it doesn't require those a little bit more. I get it. I get it. Which is why I ask. And then I see a Ford Expedition and I'm saying, "Well, a
Ford Ranger and a Ford uh or a Chevy Colorado probably can carry more than a Ford Expedition." Uh, so what you're saying is you think the vac truck operator can go off of a small truck?
Yes. Okay. So, let me just small. And then the inspector off of a large off of a full size. The public works inspector. Yes. Full size. And then the general services can be a small truck. Yes. But that is not one of the ones that we are
which are the ones this year is one for parks, one's for public works and one is the vac truck. It would be truck 001, truck 003 and the vac truck operator or the crown vic. That's that's the first three. Oh, okay. Sorry, I was just looking at the whole chart. Um, so 001
is the parks and wreck. Those two, you're saying that Jeremy agrees that those could be small trucks as opposed to fulls size pickups. He's not here. He's not here, but we had a conversation. If it's different, we We'll share that through the manager, but that was our preliminary conversation.
Okay. Um, that's what I was just going to say that we don't need to jump straight into the 1500s, right? Like the the uh Silverado 1500s, the F-150s, and the do the Ram 1500s on a lot of these
vehicles. These Ford Rangers, they're very capable trucks. They they're very presentable. They look good. I saw the Maverick in here somewhere. Uh, also a good truck. Uh definitely. And frank frankly, the Chevy Silver, the Chevy Colorado from Miami Lakes Auto Mall is
the absolute most affordable option on this entire table. Just pointing that out. Okay. Councilman Sanchez, I just want to point out about electric vehicles because I have owned them in the past. due to their weight. Um, their tires
are their life cycle is not as as as good as they are for for gasoline cars. Your average electric vehicle, their life cycle is somewhere between 10 to 15,000 mi as opposed to a gasoline car somewhere between 30 to 40,000 mi. So, that is something that has to be taken into consideration, too. Um, on the flip
side of that, well, not really on the flip side, on on the electric side, if you look at the market now, the trade-ins on electric vehicles are through the roof and their their values are even within 6 months 50% of what they were when they were brand new. There is a massive downturn in the
electric car market right now because the market is speaking and our police departments are not using electric vehicles. Um, I don't know if other municipalities are using electric vehicles, but I am in in in in not in favor of having an electric car. Not
just that, in case of emergency, we have hurricane season right around the corner. How are we going to charge those vehicles if we don't have power because our power lines go down? It is a a not just a micro situation, it's a macro situation of of an issue that that hits and it extends beyond just savings of
gasoline. Um, so this is an analysis that, you know, is not is more than just maintenance and things like that. It's more of a a a cause and effect of having an electric vehicle in case of an emergency and not being able to get to certain situations because of lack of electricity. So, I just want to put that
out there for electric against electric vehicles. Would you like to respond? Absolutely. Um, Garcia, Amazon, uh, our own post office, um, everybody's changing to these vehicles because they
they make business sense and, uh, they take that into consideration that we have, again, we we also I'm not saying the entire fleet, but guys, we got at least one because it's just time to show at least show that, you know, what are the savings? If in in that one it shows, hey, savings are not there, then we
won't do it again. But, uh, again, um, private companies like Amazon are doing it. Their majority of their fleets converting, you see the little Amazon trucks, they're they're all electric and they handle, again, they handle packages that weigh thousands of pounds and they handle the tires just fine. And I
understand what you're saying, but again, it's the way to go long term, guys. We want we don't if we stop paying lease payments, we're saving money. And again, they're white, so, you know, they're not going to they're not going to get too dinged up. We can wrap them
if we have to, but what I'm saying is uh I think we should follow what the market is saying. And actually the fact that they're No, the fact that we're going to keep them, we're not selling them. So the fact that they're they're they're going down in price and resale in price will tell you, you know, we're going to keep them in in the first place more
than 10 years. So again, and and these batteries are usually after 10 years they're recycled into battery storage. After 10 years, they only lose maybe 5 to 7% of their of their charge. So they they're they're recycled and the battery is the most expensive part. They're recycled. We could sell them to battery
storage. A lot of companies are recycling that. So again, I understand what you're saying, but you know, the market has spoken and fleets are turning electric for a reason. And it's not to save the environment, it's to save money. So I'd like to just make sure that my colleagues are aware of that. And I think it's time we at least have
one vehicle that's electric to show the difference between that and gas. And if it doesn't save any money, fine. We'll move on. Thank you. through the chair. Councilman de Garcia, go ahead. Um, how are our freebies doing? Don't we have uh Tesla freebies? Are they not
doing a great job? So, we don't know the pro. Okay, but I mean, are are they are they doing a good job? Are they delivering something good for you? They're not. So, there's the proof of the pudding. So, I just want to reiterate it uh to the uh to Mr.
Garcia's count uh comments. I think it's a if Amazon is a world company and they're doing it, let's let's let's follow the leader. Number one, no oil, no moving
parts that break. You don't have to there's nothing to change. No oil filters, no nothing. It's it and and and it doesn't affect our footprint. It's not going We need to take care of our uh of our environment. So, I think it would
be a great idea if we look into uh uh Ford. Ford's got a good deal. I spoke to a gentleman last night that just bought a brand new electric one. So, I think we should also consider Ford between Ford and Chevy. Thank you. Any other discussion on the motion, Mr. Mayor?
Just a point order. What What motion are we on? We had a motion for Brian, a motion by I I may have missed yours. I thought you made a motion to make sure Motor Breeze was more just telling them. Okay, that's fine. All right. I just wanted to make sure we're in the right spot. Just clarify my motion. My motion
would be to instruct the manager to take a look at the options we have with electric vehicles with not only uh again um Miami Lakes Auto Mall, which is amazing, but other opportunities like the C vice mayor said. And I like a just a comparison to what the costs were
going to be between both. Remembering that if we purchase it after three or four years, we're not going to lease anymore. the savings with the lease, savings with the with the gas, the savings with everything. Electricity in Florida is what 15 14 cents a kilowatt hour right now. Uh it's almost nothing
to to fill it up would probably be like $11 as compared to 50 or 60. Yeah. With the with the money $8 with the money with the funds that were allocated during the uh carry forward amendment, we do not have enough money to buy outright buy any of them because I think
there there I think 16,000 and change. So, we don't have the money to outright buy what because we had done it with the with the thought process of of leasing three vehicles and it would only be the lease payments that are due from now until the end of September through the end of the fiscal year. Okay. So, as far
as dollars, we don't have enough to actually go out even to buy one. We don't If you could add to perhaps, but we we'll negotiate leases, we'll do that. We'll look at the electric vehicle. But again, and I'm I'm I know we're we're we're on this I'm I'm trying to figure out ways to save money in the
long run. And leases for the most part are a continued expense that we have to continue to pay on a monthly basis every time we turn. I'm trying to figure out a way that we can save money and not le once we pay that lease that that purchase off the savings that's going to include uh that
we're saving not having to lease and it's ours. So that's what I mean if we can put together just numbers on both options you know from all the vehicles to maybe just one maybe maybe a uh uh Toyota Prius for the for the um for the car to replace the Crown Vic which by
the way a Crown Vic volume is well whatever you whatever you decide the Crown Vic by the way a lot of people will line up to buy that car. Um but you know just my motion is to go ahead and and have that uh that comparison and present it to us in the next council meeting. In essence, uh just to restate
the motion then for everybody before we proceed to a vote is to go ahead and authorize uh the the uh town manager to go ahead and and begin negotiating this, but to look beyond just the auto mallal and also to consider electric vehicles. Correct. Correct. Okay. With that said, uh let's do a roll call vote. Madam
clerk, please call the role. Council member Garcia, yes. Council member Sanchez, yes. Council member Cuadra, yes. Council member Fernandez, he's absent. He stepped off the moment.
He's absent. Council member Hsburg, yes. Vice Mayor Mora, yes. Mayor Diegas, yes. The motion passes. Excellent. Thank you. We are now on the last item that was pulled from consent, item 12H, Roar Oaks, uh, STD ID check.
A, I pulled it. Page 275. Hey, Councilman Hsburg, I pulled it. Pardon me. It was Councilman Sanchez. You're recognized for motion. Thank you. I pulled it because as I'm reviewing the protocol, it's showing hours of implementation from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00
a.m. during uh the meeting I had with with the manager. Bless you. Bless you. I requested to know if that is the same time allocation that we have for Lment. Mr. Manager, were we able to find that
out? Jeremy Jeremy Uh what what what are the time uh for the ID checks in Lloma? 24/7. 24/7. Okay. Okay. The reason I'm hesitant to to to move forward with 7:00 a.m. is because high schools start very early in
the morning, 7:20 in the morning. So school buses really travel through residential areas starting around 5:45 6:00 in the morning. So what I would request is to amend it to end at 6:00 in the morning vice instead of 7 in the morning through through the through the
chair. Well, ju just to be clear, there's no motion presented right now. So, Councilman Sanchez, if you don't mind, just to get us in the proper posture to discuss this. Yes. Please make a a motion as to its approval or or or uh or not. I put a motion to amend to adjust the working hours. Okay. Well,
then you you you want to go ahead and approve this subject to exchange. I want to approve this subject to the change of it being implemented instead of from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. from I mean from 10 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. from 10 p.m. to 6
a.m. Excellent. Second. It's been moved and seconded. Councilman Fernandez. Actually, here's why I'm in favor of it and and it's really clear because I don't want this to fail. I don't want I don't want and I think that the longer
the hours are the the the more traffic there's going to be and the more backup there's a possibility for that. So I even though I am came up with the item I think that if we can restrict it to a little bit earlier where where I believe that it's going to have a less of effect
on traffic and the beginning of the buildup I'm all for it. So that's that's my any further discussion yeah I'm I'm I'm okay with it. The reason that I discussed this with JP it's a natural and JP you want to confirm it the 7 a.m. is a natural shift
change. Is that correct? So I will say that we will I agree 6 a.m. is it makes more sense. I think that's what I originally we all originally wanted it. We went to 7 a.m. after discussions with JP because you're going to have the guard checking their watch. I mean I agree 6 a.m. makes more sense. Just
understand that the there's going to be a guard that the whole entire day, the whole entire shift, they're asking IDs and then there's that one hour of the day that they won't. So, it won't be perfect, but I'm fine with making the change of six. Setting an alarm. [Laughter] [Music]
Any other uh uh any other members wishing to speak on this item? Okay, seeing none, um all those in favor say I. I have it. The motion carries. Excellent. All right. Is there a motion in the consent calendar? So moved. Is there a
second? I'll second. Uh um all those in favor say I. I. All oppose? No. The eyes have it. The consent calendar is passed. And that brings us to item um 13A, ordinance is on first reading. Uh Mr. Attorney. Um All right. Um two things.
So you need to read the ordinance, right? Yeah, I'm going to go ahead and read I'm going to read the ordinance first. Uh the first one we're going to do is 13A. Yeah. Uh, an ordinance of the town of Miami Lakes, Florida, amending article 4, creating new division 6, RM-30, medium lowdensity residential
district, renumbering existing divisions 6 through 26 to divisions 7- 27, providing for incorporation of recital, providing for findings, providing for direction to the administrative official, providing for repeal of laws in conflict, providing for severability, providing for inclusion of some portions
in code, providing for exclusion of some portions from code, and providing for an effective date. I also need to read something uh because these are quasi judicial proceedings. What I'm about to read is not only applicable to 13A, which I read, but it's also going to be
applicable to 13B, which will be next. Please be advised that the following items on the board's agenda are quasi judicial in nature. 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. 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 be either cross-examined or sworn, your testimony will be given its due weight. The general public will not be permitted to cross-examine witnesses, but the public may request the board to ask
questions of staff or witnesses on their behalf. Persons representing organizations must present evidence of their authority to speak for the organization. Any person presenting documents to the board should provide the clerk with a 10 with a minimum of 10 copies. F further details of the quasi
judicial procedure may be obtained from the clerk. Mayor. All right. U before we begin, I just want to state for the record that the clerk has received all the exparter communications from the elected officials on both items that the town
attorney read. No communications have been held. Just wanted to say that for the record. Thank you, ma madam clerk. Uh Mr. Manager, yeah, what we have here is RM are the multifamily residential designations. We have four of them currently in the town. We have
RM13, which means 13 units per an acre. RM23, which means 23 units per acre. RM36 and which is 36 units per acre. And the most dense one is RM50, which is 50 units per the acre. We kind of looked at
it and we said that there was kind of like a hole in between RM23 which allows fourstory construction and RM36 which allows sixtory construction. So that's why we are proposing to unrelated to any project
all we want to do is embed into our code a new designation which would be available for this council to someday uh uh use is RM30. There is one uh caveat is in the code our intent was originally
from the beginning was to split the difference between RM23 and RM36. So that's why we came up with the RM30 but we uh our intent also was to split the difference on stories right on
on the number of floors. So RM23 is four stories RM36 is six stories. So in here we we we kind of restricted this at four stories. What I would like for the council to consider is moving that to five stories. So that would be the only
modification to the ordinance that we'd uh ask the council to consider through the chair and reminder that this member Garcia, you are recognized. So you're effectively creating the fifth story option, but you're keeping the fourth.
So you have four, fifth, and sixth story options for for development. None of the other options change. All we're doing is sliding a new option in in between there. It would be RM30, which means only 30 units to the acre and it would be restricted at five stories and
whatever whatever the right uh cuz they also have uh the height restriction also has a a a foot restriction. So whatever corresponds with five stories, we would insert there. So, I ask that that uh amendment be made to this item is to and
if I could tell you exactly where it is. It's on page 319 of your uh of your agenda. About 2/3 of the way down, 2/3 to 3/4 of the way down is a small letter uh D where it says height, just changing
from four stories to five stories. And then we we'll if this council will allow us, we'll get the right uh what the right the the the feed will be somewhere in the high 50s to low 60s. Just one question. Is that going to encourage just higher um higher buildings or or
the quest for I think the opposite. I think what some that would have to go with a designation of RM36 would end up being able to go with RM30. And that's that's kind of the long-term thought process there. So the pros are we can negotiate. Gives us a more another
vehicle to negotiate down. If they say they want to do six, we can correct. And if it never makes sense, you never use it, but at least it's another uh tool in your toolbox that you you have at your disposal. So it's would you say it's it benefits more the town than the developers at this point to do that? I
think it's I think it gives you the option. Yeah, I it definitely uh benefits the town because it gives you more options in your decision-making process. Thank you. Mr. Mayor. [Music] Well, before we get there, um Madame
Clerk, uh why don't you go ahead and swear in those are going to be uh testifying. If you're going to provide testimony, please raise your right hand. Do you swear to say the truth and only the truth? So, help your God. I do. that
Madame Mayor or Madam Clerk, I think I was supposed to I mean, you know, listen, you're looking cute today. Uh I think uh the mayor meant for the people on item 13B to also be sworn in. I think that there was a few people in
the back that didn't uh the both the quasi judicials if you're going to um provide testimony. You're going to speak, please raise and raise your right hand. Do you swear to say the truth and only the truth? So help you God. Well, so now everybody's Thank you. It's been
noted. All right, Mr. Attorney, you may continue. Yeah, I I just wanted to put uh the the council just in the the proper posture. So, this item is quasi judicial. Uh you're supposed to base your decision on competent substant evidence of everything that's presented, the testimony and those that have been
sworn in as well as staff and give everything its due weight. uh if you have had any ex party communications with regards to anyone with regards to this item. Even though this is a uh town council or town staff rather initiated item, it's still uh subject to the same
rules of disclosure of exarty communication. So you should do that beforehand, but if you didn't, now would be the time. Um and the clerk already uh read into the record that we that everyone reported no communication. That's fine. And you can do the same thing when the next item comes up. I would advise you to do so. Um the other
thing is uh right now you can deliberate amongst yourselves but before you make any decision ask the public if anybody wants to speak on the item and then uh take your vote. Okay. So with that um why don't we let
um so you've already presented the item just be clear. Yes sir. Okay. So I don't So Suzanne do you have anything else you want to add? No, I would just like to certify everything that the manager uh discussed and uh that again that this is not
attached to any specific piece of land at this time. It's just an option for you all to consider for anything that is already within the comp plan as high density residential. So this right now our high density of residential is starting at 36 because the 23
technically falls below the 25 to 65 that they have available. So we're kind of leaving ourselves a little bit open there to shenanigans. So this is sort of kind of creating a little bit of an option for a palatable
um low high dens medium high density uh development without creating you know a larger building that we may not Thank you. Um, Mr. Mayor, uh, well, before we get there, per the quasi judicial rules, are there any members of
the public that want to speak on 13A? This is not the GU item, uh, but 13A. Just want to Okay, seeing none, Mr. Vice Mayor, go ahead. I'm going to use uh former Councilwoman Ruano's term here,
heartburn. the the the only part about this that gives me heartburn because I'm totally okay with creating this this new zone. The only part is changing the the number of stories. I get it. It's meant to be a
happy medium. You know, we already have a four-story. We have a sixtory where we would be creating a middle ground. You know, I I promised the residents I'd avoid uh overdevelopment. um make me go against that, right? How
do I uh um keep up with that promise while at the same time fixating on the number of stories of buildings is a little is a little bit of a misnomer for one because uh to begin with uh stories in office
buildings or industrial buildings are usually a lot taller so they create a taller building for the same number of stories. I think in the past when we have discussed uh thing items of comp compatibility and the such and in the in the design guidelines we always talk
about the actual height of the building so that it's compatible with its surroundings. Um you could end up with a four-story building in an in an office building that would be a lot taller than a six-story building in a residential complex because residential ceilings are
usually lower. uh if you put a ground floor of commercial, you're going to end up with a taller building even though you have less stories. So that's why I fixating on the number of stories is a little bit misleading. Uh at the end of the day, what you're looking for is a compatibility of shapes. Uh a variety of
so that you don't have uniform roofs everywhere, not flat everybody the same height because that's also kind of boring. So a little bit of variety, not nothing sticking out too much. But wouldn't that be addressed in the site plan review process? Correct. And again,
this is this particular designation, the RM30 that we're proposing at this time would be geared towards areas that are already designated for higher density development. What is the highest number? What area in town has the highest number
of stories other than Town Center? Seven. Is the the highest residential is seven. Where is that? And that would be around here in the town center. not in town center or any BU2 which is any part any part anything that is designated um you see that's three stories right so
town center used to be BU2 and then we changed it to town center which then allow them the seven stories um again not that you know so seven stories is the highest we allow for residential we have areas where the height that is
allowed is the width of the adjacent road which can be as many as 70 as many as 90 ft which now you're talking more around 9 stories. We don't have any development of that height but that happens in
industrial areas. So anything that is currently zone industrial technically their actual height is not measured in stories is measuring the width of the adjacent road. I'm going to pretend like I knew what that meant.
Uh here's the here's the the main question. Does approving, you know, more floors, let's not use the word stories since it's technical. Uh approving more floors, uh create more opportunity for them to
shove more units into one space. No. Um if you remember, and maybe you weren't here yet, so so maybe you haven't been uh privy to my beautiful presentation on F. Uh it was great. Um you cannot maximize all of the all of the things
that you get as part of your development process. Okay. You get to either I I remember that my and I have to look at Gina now because I have to repeat it again. You get to have either a tall skinny building or a short stubby one. So you either get Gina or Susana, but
you don't get both. So you either maximize your height or you're going to maximize your F. one of the so at the end of the day the number of units you get is based on the density that you're allowed and and all these parameters the parking requirements all of these are when you meet all these is
when you come up with the project right but all these things have to match open space blah blah blah right so you don't get to maximize all things got it thank you vice mayor the number 30 is what will restrict the density so are there any other questions of
staff Okay. Is there a motion? Move the item up. Okay. Uh, it's been moved. Is there a second? Second. Um, any any discussion or an amendment? I just want to make sure this request is
it's with the five stories, right? Or do you need to make an amendment? Sorry. I'll move the item uh with the five story limitation. The five stories or less limitation. Okay. So, I'll remain second. Okay. Excellent. So, it's been moved and seconded. Any further debate?
All right. Seeing none, madame clerk, please call the role. So, the ordinance in first reading moved by Vice Mayor Mora and seconded by Council Member Fernandez. Council member Fernandez. Yes. Council member Hzburg. Yes. Council
member Cuadra. Garcia. Yes. Council member Garcia. Yes. Council member Sanchez. Yes. Vice Mayor Moretta. Yes. Mayor Diegas. Yes. the ordinance and first reading item 13A passes. Excellent. We're now on item 13B. All
right. An ordinance of the town of Miami Lakes, Florida, amending the official zoning map to reszone a 7.7 plus or minus acres located on the east side of Northwest 74th Avenue between Northwest 143rd Street and Northwest 145th Street
is more particularly described at exhibit A from the GU General Use to the RU1 single family residential district. Providing for incorporation of recital, providing findings, providing for direction to the administrative official, providing for repeal of laws
in conflict, providing for severability, providing for exclusion from code, and providing for an effective date. All right, staff, do your thing. Susan Alonso for staff again. Um, I know this looks like a similar item
that we have seen in the past, but it's very different. Um, we are now reszoning the entire neighborhood of um off of um 74th, 144th, and 145th Streets and
143rd. Um, it is a comp is a compound of uh 10 properties and 10 specific lots of various sizes and various stages of development. Some of them have single family homes, some of them don't. Um, and we are now attempting to clean up
what should have been done a long time ago where we provide them an actual standard and an actual zoning that they can attach themselves to so that they continue to improve their properties. they can continue to maintain their properties. And the people that want to
create new housing and or new um construction can begin to do that with a set of regulations that they can, you know, count on and and confirm and and be attached to. So, um I you know this is
an attempt to bring this entire area begin to bring this entire area into the standards of the town of Miami Lakes so that can they the property owners have you know some solidity on what they can do going forward. And I'm going to let Lorenzo.
One thing that's important to note um is that you know our zoning and our our land development regulations are really uh a product of our comprehensive plan. Comprehensive plan is what governs the uh the actual uh future land uses of of
the of the town. It governs our our capital improvement uh aspect of of the town. uh it covers uh all those major components of which really are any every item that we bring forward in this town moving forward should be uh in line
with. Uh when you're looking at a comprehensive plan, you have to follow it strictly. Okay, that's what the law provides. Um what we have here is really a comprehensive plan and a zoning Greg that are not in concert with each other. Our comprehensive plan outlines this
particular area as low residential density. All right. Load. So, it's that's that's clear what that is. Uh what we're doing by reszoning it into RU1 is making it conform with that reality uh that is part of our comp plan. So, it's really it's cleaning it
up. What that will allow also uh future homeowners uh to do that own property uh either properties that have been built out or properties that are vacant land is to be able to have very clear concise rules that are in line with the remainder other parts of RU1 districts
within the town. Uh to be able to uh be able to come to to the town, be able to understand what the setbacks are, be able to understand uh what what the requirements are for the properties uh and be able to pull the necessary permits. So that's really what's before you today uh is really this cleanup of
of of our code. Uh GU for all of you means uh general use. It's it's a miscellaneous uh type of zoning. It really doesn't fall within any particular category. Uh but what I can tell you is that it's uh if someone were to come in wanting to pull a building permit or or wanting to to pull, we
would have and and it's built in the code, you would have to reszone each and every specific that that doesn't make sense. So, what makes sense is really to have it fall in line generally with the rest of the town uh code comp plan. Excellent. With that, we're going to turn it over to uh the other members of
the public uh to come over and speak. And uh I know you did it earlier, but once again, name and address when you come and uh and then the floor is yours. Yeah, there you go. Thank you. Thank you. Jesus Gonzalez, uh, mayor, vice mayor,
uh, councilman, and, uh, Mr. Peterman. We, um, I have two actual two locations that are in that area. Right now, as it stands, like it says here, it's 7.7 acres and there's 10 folios that are
there. Um, my mother-in-law has also a a property there. One of the things that we enjoy about that is the it's not overcrowded. you know, we have enough traffic when we get out because you have the city all the uh all the uh uh
buildings that are there that that are generally healthcare uh that are actually there. So we we at this point we don't see the value in disrupting you know the the quality of life that we have that that you know that basically has been afforded to to all of us. I am
here today and I have six signed petitions from out of the 10 folios, six here and some others I couldn't get a hold of that are against reasonzoning uh for that purposes. Uh we don't want to
overcrowd our area. Just so you know, you may give them to the clerk uh at the end of your your I'm going to go ahead if you can. Yes. Is there another member of the public wishing to speak?
Thank you, sir. Welcome, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, members of the council. Uh, my name is David Koviello with Loftes at 200 South Biscane Boulevard in Miami. Um, here on behalf of I'm so sorry. Let me just for the record state that we have Mr. Abel Fernandez who would like to participate in public comments. Just
wanted to state that before. Thank you. So, before once we're done with the live comments, we'll go back to the remote uh comments. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. uh here on behalf of Peter Panay and Su Sufyan Naji like to have them stand. Um they own property of the
vacant lot on Northwest 144 Street. So I just want to make three brief points. Um number one uh we're in support of the resoning. Uh as staff indicated uh actually by state law your your zoning has to be consistent uh with your comprehensive plan. So, it's mandated by
state law that you reszone this to be consistent with the lowdensity residential comp plan uh in order to be in compliance with state law. That's number one. Uh number two is uh my client purchased this vacant lot in October of 2023. They've been trying um
a number of times to to get a building permit to develop their property with their house. They want to become, you know, citizens of this of this great town. And they run into a number of issues, right? And you know, we've worked with the town, with the city attorney, the city planner, and you
know, we've attended a number of public hearings, and I think finally we we've come to the conclusion that this is the best way to go to reszone the property as a whole with the other properties so that there is no more GU property. Uh without this reasoning, they're basically have no property rights. They
can't get a building permit, and they continue to pay a mortgage on a vacant lot that they purchased. So, it's it's really become a hardship for them. And so again, we're in full support of it. The last point I'd like to make is respect the opinions of of the neighborhood, but this resoning has
absolutely no impact on those properties. The properties that are uh developed with homes, it has zero impact. Uh and I'd like to reserve some time after the other comments if if I can. Thank you. Yes. Uh the time is reserved. Uh next speaker, please.
Hello. Good evening. My name is Lilliam. I'm here um on behalf of two of the volumes for my mother and father. The address is 7455 Northwest 144th Street. Um, I appreciate the opportunity to
speak with all of you today and um, I want to express why I along several of my neighbors opposed to the reszoning. Not because we're against um, responsible development, but because in our specific case, this change does not offer the protection or clarity it seems
to promise. We are a very small community of 10 lots. At least four of the property owners covering five lots have lived there for over 20 years. One neighbor even bought two the second lot specifically to preserve
green sprays and privacy of that area. Despise being zone AGU, every property currently functions as a peaceful single family home. The main justification for the reszoning outlined in page 322 of the agenda is to create consistent
zoning and avoid peacemeal approvals. I understand the intent behind that, but this proposal does not solve a real problem in our area because one doesn't currently exist for us. We are already a low density. Our community is entirely
made up of single family homes. There is no indication of commercial or multif family development pressure. The area has stayed this way by resident's choice, not by regulation. The GU signing hasn't inhinded us. It has protected us. While
label label temporary has helped maintain the character of our community for decades, it requires the special approval for change, which means the council and the community maintain and say what happens. This is a strength and not a weakness. Um the res RU1 opens the door for more
building not less. While RU1 might sound like a safeguard, it actually grants development rights that do not guarantee that do not currently exist under GU. In conclusion, we respectfully ask that the council not pursue a
one-sizefits-all, especially given into account that a lot of the residents have been there for a really long time, and we don't really know how any changes will affect their lifestyle. The GU zoning has support a stable, peaceful, and spacious community for decades. It has not stood in the way
of responsible growth. It has shaped it. We urge you to preserve the existing zoning and continue to treat any future development requests one case by case. We actually talked with the neighbors and we all agreed that if it's a matter of having build in that lot, which is
only one vacant lot, we're more than willing to work with them to make sure that that happens. But we would like to safeguard the lifestyle of people that have been living there for over 20 years. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Are there any other members in the
audience wishing to speak? Okay. Good evening. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you. Um my mother Gina, which most of you know probably she attends all those elderly affairs parties. Um, we she my mother
and father bought that the house that she lives in 40ome years ago. She had horses at that property. I don't know if any of you have passed by there, but this is not normal Miami Lakes. This is Miami Lakes as it was 40 years
ago. Um, they bought there because they loved how it was, the rural atmosphere, country. Um, her house is on an acre or close to an acre. We liked it so much we bought the house in the corner that is
also in an acre and we like how it is. You say you want to change it to have uniformity, but that is not like I live now on Stable Drive, but I still own the other house. It is totally different. Those
houses you can't you can't want to make it the same when it's not. There are We don't have a road all the way down. Our one of our houses doesn't have city water. Yes. It's very It's very
different. We when M Mayor Sid was there, we have a part of a road that's in front of Florida Power and Light substation and it had potholes and we asked many times for that street to be fixed. That little piece of street.
Nothing. He said yes. Yes. Nobody ever came. the residents not to mess up a tire, fill the potholes. So yes, you want to have uniformity, but we need uniformity the other way also. What I'm saying is we don't want
it. We want to stay as we are. We love it as it is. But it's not fair that you want to make everybody the same, but we are not the same. So I ask that you please keep our standard of living how we like it. And if you haven't gone to see that area,
please do. and you'll see that it is not the same. Thank you. Thank you. Any other me uh members of the public wishing to speak before we go to remote comments? Please come up, sir. Hector Pomero,
7475 Northwest 144th Street, right across from that lot. I'm probably one of the oldest one there. 40 years in that house. In fact, your dad did all the
paperwork. Your dad. Your dad. Anthony. Okay. Anthony. Anyways, go by there. It's uh different. It's not like It's not like real man legs. It's different. And we want to keep it the
same way. That's Thank you. Any other members of the public uh here in the audience wishing to speak? Okay, seeing none, let's go to remote comments.
Okay, so Mr. Abel Fernandez, I'm going to swear you in before you provide testimony. Do you swear to say your truth and only the truth? So help you God. I do. Okay, go ahead, sir.
uh town council. For the record, I know none of the residents there, but I am familiar with the area as the former battalion chief for the town and developing pre-fire plans for that area. I'm listening to the comments of
the residents there and their desire not to change the um uh the zoning. And then you have one individual that's gone to a high-powered attorney uh in downtown Miami to lobby you to change the the
zoning. Right away that throws up the saying from Ronald Reagan, President Ronald Reagan that said, "Hi, I'm from the government. I'm here to help you." There's no such thing. Zero. Uh there's nothing wrong with the current zoning
that is there for those folks. What you have is one owner who wants to change the zoning in order to to develop a property probably in the future to medium density. And that's unfair for the folks that have been there 30, 40
years. And as I said, I I know the area very well in doing the pre-fire plans for them in case there was a fire because there are no hydrants. Unfortunately, there are no paved streets. uh the uh uh water sources for attacking
a fire would have to be from a canal or multiple engines and that is an issue for the town to address to give them the same services that the rest of us in the town of Miami Lakes have. But I ask you not
to look to fix something that isn't broken. They brought to you a solution for a problem that doesn't exist. This is this is what takes up all this time with this council for special interest coming to you to change issues that the
residents don't want changed. You heard here people from that area taking the time. And again, I live in Royal Oaks, so I have nothing to do with the folks there, but I am for the little guy and I am for smaller government and I am against government overstepping their
processes. Leave it alone the way it is. This individual that bought there fully knew that they were buying there with the the GU zoning, but they wanted to buy it to
change it. And again, it smells to me like changing it for medium density. If I go down a sidewalk and I see on the sidewalk something that's green and watery and in front of me I see a duck moving its tail, what I see in that sidewalk is probably duck And
that's what this smells like here. I'm asking you to leave it alone and honor the the the the request of the people that live there. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Fernandez. And I would ask all members of the audience and all speakers to please avoid course language in the
process or in these proceedings. I know you reserved time for rebuttal and you will have it. I assure you. But uh per our procedures, we now go to the council to begin asking questions. We have um Oh, we have another one. We'll get there. But just want to explain to the gentleman here. Yes, I believe I see Mr.
Oscar Martinez with the hand race. Well, before we go to Oscar, um again, after we finish uh with the initial round of of public comments or uh of the public hearing, we will go to the council to ask questions of staff or any other audience member who spoke and then we
will go to the rebuttals. Excuse me. All right, Oscar, are you there? Mr. Martinez, we need you to uh put on your camera, please, and unmute yourself. Okay, you're unmuted yourself, but now we need you to uh if uh to speak at least. Well, I need to swear, Mr.
Martinez. Yes. Give me a sec. Let me just put my We don't see you. We only see your name. We We need to be able to see your right hand in the screen. In order to swear you in, I need to see you. Thank you, sir. Please. Yes, we do. Yes. Thank you. Raise your right hand. Do you
swear to say the truth and only the truth? will help you. God, I do. Thank you. Welcome. My name is Al Martinez. I'm I'm one of the residents of that area. Um, so basically on the previous comment
from the person that was talking about the the sun in there and now I'm a little bit confused or the previous comment is a little bit misleading. Um, I'm actually in the process of building a house there. uh we I haven't I haven't
submit the plans to the city but basically by the research that we have done with the city the the current sonification there are setbacks and there is all parameters established already to build a house or do any uh
modification or anything that we you know that I want to do on the property. I don't know the specific case of the gentleman that I'm trying to um to build a house there. Um I don't know if there are specific issue on my case. I don't
know who is not seeing the whole truth but I'm able to build a house with the current sonification on the property. Um of course there's already a house on that on that property. So basically my understanding so far is that the current
sonification that was created on the beginning it was more like a rural sonification that allow like a different style um on that area and basically right now we are trying to implement
like a like a for example royal lot royal um sonification that would be the setbacks and certain certainty will be more loosened. So, you know, basically basically the person who's going to
build will be able to do like a bigger house when better side and and everything um everything will be different. I just got a little bit confused by the com the previous comment about the person that was saying the there's no way to do like
um a building or permaning on that area. So because I I check with son and I did my research and yes I'm able to do it if I follow all the sonification that is currently on that area. So that's what I
want to say. Um Jesus um he um provide a letter when the senator from some um from some members of the community. My name is not there. He didn't reach out to me but you can add me on the list Martinez. um one of the owner from that
from that area as well. Thank you, Mr. Martinez. That's all I wanted to say. Okay. Thank you very much. Are there any other remote public comment members? I just want to make sure for purpose of um clarity. I see
iPhone Javier and I see Miss Eva Lafant. If you're listening and you don't want to provide public comments, that's fine. But if you're listening and you want to provide public comments in this um item 13B, please do so now. This is the
opportunity because I see your names. If not, we have a a gentleman here in chambers who's ready to speak. But give me one second. No, no change. No change. All right, sir. No change. Were you sworn in earlier? Yes, because of my
wers for I'm the contractor for the but but earlier when when missing uh was asking everyone to hold up their right hand, did you? Yeah, I not do it. You didn't do it. Okay. Um madam clerk, please. We can do so now. Raise your right hand. Do you swear to say the truth and only the truth? So help your
Yes. Thank you. You can provide testimony. Okay. My name is Ryani and contractor and developer and Mr. and and Peter and contracted me three years ago to try to search the the
construction for the house for for his for his and he geted this land and and already have the project and everything is present in the city. Okay, the city and the regulation by God for the new
Godic is a flow zone. The flow song he say the how he say and more and 12 foot 12 or 10 foot the high and the comment for another person is speaking right now is is is not possible if you
go to make the new house there is very high because this is flow and that's the problem where he have what he make the house I need to put the safety tank because it's not sewer that when the safety tank is need to elevate because
it's not working And this is the problem for the new construction. He has the problem for the new make a new house. That's the the problem he have in the issue for the project. That's it. But I Thank you very much, sir. All right. Are there anyone else uh here in the audience wishing to
speak? Okay. Please come up, sir. And have you been sworn in? Okay. Um Madam Clerk, do you swear to say the truth and only the truth? So help you God. That's right. Thank you. Um I just wanted to say I'm the son of one of the owners in
the house there and I'm hearing that they want to rebuild. Oh, I'm sorry. My name is David Bernal. Um I keep hearing they they can build bigger houses. If you go there, you can see the houses are very big. There's no need to rebuild or
anything like that. And the zoning part, it's very green. And the reason they moved there recently, I think like 5 years ago is because they wanted to be close to my sister and enjoy that peaceful life that you know you kind of
moved there to retire type of thing. And if you do resone it, then you'll be allowed to rebuild and build more houses and obviously more population, more traffic. And that's not the idea that we
want, especially since we're having kids. My sister has kids. They walk around by themselves, dogs, everything. So, it's for us it's not the ideal situation why we move there and probably
plan to move there and keep our generations moving there. Thank you. Thank you very much for your testimony. Is there anyone else in the audience wishing to speak? Seeing none, uh uh we're going to turn to the council now uh for questions. I believe Councilman Sanchez, you had
indicated earlier you had a question and then we'll go to the vice mayor and we'll we'll go down the line actually from right from left to right. So, Councilman Sanchez JC and then we'll keep we'll continue that way. So, this is for the residents um that are currently residing there. I've reviewed the requirements for the zone RU1. This
is not going to have any impact on the existing dwellings that are in the area. None whatsoever. This is for potential future dwellings and it is a low density type of project from what I understand based on the requirements for RU1 and I don't know if you've done this research
I just want to spell it out. Um the minimum lot size for RU1 is 7500 ft that so that's a larger lot than something that can fit a townhouse or anything like that. The width 75 feet wide the front setback is 25 feet. So
the house has to be 25 feet from the property line. same from the setback, but the building size at a minimum has to be 2,000 square feet. So, there was a time where there was a developer that was seeking to come into the area and
develop highdensity town, well, more medium density town houses that would really increase the the traffic of the area, the congestion of the area, and it's something that that I myself don't agree with for your area. So with that being said, the fear of the current
residents of converting from a G1 to an RU1, of having high traffic and everything like that, I'd like to know if there's a different fear as to why con switch it, why not switch it from a GU1 to an RU1? And I invite any resident to to reply to that question. What is
the fear? Any any resident? Yes. Well, it's like uh what Mr. Abel said, if it's not broken, why fix it? Why are we changing the whole zoning if it hasn't been an issue? So, if you see the lot sizes, they're big. Once you change into residential, they can be broken
into smaller pieces that becomes not just a one house, but you can build probably three homes if you break the lots. So, there's only one way to get there. Yes. And if you increase that you're it means the traffic is going to
increase which is not ideal. There are many kids in that area like their so it's it it has a very rural feeling of being able to have their compost their garden kids running around riding bikes without being worried that there's a car
coming without you know the risk of getting hit. So I think the the idea of making it residential and making that switch is that it brings the possibility of building more homes into that big lot in which there's just one home now and
divided into three that will create more traffic and more. Okay. In that sense I have a question for count staff. If you don't have this answer, I completely understand because I have all the answers of the existing lots that are currently
vacant. Yes. How many are larger than 15,000 square feet? So that's uh empty vacant that are not developed. None. None that are non-developed. The problem
is that some lots that are very large have only one home in them. Okay. And those lots are usually larger than 15,000 ft. Yes. The reason why I come to that number is because if someone is going to split a lot, it would have to be two lots of at least 7,500 ft. So, so
that's why I asked that question again. But nothing in the current GU zoning prevents anybody from splitting a lot. Okay. So the current GU zoning does not prevent lot splits. As a matter of
fact, we have had lot splits that have happened via variances which is one of the reasons we're here today. The the reason the current um applicant that Mr. Coello. One of the things that happened and I know we remember from the last time we had this
conversation is that back in uh 1997 they split the lot using a variance process which is a very irregular way of splitting off a lot which then creates other issues. There is another lot that has been split down the middle of a
house which is also a very regular way of doing things. and and and basically not having a zoning. It's sort of like the comp plan gives you the goal, right? It's sort of like you want to bake a cake. The zoning gives you the recipe of
how you can bake a cake, right? Right. So, not having the recipe of how to bake a proper cake. People are making cakes out of whatever they have and it's it's it's turned out something that they like at this point, but it's not conducive
for orderly development of the lots that are maybe older homes that may be looking for being, you know, if they get sold, they may want to redo those homes and under what parameters are they going to
do that or the empty lots that do have room from that want to be developed. So establishing rules for those redevelopments is important to do now before people are in a hurry to get it done as Mr. Naji and Mr. Banagi are. So
in other words, if someone buys an empty lot of 15,000 ft, they can technically divide that into three lots of 5,000 ft which would increase the density of the area. Correct. Under the GU zoning. Correct. So with the RU zoning, it would limit it to at least 7,500 ft which
would make it less dense. Correct. Okay. So there's no restrictions right now in a GU. They can build something on a thousand square feet if they want to. Okay. The to clarify that point the and I just I'm going to read straight from the way that the inter it's called GU interim district. Okay. And what it says
is that subdivisions of GU district shall be governed by the provisions of section 133308 where applications for building permits indicate the need for reclassification of an area in GU district. The director may initiate an application for a change of zoning. What what that means is that before you build
anything there, you got to change the zoning, right? And we just did a a search and we welcome this gentleman Oscar to come and talk to us, but he hasn't spoken with either Susanna or he hasn't spoken to us. Had he spoken with us, we told him you you can't build. You got to reszone, right? And and so what we're doing is instead of doing this
peacemeal approach, I think it's our comp plan is is giving us a direction that we all need to follow. This is to be a low density residential and the lowest density residential that's available under the code is RU RU1. So
just and I'm sorry one one more clarification. I'm sorry uh for the record um both every property that has been for sale in this area. I have talked to probably every possible buyer
that has ever gone for any of these properties. I always get a phone call. I'm going to say that 99% of them, I'm sure there's some that I haven't talked to, and I always tell them exactly the same story with exactly the same words. This is a hard lift. You are going to
have to be ready to put in the work and to do a def a difficult de development with a lot of steps because all of these properties suffer from the same sort of ailment. They don't have sewer systems. They don't have necessarily access to
water. It's iffy whether they have access to water. They don't have proper elevation. They don't have zoning. So, they they all have the same problems. Every one property of these that has ever come up for sale, and I think some people on the day can testify to this as
well, um I have given the exact same speech to with probably the same jokes attached. And um and and I can say that if this gentleman that is on that that I have no recollection of speaking to, I
probably gave him the same speech before he bought if he bothered to call my office, but I don't have any recollection of that. So, thank you. And um I uh we're going to go Well, do you have anything else yet before we go to Councilman Fernandez? I know I'm not sure if Vice Mayor He had a question um
uh related to the Councilman Sanchez's but um well just for that question then we'll we'll keep going down the line because I don't want to Okay. Well, I'm sure it'll come back. All right. Councilman Fernandez, I just for questions. We're not in debate yet. Just be clear. Okay. No, I I'm going to I
it's really about debate, so I'm gonna move on. All right. So, Vice Mayor Okay. So, I have quite a few. Um, first and foremost, uh, staff. Um, several of the residents came up and
said that RU1 has the likelihood of creating more opportunities for building. True or false? Okay. Absolutely false. False. Absolutely. Um, can you compost in an RU1 district?
Compost in your yard. Composting. Okay. One of the residents want to explain what composting is. I I know what composting is. If you're doing anything in your single family home, yes, you can do that. Obviously, if you're creating an industrial composting system, you cannot do that unless you're an industrial area. Okay. So, if you're
creating composting for sale, but if you're composting for your own personal use, you can do that in another one. Yes, of course. That's what I want to know. Um, the the one of the residents that came up, it was either, and I'm sorry if I mess up the names, it was either Lillian or I
think it was Gina that came up after her, uh, mentioned something about someone having horses. Are there still horses there? No, that was a long time. Long time ago. Okay. If Mr. Gonzalez tomorrow wants to put a horse table, can he? There is regulations on our code. I
don't know them off the So, no, I don't have And those regulations apply to the GU, correct? And like they there is regulations as to how they would have to have the horse. They have to have sufficient space. Um, you know, which have to do with animal husbandry and stuff and I'm sure there somewhere in
the code. Sure. I don't know, right? I don't have this stuff, but but it's a it's it's not an uh it's not a again considering an RU1 that would have sufficient acreage is not in is not incredible. Um, again, not
to mention that if there is an existing non-conforming use, again, like everything else that we do here, an existing non-conforming use would always be respected anyway. Okay. Until it's natural demise, right? Until it's sold and or it all it dies of
itself. Could you tell me the gentleman's the correct pronunciation of the gentleman's last name? Panagani. All right. Uh, can Mr. Empani build a home there on a GU zoned lot. Yes, sir. Not without going through some reszoning
application. So the answer is no. It has to be zoned as something that's not and and so to give a little bit background which you you all know the reason that we're here is because his predecessor the owner of the lot Mr. the Delance
when they tried to split it they tried to come to for a building permit and they were told no. So they went through this type of resoning. It just the way that it was done and and subsequent variances and and things that they didn't comply with with with that development order is kind of what led us
to to to here today. If we were to reszone this as RU1, would would the residents other than uh Damn it, I already forgot how to say it. Pay
um would they be required? Would all the other residents be required to connect to city water, connect to city sewer, or would they be able to stay the way they are now? As they are right now, if we were to reszone and you'd pass
this, they would be, as Susanna mentioned, a non-conforming use. Issues of infrastructure do not have anything necessarily to do with the resoning. this council may at a later date discuss
how it is that we can get and give these folks service, but that's not gerine to the item before you. Uh I think you heard some uh folks in the public talk about issues of the road. Uh I think the road in particular in question we're not is is not completely owned. There's
roads there that are owned by by the town. There's roads that are not owned by the town. Definitely the roads some of the roads are not up to the the status of other roads in the town. So, there are things that would have to be taken a look at if if that would be something that this council would want, but it has nothing to do with the this
resoning. That probably addresses my next question, which is uh again uh forgive me if I got the name wrong. I wrote down Gina after as the speaker after Lillian. Um she mentioned something about the town not fixing a pothole or refusing to
fix a pothole or you know that even a a former mayor showed up and everything never got done. The street was not had potholes. It was paved. It was not paved. Okay. Um is there a reason for that? I don't believe that the town owns that particular road. Okay. That's something that we're we're as an aside we're
looking into. We've identified that some roads have and were transferred to Miami date county. It doesn't seem that this town officially took the roads over. So, we're trying to see if if in the future how we can address some of those issues to assist those. So, the county has those roads. Well, the county passed
those roads at some point to us, but there's there's issue with those transfer documents. So, we're looking to them at a whole as a whole. That's something that we are going to be bringing back to you at some point in the future. And some of those rows don't even have complete dedications. Some of them seem to have been dedicated at some
point as as as we have now found out, but they were incomplete dedications because the the the some county did take over, but never in it's it's it's not a clear, you know,
what is what is a road and in some cases is what is a road? Yeah. Yeah. It's just the way that the documents but they don't look I I get it. I'm a lawyer, too, and and we nitpick at words, but I think a road is pretty simple to define. It's it's it's an asphalt surface on
which vehicles drive. Let me let me clarify the the the the It doesn't even have to be asphalt, but let me clarify the reason why rocks. Years ago, uh when the county transferred, uh ownership of roads to the uh town, there was a list. It was an inventory of all the roads. Uh
and and many of you that when we were litigating the Northwest 154, remember that's a road transfer agreement. those all had all those roads. These roads in these areas do not specifically list them. But nevertheless, we've been able to find and actually Mr. Coello has been
actually helpful in that in providing us some documents that he's been able to search, but it's it's it's a peace meal some and they're not complete and they were definitely not part of that inventory of of original documents. It doesn't seem that they were part of that inventory of roads that were transferred officially. If you go onto the property
appraisers map, you'll uh touch on certain areas and certain segments of roads and it will tell you that it's it's a public right of way. When you go to these, it it doesn't uh it doesn't state those state that. Okay. Uh does that answer the question? Sort of. When when I walked into this meeting, I had
every intention of being in full support of of this item, but I'm listening to the residents. And I think it's something that we're all missing here is listening to the residents and several of them hit a specific point. I know Hector hit it. I believe Lillian hit it.
I think uh Jesus hit it. They keep saying we are Miami Lakers, but we are different Miami Lakers. We are a different part of town. We are not like the rest of the town. Uh one of them even mentioned we are the original Miami Lakes. Uh bigger parcels, bigger uh
land. Um, wouldn't there be a possibility here of creating a historic district, uh, where you basically grandfather all of them so that they can all keep their land exactly the way that they have it,
using it the way that they have it, and at the same time giving um, I'm sorry, I keep forgetting your last name, but him the the ability to do what he wants to do on his property. We just created out of thin air an RM30. We can create out
of thin air uh a historic district. The beauty about the world is that we can imagine anything. Um we can also create an overlay for this district that would further distill the RU1 much like the regulations in Royal Oaks are a little
bit different. And then on the east side and on the east side you have to have uh the 15t on the side for the fence and on the west side you don't have to. We can do the same thing here. We can further define what the RU means, what the RU1 means in this area through an overlay or
through carveouts on the zoning. These are these are things that we can definitely do. Um obviously what are those details is, you know, as always where the devil is, right? like what is what is it that we want to include and leave out so that we
give people first the the the solace that they're not going to be um impeded in their own property rights of their own properties and then that they do have the right to maybe sell the property if they wish to or transfer it to somebody else and that the new
ownership would be able to have full ownership of their property rights as well. And last question to give an opportunity to my colleagues and to move this along. Plain and simple, what does the town gain from this? What what's our side in this? What why do I care
basically about this? What what is the profit or or or the advantage to the town of changing the zoning? Um to me I I like a nice clean zoning map. I like a zoning map where everything is nice and compliant with
the land use code. That's just, you know, what I like because I like simplicity and I like to have but it's also in compliance with our our our future land use map. Correct. And and and that's that's something that you as a council uh and I have to advise you as your attorney we have to follow
strictly. And when I say strictly strictly I forgot to ask something. Are are any of the residents who are here other than him are their structures older than the town? Every single one. So they all predate the town. Not every single one. Okay. Who does not predate
the town? I'm wrong. No, they are all older than the town except for Mr. Lefance. No, Mr. Leafant is 83. Is that not the same thing? But his older than the town movements. Yes, they all are. They are all older than incorporation. Hold on, guys. One at a time. One at a time. Vice Mayor, you asked the question
about what what do we hope to We actually by doing this I moved on from that question. by by by reszoning to RU1 would actually um satisfy all of the concerns that they
have because now the the entire neighborhood, anybody who bought a lot there, the only thing they can buy there or build there is a single family home per lot. The lots there are are not regular. They are irregular. One is small, one is big, one is more like a standard lot, one is like a double lot.
One actually in the way in the back is like a like a triple lot. So, the only thing right now that they if they go to RU1, the only thing that can be built there, there's no town houses, there's no apartment buildings, there's no uh lakes radiology 2.0. The only
thing the only thing that they could build there if we go to RU1 is single family home. Am I correct? Correct. Some of you suggested that some of their structures are older. No, I just wanted to to to make it clear that yes, that
we're we're still in questions. Um, you know, and then we'll we'll go back to everybody else. I know you're chomping at the bit, but hold on. Yeah. Uh, you mentioned some of you your structures are younger than the town. I'm sorry, sir. You need to come to the microphone though so we can get everything on the record because these
are quasi judicial proceedings. I don't think any of us have a problem granting a variance. What we don't want to do is change the zoning. Obviously, there's an issue with the zoning and allowing them to build. So, by going to an RU1, it becomes to me I'm
not, you know, I'm not an Einstein, but to me that tells me that now it's easier to build, you know, under an RU1 because you could do it, but they can't do it under a a a general uh general zoning. So, I don't have an issue with granting,
to your point, a some type of variance, allowing them to do I don't I don't think most of us do, but we do have an issue with now changing the look, the feel of these homes that have been there for a long time, Hector being there for a long time, Gina being there for a long
time, and others. And it's not something that we feel has any benefit for the majority of us that are there. Let me rephrase my question. Have any of the homes there been built after December 5th of 2000? No. No. No. Okay.
If they had, they would have needed a reasonzoning is what I'm understanding. Okay. So, this is basically the first instance of this coming up. Uh, remind me what the legal process of spot zoning is. Yes. So, as a matter of fact, one of the reasons we're in this
pickle right now is that in 2007 and 2011, um there was attempts to add additions, swimming pools, and other structures to this particular the neighbor of this particular lot where he was required to
do some resoning at the time. and the partial resoning that was done at the time which had some conditions and some things that needed to be done in order for that zoning to take place were the conditions were never met. So that was never um finalized. So, we're in this
pickle precisely because when these residents come in to require permits for swimming pools, for for all number of other things, they find themselves in in situations where we can't we can't answer their questions with any validity
as to what they can do and cannot do. Is that it, Mr. Vice Mayor? Yeah. Okay. Councilman Garcia, thank you. Um, a couple questions. Um, well, first a statement. I think this is the last remnants of old Miami Lakes having knocked on those doors. It I mean
it's just the last remaining um Miami Lakes that uh there used to be horses as you mentioned things like that. So right off the bat I think it's something that that atmosphere and the families and the generations. I think that's something we should as the vice mayor uh suggested
you know that is a historical area of Miami Lakes and I think we need to maintain that character. First question I have the comprehensive plan. Now you said that of course we're required to to zone right are we what law are we breaking or what what are we not
following right now? The law doesn't Florida law doesn't require zoning. It requires a comprehensive plan. Comprehensive plan lays out what the different areas uh of the the town are and their uses. Mhm. Uh in this particular area, our flume designates it
as low density residential. The lowest density residential we have is the RU1 as we as we stated. Now that being said, low density residential has different categories. It can be uh you know RUZ,
you know, like the zero lot homes that we have in West uh Miami Lakes and those lots are what 3,000 square feet 2,000 ft. the lower density residential goes all the way to 13 units an acre. Okay, so it could be a lot more intense. And what I'm saying by all this is as those
lands become available and there are people speculators who are who are looking into it uh and they decide that they want to reszone, they could potentially apply for something that's a lot more intense than than an RU1. And what you would end up with is a patchwork of little zoned areas that
don't meet this category of lowdensity residential. So in essence, by doing the RU1, you you are meeting what they're asking is to keep the characteristics. I would go a step further and and reiterate something that u Mr. Alonzo
said, which is that at the moment, assuming that we reszone it today, RU1, nothing changes for them. All those properties would be what are considered legal nonconforming meaning that they're legal but they're nonconforming. Sorry,
they're not even non-conforming because technically they're conforming to the RU1. So they're legal. They're legal, but their setbacks may not be right. And not conform, right? That's what I mean by legal non-conforming. Just give me one second. Just just to add Okay, so um
we go RU1 on this. What's the minimum size? For example, it would be 7,500 square feet. Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't hear that. Uh, councilman. 7500 feet. 7,500 square feet is is is the lot size. Minimum minimum lot size. And currently the minimum lot
size at the smallest lot size right now in that area. Those 10 parcels are what? You have different size. You have 15 18 17,000. Uh Mr. Pinay is 18,000. But now for Mr. Pinaya. What's interesting is that it was a much larger lot, right?
Because it was Mr. Lefance and he split it and it became now Panay's lot of 18,000 and another 18,000. So the issue of of splitting lots can occur right now if somebody wanted to do it. It's possible with Hold on. It they can split
the lots and they can be less than 7500 ft, right? Huh? A lot less. All right. So they can split the lot. A lot less. All right. So the current the what I'm getting from the residents currently is they they want to maintain that character which is the larger. What
they're not understanding is that the RU1 maintains that character for them with the D with the GU zoning. People can walk in there and I'm telling you they're coming to me to invest and to do
exactly what they're scared of. the RU1 protects them from what they think they're trying to preserve. No, 100%. And I I'm just have a thought process here. I just need to to to to ask the question. I mean, I've been sitting here pretty patiently and I'm for their own but I haven't got an opportunity. So, if
you allow me the opportunity. Yeah. Okay. Thank you so much. So, Okay. So, if we do go RU1, there's a minimum of course 7500 as you said. Um but what's to stop all the as they as they sell new new people come in how many more
properties in theory can they split to there's 10 parcels now right so in theory if we do do this how you know 20 30 years how many properties could be under RU1 in that area if everybody decides to split if anybody has a
calculator you can multiply seven acres times 13 that's how many units fit there right No, just it does it doesn't matter right now. You could fit that many units if in theory. So that's why he's asking
but it's not that that wouldn't be a function of of what we're doing today. That would be a function of that would be a private function. 100% 100%. And and the reason also something else for you all to to for everyone here to keep in mind is that all this area, we keep on talking about Old Miami Lakes, Old Miami Lakes, and I do want to make a
clarification. Old Miami Lakes was platted and planned. This area is not platted. It was not planned. It's it's a it's a compilation of what are called uh deed in loo where the the county basically allows you uh to purchase a
certain area of land without formally platting it. So that's that's part of the issue. understand everything you're you my colleagues have said what you're saying I totally understand that what I'm trying to see is what if we change this designation and I know the vice
mayor talked about an overlay or making it you know instead of 7500 a lot larger how do we make sure that we follow our our comp plan make sure that it's easier for us but also maintain the integrity and the the uh character of that neighborhood um because I I would hate
to see 20 years from now you know doubling and and also that area there's one way in one way out and it opens up to 154 if it's already a traffic nightmare. So our residents not only them have asked us hey let's do everything we can to make sure that we don't overdevelop and
things like that. So how do we do that? Is it an overlay? Are you suggesting I want Yes. I can remind you that you can also make a different are you one Excel? Yeah. uh for only for this area that instead of having 7,500 square ft
minimum lots has 10,000 minimum square. I this is this is your prerogative as a as a council to choose how this gets developed as long as it's within the low density residential that the comp plan requires right so if you choose to um
you know direct town staff to make this that's why we're in first reading right and you get second reading I can amend this from first to second reading to be are you1 excel um well I would
ress that are here because let's be honest what what I you know the what we want is as a town we need to make sure that we have everything laid out uh in the future you know to to make sure that the the you know everybody has their property rights um you know uh make sure
their property rights are are being followed but I understand your point are you willing to work with per our staff to come up with perhaps a minimum size for these RU1s perhaps we can come to a happy medium where your way of life, your quality of life, what you're used
to is not, you know, your fears are are are at least taken care of and we can also make sure we're following our comprehensive plan and make that is there is there a happy medium that you're willing to uh to move on to to to agree to accept. Yes, sir. Thank you.
And then that's a general question to all of you. You can nod your head yes or you know. Yeah. I'm sorry. Yeah. Please wait till you get to the mic. I I mean it's a question for all of us, but I I know you mentioned the word grandfathered, which is really important because Hector has
been there for a really long time. He has chickens, you know. So, it's making sure that the lifestyle of the people that have been there for 40 years, 30 years, 20 years. My parents recently bought a property, the second property
five years ago or sorry, last year. um is not changed because of the changes. But number two also the concern of additional financial responsibilities that they have not had especially at their age because they have a fixed
income. We're talking about people that are retired and in the property that my parents home bought last year the original owner is still living there puhol right because he was like the grandfather. So, it's just making sure
one that it's grandfather, but two that it doesn't include extra costs for the people that are already living there with the water, with the sewer, with the building roads, with You bring up a good question. I'm sorry to interrupt. Is there a change avalorum uh taxes for
changing from from the GU to the R1? Say that again. Any changes in tax in the uh their abalorum taxes or any changes in taxes for them? I don't believe so. any extra costs for them or anything if it's the the tax is all derived from the property appraisers assessment. So that's and the value is
what the value is and I don't think the zoning is going to dictate that but you might need to be reassessed given that they have been living there for a really long time. No. Okay. I don't know. Okay. Okay. And the last question, I'm sorry guys, you mentioned chickens uh and
animals and and frankly I in the future if we do this, are they still going to be able to if someone wants to have chickens or a horse and and I know it's it's but actually that would be that's the only area we have left that can actually accommodate this, right? And I
want to make sure we don't close that avenue. If someone wants to purchase and and it's a big big, you know, big lot and they want to have horses or they want to have chickens or they want to have whatever, is that going to impede that opportunity? Yeah. If they're RU1 livestock is
prohibited in RU1. Okay. But there are a whole series of homes that are RU1 that are above this this neighborhood that probably wouldn't want to have horses behind their house. But okay. All right. Would you like to respond to or to answer a question or
Yeah, because we're still in questions right now. We're not yet in our debate. I know, but you allowed them to speak, so I just wanted to Well, no, but they were responding to questions asked by the council that So, if you're going to speak, it should be in response to one of the questions you've heard here. Okay. Um, there was a question about my
clients building uh subdividing the property, building two family homes. I can represent on the record uh under oath that there's nothing nefarious going on here. These pe these folks young two young gentlemen saved money to buy a property to build their home and
at the direction of the town they went through three public hearings already. First the town said we had to modify an ordinance, right? Then we had to go on first reading and just reszone their property. And then the town said, "Wait, we want to reszone the whole property." understand that they've been at this for
over a year, paying a mortgage on a vacant lot that they have the right to legally develop, okay? And they're paying rent to live in another place. These are two young gentlemen that on limited income. They want nothing more to build a home and become residents of
this town. under GU, under your town code in GU, you have a right to build pursuant to the RU1 standards right now. Okay? So, nothing that you're doing right now changes what they can do under GU. It's just GU is interimm zoning.
I've been practicing land use for 20 years. The county has GU zoning. The purpose is for a temporary zoning district until the town comes along and reszones it to be consistent with the comprehensive plan, which they're obligated to do under state law. That's all this is. It has no impact on these
other residents. Zero. So, I I think we're making this much more complicated and in doing so, you're taking away the property rights of my clients. I guarantee it. Thank you. We'll come back to you, though. I'm sure you'll want to respond when we open it back up to everybody else. Uh, with that, Councilman Hairsburg. I'll I'll try to
cut down the questions uh to staff. Why can't they just Why haven't we issued approval for them to build? I don't get it. He I I that makes no sense to me because you first got to reszone. Do we? He just said we don't. So we do you have to as as the applications are coming in and that's the section that I read to
you. You have to first go through the application of reszoning. You got to figure out what are going to be the setbacks. What are you going to build there? But can't we make that decision up here? You would have to make it resoning for that particular property. Why haven't we done that if this is because it was originally done and what happened was that not all of the
conditions were met and the past and they and they purchased this property knowing of that past obviously. Right. Exactly. So we were trying to bring it innocent. We were trying to bring the property up to what was originally zoned because if you have if you have a
development order and you have conditions precedent to allowing for that zoning and those conditions precedent are not met then the development order is is null and void as far as I can as as far as you know. So if they would meet the conditions that we had before would we then be required
to allow them to develop? I would say yes. So, why haven't they just met the conditions? Because it doesn't rely only on them. It also relies on the other owner, Mr. Lefant, who split the lot. What I'm trying to tell you is that what we're trying to do is fix the issue
going forward by reszoning all the areas and bringing all the current properties into what are if they don't meet the setbacks, if if there are issues to legal non-conforming. Right? So that way now there is a roadmap of what this owner needs to follow and it's not
creating a a problem you know prospectively where we would allow a different patchwork because I I can tell you and I think you know Mr. Castie mentioned it and I'll mention it. We have heard of other folks that are looking at these different lots and looking to build town homes and looking
to build smaller but ultimately in this in this current zoning that's a decision we make and no one can force us to go one way. No, not necessarily. That's what I need to understand. That's what I need to understand. No, it's not. Do you have any other questions? Um yes, one more question. Question that you raised.
So go ahead. I'm sorry. Two two things. One is the whole notion that this property is not a legally sub I'm sorry, sir. Can you get closer to the mic? Thank you. I'm sorry. The notion that this lot is not a legally subdivided lot is wrong. The the county approved a waiver of plat when it was under county
county jurisdiction that subdivided the property legally. It's a subdivided lot as we exist today. Second North Northwest 144th Street adjacent to this property was publicly dedicated and accepted by Miami Dade County and its
successors and assigns. You guys became successors and assigns to that road. That's been a public road. I know it's not paid, but it's the town's responsibility to to maintain that road. The second thing is under GU, I'm reading from your code. If you're not inclined to approve the
resoning, which we support staff, but if you're not inclined, my client has a right to get a building permit currently under GU. If a neighborhood in a GU district is predominantly one classification of usage, single family, the director shall be governed by the
regulations for that class of usage, RU1. Determining the standard zoning regulations to be applied, setbacks, yard areas, height, limitations. The trend of development shall mean the use or uses which predominate in adjoining properties. All the adjoining properties
in this area to my client's property are single single family residential. Therefore, if you're not inclined to reszone it under the GU district, we have the right to develop under the RU1 standards. And that's uniformity. That's what you want. The GU is a wild west.
But if if the use is predominantly single family, you're governed by the RU1. So I think that might be the solution here if you're not inclined to reszone. Understood. Thank you. Hold on. Let me address something that he said. There's a reason. Listen, I'm sorry.
What he's saying about his client and everything else. There's a reason there was litigation. There's a reason we're here. Just because he's saying it, it's his opinion. It's not ours. regarding what with his opinion and it's not ours. I
understood, Mr. Gessi, I app I appreciate that, but we're I'm going to continue following my procedures and and I'm going to enforce order. So, can I put this in the record? Yes, please submit it uh to the to the clerk. Um, Councilman, do you have anything else? Yeah. Uh, is there I I think the biggest
concern of the res this is for staff. Thank you, council. I I think the biggest concern for the residents is when these properties sell, if they're under RU1, they can lots split. Is that a lot split by right? And if it is, is there a way to restrict that lot splitting and
make these folios only one single family home? They I I think the manager said they can lots split today if they wanted to. I mean, lotslit is not a I right I I get that. But this lot is proof of it because it was one big lot.
No, I listen I I I don't see the the big negative of doing the RU. I just see that under the GU it seems that things need to come to us under the RU they're going to have lots spreading by rights. Is that correct or not? Only to the extent of 7500 ft. Correct. And that's
that's the concern I think the residents have. There are there are lots of of 15 16 17,000 square ft. So by right if someone wants to make that two homes there's nothing we can do about it. That's the question I'm trying to get. They can make more right now under GU.
Exactly. That's their concern. That's the problem that So my question is if we if we give it an RU1 is there a way that we can make it that folios are can only have one single family home as they are right now. Is that is that something we can do? Is that what you guys are talking about the overlay district and
all these other methods? Yes or no? My my concern with with doing that is that that would there's several legal concerns that I have with that and we brought that up to you earlier uh as far as bills that are passing through right now in the legislation. Okay. Okay.
Okay. Um Okay. Uh well we I'll let him finish asking any questions and then um because I need to give Councilman Garcia a chance. What we're trying to do and I want to get to a motion in front of us. Yeah. I'm sorry Mr. for over talking over you is give it the most restrictive
possible use under our code which is the RU1 right but that's that's what we're trying to accomplish and my only concern is that for their protection right and I agree there that their current use isn't going to be effective and and there's and there's not a short-term issue that the long term is my only concern is
those 15 17,000 square foot lots they can be split and if there's a way to prevent that then I I I would be more be split with GU1, right? Worse than with RU. But my question is
I guess the question we I have is I understand they have they can make any application they want under GU, right? Yes. And that's a problem and I want to resolve that problem. They're exposed. But right now under GU, how do how does someone apply for the split? They have to come to us. I can I right I'd like to
address something. I'd like to I can sidebar and and then you if you can ask your next question. Let's talk. Perfect. Okay. Thank you. Um Councilman Quaza Garcia, do you have any questions? Thank you. Uh uh Mr. Chair, why did it take if
they've been there 40 years? Okay. Somebody said the Wild Wild West. Why did it Why now? Why didn't we do it 25 years ago? We've wanted to. I I can answer that question. Um there has
been attempts in the past. I'm sorry. Um there there has been attempts in the past at depending on what property was getting turned over. So So a lot of these folks are original property owners to these properties. They've had these properties for 40 years. Um people like
start selling them or start I think one of the properties got forclosed a few years ago. Um and Mr. the the prior owner of them bought their property in 1983. So, as properties begin to turn over ownership, new owners have different ideas of what they want to do
with the properties and that's how they start coming into the town to request different permits and different things that they want to do. Um, obviously the older the people that have been there longer don't
necessarily seek relief of for for for their intent, but people that are buying new properties do. And that's why we're here today because one of the properties was recently bought and the people that bought the property we would like to put a home in it and that's why we're here
today. uh in the past. The last time that that happened was 1983, which was the neighbor to them, and that triggered the whole entire layer of actions by the county and actions by uh that that that
made things muddier and worse and and we're here also because of that, right? So, we're trying to clean it up so that it it works for everybody and not just for these property owners, but for the rest of them, too, when they should they want to sell their property, should they
want to leave it to to somebody afterwards and and clean it up for everybody at the same time so that you don't face those problems when and if you want to pass on your properties. I think what the uh vice mayor said was something pretty interesting. I think we should consider that track of land a
historian piece. A what? A historian piece. A historic preser you put it historic preservation. So sure we could consider that some sort of
historic district. I'm not sure what um the National Registry of Historic Places begins to consider uh historic properties at the Historic District, not a national historic district. Well, again, sure. I mean, you can you see
where I'm going, right? Uh what benefits would that inure them? I'm not very sure, but we can always look into it. I'm happy to like consider that as an option and and explore it and see if it helps in any way. I would be
more inclined to creating an overlay that allows whatever uses are not allowed elsewhere that they that that the council would find would be preserved here. That would
be a little easier on the eye than a historic district necessarily. And we can call it whatever. I mean, you can call an overlay a historic district if you want, right? Um, can I just say one more? We we're happy to profer that we won't subdivide the property, right? So, if you reszone
the property, we'll profer as a condition of the ordinance that we will not subdivide this 18,000t lot. And then if if if the council wants, they can then address a code amendment to deal with further splits. But at least my client can get their building permit and and start building their home. Uh, so
we're happy to profer that that. Okay. Angelo, uh, do you have any other questions? Okay. Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor, I just have a specific question for Mr. Jesus Gonzalez. Go ahead. Um, Mr. Gonzalez, you own the the property on the corner.
Uh, I think it's uh 7474 Northwest 145th Street. 145th. Yes, sir. Um, but I I'm looking at the property prayers website and I'm only asking this because I do know that sometimes they mess up the lines, but sometimes they're correct and maybe this
is what happened here. There's a 17,860 ft lot that your house sits on. But then immediately to the east there's a smaller 8,276 square foot lot which appears to
take a slice out of Lewis Bernard Bernal's property. Um that also is titled to you. It's a separate folio. Correct. Um do you actually own that separate lot? Yes, I do. Okay. Yes, I do. And and for me, you know, as far as
like if I want to make money, split it and I can sell it, rent it. I just want to preserve what is there, you know, and uh and again, I don't have any issues granting any type of variance. I understand. Well, I think
more the question was why why is there why do you have that? I bought it like that. I bought it like that when I bought the property. It was already split up. Okay. That that's what I wanted to know. Yep. I have just one. Councilman Sanchez, I've been reviewing
the properties that are there in the area, and the one that to me has the biggest red flag is the one located at 14300 Northwest 77th Avenue that is owned by Miami Lakes Insurance Holdings. It is 60,000 square
ft. The way that it's zoned right now, if they come in and say, "We want to do it has been recently bought." Right. Yeah. Yeah. I see here for $1.35 million in March of last year. The thing that scares me is they come in and request an RU13 and build 20 town houses there
instead of an RU1 and be able to build eight homes there because of the $7,500 I mean 7,500 square foot minimum. I think that's a very scary notion especially the fact that a corporation an LLC owns a pisalanda 60,000 square
feet and the first thing we would have to do would be to zone that area for medium for low density residential with an RM13 right so I guess my question for the residents is if that investor sells it for the 60,000 square feet to a
developer that comes in and requests an RU13 because it goes from RU1 the next one up is RU13 RM13. Say again. RM13. Oh, RM13. My apologies. That would be already multi. Would you rather the lowest one which is RU1 where they can
only build one site for 7,500 ft or RM13 where they can build one site for every 3,000 ft and it's a higher density because the lowest one is RU1. So my question to the residents is would you rather if that is sold, which a corporation can very likely sell it to a
developer, an RU1 or an RU13? I mean RM13 which is the next category up. I mean like I said the biggest concern for us is the fact that they've lived there for a really long time. So not just the fact that they can build other
things if let's say one of them decides to sell. But the fear is more density more population in the area for them. But it's the fact that they have their chickens or that they have. It's just that like I said, I I don't think there is an issue with being grandfathered with the lifestyle that they currently
have in addition to not having additional financial issues because they switch. Exactly. Whoever purchases the property would have those restrictions because they're no longer grandfathered in. So it wouldn't affect the current
owners. It would only affect the potential future owners, not the current owners. So if one day they decide to sell, then the new owners would have the restrictions of RU1, not the current owners. Yeah. Do you do you understand? I'm
processing. Okay. All right. That's fair. Okay. So, um we're now in rebuttals. So, um is there anyone uh sir? Yes. Now you may come up and give any rebuttal to uh to any of the other testimony that was presented. The grandfather respect I'm sorry sir you
need to talk into the mic because this is all a quasi judicial hearing. We need to get everything on the record for respond and please but do it uh talking into the mic please. Yes sorry the grandfather respect the house stay like that. It's not is coming the
the sewer and the water is no obligation to connection. He stay like that. He's not going to pay nothing. He like if she like to go to connection, he need to pay the connection. That's it. And I think they were just worried that by resoning it's going to result in new taxes and
and new requirements and and yeah, we'll get there. I'll address those concerns when we get there. Right now, we're we're just in rebuttals. Uh and thank you for for that. Uh there was that gentleman remotely that wanted to speak. Correct. Yes. Mayor Mr. Oscar Martinez,
I still see you in the screen with your hand raised. Are you still with the intention of speaking? Yes. Okay, please do so now. All right. So, my name is Al Martinez.
Um, I in fact the owner of the bigger lot, the 1.6 acres. Mr. Martinez, I'm sorry to interrupt. Mr. Martinez, can you please turn on the the camera? I've been instructed to ask you to please. We
need to see you. Thank you, Mr. Martinez. Yeah, you muted. Yes, there you go. Okay. But but you need to show turn on your camera. Yes, please. Do you see me now? No. No, we see the name. Jesus. Give me one second. Thank you,
sir. Sure. Well, while while he uh looks for the the video function and and we'll come back to you, Oscar. Just, you know, uh just turn on the camera and then we'll come back to you. But but try to figure that out. Now, a to the attorney for Panagi, correct? A I don't know if he
wants to respond to anything. Mr. Pog, is there anything that you want to respond to in the meantime while we wait for him to? Uh yeah, ju I just want to reiterate like I think the concern right is primarily the subdivision of the properties into smaller lots. So like I said, we're happy to profer that we're not going to subdivide the 18,000 square
feet and if the town wants to amend their code uh subsequent to that to to limit further subdivisions of other properties, we're immunable to that. So I I think that satisfies the concern. Excellent. Thank you. How we doing over there, Mr. Martinez?
Mr. Martinez, can you hear me? We can hear you, but again, we still need to see you. The camera, we just need the camera to be turned on. Oh, wow. Jesus. Oh, there you go.
There we go. Okay. Well, you got to turn it towards you, but we see the computer. We're getting closer. We're getting closer. Making progress. Yeah, that's what I was going to say. If you want Oscar, there you go. Thank you, sir. We see you. Okay, proceed.
All right. So, I'm the owner of the big lot, the 1.6 6 acre a lot um for everybody, you know, everybody can be um there's no subdivision, there's no redevelop. So, I'm actually I'm planning
to to build a bigger house, just a bigger house there or or just made some modifications. But um a lot of thing that I'm listening today on here are contradicting what when Sony
has is advising um I haven't I personally haven't talked with Susanna before but I certainly has been on her office I mean son office um talking with when with her employees
about how to proceed with my with my contrion. So basically what I and once again I'm not intention to do anything but basically what I understood on this meeting is that I'm able to subsivize my lot in 12 lot and do 10 single family
homes. That's basically what I understood on this meeting but I'm not allowed to demolish my own house and make it bigger. Am I correct or not? Well, sir, this is not the proper forum for me to give you zoning advice on
anything that you can do with your property, particularly as we are right now contemplating um lots of things here. I I got this. I would be very happy to answer your call if you know you can join business hours, but So, Mr.
Martinez. No, no, no, no. Hold on, hold on, hold on. I understand. I understand. But we are here on the reszoning from GU to RU1. A um I I I hear what what your concerns are, but again, being that that is more specific to your case, a it is more appropriate for you to contact
Susanna tomorrow about that. And I think for and and I'm we're going to get to debate now, but I think most of I think all of your concerns are taken care of uh uh from what everything I've heard. So, I think you're going to be okay for what you've described briefly that you
would like to do. Um, but uh do you have anything specific to the reasonzoning? Not not about uh your property, but No, I know I know I know it's a specific question to my mother, but I want everybody to listen to the answer because in fact based on what she's
saying or what everybody's saying, I can redevelop between 10 single family houses on my lot. That's that's what I wanted everybody to to hear the answer because I don't even know the answer. Yeah. And I and I'll recap everything now when we get there.
Thank you though for for participating. With that, the public hearing is now closed. With that, is there a motion? I move to table this matter indefinitely and direct our staff to instead create uh either a historic district or a uh
overlay district in which the existing property owners are able to maintain their existing use while Mr. I'm sorry I still cannot get your name um can build his single family home and no parcel can
be further split anymore than they currently are. Is there a second to that motion? I mean, I'll second, but I'm very interested to see the Google legal council. I'll second for Okay. I'd like to be recognized. Um, okay. You're recognized for discussion. All right.
Again, I I we have a very unique opportunity here. Um, it is not often, normally zones have hundreds or thousands of homeowners within them, and it is very difficult to get them into a single room. That is not the case here.
There are 10 properties. At a minimum, I think seven of them are in front of us. Uh that's an overwhelming supermajority. It's over twothirds. Uh they are here telling us exactly what they want. Most of them want nothing to change. One that
wants to just build his house, which I think we can all agree is fine. Uh the other gentleman who's online, uh Mr. Martinez uh just stated he just wants to redevelop his house into a into a single bigger house. Why can't we just say
we're creating an overlay historic district, whatever you want to call it in which they're able to do exactly what they've been doing up until today. He can build his uh his single family home and Mr. Martinez is allowed
to to to make everyone is allowed to make their own improvements and um and very key in there is there's no further splitting of parcels because that is going to uh prevent uh Council Member Sanchez's
nightmare scenario where someone tries to build town houses because it's going to all be under one ownership. Uh and we simply say no multif family dwellings. Well, it's going to take months to do that. They're in financial distress. I I I I apologize, but it just the public
hearing is closed, but I hear your point. Yeah. Yeah. Um a Are you done with your remarks? Okay. Um at some point, I'm going to speak here. Um but, uh Councilman Hersburg, since he second the motion, you go first. Um thank you,
and I appreciate the item. I'm concerned on on the legal implications. Uh first though and council on your clients understand the position they're in but they knew what they're buying, right? They they knew if they didn't then I they that's still that's still their
their problem honestly. Um I'm a real estate attorney. I understand it. Um but for your item I mean if it's possible maybe I just don't know if it's possible because I believe what we would need is all the land owners to agree to this. That that would be my understanding of
making of how we could make it happen. Right. Every single one. You you got to be careful with the part about the the restriction on no further dividing and everything else. That's a serious legal issue for us, right? That that's my concern as well. I would love to do it
because that's what seems like the residents want, but my thinking is we would need every landowner to agree now. What if is that possible? Maybe it this is an explanation for the residents. You have to understand that
there are some of you who have the right to divide your property right now. If you restrict those rights, it could be considered a taking of those people's property. It's a concern for us up here.
Yeah. Attorney, not if they agree. It's not a taking agree. If you if you get everybody to agree, and I think that's what the vice mayor is saying that if we can get everyone to agree, it's a reasonable plan. they agree. I don't know if that could actually happen. That's my only concern.
Well, look, um, for me, I can't vote in support of the motion to table. I think that at the end of the day, we we need to move this forward. Um, I actually think from everything that I've heard about what the residents are concerned about. Actually, this solves almost all that. There's no additional taxes
imposed just by resoning. there's no uh you know the the the restriction or rather to the extent that if we were to move to the RU1 uh the the splitting that can that they can do by right is actually in some ways more restrictive than what exists today right um so it protects the residential
character and the larger lot uh character of that area which I have been to multiple times um this is also first reading right this is not uh the last vote that we're going to take on this so we have time between now and second reading to go ahead and uh and fix
whatever we feel needs to be fixed to get more input. Um and that's what this is about, right? But again, between what the attorneys have said about the state of uh the current state of the statutes that may or may not be signed by the governor and based on everything else, I just think it would be more prudent just
to advance this and then between now and second reading, we go ahead and resolve whatever issues are left. But from again what I've heard as far as the residents and their concerns, it seems as if this resoning does not um make any of those come to reality, right? If anything, it protects them further. And again, we
have time to add more uh conditions, whatever you want to call it, um between now and second reading. Um so that that's the only reason why I'm not in support of tableabling the item um you know, for from a process a procedural uh aspect. Yes, Susie. And I want to just uh reiterate the procedural process that
this is going to go through. This is the first reading. There will be another meeting at the planning and zoning board where you will have another opportunity to get a whole new different set of people to discuss the issue from a different angle and it will come back to the town to the town council for the
final decision. So this them approving it today doesn't mean that this is the final decision. This is just a step in a direction if that makes any sense. And we will welcome your input in writing in person. uh if you want to come and meet with me, I'll meet with all of you
individually or as a group. I'm happy to discuss this until everybody's satisfied that this is what they want and that and I would love to bring you all along to be a support in support for the rest of it so that it happens the way you guys want it. Yeah. And and I'm offering that
publicly here that this is that I'm available for this. And I just want to remind my colleagues also that we are not acting as policy makers here, right? This is a quasi judicial item. Um so you know this is not subject to the fairly debatable standard or anything like that. So we need to tread cautiously. Um
and I think the best course of action will be just to advance this and the the opportunity for the residents to come together and work out uh a solution as amanable to everybody is still possible between now and then. So that that's and again I'm going to I'm going to stop my
remarks now but as far as the motion to table I just cannot support that right now. Uh Councilman Fernandez through the mayor. Thank you. Um, I've worked with with Susanna as our planner for for many years. And I I'll tell you, you know, she she's very competent. I I
trust that her motives are are pure to the town. I I trust why and when she says that this is the right thing to do, as well as our attorney, uh, I I trust that that's that's the right thing to do. Um, I'm not going to blindly agree
to it, but after hearing the testimony, and I think that the residents are concerned, but I think that if if their concerns are are are really what what they're stating, I think that this is going to help them. So, you know, I I don't want to be this is what's good for you, but I I maybe there's some, you
know, that they're not understanding exactly how this is going to benefit them. I truly believe that it will. And again, this is about preserving our look, keeping the the comprehensive plan, and I think that's what we were voted to do. So, I'll I'll leave with
that on on the motion to table. Is there any discussion on the motion to table specifically? Okay, with that, uh, Madam Clerk, please call the role on the motion. So, motion to table this indefinitely. Council member Hzburg,
no. Council member Sanchez. No. Council member Garcia. Yes. Council member Cuadra Garcia. Um I'm a little confused. Uh Madame Clerk, I I know Mr. Mayor,
uh it's kind of Wait, wait. Ju, just to be clear because because when we're voting, there's no room for debate, right? Okay. But wait, hold on. One more thing. Just to let you know what we're voting on right now. This is just to say, do we want to postpone the decision or do we want to at least get it through first reading? Now, if you want to
postpone, then the answer is yes. Yes. Okay. The answer is yes. All right. Next. So, council member Cuadra, yes or no. Motion to table. He was a yes. Yes. I'm sorry. Council member Fernandez, no.
Vice Mayor Mora, yes. Mayor Diegas, no. So, the motion fails. Okay. With that, I'm yeses and four nos. Excellent. Um, I will uh go ahead and move that we approve the item. Um, and that that is my motion. Second. It's been moved and
second. Is there any debate on uh this particular item? Any further debate? Uh, Councilman Hzburg and then and then Councilman Garcia. Thank you, Mayor. All I'm saying is I'm voting yes to move it. Right. I think it makes sense to move it. I don't know what's going to happen second reading. I would
like to have some questions answered and I and I would like I think the vice mayor brought up a good point if that if there's an opportunity to bring all the land owners together or not that's great. If there isn't then we might be forced to just make a decision anyway. Uh but I just wanted to make sure that was clear and and push for staff to come
come with potential options in the second reading. Councilman Garcia, thank you. Yeah, same thing. Um I'd like to make sure that this gentleman who invested builds his home, but I also want to make sure that then 30 years from now we don't have, you know, 40 homes there. Uh, so anything that could um maybe increase the minimum lot size
for the R1, we'll work that out uh at this time. That's what I'm looking for. Thank you. Further debate, Councilman Sanchez? Not for debate. I just like to request if if possible from the residents to leave their contact information. I'd like to meet with him outside of town hall. Yeah. So, if again, uh it would be easier if you can
all give your contact information to either the clerk uh or her assistant, her deputy. for I don't see him here now, but uh at any rate um okay uh any other debate? Uh, vice mayor, just to add, I I would like to see this come back on second reading with some of the
things I mentioned earlier, either a historic district, overlay district, color, what, whatever you want, where they're allowed to do as they're doing. Um, and they're allowed to build their house and preferably that it include some form
of restriction on parcel splitting, even if it means we need 100% approval. Let's make them they they showed up here. Let's make them put their money where their mouth is and agree not to further split it. And if they don't, then we do the RU1. That's my my two cents. And
then for myself, again, I'm going to support this item to move it forward. This again is not the final vote. There will be further discussion at a later date. And but from what everything I've heard about what the resident's concerns are, doing this change does not trigger those concerns. Doesn't change. And in fact, I agree though with the vice mayor
that we should work to a better product that perhaps at least more solidly uh protects that area to maintain the character, but um I think even the RU1 right now does that from everything I'm hearing. So or at least it does a better job than the GU uh designation that or
or zoning that is currently there. So with that, madam clerk, please call the uh call the role. Ordinance in first reading, item 13B. Council member Hzburg. Yes. Council member Fernandez. Yes. Council member Sanchez. Yes.
Council member Garcia. No. Council member Cuadra Garcia. What was my last Well, no, because this is a different vote now, but uh the question is, do you want to approve the zoning change or not? Not at the very moment. Okay, then you're voting no
then. No. Okay. Vice Mayor Mora, yes. Mayor Diaz, yes. The motion to approve this item to move forward passes. Ordinance and first reading. Thank you. Thank you everybody for your time. Again, for the residents, I would encourage you to give your contact
information to Gina, the clerk here at the end, so that we can reach out to you and we can come to uh a good compromise here between now and when this item returns to the council. Thank you all. Uh, with that, um, let us continue now to
13C. Mr. Attorney, please read the ordinance. I'm reading it. Susanna, an ordinance an ordinance of the town council of Tenno Miami Lakes, Florida, approving adopting a nonadalorum assessment role for special taxing districts. Pard pardon me, Mr. Attorney.
I'm sorry. Can everybody please take the conversations outside of chamber? Thank you. All right, Mr. Please proceed again. Okay. Yeah, I'm going to start again. An ordinance of the town council of the town of Miami Lakes, Florida, approving adopting a non advalorum assessment role
for special taxing districts. Approving, adopting, and ratifying special assessment district rates for special taxing districts, including but not limited to security guard and multi-purpose maintenance, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date.
Okay. So who from staff is going to actually present this? This is the nonadvalorum assessment rates for the security guards. What we have here these uh have to it's a once again it's an ordinance so this is first reading. We
have the of the six um districts we have three of them that the rates are staying stagnant. We have one of them that the rate is going down, which is Miami Lake section one. And we have the two Royal
Oaks section uh one and Royal Oaks East. Those are um going up slightly. That is all we're doing here tonight. We're not approving the budget. What we're doing here tonight is setting the um setting the the rate and it's only first
reading. It could be modified uh a month from now when we do second reading. Is there a motion? I'll move the item. All right. Is there a second? I'll second for discussion. Excellent. Okay. So, uh we'll start with the vi uh well, I think I heard the vice mayor uh move it first and then so we'll start with
him and then we'll go to Councilman uh Sanchez and I think I also heard Councilman Garcia. That'll be the order. Yeah. Uh given the fact that we're not setting the budget, we're just setting the rate. Um ev every three out of the six
um districts actually remain identical. One goes down and only two go up and that's the two Royal Oaks one which as the manager explained to me during the briefing um was due to the change in uh the contract uh to the section one
contract or something like that. These are very reasonable rates in my opinion. um how we allocate those budgets at a later date is is going to be a question for discussion at a later date, but I do think that we should uh proceed with these. Thank you, Councilman
Sanchez. So, when we heard public comments, a few of the residents brought up level two security guards um in services. If that is the case, which of these special taxing districts would be given the level two guards or is it just
blanket across all of them? Jeremy, we have level two at all the districts. Yeah. Currently, has it always been that way? When did if not, when did we switch from level one to level two? I'd have to take a look at our inception when we took over in 1819 to see if we
started introductory at level one and then we eventually voted all into level twos. Okay. But I want to say that um I'd have to take a look to confirm. Okay. I think Lachlan is the only one that always had the kept the level two and then eventually we brought the rest of the the districts into level two.
Okay. Now, additionally, there are special taxing districts that we're increasing rates on them. Instead of to instead of increasing rates on them, why don't we send out to bid for other security companies that can meet the current rates that are tax that are that residents in these special attacking
jurisdictions are paying for the same services instead of just increasing the fees on our residents. Jeremy, the rates that Royal Oaks uh East and Section One, they just they're there they they have now under section one's contract till
the end of the fiscal year, right? How old are those rates? Five years. So the existing rates until the end of this fiscal year are five are going on to six years. Yeah. So the reality is understanding inflation and everything else and postcoid and if you were to go
out to bid today for any service, forget about security guard services, any service on the face of the earth, more than likely a bid something bid out today versus when this was done 5 years ago is probably going to be high. Okay. I'm a big and that's what's and and sorry to interrupt you but and that's
why October one by us having put them under the umbrella of the contract for section one which is more recent. That's why they're going to inch up a little bit is because of that because they're going to go now to the section one rates and those section one rates are newer and they are higher than the old ones.
So, for us to think that if we go out to RFP like we did the last time and then the rates are going to come back at uh the 5-year-old rates, I think probably uh wishful thinking. Okay. Well, I'm a big proponent of thinking if not
knowing. And I'd rather know that the rates that are out there are actually higher instead of just thinking that or assuming that they're going to be higher because I don't want to see a higher tax burden for our residents. So if we can put it out there for other companies or
piggyback off other special taxing districts in in Miami date county just to look at the rates that they are paying even with new contracts that maybe were were implemented this year just you know just to know instead of just thinking because like I said before I am a big proponent of thinking is not
knowing and I'd rather know than rather than think and I our plan is to go out to bid right when does the so the 2020 the so my lake section 1 was issued in 2022 so it would be all the way valid till 27th um with that the 22 agreement also the
provider was the lowest qual was the lowest bidder at that time. Okay. So even in 2022 any other providers which we did have a good amount I Rosa wasn't a part of that we did have a good amount of biders for the security guard services and SFM was still the lowest at that time as well. Okay. what what we
could do uh council member is we can go through the RFP process right and maybe Lorenzo or Tony who's more versed with the procurement process Rosa's here too is we now have a contract that is good and in place right which is the SFM one
that is good through 27 you said 27 27 if we go out to bid and the rates are what I predict but you you think maybe you know let's take a look and see right so if they do come back much higher we could always elect not to award and just keep the the uh security guards
under the existing section one rate I believe. Is that possible? Is that the way it would work? I mean there's different ways that we can go ahead and use procurement tools to test the market uh as far as what's what's available and what's out there.
Um so so yes, I mean we can bid anything out, right? Because even the contract that we have with section one uh has a 30-day out clause. That is correct. Yes. Yes. So, we could always bid it out and if it comes out comes back really high, you you we don't award
and we and then we stay status quo. Correct. You're under no obligation to to contract. Okay. Yes. Through the chair, Council Member Fernandez. Well, that's exactly what I was going to suggest and I think that it's a no-brainer, right? We just we send for RFPs, we send for for bids, and then if
we don't get anything that we like, we keep the fallback position will be leaving them with under section one with the section one rates and it's going to be so clear to the residents cuz I think they I've gotten phone calls and emails and I think that if we do this and it gets and and we the response is more
than what we're currently in contract for, then of course they're they're going to see that, you know, that we made the attempt and this is the best that we can do. Any other members? Uh, Council Member Herszburg. I mean, since it's first reading, you know, we'll push it
through. Uh, one thing I I I think I want to see and we had SMFN here recently describing level two and level one, I I'm very confident and unless someone tells me differently, I believe we at least for um I mean probably for
all the districts, but I know Lman's very happy with their services. I don't think the other ones necessarily are with the guards. Their savings are going down to level one. I I've seen nothing from the current guards that make them seem like they have some experience.
Many of them don't speak English, which is a contractual requirement that we're clearly letting go. So, uh, if we're going to let go that contractual requirement, we might as well pay less money. Uh, it's a very simple job. And I and I I've SM SFM had their chance to
tell us what the difference was and they didn't prove anything to me at least. So I would like to see in my opinion that uh those not lock again because for some reason I I know they're happy very happy and I think you would share that sentiment. Um the other three security
districts go down to level one guards because I don't necessarily believe we're going to have any additional benefit or loss in service unless someone tells me something differently. through the chair. Uh, council member Cuadra Garcia. Thank you, sir. Um,
basically I re I remember very clearly when um when our neighbors wanted I'm actually uh talking on behalf of Royal Oaks East uh my side. Um when my neighbors wanted to see a change and we
pretty much uh moved from Kent security to uh SFM. I was told and we were told that we would see a big difference in in in the quality of the guards and that the the
the rates would drop dramatically. I didn't see that. I really didn't see that. So that worries me. The other thing is with all due respect to SFM the other day we had a gentleman that was lost in our neighborhood and he was asking the guard I'm lost this and that.
The young lady said, "No piggly no." So, um, that got me worried. Then I asked her, "Are you a level one or are you a level two guard?" Said, "I don't even know what you're talking
about." So, all of these things worry me. Um, I'm very worried about all these things. So, um, let's do some homework. Council member Herszburg, I I I don't know if if it's better for staff to put us in
proper posture to make a motion to uh um amend the budget that we use level one guards in those three in section one, rows east and row section one. Would you like I would make that a motion. All right. So moved. Anyone want a second? So you're saying to bring it back on
second reading already with uh taking that into account to and then recalculate what the uh what the assessment would be? Yes. for those three districts. For those three districts, again, I would like staff to chime in. My understanding again is Block Lman likes their security so far.
I haven't heard the rest from the other three districts. Is there a second? I'll second discussion. Uh seconded by Councilman Garcia. Councilman Garcia, you have the floor. Sure. Quick question, director. Thank you. Um Vice Mayor, so difference between one and two, of course, is the golf cart uh
component. No, what else are the differences? The difference in the levels is just experience. So a level one will have um either three years ex I actually have it here. I'll make sure I bring it up exactly. Thank you boss. It's just a difference in experience and
the accumulated experience. So you can have three years in providing security services or you can have uh one year of providing military service level one. Then it goes to you can have more years of experience uh and further degrees. So
you can have a degree and two years in in uh providing security services or you can have um uh an associates degree with more years of providing service. So it's just the volume of years and experience of providing security service. Thank you.
Any other comments? Council member Fernandez. I I do I have heard that um that some of the residents wanted us to go to level one. The only my concern on the east side, I don't know how what how you feel on the west side, but we I
we're pretty happy with some of the guards. I'm concerned that they're going to they're going to remove them and we're going to get new guards. I know that it's not rocket science. I know that it's it's it's a it's a it's not a complicated job. The only thing is that
there's some pleasantries that I think that we're all, you know, some of the residents are happy with and smiles and I but I will always do if we could save money, right? I'm going to and and through through the chair it I mean, you know, it's I think it's a $24,000 question if you want to wave at the
guard, you know, or not. And I honestly, you know, you it might be called wrong now because we're bringing it up. I don't think our guards would change. I really don't. You guys hear what Councilman Cardra said? The guard doesn't know what level they are. We're talking about military service. The the
vast majority of these guards don't speak English. I really don't see I I wouldn't be shocked if we see the same guards. I honestly I I I think we have a problem with the contract where they're telling us level two guards. I I don't know. I don't understand how they telling us we're having level two guards and what their qualifications are. And
they had their chance to do it here and they've completely failed at giving us a good answer. Any other comments, questions? Hearing none. Uh the motion on table is to allow the item to proceed to second reading subject to it coming back with level one
guard pricing for the two Royal Oaks districts. Uh those in favor say I. I. Those against say nay. Hey vice mayor I have to do the roll call. Oh it's an ordinance madam please call the role. Well vice mayor it's it's Roy Oaks and section one. I just only left Lumen out
because again so three of the four three of the four again because my understanding is lock has always been very happy since the change. So I haven't heard anything I've heard only from people from the other three districts. Got it. So three out of the four uh security districts uh with the
exception of Loman. U Madame clerk please call the role. So ordinance in first reading. Council member Hzburg. Yes. Council member Sanchez, yes. Council member Cuadra Garcia, yes. Council member Fernandez,
yes. Council member Garcia, yes. Vice Mayor Moretta, yes. Mayor Diegas is absent, but the motion, ordinance, and first reading item 13C passes. Mr. Mr. Mr. Vice Mayor for a moment of privilege.
Um, I'd like to put a mo to place a motion to reopen the order of business for deletions, deferrals, and additions. Uh, what do you um Okay, let me put that uh is there a second? I'll second if it's Yeah, I think what what is it that
you'd like to see changed? I'd like to defer uh two of my items and new business items to the next meeting. And that would be 16 D and H. 16 B D D as in delta. NH. Yes. As in hotel. Okay. Uh,
anything else? I'll go ahead and and open my own item as well. Which ones? Um, the item regarding I had an item regarding special taxition guardouses. I I can I don't even have to defer it. We discussed it. Yeah. 16 G8. We can remove it. We already discussed it. Okay. And
any others? 16G. Any others? hearing none. Then the motion is to amend the agenda to uh defer items 16 D and H and to withdraw item 16G. Uh is there a second
on that on the revised agenda? No second. Uh any comments hearing? None. I I I do have a comment. I I was hoping to discuss in G and I'm just going to be voting no because even though I I'm okay with the other two. Uh, but I wanted to discuss there were some things that were
brought up to me regarding what what they were asking for some of the residents, but you know, I'm probably not going to pass, but I just wanted you to at least for the record as to why I'm going to be voting no. Yeah, I mean, I think we can go ahead and have a good discussion on the second reading of those issues. That's why I'm thinking.
Oh, sounds good. Does anyone anyone else want to defer, delete on the motion? uh for the sake of time on the agenda as amended. Those in favor say I. I. I. I. Those against say nay. Hearing none. Motion passes. And we
are on to item 13D. 13D, the lobbyist ordinance. Uh Mr. Attorney, thank you. Uh vice mayor. Uh this is an ordinance of the town of Miami Lakes, Florida relating to lobbying activities, providing for registration disclosure requirements,
providing for lobbyists, providing for penalties, providing for severability, providing for inclusion to the code, and providing for an effective date. Okay. Um Mr. Vice Mayor, if I may discuss this item, this is an item that uh has been long in in uh coming. Uh
it's something that I discussed uh with the uh town clerk. Uh we're taking portions of different uh best practices uh both from the city of Miami and Miami date county. Uh it incorporates the uh current uh code of ethics as it exists.
Uh but it also brings the code a little bit uh it creates some clarity as far as what are uh lobbing activities and which ones are not. uh and allows for staff to have comfort uh that if they reach out uh to certain uh individuals that are
not active in sales uh to inquire about products or uh different services that are out there in the market that would not be considered a lobbying activity and that's uh consistent with uh again county law uh and Florida law on ethics. Thank you, Mr. Attorney. Is there a
motion? I'll move it. So moved. Is there a second? I'll second. Seconded by council member Sanchez. Uh, Council Member Garcia, would you like to speak on the motion? Council member Sanchez, anyone else want to speak on the motion? Uh, then Madame Clerk, please call the role. Item 13D, ordinance in first
reading. Council member Garcia, yes. Council member Sanchez, yes. Council member Herszburg, yes. Yes. Council member Fernandez, yes. Council member Cuadra Garcia, yes. Vice Mayor Mora.
Yes. Mayor Diegas. Yes. The ordinance in first reading. Item 13D passes. Okay. Perfect. All right. With that, we are now in ordinances. Ordinances in second reading. Let's begin with 14A. Mr. Attorney. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, an ordinance to the town council of the
town of Miami Lakes, Florida, amending chapter 13, land development code, add article 6, supplementary regulations, creating section 13-777.1 online sales showrooms, providing for findings of fact, intent and purpose, providing for regulations, providing for penalties, providing for
repeal of laws and conflict, providing for severability, providing for inclusion into the code, and providing for an effective date. Excellent. So, we'll turn to the vice mayor to go ahead and introduce the item. Yeah, just very briefly, this is an item that was brought up last month uh as an ordinance in first reading. Uh
you'll recall this is just another way that we could be a business friendly town. Uh we did have people in the audience today that wanted to speak on the item. Unfortunately, you know, I know we we kind of uh ran a little late today, so so they had to head home. Um
it was actually Miss Trey who was here with her two kids trying to extend as much time as possible, but she couldn't. Uh, I think it's a no-brainer to allow it, especially under uh the work that uh Susanna has put into this um making this
work in a way that does not burden infrastructure uh uh existing infrastructure. Uh I think it just makes complete sense. Helps, it's a win-win. helps our business community at the same time protects our our office uh areas
from the crowding and overburdening of the infrastructure that full-on retail would create. Uh so it's a beautiful happy medium. Props to her for for getting it done. And I'll I'll move the item. I'll second. All right. It's been
moved and seconded. Any discussion? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please call the role. Motion to motion to approve the ordinance in second reading. Item 14A. Council member Garcia. Yes. Council
member Sanchez. Yes. Council member Fernandez. Yes. Council member Hzburg. Yes. Council member Cuadra Garcia. Yes. Vice Mayor Moretta. Yes. Mayor Diegas. Yes. Ordinance in second reading. 14A
passes. Excellent. 14B. I'm going to turn it over to Miss Alonzo to go ahead and introduce the item if she is here. If not, Mr. Manager, the attorney's got to read the ordinance. An ordinance of the town council of the town of Miami Lakes, Florida, amending chapter 13, section
13-16007 titled commercial and recreational vehicles of the town of Miami Lakes Code, providing for inclusion into the code, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date. Yeah, Mr. Mayor, this is an item that has uh that was introduced
by the previous council back in May uh introduced by Vice Mayor Fernandez and it essentially the work that was done since then after the first reading uh essentially the final product does one one main thing which is redefineses and simplifies the definition of what a
commercial vehicle does. It eliminates all the different categories. It just has one paragraph that clearly defines what a commercial vehicle is. The second item that it does, it uh exempts golf carts from the parking restrictions. In other words, what it does is allows golf
carts to be parked in the driveway overnight. Before this change, golf carts had to be put away in the uh garage overnight. And finally, the third thing that it allows is if you happen to have a uh smaller uh commercial vehicle and you have a car cover that will
completely cover the uh the uh the vehicle so that it does not appear to be a commercial vehicle, it's just a car cover. It will be permissible uh to be uh allowed in the driveway overnight with the car cover on. Anything else you'd like to add? Uh yes, this item was
heard by the planning board on May 13th and they made the um recommendation that uh you consider the types of covers that would be allowed so that they would be better manufactured covers, not makeshift curtain um you know shower curtains and the
such. Do you have any proposals uh related to that request? I would be um happy to add it if you uh you should it's second reading. So we would have to have either allow the planner to come up with the appropriate language to define that so we can approve it tonight. I
mean do do you have the the No, I don't have proper language ready. No, this Do you want it? I think that the proper language is fitted fabric cover. Uh cover car cover fitted fabric vehicle manufacturer that gives you enough direction. manufacturer intended as a
car cover, you know, correct? That that way it's not a tarpoling cover or anything or something just draped over it, but rather a fitted. Is that sufficient for you? That sounds okay. Why don't you do it as an amendment to the uh Well, wait. Yeah, it's not even moved yet. Um Okay. Yeah, that's a good point. Yeah. Okay. So, so let's start
with that. Why don't you go ahead and get us in in the posture? I'll move the item with the with the uh uh amendment of uh specifying that the required vehicle covers are fitted fabric vehicle
covers. Second. All right. Moved and seconded. Any discussion? All right. Seeing none, madam clerk, please call the role. Ordinance in second reading. So sorry. 14B. Ordinance in second
reading. Council member Fernandez, yes. Council, Council Member Sanchez, yes. Council member Cuadra Garcia, yes. Council member Garcia, yes. Council member Hzburg, yes. Vice Mayor Moretta,
yes. Mayor Diegas, yes. The ordinance in second reading. Item 14B passes. Excellent. Uh 15A was part of consensus. We are now moving on to 16A by Councilman Herszburg. Thank you, mayor. Um, basically this
item is my understanding is the town is working on doing a Roberts of order workshop. I think we should also make an effort to go ahead and go attend these meetings. We can do it via Zoom now. Uh, and just go to these meetings, meet the committee members, and make them aware of the importance of the rules. I've
seen some committees where the rules aren't really being followed as well. It can get them the committees off track. The rules are meant to push them. So that's my motion that we all make an effort. You know, whatever we can do, my motion is to make an effort, go to the committees, explain the new committee rules, and also discuss the Robert rules
and why they're important. That's all. Seconded. All right. Moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? All right. All those in favor say I. I. All oppose? No. The eyes have it. All right. The motion carries. Congratulations. Uh 16B commemorative plaque designation for
Elario Candela. Uh Council Fernandez. All right. So in an effort to to move forward our culture, art and you know I consider architecture part of that. Um few years ago, our lovely chair of the cultural affairs committee uh mentioned
to me that the the gentleman Elario Candela, which recently he did pass away, um he uh designed the building on on 66, I think it's 6701, uh Miami League stripe, if I'm not mistaken, but anyway, it's the Bank of
America building. Um since then, I I went in front of the cultural affairs committee. I asked them to to see if they can come up with something. it didn't move there. And seeing that I'm a councilman now, thankfully I'm able to to get this moved with with my support
with the support from my from my colleagues. The the point is I just want to be very clear. Um he was he was a very distinguished architect. Uh he I think it's been mentioned he designed the marine stadium in Kiscane. Uh he
designed a lot of the the buildings in the Miami Day North campus and Wolson campus. Anyway, the point is that it will not cost the town a penny. Um, the Ward Law Group is the owner of that building right now. They are willing to pay for the the plaque. I've spoken to
them and their representative. They are extremely excited about this. I spoke to the son of Elario Candela. He is honored to to be a part of it. He he'll he'll be there. Him and the family will be there for the unveiling. So, that said, I just ask you for my for the Is there a
second? I'll second. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. All oppose? No. The eyes have it. The motion carries. We are now on item 16 C by Councilman Cuadra Garcia. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, um, all of you
have a picture in front of you. Can you please uh take a good look at it? I have been working uh with this tree for about 10 years. But after um really reading a couple lines, I'd like to read
this uh out loud to you guys so you can understand what this tree does. Okay. It is called the Brazilian pepper. Uh Tony's here. Um Tony Lopez uh knows a lot about trees. says, "The Brazilian
pepper tree is a native of South America specifically from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay. Um, it was uh introduced to Florida in the 19th century as an
ordinance plant. Since then, it has become the most aggressive invasive species in the state in the state of Florida. Covering over 75,000 acres, this tree can grow
rapidly, out compete native vegetation forming uh forming dense thickness and exclude other plants life and disrupt local ecosystem.
So basically it tells you that this uh this plant this tree is very destru. This is the back of the canal where I live. I have never
seen I have never in 25 years never seen this tree back there. So that means that SFM is not cleaning back there cuz they can't get through that. Those Brazilian peppers are actually almost in the water. So
um if you look, it has red seeds. If we don't do anything about this tree now, it will continue to take these seeds, take it to all around this town and and all over and keep growing and keep doing the damage that it's doing. So, what I'm
asking right now is to have staff come back and decide whether we want to have our our backyard or our easements. Let's not talk about our backyard. Let's talk
about our easements. This is an easement and if this is what we want our standard to look like. All righty. So, if I understood correctly, the motion uh is to have staff come back with uh a report and
recommendation on this this plant and what we can do about this plant. Their home doesn't their front yard doesn't look like this. I'm just asking you what what your motion is. That's your motion. Is there a second? Yeah, I'll second it. All right. Seconded by Council Member
Sanchez. Uh, did you have anything to add? No. Uh, I'll just say, yeah, I I always say there's nothing wrong with going to staff for information. Uh, so with that said, is there any other additional comment? I I just want to ask who who identified the the plan? I mean,
are we sure that that's what it is? Absolutely. It's this is uh Oh, we'll have our arborist. Okay. Okay. We'll have our ars confirmed. Absolutely. So, any further comment hearing? None. Uh, those in favor say I. I. Those against say nay. Motion passes. All right. On to
the next item. Uh, Council Member Sanchez, is this the one that we took out? Thank you. Let me skip over. Council member Garcia is not here. Uh, we'll come back to this item. Well, but we combined Yeah, we we did combine this one with uh yours, right? And that one's
still active. Yes. All right. So, did you want to go ahead and take this item? Sure. And okay, he's here anyway. So, we're on uh the Doge item. Uh if you want to present it uh in conjunction with Council Member Sanchez, please do so. Thank you so much, Mayor.
Um as you know on January I presented an item to um create a doge uh type of of advisory board or something in that in that item um after considering it and after my colleagues considering that it would be create too much you know too
much of a bureaucracy um you know I was asked you know try to find another solution where we can be able to maybe uh use the doge principles in in our in our future budget. Uh, as you know, Governor Ron Sansis announced the creation of the Florida Doge Task
Force in February and um, cities have taken advantage of that and reached out to to that committee and um, presented their budgets. Now, I know that we have as a city did we did a survey when it comes to that. Is that correct?
The Florida Doge there was a mandatory thing with all local governments and they sent it to us. It was a short survey about half a dozen questions. We complied. We answered the questions. It it to tell you the truth it was so simple. They were yes or no questions. Okay. And we answered them. They were it was all no. Meaning that we didn't have
any issues, any problems or any pro and we submitted it. And so we complied with the mandatory portion of the Doge uh involvement. So my item would be to as as um as the councilman also item is is to see if we can reach out uh uh to them
provide um any information they need so they can give us a determination and a uh to to go through our our budget to see if you know how we do when it comes to uh I know we won many awards when it comes to uh our accounting practices but what areas of opportunity there are in
our budget if we can save half a percent or 1% anything they see that perhaps we can incorporate and save some money for the taxpayers. I'd like to go ahead and and and try to go ahead and instruct the the manager to reach out to to Doge the Doge committee uh in Tallahassee and see
what are the next steps and I'll allow my colleague to continue. Uh he has information on on the committee. Well, my item is just just to be on proper posture. Is your motion different than his motion? It's a little bit it's the same but more in depth. Okay. So, I think that the proper posture would be
to have you do a main motion and then yours be an amendment making more specific requests. Yes. Is Is that okay? So, do we have a second to the main motion? I'll second for discussion. Second for discussion. Um, did you want to start off discussion? Yeah, I might
as well because I don't know where we're going on this. I am completely against this idea. Um, I'm for local control, local government. We sit up here all the time complaining about Tallahassee taking our control and now we're go give them our budget. They should go make their own budget first. We do a good
job. We are our own Doge team. We want to get more meetings, do more things, that's fine. But to come down and say Tallahassee, take a look at our budget. Absolutely not. We could that's our job. I don't need anyone Tallahassee tell us how to do our job. Okay, Council Member
Sanchez. Okay. So, as I stated in the memo, um when we were in Tallahassee for day eight days, Jason Powski from the Florida Department of Government Efficiency reached out uh contacted me and asked if we'd be interested. So, instead of making the decision on my own, I put it as a new business item so
that we as a as a town council can make the decision of moving this forward or keeping it, you know, at at at bay. um he did send me the letter of what they would be requesting if this does go through through a resolution. And if you look at page 447, the lower
third portion of the letter has six different items. Um they're asking for a budget and spending reports at a line item level of detail for each department for fiscal year 2324 and 2425. A second item would be position descriptions and
salaries for each employee. Um obviously personal information would not be provided only position titles and the salaries for the same years 2324 and 2425 all contracts with totals deliverables spending amounts and whether the contract was awarded
competitively or non-competitively for the same years the two uh windows. Number four, all grants made to each recipient and subreients where applicable with descriptions and purposes for the same two window windows of years. Um, number five, service
delivery metrics and performance for all departments. Number six, hours worked by department and projects and tasks completed in the same two fiscal years. I know this letter states that all this is due by May 16th. Obviously, we are way past that deadline and based on
tonight's vote, if we decide to move forward and create a resolution for the next meeting, they would give us a much later on deadline to submit these six items. There are many other municipalities that's been uploaded into Twitter on on the Doge account that are participating even within Miami date
county. Um, this is completely optional, but it's, you know, it's something that was requested for us to be discussed by the county. It's nothing that is being forced. It is nothing that is mandatory. It is completely optional and that's just what they're what they're seeking to review. Did you want to make any sort of
amendment to the main motion or keep it as it is? Keep it as it is because this is what they are requesting the six items you're requesting. Any any other comments, questions, concerns from the council member Fernandez? I'm all for transparency. I I but I wholeheartedly
agree with with Councilman Herzburg. I I really don't see the point. Um, I think I I think that it is our responsibility and if and if uh if we're doing something wrong, then you know, shame on us. But, um, I think that town staff is doing a great job and, you know, I don't
know if there's any reason for us to to to open up our books to to the state. Any other comments? Did you have a rebuttal or something? Yeah, if you don't mind. And I I appreciate understand the reasoning for it. Don't get me wrong. We're all for
transparency. We all we all we all see the same the same same way I think and we are let's be honest we are the most fiscally conservative municipality in date county and there's no no way we are not look at all the other towns municipalities in date county nobody is as fiscally conservative as us and
that's a fact. Yep. Um it's a it's a matter of we're already transparent. All this stuff is already out there. If some if some guy in Tallahassee wanted to go find this stuff, they could. I just don't I don't like the precedent where we come up here and already complain a lot how Tallahassee takes powers away
from us and now we're saying take our budget give us I just I just don't like the idea right that's all but I understand I want to make sure I understand why you why you're doing it I agree with the that what we should do it ourselves that's what I'm saying council member Garcia yeah thank you I
appreciate that uh point of view uh the main reason that I u feel that this is a good idea is I think the residents realize or we we have shown that we are the most transparent town in Florida, that we've won many awards when it comes
to our accounting. Um, but this is another, for examp I'm almost positive they're they're going to see this budget and they're going to say, "Wow, you guys are the most efficient." and we can reassure our residents, hey, we are doing everything we can to be the most
efficient to save taxpayer money. And this would be a great feather in our cap. So, if anything, it would just be a third pair of eyes looking at something that we know is already good and it's something we can share with the residents, be proud of, like, listen, we uh we told you we were doing a good job.
And if they come up with something, if we can save half percentage here or $1,000 a year, $5,000 there, I welcome it. So, I understand what you're saying, but I think this is more of like um kind of like uh reiterating what we already know that we are a good town and and and we we do a very good job with our
budget. So, that's that's my take on it and I think the residents deserve that kind of uh assurance that we're doing a good job with their tax dollars. So, that's my thinking of of the the whole issue. Mr. Mayor, Mr. Vice Mayor, Vice Mayor, you're recognized. Thank you. Um, so I I just want to say,
um, you know, we we all know Miss Hope Reynolds. She calls me the Elon Musk of Miami Lakes. Uh, so there can only be one of us. So unfortun So so unfortunately I cannot uh support this item. Other than that, I'm ready to vote.
Any any other uh comments, questions? All right. With that said, uh Mr. Cler, please call the role. Sorry. Um um I I think we just we should just keep it for food of thought. Food for thought. Just on the item just that's my opinion. I
mean I understand that I respect everybody's opinion but just a food for thought. Perfect. Mr. Clerk, please call the role. Okay. Calling the role for item 16E. That was combined with 16J. Motion by Council Member Garcia,
seconded by Hersburg. Is that correct? Yes. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Uh, Councilman Hersburg, uh, motion to reach out to Doge for budget recommendations for the town. Is that correct? Hold on. It's more to follow the
requirements that uh, Councilman Sanchez said to to provide this information to the Doge Committee up in Tallahassee so they can go ahead and start looking into our our budget. Okay. Right. Actually, can I get a a point order? I don't believe Councilman Centers, do you make the amendment? I
mean, we I'm fine. I'm fine with just going. You did. I mean, I'm fine with just going with I think you guys agree with what you want to do, so I'm fine with going with that. Okay, we understand what it is. Yeah. Okay. Council member Fernandez. No. Council member Cuadra Garcia. Um,
Mr. Manager, can you elaborate? I I know that uh but can you just elaborate and give me a little more uh digest this a little more so I can understand it? Yes, sir. No, it it I I apologize, Councilman. It at this point there we
have to make a decision. Uh he cannot provide additional context, right? Uh at this point, you have to vote one way or the other. Either you want to uh submit the budget um to Tallahassee for their review or not. Does it have to be do we have to make a a decision right now?
Yes. Yeah. That's why we're voting and it and it would be right now. No. Okay. Thank you. Council member Garcia, yes. Council member Herszburg, no. Council member Sanchez, no. Vice Mayor
Mora, no. Mayor Diegas, yes. The motion dies. Okay. With that, the the I apologize. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. I'm back. I'm back. I'm back. Okay. I think I Sorry. It's getting later, guys. It's getting later.
Did you forget you had the gobble? Okay. Yes. So, uh with that, um thank you. We are now on item 16F, uh amending the town code. Very simply put, at the request of one of our vendors, um a they suggested as a way of helping to recoup some of the costs that sometimes come up
when they uh uh locate singers for our events in town parks that we allow them to also offer beer and wine sales, right? No spirits, right? So, no no liquors, just uh purely beer and wine at and uh and this would be simply
directing staff to amend the code to allow uh sales of those products at parks for events like the 4th of July. That is the motion. Do you want to identify which events specifically you're looking at? No, I I I'm going to broaden it into just the the parks and if anything when it comes back for first and second reading, we can we can limit
the the events that it's available at. Uh I will second the motion. Uh, and just to clarif a point of clarification for the town staff to amend the town code. I think you meant for them to come back for us to amend the town code. Thank you. Just clarify
that. What words matter? You're correct. That is that is what I meant by the motion. I didn't want a constitutional crisis. Um, and then secondly, I cannot agree with this anymore. Um, yeah, I mean, number one, it's a win-win. It's more fun events and and uh you know
better revenue generation for our our our vendors. I see what you did there. Uh Councilman Sanchez, I have two concerns. Number one, liability. If someone consumes too much and proceeds
to have an incident where they get hurt, would the vendor then be liable for serving them too much or since it's on our property, would the town be liable to that? Well, we have all sorts of protections from sovereign immunity to to other uh uh legal doctrines. Now, disclaimers. Yeah. And the other aspect
of it is, as I understand, and this already happens, our vendors have to pull insurance. They I assume would also have to pull insurance that would cover liability in these situations where someone is over served and and obviously the vendor would also have the liquor license in order to sell beer and wine. I don't believe you need a liquor
license. Yeah. Yeah. Because there are two kinds of liquor licenses. There's one for beer and wine. One for beer and wine and one for all all alcohol. Okay. But yeah, then they would have to provide proof of that, of course. Of course. And that would be the idea. And again, they're going to bring this back to us so we can go ahead and load up all these more specific protections if we
don't already see it in there. Um, at the time they bring it back. Okay, good to go. Thank you. Anyone else? Yeah. Through the chair. Yeah. Councilman Garcia. Mr. Mayor, uh, you're I'm I would assume you're going to have a a limit of time to what time that that service of um Well, I'm going to leave
that to staff uh to come back, but yeah, the idea would just be for the event. So the moment the the moment the event is done done 11 o'clock 10 o'clock. Okay. Well, whenever they're done. I don't think we have any events that really tend to run past 10. Um so it'd be it'd be much earlier. I mean even even Fourth of July I think it's done by 9:30 or so.
Okay. Councilman Garcia really quick. So basically it's a vein of like food and wine, right? Uh yeah. We're we already have those protections and place and contracts. Sorry. We we have a a a a template if you will for how to do this for Veterans Park and other Yeah.
Everybody good? All right. Um, everybody, everyone in favor say I. I. I. All oppose. No. The eyes have it. The motion carries. With that, um, we are now my other item, item 16 I, historic site map and Zanta points of interest map. I I believe you all had access to
the attachment uh with the business item uh where I got the idea from and and describing basically what I want to do. uh just in our case in addition to a uh historic points of interest uh site map. Um I also wanted to do one for Zanta now that we have a few uh points of interest
for Zanta from the wall of dolls to the tree that we planted for them. Uh the list goes on and uh it I think it'd be a nice thing to do for them since they are probably one of the most uh active Zanta clubs that we have in Southeast Florida. With that, that is my motion to go ahead and do it. Excellent. It's uh any
discussion? No. All right. Seeing none, all in fa All in favor say I. I. All oppose. No. You guys have it. The motion carries. Uh we are uh we have no reports and therefore we are uh we are done with the agenda and I am adjourning the meeting at 11:21 p.m. Oh, wait, wait.
What happened? Is there a report? No, no, no, no, no. I was just pointing at Lorenzo cuz we had an over undergoing on the time. We're having any rate. All right. We are journed at 11:22. He thought we were going to midnight.