--------- the special call. Are there any deferrals, additions, or deletions? Any modifications to the agenda? Okay, seeing none, we are now in public comments. Madam clerk, please read the rules into the record. Yes. Good evening and welcome to the special call. Um, let me just read the
following. All the public comments will be heard at the beginning of the meeting and once all are heard, public comments will be closed and each speaker will be afforded three minutes. I also welcome the participants that are watching the
meeting remotely. If you wish to speak and you're not here in council chambers, you must raise your hand by clicking on the reactions icon and selecting raise hand. Nit will allow you to participate in your public comments. And as well, if
you're listening to the meeting via phone and you still want to participate in public comments, the only thing you need to do is raise your hand by pressing hashtag number9 and we'll allow you to speak. So public comments is open. If you're here to participate, just approach the podium, state your
name and address for the record, and thank you for being here. Just approach the podium. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Uh with that again we're in the special call but even this threem minute period you can speak about whatever topic you want. So if you want to use three minutes now to talk
about the budget and then uh your other three minutes later you can do that as well. All right. Uh madam clerk anyone online for the special call meeting? Uh public comments. No participants online. Um through the mayor to the town clerk.
Uh, I have people saying uh texting me saying that there may be an issue with the live stream just so you know. Is it that they can't hear or is it that they can't hear or what uh can they provide more info? They said that it was live and then it
stopped. It if you can I know you're listening in your room. at least let us know what's going on. And is it just uh YouTube or is it also Zoom? They said YouTube.
Okay. They they said that it's up again. It's up again. All right. Perfect. We did provide two links. If um people are going to the town website on the upper part of the screen, they click on it and it takes you directly and
communications department did that to make life easier for the residents. But it's two different links. One for the special call, one for the first second budget. So I hope that's it's clear. Okay, perfect. Thank you. With that, we're on item seven uh which is the
attorney's report section of the agenda. Mr. Attorney, Mr. Gustessie, please proceed. 7A to discuss legal bond council for the renewal of the line of credit. Yeah. Um we're we're going to handle it in house. Uh our firm um I think the
amount that they was looking was 10 to 15,000 for legal fees. The amount was 15 to 20. 15 to 20. Uh very capable council. It is certainly not a reflection on Mr. Delcato's firm. I have a lot of respect for him as a
friend, town resident and everything else. But I really think this is something that I that I can handle. Uh if for some reason I believe that there are issues that I can't, which I don't see them, uh I would of course let you know immediately. Uh and then we could
take action. We are not going to bill separately for this. Although I think we're entitled to do this as a special project under our contract, everything else. I'm just going to do it under the firm's uh under our usual monthly retainer and just go from there. All right.
Okay. That's my report. The the other thing is on that resolution that you have attached is also allowing administration to go ahead and start negotiating uh with Bank United uh for the renewal fee uh in order to be able to get a be the same or
better interest rate. Right. In other words, we need we need I believe we need authority uh to proceed. Then we're going to have ordinance. We're going to have an ordinance. We talked yesterday about what uh October. October and a followup in November.
I I'll go ahead and move it. Is there a second? Okay. It's been seconded by Councilman Garcia. Is there any discussion on this? Just I want to say thank you to the town attorney. And this is the type of thing we're definitely looking for. Question everything. How can we do this in house? How can we save the taxpayer dollars? Really appreciate your efforts on this.
Thank you. Anyone else? All right. Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. All oppose. No. The eyes have it. And the motion carries. We are now in item 7B, uh, an item to discuss the use of
budgeted funds to hire legal counsel for blasting litigation. Mr. Attorney. Yeah, we've been meeting with Councilman Herszburg. We've been working extensively behind the scenes doing some research um on different issues. state
court versus federal court. Um certain legal issues that that we see. I I don't want to go into them a lot here. Um but uh some of you have approached me in the past about uh hiring outside counsel to
really take a good look at it. Uh we've been talking to Leonard Collins. He's uh based in Tallahassee. Very good lawyer. Uh very well connected. Uh, and we we'd like to uh I think you've budgeted 50,000 for the litigation, but we'd like
to use 10,000 of that to retain his firm. Uh, we're going to put together a memo with what we think the legal issues are, present it to him, and then see what he thinks, uh, and go from there. But that's that's what where we are right now. The the blasting stuff,
although you have none of you have heard anything, uh, in the public or anything like that, there's a lot going on behind the scenes. I'd like to move the resolution. All right. It's been moved by the vice mayor. Is there a second count? Seconded by Councilman Hsburg. Discussion. Mr. Vice Mayor, you want to begin? No discussion.
Yeah. Councilman Hzburg. Um I'll just state that, you know, obviously I met with the town attorneys multiple times now. This is a good first move. it um provides us with guidance and it would be my position that a a firm like this an attorney like this
it's based in Tallahassee stays on board uh not to do the majority of the work right the the the town attorney who has a a fantastic rate for the quality attorneys we have um to do the majority of the work and save us money but we want someone there local uh because it
looks I mean I'll say this we're likely filing there in Lyon County that looks like the likely place we would file this lawsuit. So, we want someone there local. We want someone with that background. So, this is a a good first move and this is a strong first step. And again, to reiterate, things are moving and this is this is a good step
to get us to moving forward. Mr. Vice Mayor, I just want to ask uh what is uh Mr. Collins uh hourly rate? I believe it's 425. 425. Okay. And that's reduced? Yeah. No, that's for
attorney. Yeah. Yeah. Mr. Mr. Collins used to uh be the chief of staff for Marco Rubio was a parliamentarian when he was speaker of the house. He's someone that knows the ins and outs of Tallahassee. Perfect. Thank you. Through the chair, a councilman Garcia. Thank you, mayor. I I just this is the
culmination of years of hard work from a lot of different people, councils, mayors, uh different iterations of the VAB, our our current members up here who are on the VAB. And this is what the residents wanted was for us to leave no
stone unturned and do everything we can to provide relief to the residents that are watching. This is I the best way to move forward and to make sure we're putting your your interest first. So 100% a great job by by the team and I think this is a wonderful first step on
and getting this uh getting this to uh get relief for the residents. So thank you so much. Thank you very much. Any additional comments? Um I I did want to ask uh just to confirm. So this 10 of the 50,000 uh is coming from the legal reserves.
I believe you had you had set aside $50,000 we budgeted in the coming fiscal year. All right. In the next fiscal year that's starting in a couple days 50,000. Okay. So this will come from that. It'll be a draw on that. Okay. But um I don't know where they've
been paying. We just sent in a bill. Not not a whole lot, but we just sent in a bill. So, I don't know if it's going to come from that 50 or from our other budget. I'm just not sure. I I don't want to mislead the council that the this is not the only money. The 10,000
is not the only money that's been spent on this. Our firm has been building at 200 an hour uh to do what we've been doing. Okay. And uh and obviously we still have to have a discussion about potentially retaining an expert uh to be our future
uh expert at at any trial. Um do we have any cost estimates on that yet? I have not looked at that part. I'm I want to make sure we have liability before we get to damages. You know, I want to make sure we have liability. Okay. Yeah.
So then just be clear then the scope of work for retaining uh Mr. pounds uh would be to for you guys to go over the statute, look at different causes of action and again confir we have we have our opinions. Believe me, there's been a lot of work done, but we'd like some quote peer review, I
guess. Yes. You know, something something along those lines. Of course, the law review guy would uh would bring up peer reviews and everything. Okay, mayor, for clarification, everything that's been built up to now has been paid out of this fiscal year. So, that 10,000 will be the first draw from the 50 for next year.
Okay, got it. Okay, the mayor. All right, Mr. Mayor. I'm sorry. Who? Oh, Councilman. Question. This this question is uh for our town attorney, Mr. Dessi. So, he's uh pretty much uh uh wellnowledged in this type of law. Has he has he uh uh
practiced this type of law? There's no real expert on blasting law in the state of Florida. There aren't a lot of cases. If Councilman Hsburg is correct, I think only 12 cases have been filed since that statute was enacted. So, there's no experts on blasting law
in Florida. Um, if you're asking me about constitutional stuff, uh, uh, challenges to state statutes and things like that, not only him but his firm are very well, very well informed. The Gay Robinson firm is a statewide firm, very well
respected. Okay. Bottom line. Thank you. Yeah. Okay. With that, if there are no if there's no further discussion, all those in favor say I. I. I. I. Oppos? No. The eyes have it. The motion carries. Part: 2
One minute. All right, we're going to go ahead and get started. The time is 6:31. I'm calling the second budget uh hearing of the Mamulix Town Council to order at 6:31 p.m. Madame Clerk, please call the role. And if
everyone can please cease your conversations. Everyone, please cease your conversations. Madam clerk, please call the role. >> Council member Garcia, >> present. >> Council member Hzburg, >> present. >> Council member Fernandez, >> present.
>> Council member Cuadra Garcia. >> Council member Sanchez, >> present. >> Vice Mayor Mora >> here. >> Mayor Diegas >> here. >> Mayor, you have quorum. >> Excellent. Uh, we we did the pledge already in the invocation before, but let's go ahead and do it again. At this
time, Councilman Fernandez, please lead us in the pledge. Please remain standing for a moment of silence. Please bow your heads. Thank you. You may be seated. Council, we are now on the order of business. Are there any uh additions,
deferrals, or deletions? Any modifications at all to the agenda? All right, seeing none, we are now in public comments. Madame Clerk, please read the rules into the record. Good evening and welcome to the second
budget hearing. Um, all public comments will be heard at the beginning of the meeting and once all are heard, public comments will be closed. Each speaker will be afforded three minutes to speak. I also welcome if we have any participants online. If you always, as
always, if you wish to speak, you just have to raise your hand by clicking on the reactions item and selecting raise hand and it will let you in. And if you are calling as well to participate via phone, please raise your hand by
pressing number99 and it will allow you to speak. All comments and questions from the attending public shall always be directed to the mayor in a gorgeous tone and no clapping, applauding, headling, verbal outburst in support of
or in opposition to a speaker or his her remarks shall be permitted. Welcome to the meeting and if you're here for public comments, please just approach the podium, state your name and address for the record and we will provide you three minutes. Thank you. Thank you,
Madam Clerk. Uh, in keeping with past protocol, and I see the crowd of familiar faces, remember you can come up to the mic at any time. Just please give us your name and number. Who would like to speak first? Going once. Going twice. Okay, there we go.
We don't bite. I promise. There you go. Perfect. Good evening. Uh, madame clerk, mayor, council members, Darwin Visentencio, um, 13984 Lake George Court, Miami Lake, Florida 33014, town resident for a little bit over 15
years. Um, ladies and gentlemen, public safety is is what I breathe. For some of you who have known me, I've been blessed with two wonderful careers. Um, at times people ask me, Darwin, which one do you like more? All right. Um, I'm a Miami date fire rescue. Currently I hold the
rank of captain but I started my career in law enforcement going on a little bit of 30 years. I'm currently a detective part-time with the village of kindergartens. Um and the reason I say that is because again that's near and dear to me public safety. Okay.
With that said I see the real value and what the public safety committee does. We have priority of informing the public to prevent mistakes occurring like a seeing like I've seen too many times in my professional life. For example, the
event at station 4. I recognize some of you being there. 64 station 64 Miami Day Fire Rescue Station 64. And I'm pretty sure I mean to me it was slam dunk. It was an excellent event. This event only possibly saved many lives. some of the stuff that we were
doing there, you know, some of the stuff that we brought from from our public safety with Miami Day Fire Rescue, other events, um, coffee with a cop. Again, understand that event obviously is sponsored at times by the establishment
itself, but what we want to do now as far as a car show, um, it's going to be our first year and we really, really, really need your support. And I get it. I I listen, I I face it on both sides, police and fire. finances, but we really
need you guys as far as the budget to approve that. Please, because again, we have a lot at stake. Um, we have vendors already. Myself, I have I reached out to the fire department, to the police department. We have different assets. So, please, we ask of you to help us out in that in that sense to make this event
possible. um as far as the um dates and stuff like that, hey, that's something that maybe next year we could, you know, we'll re-evaluate, but we definitely need your support. Again, I can't stress the importance of that. Okay, thank you.
Thank you very much. Next speaker. Welcome, John Carlo. Jim Carlo Rodriguez, 7201 Miami Lakes Drive, public safety member as well. Public safety. Public safety is something. We had 3054 police campaign
campaign recently and reach over 5,000 views on Instagram alone. Many residents responded by informing us that they even did not know the number existed. We were extremely supportive of the outreach.
We are not stopping there. We have created over 500 magnets to give out at our next coffee with a cop and card for heroes event to make sure that the m that the number is near be when a
non-emergency arises. We together with MDCSO did an event here at Miami Lakes Chamber for Law Enforcement Awareness Month to extend our outreach to businesses on accomplishments on accomplishments,
sorry, of our sheriff's office and our our awareness campaign. Our communications department has been very supportive with these and other initiatives, but we are something we need I'm sorry. We are sometimes need
to do videos productions to add extra impact to our audience. Please support our funding where we will bring these opportunities more to our town residents. Thank you guys. >> Thank you very much. Next speaker.
Hi, I'm Nancy Rogers, past chair of the public safety committee. Proud to have passed it on to Cardos, who's going to make your head spin with all the
activities that we have planned because he's going to move this committee back onto the map where it belongs. As you all know, public safety runs very deep in my life with my husband who is a Metro Dade police sergeant
and uh working in law enforcement. The public safety committee has accomplished so much. We have provided challenge coins to those who work in both police and fire, which brings a deep connection to our
town. These were also given to kids for performing a good act in our community and instill appreciation for those kids to grow up to be good adults. The campaign for drive like your kids live here was very instrumental to our
neighborhoods and united people for one involvement in their events provide different resources for kids and parents which makes a difference. We are at the tipping scale right now after su a successful year and need your support
to take our committee to the next level. Please support our funding where we will bring these opportunities and more to town residents. That was written for me obviously because I needed it. And now I'm going to add my own 25 cents worth. I want you to meet our new chair of the
public safety committee. This kid has ideas. He's going to move this town along with what needs to be done. Well, I sat on my hands. I'm going to tell you right now, listen to what he has, his ideas.
He's going to move us in an area where the residents can but come back to feeling safe again. Thank you. >> Okay. Carlos Andre, uh 14530 Day Plane Avenue. Um Okay. Thank you, Nancy. Uh listen, it takes a village and a great
committee uh to make these events possible. Now, what you heard here um well, first before I start, I want to thank uh the council member uh that have helped uh you know with the funding. I know it's been a difficult year and getting us funded uh for next year town management as well. Now, what what you
heard here um you know tonight um and what you've heard before is public safety. Public safety is a very common you know common ground for all of us. you hear from residents and and really we should be part of that conversation as well at the public safety committee level. Why? Because uh like our Councilman Sanchez said last meeting,
you know, we bring that that extra personal experience to our residents and that's that's can be seen with the different events that we've held in the last year. Now essentially what what has happened uh leading to today was that you know we saw that um you know we have
a show to to um put together and the expenses and and we are um presented you all with a profit for that event and it's still a profit. We're actually doing very well with fundraising. But what we've done is in this fiscal year we have requested u you know town
management to pay vendors and uh the vendors uh that we've approved for payment equal a total of $3,000. Those $3,000 is what we have in our budget. We're not asking for more money. So we've been declined for those $3,000 to
be paid for vendors uh because of the premise that you know this is a next fiscy year event. Um I know talking to many people that do events for the town that vendors for events are paid in advance. We have multiple people as you all know the trash uh the folks that do the
portaotties etc. um that you know get paid. So we're simply at the very minimum what we're asking is to get these uh these vendors paid so that next year when we start getting those sponsorship dollars in and this is strictly just because of timing those sponsorship dollars are coming in. have
right now committed $4,700 of sponsors and that $4,700 does not include an extra $700 that I just got through email a few hours ago. All right. And our estimated expenses that we have are 4,500 and those $4,500 of expenses are,
you know, not including, you know, whatever we're going to u donate to the organizations for fire and cops. Uh but again, you know, we're just asking for a simple ask uh to get these these vendors paid in this fiscal year. If that cannot happen for whatever policy, then you
know what? We we should really be entitled to those funds to be carried forward to the following year. Uh to finish my point, Major Gonzo was reached out by Abel Fernandez, Chief Abel Fernandez and myself about a campaign for key fob safety for pouches that protect that signal. Well, guess what?
That campaign costs money and it will save people's cars from being stolen. That's just one example of the many things we can do. >> Mr. Chair, are you going to be here throughout the budget? Okay, perfect. So, we'll come back to you in that point because I have some questions for the manager on that. But, uh, but yes, so just stick around.
>> Thank you, mayor. >> All right. Uh, next public speaker. >> All right. Uh, madame clerk, anyone online wishing to speak? >> Actually, before you go there, uh, we do have two, uh, no coming up. Yeah, we it it seems we have at least one, maybe
two, uh, speakers still. The AC, as you can see, is fixed now. All right. >> Yeah. Yeah. There you go. Please speak into the mic and name and address, please. >> Yes. Okay. Hi, my name is Esther Lemi and I live in I have to say my address, right?
>> If if you are law enforcement or a first responder, then you're exempt. But otherwise, we ask that you please provide the address. >> Yes. Yeah. Also, my address is 8854 Norwest 154 terrace here in Miami Lake. So, I'm a parent um a teacher and a proud
citizen of Miami Lakes and I'm here on behalf of the education advisory board. I've been a member just for a few months, but I wanted to let you know today everything that we do for the education of our um kids or our students here in Miami Lakes. So, the education
advisory board does sorry. So first we support the library, the friends of the library and uh the other day they said that this summer they were recognized for the support that they provide for the youth of the town. H also we support the three schools that we have here in
Miami Lakes. Actually, we support the uh vocabulary courses. The robotics, I don't know if you're aware that Bograhan was able to launch the robotics program thanks to the money that we were funding them is one of the two schools that we have in the whole district of Miami Lake
that is it has had a a rating for 20 years. So, we should be very proud of this school here. And also uh we also celebrate the awards of excellence at the end of the school year for the students and teachers here in Miami Lakes. So um I'm a citizen too and I
understand that you had to be very responsible with the fundings that we have. I don't want my taxes to be increased, but I just wanted to let you know how we support the education here um in the town of Miami Lakes. And if you can please consider the cuts that you're going to make, we would really
appreciate it. Thank you for everything that you do in the town. >> Thank you very much. Uh, next speaker, Madame Luces, please come on up. Good evening, Claudia Luces 8220 Mentes.
Omar, thank you for the AC. Feels nice in here. Um, yes. No, thank you so much. All right. Um, and I'm sure you guys feel comfortable, too. Okay. So, on the issue of the budget, which is obviously what you guys are going to be discussing here
today. Um, I know that all of you have been working very very hard going through this budget trying to figure out really what are the wants and needs as that was the conversation that took place last meeting. um looked up the word subsidy
just because I thought it was important to understand this. Some of money granted by the government or a public body to assist in an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive. We tend to subsidize a lot
of things. Okay. Um we have to look at things that are obviously beneficial to this town. I was in the Grove over the weekend and I have my friends telling me, "Hey, what's going on with Miami Lakes? It's
on fire." I said, "Yeah, we we're having a bit of a tax issue right now. Um, they don't understand it." I said, "Well, you know, neither do I." I said, "But they're working on it. Um, we are the talk of the county." And the reality is,
okay, we you guys as elected officials have to make some difficult decisions. Sometimes you just have to say no. You know, I'm a member of the EAB. Okay. Um, you just had someone come and talk
as I see Councilman Mora's face. Um, I've already said my piece, okay, on the EAB. Um, the only thing that I will tell you, uh, when considering this or not considering this is if we are going to take the stance that we are going to
just focus in on the Miami Lakers, then you know what? That stance should go across the board. It shouldn't just be the EAB. We need to start to look at all of the other programs as well and really just concentrate on the Miami Laker. Okay? And I'm going to refer to the
Optimus Park. I don't know. I haven't seen the budget as of late because it's been a little bit crazy. Um, but you know, one of the things that I know was on there was, you know, us subsidizing what was the background
checks for the coaches at Optimus. I don't know if it's still there. I really hope it's not. Thank you, Councilman Garcia. um for the simple reason again that we should not continue to incur costs that really should be passed on to
those individuals who actually enjoy and benefit from the service especially when they're not Miami Lakers. Lots of people are watching. Okay. And I know you had an elderly uh person, a senior person here.
Can I have just >> 10 more seconds? >> Thank you. um who was here in the audience last time talking about the increase in taxes, article in the Herald about people, you know, going homeless because they can't handle tax increases. Garbage has gone
up. Everything is going up. Please be mindful. You guys don't have to increase taxes for the Miami Lakes taxpayer. You guys may be well off. You may be young. You still may be able to No, you are young. You can still earn a living. There's a lot of seniors in this community that cannot. You have to keep
them in them in mind as well. Okay, that that's it. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Uh any other speakers here in chambers wishing to come up to the microphone? Please come up. First and foremost, thank you guys so much for responding to my emails uh the
last two weeks. Uh to be honest with you guys, you guys have to do the right thing. Oh, sorry. Jose Zallayia, uh, 6725 Orchid Drive. Um, I mean, honestly, guys, you know, these are all hard, you know, decisions that you guys have to
make. Uh, and the truth is is, you know, some of the roll backs and some of the, um, one-time transfers has set us, you know, to deal with this today. Um, I understand, you know, the word taxes is a bad word, but I think you guys are all
pressed to do the right thing as far as this budget. Um I mean I couldn't stress anymore in my emails to all of you uh to look at all these little u small factors. Um you know at the end of the day this is our home. You know at the end you know for
me it's my home value my investment uh is in your hands uh in the future of this town and the way it operates. Um, like I said in my email today, you know, none of us are using our, you know, we're not using borrowed money or or savings uh to pay for our daily uh daily
expenses. Um, and I don't think the town should uh do the same. Um, so thank you guys for responding to me and and acknowledging my voice via email and I truly appreciate you guys. >> Thank you very much, Jose. Uh, any other
speakers? Going once, going twice. All right, Mr. Lasso. >> Good afternoon. George Lazo, 8808 Northwest, 143rd Terrace, Miami Lakes, Florida
33018. Um, honorable mayor, members of the town council, uh, Mr. Town Manager, distinguished madame clerk, I will be very brief, so I won't need a motion for extension this time.
Uh, I just wanted to um uh basically lay out the the groundwork. um since you know this uh came up um since the first hearing uh I know we've made you guys made uh tremendous progress as far as
the issue of uh trying to lower the property taxes. Um I know it's hard work. I know you guys spend a lot of time uh working on this issue on this matter of grave importance. you know, my stance on this
issue was. Um, I'm certain that maybe there's a possibility. It's up to you to you and maybe we can do a little bit better. Depends on, you know, many factors, but
that's up to you to to determine and decide what what factors uh to take into consideration for this evening. Uh also uh wanted to thank each and every one of you for your hard work,
your diligence and uh makes me proud to be a Miami Laker standing before you and giving me the opportunity to voice my my concerns. So, you know, I'll be looking forward to
attending more meetings and not only with regards to this issue, but uh we have a lot of issues that are of grave importance to the town and I want to be a part of that uh process and also participate and share uh my concerns as
well. And also a big shout uh uh how you shout. to law enforcement. Uh many people really, you know, they don't mention the hard work and dedication that law enforcement officers do throughout the
town. So, uh especially along Northwest 154th Street with the traffic issues and and so forth. So, kudos to them. They're doing a terrific job. With that being said, you have my address and where I
live. Feel free to come by the house. At least say hello. Don't wait till the elections come up and knock on the door. George, how are you? Let me have a bottle of water. No, you're free to come anytime.
Mikasa esukasa. Okay. And we'll share and compart a little bit. Take care. God bless. >> Thank you, George. You'll be happy to hear, George, that the manager and I were in your neighborhood recently. uh you know trying to resolve issues. We've
identified a few trees that were knocked over in the swailes that we have to put up right among other things but we'll come by with some cafe leche and some to enjoy with you. >> All right. Any other speakers here in chambers? Okay. Uh seeing >> you feel like the pallet of water
comment was towards me. >> Uh with that said. All right. Madam clerk, anyone online? >> Yes. No one online. No participants. However, I did receive I don't know maybe two hours ago and I shared with all of you via email a a written public
comment from Lynn from Miss Lin Moss in regards to staff the serving uh cost of living increase. So you all have it and thank you. I just wanted to put that for the record. >> Okay. Excellent. With that public
comments is now closed. Council, we are now on item 7A uh which are ordinances on second reading which are public hearings. Uh this is the ordinance adopting the millage rate for fiscal year 202526. Mr. Attorney, please read the ordinance into the record. >> An ordinance an ordinance of the town of
Miami Lakes, Florida adopting the millage rate of the town of Miami Lakes for the fiscal year commencing October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 pursuant to section 200.065 065 Florida statutes, providing for directions to tax collector, providing for notice,
providing for uh conflicts, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date. >> Point of order. >> Mayor, >> I have the budget statement that I got to read into. >> Yeah. Read the statement and then we'll go to the vice mayor. >> The proposed millage rate for the town
of Miami Lakes fiscal year 202526 is 2.2459. This rate is an increase of point 0.1727 over the prior year rate of 2.0732.
The gross taxable value for operating purposes is 5 bill242,62,899. The proposed millage rate will generate 11,184,492 in advorum revenue budgeted at 95% collection rate. The propo the proposed millage rate of 2.2459
is 15.8% above the rolled back rate of 1.9400. >> Okay, with that, Mr. Vice Mayor. >> Thank you, mayor. I move to table item 7A until after consideration of 7B. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second.
>> Okay, it was moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. >> I. All >> oppose. No. The eyes have it. The motion carries. And 7A is deferred until after consideration of item 7B. With that 7B, ordinance approving and adopting the
budget for fiscal year uh 2025 2026. Mr. Attorney, please read the ordinance into the record. >> All right. Okay. So, we're going to do the same thing we did the last time. >> That is correct. >> An ordinance of the town of Miami Lakes, Florida, approving and adopting the budget for the town of Miami Lakes for
fiscal year 2025 2026. Providing for expenditure of funds, providing for amendments, providing for carryover of funds, providing for the incorporation of the adopted capital budget as the capital improvement element of the comprehensive plan, providing for conflicts, providing for severability,
and providing for an effective date, >> Mr. Mayor. Okay, with that, um, to get us in the proper posture for discussion, I need a a movement and a second. I'll go ahead and move it. Is there a second? >> Seconded by Councilman Garcia. With that, we are in discussion, beginning with Councilman Garcia.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you again. It's been a long process. I want to thank the staff for everything they've done. Um, I think this is the right posture to to go over again in the second reading here trying to find more cuts to see how we can lower the
military as far as possible. Um, I I want to start with uh a couple things. Um, I want to start with instead of going line by line, I just want to jump to a couple things. Um, the cost of living adjustments for for the council.
Um, I don't know if they're still there, but I'd like to make an amendment to remove that for us. I don't think we should have a cost of living adjustment or any type of uh any type of uh increase in our in our u in anything we're getting. I don't know if that's been removed or not. Uh, has that been
removed that that was already removed? >> Perfect. >> It's on page 31. The first >> It's against the charter. >> Yeah. Hold on. Hold on. One at a time. Mr. Attorney, can you please address this? I believe you've addressed it before, but my understanding is that per the charter, uh the idea is that uh the
council compensation can be increased, but it cannot be reduced. >> I've got to look at it off the top of my head. I I I don't think you're wrong, but I've got to look at it. >> Deputy point of clarification. >> So, while while he pulls that up, I'll allow the vice mayor to go Oh, you you
have it. Okay. >> Yeah. Section 2.6a, council members shall serve without compensation. Council members and the mayor shall receive a payment in the amount of 400 per month as reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. This payment shall be increased but not decreased annually in an amount equal to the percentage
increase if any in the consumer price index for the Miami area all categories. And then section B is the council may by ordinance establish a salary for the mayor. That's it. >> Okay. >> Sounds to me like you can't recourse. >> Sounds It sounds to me like you're not allowed to do >> one at a time, Mr. Attorney. >> It sounds to me like you're not allowed
to do it. From what I just read, it sounds to me like it has to be increased by cost of living. >> Yeah. And and I do remember that we've discussed this a few times uh before, but um but continue. You still have the floor. >> Yes, sir. Thank you so much. And I also um one of the residents mentioned the uh
background checks uh and I thought that that was taken out, but looking at it still there. I'd like to uh consider an amendment to uh have the coaches pay for those background checks and not the talent. when it comes to background checks for any any uh
>> if I may uh to help you with that motion again I believe this is a contractual obligation so we can't unilaterally uh go ahead and and mandate that and that that was something too that we that came up in discussion pre previously but I think if your motion is for to direct the the manager and the attorneys to
revisit that option yes sir >> um then I think you know that that would be more appropriate in terms of procedurally uh so would that be your motion >> that would be my motion any other any other background checks for any other uh town of town town sports or town to to actually look at that as well to to make
that something that the the residents or the coaches have to pay for. >> Okay. So, just to restate the motion for the clerk, uh council van Garcia's motion is to direct the the manager and the attorneys to go ahead and review uh any background checks related to our organized sports programs and to try to
ensure that they are not borne by the ML taxpayer and instead they're put on the participants in the club. Would that be a >> All right. With that, is there a second? >> That's >> I'll second. >> Okay. It's been moved and seconded. U you you want >> I'd like to Yeah. Wait a minute. >> Okay. The manager would like or the the
attorney would like to apply. >> I want to understand you're not asking that we look at the background checks or evaluate the background. Right. You're not. Okay. So then you're just you're asking us to make sure that
>> well to review to see if uh for those contracts which we know it's at least in the Optimus Park contracts with the club and maybe perhaps with the soccer club Man Leagues United as well to look at those uh uh uh to look at those contracts and see if they require that
we pick up the tap for the background checks and if if so to go ahead and approach those organizations about them uh passing on that cost instead. said to their participants instead of having us pay those costs, right? >> Fair enough. >> Okay. >> All right. So, it's been moved and
seconded. Any more discussion on this particular motion? >> Okay. Uh, Councilman Cuadra Garcia. >> Well, when we get there. Yeah. But but we're going to go uh, you know, as everyone has the floor and they can make their motions and then, you know, we'll go from there. Mr.
>> Peter, just to be clear, um, this is something we'll have to do and and work on prospectively. So, it really won't affect tonight's budget because we don't know what the outcome is, >> right? >> That was going to be my comment. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> And, uh, nonetheless, I did want to just
uh appine, as council member Garcia has suggested, I don't like the item. Um, >> even at the lower amount, it didn't really make sense to me. We're we're giving them the use of the field. Uh, we are doing a lot for them. Um but uh in
any case, I I just think that um it does not make any sense for us to be paying even more so now where the amount has increased so drastically. Granted, it's no one's fault. It's it's the state's fault the state mandated a new requirement that makes the the the
background check far more expensive, but um you know, in a year where we're making this level of cuts, you got members of our of some of our committees here begging us not to slash their budgets. And yet here we are paying a third party organization uh for for
that. And and to be clear, I am a big big big fan and supporter of the Optimus program as well as Miami Lakes United. I love what they do for our community. Um but what's fair is fair and subsidies as uh Miss Lucas mentioned, it's not
something that leaves a good taste in my mouth. >> And uh I think it's safe to say uh Mr. Manager and Mr. attorney that eventually, which I think there's still like another three or so years left on the agreements with these organizations, but in the future, uh I think it would
be safe to say that the town's position would be that they should bear these costs as part of uh our future renegotiations of these agreements. So, just to bear that in mind. >> Yeah, that'll be our position with when we sit down to negotiate. >> Exactly. Understood. >> Okay, with that, all those in favor of the motion say I. I.
>> All oppose, no. >> The eyes have it. The motion carries. Councilman Garcia, you still have the floor. >> Thank you. Um, for now it's I'll I'll reserve the right to come back and >> Okay. Councilman Cuadra Garcia. >> Um, basically just wanted to uh get some clarification on page 94
uh under the uh the uh item health and life insurance. Um there there's five lines and they pretty much go up and down. If somebody can give me a clarification on line number one going from the left to the right we have
96,394. Then all of a sudden it jumps over to 204,323. Then it stays at 204. It stays the same and then all of a sudden it jump it it jumps. I mean that it
drops over 10 and something thousand and then the last column it goes back to 210,912. Can somebody explain that those spikes up and down? >> Mr. Manager or Madame Budget Director.
>> Good evening, Mayor Council. Um what you're referring to I believe is in the administration section of the budget. Um, if you notice that right underneath the health insurance line, there's another line called health insurance allowance. And if you add the 84 and the 74 together, it would then
make up the budget. Um, when we budget, we budget all of uh health insurance health insurance allowance under the health insurance line item because we do not know who will opt in to the insurance or who will opt into the allowance portion. But the total amount
comes from the health insurance line. Did that answer your question, council? >> No, I'm uh I'm a little uh confused on that. Um I'm still looking at it and I just uh uh can't understand. Then later drops down uh at the very bottom to
zero. Um >> yeah, the >> Does everybody does everybody understand it? >> I I I I I at least understand it, but I'll I'll let her offer a bit more. Uh >> the zero that you see under health insurance allowance, there's no budget for that. what we budget for health
insurance and health insurance allowance is in the health insurance line item because when we start the budget year, we do not know who's going to opt in to the allowance and who is not. And then at the end of the year, we take from the health insurance line item and allocate
them the funds to the health insurance uh allowance line item. >> Councilman Quad Garcia, anything else? >> Okay, leave it at that. >> Okay. Uh Councilman Sanchez, >> no. I'd like to so they are able to go home and be with their families, discuss
the public safety committee. >> Sure. Okay. Uh well, why don't you start then with that discussion? >> Okay. Um as you know from past meetings, I have been been a very big supporter of the public safety committee with communication between our our our police
and our fire department and the residents. You look at other municipalities where the relationships are contentious or none at all with the police officers and it just the the crime rate skyrockets with what they're doing, the efforts that they're doing. And you know, we've looked at the ordinance that created them and
everything they're doing fits within the ordinance. I wholeheartedly agree that they're doing good things and believe that the money that they have left over right now, which was already earmarked because they asked us for the transfer earlier this year and we approved it, is
earmarked for the car show, be able to be transferred over into next year if they're not able to pay for those things ahead of time, especially since it's 11 days into the new fiscal year and some vendors will not show up if they're not prepaid. >> No, that makes sense. And actually, uh, yes, so that that's why I wanted to come
back to, Mr. manager. A um can can you provide some more context as to why they wouldn't be allowed to use whatever is remaining in their current budget to pay for that expense? >> Yeah, I mean I was just made aware of it today. Uh the chair sent an email at 11 just after 11:00 a.m. So, and in all
honesty, I wasn't paying attention to it. I was worried about getting uh ready for tonight's uh budget hearing. But ultimately it's if a good or service regardless of whether it's tied to a committee or anything if it's received in the following year uh like for
instance if we were to issue a work order for tree trimming and the tree trimming they can't do it before the next 5 days they they did it October 3rd it would be charged to fiscal 2526. So, uh, because the even though they're prepayments or payments or down or
deposits or down payments for some of this, the actual service is not going to be, uh, received a and they're unfortunately they're they're a victim of this, the event is right at the beginning of the fiscal year. So, it's kind of screwy. So, we can do one of two
things. either in five days we could pay anything you know that you need paid because we're in the new fiscal year or if this council elects their uh whatever balance they have or some amount that is in this fiscal year would be car uh
carried forward in the midyear budget amendment and we can we can work it out you know um now we may be opening up Pandora's box with other committees that have balances at the end of the year um but we can do one of those two things. Either pay his invoices in five days
when the new fiscal year starts or um if this committee or if this council um elects to u make pass a motion then we'll include that in um in the midyear budget amendment in March or April. >> Yeah. But I think obviously that second
option is not really viable since the event is happening much earlier in the year. We can go we can go negative right on the lines because remember what a budget the budget is just a forecast and we'll we'll budget that as if uh this action and then we'll formalize it when you do the budget
>> in essence it'll be made whole in the future. >> Correct. >> Okay. Um >> to the mayor. >> Hey Councilman Fernandez. >> So I'd like to ask uh our chair would would the vendors accept the payment five days in other words five days from
now. Do you think that you can hold them to to ask them to wait for five days? >> I I believe they will. Um I know the DJ was the one that was really pressuring, you know, the hardest and we're working with the portable restrooms as well. Uh but I'm sure for 5 days they'll hold off. I just my biggest concern I just
want to be very clear that in those five days when they are paid, they're going to be paid out of the $3,000 that I have that we have remaining this fiscal year. Right. Not unless the it would be paid out of next year's budget unless the council uh gives direction for us to uh
include that as a carry forward item. It won't be formalized until they pass the mid-year budget amendment in March and April, >> right? >> But if they give direction, then that'll be included in the uh mid-year budget amendment. It won't affect you. You'll be able to move forward. But if they elect to your balance now you I don't
know if you have any outstanding uh invoices. No, >> no. I mean I mean the the other option I just wasn't sure you know with the accounting I mean can there be an incumbrance in place where these you know dollars are earmarked that are carried over? Is that the same thing as a car? >> The only way would be for them to get
normally when a committee or any department has funds available at the end of the uh year. That's it because we do you know the year is finite. It it everything is in within those uh exact 12 months >> right? So, um whether it's a a committee
or department or whatever, it just rolls in and then that becomes a unspent money and that's what they have to deal with or or to decide on uh in the mid-year budget amendment. That's right. So, if they give us direction to do that, we can then push that through and uh that
money will be pushed into the next fiscal year, whatever balance you have. Now, your balance you say is 3,62 I think it is. >> Correct. So if if it would be whatever your balance is at the end of the year. So if there happens to be some
straggling uh invoice or whatever, it would it would take off from that. But that'll most of that would probably be uh be moved forward and we would do that once we have the close out of the fiscal year and the books are audited and then we come to the council in March and
April for the mid-year budget amendment. That's when it would happen. But that doesn't matter. I know your event is now in the first couple weeks of uh of October. You'll be able to move forward with the event and pay all your vendors and everything else. >> Understood. >> Sorry, council. >> Uh Councilman Sanchez,
>> motion on the floor to approve a carry forward of whatever funds are left over from fiscal year 2425 into 2526. >> Is there a second? >> It was seconded by the vice mayor. Uh any discussion on this? >> All right. All those in favor say I.
>> I oppose? No, the eyes haven't. Motion carries. >> Thank you, council mayor. Town management. >> All right. Um, so back on the main budget. Um, I know I had a conversation with the manager earlier today. Um, you and he
indicated that there was a pot of money. It would be a onetime infusion, but a pot of money there related to the town hall uh special revenue bond um fund of approximately $86,000 give or take. that we can move into the general fund.
Is that accurate? >> Yeah, it it's an item that um it it was brought to light as a conversation that we had with the vice mayor. The vice mayor asked us to look at that uh that debt fund for the um for the bond
payments for this building. Um we did it once about maybe four or five years ago I think during COVID or right after COVID and there was a surplus because we have the amount that that is uh kept at TD Bank for the payment of the principal and interest and it's a specific amount
that we have to have in a reserve account right but depending on as we invest the money and CDs and so forth you know there's a fluctuation of how much money goes in there so we have uh there is a slight overage Uh >> huh. >> Slight overage,
>> right? There is a slight surplus this year. Uh and it's when we did it four or five years ago, it was $130,000, but that that had been several years of uh accumulation. Now the surplus is $86,000 and that amount is is available. Uh and
that was a discussion that uh we brought forward with the vice mayor yesterday. >> Excellent. >> I thought I thought for a second that the manager was going to take credit for my idea. >> No, no, no. If you if you know Ed, you know that's not the kind of person he is. Uh but Councilman Fernandez, you wanted to take credit for my family. >> Yeah.
>> I I'd love I'd love to take that 86,000 and and give all the employees of the town a cola across the board and and refund the plants, the flowers, seasonal flowers. >> I'm with you on the on the flower planting. Um you know, but I guess we're going to have to bifurcate that into uh
two different things. And let's let's start with this motion first. You know, I would I would move that we go ahead and move that $86,000 overage from that account to the general fund and then we'll we'll figure out how we want to slice it. >> One caveat to that is the 86,000 now
increases the amount of the general fund by 86,000. >> Because of that, the 15% fund balance requirement for um goes up a hair. So, you're not going to have access to the entire 86,000. So it' be 86,000 minus
15%. >> The Melissa canus 15%. >> Somebody do the math for me. >> Yeah. >> Melissa, can you figure out what the amount from that 86? >> I'm just going to go 86. >> I'll second that motion. >> Uh, thank you. It's been moved.
>> Okay. So, it's still it still leaves some additional money to talk about for for beautifification and whatnot. Okay. It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion on the motion to transfer this money? What? >> Yeah, >> we're not we're not allocating the money anywhere uh yet. >> Well, I I I'm When you bifurcated, I kind of got lost in
>> We haven't bifrocated it yet. Okay. >> Right now, this just a motion to transfer the money into the general fund and then we can talk about Yeah. No, no further discussion. >> Any discussion on this? >> I have discussion. >> Okay. Councilman Hersburg, >> thank you. I guess I guess, you know, obviously we know none of us know where we're at on this.
>> Um I just want to be very transparent where I'm at. Uh, I think the millage and the budget we have is a good budget. Um, it's a slight tax increase. I understand that we're talking about using a one-time source to lower the millillage. Uh, it's a decent pot of money and listen, that's not a bad idea
to put in the general fund, but it won't be there next year, right? Um, the millage that we're pro the increase we're providing for the average home in Miami Lakes is $4.30 30 cents a month. For our senior citizens, which I believe
we are trying to protect the most, it's less. The vast majority of those homes are not assessed at 300,000 with all the savings. And and we have $100,000 in our budget for a rebate program for low-income seniors. And we didn't move
the franchise fee. It's at 3%. We're the only municipality in Miami Date County that has it 3%. Everyone else is 5.25 25 or over with most at 5.9. So this idea that we're the talk of the county, talk of the town, we're not because when you look at our tax rate
compared to other, you go to Halia Gardens, they're paying twice as much in taxes. You go to Miami Springs, three times as much in taxes for the same exact town and none of them provide fire service either like us. So I'm comfortable with our budget. I'm comfortable. I think we did a really
good job moving money around. If there is waste, I'll vote for it. If there are additional revenue streams, I'll vote for it. I prefer not to vote for one-time streams, but I'll vote for continuous revenue streams that we can find. Like the idea for the crossing guards, I love that. I don't know if the
county found us, but for the first time, we are for in a very long time, we're fully funding green space and parks. I think we owe staff the opportunity to see how that fully funded budget works. If it doesn't work for us, we can come
back next year and move it down. You know, for four or five, six, seven dollars a month, I I do think it's worth the opportunity and for the future, right? Uh if you look at the millage rate history, it's a continuous progression down, but there were many years that it was stuck stayed at the
same rate. And I think this is the millillage that we can stick with for many, many years. So, I'm interested in hearing from everybody, but I I just want to make it clear that I think we've done a good job. I think our millillage and this budget is responsible. Uh you can't look at other
municipalities and say we're not responsible because we are and we'll be talk I'm bringing up item about that for October regarding what the state house is trying to do. But I think we've done a good job and for and I do ask for the people that want to vote no, give me the
cuts, right? Well, well, again, just just to remind everybody, we're still just on transferring that 86,000. >> I know. I think it's important that we know where we're at. >> Yeah. >> Right. So, uh the transferring 86,000. Listen, um it's a onetime thing. I don't know where I'm at. I'll hear from
others. >> Yeah. Well, I'll tell you this, um, that for me the 86,000 is, and I agree with a lot of the points you made on the broader budget, which I'll I'll come back to give my remarks as we get to the final vote on that. But, uh, for me, the 86,000 is a way of trying to preserve
some of the cuts that were made, yes, with the onetime funding source. But what I'm banking on at least or at least what I'm hoping will happen is that once the final pizzy settlement is not an issue to deal with and hopefully we won't have the same increase in the police budget that we did this year, you know, to that extent that that will give
us some room, you know, to basically continue to um be able to pay for those things that I'm hoping to cover with the 86,000. Um, you know, and and because again, I also don't like to use onetime funding sources uh for recurring cost, right? it was has been a big feature of my time on this council going on seven
years now. And uh you know again it's not something I regularly want to do but again like everything from the the tree planters or the planters that we had talked about that we were looking at at changing with native plants and everything which would not be as aesthetically pleasing for Miami Lakes right for the standard that we have as
well as other beautifification related items. You know I just wanted to have this pot of money in play there to uh to repay that. Um, and I guess we'll figure out now as a as we get into more discussion on the budget generally how we want to allocate that 86,000, but I just wanted to have it in play uh at
least for the planters and then maybe uh a couple other items that we can afford as part of that chair. >> Hey, Mr. Vice Mayor. >> So, I guess I I wanted to clarify um in in what the manager was saying um what is the downside to pulling this money
out? What is the >> What is the downside to pulling the money out other than the 15% increase? >> Other than the fact that it is a one-time shot, but it is not money that will have to be restored later. It is a one it's surplus. >> It does not need to be restored. >> It does not have to be replaced later.
So, as as a counterpoint to what Councilman Herszburg said, uh, which in all fairness, I really do agree with everything he said, and I'm also not a big fan of um these one-time revenues, but I do see this in a different light.
I don't necessarily see this as us rating a capital project fund for the purpose of of benefiting the general fund. I see this as what was the word that was just thrown around, which was surplus. I see this as we're giving the residents back money that they paid to
us or to the county or to the state and in turn ends up back with us. Uh and in the form of a t tax break, right? Uh because it directly reflects on the millillage once it's on the general fund. So I I see it as as a uh putting
the money into the pocket where it belongs, which is the resident's pocket. Uh so that's why I'll be supporting transferring it. and then I'll get into further discussion on where it should go in a moment >> through the chair. >> Was that Councilman Garcia? Yes. >> Yes. Thank you. Um Vice Mayor, my
colleagues make great points. Um and I'd like to just counterpoint on why I think it's a good idea. Um it's $74,000, right? That we don't that that is not going to affect us uh in that way. We're not pulling it from a capital project for one time. The mayor was correct. The
PZ settlement will not be a factor next year. the the police uh budget for next year. The mayor's going to have more time to speak to the sheriff. He's established a good relationship with the sheriff and uh I I think that uh she's received a lot of push back from the
from the contract cities on what a big hit this was. So hopefully we can we can work. Nobody wants to defund any any police or any any uh officers or anything like that. But even officers and even the sheriff's department has to recognize that the the inflationary uh measures and problems that we're having
as a as a town, they're dealing with as well. So they have to be flexible with us as well. Uh so that's why I I think this is a good exercise finding even look today, yesterday, this week, we're still finding areas and I and I applaud the manager and I applaud the the mayor for talking about it. It's
a good exercise. We're we're we're exercising the muscle that we're going to need in the future because as you know the state is is is thinking about changing the way we uh we we receive our revenues and there might be some major changes when it comes to abalorum taxes in the next couple years. Who knows? So,
this exercise that we've done this budget season, although it's difficult, although it's brought some animosity and and and I apologize if I've brought any animosity to the table, is a good exercise and it makes us stronger for any changes that are going to happen in the future when it comes to how we fund
our services. So, I agree with a lot of things you're saying, but I think this is a good way of of showing, hey, there's still areas that that that we can find money to lower the tax rate. So, I think it's a good exercise for us because next year I think it's going to be more difficult especially if the state changes uh the way we we collect
revenue. But thank you so much. >> Chair, uh I saw a hand up on my left first. Uh Councilman Sanchez and then Councilman Guad Garcia. I'm going to be in favor of this transfer, but I also need to was I don't
remember if it was a resolution or ordinance at the last council meeting that the mayor brought forward that carry forward funds 50% of them will be allocated to the next fiscal year for seven years and 30% in perpetuity after that. So even carry forward, we're still
going to have that influx year-over-year that's going to move into the next year in order to help for for the foreseeable future balance a budget. Um there are other cuts that that you know with with notes between the first meeting and the second meeting that I've done that that
I'm aware of and and you know they there are cuts that are that are not going to make everyone comfortable. I completely understand that. But my background I mean Navy for four years active duty and four years in the reserves and I worked for the federal government and and you know I gave good news and I gave bad
news and I gave I told people that we need proofs and you know we they they would provide the proofs and then I would move on to the next steps. So it's it's you know I'm I'm a big believer of of trust but verify but you know the ideas that the mayor came up with of moving that 50% to next year and and the
vice mayor of bringing this money forward they're great ideas. They really are. And it's, you know, it might be a one-time thing right now, but with that carry forward, it's just going to happen continuously. >> Yeah. >> Councilman Garcia, thank you for that. By the way, >> Mr. Mayor, just let me know when we're
on the topic of the uh the uh the trees, the ornaments, and uh when we're on the topic of the senior citizens. >> Okay. Yeah, I'll let you know. Uh with that, on this uh on this motion, all those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> All oppose, no. The eyes have it. The
motion carries. Okay, with that I'll turn it over back to my colleagues on on whatever motions you have. Mr. Vice, >> do we need a motion? Um, I guess the point I agreed to the manager, do we need a motion to allocate the first 15% of that to the what is it? The
>> we have to do it by by the the fund balance ordinance. So the net amount that you'll have kind of like at your disposal 73,100. So I think he's saying by operation of law it's already >> So you don't need a motion. You just we just need to allocate the 73,000. How much? >> 7,3100.
>> 731. Okay. >> All right. So, Councilman Fernandez, I believe you had a motion. >> Well, my my motion stands. I mean, the the fact is that um I was the only no vote and when we when we were mulling
over the budget the first time. I do believe that our staff and I have, you know, no everybody knows I have I have no skin in the game. I don't have any family member that is on staff. I just think that they do a great job. They really work. I mean, I've being also a
chair of of our of our neighborhood improvement committee, our past chair. I worked with some of the liaison. I worked for many years with Susana. And those are just examples, but I think that the staff overall does a great job. I don't want to see them. I want all of them to get the colon, but you know, I
know it was turned down before. I would I would propose that and certainly the to to refund the the flower beds that we took away from with the last budget. >> Are you including it together or >> No, I'll do it separately. I'll do it separately. >> So, which one would you like to start
with? >> I'll start with the cola. >> I'll second it for discussion. >> Okay. It's been moved and seconded on uh and just to be clear, applying the COLA to those employees making above 100,000. Yeah. Um which I believe affects 12 employees. Okay. Mr. Vice Mayor, I would
just like to ask through the chair to the budget director. Um, how is there a dollar number on this? >> It's kind of hard to make this decision. >> I I'm working on it right now, actually. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. So, >> for the general fund, it's going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of
$50,000. But because some of the the folks that are on that list, the dirty dozen, as I lovingly call them, um some of them are funded, their salaries are funded by uh storm water or um
storm water or um >> building building fund. Sorry, sorry, had a >> let me let me just ask a question for a future discussion. Uh once you do have that number. Um, whatever work you're doing right now, if later on I say, hey,
instead of what did we approve 3%. Instead of three, 1.5 or something like that, is that something that you could then easily plug into whatever formula you find out >> if it's for all um staff? Yes. But if it's switching, oh, only this amount gets this and this other amount. But if
it's for everyone, yes, I can I can do very quickly. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. And um I'd like to actually uh move to table this discussion until we receive a response uh because it's kind of hard to allocate money if we >> 100%. I agree.
>> Okay. Uh is there a second on that? >> So I'll second. I'll second. >> Okay. It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All oppose. No. >> The eyes have it and the motion is laid on the table. And we'll come back to that later. >> Do you want to make your motion on the uh >> Could I could I just This is really the only thing I'm I'm really passionate
about. I'll just continue and say my motion would be to refund the seasonal flowers in the intersections. >> I'll second that. Um and as in my uh as a secondary, I'll just take a moment just to get some remarks in first.
Again, I I think beautifification is one of the things that is paramount in the town of Miami Lakes. It's I was on neighborhood improvement. It clearly shows how important it was for me. I know you were on neighbor improvement. Councilman Sanchez was on neighbor improvement. you got two prior chairs here for neighborhood improvement, you
know, so I think uh I think that this is an area that we shouldn't skimp on, right? And then when I ran, I would like, you know, a lot of rhetoric is thrown out there about campaign promises made and as far as I'm concerned, I'm still keeping them. I said I would keep taxes low, right? That doesn't mean perpetual cuts. You know, obviously as
fiscal conservatives, we have bills we have to pay that we understand we have to pay and we understand that there are things that we want to pay for that are considered core services in this town. And at some point the numbers are what the numbers are, right? And you know, and to the point made by Councilman Herszburg, another thing I want to point
out is that where there are cities now for the first time in 10, 12 years that are cutting taxes because of pressure from the governor's office or just because pressure from their residents, the reality is that Miami Lakes has cut taxes four times in the last 12 years. And I think we need to keep that uh in mind that where other cities are now
playing catch-up trying to give their residents relief, we have been doing it continuously even when times were better. Um, so you know, with that, the other the last thing I want to make about this particular motion is I think that this is something that, you know, really makes the character of the town and is really in the grandest scheme of
things not a huge expense and I'm fully supporting that back into the budget. Uh, Mr. Vice Chair >> and then Councilman Hzburg and then Councilman Garcia. >> Okay. Um, first and foremost, a very brief uh question or point to the budget
director on what she's doing is just um Do your calculations also include an increase to F FRS as a result of those increases? Yes. >> Okay. Just wanted to make sure um that I didn't want like a accidentally get hit by >> just to be clear. So if you decided to
say maybe reduce it to a 2.5 or a 2%. I just would change the percentage and it would populate everything else. >> Thank you so much. Um and then now turning to the U motion. I apologize for taking that out of order. Um >> yeah. So, so
beautifification is what separates Miami Lakes from Halia and from Dorado and from unincorporated aid. You know you're in Miami Lakes. We don't need entry features in Miami Lakes to be honest with you. You know, you're in Miami Lakes because of how of the beautifification efforts, because of the
greenery, the the the flowers. Um do do I support bringing in more native species? Absolutely I do. they they are more hearty uh and and they uh they serve a role. Um do I think that we can
afford flowers? No. Um my question on this is just a clarification on when we when we voted on this. What did we cut exactly? Yeah. >> Because because on the budget what I see is a >> you didn't cut anything officially. >> Yeah. I was going to say we took this
under advice. So the flower change the amount of money that was under was is still there fully funded. The direction was for us to go and explore uh changing out for native plants or for even just sod or something else. But the the
actual motion and uh uh that amended the budget never was made. So the the the flower change out all of that is still fully funded. >> So then to be clear, the motion on the table is to restore funding, but the funding is there and it was never taken. So, uh, I I'll move the table
indefinitely because it's the council. >> Wait, there was some commentary to and so again, continue with the prior order, Councilman Hersburg, then Councilman Garcia. >> So, first, I don't know if it's appropriate to move the table because I think we've probably amended the budget. It should be the money is supposed to be meant for native plants to plant native plants and then get rid of the line
item. That's my point. The bud the amendment was I I moved is my item so I'll talk about it. Um I it was to get rid of it, but then we realized, well, you got to plant something to get rid of it. So we said, well, we'll leave the
35,000 there, but the 35,000 is now to go and and and plant native plants. So then next year, we're not seeing this line item anymore. In my opinion, I'm going to be knowing this, $35,000 a year for flowers that get changed, that get run over, that don't look good after a
month. it. I think we can get plants that look really good and are low maintenance and I think we do need to make sure we we make put that effort in. I'm sure parks does. Um so you know that that's all this is this is not a cost savings for this fiscal year at all. Uh
the money's there. It's just a direction of is the money going to be used for native plants or is the money going to be used for quarterly flower changes. I would love to not see that line item next year. I think it's a lot of money to quarterly change flowers and I'm sure parks can find some really nice looking
plants that don't need to be changed every quarter. So that's all to the chair. >> Councilman Garcia and then Councilman Cuadra Garcia and then the vice mayor. >> Thank you mayor and mayor. You're correct. Beautifification is is I think everybody in the town appreciates what we do to to do that. But two things
could be true at the same time. Native species can be very beautiful. Uh and again we're going to save money in the future. And also native native species uh have less water and again those areas could be used for retention for flooding as well. Uh most towns are or a lot of
towns in the country are are going native to to to be able to not only mitigate flooding but also save money on on flowers. So I think two things could be true at the same time. So, I know I've mentioned this for years about pilot programs and our swailes, uh,
retention ponds, you know, uh, native species. That's that's not a, um, that's not something that this is a long-term project. So, I you're right, beautifification is the key, but I think there's a lot of beautiful native species that we can we can add to and they're more robust as well because the the the worst thing I the what people
hate to see is cars driving over flowers and also flowers after a couple of weeks just dead and you're like, man, they just spent you see the crews there for hours doing that and then two weeks later they're dead. So, um I think two things could be true at the same time. So, I'm I'm for keeping the native
species and uh not planting flowers, uh you know, going forward. If there's some sort of hybrid we can do, if we we find we can save some money, I appreciate that. But I think we can do both. >> Councilman Guada Garcia, >> thank you. Um I echo on that. Took away
my words. Uh Ray, Mr. Garcia. Basically, um I have traveled through 154 at certain times of the night and seen our landscape being overwatered. A lot of people don't understand or know that
overwatering plants actually kill them. Okay. So basically, yes, we can do much better getting uh native trees that are hybrid that don't need we don't we don't need this. So, uh, basically consider
consider um looking into actually I was going to bring you a couple I was going to bring you a couple from a nursery, but I've been very busy shopping for the automobiles and they
take a lot of hours. So, the next thing I'm going to do is I'm going to bring those hybrid trees. Uh, and I'm going to probably have a couple here. I have one that hasn't been watered. and it's not synthetic in ages and it's
beautiful. So again, consider uh what you guys have been talking about, but those that we're we're changing every 3 months or every four months, we're wasting money. Let's be very careful. Okay? So, uh let's let's find a better alternative. We could do much better.
>> Thank you. Uh Mr. Vice Mayor, for a question. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, I'd like to ask um directors uh Santos and Bajun. Uh, >> Badon. >> My god, I'm never going to get this. I'm
just going to start calling you I'm just going to start calling you Honey Badger. >> Oh, Bag Down. >> Bag Down. Oh, that's a lot easier. >> Why didn't you start with that unique name? >> So, I asked both because it's a public works item, but it's public works green space. So, I think the funding goes to you, but then the project goes to him if
I'm not mistaken. >> Uh, Which one is it? >> This item of the flowers. Uh because the item I'm looking at is under public works, green screen space, repair and maintenance. And then it's an $821,000 item. Grounds is 369. Uh FDOT right away
47. And then in there is flowers, landscape beds, and culde-sac 101,000. Is that what we're talking about here? >> That is what you're talking about right now. Um, where is this like like what exactly is that 101,000 uh paying for visually? Is this the the the medians?
It's not the entry features because that has its own land. >> Correct. So, this is your culde-sacs as well as your flowers. >> So, the 101 is your landscaping that is not your your 300. I can't remember the number right now for the other main contract, but this is your culde-sacs and then your landscaped areas which are the flower beds.
>> Where are the flower beds? uh along all the um what is the name here? Bullnosses. So various bullnoses throughout all the rideway. Bullnose. So it's the end of a median. >> Where's that? >> Bullnose. >> Yeah. Bullnose street >> at the end of the median where there's >> that's what that thing is called.
>> That's called a bullnose. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. Yeah. >> So So this is uh the rights of way in basically the most visible parts of our town and also called the sex which we want to be nice. Right. >> Correct.
>> Okay. Um, do does the I guess the question that I had have then not just for you guys. I wanted to thank you for that because I wanted to clarify what exactly we were talking about because no one here ever talked about reducing the the funding for our entry features which also have flowers
and funding allocated for that if I'm not mistaken. >> That would still come through landscape. So when you see the entry features that is the actual feature itself. So either I'm getting an Amber alert. I think we all are. >> Oh, me too. >> Um that is specifically for all landscaping. The entry feature is the
entry feature itself. So either the pump for the if it has a water feature, the lighting if there's a lighting or the actual maintenance, pressure washing, cleaning of the actual structure. >> So this item does include the entry features, flowers. >> Flowers. Correct. >> Okay. Yeah. In that case, I'm definitely not wanting to touch it. But um what I
will ask my colleagues is I see this back and forth regarding native versus flowers. I agree there are very nice uh native plants. I think flowers are very nice. Um I don't necessarily think that this is an item that needs to get resolved today. We can
budget the item and then staff to instruct staff later. Uh it's not like we're >> the item's already budgeted. >> Yeah, the item's already budgeted. So that's why I was actually moving to >> I will I >> well I think everybody wanted to make their comments first and then >> I will I just wanted I want to make sure
well I mean I we could give the direction to just say no to let's talk about in October I'll bring something forward >> I'll bring it forward I'll bring it forward in October guys >> with that said >> yeah that's the one thing thank you director Santos is just know that the next change out >> is supposed to be right now at the
beginning of the fiscal year >> like when >> like if I would say start ripping out first week of October and start placing that same weekend. >> I mean, >> so it's the first day of the quarter every every >> is it possible to push it back a couple of weeks?
>> We can. It's just they are growing at an exponential rate. We did colas this year and as you can see they are already about four feet high. So they're going to get to a point where they're extremely tall and cutting will just make it look worse. So we're kind of in an in between right here. Well, I I would say and in the absence of direct
instruction from the council, do what you would been doing and that and then if in October we decide to change that, we do. But uh yeah, I don't think it's an issue that we need to discuss. >> And not just that, the bullnose on Miami Lakes Drive and 79th Avenue that got run that was run over. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. But again, you know, and I we'll close with this and then we'll take up the motion to table. Um, you know, again, I I personally like the flowers are there now and I know a lot of residents that do. Um, you know, they do help to drain obviously, right? Because they're they're not synthetic. They're
real plants, you know. But the point is that they draw down the water into the roots and everything. So, they also do their part with flood mitigation. But their brightness though, too, whether people want to acknowledge or not, is a big feature of what makes them so nice compared to some of the local the local flora that we might, you know, choose to
put in later. But again, it's a moot point right now. Um, and we're going to have time to discuss it in more detail later. And again, these are some of the smaller debates that we're that we'll have on the council. But with that, the the vice mayor made a motion to table indefinitely. I'll second it. All those
in favor say I. I. All oppose. No. >> No. >> One. No. Um, and and uh any just be clear, just one no. That would be Councilman uh Garcia. Okay. And so the motion is the item is tabled indefinitely. All right. So, we're back
in on the main budget 7B. So, our other motions, Councilman Sanchez, I don't know if you want to take it up. Okay, please continue. >> I do. So, I'd like to go um I have a few items for discussion for either removal, first removal or reallocation into the
special funds. Um the first item I'd like to discuss is professional services. And this is more a question for the attorneys. professional services and financial institution fees. I'm just wondering if this is a double dip or if you can explain the difference. There is a line item. It says line of credit
legal services for believe this has to yes line of credit legal services in the amount of $32,500. Then there's another line item that says financial institution fees and that has a line of credit council fee of 10,500.
What is the difference between the two? I think K might be able to answer that. >> It's for the line of credit. But >> right, but it's legal fees in both senses. >> So, so there are legal fees that were related to the hiring of the bond council that we're talking about. >> But would that be the line of credit
legal fees or the council fee? >> I believe that's the through the mayor towards I could provide some clarity on this. Um there >> I met with uh staff, which by the way, I do need to thank the staff uh for sitting with me and uh going through
this uh for I think it was like three hours or more uh at a time when they're so busy. Um but they did explain this issue and then I think um uh K can provide further clarity, but essentially our uh legal team is going to be able to
uh provide this at a far lower cost. So, the issue has kind of resolved it itself. Um, I don't know, K if you're ready to present on that or if you need a moment. >> There's I mean, and K can answer this, but there are some fees that we're going to have to pay for the bank's legal counsel. I think it's about5 or $6,000.
Our fees, which were about 20 are >> they reduced their $15,000 fee to like 10 and then their $10,000 fee to five or something like that. Correct. >> Uh K can explain it better. 20,000 has been >> the issue essentially resolved itself >> or not itself it got resolved thanks to
us asking thanks to Councilman Herszburg bringing up the idea >> but I think when you're done when we're done we're going to have some more allocation because the town's legal fees is zero thank you very much to to the town attorney um >> for the 10,500
>> for the 10 no our legal fees the the budgeted legal fees for us were higher those were the 32 about 20 the 10,500 is for the lenders legal fees which I don't know what they're quoting at now. >> So we're bringing down the 32,000 to zero. >> So which fee are we bringing down that's currently on the budget?
>> So >> K grant finance director. So for this particular line item, professional services, uh it will be reduced by the legal service by $32,000
because our attorneys will be um um >> paying for it, >> handling the the the line of credit and it will also be reduced by $15,000 for the financial advisory services. So,
>> so this particular line item will be reduced by 32 plus >> 15. >> That is correct. >> Okay. Well, that that's some savings there. That's great news. >> What about on the bank side? Because that's that's in some other line, right?
>> On the bank side, there were changes to from what was originally thought because of the change to uh renewal instead of new issue. So, >> and just to make sure, the line line of credit financial advisory service is just going to go down from 25 to 10,000. If you're reducing 15,000 is going to go
from 25 to 10 line of credit uh financial advisory service. >> The line of credit the bank transaction fees I'm sorry the line of credit commitment fee will go down to 10,000
and the bank council fee will go down to 5,000. So yes. Okay, hold on. These are >> How much were they originally? K. >> There's a lot of modifications. >> The line of credit commitment fee was 26,250. >> And that's going to go down to 10. >> That's going to go down to 10.
>> So that's 16,000 savings, right? >> Yes. >> And the back council fee is going to go down to five >> from >> from 10,000. >> So five more. >> So that's 11,000. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. 21,000. 21 plus 47 68,000
between the whole >> Okay, my next question um is for postage and delivery. We have a proposed budget for that >> specifically for postage. >> Just wanted >> of $20,000.
One second. There's a point of order on >> um your cut. I I would like to go through your cut and get remove it from the budget. So, you want to I mean I I don't know how you want to do it. If you want to do each cut motion by motion, right? Shouldn't we >> his cut >> the cut on the legal fees and everything? We never made a motion. Never voted on it.
>> It's already done. We didn't make the motion. It was already done. >> It's not It's not in the budget >> now. It is. >> Well, no, >> but it was done before we even had the meeting. >> No, those the original numbers are still in the budget, right? >> Right. So, you'd have to We need a motion to reduce it down to the new
numbers. >> I want you to make Yeah. your motion so we can get rid of that. So, I'll put a motion to reduce illegal fees by what Miss Grant just stated. >> Second. >> Motion has been made by council member Sanchez, seconded by council member Fernandez. Any discussion? >> May I make a comment? >> Uh, yes.
>> Please understand that this is projected. We have not gotten um final final uh commitment from Bank United as yet what their fees are. So, this is just an estimated amount. By
when will we have the final decision like final numbers? When do we sign on a dollar line for the line of credit? >> It the closing probably won't happen until after the the the current one expires December 31st. >> So next year >> but there's there's like an ordinance that has to come before you. So we have
to bring you for two readings October November. There's a resolution that has to come. It'll come in one of the two months. So then the actual closing will probably happen at the beginning of January sometime after uh >> Okay. >> Right. And then at that time we can possibly amend some funds and with the
carry forward allocate back. >> Yeah. >> If possible. >> Madam finance director, uh some of my colleagues are actually I think we're all throwing around the same question. What is the total savings on on this projected >> 68? >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Beautiful,
>> right? Amazing. >> Everyone needs to send uh Councilman Herszburg a Christmas card >> and and our attorneys. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Okay. >> Okay. Any further discussion or comments
from staff understanding uh that this this is a projection. >> Yeah, >> this is a projection. Um so motion has been made, seconded by Councilman uh Fernandez. Any further discussion? Hearing none, those in favor say I. >> Against say nay. >> Hearing none.
>> Motion passes. Um back to Councilman uh Sanchez. Thank you for the point of order. Okay. I have an item um postage and delivery $20,000 a year. I'm aware that >> which department? >> Say again. >> Which department? >> It's town administration. >> Thank you.
>> Yes. Um $20,000 a year that we're that we're sending out. I know that for zoning requests, the the fees for that postage comes from what the the resident pays for that zoning. Um and other fees for for mailers come from the town clerk's office. So, what are we mailing
at $20,000 a year from which departments and things like that? Because in the years that I've been a resident of Miami Lakes, I haven't received anything in the mail from Miami Lakes except for zoning change requests. >> While they get you an answer, I can also tell you I actually asked the same
question and uh >> apparently this also incorporates a lot of our code compliance letters. Uh so all of those violation and I see director Angel getting up. So, um, this also includes all of the notice of violations, warnings, notices of
hearings, stuff like that. Uh, so that's where it really jumps up and there's a return on investment because of the fines. >> Yeah. Plus, plus the um for the planning and zoning things items, remember that this is an expense line. So, even if there's an offset, that would be
captured in a in a revenue line. >> Okay. >> Yes. We don't put the net amount. We put the expense in the expense side and the revenue in the revenue side. But but for the for the code compliance portion where we're mailing out the notices, those are not encumbered just to your department. Those are coming into the
general fund. >> Correct. >> I'm sorry. Can you repeat the question? >> So when someone receives a code violation that we paid to mail it out to them and they come in to pay it. The funds that come, >> you're talking about the fines and all that that goes back into the general fund. >> The general fund, not is not encumbered into the building department. >> Nothing to do with the building. No.
>> Okay. Thank you. Hold on. There's more. Well, not you. that got covered. Okay, now we're going to get into a little bit of the deeper stuff that is going to make a, you know, a few individuals uncomfortable.
I understand. It's just it's it's part of my background. Um, travel and pdeium and that ties into education and training and it ties into subscription and me and memberships. you know, it's it's we have for travel and pdeium
15,000 subscription and memberships $12,000 and education and training $13,000. Um, this is a year where we, you know, we, as the mayor said, we have to cut back on expenses. We, you know, and and it's it's the needs over the wants. And
I've brought it up in the past. My wife has an HR background. She has her certification, her her professional, um, HR certification or senior professional, and she has to do continuing education. And I completely understand that her company doesn't pay for those, not even to a reimbursement for them, but it's
something that is required by the company to do it. And I understand that that we're, you know, you're government employees and it's very different. But what I'm looking for, and I've brought this up multiple times, is proofs that the conferences that the the the
trainings that the subscription and memberships, we need documented proof that they're needed for the roles that they they cannot fulfill their their duties as as listed on their job description without these certifications and without going to these conferences.
>> And you know, and we sent that >> I understand and I saw it today. Yeah. But the difference between the former one from what I could tell because I've been working on spreadsheets all day like so I saw that one in between. The only difference I could tell is that where you get to the section of purpose
the word um it was required for certification. Now, I did my own my own little bit of due diligence and I went back to historical, for example, ICMA conferences. Um, and it shows there's a there's a a landing page within that
site that shows every single attendee. And I downloaded all 34. I I created a spreadsheet with 34 municipalities in it. Out of the 34, 16 were represented. So, less than half were represented at the MMA. And some municipalities had,
and I'm just talking about participating municipalities. I'm not speaking about the 28 individuals that went. I'm just saying what >> are you talking about last year's conference? >> Yes. So So it leads me to believe that they're not required that it's it's it's go learn about new things, but this is a
year that's been brought up many times. We have to hold back a little bit on on on those wants and and that's why we want those proofs. It's the same thing that goes to my past that somebody is asking me for something, you need to prove it to me. I earned and and I brought it to you, Mr. manager that I I
earned my my my benefit to go to undergrad school and even if it was a $5 book, I had to prove to the VA through a through a a a a syllabus or through a town website that I needed that $5 book for them to to pay for it and sometimes
not even pay for just reimbursement and I had to pay for it out of pocket first. So even if it's just that simple, we need that documented proof. At least I need that document approved and you know the floor is yours or m Mr. Vice Mayor.
>> Any further comment before I give my point of view on this? >> Vice Mayor, can I just ask? >> Uh, sure. Mr. Mayor, >> just specifically about last year's ICMA. ICMA. >> Um, some years they'll do it uh sometime in September and some years they'll do
the conference sometime in October. very aware. >> Unfortunately, here in Florida, as many states do, the entire budget season is in September. So, that's where we have our budget hearings and so forth. So, many cities, including our own, Tony was
able to go to represent the town uh last year. I was not able to go because um >> when you say last year, do you mean October of 24? >> A year. A year from now, a year ago. A year ago now. >> October from of 24. Uh yeah, but it wasn't October. I think
it was September last year. >> I pulled it and on the participants, both you and Tony show up as participants. >> I I've not gone to ever to an ICMA conference. >> The the big one I I I pulled it like I I can show it to you if you want to come over. No, I I don't know what you were
pulling, but I can tell you that I've never gone to an I I was going to go to one uh in 2020, but that was the year of co and I and then they completely changed the conference to a ver a virtual conference instead of uh I've not gone. So, I don't know what you may
have an conference in uh last year, Tony. Correct me if I'm wrong. Right. It was in September last year. >> Yeah. So I mean that's just specific to last year. Right. >> Right. >> And a couple years before that was the
COVID one that that's why um Right. But the thing is is it's still not addressing the requirement portion of it that this year maybe for next year but for this year that we have to tighten our belt buckle because of the last payment to Michael Pizzy because of the increase to the police services. You
know next year it's going to be this is a big hit. >> Unfortunately next year is not going to be better. Well, there's different things that we're doing with the carry half of the carry forward going into next year. There's different things that the mayor is setting up in order to get to that to that crossroad. >> Yeah.
>> So, I know for a fact that I did not go because I was my obligations were here at the at the town. So right >> I don't know what list they you may be capturing a list of members and obviously I'm a member but I I I did not attend the uh >> this is specifically for the conference
and not members just individuals that went >> while we're on the topic of travel um and while Councilman Sanchez pulls up uh that information um I was just talking with the manager because we are expected to go up to DC uh October 6th and 7th to meet with our lobbyists as well as
Senator Scott, Senator Moody Congressman Diaz Ballard and a couple others as well as part of both our federal appropriations request as well as our zip code uh change request which by the way we are now uh likely likely but you know u going to be heard marked
up as they call it in committee. Yes. Um you know which means that they feel that there's a high probability of passage right. Senator Scott is spearheading that along with speaking of which he's calling me now. um you know a you know so there's a good chance it it
might get to this yeah but this was the lobbyist this was the lobbyist that meant calling me um but if it gets out of committee there's a it'll get on the Senate floor and we believe at that juncture it might actually pass so all these years but we're getting closer and closer but he's requested that we go up on those dates so as part
of what we said I would need to uh make a motion and I'll make it now uh to set aside 25 $2500 for the manager and I to travel And whatever money is not as unused will go back to the general fund afterward. >> Yeah, mayor. >> As we stand right now, the
administration pending the list that we forwarded uh or you know today or yesterday, whenever it was, um has not been cut. The council's travel and pdeium was cut from 9 to two. So, um >> well, I mean, I think I don't know,
Councilman Sanchez, are you uh because I know he's planning to cut some, too. So that's why I just figured might as well at least you know so you just want me to make it for myself. >> Well I subject and then what if there's uh other cuts that are accepted within uh from the administration side then we
can do it at that time and modify it based on on this trip. So >> you probably need whatever $1,500 or $1,200 $1,300 for your portion of the trip because right now >> travel and pdeium for administration is
uh is still funded at what we had proposed. Okay. Um, so, okay, never mind. Let let me then move to table this uh indefinitely for the time being until we wait to see what Councilman Sanchez brings as far as cuts to that area and then, you know, we'll bring it back and and make whatever amendments we have to
at that point. So, I'll move to table. >> Is a motion to table and definitely the proper posture. >> Well, to lay it on the table because then you might not be able to bring it back. >> Yeah, I Well, lay it on the table. >> I I'll move to lay it on the table. Um, is there a second? >> Second. All right. It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. I.
>> I. All oppose. No. You guys have it. The motion's laid on the table. Thank you. >> Okay. So, in 2024, it was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. And when I click into Pittsburgh 2024, and I go to registration and it says see who's attending.
>> I've never been to Pittsburgh in my life. That I can tell you. And I I swear that one on the lives of my two grandsons. Okay. >> I don't know what you're looking at. So >> this is only the people registrance annual conference registrance and I go control F and I put Miami Lakes because
it's there. >> This shows Edward Peterman town manager town of Miami Lakes and Antonio Lopez deputy town manager town did attend it. >> Let me just make sure that the heading of that page is 2025 because that might be referring to this year's conference.
Yeah, it says October, but on the p >> Yeah, their page is >> it probably they've already updated it to this year's conference, not >> because last year it was >> 24 Pittsburgh. >> Yeah, they they refresh it. >> Yeah, even the link says 2024MA
Pittsburgh. >> Okay, but it still doesn't deter from the fact that it's not a requirement. >> Yeah, Tony and I are both credentialed. um >> you will be soon. >> Well, I'm I'm a credentialed candidate,
>> right? Um and in order to maintain that credential is there's uh for that certification there's uh education and training >> and that is something that I am also prepared to answer because I reached out to the MMA credentiing department and
asked them what is the requirements to not only receive the credentiing but maintain the credentiing and they sent me the link and I searched it top to bottom and I have the email here from the ICMA credentiing because that's the thing all these things that we're doing just adds to our workloads. Things that
I didn't do in in past government jobs where I told the individuals requesting things from me, I wouldn't do their homework. I would make them do their homework since they were requesting something from from me and the department that I worked for. Um, and I have the email here from ICMA where it
said where they forward me the link. Their actual response is here it is credentiing program. It says hello thank you for contacting the credentiing program. I excited to hear that you because I pretend there somebody that wanted to get credentialed. I am excited to hear that
you are interested in the program to learn more about our program and the requirements. Please visit X. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me which then I replied what is maintain what is needed to maintain the credentiing and they answered back please look please see below link it's
the exact same link when you open the link it just brings up once again the things qualifications nothing about the maintaining of that what what I would like to see is that we allocate these
funds not encumber them And as these requests for travel come up, proof has to be submitted. And at that time, it will be either approved or denied. And if whatever's left over at the end of next year bring brought forward into the
carry forward of next year. >> Yeah. >> ICMA in order to maintain credentiing or that I am now a candidate for credential. the last two years after you get to five years, you can apply for and they look at your record and you know
your whole background and they make you a credentialed candidate. That's what I've been for the last year plus. >> Um, >> so you're still working toward the actual credential, >> but now all I have to do is maintain my and do my 40 hours a year, which is the
requirement, plus report on it, right? report back and say the you know what are the things that I've attended and you know the >> so you need this money for that trip as part of that 40 hours. >> Yes. Plus plus it's required under my >> Yeah. It's under your contract. I recall I was there.
>> I need to pursue that credentiing. >> Yeah. >> So um it is required. You have to do I don't know what you know sent you. Obviously they didn't send you the right information. You're looking at their website is uh not accurate. you're looking at Pittsburgh when actually the
registration is for this year. >> I'll let you two uh hashtag out, but I know the vice mayor wanted to make a motion. Uh Mr. Vice Mayor. >> Yeah, just to get us in the in the proper posture here. Um my colleagues are welcome to offer amendments if they'd like. I'd like to make a motion
as uh before I actually say the motion, the town manager sent us an email with an updated version of uh this chart. Uh, so I'm specifically referring to it and so I would ask uh if the budget director doesn't have what have this that she be provided with this um unless she's the
one that prepared it uh which is probably very likely. Um so my motion is as follows. I'd like to cut all uh of the training and education and travel and pdeium for all of it except the
following uh public works uh for uh the required PE license uh the communications and community affairs uh under uh Mr. to cut that or not cut that >> to not cut these these are the exceptions cut everything except these
things uh so I I'll just start it again uh public works uh for required to maintain the professional engineers license uh missinas the the two items there under communications and community affairs um the human resources specialist I
think that's important that they know new labor laws and the uh our chief technology officer Mr. Kur u his his course on cyber security since obviously that's an important and emerging threat other than that uh cut
the rest and I apologize let me clarify and not and all of the town managers specifically the town manager uh not the deputy town manager only because it is in section 52 and 5.1 of his contract.
>> Okay. So, so basically just just be clear before I second that you're saying that his ICMA travel is covered >> is what >> his ICMA travel is covered >> is covered >> covered because it's covered under his contract he's required to do it. So the travel related to that credentiing he's
going to be permitted to take that. >> That is correct. >> Okay, I'll second it. >> Does that work? >> Well, except for the fact that uh the deputy town manager is also credentialed. He's already credentialed. In order to maintain that credential >> Oh. uh he needs to do the same 40hour uh
you know annually and so forth. >> He what what is well you already seconded so we're in discussion. >> So just so that I understand then uh because I kind of tuned out of the back and forth um what what is the this 40hour requirement that you're talking about?
>> ICMA first of all you become a member of the organization. All right. Second, those uh managers and assistant managers that have uh accomplished certain things, there's a criteria uh being the manager and assistant manager for a
certain number of years, have a certain degree and certain things like that, then that qualifies you to be a credentialed manager. So, what is in my employment agreement that mandates that I pursue it, Tony already has it because he's been an
assistant manager longer. already attained that but in order to retain retain it is he has to maintain this 40hour annual cus that we have to continue with that uh >> right and and that is the only form of that continuing education these
conferences and stuff. >> Yes sir. Well that's that's that's where you get the information. I mean I can't go to a uh you know to something that's not related to city or county management. >> Okay. And I think Councilman Sanchez is >> Yeah, Councilman Sanchez.
>> Okay. I'm gonna go back to my original idea of encumbering these funds because I'm gonna go back to the undergrad that I got in business management. They take it down to the point of every class that I take has to be qualifying for business management. So, if I wanted to take a
violin class and it wasn't part of the course of study, the VA was not going to approve it. And what the manager is saying is correct. The state's applicants will complete a short application describing what was learned from the ICMA management assessment, formerly applied knowledge assessment,
and plan for addressing over the next year the identified development needs. The next line says they will also report on how the 40hour professional development obligation was met in the preceding year, but it does not say what
you need to do to achieve. Is it an is it an hour on an online course? Is it attending a conference trade hours? So that I would like to see come back. So I am still in the original idea of encumbering the funds until those proofs
are provided. >> I I mean I I sort of get what you mean and I don't know if the term encumbering is what you mean but uh >> they would be used for just education and training and travel. >> Okay. Well, I think that's what the vice mayor's mo motion is addressing. No. Um,
>> no, because you would still be paying for travel and pdeium. >> Yeah, but related to him to go get that education there. Are you saying that you rather wait uh to see if there's an online option? >> Yes. And we wouldn't have to pay pay for the travel and pdeium. >> Okay. Well, >> and even for the HR one, >> Mr. Peterman, is there an online
component or or is or is the going to this conference uh the only way to do it? >> You're he's talking about the uh the certification or the uh continuing education that Cynthia Allejo goes to. >> I don't I don't >> No, no, no. This is for you. This is ICMA. This is direct from the ICMA page.
>> The 40 hours. >> Yes. >> Yeah. It says they will can or >> deputy manager. Would you come up a second? Thema has done this process before. I just want to also hear it you know from you know maybe that'll help you know uh my colleagues be able to
understand everything more fully. So my question to you being that you've already gone through the credentiing process, the the way to get those hours is by going to these events or is there an alternative? >> Um, good evening Tony Lopez, deputy town manager. The uh amount of hours to
maintain the certifial is 40 hours. Um, you can achieve that in a multitude of ways. Um, the conferences are the most effective way because it's a large amount of hours in one shot. On top of that, you get the benefits of
networking, connecting, uh, listening to other >> Yeah. And I'm fine with that because in my world, for example, that's very much like when I go to the fund assembly conferences every year in in June, May, June, right? And Lorenzo, I don't know if you've gone to the the fund assembly, that's like 30 that basically meets my
requirements for uh uh continuing education. So, you get in one shot. I get what you're saying that it would be perhaps cheaper to maybe pursue some of these other avenues, but it it's also, if you think about it, more inefficient. Um, but if what you're looking for is for him to provide the council as a
transparency tool the statement there that you were reading, you know, about how they met the credential, whatever, I don't think he'd have a problem uh providing that. >> No, I I mean that's obviously I mean he could have just asked me, but we he did his homework, you know, God bless him.
But I can um I can provide that to the C to whatever the council member Sanchez is looking at. I can provide that to to all of the members of the council. >> Okay, perfect. Councilman Harrisburg and and >> but uh vice mayor your motion is only for the town manager or also the deputy town manager. That's my confusion.
>> It was like I said uh it was only for the town manager but I also before I even made the motion I said if anyone wants to make amendments. >> Yeah I I'll amend if it's to keep his certification I would include the deputy town manager in that travel budget. And also uh I think we have for the manager
in my opinion only there's a line but there's a line item for travel to Tallahassee that should stay in there as well. I I think the town manager should go up to TAS. >> So why don't you go ahead and incorporate that. So my motion would be to include the deputy the amendment would be to include the deputy town
manager for the travel that's required to maintain his certification and also to include for the town manager only um trip the the cost for the trip to Tallahassee. >> I'll second the amendment. >> All right it's been moved and second any debate on the amendment itself.
>> Yes, Mr. Manage >> you're recognized. My motion is uh recommend that um both of them do their course online. >> Um >> I don't even like talking. >> So So the council Garcia is making a
strike all amendment that they that uh as to the manager and the deputy manager that they do it through alternative means instead of going to the conference. Is there a second? >> That is my motion. >> Seeing none, the motion dies for lack of a second. uh uh on the the amendment
proposed by Councilman Herszburg which has been moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> All oppose, no. The eyes have it. The motion carries. And we're on the main motion as amended by Councilman by the vice mayor uh which is to uh keep the
funding and travel line items uh for uh those that he mentioned um with the amendment now to include the deputy manager. Is there any further discussion on this? >> Yeah, but I want to clarify. You said as uh amended by the vice mayor. I think it was Oh, >> excuse me. As amended by councilman Hzburg as to the deputy town manager.
>> I'd like to actually um I was going to propose an additional amendment, but it literally just left my head. I apologize. You can continue. >> Well, Councilman Fernandez wanted to make some comments. So, I guess maybe that'll give you some time. >> Unfortunately, I did I didn't get to hear who exactly is going to be affected
by by the exclusions of >> You want me to give you the exclusions, >> please? >> Okay. Sure. Sure thing. Um, so it's going to be our CFO, our parks and recreation, our grants and governmental affairs
planning and that's it. Cuz I also as a point of clarification in this sheet there is some stuff relating to funding which comes from the special revenue funds. My motion was not directed towards that funding. >> I want to clarify that. >> Okay. >> And if if you need an amendment to
clarify that, I can do that. No, I think within the direction you just gave that should make it clear what what your motion was pointed toward, you know, for the legislative record. >> Can I get clarification is you're saying parks and recreation, sorry, I'm looking at the list again, is is removed because there are according to this list uh
travel that's to maintain cert uh specific certifications. I I would welcome, you know, >> we have uh I think it's four members, Jeremy. Four members of the park staff which have uh attained this this certification. Tony, I know that used to
be your world. If you could explain a little bit about what that certification entails or Jeremy, >> good evening, Mayor Council. Jeremy Bdown, director of parks and recreation. So the CPRP certified parks and recreation professional is an accreditation that an individual within the field has the right amount of
experience already presented. So similar to the there is a a term in which you have to have been working in the field either full-time or full-time equivalent. Um this individual then has to show experience in programming financial uh management pro um uh field manage uh field turf operations and
there's one other line item there in order to then maintain your accreditation on you have to take an exam. Correct. Um upon upon passing the exam, you then have to maintain your accreditation via the CEUs. Similar to the ICMA, similar to a lot of other uh
certifications, these um trips to the agency summits, these trips to the conferences are where you can attain the mass volume of your CUS required to keep that accreditation. Now, there are four members within our department that hold this accreditation. One just got it a
week ago. Um it's it's it's a showing of how we want to progress our parks and recreation department and how we want to maintain the level of professionalism to that this fund this uh education pium only covers right now one individual to attend the
conference in lie of if I cannot make it or anyone else. So there are other members that are still having to pay for their cus. So just want to keep that in mind. This is just funding for the director to maintain or his designate the accreditation >> and then the deputy town manager holds
the higher accreditation of CPR which is certified recreation parks executive. I'm almost getting to that level >> one day. >> Well, you have a good mentor there, Mr. Vice Mayor. >> Before Before you go, Mr. Bag down. >> Thank you. >> Uh did I get it right now?
>> Oh, okay. Down. Um what I I understand everything you said and I understand uh it is it is a good thing to have. Why does the town need our park staff to have that
accredititation? What what do we gain from it? >> Uh insight to what others are doing, insight to what can be applicable to ourselves. Um yeah, the ideas sometimes come from larger cities, but then having been here 10 years, I know what we can scale to our community. So this gives me the avenue. The accreditation itself
puts us aside and shows that we are vested in our parks and recreation. It shows that we want leaders within this department to go ahead and have the knowledge, have the expertise, but more so have the networking ability to speak with other like-minded individuals and like I said to continue to progress
things because if not the option is to stay stale and do the same thing we've always done. >> When did you uh rise to director? >> When? >> Uh 2021. 21. Okay. Um I asked because
what when did the MLP project like like the initial what eventually led to the bond uh issue when did that originally get raised? >> Prior to my time I mean that's what I wanted to know. >> Yeah. That project started back in 03. We started some >> There you go.
>> Oh the bond issue. >> Yeah. >> The bond was shortly thereafter. >> Shortly after 20 >> 2021. So, we started the bond process and the question and eventually got to 2022. >> Yeah. But but the conversations that led to the bond, when did that start?
>> I can't recall it off the top of my mind. >> Like when did when did ideas for these >> the original design even happened before I got here? >> Yeah. 2018 was the it was tweaked a little bit, but >> if you really if you really want to go far back, even back to the early 2000s,
right? Just the just to clarify the original master plan for MLOP was adopted in 2003. >> So the reason I ask is at I can't recall if it was at the first budget hearing or the second budget workshop. Um I made a
comment about some of this and about sometimes some of the ideas and and some of the things our staff learns over there might not even be good for us because it brings uh big city ideas into our small And I think that that's actually an example of of that
happening. Uh obviously that is not a reflection of you uh Jeremy. Uh that is before your time. Um and it's really not a reflection on anyone. I I I I would just say and I'm sorry I'm going to sound ignorant when I say this. So so I'm just
trying to truly understand what benefit the town gets from it because let me be very clear. This is not an issue about $5,725. This is about much more than that because of what those courses end up
costing us when when those those courses turn into potential projects and that show up on consent calendar and we don't really read them. Uh so is it truly a requirement? What what is the downside to not funding this? what
what happens if we don't >> uh essentially I would lose my accreditation um and then not attending any of these uh conferences and not sticking to kind of what it requires to be within the CPRP accreditation and long-term I mean essentially it's less
vested in someone staying a professional within their field so essentially would just become we mow we trim and that's all we do >> okay thank you I have a followup on that which is can you give us an example then of a practice that you learned at these
conferences or that one of your employees learned at this conferences that you brought to the town. >> Uh let's see here that what >> through the >> Oh well the first is going to be it's kind of more common right now and
prevalent is background checks. So FRPA which is our state agency through NRPA has been working on looking at the impacts of the background check policies. So a lot of what we're trying to get ready to have to do if we stick with it has been guidance from the accreditation and credit and from the
state agency that we also work with. So that's one. Um I know long-term a lot of it also looks at uh field turf management. So learning about phrase mowing prior to my time comes from these these summits. So a lot of our even maintenance practices and maintenance
actions have come from ideas of far and in this case phrase mowing comes from overseas. And um earlier in your remarks in response to the vice mayor, you mentioned that you were likening this particular travel to similar to what I was mentioning about the town manager
and the deputy manager that just like with me when I go every year to the fund assembly, it's the most efficient way of getting all the the uh credits you need to maintain your accreditation, right? Um but are there alternative venues or ways of you being able to maintain that
status? The National Recreation Parks Association, so NRPA, does have online CU similar to the ICMA? >> Mr. Mayor, >> thank you. No further questions to the vice mayor. >> Let me just finish off my thought before it goes to the rest of my colleagues and back to Councilman Sanchez is I will say
this. I don't know. I I didn't look at my watch when we got on this subject. We're talking about $35,000 and we're talking for about this for too long. I I mean, it's not worth this level of discussion. Um it it's either we agree
with cutting it or we don't. And I I don't think we need to go so far in into it. Um I said what I said about uh you know big city ideas and all that stuff but I also understand I also understand the concept as an employer and even
though I don't get to direct you I have to go through the manager we the town council is your employer and I do believe in supporting the professional development of our employees. Um, so, uh, at this point I'm just ready to move on on this if we're cutting it or
cutting it. But let's just roll on because >> Councilman Hersburg, uh, the budget director, I think, said she needed to make some comments on that. >> I just want clarification as to everything that's being cut um,
>> in regards to the >> right now. Nothing. Not yet. Nothing yet. >> Oh, >> yeah. Well, it's what you brought up. >> What did you want to know? >> I he identified the
>> the GFOA for the CFO, the parks grants and planning. >> And >> I believe the motion from vice mayor was to cut >> travel and education except >> public works PE.
um the communications of Miss Decardinas HR and Herman Kures it and then it was added by council member Hzburg which was approved unanimously to allow town manager
and deputy town manager to travel to maintain their credentials and for the town manager to go to Tallahassee. I believe that was that is >> what was approved. So that the ones that I mentioned are okay. The ones that I did not mention are the ones that vice
mayor proposed to >> keeping keeping everything for the town manager and the deputy town manager. >> Okay, that's the clarification I needed. Thank you. >> All right, Councilman Garcia. And then uh >> yeah, I I think I have a friendly amendment. I I think that um as far as what's needed accreditation wise for the
staff should be something that the that the staff, the directors of, you know, the manager and the staff decide um who needs to go, who doesn't need to go, but I also think that some of the costs that are not included in contracts um for further education and travel, some of
that should be taken on by the staff that wants to go to these events. So I think a a a a good compromise is let the staff decide or let the directors decide who needs to go where and who needs to do what. Cut the budget in half and then any additional cost should be taken from
the uh from the the staff that that wants to go or needs to go to maintain because as again I have to maintain my CE for my insurance license. I pay for it myself. Um we can help you but you decide who goes who needs to go. Um not
us. I don't think we should be making the choice on what professional uh who needs to go and get their C or what who has to go to to maintain their level of accreditation. But I think we should cut that budget in half. Allow them to allow them to make that choice and any additional costs should be pushed on to
the actual person, employee, professional wants to maintain their certification. That's my friendly amendment. >> Is there a second to the to the amendment? >> I'll second for discussion. I'm not >> second by Councilman Hzbick. So, we'll go to you and then we'll go to Councilman Sanchez. >> I'm not even sure what we're cutting
anymore. Right. So, um No, I know travel, but is it is it just putting in what's left in half that's excluded from what it's been told by the director? I think this is important. At least I I I think based off the list, we're only talking about parks and
recreation almost, right? I mean, we excluded public works, we excluded the majority of deputy town and town manager, excluded finance, we excluded communications, includes everybody, right? I mean, uh, I to include everybody, I I I I don't agree. And I
honestly I'm fine with just leaving it as is. I think the the the directors have given us enough information that it's important, and this is parks and this we're remind Lakes, so let's give them the tools that they believe are important. So >> I won't be for the amendment not just
for that. I think we just leave it as is move. >> I have a straight old amendment. >> Yeah. >> Um before we get there the councilman Sanchez was in the next in line. Sir you have the floor. >> No thank you but I mean I'm I'm going to prop apologize
>> if I said Fernandez. I apologize. Councilman Sanchez. And then >> I just I just want to address the point that the vice mayor made that we're spending so much time on something that's $35,000. But it's just not it's not just a monetary component is also a time component. Travel time. It's not just getting online doing a course for
an hour. Even for the town manager, 40 hours. You do one course a week for one hour out of 40 hours of a work week. And it it saves on travel time. It's not spending hours on a plane. is not so it's it's you know it's it's time that can be dedicated to not travel and being
you know in town and I understand that there are ways of communicating over the phone and you know WhatsApp and all that but there's also ways of you know you you of supervision um you know town staff I I know that we that we address when the manager and the and the deputy
manager are out by naming someone as interim but you know the the intram is is not the official town manager or the deputy town manager. So that's another component, the the time of travel and that I just wanted to address that point to the vice mayor.
>> Okay. And wait, Councilman Fernandez, and then and then the vice mayor for his strike call. >> Thank you, mayor. I just the strike call. I I I was going to propose that. So really, if you've made the the motion, I don't know if we're ready and I'll second it. Are we in posture? Vice
Mayor, >> I have a strike all amendment uh to quite simply fund the full 35,294 as well as the total amount from the special revenue funds. However, require that all future uh
>> mayor. Yeah, there the conference is coming up now next month. So, I'd like to get >> Yeah, just give me approval now because I can't wait till the uh the council meeting to uh
>> just amend it to include it. >> No, that's fine. I mean, well, I look and I' I've heard now uh both sides on this issue. I at this juncture, I'm kind of with Councilman Hsburg that we're better off just keeping it as is. Uh at this juncture, I think it they they've done more than enough to justify their purpose. I understand where the
councilman councilman Sanchez is coming from that that it could be cheaper to do it other ways, but in terms of efficiency, you know, again, I I do this myself in my own private practice with the fund, you know, I understand the the value and just getting it done right away, right? You know, and the learning
from different ideas and everything else. I agree though with the vice mayor, uh, Mr. Back down back Yeah, back down. Um, you know, don't bring the big city ideas into the small town. But again, I just think that again, this is just going to be cumbersome. I would rather
support just that they provide an afteraction report to whatever uh conference they go to. But, you know, yeah, so I mean, I guess that'll be my strike all amendment is just that we keep the funding in place there, but that they have to report back what they learned uh key takeaways and you know, uh as part of the manager's report, you
know, special presentations moved and seconded any debate on on my strike call amendment. >> All right, seeing none, uh let's go a roll call vote. Uh, Madam Clerk. >> So, on the strike all amendment by Mayor Diegas, seconded by Council Member Fernandez, council member Fernandez,
>> yes. >> Council member Hburg, >> yes. >> Council member Garcia, >> no. >> Council member Sanchez, >> no. >> Council member Cuadra, >> no. >> Vice Mayor Mora, >> yes.
>> Mayor Diegas, >> yes. >> The strikeal amendment passes. >> 44 43. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Uh with that, Councilman Sanchez, you still have the floor on to move on to the remaining items uh that you wanted to cover. >> Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um
next is public works green space for repair and maintenance. I want to cut $60,948. This number is based on a it's partly based on the carry forward where we allocated money from the carry forward
into the FOT fund and into the litter crew. That's a fully funded litter crew and a fully funded um est one more time. >> So, it's for repair and maintenance and public works green space deducting $60,48
from it to bring it to a balance that has everything that was already fully funded next year and fully funds the FOD right ofway and the litter crew to full capacity. I got those numbers for F at full capacity and the right of way I
mean and the litter crew based on the numbers from the carry forward fund from last year and I just multiplied it by two. >> And what would be the the impact there for the 60,000 you're talking about uh removing from one line item? Which projects or which items would those affect?
>> That's that's the thing. It wasn't detailed enough to give me line item by line item, but it would just deduct 60,948 to fund the litter crew and everything else that's in there. So, repair and maintenance is, you know, >> public works director Santos, if can you shed some light on that line item
>> specifically green space? >> Yeah. Well, the the item from that account that I can shed light on is in the litter. What was your calculation per crew? Because each crew is $96,96. So you have to multiply that by three to get the the year.
>> I did that based on the carry forward. I have to pull the carry forward. >> The carry forward that total budget from the carry forward only gives you three crews for the last five months of the year. Remember because we were only running like on a crew and a half for the first part of the year. >> Right. Right. So what I did is that the
Give me one second. >> Let me pull it up. And so for funds, I got that amount and I divided it by five and I multiplied it by 12. >> Yeah, but it might be incorrect. I'll have to look at your numbers, but what
you should use is the the $96,000 96 that's acrew seven days a week and then by three. >> So I have the adopted budget at $557,940 for last year. The amended budget after we approved the carry forward at
$659,80. So, so that includes a fully funded for those for that period after the carry forward and up until the end of the fiscal year to 659,000. So, it's a difference of I want to say $102,000. >> Yeah, I I would need to see that because
it it doesn't sound like it it it'll fund the the the three crews that were origin were in the are in the budget right now. If that well if that's the the council's in the with the budget director a moment to try to get clarity on those numbers while we move on to a
different item >> just to see >> I only singled this out because I created a new tab that shows me year-over-year from the amended budget to the proposed budget and we're increasing that line item by 24 and a.5%. because
821,168 or 659,080 to 821,168 is an increase of 24.59. >> But you're looking at everything, >> but it Yeah, there's there's multiple Yeah, there's multiple things. Not not just the the getting the litter crew up
to the level of service that that is expected or the council decided is wanted, but there's also four grounds. there was a an increase from the the previous budget year to to also correct the level of service and that was >> but that
>> FDOT grounds >> from from everything that I've seen in in doing the analysis that that we're going to bring up um in a little while the cost remained the same for cutting for trimming everything like that what increased was the frequency of it
>> so for example some of the things we were cutting 30 cycles in the year we went to 35 cycles >> director back down. >> Yeah, thank you for that. Thank you for that. So, yeah, so it's not the the cost that made any changes. It's just the frequency. We have for the past 3 to
four years always started below what our level of service was. >> We have established a level of service that was acceptable in years prior has been 35 cycles for Mo has been we found out that three crew three crews for litter is what's adequate to maintain our streets clean. So, that is what
we've pushed it back to. So there isn't a change in the cost or labor rates. It's simply funding the SE level of service that we used to have. >> Right. So cutting that $60,000, all we're really doing is still fully funding the the the litter crew and it's still fully funding the the rightway
that was short last year. I believe the number you gave me was $32,000 that it was short by. >> Correct. But also remember that between carry forward and the and the um and the amended budget what if within the amended doesn't cover everything that was still missed. A lot of the times we
will just propose to the to the manager this is one item that was cut at the beginning of the funding that is vital to be reinstated. Okay. Because there are many things that are going to exceed probably what we had in carry forward sometimes that need to be refunded >> and and we can't make up for miss cycles. Right. So, it's unique to
Jeremy's uh thing. So, we cannot make up for the cycle that that we should have mowed back in uh January or February because if we get it in March and April, we only have that piece of the five months or six months maximum left of the
rest of the year. So, it's only partial. >> And then similar to that, you have fertilizer that can only be applied during certain times. So once we pass a portion in which we would have applied the second or third quarterly fertilizer, we will no longer look to reinstate a fertilizer unless we have another plan another um uh date in the
future that can be subjected to fertilizing at >> and this is something I'm going to get to in a minute once we get to the spreadsheet where I created with all the six parks. And I wish I could have done done the same thing for for the public space public works green space. But for example at at there's 52 weeks in the
year. At 35 cycles it's done every 1.48 weeks. If we bring it down for example to 32 cycles it's one it's every 1.6 weeks. In days it's one or two days difference per week. >> Just just just to make sure at the end
of the day the volume of cycles is dependent on the season. So it's not on a month-to-month equal basis to look at. It's depends on what month are you going to then cut an additional service. So you have the rainy season that's going to exponentially have growth. Then you have the dry season where yeah it's dry
for us and we'll go to two cycles. However, you're talking about 15 days in between cycles. That's the where we then start to get issues of there's a high amount of leaves. There's a high amount of different other things and just growth that these cycles not being completed create issues with. >> Right. But leaves are not mowing and
trimming and I mean and edging. >> But during every cycle, you'll be picking up leaves as well. >> That's one of the biggest, >> but that's a that's a different cost. >> No, it's the same. It comes under it comes it comes up and under their service and their grounds, it comes up under their service. When they mow an area, anything that's littered, that's
leaves, debris, they need to pick up as well there. >> Okay. I'd like to ask question. >> Well, before we get to you, Mr. Vice Mayor, let's let him finish his line of questioning and then Councilman Fernandez wanted to >> Why can't we bank the same way for example that and I'm going to use it. It's going to bring some PTSD. But the
FPL, at least I have it in my home where the summer months are the heaviest months of my power bill. So what FPL does is that they take my 12-month average and divide it by 12. So my winter months that are supposed to be cheaper, I pay more. So why is it that we can't bank for that rainy season?
take one away from the winter where it's not or from the summer months where it's not raining so much and pass out one on to the rainy season. >> So that's currently how it's done. So you'll have in the summer season in the growing season is what we'll call it in the rainy season. You'll have months of four, which is the max. You can only do one per week, right? A cycle per month.
>> Yeah. >> Uh cycle per week. >> And then as you go that gets diminished. Now cutting a cycle just means that one of those months that either were three or four now go down to a two or three. It's going to go back to the same thing where that month should have gotten
three which means it's starting to be the growing season. So let's say April, March, um you're going to only have go down to two cycles 14 days in between. >> We will then feel the concerns of either too much growth or if there is something not done within 15 days even during our
dry season we're still going to have a significant amount of growth. And then that's not only adding that's not even adding delays that are outside of all of our control. Right? If I get rained out, that only extends the delay in when I can service that area and reduce the grass from eight inches back down to its normal four or three.
>> So, you're going to lose a month is what's going to happen. A month is going to lose a cycle and then you're going to throw some of it off. 35 is what is the best management practice to maintain looking at the year and the growing cycle for South Florida. That's where 35 was established. >> Okay. Yeah, that's the thing. We didn't
have as detailed. you know, we had it and I created the spreadsheet that you saw earlier today and my my colleagues have and like I said, we'll get done into that later. I wish we would have had it, but I stand firm with the motion of deducting that almost $61,000, $60,900
and um wait, it disappeared on me. There it is. It's $60,948 to it'll be a total of 760,220,000 $220
for repair and maintenance of that fund. Uh, >> that's my that's my motion to to bring down the repair and maintenance by $60,948 to a total sum of 760,000 700 $760,220.
>> I'll second for discussion. >> Okay. So then Councilman uh Fernandez and then again we'll go to the vice mayor as before and then Councilman Quad Garcia and I think Councilman Garcia also wants to speak. So that'll be the order. Councilman Fernandez. >> I mean, I for discussion because I I I
wanted to to express my I'm not going to support it. I I think that, you know, the the state of Florida, if it's determined that 35 cycles per year is what the standard is, then I'm going to I'm going to want to see 35 cycles. And, you know, I understand where you know,
you're trying to cut. And I don't think it's a lot, but I think it will have some effect. And our the effect will be to have an eyesore for certain times of year. We just have to look at overgrowth. So for me, I I'm not going to support it. I just wanted to state my >> Vice Mayor.
>> Thank you, mayor. Um just to be clear, when when we bring this this proposed cut up, what we are cutting is the grounds contract, right? Uh >> correct.
>> The 369133. >> Correct. >> Okay. Um and I and I may have missed it earlier 35 uh cycles a year that is the recommended number according to
>> yeah that's the best management practice the fine line for our air region just knowing how much rain we get that is what has been like I said also previous has always been our >> our our our uh >> I was going to say according to to all the conferences that we almost took away
No, no, no, no. >> Um, >> no. >> So, uh, here here's my two cents on this, right? A lot of people on this DAS have brought up beautifification and everyone wants to be in favor of beautifification to pay for it. Um, I'm
okay with not uh doing this cut unless I can find somewhere else to fund it with, right, where I'm not cutting it, but I am simply taking it taking having a a special revenue fund pay for a portion of it, which we'll get on to
that later. But I'm we've been talking for how long now about not having fully funded tree trimming cycles, not having fully funded parking. >> And I actually want to shorten the amount of tree uh the cycle. >> We did it at the last uh amended budget.
Um here's how I feel about this. I'm I'm not and to be clear, I truly do share in the concern of uh Councilman Sanchez. But what I'd like to do is issue a challenge. I I I'm going to vote no on this.
But don't uh uh get too excited. >> I think that I expect to be able to frolic in the fields. I expect to be able to roll around in the fields and see the the the the great fields that Councilman Fernandez has based his
entire existence on uh on this DAS on uh you know and frankly a lot of us though we we all want Miami D to be beautiful and our parks are one of those things and importantly this specific item is not even our parks you run it but it's
the right of way right >> I I joked Um it's it's green right away. So it's under park. So if if it's alive, it's dead. >> Yeah. That's why >> we share it. >> That's later. Sharing is later. >> That's later.
>> That's later. Um but yeah, so so you know, as uh Uncle Ben told Spider-Man, right, with uh great power comes great responsibility. We're going to give you the money, but I I I want to see our our parks improve. I want to see our rights of way improve. I want to see
this have an effect. Um, and I will say as a concluding remark on that is at least right now at my house, my my guy comes and cuts the grass and by the afternoon it's already overgrowing. So, so I get it. Um, and and so while I truly do respect and and understand
where Councilman Sanchez is coming from, I I can't uh support it at this time. >> Hey, Council May Garcia. >> So, Mr. May uh Mr. Vice Mayor, you basically want to see it look like Walt Disney. Not like Walt Disney like the town of
Miami Lakes looked before we stopped fully funding all of our >> main I am uh I am going to support uh um uh Mr. Sanchez's item. I think that $61,000 is not a lot. We can adjust it
and move on and it could work. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um when was the last time we were at 31 cycles or 30 cycles? 30 or 35? >> 30. I'm sorry. 30. 30. >> So 30 is what we've been funded for the past three or four years. I have to
think since 2019. So we've been at 30. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. >> I I honestly >> Yeah, I know. We're trying to go up to 35. Thank you for the clarification. We've been at 30 for how long? You said three or four years. >> Yeah. That I can I It might be a little earlier, but I want to say it's three or four years.
>> Yeah, it's And this is the rightways. This is not our actual parks. >> Correct. Okay. Well, it's it's we're talking the fund that's only rightways. However, it is including parks as well. Our many parks are also on 30 for the past however many years. >> Okay. And I just we I we just came from
the uh opening of Optimus Park. The grass look great. Um I I think that um this is not a big big ask to be honest with you. I think that it's been you you guys have been doing a great job managing the contracts with the 30 cycle. Uh I mean I I I haven't got my
personally I haven't got any complaints on that on the rightways. Um, so I think the ask of of cutting it to 60 and keeping at 30 cycles, I don't think is a big ask. I don't think it's going to make a huge difference. Another thing, you know, it's it's flidian grass,
right? The the grass that we have there. >> Yeah. It's all Florida time St. Augustine >> and and you know that that grows like weeds, right? It's not it's not bajia grass that grows like crazy. But I mean, have you ever considered a different maybe maybe a Bermuda, which is more expensive in the beginning, but grows at a shorter rate and you just have to
change the the cutting heads? you you would gain in the mowing but you'd have to maintain it. You'd take a lot more fertilizer, a lot more herbicides to keep down the to suppress the weed growth. >> And again, >> native native uh uh shrubs, native trees
in lie of grass is something that has to be taken a look at, not maybe we'll look at it. We we might have to consider removing some areas of grass and putting nice areas that are not doesn't need the cutting every single time. that that has to happen. There's no there's no other
way around it. So, I I I'm I'm with cutting the 60,000. I think we can maintain the the cycle at 30. I don't think it's made a huge difference. Um I know that to you it does because you're on it all the time and you see the growth, but to to the average resident, to myself, I I haven't seen the
difference. I I I I'm going to support Councilman Sanchez's uh motion. >> Well, so I just wanted to clarify then what is included in this pot of money? What would be affected by these cuts? Just want to make sure that's clear. >> Five cycles of mowing, edging, line
trimming, weed control will also be then reduced >> at the parts and in the >> This is just right. Right now, we're only talking right away. >> Okay. >> Now, this is all right. >> Yeah, that's why I wanted to be clear. So, this cut is affecting all that, but for the rightway zone. >> Correct. >> All right. And so, his motion would just
take us to the basically where we've been at the last couple years since 2019. Uh, no. 60 would put you probably closer to 31 and a half, 32 cycles. >> So, there'd be a slight increase from where we've been. >> Yes. >> I I'd have to take a look at the numbers, but I think my quick math in my mind is putting it somewhere just above
>> this year. We spent six total including carry forge 659,080. This would bring it to 760,220. >> That's the total fund, not just the right of ways. So, I like I said, I'd have to break it down just to see what it actually equates to cycle-wise for
mowing and and all. >> Before I could be comfortable supporting this, although on its face, it doesn't seem as if it would be too much of a concern for me. I'd like to get clarity on what exactly would be affected before I go and and jump into this. Right now, I would remind my colleagues that we still have what is it like at least
73,100 from the money we moved over uh out there. Not to mention the $47,000 in savings from the b bond related votes or excuse me the uh the line of credit votes that we took earlier that we can use to cover, you know, other things. And I certainly don't want to do
anything that's going to reduce, you know, the the amount of of litter crew on when it comes to the rightways or anything that's going to make our our medians and other rightways, you know, uh not look where they should at the standard that they belong. Um, I kind of at the same time also agree with uh
Councilman Garcia that, you know, we've come this far. We've made it, you know, and we've done a pretty good job with what we got. And if anything, I would rather put any uh any money that we cut from here into the parks directly um you know, and and other uh line items. Can
you guys take a moment to go and again go through his numbers and then let let us know um what exactly would be affected because I think that would be important for me to vote. But uh Councilman Herszburg, you have anything you want to say? >> Yeah. Um I I do not want to touch the
parks if we're talking about medians. We're talking about rightways. I think we're actually increasing the service even with this cut. Right. >> I'd have to confirm that. increasingly well increasing service from the last few budgets. I think that's that's >> remember the last budget as amended. Oh, no. They're not including cycle. So,
it's still 30. No. So, yes, it's an increase. >> I But this this cut would not touch a pocket park as well. Correct. >> No, this is simply right away. >> I mean, look, I I I'm not I don't want to make too many cuts, but this is a this is a scalpel type of cut. I can live with this. I'll support it. >> Yeah. You know what? So, I'll go ahead
and support it now. And if anything, if we need to put it back in and as a separate vote in the future as a new business item, you know, if if it comes back that this actually a service decrease, then we can tackle it at that time. Mr. >> Should we t manager? >> Yeah. I I just want to be clear that the
uniqueness of this kind of a of a cut is once the cycle is on a 30 or 31 cycle routine, the ones that we missed, we can't go back. even if we, you know, add more money in the midyear budget amendment. Right. So, ju I just want
that to be taken into account that the ones that we miss, >> they're gone. Once they're they're passed, they're passed. >> Hey, Councilman Garcia, >> just to clarify, >> correct? >> Okay. So, we're not changing anything as of now. >> No, I I know. But when you say this current fiscal year budget, correct? Not
we're not talking next year. >> No, next year. >> No, next year it is it is at 35. It is right now scheduled for 35. This would in theory put it down lower. >> Yes, I'll have to confirm the amount. >> Keep it the way we have it now. Let's let's be clear, guys. >> This will keep it at the 30 that we have
it now. >> I have to confirm it. >> 30. >> Not by much. >> By estimation, it'll be better. It'll be a little bit better. Not that I'm advocating for it, but I'm telling >> it'll be a little bit better. Okay. So, we're getting a little bit better and cutting 60,000 from >> That's what That's what >> Councilman Sanchez, >> I move to table this until they can come
back with the items that would be cut to get it down to the >> Okay. to the next. All those in favor say I. I. All oppose, no. >> All right. One one uh one no on the motion to table, Madame Clerk, which is Councilman Garcia. >> Um and we'll come back to this item.
We'll pick it up from the table uh once uh uh once we're ready. Councilman Sanchez, was there anything else? >> Yes, this is more related um for Melissa. Um at the last meeting, we moved to no longer absorb the credit card fees. We passed it on to the
consumer to the residents when they pay for something that they also have to pay the credit card fees. But we have a fee within the parks administration for the rental of park services right here. Includes credit card transactions for parks. Should that item
not have been removed already? And I also looked in revenues and I don't see a line item for credit card revenues >> that needs to come before this council with a resolution and it should be going before you in uh October if I'm not
>> Yeah, it hasn't been I mean there was a motion but there hasn't been formalized with the resolution. >> Okay. Yeah, because I remember discussing it at the house meeting. >> Okay. >> How much is the amount? >> $3,500. >> 3500? >> Yes. >> For parks? Yeah, but it's credit card fees. No, no, no. I know. I know.
>> Yeah. For the for the parks. Now, I know that it seems like a little bit here, a little bit there, but I'm a big believer in uh death by a thousand cuts. >> So, you know, um >> can I ask a question for related to the credit card fees? >> Yeah.
>> Uh what exactly needs to come for resolution charging the credit card fee to the >> Yeah. to pass it on to the consumer to the person who's uh paying with a credit card. >> In that case, given what the direction that the council already gave uh at the
last budget hearing, wouldn't it make sense for us for that to be removed and then be because this is a budget item, we're simply just not funding it? No. >> And and and then we can come back and >> we'll formalize it with a resolution,
but you're right. We could we could probably take it off. In the general fund, the only ones would be in parks, right? Uh Melissa, >> correct? >> Because the the other ones would be in building. >> If I may, in this case, we're not going to remove it. Instead, we will add an offset in revenue.
>> Okay. That Yeah. As long as we do that. >> Yeah. >> True that. >> Well, true that he did. >> Okay. >> Okay. This one is more for research purposes because it's a very small item of $700. >> Okay. But but yeah, let's keep it moving. All right. Go ahead.
>> Miscellaneous expense and parks administration for property taxes for Palm Springs North Section A. >> I thought we were excluded from paying property taxes. >> Yeah, it and we had the same conversation with the vice mayor yesterday. This is that one is for the
lot that is that little paved area on the north west corner of 170th and 77th court. >> That property is is not nec it may be titled property taxes but it's because it participates in the lighting district
for PSN. PSN has a lighting district that that they and that that property is part of that lighting district. So they at some point they must have put is that correct Jeremy >> chair? Uh >> is that explanation accurate >> vice mayor? >> Similar.
>> So so >> yeah there's two lots. There's that one and then there's another small lot that's with as as the manager was saying we actually talked about that yesterday and um Jeremy gave a clear explanation. So it's not a property tax. Uh it's incorrectly labeled as that. It's uh uh
>> it may be paid through the same mechanism to the pro to tax collector, but it's not a property tax, the advalorum property. >> It's a non advalorum is what it is because it's a lighting district. Okay. >> Uh for from I guess FP or the county. Uh and then it's the same with the um it's
that through park in Royal Oaks that has the cell tower, >> right? >> Uh so those are the two properties and I mean again $700 item, but yeah, it's not a property tax to be clear. >> Okay. And then also research for certification provided by the National
Alliance of Youth Coaches Check Certification Clinic. Is that required for the background searches for the coaches? $1,400 and then I have one more item and we're done until we get to the chart.
No. So that uh NAS accreditation part of the contracts with our athletic providers is that they their volunteer coaches must also ascertain training prior to coaching youth sports. Um it's it's sensitivity training. It's actually learning about the sport and how to
train and so forth. It's a requirement within our contract to be fulfilled period. The town offers it. In some cases, the clubs have found other alternatives that have saved that money in the past. So, we've had a high school coach that gave a free lesson for baseball once to all the volunteer
coaches. Uh, for a little bit there, we had NFL Flag that covered it. However, NFL Flag no longer has the the certification and we no longer have the coach that gives out that free clinic. So, this money is being put back in in case the accreditations through NAS, which is the the main provider for for
youth sports. Um, so we can have those coaches uh accredited. >> Okay. >> And then just note that it's only for one year. Once a coach is a returning coach, they are uh they are paying for their 20 $20 renewal every time after that.
>> Perfect. Councilman Sanch, I think you said you have one more item. >> Yes, it is in community. It's community programs under recreation services. I'm just $8,600. Um supplies, table for table tennis,
archery, painting showcase, start smart equipment, and other. What is other? The other is uh essentially any items that aren't there. However, the vast majority is spent on our painting because painting has become one of the bigger exhibits we have here in Chambers. Um we
spent it on start smart equipment. So every six weeks we'll run a different start smart program. It could be baseball, basketball, football, and that program is aimed at teaching kids motor movements before they get into sports. So this is just before you're five years old, four years old for baseball. You start to learn the early years uh basic
mechanics to enter those sports. >> Okay. And then you have table tennis and then you have dominoes as well. We have a Domino's club that will supply with tables. So that falls within that. >> Okay, that's all I wanted to know. >> All right, I'll hand the floor over to someone else. I don't mind. >> Councilman Fernandez or actually I had asked over here. So Councilman Garcia
then Fernandez. >> Yeah, I have something in regards to public works um line item here. Accidental light pole repairs. >> We have $2,000 there. In the past, we've had zeros and 4,000 and then then 210.
And I know that's that can happen with an accident, but doesn't our insurance cover that? Do we have insurance that covers uh our any that isn't that town property that uh gets covered by the insurance cost? >> If the the practice would be we would get the police report and we'll go ahead
and go after the insurance of of the of the person that that had the incident. But what we have made a practice is that we'll charge it to this first so it doesn't hit our main budget and then once we get reimbursed it that part gets covered.
>> What have we had an issue that that we haven't been reimbured for a a light that's been knocked down? >> Doesn't our insurance cover it if if it's a hit and run for example? Our insurance will cover that. Right. >> I would have to Okay. >> Our deductible is $2,000. So anything
below $2,000 will not be covered. And how much insurance? >> How much is one of our uh gas light um gas looking light poles? Light poles. Or is this for the >> Yeah, it look like
>> the black poles look like they look like the old fashioned gas lights. The lantern looking lights. >> I I would have to look. But it it should be around 2,000. But I I'll have to look. If you give me a second, I'll look for for the last time we did it for >> the deductive. >> Yeah.
Is there any other uh line item that's >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> What other line items do you have? >> It could be charged to a regular light pull repair. >> And I can also tell you I have an item later on to uh have a special revenue fund actually pay for that.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Um, so my motion is if we could exactly move it to another revenue funds, uh, any any deductibles for insurance and remove this, uh, and then have it there just just when it happens, we have it, but
>> I think we can remove this $2,000. >> Um, sometimes it's not it's not just the pole, the whole thing. Sometimes it's the the wiring. Sure. >> Or the connection. Um that is the electrical part that is that would be
our expense because it is not reimburseable by the um it's below our deductible. >> Yeah. But I see here some years that if we get lucky it never happens, right? Or is this you always have an issue with with because I've seen a couple this year.
>> No, every year. >> Every year you got three or four. >> We got we got a few. Well, I I I I just think we should remove that and deal with it as as as we'll find the money. >> Okay. I'll um I'm going to uh remove my
motion for now and then come back later on. >> Okay. >> Mr. Mayor, if I could just make because it's something Councilman Sanchez discussed. Um I just >> because remember that Councilman Fernandez was next, but if it's pertinent to something that he was >> Well, it's very it's gonna be very quick. I don't want to forget it. Okay.
>> Because we discussed remove, we all agreed to that we should remove it, but then we never did. So, I would like to make a motion to remove the $3,500 credit card fee as uh in parks and records. Councilman Ters. >> All right. Any discussion on this? See none. All those in favor say I.
>> It's not to be removed. We're what's going to happen now is we'll have a revenue and it will offset. There will still be >> revenue, but it will be offset because what they it will then be a revenue. >> It's still going to be an expense. We still got to pay it to the uh company, but we'll collect it on the revenue side from the consumer. I I thought you
>> I think the question though is do you need a motion from us to add the revenue item or? >> No, no, we we will just do that now in in the company budget. >> It passed already. >> But remember, you can't I don't Well, I mean, >> well, it's just a possibility. Is that >> all right? Yeah. So, so you know what?
We'll we'll just deepix it. You know, that's that that's a professional term of art. Uh, with that, Councilman Fernandez, then Vice Mayor Moretta, and then Councilman Cuadra Garcia. >> Okay. So, I guess the the correct phrase would be that I'm going to pick up the item off the table.
>> You're going to Lazarus. >> I'm going to Laz Lazarus. >> Lazarus. Lazarus, come forth. >> How How is it How is it referred to? I'm going to pick >> Yes, it's that you're going to pick up uh uh whatever your motion was from the table. >> Okay. Yeah. So, I'm going to do that. I'd like for us to discuss again. My
motion is now that in light of the numbers that I have. >> Okay. So, >> Councilman Fernandez is moving to pick up from the table uh his item related to the colas. I'll second that. Is there any discussion on the motion to pick up from the table? All right. Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I.
>> All oppose? No. >> The eyes have it. Now you're recognized to And if I'm not mistaken, you already had made a motion in second. Is that correct, Madam Clerk? So, you already have that. So, just get into the discussion on your item. >> Yeah. So, so in in light of >> and remember that we were waiting on numbers, so please share that with your
colleagues. >> I have. Yeah. So, the the amount it would cost next year's budget would be $50,235 and that would include all staff to get a 3% COLA raise. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. And and what is the amount then finally on that? >> That's that's that's the final amount for the general fund including FICA. >> So, that's that's it. 50,235. All right. So, that's all in. >> And then keep in mind that some of the 3% that would be that some other some of
the employees would enjoy doesn't come from this this budget, this general budget anyway. It comes from different sources. >> Yeah. Look, I'm going to support it. I mean, I I had supported the prior motion by Councilman Hzburg to just, you know, uh just keep it to those making 100 and below. Um, but there's even been Herald
articles explaining that to afford a home in Miami, you need to be making at least 113. And we have some employees that are directors that just make above the $100,000 uh uh threshold a year. Um, and so I think that this to help them offset
those costs, pay for their families care and and education, etc. I think it makes sense. Not to mention with the with the money that we moved over as a onetime shot, I think this makes sense. And I and this is a recurring cost that I think we can easily cover year over year. Um so I I will you know be more
than happy to support this and you know and retract my prior uh statement that I had made with with this not being the year you know again we have that opportunity to do it this year through that and and I again it's not going to that that amount is not going to burn a hole in our pockets. Mayor, just as a
point of information with the moves that the other moves that you guys have made up to now tonight, you have capacity in the general fund of 91,614. >> Okay. >> Just wait till I'm done. >> Okay, perfect. Well, then well then that's good. So then we can easily afford this then. So with that, uh any
other comments on this? >> Yes, Councilman Garcia. >> Yeah, I I I think it's a good thing that we're finding cuts. I just don't think adding now is is a is a good uh is a good exercise. We're we're continuing to cut. We're continuing to cut. we made a a choice to to uh a compromise for the
for the colas when it comes to the level of who's going to get them and who's not. I think adding now using the cuts we're finding to add to another side of it is is I think we should continue to cut and cut to see if we get that miller rate as low as we can >> and I think we're still going to get there. I have faith in the vice mayor.
Um so with that uh is any Councilman Hersburg com uh I I agree with Councilman Garcia. This is something that I already spoke to town manager that I would uh propose that we take care of and carry forward even retroactively. I think that's where it's appropriate. From my standpoint, we're
going to increase taxes most likely. It's going to be a fairly small increase. Uh but it's again very hard for me to tell people that we're increasing our tax rate and also increasing the salaries of high income earners for the majority of people. So I get it. Um the staff and directors do
good work. I'm very willing to bring this back in the carry forward that I'm very confident we will have the funds and make that retroactive but at this point for the millillage I'm going to go be a no on this one. Well, my response on that would be that, you know, we seem to be putting a lot of faith again in the midyear budget amendment, which is
again is going to be a problem, right? Like if the plan is to put 500,000 back again, right? You know, into the MLOp line item, which I I'll say it now at this juncture, I have given up after seven years of being here of ever seeing that part done that in a way that's not
done through a bond. Um, you know, at least not in full. So, I don't see the point in putting that money back in the mid-year budget amendment. But between the the discussion I've heard that some people do want to address that through the mid-year amendment, the fact uh yes, with my tax stabilization fund, that
will take a bite out of that. Uh combined with the fact that we still have the police study that we got to worry about, we still have the CDMP uh amendment uh study that we have to fund and all these other things. It seems that we're putting a lot of pressure, the CDMP, the comprehensive development master plan, you know. So a for those
that uh you know again we're putting a lot of hopes I feel on on on future revenues that we don't that you know I'm sure we will have excess but you know again it seems like we're already eating it up before we we actually get there. So you know again and whether we do it
then or whether we do it now I mean I again I I agree that we want to keep the millage as low as possible although I have great faith in the v the vice mayor's proposals that are coming up now. Um, you know, so I just I just say might as well just bite the bullet now, right? Um, but you know, I just wanted to bring that up. Mr. Vice Mayor, you
had comments on this item. >> Yeah. First of all, shame on you not believing in me. uh as a chap used to say um but we we will continue working and and what I've been telling the residents
is it's become my goal to get as to to to the flat rate or as reasonably close as I can because I think that we can get there and frankly I think that with the benefit of more time even every I feel like every time I open this budget I
find something else. Um, but that being said, uh, um, I will with regard to this, the cola, and by the way, actually to, uh, something the mayor mentioned, I'm so happy you said that because I feel the same way about the MLP funds,
uh, I just truly think when we listen to a lot of the residents, not all of them, I want to be very clear. This is not everyone. I I'm not speaking for everyone. Uh this is a hotly debated issue, but I do think that um the the
the commentary surrounding MLOP has been so heated, so divisive, we reasonably cannot expect to actually do anything with that money for a significant period of time, even though it is money that is sucked away, which we all understand, but unfortunately
sometimes the residents are going to assume that it's taxpayer dollar. um you know which by the way the 500,000 is taxpayer dollar. Uh the remaining 1.2 is special revenue fund dollars uh which is
technically also tax dollars from a different source but um ad valorum property tax dollars. Um so I'm so happy you mentioned that because uh I'm probably not going to support putting it back. Um that being said um
as far as the the colas are concerned I I gave this issue a lot of thought. Um none of the issues that we discussed at the first budget meeting uh gave me as much to use uh councilwoman Ronaldo word
>> heartburn uh as as this item. Uh and and it was because I felt the I didn't hear it. I felt a collective groan from this side of the room and like like they just got gut punched. Um, and so
one of the things that really has made me uh flip on this is one of the things at least I did not give consideration to because it it is a great idea and I and I do thank you council for coming up with an idea a creative idea but at least at that time
what I did not think of was yeah great uh the people who are making under 100,000 are going to get a cola which is great in these tough economic times. So what we forget is for most people,
if you make $50,000 a year, you live a life of $50,000 a year. If you make $150,000 a year, you live the lifestyle of a person who makes $150,000 a year. But both of those people are still affected by the same
inflation. So that person who's making 150 today tomorrow needs to make 160 in order to keep up and the just like the person who's at 50 needs to make 60 in order to keep up. Uh so so that that of all the decisions actually that we made
on um at at the first budget hearing that that's the one that haunted me the most. Uh so so I will be supporting this item uh to restore it and and as I also said to uh Mr. bag down. Uh, from now on, every time I say his name, I'm going
to do this motion. Bag down. Um, >> I know what I'm getting him for Christmas now. You know, literal bag and I'm gonna just drop it into >> Um, but yeah, we as their employers, we we do want to make sure that we're not just supporting their their professional growth, but also their family. Um, and
and that we're uh accounting for the the increase to the cost of living in this area. So, I will be supporting the item through the chair, >> Councilman Garcia. And then I don't know if there's anybody else before we close out. >> Mr. Vice, >> Coun Council, Councilman Garcia, and we'll go ahead and and uh call the vote.
>> Mr. Vice Mayor, I appreciate your your thoughts on that. And I understand that inflation is goes up for everyone. Someone who's been in sales for decades, um, who's had good years and bad, who's had had those years where you're making, you know, six figures and had those
years where you're making close to 50 or 60. Um I don't and I've lived both and it happens you know it's cyclical. It's cyclical and I can tell you right now I'm having I'm not having good years right now. So it is it is hard to say to
the residents that are looking out there who are making the 50 and the 60 or the 40 or the 30 or whatever they're making now that someone who's making over 100,000 um it'll affect them the same as it's make someone's making 50. The lower you make, the percentage- wise, the harder
it is to make ends meet. And someone's making over a hundred. Yes, they're up to here as well, but it's not the I don't think it's the same thing. So, I think the compromise that that Councilman Herzburg came up with is a compromise. I already I already threw
myself uh on the sword with the with the uh with the staff and those who live here making over a hundred. I I already mentioned I may lose your vote, but I think it's a compromise. um when it comes to that. So I think the residents I think we need to read the
room here and also read the room of of of the town. I don't think that they'll accept a cola raise for those who are making over 100,000 right now. It's just not not something that I I believe is is appropriate at this time. But I understand your thinking. I just think
two different animals when it comes to making over a hundred and making 50 or 60 is it's a huge difference because I've lived both and I'm living it now. Yeah. And I'll close with this, which is just that in my view, we're we're already giving them a lower cola at the 3% than the originally proposed five,
which is well below the increase of of inflation in our area. And then, excuse me, lastly is just these are real people with real families are being affected. So on this one, you know, I I don't think it should just be about optics, but you know, but I just wanted to say that. With that, Madame Clerk, please
call the role. >> Council member Fernandez. Yes. >> Council member Garcia. >> No. >> Council member Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Council member Herszburg. >> No.
>> Council member Guuadra Garcia. >> No. >> Vice Mayor Mora. >> Yes. >> Mayor Diegas. >> Yes. >> The motion passes. >> Thank you, Madame Clerk. Uh, a so
we're to the vice mayor. That's right. We're going to the vice mayor for a series of motions. And I know he's gonna knock rock our socks, right? Is that the expression? Knock our knock our socks off. There we go. >> Call her what you want. >> Here we go. Uh so first before I even jump into the
motion, I want to uh read an email uh from a count Miami date county attorneys uh who have actually during the course of this meeting finally given me their their legal opinion on uh the use of PTP
dollars for the um school crossing guards. And I'm very happy to report we can um subject two the following. Um I'm just I'm not going to read the whole thing. I'm going to summarize it by saying the only thing we need to do is
show is be adequately able to demonstrate how the school crossing guards serve to operate roads and bridges within Miami Lakes. That's it. Which obviously a school crossing guard helps operate a road. Um they
intentionally worded it as vague and broad as possible and and they they wanted it I in other conversations with them they they want they were being careful because they didn't want to inadvertently uh open a floodgate but they also
understood uh you know one of the things that's actually covered by the PTP is the the yellow flashing school uh speed zone signs. And uh as a general uh someone from the CIT uh told me uh as far as they're
concerned, a school crossing guard serves the same exact function as that blinking light, you know, is is protecting the kids and primarily encouraging parents to walk their kids to school or allow their kids to walk to school and therefore each one of those
kids that are being walked to school, that's one less private vehicle on the street and therefore it perfectly goes goes into transit. Um, and so with that said, there are a few motions I want to make. uh starting a and I'm going to before I
even make it also hit another uh point which is we also know that item 20 on page six of the CIT municipal guidelines states that
uh well it it's done in a question and answer um format. So it's it says uh is is street lighting an eligible certex expense? If so, is it eligible under transit or transportation? The answer is it depends. Yes. Street and sidewalk
lighting in general is eligible as a transportation expense. Uh so with that being the case, I have two separate motions. Um this is PTP20. Uh so I move to reduce the PTP20
contingency reserve by $149,000 uh $149,757 and allocate that to a new line item which will encomp which will be used to pay all of the expenses uh from the general fund school crossing guards.
>> I'll second. >> Any discussion on on this particular motion? Any any questions from staff also? >> Well, >> because I know that this is uh tougher. >> I mean, the the deputy town attorney seemed to nod that he was fine with with uh the justification provided by the county attorneys and that it seemed to
cover what you're trying to do. So, okay. Madam budget director, >> I want to make sure I phrase it correctly for them. That's why. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, Vice Mayor, you said PTP80 reserves. There are no reserves in PT. >> PTB 20. This is transit.
But that's a that's for trans the street lights would fall on your transportation, not your transport. >> I said the school crossing guards. >> And if I said street lights, I I laid out first. >> Yeah. Yeah. If you want to, I'll rephrase. Um,
I move to reduce the PTP20 contingency reserve by $149,757 and create a new line item under the PTP20 to fund in that exact amount the all of the items under the general fund
relating to the school crossing guards. Does that sir >> you got clarification that it's transit not transportation dollars? Which one? >> That's correct. I can >> Can you read them that part of the email? >> Absolutely. >> And better yet, if you want to forward
it to them as well, just so they can have a copy for their records in case they have to justify it later and maybe to the u the the attorneys as well. Um so the the applicable state statute for the eligible use of the charter county
and regional transportation system sir tax funds in section 212.055 uh said statute would not allow the county to utilize its share of sir tax funds in the manner described by the Miami Lakes chief financial officer in
the email below. uh municipalities however may use the sir tax proceeds to plan develop construct operate and maintain roads and bridges in the municipality the analysis as to certax eligibility is done on a case-bycase
basis in this instance if Miami Lakes is adequately able to demonstrate how the school crossing guards serve to operate roads and bridges within Miami Lakes it could uh it could be an eligible expense they don't specify one of the and bridges are on their transportation, not
transit. >> Yeah, but I'm not doing roads and bridges. I'm doing school crossing grids. >> No, but I think they wanted to confirm which part of PTP. >> Well, I don't know what they're talking about. And and to be clear, it it's strange. So So a resident submitted a request to the county and I guess so did
you. Uh this seems to be responding to you, but I don't know what you asked. Um so so >> I haven't got >> I would assume that they have this, but um >> are they are they copied on the email communication? No, this was direct to me >> to them though, just so they can have it
already out and and and same thing with the with the attorneys. >> I'm thinking that it would definitely be under transportation and right now not transit and transportation currently does not have a fund balance or a contingency reserve rather. I'm sorry,
one more time. >> That they're thinking that this actually applies to PTP80, right? Transportation where there is currently no uh fund balance. Is that is that correct? Yes. >> Well, I I think that that goes against the spirit of what's being uh proposed
because how because transportation tends to be infrastructure items a and things relating to that. As an example, a bus is not transportation, it is transit, right? Um
a what what what is under under uh transportation? >> A road. >> Huh? >> A road like a a road improvement. >> Exactly. Right. We're not building a road with this. We're not doing one of the many PTP projects that we have where we uh f build build sidewalks or or
>> so just to make sure I'm understanding you then what you're arguing is that that based on that interpretation if we can show how the crossing guards affect the operation or I guess the flow of traffic >> the flow of traffic >> the then that's where you're saying it would be justified under PTP20 >> 20
>> right the transit. >> Yes, that's my argument. >> Okay. Um, and I'm happy to uh um this is something that that they have, frankly, I will say moved heaven and
earth to get us this opinion this quickly. Um, I will venture to say we'll get a more formalized thing. But just even the fact that they wanted us to have this opinion in time for this meeting uh says enough for me to feel
confident and and apply these funds. uh that the the people at and by the way the person who I spoke to on the phone was an individual who was uh very high up in the CIT and he he gave me his
assurance that pending the attorney's put position um that that that it was his position that it was allowed and that um >> is there a reason why you don't you don't feel comfortable naming this person? Oh, I asked him and he said, "Keep me out of it."
>> Okay. Okay. Got it. >> I'm happy to do it in private, but not not in the public office. >> It sounds like typical uh county government. >> Um Okay. Did Did they get a copy out of the email? >> Yeah. Because again, I want them to be able to read that so that we're all on the same page because I don't want to do anything that's going to put the town in
any legal jeopardy. >> Can I ask in the meantime, Councilman Fernandez? >> So, I just want to hear from from our attorneys. I mean, what do you just knowing what you I know you haven't had a chance to digest it, but what do you think about how we are interpreting that
that email >> and again he's going to provide it now so you know you guys will have a chance to look at it. >> The issue is that each of those pots of money whether it's 20 or 80 are for different purposes. One is transportation as they said, one is for transit. So it depends where it's being drawn from and what the spec
specifications are. From what he's reading, he's not saying PTP20 or PTP80. It's just very generic as to PTP funds. So, I think that's that's the issue and that's the question, >> right? But do you think his his what how he is interpreting
why or why he's making the case as to why we can use it, >> but he's not being specific as to which pot of money he >> Oh, no. I've been very specific. PTP20. >> In his case, he's talking about PTP20. What you guys want to confirm is that >> so they said PTP20. >> They did not. I said they simply said as
long as you can show that it that it's uh for uh um what is it operation of roads for Miami to to operate >> for PTP20. Good. >> They did not say PTP20. Stop putting words in their mouth. >> No, but that's what I need to know. trying to to
>> but the question the question as I asked it was PTB20 and that's the answer I got. >> I don't know the question that Kay asked. That's the that's why I asked. >> Okay. Well, after they explained then we'll go to Councilman Harrisburg
>> because I'm very clear that transit is related to um bus bay pullouts, bus shelters, bus benches, etc. My question to the county was under not under PTP20, not under transit,
but under transportation >> because you're clear that what >> transit PTP20 is for transit. Transit meaning and they they have it here. Transit means um it's
defined as bus service, rail service or related amenities. >> Transit transit. >> That's the 20. >> That's PTP20. >> Bus service is included. >> Bus services, uh, bus shelters, bus benches, bus stops, >> freebies.
>> Um, freebie. Anything related to that is PTP20. PTP80. However, uh, it's roadways, it's street lights, it's um, >> which is where the school board, I mean, the school crossing guards come into
play. And I'm thinking it's the school crossing guards as well. Yes, I did send them a question, but they haven't um responded to me as yet. And my question was um based on PTP80 funds. >> No, I mean, council Hsburg,
>> I guess based off um the email from the county, the county attorney specifically stated a statute, did he not? The is PTT 20 and 80 out of the same statute? >> Yes, they are out of the same statute.
Um the thing is that >> the funds when once it comes in a minimum of 20% has to go to transit. It could be 25 but a minimum of 20% and the remainder to transportation.
>> Okay. So it's not about it's it's about making sure the minimum is at 20%. It's not about that we can't take money from PP PT. The minimum has to go the min. So you get a chunk of money 100%. 20% has to go to transit. The other 80% can go
to transportation. So can't we move the contingency then? >> That's exactly what I'm doing. >> What does it make a difference at this point? >> I agree Pete. So we have a we have a contingency there.
It's 100%. 20 has to go to transit. The contingency is part of the 20%. Based off the numbers I don't think it is. >> Yes. The contingency is a part of that 20%. >> It is. >> Yeah. How much I mean how much I guess how much >> 380 grand in there.
>> So 380 grand is put into the pot as a contingency to make the 20% full. That contingency is money that's been carried over from prior years. It's not just a contingency from this current year. >> So, >> and it has to be spent on transit
>> because if you put it in that pit for that year has to be you can't move >> it's it's once it's in the 20% it can't be removed from the 20%. >> That's part of the allocation of of >> and the 20%'s a minimum. >> Yeah. >> You can do 25 you can do 30 but but you
can do no less than 20%. Okay. So, if we reduced uh well, I don't know. I got to figure out what the numbers are. >> Um >> I'm going to lay this on the table while I go and lawyer this thing. >> I'll second this. Uh all those in favor say I. I
>> I post no. You guys have it. The motion is laid on the table. >> Uh next item. Councilman Sanchez or do or so while you figure that out. Councilman Sant. >> Motion on the table to unt um right of way >> to pick up from the table.
>> To pick up from the table. >> Okay, I'll second that. All those in favor say I. I. All oppose? No. >> The eyes have it. >> Pick up from the table. You are proceed. You are clear to proceed. >> So the the deduction of the 60,948,
how many cycles does it bring us down to? So in order to make up that difference and leave the uh rightway maintenance portion at 308185 now instead of the 369 that it was before you would need to reduce your mo cycles.
Um the max you would be able to get would be 33 mo cycles. You would for be there foregoing uh mulch in its entirety. You would forego half of the fertilizing as well. Now you can play with that and you can put back a
fertilizer and reduce your ser your mo cycles uh to 32. You can gain back a mulch if you go to 31. So that can be altered. However, there is no way to make up the 60,948 simply by mowing cycles. You will need
to forego uh either fertilizing or mulching. I would I I would be good with um with reduc I'd rather keep the mulch and because I'm okay with look we're at 30 if we go to 31 and keep the mulch and the I mean if we're going to do
something I'd be okay with that the mulch and fertilizer. >> So just to follow up on that by going to 31 most cycles we would save the the mulching leave that unchanged and the fertilizer. No >> I'm checking right now. I don't think so. At 31 you still need to sacrifice
>> No. Let me see here. Mr. Backdown, obviously I I have to go back to the spreadsheet that that I made based on last year versus this year for for the parks. And I see that pretty much every park on my list had zero mulch this
year. >> Correct. >> Every single one. >> Correct. Mulching was not funded. >> Right. >> Did anyone I mean how how important is mulch? I I actually from what I've heard and from what I've heard it is a carcinogen.
>> I I some like red mulch for some reason >> everything gives you cancer but I don't know that's a reason to do it. >> Not red mulch specifically. >> We don't use red mulch. Yes. We use a very different kind of mulch that if if I'm not mistaken uh has certain properties that makes when a child jumps
off the swing it helps to break their fall. Right. >> Well that's okay. Well go ahead. So, I I I've had I probably had like a 30-minute discussion with the director about mulch because I do not like mulch. And I think we should look into rocks. And rocks, guess what? Rocks don't have to be placed a lot all the time and things
like that, but whatever. >> Um, no. So, this mulch would not include the playground safety mulch, which is something I would absolutely never cut >> because it needs to happen and you know, my kids use those playgrounds. >> But >> this is right ofway. But the right I hate I mean is we had a discussion
there's some benefits but it's mostly aesthetics to mulch is it not >> the large the the the most impact is going to be on the aesthetics there are um biological and I guess organic rationale as to why you would do it for weed suppression for moisture retention uh to to really the biggest thing is to
push away weeds from just soil beds >> I mean for the right away I I have no problem removing mulching but that's just me that's a personal thing >> Mr. Uh, >> Councilman Cuadra Garcia, >> don't believe me. Look it up yourself
right now. Mulch brings termites. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> They bring termites. Read it up and if I lose, I'll bring I'll I'll invite everybody to Joe Stone Crab tonight >> if I lose. But I won't lose. >> Director, back down. if you can do me a
favor and just recap for the vice mayor who was taking that call outside um what your findings are with respect to the motion to reduce to reduce the 60,000 in rightway uh um funds >> in order to make the the sum that uh
Councilman Sanchez was trying to bring back which $60,948 you would need to forego more than just the five mowing cycles. There will there will be a need. >> You said 35 to 33. >> No. No. So, I did the math and I I thought it was going to be on that, but
that's why I wanted to make sure I did it against the actual contract. So, at 30 most at 30 most cycles and let's put it back at two. I'm going back to 30 now. So, we'll start at the base because we said we wanted to look at mulch.
The max you can do at 30 mole cycles keeping one mulch and two so half rate of fertilizing would get you to the number the 30818522 >> and removing the mulch. >> Now if you remove the mulch you can go up in most cycles >> to how many?
>> Uh let's see here. >> I could I could have sworn I heard 33. >> So if I remove mulch alto together >> that was the first number he gave. The first number you gave was 33 molec. >> Correct. And I had it at I think one fertilizer. I have to take a look now.
>> I'm doing this on on the fly here. >> No, no, that's fine. You you do that, but just throwing it out there. I mean, like again, I kind of agree with the point Councilman Garcia was making earlier that, you know, we that people haven't noticed too much uh with respect to the grass, you know. So, in terms of most cycles, I'm fine with leaving it
where it's at now and just preserving the mulching cycles and the fertilizing uh to make sure that the rest of it is is aesthetically pleasing and wellmaintained. I understand Councilman Hzburg has a blood, you know, feud with with mulch,
but you know, a but you know, yeah, I just wanted to put that on the record while you continue to do that on the fly. >> Um, one point of personal privilege, if I may cut, Mr. Vice Mayor uh just cut the order so so that I can come back to this make my comment on this issue and then >> Okay, but on this issue you're not
cutting Oh, okay. Go go go ahead. Go ahead. Yeah, we're trying to get >> the line of other people speaking. >> Yeah, we're just trying to give him time to do his >> I just want to say just for the purpose of anyone counting votes. I'm not okay with this. Um I like I said, I want to give a chance. They've been telling me
how great it's going to be when we fully fund. I want to give them a chance, fully fund it. And then and then but again, you know, >> I'm also looking forward to it as a director. This will be the first time I'm funded out. >> I'm going to I'm going to frolic in the meadows. Uh >> Vice Mayor, so so will I.
>> But but um to be clear, and I understand where Councilman Sanchez is coming from. Uh but um does any part of that, by the way, Well, no. This is right away. >> Strictly right away. Um then then look,
I think our rightways should look nice. Uh that that is just my position. By the way, I will say I share Councilman Hersburg's uh grave hatred for mulch in my own house because I it moves every time it rains. Uh but here in the town,
it it looks nice. >> Excuse me, Mr. Vice Mayor. Staff staff over there, >> guys. Yeah, Joseph, if you can lower the volume over there. Lorenzo, I'm sorry. If you guys can just uh bring it down a little bit so you know it's starting to affect uh what we can hear up here. Sorry. All right.
>> That I I just want to put my comment on the record so I can get back to searching for my funds. >> Okay. If I may. >> Okay. Councilman Sanchez. >> Okay. We are talking about reducing two mole cycles. And mulch flowers you can see from half a mile away because of the
bright vibrant colors. But mulch which what color is the mulch that that >> brown so it's a contrast from your green. What is what is the color of the dirt surrounding the tree that where you would put the mulch? >> Black. >> Where the where the brown blends in. And a car going at 25 to 30 miles an hour is
not going to see the mulch. So, we're reducing two motorcycles across 52 weeks. Mr. Vice Mayor, we're reducing two mo cycles and it's saving us $61,000 that I have something that I'd like to
bring up later about a specific salary. I'm down with reducing the most cycles, but I want to keep the mulch because the truth is that especially when you're stopped uh at some of these medians, especially let's say like the turn lanes to the palmetto, which I believe does have mulch. I could be wrong, you know, right? The turn lanes to the palmetto on
>> I I believe when we did some of the renovations to the landscape there, we added mulch at the time of the project. >> Okay. So the rightway itself, yeah, the rightway itself would have not gotten it, but if the project was, and I want to say it was done, it was something that the manager wanted us, we went ahead and mulched then for the installation of the new plants. >> Yeah. I mean, I just want to point out
that for example, we were all taking heat on social media for the the Graham's property with respect to the dirt and the very few plants that are there. So, you know, again, so I'm just trying to say that with the property that we actually control, you know, the mold seems like a no-brainer as
something to continue to make sure that it looks good. uh including for those cars that are stopped at those intersections. Uh who had their hands up? >> Just to respond that >> okay, Vice Mayor and then Councilman Fernandez. >> Again, I just want to make the point
that for years we've been told it looks like this because it's not fully funded. I think since 2019. Yeah. Right. Give or take. >> Yeah. Give or take. Yeah. >> Um and that applies to multiple things, not just this. It also applies to our
park maintenance cycles, our tree trim cycle, etc. which by the way, the tree trim cycle is one of the ones that I think I I've gotten the most complaints on from everyday residents of uh and and so I I really do want to see
this funded and and I've said it from the beginning. I am willing to make hard difficult cuts and I am willing as I think everyone should understand by now and by the way this is the case I know with Councilman Sanchez for some of the deep stuff that he's doing. Uh I've I've
poured over this thing. Uh and I want to find all the cuts but I am not willing to forego full funding of all cycles and let you do your thing next year. If the result is not what I intended, we will revert. I'm letting you know that I will
be the first one calling for it to revert. But right now, I want to see it fully funded. The only way that I'll support this a cut at this time is if it's accompanied by a a vote of this council promising to bring it at the
amended budget. That's the only way I'll support it. Meaning, we're budgeting we're budgeting today 712ths of it and the other 512ths of it at the amended budget. like like a pilot like a pilot project. Exactly. Okay. Well, really quickly remember the order. It was Councilman Fernandez and then we'll go to Councilman Garcia.
>> I'm just saying that that's the only way I support. I'm not even making that motion. I'm just saying that that's the only way I support it. >> I'm good. I just won't I I will I will actually rather see a fully funded cycle. That's again my just my opinion. >> All right. Councilman Garcia. >> Thank you, Mayor. Just just I want to
remind my colleagues this is the type of cycle of maintenance that that landscapers love the mulching the flowers. It's a constant constant change. Everybody who has mulch understands
mulch doesn't last a long time. So we are in this cycle that we we're continuing to have to budget for this instead of saying hey less flowers, less mulch, less fertilizer. F fertilizer is horrible for the environment. Let's less let's lower the grass, more native
plants again. We need to we need to lower the cycle lower the amount of costs we're we're spending. Guys, we've had third the cycle of 30 for years. No one has noticed. I have yet to get one call saying, you know, I was I was waiting in line at the median and my
goodness, that grass is, you know, two centimeters too high. I'm I'm appalled. I have not, and I don't make light of of of of what residents say, but I I haven't received a complaint about the the median's grass level. The only complaints I've ever gotten was the was
the uh the leaves. Twice a year, those leaves are crazy. But as far as grass, guys, I Councilman Sanchez is correct. Let's keep it at 30. Forgo the mulch, and if we can cut the fertilizer in half, it's better for our environment. No one's going to notice. No one's going
to notice. That's my two cents. M Council Hernandez and then Councilman Guad Gracio. >> This is going to be really brief. I have received complaints specifically 79th Court. If you notice heading heading southbound on 79th Court, that median
has has looked overgrown for a long time, especially the one right on Miami Lake Drive and 79th Court. >> I don't think we maintain that. >> We do. We maintain that, >> Mr. Manager. >> Mr. manager. Do we maintain 79th Court and Miami Lakes Drive where where the sign says
>> business park >> business park? Yes, we do. >> Yeah, that has that has been overgrown and I've received on more than one occasion complaints about that. >> Is that considered right away? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> If I may, Mr. Mayor. >> Uh well, first it was Councilman Cuadra
Garcia and then Councilman Harrisburg. >> Am I uh am I recognized, >> sir? >> Yes. >> Thank you. Um, take uh strong consideration on removing this mulch. Wikipedia is telling us right here. >> Oh, no. >> Uh, I'm It's right here.
>> But not Wikipedia. >> Okay. It's right here. I'm not making it up. >> No. No. But >> Okay. Well, then you guys uh you will live with this uh termite issue. Uh consider removing the termites and putting rocks. >> Do whatever you want. So, that's uh
that's my uh my two senses. Councilman Herszburg. >> Thank you. And listen, I started this meeting saying I was happy with the budget and honestly I was. But this is a precise pre enough precision that I can live with it. It's it's a savings. We
can either put it to something else or use it to lower the millillage. I don't want to touch the parks, the actual parks. I will not vote for one single cut to the to the the to the pocket parks to the Royal Oaks veteran. I won't I I want to support the parks, but this
is if this is just riderways and I'm okay with making this cut. >> This is just rightways. But just point of clarification because I know was stated really early in the meeting, there already is a cut to parks right now. There is a cut to the um Youth Center Park East. So, there is a reduction in cycles and fertilizer and
mulching that was already made part in >> Well, mulching. That's okay. I'm >> remember blood blood enemies. >> Yeah. But uh yeah there so there is already a reduction to one maintenance contract within this budget as it stands just so we're clear on that.
>> We can look in using this savings for our writer waves and I'm look I'm looking at Google I really this is not a this is not a a priority for me. I don't think this is a priority for the residents. So I'm go before this cut and we and I would like to see some of those savings go back to the actual budget. >> So were you going to uh address that or
do you already did with your comment when when you were just asking me to go speak? >> I'm sorry. What? What did I >> No, no, you you were asking to speak and so I just wanted to be clear. >> It was to address that. No, just to address that. The idea was not to not touch any parks, but there already is a park affected.
>> So this So this cut just keeps us where we're at right now. Is that accurate to say? >> So So this cut would Let me see here. If I zero this back out >> and put this >> cut, >> that's what I guess we'll get into.
Let me make sure that we don't gain 31. So that cut will get you to 31 cycles. Zero mulch full fertilizer. >> Okay. But it maintains the same current amount of mo cycles. Well, slightly, right? You know, >> slightly increase the mo. You gain one
mole cycle but lo No, you'll gain one mo cycle and gain back one fertilizer. >> Yeah. Now, I think that people would appreciate the the mulch, right? But I'm willing to support this cut for now. Um, again, we get an additional mill cycle, give or take. You know, we have full
fertilizer. And again, I'm with the councilman, you know, that I rather put the money in our parks that our residents are actually going to use. So, for that reason, I'll go ahead and support it. Um, a let's if let's see if there's any more comments because I know the vice mayor wanted to vote a certain way on this and he's trying to inform
staff out there that he got an answer on his PTP question. Hey, can some Is he there? There we go. Mr. Vice Mayor, come on back. We're about to take a vote. >> Okay. >> There's no motion on the floor. >> Hurry on up. We're about to take a vote, >> Mr. Mayor. There's no motion on the floor. >> Okay. Well, then I'll No. Yeah, because when you brought it up when you picked
it up on the table, that's a mo That's a motion that was moved and seconded already. So, it already has been moved and seconded. So, >> then I want to amend that motion. And that's why we've been able to discuss it. Right. >> What was the dollar amount that was the cut? >> $60,948. >> That's the amount of the cut. >> Yes.
>> 60,948. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Right. >> Did we have mulch this year in the rightway? >> No. >> Yeah. So that's why look I'm willing to to if anything revisit it later. Um but
again and I rather the the savings from this go back to the youth center to make sure it's adequately maintained. >> Okay. >> Um but again so so you good? >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Mr. Mayor before we vote >> an amendment. >> Uh you have an amendment? >> I have an amendment. >> Okay. You're recognized for an amendment.
>> Okay. The amendment is to at the time that the carry forward comes, if needed, we fund the full remaining balance to the 35. >> I'll second that. Any discussion on the amendment? >> Yeah. Um, how does that affect the
scheduling? Because you you prorrate it based on >> But I don't think it'll affect the mulching cycle. Uh, right. Because we can do whenever. Yeah, that can be done whenever. Now, mowing cycles, I'd have to look at what months don't have the full capacity at 31. Um, which can then
take after the the amended budget can take an additional cycle. Um, so I can just evaluate what what can be added, what cannot be added. >> We can visit it at that time. Correct. That's what I'm saying. Okay. Yeah. Councilman Quad Garcia, >> Mr. Mayor, consider all of us consider
um the fertilizer, think long haul of the of our children. I would I would uh >> this is for the ride ofways though. I just want to be clear on that. I hope our kids are not playing in the middle of the street like that. >> No. No. So basically uh this is to uh to
support on removing 60 uh to to removing uh 60,948. >> Yes. >> Yes. I'm in support. >> Okay. Excellent. So on the amendment, all those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> All those opposed say no. >> Uh no from Councilman uh Fernandez. Uh
the eyes have it. The motion carries and the mo and the main motion is amended. Now we're back on the main motion as amended. Madam clerk, please call the role on this one. >> Council member Sanchez, >> yes. >> Council member Hzburg, >> yes. >> Council member Garcia, >> yes.
>> Council member Cuadra Garcia, >> yes. >> Council member Fernandez, >> no. >> Vice Mayor Mora, >> no. >> Mayor Diegas, >> yes. >> The motion passes. >> Okay. Excellent. So, do you want to make a motion, Councilman Sanchez, then or Councilman Herszburg, if you want,
related to the the spot, uh, to move some of that money to offset like how much, uh, Jeremy, was the cut to the to the spot as far as the mowing and everything else? >> The spot like the youth center? >> The youth center. Yeah. >> I appreciate the reference to the spot. I was lucky enough to be able to name that, so I >> I mean, it's what it's called. We had a
whole motion about this years ago, so I mean, might as well use it. >> Um, it is 4,438 >> 4,000,000. >> 4,000. Yeah. To refund. It's a smaller neighborhood park. >> All right. I'll move to go ahead and >> Let me get you the exact number if
exact. >> It's in the budget comments. >> It is 4,438. >> All right. I'll move to uh to restore the 4,000 I'll second >> 38, right? Uh, okay. $4,000 38. Uh, $4,38.
Uh, >> $4,4 Excuse me. Four $4,438 uh to the spot. Um, is there a second? Well, seconded by Councilman Sanchez. Any discussion on this? >> Real quick to the chair. >> All right. Councilman Garcia. I >> I just think we shouldn't be adding at
this point. I think it once the carry forward comes in and if we we have we've because there's a lot of priorities. If this is still a priority, then we decide then. But making the choice now, I think is or are we just voting to take a look at it when the carry forward? >> No, it's to restore. >> Yeah. >> I don't think we should be adding back
uh right now. I think we should wait for the carry forward and then prioritize and then use that money to add to the areas that are priorities, which parks are priorities, but I don't want to pigeon hole ourselves or handcuff ourselves right now. I think we should be taking away not adding at this point. But that's my two cents.
Um with that um all those in favor or actually madam clerk please call the role. >> Okay. Motion to move to restore this amount of money 4,438 to the spa. Council member Garcia. >> No. >> Council member Fernandez.
>> Yes. >> Council member Cuadra Garcia. >> No. >> Council member Hersburg. >> Yes. >> Council member Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Mora. Yes, >> Mayor Diegas. >> Yes. >> The motion passes.
>> Excellent. Um, also at this time, I'm going to move to pick up from the table my earlier motion on the travel to DC. Um, is there a second? >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. I. All oppose? No. The eyes have it. The motion carries. Um, so
now that uh again, remember I had put this aside for us to hear on what was going to happen with respect to the travel budget for the manager and the, you know, the administration generally. So, at this point, now that we have that clarity, I'm just going to um make a strike all amendment to my original
motion um to set aside $1,500 with the balance that's left over going back to the general fund. $1,500 uh to to cover my expenses to uh going to DC to advocate for the zip code and for our $1 million appropriations. >> Second. >> Thank you. It's been moved and seconded
on the strike call. Is there any discussion on the strike call? So mayor to be clear so the mayor and council travel and pdeium that is now at 2,000 you're moving it up to 3500 >> right I thought if I'm not mistaken I thought we had cut all
>> you had it it was cut from 9 to two I think it was because of uh legislative >> uh yeah because we wanted to make sure we had funds for you to go to Tallahassee >> okay well then well I guess I guess if that's for Tallahassee then then might as well just make this motion here for DC >> right so so you have 200 in there
already right now as we stand so add another 1500 for DC, >> right? Uh so now you get our money and get our zip code and then Yes. And then >> so to move it to 3500. >> Uhhuh. All right. Got it. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> I just I'm I'm happy to send you to DC
if you can get that zip code. We're going to save a lot of money. I think the residents are going to save money on insurance costs. >> Look, and I'm really excited. The conversations with Senator Scott's office are very encouraging. So that we this might this for once might be the year, you know, you know, praying praying that it'll happen. Um, all
right. All those in favor say I. I. All oppose, no. >> Um, all right. The eyes have it. The motion carries. Now, a a Mr. Vice Mayor, u I believe you were going to make an announcement and continue on with your your um your items. >> Oh gosh.
>> Um, >> okay. Okay. So, first of and foremost, I did uh make a phone call to uh my contact who did confirm uh it is a transport an eligible transportation expense under the PTP80, not under the
transit PTP20. Uh so, number one, I want to say I do want to thank this gentleman for taking a call. He's not a member of our town council, but you know, he took a call at, you know, close to 10 PM. Uh so, he's he's obviously a great public
servant. Um, but um, that being said, I'm going to have to make some changes, which is what I've been frantically doing, uh, on my my crazy sheet. Um, I'm going to move to reduce the PTP80
contribution to the 59th Avenue Roadway Extension Project by $223 two 223,372. I think it's easier if I just make this motion one at a time because it's going to be complicated.
>> Anyone want to second? I'll second. >> Thank you. May I may I explain >> before before they intervene because >> Well, it's not them intervening because I'm very protective of this project. >> That's fine. And so am I. And so am I. Let's be very crystal clear here. When we showed up here for the first budget
hearing, the amount of the PTP contribution to this project was $223,372 lower. It increased by that amount because of the cancellation of a project. We got lucky. basically >> a the the greenway south uh project was
cancelled by the grand tour. >> Uh so we we now had um additional PTP money that was previously allocated to that project which uh the budget director uh allocated to this project which is the smart thing to do because obviously we're trying to fund this
project. However, at this point when we voted on a budget for for for the 59th Avenue roadway, we had agreed at 10.7, not this 10.9 number. Uh so all I'm simply doing is
changing the direction that that that $223,000 is going. >> Okay. It's been moved and seconded with an explanation. I just want to ask the manager then is you know that that checks out, right? like like in other words not that it checks out. I don't question my colleagues uh truthful
statements but what I'm trying to say is will this imperil the project anyway in terms of >> we don't know because we have been putting money into this project because the big question mark the big variable is going to be once we put construction out to bid and we're probably about a
year year and a half before we're ready to at least put it out to bid. >> Yeah. So, >> so and remember, so, so I you know, Vice Mayor, this would be then to use that money to fund the crossing guards.
>> Okay. So, it's it's just a one-time injection. So, I just want to be clear that and we've done it several times in this budget, but >> roughly, how long would it take for us to replenish that money? We'd have to see based on uh you know what we've seen, you know, the last
>> we have a five-year capital and we allocate money for each of those projects that are out five years. So he's not wrong in saying that yes, we got lucky because we are no longer doing the Greenway South project. So because
we haven't gone out to bid for 59th Avenue, we have no idea what the construction costs will be. >> Wow. Are is our idea currently within what we have uh you know saved you know if even after we take out the money that we're
talking about here the two >> what was it? >> I'm sorry >> how much of money again were you talking about moving >> $223,372? >> So moving that money uh does our estimated budget still square? >> We we had Omar and you could attest to
this right? I know you're opening up the bud project budget. We have a little bit of fluff in there, but we're fluff because we're really worried that when we go out, >> we like cushion. >> Cushion. All right. >> Yeah. >> When we go out to bid for construction,
>> wordsmith, >> you know, and we've tried to factor in inflationary impacts and everything else, but we're that's going to be a big variable. >> And I I want to reiterate a question that I asked during my my budget uh briefing that that I had with you guys.
Um the amount that we get from PTP is not based on our projects. It's not based on anything other than our population. Uh what else? Uh there's a few factors. >> Well, the revenues that the county gets and then when we they go to divvy it up,
the county keeps a certain percentage and when they go divvy up amongst the municipalities is based on population >> and and how much of it we use or how we use it, what projects, whether or not we have these projects. The absence of the Greenway South project does not reduce
the amount that we will receive next year. Correct. >> It it doesn't affect it. >> Okay. So, my point being this is not a onetime expense. This is actually a recurring uh a recurring revenue because we're going to get that revenue next year. >> But we have next year's PTP money
already allocated to 59th Avenue as well. >> But you also had money allocated towards uh the the Greenway South. Well, look, I I think I've heard it enough to go ahead and support it this time, right? I mean, it sounds like again the money next year has for 59th has already been allocated,
right? Or planned uh you to be allocated that way. This was not money that was originally part of our initial projections. So, I'll go ahead and I'll support it for now. Does anyone else have comment on this? >> Quick to the chair. >> I would love to support this, but you're telling me it's going to be a year and a
half before we actually go to bid. Does anybody think that that cost is not going to go up by 20 or 30%. And and if we control that variable and we get it to bid within six to nine months,
then I don't then the cost won't go up as much. And I I would be more apt to vote for this because I think this is a great idea and and what I love the research you did and and to get this going. But why a year and a half? Why can't we get it to bid when six and nine months? Let let me just ask a simple
question to the staff. Does the extra 223 get this to bid any sooner? >> No. >> Thank you. >> The extra money does not get it the the the timeline for the design of the uh the structural design as well as the the
roadway. That is what it is, right? >> Yeah. The the timeline is pretty much what our what we got from our designers. Obviously like I mentioned council meeting >> I've mentioned this in several meetings if there is an opportunity to do any type of acceleration of design let's say a permitting process gets gets through
quicker we will go ahead update the schedule and provide that but right now we're basing this on what our consultants are providing uh based on their experience doing this kind of project. >> What's the estimate for going out to construction bid to put it out? So bid advertisement right now we have it at
118 1227. So January 2027. >> And we still have a couple other variables. >> Yeah. We still have a couple other variables as well like you know the ongoing negotiation with Caterpillar. Yes. >> You know so so again that would be another factor you know but we're getting close.
>> We hope to get all those other factors out of the way by the time we're our plans are done and we get permitting completed and we're ready to go out to bid. Yeah. and Council Member Garcia, we're going to do everything possible to accelerate that, but we don't want to give you tell you it's going to be 6
months and and we we we'd be lying to you. M >> Mr. Manager, with all due respect, a year and a half is unacceptable. We're going to have to figure something out. We're just accepting the status quo. We're never going to get this project done because it's going to the the cost
overrun is going to be so much that we're going to end up not doing this project. Am I and I know I'm not the only one that sees us. We're running. We're we're driving toward a brick wall right now. Everybody sees it and no one's hitting the brakes. And if I have to do a Flintstone and put my feet on
the ground and stop it. That's why I'm I'm being so adamant about this. A year and a half is unacceptable to put it to bid. Whatever it takes to get this done quicker, whatever you need us to do, please let us know. I'm going to have to do some research on the side and find out, but a year and a half is way I mean, it's just unacceptable. It's going
to cost us 20 to 30% more for this project if we wait a year and a half. >> Well, in the meantime, the motion that's currently on the floor is to move the money out from this project. So, you know, we're not discussing the 59th Avenue project itself. I admit that I got carried away myself on that. With that, Madame Clerk, please call the role
on this. >> And just I think Melissa, this amount moving from PTP into general fund. >> Uh, no. You're simply paying for the item within >> Oh, within PTP. Okay. No, >> sorry, my mic was off. Uh, for the
benefit of the public viewing, uh, I I believe the way it was phrased was simply the PT. Right now, it's just simply we're we're we're reducing the >> the line item >> the line item by that amount. We're not even >> taking it anywhere. >> You're going to take a series of >> No, no, understood. I just wanted to make sure we weren't we weren't going to
have the 15% uh issue with this. >> No, no, no, no, no, no. >> All right, madam. Call the role. >> Mr. Mayor. >> Okay. Sorry. Hold that. Okay. Excuse me. Councilman, >> what line items other than the school crossing guard? >> Well, he's going to Well, I mean, he's going to make a series of motions.
>> No, but but it's germanine to the motion because he may want to support this or not based on >> just trying to clear votes. Just take the vote and then we'll get there. You know, he brought >> Okay. All right. Mr. Mayor, >> call call the role. Madam clerk, >> Mr. Mayor, before you call the role, please. >> At this juncture, though, I'm we're going to we're going to have more
discussion on what to do with the money, but this is just under reduction. Do you have a comment on just the reduction? I I just want to make sure that when I vote I know I'm >> We're reducing the amount currently of for 59th Avenue by how much? >> 200 $223,372.
>> That That's the vote. Madame Clerk, please call the role. >> Council member Hzburg, >> yes. >> Council member Garcia, >> yes. >> Council member Cuadra Garcia, >> yes. >> Council member Fernandez, >> yes. >> Council member Sanchez,
>> yes. Vice Mayor Mora, >> yes. >> Mayor Diegas, >> yes. >> The motion passes. >> Vice Mayor recognized for another motion. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I move to allocate within the PTP80
uh the sum of $149,757, which uh I will ask that the budget director please correct me if I'm wrong. that it should be the total amount on in the general fund right now uh allocated to the school crossing guards section
under police one 149 757 that's what I see >> it's uh right there >> Mr. Attorney >> yes thank you Mr. Mayor, Vice Mayor, um the concern is the way that that email is phrased, it seems as though the count
the town can request it, but it doesn't say that it's automatically eligible. That's not what the opinion >> nothing in life is automatic. >> Correct. So, >> but but what the email says and what someone high up in CIT has explained to me is
>> as long as we can show that it is relate well I forgot the exact wording now related to the operation of the road and as they did they said in their eyes >> the uh the school crossing guards and the flashing yellow lights for the
school zone serve the same function and the lights and and the school uh speed zone signs are allowed. Uh so uh at this stage I feel comfortable enough uh with the interpretation given by someone very
high up in CITT the the county's uh attorney's opinion uh to move forward with it because what I did a little while ago was step outside and call that person to confirm and so that that's why >> so my suggestion would be and this is my
advice to the council would be to allow us you just leave it as is, but allow us to go to the county and get confirmation in writing that we can do that. And in fact, that's eligible. And if it's eligible, then you you move the money to the school crossing cards.
>> Respectfully, for our residents, that's too late. They've already been taxed at that point. If we don't do it tonight, it it's not being done. >> I think that the money would remain in PTP 80 and we would be able to use that funds in the future. Correct. K. If the
money is unallocated while we wait for this, does that create a problem for us? >> If the money is unallocated while we wait for a written response, does that create a problem for us or can it remain to be uh can it sit there until we need to make a budget amendment?
>> The problem is is that if we do not get confirmation and they do not approve that, we are then having school crossing guards that are not funded in the general fund. >> Yep. >> Right. But >> yeah, that's the problem. Well, I thought we were going to try to push this off to the school board anyway. >> We're We're not talking about $20,000.
We're talking about $150,000. >> Yeah. >> Would I love to push it off to the school board? Yeah. Respectfully, you you had to leave early because of uh your your foot. Those guys aren't going to pay for absolutely a dime. >> Well, yeah. That's the story of my life
in the seven years I've been here, you know. And again, we've gotten them spoiled by taking on expenses that they should be incurring, right? um over and over again for political reasons though, you know, we agreed to take on those costs and here we are now between a rock and a hard place as a result instead of
putting it where it belongs. But Councilman Hersburg, I see you groaning over there. >> I mean, I appreciate the advice. It's your job. I'm confident. Let's move forward. I'm I'm fine with what we have a county attorney telling us in email. >> Have you Have you read the email? Uh, council,
>> I I'll just I'll I'll read off the important line >> because >> in in this instance, if Miami Lakes is adequately able to demonstrate how the school crossing guards h serve to operate roads and or bridges, oops, uh,
within Miami Lakes, it could be an eligible expense. >> I don't see how true crossing guards operate a road. >> But my concern, Councilman, is that it says it could be an eligible expense. He's not saying it is >> because the guy's being a lawyer. If you don't understand that creates a problem for us though
too. Now what I will say though is >> with respect to a a what is the what what would be required if it's later ruled that it's not an eligible expense. Um we have to just return the money. Is that what it is? >> Well then you'd have to fund it probably with general fund and figure out
>> Well, look for that. I'm not too concerned for the 150 because we're going to be sitting we're going to be sitting on about 300,000 give or take of unassigned fund balance. Correct. >> Let's but hold on, but let's look at let's look at let's parse this. I'm sorry, but we have to be lawyers here.
>> The analysis as to tax eligibility is done on a case-byase basis. In this instance, if Miami Lakes is adequately able to demonstrate how the school crossing guards serve to operate roads and bridges.
>> How does a school crossing guard operate a road? I got this. I got this one. I can I can do this. >> Okay. No, I'm I'm all ears. Let me ask you. I'm not being funny. >> When you drive through uh lack of a better one, uh Miami Lakeway,
do you normally uh uh stop for any reason? No. But when there's a school crossing guard, >> they stop you. >> What do they do? They come out with a nice big stop sign because there's a kid that wants to cross and they stop you. That is them operating the the road.
>> Okay. Uh it's quite simple. >> I think I think the other way that you put it was the most succinct which is or or maybe it was also Councilman Hzburg which is that you know the the a stop sign a a traffic light you know has the same function as a crossing guard just you know um in terms of how they they function right they help to operate the
the road. Um, look, and again, if the worst is that we just have to repay the money to to the the fund, the PTP fund, and pull it out of general fund, we do we can break into the unassigned reserve balance to make up that difference into the money that we're no longer busy.
>> That's what I was going to ask. As long as >> you guys plan on what happens if this doesn't go through. >> Yeah. >> If if this isn't accepted, I guess, is the way to put it. We we also have the money that we will not be paying too busy >> because >> well but that would be in the next
operating year. We'll see how quickly they come with a decision. >> So then the instruction would be that if you do decide to move forward the budget that you would instruct us to go to the county and ask them >> I think to say that that would be part of our direction to go and find out to go through the process of of and bring
up that email though too. It's like this is what the county attorneys are saying they left the door open. >> I have a good working relationship with Mr. Lib Haver. I I dealt with him in the >> Mr. Bettin Court of course is the head of CIT. I'm sure they're going to be the ones making the decision. Approach him.
>> I just want you to have a contingency in case they say no. >> Yeah. My contingency would be the unassigned fund balance. >> Okay. A Councilman Fernandez >> to the chair. I just I just want to be clear on something because I I know that the ladies over there have a worried look on their face. We're going to take
the heat if I mean they they're not going to they won't lose their jobs. they won't if we did something wrong or we did something that maybe we have to repay it would be on us. I just want to be clear on that because I don't want them to have any any qualms about, you know, them writing checks from
>> I I think the the feelings of of staff and myself too is that I would prefer that we'd ask permission first, but again >> because I I don't want this um I don't want it suggested that I am taking a ask
for uh forgiveness not permission. No, you did ask. >> We did literally ask for permission. >> You did, Vice Mayor. But my concern is that the way that it's written that have a very cas and and I will say it was a little bit more loose over the phone as most of us lawyers are. We know that we
put certain things in writing and certain things over the phone. Um and so I'm fairly confident, but again, as the mayor has said, there are contingencies. Not only do you have that, you have the fact that we're no longer paying the Pizzy settlement. You have and that's obviously in the next full budget cycle, not in the amended.
>> Now, I don't want us to get too wild on on the special revenue funds, but on this one, I'll be willing to support it. Yeah. >> All right. Mr. Mayor, >> hey, Councilman Garcia, >> I could add to my uh 42,000 400,000 plus that I have already. I could add another 150,000
>> to the >> Oh, to to what would be what I'm doing? I'm ting. >> Check your math with with staff, but but yes, it looks like we're going to free up 150,000 on the general fund side. >> Thank you, sir. >> You know, >> well, okay, but you know, but you get Well, okay, I see what you're saying. But but don't get too crazy because we
only have a certain amount of unassigned fund balance and we don't know how soon these people might tell us yes or no. >> Okay. Well, I mean, well, we might need to is what I'm saying. So, at any rate, a um Okay. So, with that, uh on this item, okay, count Wait, did you have a comment? >> We're going to vote.
>> Okay. Madame Clerk, uh please call the role. >> I think I need a second or I missed it. >> Oh, actually, no. You're right. Yes, I'll second it. There we go. All right. Call the role, please. >> Council member Sanchez. Yes. >> Council member Fernandez. >> Yes.
>> Council member Hzburg. >> Yes. >> Council member Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council member Cuadra Garcia. >> Yes. >> Oh, no. >> Vice Mayor Mora. >> Yes. >> Mayor Diegas. >> Yes. >> The motion passes. >> Excellent. All right. Continue.
>> I have a motion. It's going to do two things at once. Uh to reduce one second. Let me Oh, hang on. I moved away from my spreadsheet. I would move to where is
where's public works? There it is. Okay. Uh I would uh I move to reduce under the general fund uh under public works repair and maintenance street lights from $80,000
down to $6,385. and then simultaneously under the PTP80 to fund I believe it's an item it's a line item that has the same exact name in the amount of 73,625
>> sorry 615 I apologize >> I'm sorry can you repeat that one more time >> absolutely I move to reduce the general fund public works line item which currently sits at $80,000.
I move to reduce it down to $6,385. And simultaneously in the PTP80 fund, there is a I believe identically named uh line item of repair
and maintenance street lights. Uh, I want that one funded uh by an additional $73,615. All I'm doing is using all of that 223 that we uh released earlier is we just
allocated 150 towards uh the school crossing guards. I'm allocating the rest towards street lights >> so that we're not paying it in from the general fund. >> Before I come to you, madam budget director, uh is there a second? >> Second. Okay, it's been seconded. Madam budget director, >> can you repeat the amounts per, please?
>> Yes. Yes. Um >> 80,000. You want it down to 6,000. >> 80,000 down in the general fund. >> 80,000 down to $6,385. And I still haven't found my place in
the uh special tax. There it is. And then uh under the PTP80 which uh is the 101 account and it's a 546000000 uh repair and maintenance street lighting. Currently it's at $0. I want
it increased by $73,615. that fully utilizes the money that we obtained from the cancellation of the Greenway South project. >> Let's give her a minute to catch up before we we keep going.
>> Yeah. Uh uh Mr. Manager, in the meantime, can you just to to Councilman Garcia's point earlier, can you tell us where we're at as far as unassigned money right now, you know, in terms of potential surplus? >> She's running a tally. >> Oh, she's running all of that. Okay, got it. Okay. So, so yeah,
>> let her do this transaction and then we'll be able to give you a uh a number. >> Okay, perfect. >> Mr. Mayor, >> thank you. >> M >> from the funds that were deducted from the public works green space the
rightway the 60,948 we have remaining 52,130. >> Yeah. plus uh the 24,000 or so that was left over after we did the collup for >> Right. But I'm just allocating that those funds. There are specific things like one specific thing that I want to allocate.
>> Oh, no. That's fine. I just wanted to kind of get a tally of where we're at right now. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> But let's give her the time to operate. I know I know her laptop is uh >> is is carrying a lot on it shoulders. For those residents waiting at home,
just please give us two minutes. >> Yeah. >> Actually, for the the benefit of those watching live or watching this video later, we are going to take a fiveminute recess to uh allow our budget director to tabulate all the numbers that we've asked of her uh and and give us all a
bathroom break. We'll be back at 10:28 p.m. question. >> Oh yeah. What's going >> on over there? >> Oh, you should
When did you when did you guys become >> Got it. Okay. Um, somebody a lieutenant or major if you can tell drag the council back here by force if you need to. Thanks. Otherwise, we're going to be here really late and I don't think any of us want that. Exactly. Or like
>> Hello. Hello. Okay. They can't hear me. or like in that time when the mayor at the time was like get me the sergeant of Luigi sergeant of guard >> that what All right. All right. Here we go. A little late, but we're back on it. Madam
budget director, you ready to go? >> All right. I see. See you. Ready for battle. I love it. >> One quick comment. >> Okay. >> A thank you comment. >> Okay. But you want to wait for everybody to get back or >> No. No.
>> Okay. Go for it. Councilman Garc Yeah. Excuse me. Councilman Sanchez, you're recognized for a Thank you. Yeah. I just want to go on the record and say thank you for to Shaz of Kebab for sponsoring tonight's >> meeting meal for tonight. Yes. >> Yeah.
>> Thank you very much. And I believe it was Alexis that that helped arrange that. So, thank you very much. >> All right. So, we got one, two, three, and with me four, so we'll get started. I know Councilman Garcia's in the back, so he'll be joining us shortly. Um, yeah. Yeah. No, no worries. I got you.
And I'm sure Councilman Guadro Garcia will return soon. But with that, we need to continue uh the work. U Mr. Clerk, I guess we're going to need you to come up and and fill for the madam clerk until she returns because we are moving forward. Uh madame budget director, uh where do you want to begin as far as
your your answers to us? I will begin with after all these changes um what you have as a surplus to the current budget is 371,628. >> Everybody got that?
>> Uh sorry. Everything after 371. >> Yes, sir. What is it? But wait, I I can't hear this on the record. >> Correct. >> Wait, wait. So, what what am I what am I missing? >> He was asking me about the 15%
contingency. Um Oh, okay. >> But since you haven't made a motion yet on what you want to do with this surplus of 300, >> we haven't She's saying that we haven't fully removed it from the budget yet. on the defense. >> Yeah. >> Well, they've they've changed on the
revenue side the 86,000 from from the debt service. >> Yeah. But but again, just uh Okay. So, one more time for the vice mayor's benefit. Uh 371 what? >> 371628. >> All right. Now, I know there's going to be some motions to allocate some of that
money, but what in terms of military reduction would that represent? >> Give me one moment. >> You got it. Mr. Mayor. >> Oh, no. He already did the Thank you. Okay. >> For every every $50,000 brings it down by 01.
>> It's $49,900 and change. >> Well, well, I just want to hear from her. I trust your math, you know, but but again, it's just uh again, she she's very particular, right? You know, she has her her laptop set up a certain way. It's ready to go. It's superpowered.
>> Councilman Garcia, >> let's try to get as close as close as possible. That's exactly I know >> roll back. >> No, we're not getting to a roll back. I I got news for for everyone watching at home. I got news for everyone on this days, a roll back is not fiscally not
logically possible. Um now on the other hand, we are trying to get as we have stated from the beginning to get as close to a flat rate as possible. Um you know, and that is what what we are continuing to work toward as you can see and that's why I want to see where we're at by that benchmark. Although I
understand that some of the money will still be allocated towards some other things. U but I just want to be clear that that is not that it's not mathematically possible under this current environment. While while she's doing that, I just wanted to point out because uh when I had my uh my budget
briefing, uh I had brought up the issue of the coach's background checks uh to uh Jeremy and he and specifically what the contract says with regard to the the
background is in 7.7 of the contract and what it says is that the town the town shall conduct background investigations in accordance with the town's criminal background check policy, administrative order 07-01,
which I did not know that we had administrative orders um for all coaches, managers, officials, etc., etc. Uh it says that the town shall conduct background investigations, not that it shall pay for them. Um one of the options is for us to do it in house. And
and so I had brought that up with Jeremy, and he did say it's something that they could look into. Um, oh, he's here. Um, can what what uh what I wanted to ask was, so I went to the major and they told me that they cannot do it. So, my question is, is there a third party
service that we can retain where maybe it's a upfront expense but then a long-term savings or something? So what we can do and we were trying to do with PD and we were kind of trying to word smmith it with them is to find a way if we can actually do the actual
scans of the fingerprints which is the part that we would need to outsource. We have looked at a model where we can be a part of the VEX system and eventually be part of the clearing house so we can be retain the records. We would still need to go to a third party for the actual live scan which we just had a company I
think that just opened up recently here in the town. So that's who we were trying to explore with what would that cost if we wanted to do the scans but then retain and pay all the annual fees ourselves. So it's not all of the cost. >> We have several fingerprinting companies here in the town including and what's I
always forget the the name of the the mirror building. Uh uh >> yeah I always forget um >> because that's where I did it for my for my real estate exam >> where I yes and we also just had a business that we did the ribbon cutting. Yeah, they
have the very tight >> the police do the fingerprinting as well. >> Yeah. So, we we had asked that. I think that was already asked. >> No, I I I mean I've used it personally. >> Well, hold on. >> Our police. Yeah. For my >> If you don't mind, I see that she's ready to go, but >> I just want to advance the conversation while she's doing that.
>> Okay. Okay. Well, we'll come back to Madam Budget director. So, what would that put us in terms of a a potential decrease? um you would reduce your millage rate by 0.0746 mills for a new millage rate of 2.1713.
>> Okay. I think people just want I think we just you know wanted to go through the exercise and whatnot. Now on the final issue do you uh that that we were giving you time to work up a Mr. Vice Mayor you were looking up an uh an answer to one of his questions correct? Uh right?
Wasn't there something you were asking her for as well that she had to do calculations on? >> No, she was doing the calculations on my motion so that she could make sure that she plugged everything into the right place. That's it. Which I think she already did. >> So, are you are you caught up then? Do do uh so we can continue with with his discussion or
>> Well, I provided the what the millillage would be what the reduction to the millillage would be based on what I just moved, right? >> Yeah. >> What? >> It includes the what I moved with uh the 149 Yes. getting taken out as well as
this uh 73,000 getting taken out, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. Yeah. So, so yeah, she she did. >> C can you just repeat that number again? >> The for right now >> the what the surplus is or what the millage reduction would be? >> Why don't you just repeat both just so I Thank you. >> The millage redu I mean the surplus
right now is 371,628. The millage reduction would be 00746 mills for a new millage rate of 2.1713. >> Okay. So at this point um thank you very much madam budget director. With that we
are now on uh additional motions. Councilman Sanchez or vice mayor. Okay. >> We are still on my main motion. >> Okay which was bring us up to speed. So the main motion was to reduce in the general fund under public works reduce
the uh repair and maintenance uh uh roads streets. >> My Yeah. >> Yeah. You wanted to move the certain amount in light in in the light. I think it was >> I believe the motion was >> street lighting. Street lighting. >> There we go. See? Okay. See, I got it before you did.
>> You excuse me. Uh so so under the general fund, public works reduced the line item for repairs and maintenance street lighting uh down to $6,385 while simultaneously
uh increasing the funding for the PTP80 version of that same line item, repairs and maintenance street lighting, increasing it by $73,615. >> All right. Okay. So, it was that seconded, madam clerk. >> Yes, it was. >> Okay. So, that's right. Councilman
Garcia seconded. And um my question now is to staff, uh is this something that that seems problematic to you? If so, why? Um or is this something that you feel that we can uh do >> candid thoughts only
>> with the street lighting? >> Yeah, >> that's an acceptable >> it's an acceptable expense with that. >> So, so this one we're we feel better about that. Yes. Street lighting crossing guards. No. >> No. >> Okay. Well, well, we'll get there >> for the record. >> Okay. Perfect. So, with that, is there
any more discussion on this? >> I have a brief question to >> Councilman Hersburg, >> staff or vice mayor. >> So, I mean, our position on your position is this on this these items is we would be funding them moving forward through the special revenue fund. >> That is correct.
>> Okay. As long as we're clear that that would then reduce a little bit any planned >> 70 59th Avenue bridge funds, I'm okay with that. At this point, >> whether the we are not pulling the plan is to not pull this for this year and
then figure it out next year. We consistently get around 1 point something million dollars. So, we're going to continue to fund these items here and I'm fine with that. That's a good idea. Thank you. >> If there's no further discussion, then uh let's go ahead and vote. All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> All oppose, no. The eyes have it. All right. The motion carries. Uh, any additional motions, Mr. Vice Mayor, before we to go to Councilman Sanchez? >> Uh, you can go to Councilman Sanchez. I got to organize myself. >> Okay. $52,000
is how much we have left over from the deduction of the public works green space, the 60,948. What I'm about to propose, I'm going to repeat what I said earlier, might make some uncomfortable,
but this has been earned. It is a title that has been earned. It is this individual at the director level is the lowest paid individual. I am proposing to at least bring them up
to par with the other directors an increase including the 3% already and this is already taking into account the higher FRS contribution and the taxes to bring the town clerk to a total salary
of $115,000 which is an increase of 5701. Second, third, and fourth. >> It's moved and seconded. Um I just a before we go to council discussion uh for obvious purposes I want to hear legal's opinion on this a
the clerk is a charter officer and therefore you know not necessarily an employee >> uh hi Gina I love you but yeah I just want to hear formally what the attorney's position is on us doing this because obviously normally
we're not able to go mess with any individual line items as it pertains to employee salaries. So I just want to see if her status as a charter officer is different as a result. >> So she is a charter officer. It's a line item for her budget similar to the attorneys and and the the managers. So I
think that for purposes of this particular employee who's really similar to the manager a charter officer it would be okay. Okay. Now, perfect. Now, I'll turn it over for discussion, >> Councilman Herszburg, then, uh, the vice mayor. >> No. Yeah, I think I completely agree.
Uh, based off, you know, everything I've I've seen from just salaries here in other towns, our clerk is underpaid, so it's definitely something that, uh, I'll support and she deserves. >> Yeah. Uh early on in this process, uh I I had requested I think a couple of my
colleagues had requested uh you know a chart or something showing us all of our employees salaries and uh frankly hers was the most egregious and the most shocking given the amount she does for this town, the amount that she does for
us in general. Uh both as a town clerk but also as a human being. Uh, I will say that she takes her job extremely seriously. Uh, but at the same time, uh, I always joke with her that, uh, she's
my my my town hall mom. Uh, so because she's always looking out for us. So, yeah, there's no one more deserving. >> Hey, Councilman Fernandez, I I I think I I can't I couldn't have said it better myself. I agree with everyone
everyone's position. Um, she's somebody who when I looked at the other salaries, she's she's she was less than than the other department heads. And for that reason alone, I think she does probably an amazing job and probably one of the best and hardest employees that we have
in our town. So, I will support it. >> All right. And uh I'll throw in my comments as well as as I think I've known you the longest. So yes, you know, I so I I I keep score and she was my work mom before she was your work mom, you know. So, and in
fact, again, Gina was my town liaison when she was the deputy council assistant and uh liaison to neighborhood improvement. So, we were there together through a lot. Um, and I remember when she was elevated to the role of of and not city clerk, town clerk. And you
know, again, I know Gina goes above and beyond for our residents, especially dealing with those that that you know, give us a hard time and you know, and and may not be easy easy to work with. In fact, there's been some candidates even that have disrespected her in the past when making certain requests and
leveled certain unfair accusations, but she has kept her cool through it all. And obviously, she has a lot on her plate with the various roles that the clerk's office is in involved in from elections to making sure everything's ADA compliant. um I will be happy to support this as well which again is not a knock on anybody else or any other
department um and it's not about showing favoritism to Gina you know obviously I have another work mom in the former gladi said you know among others so you know and a couple others that that have now stepped into the role since Rosa etc and Cynthia but um and and Susie who
blessed my office recently thank you um but but yes I'm in support of this and just uh if you can just restate it one more time madam clerk uh and and we'll we'll uh we'll do a voice for what? Yeah. You know, I I just like to I like
to see her blush. >> My motion is to raise the town clerk salary to a base salary of 115,000 even. >> And for the record, it was seconded, third, and fourth. >> Yes, correct. >> By me. All right, with that, all in
favor say I. I. >> All oppose, no. The eyes have it. >> May I have a moment of personal privilege? >> You are recognized for a moment of p person. >> Thank you very much. I'm touched. I'm honored and I'm holding my tears because
this is my beloved town and I love my staff. And thank you. Thank you. >> Very happy to do it, Madam Clerk. Yes. You know what? Yes. Okay. Do you have any more motions, Councilman Sanchez? I don't mean to uh
interrupt the moment, but you know, the best gift we can give her after that is to get her home on time to her family. All right. So, yes, >> I have a few things that I I you know, to to piggy back on the vice mayor to move out of the general fund and into
the uh the special funds. All right, but let's let's run through these as quickly as possible and let's try to keep them as reasonably tailored or or related rather to uh the the purposes of >> point of inquiry. >> Okay, point of >> I just want to make sure uh last time
there was a mistake made >> in what was said to this council regarding a midnight timeline. >> Yeah, that's fine. But we're not going to waste time here. At least I'm certainly >> I know. But I just want to make sure that >> we can extend if we need to. We will need motions though beginning at 11. Um, with respect to extending,
>> I just want to make sure because last time we ended very abruptly and so I just want to make sure that it's clear that that was a mistake and that we could have if we had chosen to. >> That that's correct. But we're also not going to sit here for hours on end, you know, just the debating philosophy of of
this that and the other. So okay with that. >> Okay. So >> Mr. Mayor, >> I got permission till 3 in the morning. >> So we have >> Man, I'm gonna have a talk with Esparansa, you know, about that. >> Okay. >> Okay. With that, let's get let's get the ship um you know back on on the on the water.
>> There's three things that if they're moved over is $155,000. A public works green space. There's a line item for utility water of $55,000. I'd like to move it in. I'm going to start from the category within the special the the uh the funds facility
maintenance fund line item utility ser utility service. That is for water. I know there's no excess funds in there, but there are >> Omar, I don't know if you want to opine on this. >> The green space is for that that line
item for the utility water that 55,000. That's for our rideaways and that's for irrigation. Um the facilities maintenance fund is just for town hall. >> Okay. Okay. All right. So, that's out of the way. Then the next is for trees. >> Yeah. Let's keep moving. Let's get
moving. Go ahead. Uh, Councilman Sanchez, >> I have um PW tree removal. It's in public work. Yeah. So, public works tree removal line item for $10,000. I'd like to move it into the special revenue fund for the black olive tree removal that right now
has an X has money unused of $180,000. >> Of thatund of that $180, 150 is already uh targeted for tree trimming. the remainder of that funds may be spent within this fiscal year. So, we are already utilizing that
uh black olive tree trust for removals that have come after we ended our funding. Um and same thing goes with installations and we're still waiting to do one set of installs. So, of that 180, I don't know the total amount right now, but of that 180, we set aside 150 that's going to go straight to tree trimming
for next year. That's what we're earmarking it for. And the remainder is this year to close out this fiscal year. >> Okay? And that 15 or >> the large amount of that is a one-off that we have. >> In other words, you're already doing what he's asking for by by putting
150,000 towards general fund expenses. >> It is currently correct. It is currently going to subsidize the general fund for tree trimming right now. And then the remaining funds are subsidizing this fiscal year's removals and installations. >> Okay. I just know to investigate because
I have it here the the actual special fund and in revenues we have is that I didn't freeze the top paying 199,163 and in expenses we have 18,722
or was that moved during this meeting the the new funds >> and revenues of of which fund? a tree ordinance black olive removal program we have revenues of 199,163 >> 19041
>> okay so the next line over >> okay my mistake >> and of that 190 it's what um Mr. bad down was saying 150 of that is for the the cycle three of our tree trimming. >> Okay.
>> And then the excess of that my understanding is that there was um a commitment for them to go out for a grant for tree planting and we can utilize these funds as a match for that grant. >> Okay, that's it.
>> Yeah, >> vice mayor. All righty. uh couple what should be quick ones and um these are for the benefit of the staff. These are like the quick items that I brought up during our meeting uh of kind of just correcting a
few things. So uh under town council and mayor uh it still shows $3900 uh sorry 3,948 for mobile phones which is for seven mobile phones. I already turned mine in. Uh Councilman Garcia said he's going to
turn his in. Uh, Councilman Herszburg never even got his >> and uh Yeah. So, so we we just need to re-evaluate that. Who's turning in their phone? >> I'm not. >> And you're not. >> So, you got one, two, three, four that are coming back to the town.
>> iPads. >> Yeah. >> And also, uh, >> uh, I'm doing the iPad. You're you're doing the iPad. Anyone else? >> So, just take that into consideration. >> Well, I'm keeping my iPad. I was going to say like th those don't have a value an ongoing value because those were purchased. So it would I guess be that
it would just be >> the connection >> used in a different way. >> Well, we already we already removed the data plans for that, right? Okay. Got it. >> I think we did, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. And and there's two reasons I'm >> there's two reason I'm not returning my phone. >> There's a lot of phone calls that come
into here. >> It's okay. You're allowed to have your phone. This is this is a voluntary decision by You're allowed to have >> So, three of you will remain with a phone. >> Huh? Three of you will remain with a phone. >> Three, including the mayor. >> My wife doesn't give you my personal number. >> It's okay. >> Happy wife, happy life.
>> It's okay. Absolutely. >> Um, I also have >> Please hold. Oh, I thought you were talking to me. >> Okay. Uh, I did want to make a reduction. Uh, so
in and this was based on discussions with uh the staff who who enlightened me on this. I'd like to reduce the senior citizen relief program from uh $100,000
down to uh $82,500, which here's the deal. Uh how do I put this delicately? There are less of them around. Um and so there's and to be clear, our
program doesn't only serve seniors. Correct. >> It actually serves uh seniors, veterans, and uh the disabled, those who qualify for that exemption uh as it's set forth in state statute or or the state
constitution. Um it's those same people. Um there's four there's 460 of them, which is less. Uh so that that means that 82,500 goes a lot further than it did the last time this program was. We also cross reference that against those that last time did not cash their check.
>> So, >> so we don't have the same problem. >> We'll hand deliver those. I think there's about 20 or 30 of them. We'll hand deliver them. >> Correct. >> Yeah. But but again, but for a again, I just want to avoid the problem last time that there was what, like $20,000 left
over, you know, or in unclaimed checks that later is cheated back to the state. Is that accurate? >> They will be as cheated to the state in 2027. the first set uh will be as cheated in 2027. >> So that's an item. Okay. But but again, but obviously that's money that we don't
see anymore as a result. >> Okay. So what I was just asking is if we can cross reference that list there with those that in the past never collected the check. >> She can I don't think she did. >> I guess the the attorneys would have to app on that. The the universe of people that qualify and we get that uh that
list from the property appraisers office. Whoever qualifies for those exemptions that are in the in the mix, we have to we can't discriminate and just eliminate people because they didn't pick up their check last time. >> Correct. >> Is that correct, Lawrence? >> Are those the people then that to his point that or your point that we're
going to try to hand deliver? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Because we we're fearful that maybe it just got thrown out. They saw an envelope, they thought it was some something from the >> and and I am planning an item for the future uh that will address that that process. Huh?
>> The exemption. >> Well, the exemption is the long-term goal. Um, and and there's several ways of going about that. This is still the rebate program to at least have a a fresh start at it. Um, but but how we implement the program is something I'll
work in further detail with with the with the staff. But for now, in terms of just funding, we it's basically we didn't need so much funding because there's less of them. Um and uh basically at $100,000 it would have been
each person getting 210. Uh at 825 each person is getting 175. The reality is most a lot of the people in this program that's almost their entire bill. Uh so because you know they they've been
homesteaded for so long. Uh so so this is a significant help uh for for our seniors. our seniors, our are our our um uh those that are disabled as well as our our our veterans. Uh so, excuse me, I forgot to make the motion. Uh I move
to reduce the uh senior citizen relief program I item from $100,000 down to 82,500. >> I'll second that. Any discussion? >> Yes, >> Councilman Sanchez. >> The last time we had this program, it was only for the elderly. Correct.
We expanded it. >> The first year was only the elderly and then like in year two or three uh other classes of uh >> so it's rec it's so it always had veterans or >> No, not always. Not always. >> Is this the first year of veterans? >> No. No. >> Is this the first year of disabled?
>> No. >> Okay. In the 825 the deduction to 825 are you considering administrative fees like like stamps and marketing? So, I will tell you that not all veterans have a homestead in their tax bill for being
a veteran. >> That Okay. But >> so how are they going to find out? >> It's not all veterans. It's only disabled veterans, right? >> Yeah. >> So, it's not veterans and disabled, it's disabled veterans. >> Sorry. Elderly,
veterans, and the disabled. So it's it's not disabled veterans, it's veterans. That's >> okay. Can you can you define for the council which are the groups that qualify? >> Mr. Peterman, uh, hold on. I think we're going to get to the point. >> It's the ones that have the tax
exemption on their tax bill. >> That's what we're using as a benchmark. I think the majority of our colleagues are fine with that. In the future, we maybe we should do something at town hall where we can encourage others to sign up for that benefit, but in the meantime, we're going with what we got. >> Um, >> so it's disabled veterans only. it. No,
it's as he said, it's uh elderly, veterans, and disabled veterans. Those three classes. >> So, we're not waiting for this. >> Hey, it's not all veterans, right? >> It's No, it's those that we have the homestead that have a homestead exemption that lets us know that they're a veteran. Correct. Okay. Yeah. Then
that cost is all in, right? Mailing everything. >> That 825 is includes the 175 to each uh recipient as well as the overhead. >> Okay. So it's all all inclusive. It's all inclusive >> there. Fine.
>> Then Mr. Mayor, I would recommend that you put in an amendment to say not all veterans, just disabled veterans because as it stands right now, the motion is for all veterans because he said veterans, disabled. >> Oh. Oh, no. I get what you're saying. No, no, but but again, like they
understand what they're looking for, which is those that have the veterans exemption on their property. >> But he's talking about his motion. >> No, no, Yeah. >> I I mean, honestly, I just >> We're putting it on the legislative record, you know, who specifically they're going after, you know, but yeah, you know, so it's not all veterans in
the town. It's just the veterans that are identified through their exemption on their property, which that we can pull from the property appraisers uh uh department. >> And for the record, my my motion is strictly just on the line item uh the senior citizen relief program as it's already existed.
>> Whether it's clarification and so I I understand where he was coming from. With that, all those in favor say I. I. >> All oppose, no. >> No. >> One no by Councilman Garcia. The motion carries. Okay. Next. Uh, do you have anything else or can I go to Councilman S? Councilman. Okay. Well, I need you
guys don't do this right. Not right now. Let's get this done as quickly as possible. But for now, yes, I'll go to Councilman Sanchez. >> Actually, uh, before we get to Councilman Sanchez, I move to extend for an hour to midnight. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. I. All
>> oppose? No. You guys have it. Excellent. Please continue. >> I'm done. >> Oh, I thought I thought you had >> Well, I had one more, but everyone already said that not a dime, not a motorcycle is going to be taken away from the parks. >> Oh, well, yeah. That which was my last
item. >> No, no, no. You get out of here with your with your blood, >> which >> which is the the spreadsheet that you have in front of you. You know, it's a year-over-year comparison that shows the percentages. Okay. So, I I'll I'll talk about it. >> Okay. >> Okay. And if if and I would say that on
this Well, yeah, I see what you're saying, but uh okay, but but with that uh vice mayor then uh and we'll we'll come back to >> I I actually did have a question on this. Um is this showing me how much
um the actual funding is on each one of these line items because it was a little hard to locate all of these within the budget itself. >> Okay. Yeah. So, this is down to the to the micro. Um, this is based on the reference material for this was an email
that I sent to the town manager or to Jeremy through the town manager asking for year-over-year numbers that were a significant increase year-over-year. In other words, they were more than a 10% increase year-over-year. Um and the if you look at the first columns that you
know they start from C clin to the end of per cycle and then you have year-over-year difference in the middle then the CLIN again and per cycle. The first to the left is is this current year 2425 and the next one is
2526 and you can see where the price difference is. So for example, right of way that this fiscal year that we're in right now, we spent 295,490. The majority is 30 is 30 more mo cycles is the big difference. The projection for next year is 369,133.
And really the only difference is that we went from 30 to 35 mole cycles and we added two cycles of mulch and one cycle of fertilizer and five cycles of weed control. Something that I have in front
of me because it's it's on my laptop and not on that sheet is that I created a third column with projected 20 2526 where for example I change it everything that's 35 and 2526 I change it to 32 and
2526 it is a saving I mean yes in 2526 I bring it from 35 cycles to 32 it is a savings of $40,235. Mind you, this is only for six budget items. This is the youth center, veterans park, the pocket parks, the
beach parks, the landscape areas, and the right of way, which the rightway. >> Yeah, but this is all reference material from >> I just So, but what was your idea about the about the motorcycles?
I I mean if we could bring them down to you know to areas where we can save money that was the whole purpose of this is to see why the increase was so exponential over at least a minimum of 10%. >> Right. I I do have one specific question. The pocket parks I'm sorry I'm going back to it. The mulching of for
$96,000 that includes Does that include the safety mulch or is that just >> I know what I'm getting you for Christmas. >> Does that include safety mulch or is that include just aesthetic? >> No. No. No, no. So, the safety mulch is in a different line item, separated by itself. >> So, we're go So, it's $96,000
to mulch the park pocket parks. >> 102 pocket parks. All tree rings, all signage locations. >> As as former president of an HOA that used a lot of mulch, I can tell you mulch is very expensive. >> Right. So, I I'll bring we'll I'll talk about I think we got to through the get
rid of that mulch. Councilman Councilman Garcia, >> I think what Councilman Sanchez, his whole point is just like we did with the right away. We're at 30 cycles now, right? What what you wanted was 35. We decided no, we're good with 30. >> That's what we had. It's not what Jeremy
wants. I just want to be clear on >> No, no, I know. I know. But that's what we had. >> That's what we had. The same thing with landscape areas. We have 30 now. You're asking for 35 and you're asking for four for fertilizing at the beach parks as well. Well, we're at 30 now. You're
asking for 35. Um, everything is jumping from 30 to 35. And things are, as far as I I see, are are going okay with with that. And I think with the, correct me if I'm wrong, there's areas of opportunity to do this
same thing we did with the rightways. You want us to do the same the same exercise, Mr. Sanchez, with the landscape areas, beach parks, veterans park, youth center, stuff like that. just see where where we can uh cut the cycles down instead of >> not cut them down, don't increase them
by as much and still get the same results. >> Yes. >> Okay. That's and >> and I also created this as a a tool that we can all use because this is a template that can be used for other things down the line. >> It's so that was the point of discussion.
>> Quick question, Mr. Mayor. >> Well, hold on. Hold on. I'm going to make make some comments myself now. Um, I get the argument that this is like the rightways, but I think the rideways are a little different in terms of like these are our parks that people can feel, right? They see it, they feel it,
you know. So, this is one area that's why I don't really want to skimp on it. And again, we have been operating in many ways on the austerity budget from 2019 in terms of our cycles for all of this stuff. And again, when when I ran um I ran to have parks that were second to none. Uh, Councilman Fernandez has
made it very clear that that he's very particular about this. I know Councilman Sanchez has made a priority of his as well and I just want to be clear that that his his uh his request that we look at the mowing cycles is not a a diminishment of that commitment, you know, but I think he's just trying to see if perhaps with a little less we can
still get the same results. So my question to our parks director, Jeremy, back down right now. I got it. So a this would restore uh under the current budget this would restore to the
recommended 35 cycles. >> Correct. >> Yeah. What we had before >> with the exemption of the rightaways that we just amended. >> Well, yeah. Well, of course. Yes. You know, but but again, I view those as a little bit different than than the parks that people can get up close with and they they interact with. Um I guess my question would be and maybe there's
actually a better question for the budget director. If we were to move down maybe to most cycles just that, you know, and that brings us to what 33 motorcycles, which is still better than where we're at now. >> I can show you. >> Okay. Sure. >> So, the chair does that. We're actually
moving up mo cycles. >> Well, but what I'm saying is by going down to 33, we're still increasing. >> We're actually not reinstating back to the full amount. So, we without going to 35, we're not going back to what our norm was. >> I want to be clear. We are what uh
>> we're reinstating two two potentially >> is adding two more than what we originally have. >> Yeah. That that that was our point. Yeah. So it's so you know if if I may sort of because we reinstated a lot in the carry forward. Did we not? >> Some not >> some of them. Not everything. >> And that was perspective right.
>> No I know. I just wanted because we're we're in the wet season right now. This is when you need the mowing the most. And right now what we we reinstate and what we did in the carry forward. I I get where you guys are going. I can see the numbers. I I I want to give them the chance. I want to give them the
chance at the 35. If if we're not happy with it, we can come back next year and say, you know what, we didn't see a big difference. Go back to 30. But I mean, I don't know how much the savings are. You can give me the numbers. But now, if you want to get rid of a mulching cycle, I'm all for that. >> Serious.
>> Okay. But but what what is your rough math? for for right of way. We changed it to 30 cycles. >> Yes. >> No. >> 31. >> Okay. So, >> but I would want to do the parts at a at more. >> Yes. But I'm I'm giving you the the full savings. Two mulches.
>> What size? >> So, we're at two mulches. We had four. >> No, we had four. >> No, we have Oh, yeah. Two mulches. >> I remember the parks director was very clear that we kept the fertilizer, but no. >> And then two fertilizers. I'm sorry.
Correct. Okay. The number I'm about to give you does not include >> Oh, I'm sorry. Go back. So, right away, it's four fertilizers, zero mulch, 31 cycles. >> So, four fertilizers. Yes. >> Okay. The number I'm about to give you does not include Royal Oaks Park because those numbers were not provided
year-over-year and um the Optimus Park. >> Okay. >> With the six parks that you have in front of you, >> we are saving $74,424. The only one thing I will add is I did make an error when I submitted a response. I just want to make sure that
that error was corrected. >> It's corrected here, just not on the document. >> Well, can you state it for the record just to make sure? >> So, the error was I submitted the secondary vendor's pricing at one point instead of the primaries, but I went ahead and >> and that's to the beach parks, right? >> That is just beach parks, correct? >> Okay, got it. Now, to the budget
director, >> let me ask let me ask the question this way. Um, how far are we right now from getting to a flat millary as far as uh, you know, cost? I know that's an infamous question. >> I was wrong. >> Okay, but hold on. But I want to get the answer to this. >> Give me a moment. I
>> I got you. I got you. Don't worry. Um, okay. Let me So, you want to correct what your statement was >> because since right away was already in here and we brought that down. I have to deduct the 6 the 60,948. So, what we're actually saving is 122,90.
12,990. >> Mind you, this is only five areas. We're That's still not Royal Oaks. That doesn't include Royal Oaks. And it doesn't include >> optim >> would it have an exponential difference, you know, in terms of like >> bring it down to 33.
>> If we were to get down to 33 motorcycles at Royal Oaks, like roughly >> Well, no. So, so Royal Oaks and Optimus are completely separate. Athletic field maintenance is a completely different practice. So it's not in their motorcycles are 104 I think a year because you're mowing almost once or twice a week I think it's 1.8 eight times a week.
>> And so where is it at now in the budget >> with Royal Oaks and Optimus? Yeah, >> they are their full contract which is still 104. They maintain the same mowing. >> So we've kept that throughout the years at that or do we have >> correct for mowing and for that practice? However, in the athletic field maintenance, we have cut other
maintenance practices that has >> Are we restoring those now? >> Yes, those are fully funded. >> Okay. And which are the ones though that we in the past have cut, but we're we're restoring >> on year to year. It's changed. Not every time it's been cut but uh the main cuts have been to vertic cutting. There have
been cuts on phrase mowing. There have been cuts on reducing irerration. We have eliminated mulching. We have uh reduced top dressing or eliminated top dressing. And I think that's the majority of it.
>> Okay. Well, I think I think uh for myself I I I'm pretty satisfied at keeping those where they're at. Um, >> yeah, for 1,200 bucks. >> I mean, 12,000. >> I'm just waiting on the budget director to finishing the numbers and then I don't know if anybody else wants to speak in the meantime. >> Yeah, I just I just
>> Yeah, thank you so much. Again, we've been in the on the cycle of 30 for you said three or four years now. >> Okay. So, that's that's the reality. It's not it it is it's been that way for for years. We can say that, right? So, I
just want my my uh my colleagues to to to understand that what what uh what the councilman is proposing is actually increasing what we have now. So, the level of surface is going to go up. He's just proposing not increasing
it to the levels we had five years ago. Now, level of service is going to go up. I actually we should cut fertilize. Actually, I prefer cutting the fertilizing a little bit more because that that contributes to, >> you know, the the the growth of the grass, right? So, you got to cut it
more. Um, but >> I see no reason why we can't we keep our parks actually increase our park level of service, increasing it by two cycles and we'll save tens of thousands of dollars. I I see no we're actually improving what we have. Guys, once you
do something for four or five years, that's the norm. It's that 35 cycle is to the chair. >> Yes, I agree. It's a part, but hold on. The the the clerk, I'm sorry. Uh our budget director has the response to my question from earlier >> with the changes from the last um the
new millage rate would be 0882 mills less. So it would now be 2.1577. And to get to the roll back rate. >> No, no, not roll back. Not the roll back. The flat rate. Flat rate. Don't Don't give me a heart attack.
>> You mean >> Hold on. >> What was it? >> Hold on a second. Sorry. >> Hold on. I I guess she has to run that number again just to be sure. >> Oh, okay. Yeah, I guess while she does that, go ahead and respond to Council Garcia. Oh, wait. Actually, hold on.
She's got she's got the answer. >> It would be you to get to the flat rate, you would need to cut an additional 420,87. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. Councilman, uh, thank you
very much for that, budget director. Um, with that, Councilman, uh, Sanchez, you may respond and then I guess let's try to bring this plane in for a landing if there are no more pending motions. Yeah. >> Wait, wait, but Councilman Sanchez has the floor. I'll come to you later. >> I'll make it quick. Okay.
>> Yeah. Councilman Garcia, the fertilizer, you also have to remember, prolongs the life of the grass, so you don't have to do as many replacements of grass as often. So, >> no, 100% 100%. I'm just saying 100%. But I'm just saying >> I'm for adding cycles. Two. We can have
two cycles. This is not fields. This is the This is not to the fields. None of this is fields, right? Exactly. Exactly. So, our athletic fields are are a separate budget line item, right? Um they're going to they're being taken care of. We all went to the
some of us went to Optimus Park and others have gone to Royal Parks a lot. We've seen uh we've seen the level of the fields. I I've actually got a lot of compliments on the incredible job you guys are doing with the limited resources you have. Um, so if we just
raise it two cycles, how much money would we would we save on on on this on all these on all the parks, including Royal Oaks, which is not on this list, how close how many how much money will we save? >> I can tell you right now.
>> Going to 32. >> Yeah, going to 32 on the mowing and the uh edging and everything. Just I want to see if we how close we can chip away at that. Is this 420? including all the parks I mean everything because remember this is not the fields
>> right >> well you get that number director the pocket park mulching was that ever done previously or is that is that a new >> it's been done and it's been reinstated and it has and some of those years has been uh funded from the get-go >> is it really necessary to do it twice in
your opinion >> once again it's as you mentioned they'll fade over time they're listed for 12 months however color will fade within that six months that's why we did it manually. >> I don't care about the color of mulch. Is >> this for safety? >> No, this is not the >> This is just the mulch for landscaping. >> Guys, when you I I'll move to cut the
mulch cycle in pocket parks by one and and we'll we'll refresh it, but I don't see a need to spend $96,000. >> Is there a second pocket? >> Been moved and seconded. Any discussion on this? Uh I'm going to be voting no myself. I'm sure the council councilman Fernandez will join me.
>> Uh with that, Madame Clerk, please call the role on this question. Council member Hzburg, >> yes. >> Council member Sanchez, >> yes. >> Council member Guadra Garcia, >> yes. >> Council member Fernandez, >> no.
>> Council member Garcia, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Morera, >> no. >> Mayor Diegas, >> no. >> The motion passes. >> All right. >> Okay. >> With that, Councilman Sanchez, anything else before I go to Councilman Cuadra Garcia? >> Yes. At 32, we are saving $21,236.
at 32 mole cycles per park. >> Okay, >> we are saving 21,236 plus whatever we just saved from reducing the mulch. >> Okay. Um, now I will say this with regards to Veterans Park specifically,
that middle field where hundreds of families go a week and when we do our special events, Fourth of July, and we just had the 911 ceremony, that one does need >> So, you're omitting that one from your motion. >> Say again. >> You're you're omitting that one from your motion. >> No, no, this is this is still But I
would omit a Veterans Park because that is our Yeah, you would omit Veterans Park from this reduction, >> right? So, Veterans Park at 35 >> and then the rest at 33, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> No, 32.
>> 32. Okay. >> That would save us 19,341. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> I'll second that. >> Been moved and seconded. Any discussion on this? I just want to say uh listen I
feel that we I feel like we got lost in the sauce here a little bit. Uh we are nickel and dimming what is arguably and I know every single person on this dis when they campaign
campaign on beautifification and and on what makes our town beautiful. A and no one has fought harder to reduce our millillage than than than me. And I, you know, I know Councilman Sanchez has done a ton as well, but I just don't think that this is something we should be
touching. I want to be crystal clear. We're not going down. The normal, he said it a moment ago, the normal amount pre209 is 35 motorcycles. We went down in 2019 during the COVID era to the 30
cycles or less at at a certain point. and it looks like trash. And and I'm sure there are people out there who say that it looks good and stuff like that. Yes, our parks and rec uh our parks and rec department has done wonders,
but I feel like we really are handcuffing them. We have an opportunity here. We I I I brought you the savings. I brought you the transfers. We have the money. Pay for the thing. Let him prove himself. let them prove to to us that
that this these 35 motorcycles are going to make a a a a visual a um and scientific measurable difference in the look and feel of our town. If it doesn't next year, get ready. I'll be the first
one slicing and dicing. But I say I I I brought you the cuts. Let's pay for it. Let's let's let it. And I get that we just passed the mulch stuff. I I hope to God, and it's a question I've been meaning to bring up, that does not include the the wood chip stuff at the playgrounds, right?
>> No. >> Okay. Uh because that that is a big issue for me. >> Yeah, the safety chips. Yeah. >> Is that what that called? I forgot what they're called. >> I I was very clear. >> Yeah, you asked that earlier. I wasn't sure if it's the same thing that I was thinking. >> Definitely would not remove that. And and I know I'm going the opposite way here, but I grew you in the motorcycle.
Moltz is is more aesthetic. I have some personal vendetta. I get it. I get it. I guess I think listen I think we should look at rocks instead of mulch. I think we're spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on mulch. >> We can put that money towards rocks one day and not keep just giving the
gardeners money. But I agree with you on the on the on the on on any other the motorcycles especially. I want to give the parks a chance to have their full cycles. And I also want to clarify that yeah, you know, you reduce the it's pretty much what Councilman Sanchez said
a moment ago. You you reduce the fertilizer and the grass doesn't grow as as quickly because it's not as healthy. Um you want healthy grass, flush uh uh um you know, plush green grass. I want to frolic in the meadows and and uh
you're not going to get that without properly funing this. So, uh, like I said from the beginning, I set out to reduce the millage from that two, you know, we all 2.6 something, but I always said from the beginning, >> I'm not willing to touch this. So,
again, I'm not going to support this, but um I I'd rather give our our parks team the opportunity to sh to put their money where their mouth is, literally, and and and get the job done for us and and make our town grow beautifully. Yeah. My one question to you, and it's
not necessarily Germaine, so I'm kind of breaking my own rules here, but the uh what would be the replacement for mulch in the future? Red Rocks. >> Nothing. >> Nothing. >> We would just not fund and put anything. >> No, but I mean, like if next year, for example, we wanted to instead of doing
mulching at our parks and just do red rocks, you know, like the like Councilman Hersburg has been suggesting, >> rocks wouldn't help you with moisture control. You would just push the drainage to the soil. Eventually, the soil would then just clog up a little more. Well, obviously I can't move to reconsider uh the vote since I was on the losing side of that. But you know,
hopefully for next year the vote >> you were on my side on that one. >> Oh, which one? >> On the mulch one. >> It was you, me, and Councilman Fernandez. >> I'm happy to ask him a question to see if I would sure >> and there is one other item that
>> you brought up. is just on the rocks outside of the moisture control and it also becomes a projectile issue when picked up with rotors and then especially at a park you have kids that >> and then properties that are adjacent to parks. >> But I also want to make our planning director proud by saying it also doesn't
really help with drainage and that's why we don't allow it as landscaping. >> I think that's part of the moisture control part. But but you just said but you did say that the the the mulching is is is graded to last one year. Just you're adding the additional to make it
better >> from Yeah. From our look at it, it'll lose the main thing which yes is the aesthetic. There is a like I mentioned before the biggest impact is the aesthetic. Wow. The environmental portion of it as far as moisture control, weed control, that is not as
visible. That's a longterm thing. So the visible change is around 6 months which is why we prescribed it for two. >> But for the for the important part which I still don't agree that mulch has any importance but for the important part >> one year is good. >> One year is what's listed on the on
that's what's sold on the uh >> I I really think that we're okay and and and again I'm not go I'm not go before cutting most cycles because that's something I do want to see fully funded. >> Okay. Uh so before I get to Councilman Cuadra Garcia or do you have a comment
on this or do you want to make your own motion? >> Educate me on the uh on on something to do with the cutting. Mr. Baghdad now. >> Sure. Yeah, if you have a question. Okay. Councilman Quadra Garcia. >> It's a question. So um when I mow my grass at home, I put my lawnmower at
number three level number three. When they're doing the the the cuts, I know that we have different types of uh grass. We have some that are cut with certain uh blades, some with cylinders. The >> what what the ones that they cut on the
um on the main aisles, which is I think the uh >> the rightways. >> The rightway, the Sang Augustine >> at what number, so you can educate me. Do they set the uh >> It depends on the season. >> So, we'll mow lower in the growing season to give us a little longer leeway
before the next cycle. You'll leave it a little higher during the winter. Correct me if I'm wrong. I have Dr. Orio. Yeah. >> Okay. So, my my next one is real quick. Did you guys uh this is for my colleagues. Did you see that uh from year 2025
to year 2026 we are at a difference from one year to another of 73,64267 >> on which which park specifically on look at the yellow look at the yellow lines >> 25% is almost $74,000 in one year that
we're jumping >> that's right away if I'm not mistaken >> yes but we already reduced uh by $60,948. >> Yeah. So, it already got brought down to 308 and change, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We did that earlier, too. >> 308.
>> Yeah. And remember that we moved to allocate 4,000 whatever it was uh to the spot to the spot center park. >> The spot, man. You got to call it what it is. >> The park itself is >> it's down to 308185. >> All right, guys. So, uh with that, let's
uh uh Madam Clerk, please call the role on this. Oh, I I have one last thing to say >> to say about this item. We haven't taken a vote yet on your item. Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Sure. >> Is this an amendment? >> Uh what? >> This is an amendment. >> No, this is Well, your amendment to the budget. >> Yes. >> That's what all of these are. >> Just to $20,000. This is basically
$20,000 by doing 32 across the board except for Veterans Park. Um we're spending and it's we still have more to acquire cars for town staff. 30,000 gives us three. 20,000 gives us two
more. If we have a plan to replace them all, we can bring on two more by just bringing down the mole cycles by a few. >> Still a lot, >> like bringing them down by by 10%. >> No, and I completely understand where you're coming from, Councilman, and it's just And look, I was giving this some
serious thought, but you know, again, I I ran on as a parks candidate, you know, as far as, you know, what would be one of my priorities as far as things to do aside from traffic and everything, which we're making incremental progress on. Um, you know, so I I'm inclined to actually preserve it at this at this
level and give the parks director, as my colleagues have eloquently stated, give them a chance to deliver. And again, we do need to stop, uh, acting like we're a poor city. Um, you know, so with that, um, you know, if Madame clerk, please
call the role on this, uh, so we can continue moving the meeting along >> so that we we get clarification. And Melissa, this is this is >> Can you restate your motion? My motion is to reduce the mowing at
all the nonathletic parks except for Veterans Park to 32 cycles from the current 35, but it's an increase of two from the current year. And the savings would be what you just
>> 19,341 >> and 81. >> I'll second that for discussion. >> No, I thought it was moved and seconded. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'm just I'm just repeating the motion. >> Just repeating it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Please call the role, ma'am. Madam clerk. >> Council member Sanchez. >> Yes.
>> Council member Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council member Fernandez. >> No. Council member Cuadra Garcia, >> yes. >> Council member Hzburg, >> no. >> Vice Mayor Mora, >> no. >> I'm sorry. >> No. >> Okay.
>> Mayor Diegas, >> no. >> The motion fails. >> Okay. With that, does any uh it's 11:28. Does anyone have any more motions on the budget or can or are we ready to land this plane? Okay. Uh Vice Mayor Moretta. >> Okay. Uh there is an item in the general
fund uh one second. It is I believe in administrative transfers. Yes. Uh there's a uh item under the general fund administrative transfers.
It's uh transfers transfer out CPF parks $18,000 and uh the budget comment states transfer to the parks capital projects fund for the replacement of two canopies at Royal Oaks Park. I would like to zero that out completely
and then uh allocate as follows. Please hold on I would like to reduce the allocation. Uh so I don't know how to phrase this
because >> zero out the CPF. >> Yes. Zero out the the the fact that it's coming out of the general fund. And then in the the tree ordinance uh special revenue fund, we we currently have the 19041 with the 150 earmarked. That
leaves us with 40,440 $40,441 to fund the Black Olive Tree program, which historically speaking is far more than what we use. Uh so I would actually like
to have that fund pay that $18,000. >> That $18,000 is for canopies of the the playground. >> Sorry, I fell into the same trap that I fell in before last time again. Oh my god. Okay. >> I keep thinking that it's a tree canopy. I'm so sorry. >> So, you're not going to proceed on that
then? >> I am not going to proceed on that. I'm sorry. I keep thinking it's a tree canopy. Yes, I do. One last one. Before you sit down, Jeremy, I just want to confirm because a lot of stuff has been said about mulch and about uh motorcycles. >> Wood chips have not been cut here today. Right. >> Engineering wood fiber mulch has not
been cut. That is the playground. That is the playground safety surface that is used in lie of uh port and place rubber or any other safety surface. >> Clear. There have in the past years uh there's been significant deficiencies in restoring it in some of our pocket parks, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. And so we're addressing that now.
>> Yes. >> I have no personal issue with that type of want to be very clear. >> And I was very remember you had one more motion. >> Yeah. My last item is everyone's three everyone's three favorite letters STD.
Um, so in the special tax and districts, I have a couple items. Uh, the the mailout item is still based on uh a minimum of six meetings, which is no
longer the case. Uh, so I'd like that reduced. Um the amount for repair and sorry the amount for repair and maintenance
is excessive. So I'd like it reduced uh down to 5,000. Uh and by the way, if any of my numbers are wrong, let me know. >> STD, sir. >> Huh? >> For which STD? >> That's a great point. Um, I am looking at Miami League section one. I believe,
and I could be wrong on this, this should be able to apply to all of them, and I can confirm that. Um, but let me make this simpler for all of us. I'd like to have the mailouts item reduced to be calculated
pursuant to uh four mailouts as opposed to six mailouts on all the special taxing districts. And then for the contingency reserve to be reduced accordingly since the overall operating fund will be reduced. Just so that
you're you're aware, I can no longer reduce the assessment rate for for the special taxing decision. >> Then never mind the deadline for that was September 15th, which I never mind. Then we'll we'll apply that as a reduction next year with the carry forward. >> Okay. Councilman Cuadra Garcia and then
uh Councilman Sanchez. >> No, Mr. Mayor, I'm uh what I what are we uh what are we talking on? >> No, no, no, no, no. So, no, you you you were asking me to speak, so I'm just coming back to you. I know I I accidentally had uh skipped over you, so I wanted to make sure I come back came back.
>> I've already I've already uh spoken on Are we talking What are we What are we actually talking on >> right right now? Nothing. Uh so I'm just giving it to you to see if there's something you do want us to vote on. >> No, Council Sanchez, >> just a quick question. I know in the budget at Royal Oaks Park, we're
replacing two canopies. Do you know which canopies they are? >> Yeah, they're the ones in between field three and four and one and two. >> Okay, so the ones under the bleachers. Correct. Oh, on top of the bleachers, but yes. >> Yeah. Yeah. Over the bleachers. Yeah. Yeah. >> Not tree canopies. >> Okay. >> All right. If there are no further
motions, I >> I'll move to pick up item 7A off the table. >> Wait, wait, we're going back. Oh, that's right. You're right. We have to take it. We have to pick that up first. Okay. Yes. All right. I'll second that. Um so, uh the motion again for for my colleagues is to pick up 7A sending the
millage rate from the table so we can consider it. Uh all those in favor say I. I. All oppose? No. The eyes have it. We have picked up uh 7A from the table and we are considering that in lie of 7B at the moment. If if uh one of us is
going to have to make an amendment. Uh well, actually we didn't move uh that item before if I'm not mistaken. So >> that's correct. I will move the item. So >> wait, we need a >> I got to I got to read the last budget statement into the new >> military. Give her a minute. Huh? >> With the new proposed rate. Correct. Okay.
>> Which she's going to modify it now. >> Yeah. I assume they need a minute. Uh you you wanted a few minutes, right? I assume. >> Well, if anybody want Well, I mean, look, why don't we just get the our statements out of the way as far as, you know, uh look, I I just want to
sincerely uh thank our budget staff, you know, our finance director, our budget director for all your hard work, as you do every season, but I know this season was especially tough. St. Yes. I also want to thank our other uh our other staff that have been here night after night, you know, uh director bad
bag down uh uh director Angel Susanna, you know, everyone uh Rosa Gladen uh my assistant JV, you know, everybody that's been here, the major and the lieutenant who have been here with us, you know, that's right, director Santos, the list
goes on. Uh the man, the deputy manager. Um, every year you guys are are consumate professionals and this year, which was especially rough because of the circumstance we find ourselves in. I know that we drove you guys crazy. I apologize, but I thank you for keeping your cool throughout. Uh, wait, what
what what's going on? >> I want to put you all in your the correct procedural posture. You need to table the budget item. >> Okay, that that makes sense. We'll come back to that in a second. So, I'll finish my my remarks. You know, I also want to thank our our town attorneys, our manager, our great clerk, my colleagues for putting in the effort,
especially Yes. Councilman or excuse me, Councilman Sanchez and Vice Mayor Moretta. Uh you know, uh you know, the list goes on. You guys helped to uh get us to close the gap. You know, everyone has played their part in their their cuts here and there, but also keeping holding the line on areas that are
critical for our town's uh future and our quality of life. So, I want to thank all the residents that came to speak to us. um your input is never uh you know neglected. It's not something that we take uh lightly. Um obviously at times you know we may have had our share of
frustration. Uh but you know that's we're we're humans too, right? And um you know the the even though this year has been rough and next year may not necessarily be the best, my commitment is that we're going to continue to work toward having the lowest possible military as we always do year after
year. um you know it's just about balancing various interests and various factors and as I stated from the beginning when we started this process in July with our initial vote on the millillage it was never going to stay at that number and that number was only arrived at because we had not yet the
time to go through our most updated forecast on revenues our most updated forecast on expenditures. So arbitrarily by state law we have to set an initial millillage that you will then get on your trim notice to let you know what is the maximum you might pay. it was never going to stay there. And I think we've
proved it tonight that we've gone line by line. Nobody was afraid to sacrifice uh some of their sacred cows that they've had in years past. And we have gotten this down as close as we can to a flat millage while also avoiding a franchise fee increase. Um so I think
that that is something worthy of note. And uh with that um I'm going to go ahead and uh and go ahead and make the motion that we lay item 7B on the table until we have taken up 7A. It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. I. >> All oppose, no.
>> I'll now restate my motion to >> The eyes have it. The the motion the 7B is laid on the table until we finish considering 7A. Mr. Vice Mayor, >> uh I'll move to uh take up item 7A from the table. >> It's I'll second that. It's been moved and second to take up item 7A from the
table. All those in favor say I. I. All oppose? No. The eyes have it. We are now in 7A. Mr. Manager, you ready to read your uh statemandated budget statement? >> Not yet. Melissa's still modifying. >> Okay. Are there any other colleagues in the meantime that would like to uh speak? >> Sure. >> Okay. Councilman Fernandez, and we'll go we'll go down the, you know, as I see
hands. >> I I I want to thank the council. I really do think that you guys did an amazing job. >> Everyone you everyone had, you know, there are some things that we that we did stand firm on, but I think that there were there were things that I wouldn't have thought of, you know, outside the box things that you you
know, just it was really interesting. So, this is the first time that I experience going through a budget and setting a millage rate. I hope to bring this experience to the next year and the following years, but I think that I I want to thank my colleagues because you guys did a great job
>> through the chair. >> Well, as Councilman Sanchez got me first and then we'll go to you, Vice Mayor. >> What can I say? The last 60 days have been an adventure. You know, emotions have run high, they've run low. the uh
I'm happy to put the uh the dreams of spreadsheets and numbers to bed and and I thank all of my colleagues. I thank the staff for for putting up with us. you know, there there were times of tumultuous and stressful situations and
and tension, you know, and but but as the mayor said, we're human and you know, we as as they do in the capital building, we're officially throwing the white towel and uh looking forward to to the next year until we go through this cycle all over again. So, thank you
everybody. >> I wouldn't say throwing the the towel. We never >> Oh, the the hanky the the handkerchief drop. Okay. Yeah, that's different. Okay. a vice mayor. >> Uh I want to thank uh several people.
First and foremost, uh Melissa, our budget director that, you know, it's easy to say, "Yeah, this is your job." But uh you know, you you you've done it well. Um I I want to thank our co my colleagues for being patient with uh my
crazy ideas. Um and then I want to thank uh the residents who reached out to us and who uh gave us their input. Some you know proposing increases, some proposing decreases. We had all sides. Uh there
was no shortage of public participation in this process and and that was a very good thing to see. I want to give a special thank you to uh someone who I think uh in the past has been almost an outsider in in our town as a citizen
advocate, Miss Hope Reynolds. um because it was actually her efforts and her connections with the the county mayor's office that actually expedited the legal review of uh the CITT item which caused
a a tax saving a significant tax saving along with the efforts of uh our our CFO K Grant. Uh so a big thank you to you as well. Um but but definitely Miss Reynolds, you know, she she's not elected. she she's she's not paid and yet she still goes out of her way to to
help us do our job and and help our residents. So, um a big thank you to everyone involved in the process, our attorneys, uh and I'm I look forward to being a happy teddy bear again and not an angry accountant because I I went to law school to not do math. I always joke
about that and I ran for office. So, >> I'm here. I see Councilman Cuadra Garcia's hand up and then we'll go to Councilman Hersburg and then Councilman Garcia if you want to say any words. >> Couldn't have said it any better than um the vice mayor. I echo all those words
before I make my uh my final um decision. I want uh our town uh uh finance manager to correct me as I'm looking at numbers here. The savings
have been 437,62800. Am I around? Uh the savings >> that would be our budget director. >> Yes, our budget director. But I think uh the savings comp compared to where we started to now are much greater than that. >> Justin the motion I had made about sweeping the the MLOp fund that was
500,000. The motions from the vice mayor and others that's like at easily combined another like three or four. >> Okay. So that's that's even a positive. So basically for us to reach a flat um we need to be at 2
2.0732. Is that my understanding? >> That's correct sir. >> So we are real close. We are now at what? 21713. >> We're at 21577. >> 2.1577. >> Yes. So I had the numbers wrong. So
basically, um, if we're not even if we're not going to do minimum at least a flat, you're going to get a no from me. So that's all I got to say. >> Thank you, Councilman. Hey, Councilman Herszburg, and then Councilman Garcia. >> Thank you, Mayor. I just echo what
everyone else said, and it's been a pleasure working with everybody. uh this is a new council so definitely a big learning experience for us and uh we learned with with the staff and we appreciate their help and I think we've done a good job and and I said it I don't know when what meeting I said that
maybe we made a political mistake with the high millillage but honestly for the next you know at least for me on this council for next four years I think that was a it was a good thing we did it because it made us go into the budget it made us go line by line this is our cuts this is our budget it's not just hey you
know town town staff give us a flat rate. This is our budget. So, I think we can be proud of that and it's a very it's an increase, but it's a very small increase. It's a responsible thing to do. It's a good compromise. It's a good budget. So, I'm proud of the work we've all done. Thank you staff for your help.
And yes, thank you to the residents as well. They were they were allowed and that's good. I I want residents to be there. And I do think that we got some people to come now and never came and they're going to be involved and that's always a positive. Thank you, mayor. I want to thank the
staff, too, and everybody. I I in the years I've been here, I've never seen uh a council and a staff work so hard line by line and actually getting in so much into the weeds and then the thinking out of the box, which is incredible. I mean, I I there are certain things that I've seen that uh that's why when when uh I
was, you know, a little shocked when we went that high because I knew we could go lower. I mean, we're $400,000 away from the flat. I know you guys did everything you could. Uh I I still think in the in in the um carry forward there's there's going to be money there to do this and and to get to the flat.
So um I'm gonna beat a dead horse, but I'm still going to put amendment to to to go for the flat because I think we can we're so close. I think we can do it. But we did I am so proud of everybody up here. And I apologize if I got a little heated uh any of the items.
It wasn't personal. But I I I have never been so proud to be part of of a team and an organization and a town than we have. I mean it we everybody up here did what they what they had to to get it down and um I want to thank you. I'm I'm I'm honored to be part of it.
>> Take the last shot. Uh Mr. Mayor, >> you may and then we'll go to the manager to go ahead and read the statement. Or are you not ready yet? >> I hope. >> Okay. >> I hope we consider the next year that we can bring it to a flat >> because I'll work at it. >> Well, next year this would be the new flat. I think what you're saying is to
reduce to this year's uh millillage, but we got you. We got you. Mr. Manager, you're recognized for your statement. >> Yeah. Real quick before I read the statement is I want to thank everybody up here on the deis. Uh on behalf of the town staff, I know it was a struggle. Uh
but uh the staff uh really appreciates the the final outcome and uh including the Dirty Dozen. and on behalf of the staff and myself uh as their leader, I'd like to thank all of you for everything that uh you've done for them uh here today. So, the proposed millage rate for
the town of Miami Lakes fiscal year 2025 2026 is 2.1577. This rate is an increase of 0.0845 over the prior year rate of 2.0732. The gross taxable value for operating
purposes is 5 billion242,62,899. The proposed millage rate will generate 10,745,259 in advorum revenue budgeted at 95% collection rate. The proposed millage rate of 2.1577
is 11.2% above the roll back rate of 1.9400. >> With that, Madame Clerk, please call the role. >> Is there a motion? >> Oh, yes. Actually, correct. I apologize. U Mr. Vice Mayor, >> I would like to and please let me know if I say the wrong number. I would like
to move the 2.1577 uh millillage. >> Was that the correct mill? Second. >> All right. It's been moved and it's been seconded by the by Councilman Fernandez. Madam Clerk, please call the role. >> Well, through the chair, I have amendment. >> Discussion. >> Discussion. Amendment. >> My That's right. You had one more amendment that Okay. Okay. You're
recognized for an amendment. >> Thank you. My amendment is We're so close. My goodness. And I think that next year with the carry for we'll find this $400,000 that we need. So, my amendment is that we stay we've done such a good job. I think we gone so
close. Let's stay flat and remain at the uh 2.073. 0732. >> I'll second just just for discussion. >> Okay. Then you're recognized first in discussion. >> Where are you going to pull the $400,000 from? >> Well, I think next year when we have the carry forward, I think there's going to be some money there that we've
underestimated our revenues like we that happens every year and I think we'll be able to find it there. >> So through the chair, >> Mr. Vice Mayor, >> so in the LA in the current iteration of the PDF uh budget that we were given, there's 7
35 in projected uh surplus right in the past we have had and I was told margin of error is not the right word uh but uh uh you know because things change right uh expenses come up
>> of more than $200,000 in the past or of difference from that number. So that 700 could easily be 900 but it could also easily be uh uh 500. It could easily be 400. Uh so and then with the mayor's item of having a big chunk of it go
towards this I for keep forgetting its name. >> The tax stabilization >> tax stabilization fund uh as well as some of the other items that have been mentioned throughout this meeting. I don't feel comfortable relying any further on the carry forward if and to be very crystal clear if you do have any
additional cuts that we can make now that'll get us there. I I I've been trying to get there. I've been really trying to get there. I don't see anything further uh that that I'm comfortable bringing up. Um at this
stage, if there was, then I would 100% support this. >> Understood. Understood. I just going back historically there, you know, we have been able to find find the money, especially in the last couple years when we kept it flat and uh we were able to find that money. So, through through
your efforts, I want I want to thank you, Vice Mayor, for really I mean, honestly, and Mr. Sanchez as well and the mayor getting into the weeds on everything. And um I guess we're $400,000 away. I just think I you know, we could revisit the park, uh the the
you know, the motorcycles. There there's 1% here, 2% there. I think we can get there. Uh so that's why I'm I'm I'm confident we can because >> keep in mind, if we didn't have a pizzy settlement to pay, we would be going under the flat. >> Yeah. And we're not going to have it, you know, we're not going to have it next year. >> Yeah, we're not going to have it next
year, but we also don't know what's going to happen with the market, right? You know, we know that the that the market is finally cooling down, right? I'm not saying it's going to collapse, but we already saw that that slowly stagnating growth this year in that, you know, property values did not rise to the same rate that they have in years
past. We also thanks to President Trump and the and the Congress earlier this year as part of the minibus I believe it was they went ahead and ended all remaining COVID relief programs that were uh geared for states and cities. So and which was another thing that the just like the county was something that
we had also been able to benefit from that we won't have next year as the vice mayor pointed out as well. You know we you know just throughout the the meeting we were already kind of chopping up the mid-year budget amendment before we even know what the final numbers are. So, I think it would be prudent just to pass what's here now. I hear what you're
saying that we came a very long way from what we started, which I think in the initial number was a $2.8 million deficit and then slowly that that that grew less. Still a big lift and we got this far, which I think again is something we should all be proud of. And I think in terms of just 400,000, that's
a lot, right? Like where are we going to pull from? That that's I think the point the vice mayor is trying to make like we're just to say oh let's let's set it at the flat rate and leave it for them between now and then and three o'clock in the morning basically to have them sort it out. I think it's going to be cuts that we've already gone through
because we've chewed this up, you know, probably I would even argue to a greater degree than the council in 2019 did, right? Y um so I just think it's almost an impossibility, you know, to go ahead and find that 400,000 at this juncture that's going to get the four votes from from everybody else, right? you know, so
I think we have to recognize that political reality as well, um, when we're doing this and just, you know, kind of take the win here, which is that, you know, we we really saved off a lot, >> you know, of what it could have been. And I think next year we'll have an opportunity to see whether the market
continues to cool. Maybe it it even goes up. We'll see where things stand. Um, and maybe at that point we can revisit, you know, the military to go back to what we had before. I >> I think the good thing about this exercise is we exercise the muscle that we've never exercised before. I mean, honestly, >> everybody here on the staff looked at
things that previously they wouldn't even have thought of or even thought was possible. >> So, that's why I'm I'm so encouraged about that possibility and why we're so close and and for for the for next year and all that and and yeah, it's going to be tough next year. But again, I ask my colleagues to consider Yeah, I ask my
colleagues to consider >> such a the job we did and that the flat is an option. I just put it out there. It's >> Mr. Mayor, >> uh, Councilman Garcia, >> I am very worried about our seniors. >> Hold on. Wait until I I I completely yield the floor. Um, after he's done, do
you want to say something on that? >> I wanted to when I came back from >> Oh, my apologies. Okay. So, Councilman Garcia, then we'll go to Councilman Sanders and assuming there's no motion coming out of that, then we'll go ahead and uh and call the role. >> Yeah,
>> Mr. mayor and uh >> my colleagues um and those that are watching online. Um I think that the residents have seen all of the hard work we've gone through, but they're still they were under the
impression that we were going to at least minimally get to a flat. So therefore, I'm going to be very worried that our seniors are going to be affected. They're going to be affected. >> Wait, wait, wait, hold on. Hey, let let
Councilman Sanchez go and then and then we'll, you know, we'll we'll see who needs rebuttal. Councilman Sanchez, >> I'm going to bring up two two different things to Councilman Garcia and Councilman Quad Garcia. If we stay flat, the general revenue fund goes up by
$689. I mean, $89,000. Huh? Year-over-year. So, with property values going up, give me one second, Councilman. Give me one second. I have the floor right now. $689,000 due to property values going up due to new construction in town, the police
contract alone went up by over $800,000. So, that automatically knocks out the flat rate out of contention because you would be short by a hundred and some odd thousand dollars. And we want to do things to bring up a little bit the stature of Miami Lakes. We do
With regards to the seniors, we approved $82,500 to refund the seniors, their portion of the Miami Lakes tax bill. This none of this is going to affect the seniors of the town of Miami Lakes. They have to
pay it, but they're going to get reimbursed afterwards. So, I mean, I I'm in favor of the 2.1577 just because it gets us across the line. The police budget is fully funded with
the increases and as the mayor said, this is the last year of the $500,000 payment that's going to release next year. That That's all I have to say, Mr. Mayor. >> Okay. Uh, I'm going to move to extend to 12:15 a.m. just to make sure we have
enough time to cover the votes. It's been seconded. All those in favor say I. I. All oppose, no. The eyes have it. The motion carries and we have until 12:15 a.m. to complete our work, which I think we can. Madame clerk, please call the role. >> Mayor, we I think we still we first have
to do the roll call of the amendment by Council Member Garcia. Correct. Correct. I keep forgetting that. And I promise uh Councilman Garcia, it's not intentional. >> It's okay. Well, with that, but either way, call the role on the amendment. >> Yes. >> Council member Garcia. >> Yes.
>> Council member Cuadra Garcia. >> I am um I'm not understanding the question. >> This is on Councilman Garcia's amendment. If you want to keep it flat, >> the answer is yes. >> Council member Fernandez, >> no. >> Council member Hersburg, >> no.
>> Council member Sanchez, >> no. >> Vice Mayor Mora, >> no. Mayor Diegas, >> no. >> The amendment fails. Now, ordinance in second reading, item 7A, ordinance adopting the mill rate for
fiscal year 2025- 26 at 2.1577. Council member Hersburg, >> we haven't we haven't opened it for discussion. Oh, >> we that was just on >> and then one question for the record. >> Okay. Sure.
>> Mr. Manager Melissa, can you give us what percentage it went up from the 2.07 to the 2.15? >> It's about 4%. >> I know because we brought up the percentage from the roll back. >> Four right around 4%. >> 4%. So that's what we're increasing is 4%.
>> Okay. Please continue with with the roll call. So adopting the millage rate at 2.1577. Council member Sanchez, >> yes. >> Council member Hzburg, >> yes. >> Council member Fernandez, >> yes.
>> Council member Garcia, >> no. >> Council member Cuadra Garcia, >> a big no. >> Vice Mayor Moretta, >> yes. >> Mayor Diegas, >> yes. >> The ordinance in second reading, item 7A, passes.
>> Okay. Okay. Um, I move to pick up 7B from the table. It's been second. >> Five votes for the record. >> Yes. Um, okay. It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> All oppose. No. >> The eyes have it. We are now considering
item 7B as amended. Um, Madame Clerk, please call the role. >> I'm so sorry, Mayor. We have a We have a um a motion in a second, right? Yes. I was writing. It should be there. It was from the very beginning of the
meeting. So let me let me just second to there was correct you know. Yeah. >> So items ordinance in second reading item 7B. >> Wait madam clerk if you want to just to you know be sure for the record but we've been making motions on the main motion >> from the beginning the beginning of the
meeting 7B. I have coun mayor Diegas >> seconded by council member Garcia. >> Okay. Got it. All right. Please please uh go ahead with the roles. Just wanted to make sure that we were squared away there. >> Council member Garcia, >> no. >> Council member Cuadra Garcia,
>> no. >> Council member Fernandez, >> yes. >> Council member Sanchez, >> yes. >> Council member Hzburg, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Moretta, >> yes. >> Mayor Diegas, >> yes.
>> Ordinance in second reading. Item 7B passes >> with five votes. Um, okay. So, with that, thank you all for your time. Uh, we are now adjourned at 11:59 p.m. There being no further business. Thank you all for your time. >> You guys