He's not here. Gary --------- >> here. >> Maria here. Lindsay here. William >> here. >> No, she's not. >> Um, Hector >> and Marisa.
>> Um, >> any positions or >> I think you need to say absences. >> Do I have to do that now? I I mean >> if you're waiting for information, but it's only >> Yeah, I'm going to say that they're all
excuse. >> I second. >> No, you have to second call me the chair. >> You have no name right now. >> All right. Um so there there's this whole that I want to
bring up tonight. Should we do the public comments or should we >> should I just incorporate that into that one? >> You can do either or >> I'll do the public comments so I don't have to say anything. >> Okay. >> Um but any any brows additions or anything to the agenda
>> in addition to a list of new trucks that Oscar has provided me? >> Okay. You want to add that into the >> Yeah. >> for mental health. Just want >> five. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> You want to make an
>> Yeah. I motion to add to new business. Where's new business? >> Well, to old business. Is it going to be under the festival? >> Oh, okay. Well, okay. >> You just want to discuss like the blue trucks. He's confirmed and all that. Is he on? Is he going to be on? >> I He asked for the link. He didn't tell
me if he was going to be on or not. So, yes. I have a motion to put it old business A5 Oscar updates. >> Second it. All in favor? >> I >> um All right. Perfect. Anything else?
Any No. >> All right. So, I'm going to go into public comments and I have wonderful guests here today that have made it all the way from down south all the way Miami Lakes. This is what I got what I brought up to you guys last meeting. I
vaguely kind of mentioned the buddy event project. So I wanted them to be able to come and really just like just tell you guys about what they do. You can have ask any questions and hopefully we can load on this becoming an like one more of our events throughout the year.
Um I was thinking after the festival something like later on just to give us time because we're doing the 98 and then the festival so that we're not like feeling overwhelmed. Um, but this is a great organization and I'll let them kind of introduce themselves and talk a little bit of what they're doing and
then I this is something that I would love to do in one of the the local parks here. So, I I'll thank you. Thank you. Um, I'm going to go ahead and pass out some information to make it easier for you guys to follow along. I know we only have two minutes, so I truly appreciate
the opportunity. My name is Mary Forella. I am the co-founder of my buddy Bench project alongside my daughter Victoria who's currently still in high school. Um my husband is here as a big support. >> Hi
you and Amaya our program and operation facilitator. >> So um thank you for tuning in today. >> Thank you. Um and Buddy, I'm sorry. He's our kindness ambassador and our mascot. So we are a nonprofit. Um, and our
mission is to spread kindness, empathy, and leadership by creating welcoming communities through buddy benches that combat bullying and promote mental health. Um, we came um about three years
ago incorporated as a nonprofit. Um this um kind of idea came from my my daughter wanting to help some kids in her old elementary school after her journey through elementary school and present with um bullying and kids being unkind.
So um buddy benches are are international. They're actually global. So uh they're also known as friendship benches. So what we did is took the concept of a buddy bench. We add a little art to it. We add um social emotional aligned sort of learning and
activities where the kids uh either in schools or afterare programs or we do little workshops with the kids and teach them those uh skills. Um so like I said our our community our commitment goes beyond just a bench. We offer a buddy bench program, a social emotional
learning aligned program designed to promote empathy and inclusion and help reduce the stigma around mental health for children and youth. As a parent, I know how helpful it was to get help through mental health um both at the
school professionally and any other free uh opportunities that we got um to go through this journey and we currently are still going through the journey. So um this is a way of us helping or Victoria wanting to help others right through the through the process. She's
tell me don't cry but so um I'm wanted to say one other thing that I wrote down for my for my little one minute speech. So the my money bench project. Our mission is simple yet powerful to build connection, kindness,
and emotional resilience in children and communities through our buddy bench installations and monthly sealbased kindness ambassador activities. We intentionally create bully-free spaces where children feel seen, valued, and
supported by promoting compassion, resilience, and early positive social interaction. The My BuddyBench project supports a pro proactive approach to emotional wellness. We believe small
acts of kindness, create stronger and more connected communities, and that prevention, awareness, and belonging are fundamental to long life mental health well-being. So together we're planting
seeds of empathy today to build emotional healthy communities for tomorrow. >> So I am open for any kind of questions. >> Um yeah >> you said that the buddy bench is global.
>> So the concept of a buddy bench is also a friendship bench and that is global. We took that idea of the bench and we added social emotional activities so that kids learn about mental health and their well-being early on. So, you know,
to help reduce that stigma and help also parents get resources. So, we build a website and on our website we have um you know resources on that. We also share about when a community is doing something where parents and children can volunteer together. Okay. So we love
that kind of community. >> Like just add on to that. They did this in Cutler Bay and it was such a success with Mayor of Cunningham and so they did like the whole ribbon cutting. They were on channel 7 I believe. >> Channel 10 and a few others. >> A few others. So I I was just thinking
like all you know we should all have it throughout South Florida. So why not Miami Lakes being one of the ones to come in next? >> Right. My next question is what would that look like in the real world? So like in a park or something >> usually. Okay. So we have them in parks and we also have them in school playgrounds. They work really well at
the park near the playground for the younger kids. And um so if you have a a community like we one we did for Palmetto Bay, they had the youth committee which were the high schoolers uh and this was their community activity. So they painted the bench and
we had professionally installed by the park. >> And then we did a big ceremony and we invited mental health specialists. We invited the local community and they got to speak and and we'll invite the local media as well. So we do a press release as well. I my my business is in
advertising and marketing. So you know I'm very workers that >> some really quick fire like answers. So I go I go to the park. I see this bench. It's all colorful. Something tells me I shouldn't sit on it. So I get closer. Is there in is there like information?
>> Yes. So on the bench, so there is two ways. On the bench, there's a plaque >> with a message and with a QR code that'll go to the Buddy Bench project. And we also have it in some parks where it goes to mental health. >> So if there's a mental health agency who
wants to advertise there or have their resources, there's a QR code for them as well. Okay? >> And so it'll explain about the bench. The parks have also added what's called a A-frame. It's a standalone uh sign and it explains how the buddy bench works. And they usually put it
right next to the bench, too. >> All right. On any random given day, a 12-year-old sees the bench, knows what it is, and sits there. >> Okay. So, what can what do you foresee happening? Yeah. Like,
>> I'm sorry. Let me just try to finish the question. Do you see like >> um another 12-year-old or a 15year-old seeing that and approaching them? them an adult approaching them. How do you see this playing out? >> Um, so how I've seen it played out and how it's played out in most parks since
it's in a playground near where adults and children will be. Usually their adult parent will sit on the bench with the child. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. >> Because it's in a playground for younger kids. >> Let me ask some questions. Um, the program costs $3,500. What's anal
program? Yeah. >> So, it's called social emotional learning. Okay. And I think Lindsay might be able to explain it to you more, but it's about mental health, helping the kids learn about >> um kindness and empathy. And we make little activities that are very easy for schools to
>> What's the bench made out of? Is it >> It's a pinewood bench. >> Or is it actual wood? >> No, it's a pinewood bench. And then we we prime it, they paint it, and we double seal it. So it's a weather. >> So what's the actual cost to the town to the committee? I mean to get that bench
to have it primed and then maybe we get a bunch of kids to paint it. What's the cost that the city the town has? >> Um well what we've done is we've had it a little less of the cost for the the park if there is no school or program
involved. But in most cases there there is a program that uses um our activities. >> Okay. So be $3,500 to use the SEL activities >> with the bench. >> With the bench and so that'll be like in a school playground or something like that
>> or a park. Yeah. Some counselors at school use it next to the counseling office and and they they place it there. A lot of the kids love it. Um they gravitate to it. That's what we've seen. They're happy to to be part of it. >> So they're sitting there I'm sorry if
you go back. They're sitting there with their parent. Then what? Like is another child approaching? So usually because the there's a signage there and the color it's like a beacon of of kindness to make friends. So it's known as a
friendship bench. So it's kind of like to to bees like you're attracting. >> Yeah. It's like a beacon of kindness. We kind of call >> to make connection. >> I think it could work. Like you guys are telling me it's working, but I honestly think that you did it in color. >> Open everyone's able to see it. You
really can't miss it with all the color. >> I mean Yeah. Just imagine myself walking up and seeing a child I guess with their parent like in a be like what are they s what are you doing sitting there >> and I can honestly see myself saying hey how are you you okay like okay
>> yeah you want to play usually >> a child approaching >> color bay added place where >> so we have it in pome bay park at coral reef park >> and we're also in the grove >> in pe park >> in pe park in the grove >> wow >> and they usually have the signage and
because there's a QR code and it says it's a buddy bench and the older kids might because we have older kids like the high schoolers they'll sit on the bench and they'll send the pictures but there's also a QR code that tells you what the bench >> that's correct. So if we if we're doing it in the park and we don't have how
much is it without the program it's like in the park >> I'll I'll go to the board and ask them >> what the reduction of that would be. know my idea. >> Yeah, >> madam president, >> we're hoping the program we are going to I would want to do it with the whole
program and like obviously that's why I wanted to put it towards the end of the year because I know there will be agencies that we can find that would possibly want to sponsor it and use that for their program in the community and I'll take care of that and and sponsorship and stuff like that. So I
already spoke to a couple other organizations who would be willing to maybe partner up and do something to cover the cost. It would be a sponsorship opportunity. >> Yeah. I think it's one of those things is that we can also coordinate with the educational advisory board and the youth activity committee and then get the
school board allo >> get it near the school >> right that would be the whole purpose and make it like a real big community thing. So, we could go through an agency, the school board. >> I do want to put it in a park just
because it'll be easier for us to get um approvals like we already did with the 98. >> I I wouldn't limit it to just one park. I would try definitely veterans and royalt. >> Yeah, absolutely. And the guys who live in is contingent that we have the funds, right? We're able to find enough um >> Okay. Is Optimus part of May?
>> Oh, okay. >> Or they do have the Colossio. And again, so this is something that I would have to go present to council to get approval on. Um, and then, you know, we'll deal with the town directly to see what they would >> Yeah. They're going to want to know costs.
>> Yeah. And and again, we've I think we've proven ourselves thus far that that we don't need to Yeah. We'll figure out how to find the funding. And I've already spoken to other organizations, so I know that there like I wouldn't have brought them in if I didn't think we would be able to cover the >> It's great. Thank you very much. >> Well, thank you. And yeah, question.
>> Yeah. Go ahead. Question, please. Yes. So, hi. First of all, I'm Annette Hungler. I work for FIU Neighborhood Health through the College of Medicine. So, for those of you that don't know me, um, hi. For those of you that do, nice to see me again. Been around for a long
time. Um, I would like to make connections with you. I don't know if you have to leave right away. If now just give me my um they can take a picture of my card because um through the college of medicine I represent the college of medicine and the medical students there in about 800 and they
have medical um interest groups of which uh I don't know if it's if it's labeled mental health but there's a component like that so I can match you and see if there's something like this that can be done at FIU. um I can tell you that how you will not give funds for any kind of
sponsorship but if the if the students want to do it or you know I can I'll make introductions and then that's something that you can do with that. Um also while we're on the mental health topic and the reason I came today is that we're having a conference and and the um the theme of the conference is
mental health on March 13th. So, you're invited and I'll give more information later, but if you can take a picture of my card and then that way if you should need >> I can I can connect you guys if you want. I can send a formal email. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> I appreciate that. Yeah, we have also spoken just because you were speaking about we were premillinary speakers meaning yeah meaning like the main speakers for the FCA which is the Florida Council Association. So, we spoke in November. And we also got a
proclamation from the village on mental health. So, we're not experts. I'm just a mom who's always looking for help and she's my daughter. So, we're always searching and we want to share and see how we can help other kids and parents. It's going to grow. I definitely think
this program. That's a great It was a great idea. I just like this was all her idea. I just wanted She told me the story. dad cried, you know, the whole shebang the mom story, but it really was her initiative and she went to her mom and her mom's like, "How how can I help?" Because of the experiences that
she had gone through at school. So, the story behind it, like, you know, with more time and and all that, it's it's a really nice really nice story and powerful to share. >> Yeah. I I appreciate my daughter for allowing me to share her story and you know the fact that she wanted to help
other kids like she was already a middle school and she wanted to help the kids in her elementary school and I asked her why you know she's a middle schooler now she's like because I don't want kids to feel like what isolated and lonely like she once did so and I was like okay
let's try see what happens it'd be really cool without the community throughout the community we start seeing these ventures and what they they stand so with That said, I'm going to put in a motion >> that we can get this project, you guys are all on board with me to get it going
so that I can present to council and uh we can figure out the details as we get later, you know, closer to like maybe like next meeting or whatnot. We can kind of discuss. But I was thinking uh towards the end of the year, maybe like after the festival. Does that make sense? >> Because I'm going to be out for a couple
months or something. >> I already I already wrote it. >> I already wrote that. Yeah. Yeah, I wrote that two months bring a baby here. >> I mean, I don't think we need to do a motion. I just wrote you wrote in next steps, develop a plan on what parks as we can place them in town and then
brief. >> He voted on it last week, right? >> So now we just need to develop a plan. >> Wonderful. Perfect. So that's where >> I guess I'm developing a plan. >> Find money. >> Appreciate it. If you want to look at
what we've done, we have an Instagram and a website. >> Yes. >> Some more fires and we can leave some in the town and if Noah's fine. >> Yeah. And I'll get email to you. There's a cure code and it takes you to all our little uh local platforms and you can
see the past stuff that we've done and how it works. I'd love to get through. >> Appreciate it. Thank you so much guys for all the opportun maybe we'll reach out when the next
meeting we're going to sit down and and do more of a planning meeting. >> Thank you. >> Right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Oh, do you want to say something?
>> Uh, thank you. >> Let me let me give them >> Oh, yeah. >> I thought you were >> Hi everyone. >> Hey guys, how are you? >> Good. It's good to see you all. Are we
allowed to talk? I wasn't. >> We're still in public comments. Yeah, we can still >> Okay. Hi everybody. Wait here. Sorry we can't be there in person. Just wanted to jump in and say hello. >> Now you can see me. Okay. And looking
forward to some of these events that we have coming up. >> Excited to be there. >> Your support. >> They will support our sponsors something. If you need if you want to say something
or anything, just raise, you know, I guess let Noah know. >> Yeah, they'll >> I think I think we have somebody else in the waiting room. Not sure if you can if you can check. >> No, >> on the top. >> Oh, yeah.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Perfect. All right. So, let's go. So, we can try to get out here by 5. They have a 5:30 meeting. Um, do you have any of the flyers for the the authors or >> I have flyers for our program and then I was I wanted to send um the people that
gave you were able to give me an email. I could email it, you know, so that way everybody >> you want to give yours or >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I'll give you Noah so you can you can send it to all of us because that'd be great for us to have so we can share. >> Okay. Um, >> we'll give it to you. >> Yeah, I'll write it down.
>> I can mark I can give you more information. I was waiting for you just to let me know how you >> Yeah. No, absolutely. Yeah. Go ahead. >> Oh, we're in public comics right now. Yeah. >> All right. Great. So, um hi, Baptist. Psalms up
>> because we're affiliating Baptist uh FIU Health. So, um the College of Medicine has a yearly conference. It's called the Warttheim um community health fair uh or community health and wellness conference. And every year we do a
theme. This year the theme is on mental health and wellness. So that's why I wanted to make sure and give you all a personal invitation to attend. >> Uh it is on Friday, March 13th, which is going to be a wonderful day. And it's at our Biscane Bay campus which our where
our office is located for the neighborhood health program. And it's going to be from 9 to 2. We're going to be offering a breakfast and a lunch. And we're going to have a keynote speaker and a panel addressing these topics. Our keynote speaker is Susan um Holtzman
who's the CEO or NAMI uh the National Alliance for Mental Illness which is a national organization that has local chapters and again we'll have other you know speakers and panels but we're also going to be highlighting the work that FIU neighborhood health has done in the
community. So to give you 30 seconds on that it's the organ the um program has existed for 15 years over 15 years through the college of medicine. And it was initiated as a way of the medical students being able to learn about what's called social determinance of
health. Social factors outside of their genetics that affects people's health could be it's usually a lack of something. Lack of transportation, lack of education. So we address that by incorporating it into the curriculum. We're we're we were the first uh medical
school to incorporated into the curriculum. We won awards for that. But, uh, anyone that's going through medical school at FIU gets assigned a family that's been enrolled in the program. It's a free program, but you have to go through an enrollment process. So, that they're going to follow this uh family
for their last three years of medical school, year two, three, and four. And they have to visit them in person after COVID it changed. So, in person once a year at their home, and three times a year by tellaalth or phone visits. They're always going to be supervised by
their by a professor who is a medical doctor. And that way they're getting practical and practicum experience, but they're also able to, you know, give real um life um help to the families that are there. >> For instance, if they're they know the
family is diabetic, they could, you know, review their medicines or go over their pantry and and give them um some, you know, suggestions on what their eating patterns are. Now, the program itself is available throughout Miami Day County, which is new and different because we used to be only in certain
parts of the county, but we're available throughout the whole county. And uh the only requirements are that you not be homeless because it's only for people that have some kind of abode. This is what I do for abode. Uh whether it's a trailer, whether they're renting a room, but we do that because the again the
students need to go visit a location. they're assigned a case worker who is going to call them monthly to see how they're doing not only health-wise but to ascertain in all those different areas what we can do because what we do is we link resources.
>> Now the program itself under the FIU umbrella we do provide >> free primary medical care through mobile health buses that are located in different parts of the community. These are not walkups. I always need to make that distinction because these are working primary care clinics that are
only open to the people that are enrolled in the program and have an appointment to see their doctor that day. We also are able to provide free mental health care again and these are only to people that are uninsured. I'm sorry I didn't make that qualification. >> And also we give referrals to the FIU
law clinic. So your grandson >> will be giving will be if he's if he enters through the through the law referral program. So for those people that you can't service on the mental health side, where do you send those referrals to? >> Um well, we have again partnerships with over 200 different organizations and
agencies. So we would partner through either through, you know, through Jackson, through thriving mind. Thriving mind is the >> I know. I know. >> Okay. >> I'm the co-founder of the Miami Day Hero Alliance. I know Susan very well. I'm going to just ask you like what do you just only send to the citruses and the and the thriving minds or do you work
with any local agencies as well? >> Well, we have >> I'm a local agency too. So I'm hoping well if the local a agency lets us know that they want to be part of like a proono network then that that could be done as well. >> Okay. And for higher level of care and all of that >> um it would have to again be referred.
We do have a psychiatrist that heads our mental health unit but it would have to be referred but like impatient detox psychology >> because right we don't our program does not take care of that. We we do basic you know basic services um through you know through visits. Okay. the visits
can sometimes be at the person's home or a lot of times it will happen at our mobile health clinic. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> So, that's what we do in a nutshell. Again, we provide the resources to people to everyone. Yeah. >> If the person doesn't have insurance, then they have access to our clinical care, but we're also um you know,
providing the resources and providing the medical student that practicum and that additional level of support to the families. I have flyers that I'll be glad to give you all on regard to the program. They do have a QR code. the QR code. Our process will lead that person who's interested to give us our their
name, address, and phone number because our process is to call them to make an appointment. So part of our outreach team of which I'm a supervisor, a program manager. Um we always go out in uniform with ID two by two in the community and our process is to see them
to give them more detailed information and also to do what we call a vetting which whereas we're giving a basically a mini assessment to see what their needs are and how we can best help them. >> These are both children and adults. >> Um we can we can uh offer services to everyone and to any age. The only thing
we do not offer is we do not offer pediatric care. But basically it's a family level care. So, if you're going to a family um you know doctor um you know you might have a 10-year-old and you know your grandmother you know we can offer all all level of care again under a primary care setting. Anything
you would find in a primary care office we can offer through the mobile health plan. Thank you so much. She says they can't bring the bus to the mental health because you need right. It has to be a person that already >> is enrolled in the program. Don't take
walkups, >> but they can but she can come out and like for the 10 and actually promote the program. >> That's what we do. >> Okay. If you're stay here and be one of our vendors for the fall festival. >> If if you're in Miami Springs on Saturday, I'll be at their event on on
Saturday. Okay. that that's what we do and I'll be glad this sticks. I'm very interested in hearing all the other information. No, thank you so much for sharing. That's awesome. And send a flyer for the for the the conference. All right, let's go. We only have 30 minutes, guys. So, yeah, not too >> 5:30.
>> Okay, but I want to go home. >> I'm so sorry. Do you have any any public comments? >> No. Well, uh, my name is Eric Falora and I'm the director of nursing operations over at Jackson Behavioral Hospital. So, I live in the community and I noticed that we have a mental health passport.
>> Stepped in. >> So, we got also going to be a sponsor of the festival this year. Look at Oh my god, you guys should stay. >> Would you like to sponsor nice? >> I love it. I love it. Thank you so much
for being here. Let's support it. Um, okay. So, let's go. Adoption of of minutes. Um, >> motion to approve. >> I second. All in favor? >> I. >> All right, let's move on to the good
stuff. Uh, the festival. Let's um I I sent a hefty little email to Noah after our meeting last last month and bombarded him because I wanted to see if we could get to save the date as early as this month so that we can
start sharing with um everybody that participated last year. So, you know, NAMI has promised and very managed to reshare it ahead of time. So, hopefully we can get more sponsors and more organizations to come out. um for for our guests, just so you guys have an idea, I believe we had over 35 mental
health providers. The essence and the point of this festival is just to provide resources to the community. So, our goal is to really uh make sure that we're having these amazing nonprofits, all these local agencies that are out there, all types of level of care. Um
because a lot of people don't know about these resources, right? They go to the same the same ones and there's a lot of a lot of great providers. Um we had everybody from I think Miami day Sheriff, we had uh Susan was our our backup um speaker that day because we
had a little malfunction. So she was great to come in last minute. We have Baptist, we have Larkin, we have Nicholas, a lot of the a lot of providers that come out and they were there to support and we hope that this year is going to be even bigger and
bigger and we're working on getting like some sort of like really well-known speaker as well. Also, we're open to those ideas um that will bring more of the community and we want to engage more of the local schools as well with local performances and just make it a really
fun family event. Uh we give out the pumpkins. We, you know, we have like a little pumpkin patch and and the Girl Scouts come and they help decorate them. Uh we had I don't know how many food trucks last year, like eight or nine. We had the laser tag. We had a bunch of activities. So, it was it was really
fun. It was really great. It was a great turnout. Um, it was our second year, right? Believe that. >> Yeah. >> So, this one is going to be even better. >> Dunk tank. Yeah, the dunk tank. >> And then I have this thing with the dunk tank. We got the mayor to go in and he got dump. It was It was really really
fun. So, this year we're going to we're going to be even more prepared. Um, and hopefully we'll have I'm going to I'm going to put a number out there because I always put this year we're going to have over 50 sponsors. >> Nice. >> And it's going to be nice and cool weather like the last two years. Yeah.
>> Got to throw it out there because I know it won't happen. All right. >> Saturday. >> It's on a Saturday. So, oh, the date is we've already voted on October 17th and it's going to be from 10 a.m. to 2, which is the same time that it's happened uh before. Um, do we have to
save the date? >> Yes. >> Please email it to all of us. Okay. >> Okay. Do you want to share it with put it on the screen so we can see? Um, >> is it similar to last year's? >> So, save the date. We can start sharing
that with everybody >> or I think I'll hand it to me before she left. >> No worries. Email it to us. Okay, perfect. Awesome. So, we'll we'll have to save the date so we can start sharing. Um, the sponsorship for I
wanted to just go over it and review and see if you want to make any changes. We don't have the budget yet from the town, but I wanted to see if we were we had been able to cover all the costs or if they should increase a little bit here and there.
>> We don't know what we made from >> not I I don't know. >> I don't know. Do we do we know what we made though? Not yet. >> No. >> My calculations had to agree. >> We were a negative 71 bucks, >> right?
>> But according to my calculations, did I send you the the one that I made? I don't know if I sent that with all the those providers. >> Oh, yeah, you did. >> I did. Do you have that list real quick? Does it have the cost that they paid? >> Uh, >> no. I made my own budget thing that I'll share with you so
you can send to that. I don't know because I because I want to make sure that everybody that had said yes and filled out a sponsorship actually you guys were able to collect payment for because that's the discrepancy right that they promised but I don't know if they actually did >> provide the funds. >> Yeah.
>> A cost breakdown as to what this $10,000 in fees were or the town. >> Can we get No, we're going to get that detailed report. >> What's that? >> You can get a detailed report. >> Yeah, I can get a report. Yeah, I like that. I see that. I see what is some
what's eating uh 102% of what we made. >> Yes. >> Good to know. It's good to know. >> Well, that and we also have to um I have to get back to first alarm. >> Yeah. >> Because we promised them money. So,
>> I got to let them know. >> Absolutely right. to ask them for $75. >> I was donating my video marketing service to help out >> awareness as big. >> I appreciate that. Awesome. So then that's what we'll do. So in terms of the sponsorship form, I think that
based on those numbers, we need to go up a little bit. >> Yes. >> I just don't know how much you guys want to go. >> Okay, >> what were they left? What were they left? >> So we have 250 per table. We had 400 for the silver and then we had 700 for gold
sponsorship. >> Well, I think uh leave the table alone. Yeah. And then have higher level for the sponsorships. >> I think you can get, you know, let's go for what the sponsorship level >> silver and gold. We just
>> let's put a platinum or a,000 and then make gold what is it right now? >> 700. >> Make it 800 and then put silver. What's it right now? >> 400. >> Make it 500. >> Motion.
>> So, I have a motion for to make a new level platinum for a th00and um gold for was it 800? >> Mhm. >> And uh silver 500. >> Second. >> Um all in favor? >> I >> All right.
>> All right. All right. So then we'll update the sponsorship form >> and then email that to us as well with the save the date so I can start sharing that with the potential. >> I really think we even higher than >> I mean >> I mean I'll be honest with you. I think we can go platinum 2500
uh gold 15 and silver a thousand. I really do believe we can do it. >> So >> at least for the veteran stuff pretty good. >> Yeah. I don't know if I can let you speak Rick should speak on this. I don't go ahead.
>> Yeah. >> Um I mean I don't know we can reopen public comments. I'll make a motion to reopen public comments. >> I second. >> Okay. All in favor. Sorry. >> I'm I'm just thinking of I um and what I do I we have a number we have over 200
community partnerships, right? >> A lot of them and a lot I know a lot of organizations in this space. They're nonprofits. um with the with these nonprofits and and even with if I'm including me under that umbrella, >> we do not participate in any events
where we're asked to pay. >> Um so I don't know if there's a spa, you know, if there's a category or space >> we have a for nonprofits we do give them a reduced a reduced amount which we don't give it to them for free or um
what do you call it? Excuse my pregnancy but the >> inind >> inind in kind donations like NAMI doesn't pay like Nami gives in kind driving mind doesn't pay they give us in kind. >> Okay. That's that's why I'm asking so I can bring a lot of you know a lot of awareness and a lot more organizations.
>> Yeah definitely we could do ink kind for nonprofits. Yeah we do. Yeah we voted on that last that's an option. Yeah. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. No. Thank you. Yeah. >> Okay. So I just say we leave it where I just said initially the 1500. Do you want to do platinum 1500?
>> All right. Plat 1500. I amend my motion to fin amendment. >> All in favor? Sorry. >> So, where are we at? 1,500 for platinum. >> Uhhuh. 800 for gold, 500 for silver, and two for vendor. And then we have our a
kind for nonprofit or second. So the budget I'm going to keep just as a standing point there until we get that from the town. Um I already have several people that
participated last year who are on board. I have about like already 10 organizations that have reached out to me that already want to be like okay we want to get our our space and all that. Um and then do you want to discuss the food trucks? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> You guys ready for the list?
>> How many do we have in total first? >> Seven. >> Similar to the ones last year. >> Um I don't know. I I can't compare but I can just give you the off. So the first one is fun kettle corn.
Two is encased the number. Never mind. So it is six. Um so number three is el bori b o r i truck. >> Uh the next one would leave the four which is the same spelling. El bori b o
r i booth. Uh and then mama's food at 5 and Kona Ice at 6. >> Okay. >> All right. Perfect. >> Do they have to pay a fee to be in the the food trucks? They have to pay a fee. No, we're we're getting them through somebody who coordinates uh with the
town. Um >> yeah, because they they need all the lensures and all that stuff that they have. So, he's he's the one that's been providing us the contact. We can give you his contact and you can reach out to him and coordinate through him. >> Yeah. I know a couple food trucks. >> Yeah, absolutely.
Um it's easier with him because he's kind of like a one-stop shop and he's been providing that so I can put you guys because of the of the um insuranceances and all the stuff. who works a lot with the talent already knows what they require. >> It was the son. >> We're getting pimple this year, right?
>> Yeah. Don't don't >> to Oscar, right? >> Yeah. >> So, get the invoice and the quote already for laser tag. >> Okay. >> For the same things that we did last year, right? Was there anything? Was there Was there one that we didn't that
was not a hit? >> Invoice and what? the invoice the quote and the invoice for for those yeah to come to start confirming those laser tag. What else did we do guys? I forgot. >> I was in Europe. >> That's right. You weren't here. >> If you do the the dunk tank, just put it closer.
>> If we do the dunk tank, it's going to be a different company because it was broken and I was upset. >> Yeah, >> it was broken. >> Far off to the side. >> Yeah. No, it would we would have to put it completely different and and like the because we had issues I think with the water tank that I don't you know there's always something that comes up and
>> Yeah. two separate things. The dung tank was there and >> she couldn't bring the water tank all the way over there. >> Water tank had to drive up and then fill the tank. >> Yeah, it was annoying. I don't know. Different company probably for that. Who can put that? That was Rosie. I don't know if they're going to want to dunk themselves again, but that's something
we can do. >> Do I ask him if there's any? >> Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. >> Yeah. see if anybody in town would want or somebody we could get done there. I don't know.
>> We had a petting zoo. >> We didn't do the petting zoo. I don't know if you guys want to do the petting zoo this year this year. I think it was out of our budget at that or something like that that we were >> thinking at our budget a lot with the tents. Remember we paid for. >> I know, but I will give my whole budget to the tents. I'm not putting those things up again.
>> I was kind of against So, remember I was kind of against >> the what? The petting suit. Yeah. I don't know. We can discuss >> because it's dealt with with animals and the licenses and >> Yeah, it is. It is kind of a >> It's just kind of another thing to add on to coordinate and I think it's a lot.
I think we could do without. Maybe this year we get more of the of the We had some of the therapy dogs from the police officers. >> Yeah. Have that buddy uh dog walk. >> They won't let the therapy dogs. No. Wasn't that the whole thing? I can't bring mine. >> They're I think they're allowed to bring
uh service dogs. >> The police ones. That's why I didn't bring mine. >> You got to pick with the problem again because >> we were told yes obviously because it's a police dog. But >> I think I could bring my horse but I couldn't bring my dogs. >> Well,
if it's a registered if it's a registered service animal, therapy animal, >> right? >> I think under the American they allow park >> that could be >> I mean it's it's like there's no choice. No. So wherever you >> That's only so
>> you know what I'll >> Thank you. Please I'll leave that up to you because then we can bring as many. That'd be great. That'd be good. We can bring him and bring so many ADA activity. >> Let me contact. >> No, put that on your on your list to follow up. Just to clarify that if we
can bring the because I'm pretty sure I have an email somewhere where I was told I >> I'll just contact the talent attorney. I'll just send it down. >> Okay. So, I think we kind of got an idea of the the festival so we can start trying to see if we get the sponsorship and everything. I want to have
everything ready before I leave in July. Um, anything else that you guys want to do or add or incorporate or >> with basically anything? >> Yeah, like we get we get quotes. It just sometimes depends on how many sponsors we get and the budget. But ask Oscar
what else he would want to like include or like to give us again the quotes for this year. >> So do I ask him about face painting or just like hey anything else that >> that he thinks would do well now that he kind of has an idea for what it is. Um um Marley's not here. I wanted to see
were you able to contact any schools? >> The face painting has worked very well in all the events that I've gone to that have had it. Um did you 25 year anniversary? Uh well, yeah, but that was a bit that was my that was my friend. >> Yeah. >> No, and I didn't and I didn't I was to
the side. So >> that was packed. That was that but that was the only part that got packed. >> That's the only at least two papers. >> A line was like >> two or four because you hire one person even two. >> It's not enough.
>> You need to put minimum. Fred had the lines like Fred had the lines but everybody was there >> that was at the park. No, you wouldn't see anybody but at that line. >> So we'll do that. We'll get somebody. >> But is it a cost or is it free? >> No.
>> No. >> Order think that makes sense for for the festival. it just doesn't do well and I hate that they bring that resource to us every year and we're not able to fulfill the instructor with I you we can't control people to go out and actually do it. So I feel like it's a wasted
resource. So we're um practice was going to brainstorm to see what else they could bring that's a little bit different that would maybe create um you know just a better outcome for them. Although they were very happy. We got super good feedback from them. that that specific activity is very difficult to
get people to, you know, to come out and Zumba at 10:00 a.m. on a Saturday. So, that's the only thing that I would I would just kind of slash out from >> from activities. Um, anything else that >> yoga class or something?
>> No, I don't work. Nobody's going to do it. I will say that over the last I wasn't there for the first one, but for for this last one, I don't know if people were completely engaged with the speaker
that we had. I don't know if that's the best time, even though it is mental health. I I don't know if that's the best time to bring in a speaker and people are going to be 100% engaged. They're on the sun, it's hot, the speaker really doesn't reach everyone walking around the tents. So, you've
only had a few people there trying to listen to what that person was saying. >> So, maybe it doesn't work, but we can also give it another shot to see how it goes. This >> it down a little bit like not so early. The the problem was that we had to give for example the first time we had to give Renee like a set time and he had
other activities to do during the day. So that was when we could get him. And then Susan was just a last minute thing. I had to call her the night before to do me a favor. >> Okay. >> Because we didn't have a speaker, >> right? >> And she was at, you know, she was at her grandson's birthday party and I was like, "Hey, Susan, can you be doing me this?"
So it was like very last minute because Renee, his her father passed away. >> Oh, wow. >> So that was who was our guest speaker, but unfortunately not. So we could definitely like move around the the thing. I also want to see who's going to take the initiative in following up with
schools to see if we can get their performer like their school >> choir and stuff like that to come out and do performances like a little talent show so that we can engage the parents. Um, I know Marley was gonna re reach out to Barbara Bowman and I can reach out to
Barbara Bowman as well, but if you have access to >> Yeah, I need email so I can provide the facilitators to reach out and say, "Look, someone from the mental health task force." >> You can copy you can send it to me and I I'll I'll meet with them >> and Noah copy always Noah >> email.
>> I I'll give it to Okay, I'll I'll text it to you. >> Oh, okay. So, so because I really do want to get like a couple of like performances of the kids because that will engage the parents, the families that eat those to come see their kids and then that way we can have >> Yeah. My karate is interested.
>> There you go. >> And the danceo dance studio hosted by Lakes, the facilitator Melissa is open to doing that as well. >> Amazing. Okay, perfect. Also, let's try to reach to more now that we have the save the day like go out to more local
um you know businesses you know that want to promote wellness and stuff like that so maybe we can get a couple more like corporate sponsors not just you know just to open it up >> any other ideas >> is IV therapy considered wellness it is
but is it >> IV therapy for >> Absolutely. So if they're interested, you know, that'd be great. Need to have a table. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So >> food. Food. Is it have to be food?
>> Yeah. Oh. No, we can have like actual like event if they want to bring in like we have sushi bomb come to have a table the first year. >> We they pay Yeah. They pay for their table and they they >> charge the people who buy the food. That's all right. >> No, they were just giving out like little samples and promoting their
>> their restaurant there. So any Yeah, absolutely. Anything else? >> No. >> Okay. >> Um All right. So, we have a lot already for the festival. I think considering it's February, we're doing better than the first year. Um 988 signs. >> All right. 988 signs.
>> Go ahead. Give us the >> I got a quote for the 988 sign, but I need a decision as to >> and I can't see what I'm doing. >> What's 988? Hopefully, you can pass. >> 998 is the suicide hotline. >> Oh, okay. Let's do that. So, there's
this color, blue on blue. >> Okay. >> And then there's >> Oh, >> wow. I like >> I like that better. >> I like the contrast. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I like the contrast, too. That's what I thought as well. So, I want to make a motion that we use the contrast
signs. >> Okay. And of course, they're also in Spanish. >> In that motion. >> Oh, they're in Spanish. >> Well, English and Spanish. >> Yeah. Good point because I was >> very good. So the contractor I have I think the sign he basically came out to
34 bucks a sign and the other one was like $58 a sign or something. So it's cheaper but that doesn't include installation doesn't include the installation parts >> and stuff like that. So we I got to figure out what those prices are. >> No one's going to get that to us. I think >> I think I think I already got it.
>> So we got it. It was like 40ucks for the parts. >> Wait. Okay. So So 34 per sign. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, what Dario sent me is that he's guessing that it would take 30 minutes per sign and the handyman is 85
per hour. >> So, basically all >> I know, right? >> Is his name Michelangelo. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> What the heck? The guy who plunged his toilet, right?
>> How many signs did we um that we >> Where did any signs go? They're going to be going around the this right now is just around the park. >> So for our guests also where there's a 98 um hotline service which I'm sure most of you know they have them there's
like an initiative that Miami date county is doing. They were doing it in Broward. I saw it one day. It was coming out of dinner and they had it in the parking lot of Publix and there's the sign there. So we were like, "Hey, listen. Why don't we do that here in Miami Lakes?" We we're going to do it with some of the grand company properties, but we figured it'd be
easier to do it with the with the local parks since they are from the town and we've got the approval. I was able to get the approval. So, we're going to put these all around. So, if somebody feels like they want to hurt themselves or whatnot, this is the suicide hotline to promote awareness on that. >> What was the price for? It's 30 minutes.
How much is it per hour? >> Uh 85 an hour estimated 20ucks. I don't see the company. >> No, he divided by two. Yeah, you have 10 multiply by 10. >> He also asked for
it. >> I don't think that includes the materials. >> I think he's saying that it'll be provided, >> but like how hard is it to put these signs in? Like >> I'll do it for like 20 bucks. Just wrap it around something like >> Oh my god. >> I don't know what like
>> it would have to be contracted work by the city. >> Yeah, >> right. 20 bucks there. each one just >> so an hour >> like that >> it'll take a half an hour each sign so whatever it is divided in half so that's 4250
>> times 10 that's $42050 I guess if I'm doing it right off the top of my head >> um >> they'll take into account distance driving for the >> sponsorship >> so maybe you know player with >> yeahation
We can come. Well, are I already got the them to agree at some location. It's going to be veterans park every every >> correct >> and veterans park as well as uh
>> Robert Park there as well. >> Yes. >> So what do you think like a,000 2,000 to cover to a,000? What? What do we mean? >> I hope PAS already has organization has offered 500 already. >> Correct. So, we already have 500.
>> We got 500 and >> offered a thousand. >> Yeah. I'm going to ask the American Legion uh to offer 500, which shouldn't be too much of a problem. >> Barack can offer 500. >> So, and so that gives us I'm not looking
at you. I'm the one making the darn organization money. So, don't give me that look. vote on >> No, that's it. So, I'd say uh you know, I mean, as far as >> we just need to vendor for $34 sign.
>> Just contact everything. We have this. >> So, my only thing is also, can you please help us confirm what day in May the town is able to be there for the ribbon cutting and the whole thing >> because we definitely want town to be there. >> Okay. May ribbon turn.
>> We had agreed on the world mental health day which is on a Sunday mother's mother's weekend but >> we just said whatever day that week works best for the town. >> Is that something that I have to present to council? So we'll find out. >> Yeah, probably. But I I'll see.
>> Yeah. And when is when do I have to present? When's my next presentation? >> Uh put that on there and then you just you can just email me everything tomorrow. just fine. Just so that I know >> and then I'm going to hold off on rock your mind. That was like Rosie and P
like that was there like >> I make a motion for >> you can put that for next one so we can start >> closing off and you see what I named it though. Rock your mind.
Cool. Yeah, I make a motion to defer the Rock Your Mind item. >> What is it going to be? >> Next month. >> Well, we can't do a motion because we got forming. >> Oh, yeah. >> So, it's okay. So, we can't even vote on anything. >> So, what do we do now? >> We can just just any announcements and
adjourn. >> Any announcement? Nope. Oh, we're all good. Okay. Um, >> make a motion to adjurnn. Uh meeting you turn 501. Part: 2
It ain't going to happen. I'll tell you Hi. Can you hear me? >> Hi, Ellen. Yes, we hear you. >> I'll be there. Just to >> Awesome. I'm a few minutes away, but wanted to >> Okay, that you're here physically. Okay.
Yeah. Awesome. Yeah. >> All right. U Good evening everyone. Um I'm going to go ahead and call the neighborhood improvement committee meeting to order. It's 7:45.
Madam Secretary, can you please on the ro. >> Yes. Uh Felicia Salazar >> present. >> Frank Pelgro absent. Helen Raldon present. Uh Javier absent. >> Jesus Menosa. >> Juan.
>> Rudy Ggo >> present. >> Mario. >> All right. So, next item in our agenda is order of business, referrals, deletions, additions, and deletions. Are there any? >> Yes. I would like to add um in new
business 8 uh historical tour >> revisit and uh 8 D um recap of recent um HOA events. >> Oh yes.
>> Um you know and okay this one's going to be quick I promise. 8 uh B C D 8 E um >> the senior community center. >> Okay, >> let's put it like that. Senior Community Center.
>> Okay, that's it. >> What was D again? I'm sorry. >> Oh, D reap. All second >> senior living center >> senior living >> senior living center living area
>> living area >> right is there anything else we want to add? >> See none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Yes. You guys haven't. We're moving on. Is there anybody from the public present
online or in person? um that would like to speak. >> We have a 305 number. You have to unmute on your end so we can hear you. >> Yeah. Hi, this is Santa Reynolds.
>> Hi, we hear you. >> Oh, okay. No, I'm just waiting for Ruby uh just in case he wants to talk to me. >> Awesome. Hi, Espena. Thank you. Awesome. All right, seeing that there's no public comments, uh, closing out public comments, we're moving on to
approval of the minutes for our last regular, um, NIC meeting. Did you guys have an opportunity to review those? >> Yes. >> Okay. Is there a motion to approve? >> Motion to November
11th, 2025. >> A motion to approve the minutes from 1119, 2025. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by uh Helen. Any additional comments? No. Seeing none. All in favor
say I. >> I. >> I. >> Against. You guys have it. On to the next item. Uh number six, town staff updates. >> I guess what I've already told you. Tomorrow is the unveiling ceremony for
the AMP lighting. Uh 9:30. It's the body water by the Kavana restaurant. Um 6700 Lock Ness I want to say. Let me >> What's the address again? >> Yeah. 6700 Lockch Ness Drive C52 >> 67 >> 630 right
>> 1930 >> and she mom's going to be there. >> Yes. >> Awesome. 6770 >> lock 38. >> Who's going? >> I can I need >> I'll be there.
>> Okay. >> I'm going to try my very very very best. >> Um >> at least I have to. >> Yes, that's good. >> Thank you guys. >> I had to check my calendar. >> All right. Awesome. Okay. >> Congratulations on that. Um,
>> I have a shirt. So, >> great accomplishment after 27 years. How long did it take us? >> I didn't want to know. >> It wasn't that long. >> Okay. Um, but we did. That's what matters. And thank you, Isabella. Anything you could have done at your end to make sure we push this forward. We
appreciate it. >> Okay. >> Is there anything we should Is it just the unveiling? Is there like food or anything like that associated with >> There's no food. Uh there will be a fire representative to do a demonstration about evil. Um remind me like there will be photographs. Um hopefully some town
council also will >> awesome. All right. Any more updates? >> Not on my >> All right. So we're moving on to ways to beautify under the Palmetto Expressway
at North. >> Yeah. um ways to beautify under the Palmetto Expressway at Northwest 154th Street. Mr. Estrada. Um so I spoke to Councilman
Hold on my notes really quick. So I spoke to Councilman Fernandez um with regards to this matter. Mia uh so I spoke to him and apparently some residents actually now knock on the door
of the council with regards to this good >> and um so we got a little wakeup call there. Uh so when I told them I said you know I'm going to update you guys and I'm going to connect you with with uh uh Councilman Fernandez to so you can tell
them where you're at. How far do we get? Okay. And how can he support this initiative to get lights under the palmetto at 154th? Okay. Or enhance it, whichever way. Um, and actually he's he's calling me right now, but I'm probably going to have to call him. But
hey, uh, just to let you know, we're we're live on the neighborhood improvement committee, but I just wanted to see if you're available. Remember, we talked about to see if I can just put you on the phone here and you can hear one of our committee members kind of tell you what we've done so far. and told them that you know you're available
to support and take wherever the word landing. Are you able to speak? Okay, hold on. Let me put you on speaker. Hold on. >> Uh Fernandez, JC Fernandez. >> Um Isabella, is it okay if he's in my phone and can speak? Um just or does he
have to be in anyone? >> On that phone? >> I mean, he can join the Zoom through his phone. >> I'll send you the link. >> You can send you can send him the link. >> That way we can send it to me. I see. Um, what I'm going to do is I'm going to send you the link right now through Zoom so you you can join and saying that that's a little better and you know it's
it's there >> record. Okay. Thank you so much. I appreciate you taking time to sleep with us. >> Not at all. >> All right. Byebye. >> Again, >> so I think it's it's great uh because again I know sometimes this is what happened. we we hit a brick wall um with
a lot of our initiatives and um and and we we basically just don't go anywhere. So now that I guess there has been some waves and sounds of of this then it's woken up the the one at least one of our councilments. So we'll give
him a few to to log in and in the meantime is there anything you want to add? Speaking of that, um, from the department area, uh, we had had a, uh, text message from one of our constituents complaining that, um,
you know, the sign that the goal, I mean, that that area is very unkempt. I mean, it's dirty and do cleaning. Okay, >> we do remember that we did bring this up and that they did tell us that they were
doing that a construction um for that lane issue. So, >> construction started right >> it finished actually. >> Yeah, I think they they uh now there's an extra lane on both sides. >> It is. No, >> no. What did they do? Find >> the barrier. They haven't even done cuz
they got to they got to cover like the canal touch >> going west. going west. The wait, >> there's a turn lane, did they add? >> No, >> not yet. The cop is still there every morning, right? >> So, we got JC there. Uh, JC, can you
hear us? >> I sure can. Can you guys hear me? >> Yeah. >> Yes, we can. Um, again, thank you so much, uh, Councilman Fernandez, to, uh, participate and just provide some of the
input. So, I'm gonna um allow uh committee member Estraa to kind of just give you a little reader digest summary of what we've done, how far and where did we hit a brick wall. So that way you know where we at and and see how you can
support this initiative that we had that you recently had a way of resident or residents approach you in all right um enhancing this area. So, Councilman, I mean, excuse me, Councilman, Committee Member Esta, go for it. >> Yeah. So, good evening, Councilman. So,
um, I believe maybe a year and a half, two years ago, I actually sat down with, um, I pastor and our local FDA office and we actually ironed out the details of what the process is about going to
aesthetically um, enhance the right of way on the Palmetto Expressway since they own it, but we can maintain it. and they said that it needs a resolution from the council and also
sorry I'm not prepared because I didn't know the head but >> um I guess long story short um basically they just need to show that the the council's on board and that they will um maintain it indefinitely um and FOD will
not have a problem um I guess not signing it over but allowing the municipality to take care of the the right of way. Uh and then I also went to um I believe their name was concept LED who's the the party responsible for
installing the LED bars in the Gratney under 57th Avenue. And I had gotten an estimate from them and they said light bars with installation. This is not conduit. This is not running service to the abutments, but just the lights with installation, I believe, ran between 37
and $41,000. >> Okay. >> Brought all this information back. Um, we were put in a holding pattern because they're doing some kind of construction on 154th under the Palmetto. Um, and then they're also developing the the
corner where they're putting up the a new apartment building. >> The new apartment right there, right? >> Yeah. So, uh, all these construction projects kind of hindered the neighborhood improvement committee's ability to push this along, um, and present it to council. So, um, from what
I hear, I believe we're, uh, we're ready to move forward possibly. >> Yeah. >> This is this is Can you guys hear me? >> Sorry. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. Yes, sir. Well, first I want to I
want to say I thank each and every one of you for your time and volunteering. It is it is one of the things that makes Miami Lakes great. I think I see well I I know Rudy I was I was part of that committee and and that committee especially is is near and dear to my
heart. So you know I think it's the best committee in the town but that's another subject. Is that is that is do I see Mario? I I saw of course Rudy's there. Hey, good evening. So, thank you guys again. Um, I didn't know. Uh, so is that
possible? Is it possible to get the estimate? Can you email me that estimate? Because I I thought that it would be and of course there was going to be cost associated with it, but I I thought that it would be the the the path forward would have been to get you
you guys to just support, you know, for it to come from you that this would be a good idea and then I would bring it up to the council. But if it's if it's the other way around, if I should be the one to present a resolution to the coun, you know, from from the council. Um, but I I
do think that it would just the logic the logical path would be just for you guys to be in support of it and then and then I would get um with with that estimate that you received that I would try to get the rest of my council members to agree with it. I think it's I
think it'll be stunning. I think it'll be beautiful. I I think that we can do something tasteful and and it doesn't have to be over the top and and or or tacky, but just, you know, some some nice lighting that would highlight, you know, the entrance, especially that
that's really one of the the major thoroughares in the entrance to our town. So, I think it would be it would be really nice and it would it would be a cohesive thing with the new project that's going to be built there. But yeah, um the I guess the first question is would would you guys be I mean would
would the gentleman that was just speaking send me that estimate and then if you guys would just I do think that if it came from you I would have more support if you can just pass something that you that you think it would be a good idea and then with that and the
estimate I can go to the council and and and try to get the funding for it. So, what I'll do, uh, Council Member Fernandez, even better. Um, once we go back to this, you know, the discussion on this, um, I'll have a motion, uh, so committee member St. I can just put a letter together, right, on behalf of
the, um, neighborhood improvement committee, bring it into our next meeting, approve that, and then staff can provide you that letter. Um, and then at your next council meeting, you can put the agenda on there and then take it from there. Does that sound good?
>> Excellent. Excellent. Thank you. Thank you. Perfect. That sounds really really good. Um, is is Felicia there tonight? I >> Hi, Felicia. How are you? >> Good. >> Okay, guys. Again, thank you. Thank you all of you for for your service and um
yeah, I look forward to the letter and then um and and I'll bring it up at the next council meeting. >> Thank you, Councilman Fernandez. We appreciate your time. >> No, thank you guys. So long. Good night. >> Good night. >> Good night. >> All right. So our motion again so um can
put a letter together bring it into the next meeting and uh we go ahead and >> you say put a letter together. No no you don't put the resolution it's just it's a letter that NIC is promoting this uh um improvement and that you know a
letter of endorsement endorsement endorsement. >> Yeah. Yeah. letter of endorsement pretty much >> little click >> including correct including the f do you have actually communication that was back and forth via email everything was >> everything I have everything in email in
my folder >> beautiful so what we can do is yeah that information if we can yeah we can track it down if not the truth is the letter and the estimate it's more than enough >> yeah okay >> and the estimates for the maintenance >> no just the
product and then the town needs to on the conduit, the service, and um the maintenance. >> And if what they've done is not willing to fund any any portion of it, >> they're willing to send it over to us. >> I guess as far as
doesn't see a need for them to >> But they did tell Council Member Fernandez did explain to me that there may be grants and stuff like that that you know, funding that that we can locate and they they try locating it for these for these programs. I >> I remember this is how we all started. We tried to put in the grant when they
did the whole and then somehow or some way the the painting for the columns it didn't make it off the grant and then we went back to the town. Hey, what happened to that? Hey, it didn't make it there. We can't apply for another grant right now. >> Then we said, okay, well, let's get the license. Yes, >> so basically what you want to do is
submit a package for him to to look for options or do we want the council to because this has been approved already by the council, right? No, it has not. That that's what you say. It has not. >> The way the the way we have done it before and we've done it with actually
>> I believe it was brought up to the council >> last July. >> Yeah. >> It was brought to the council last no resolution, >> right? But there's no res that's no there's no resolution >> like what we did let's say the green space and I think with the lake awareness too is to write a memo to the
council with backup material. >> Okay. And then he can in there he could have the as estimates and everything that instead of having him write a letter. I think it's easier. He said the memo will say very basic information and then the backup and he can >> well remember me is the same thing. I
mean it doesn't have to be a two-page thing. It's just basically saying we're endors the you know the improvement under the overpass. That's it. Yeah. It doesn't have to be >> Yeah. Correct. But a letter doesn't have to be just because we say letter doesn't mean that it's 17 paragraphs. Right. A letter can be one paragraph basically.
You know what I'm saying? We >> know the city. >> You talk to them, the city council get found. >> So the I see what your question was.
>> No. Uh whoever owns the Amelia district, the land developer, they went and pay for it. >> Yes. Exactly. They funded it and >> I believe you told us it was the buildings that right that has the million the >> They're the ones that funded it.
>> You enter there and then the project is correct. Same thing here. You get off the express project is there. >> All right. So, we got that. Was there a second on that? >> I'll second. >> Second by Mario. Any additional discussion? >> No. Seeing none, all in favor say I.
>> I. >> Perfect. That motion passes. We're moving on to the Aiden Perry uh here live. We already got the update for that. Um tomorrow 9:30 6770 Loch Nest Drive. >> Yes,
>> Dr. Mr. Monroy, he was awarded a key to the town of Miami Lakes for stating someone from one of our canals. He's going to be present also. >> Oh, good. >> Much >> Mr. I said Dr. Dr. Steven Monroe. Yeah. Steven Monroe. >> Yeah.
>> Roy M O >> M O N R O Y. >> When did that happen? I remember 2024. >> Okay. >> I think there's going to be >> um Sarah Aiden Perry's mom said that she got in contact with him. >> Okay.
>> So, you should be there, too. >> Sounds so cool. I forgot to mention it cuz that all happened today and I was like, "Oh, >> it wasn't a car, right? Or was it a car?" >> It was a car that was submerged. >> Yeah. He tried to attempted to save the person, but it was too shallow and then he broke his neck or something.
>> Well, no. I think she's talking about something else. >> Mr. Yeah, the car was >> I think the car went off south into >> I've seen the seen the rings. >> Awesome. Yeah, there's a map on our
website for all locations. >> Oh, good. Wait, I love Can we have that sent or Yeah, I can see >> share to the committee. All right, so let's move on to the next one. So, the next one is lake awareness and how to protect our waterways. Miss Shard. So,
>> still staff still reviewing it. Uh the material I haven't had any response. I I uh I need to meet with them for an update. had a good meeting the first time and they said, "Yeah, we'll review it." But I haven't heard much from them. They're doing other
So, um and and seeing some communications and uh um and uh emails here and there. Um I some I came across Miss, which she's online, Miss Hope Reynolds. Um with regards to
lake maintenance. Um we I printed the information she provided. um I was nice enough to print it and you know I asked her today as a matter of fact I called her today and say hey we're going to have the meeting there instead of me trying to explain all this uh work that
you've done and and and and the reporting and inspections uh can you know can you attend the meeting and just kind of speak a little bit about it um and and she you know gracefully say yes um I I can go ahead and make it to the meeting. Additionally to that um today
you'll see the email forward to Jeremy because the special taxing districts which we maintain um the lakes also uh it was a great uh moment to provide this information uh to Jeremy. So Miss Reynolds are you there?
I'm muted. >> Yes I am. I was I was muted. >> No worries. The floor is all yours. Uh well not necessarily sure what the floor means but okay. So um he called me to try to give a background. I live in
Lake Glenn Ellen which is west of the Pomero Expressway and I am one of the original property owners. Have lived in this house since 1981. So because I'm part of the bo well I was part of the board for a while and I'm very involved with meetings etc. But we
have always been paying close attention to the quality of our water. We have all state as a management company. Um they goes through the lake and it's it's a monthly thing to maintain it. We do not
use um irerration. We do not use um any like dye in the lake. It's a very natural lake. It's very very you know like a very large body of water. But at some point during the summer, usually
the ecoli readings go up. It is all because our um streets run off into the lake. There's a lot of um you know like wildlife. And so all of that got us to start thinking along the lines of
actually putting oxygen into the lake. And I was telling Rudy that we found this PhD who is a scientist that goes around um purifying the water so it's like drinkable all throughout the United States. We invited him one time to one
of our meetings and he got like really like you know we got this very interesting presentation as to how oxygenating the lake uh revives it and removes all of the you know whatever contaminants the lake may have. But they
it requires uh electricity. I don't know about the other lakes in the town, but ours has two beach points, one in the east side and one in the west. And that um uh we would have to enter into some sort of a contract with the town because
it is the pool pump that um they use for irrigation. So it got very complicated and we haven't done the stage of actually installing it. But I thought it would be an interesting thing to let the town know that we are investigating that
because it is much better than erration. You know the those fountains that they put in lakes they may look very beautiful but the PhD says the the it doesn't really improve the quality of water and I don't really know what route you wanted to you know go with it but
that is what we do at Lake Glenn Allen. >> Awesome. So so basically thank you Miss Reynolds. So I just you know since we are uh one of the items that we're working with of course and I told M Reynolds um was lake maintenance lake awareness and there's different things
surrounding that I wanted to bring it to the table um to see this is one thing that we want to incorporate on working with add to it that kind of stuff >> and I'm I'm all for it but one of the things that I've noticed within the town
that unless we create some kind of enforcement this issue is going to continue happening. Every time we have one of these landscaping companies coming into the town to do any, you know, maintenance, all the grass, all that, they blow it into the >> Yeah. and it ends up in our lakes,
>> you know. So, how do we we we can spend all the money we want maintaining these lakes, making them beautiful, but if we we're putting the cost, these last companies come in, do their job, they're getting paid, and yet we're the ones suffering for it. So, how do we how do
we mitigate that? How do we come to a a middle ground where this doesn't continue to happen? We're just a committee. How do we enforce that? Again, I mean, it's a lot a lot a lot of green space around the town that ends up all over our our land.
>> Right. So, um, Felicia, to Miss Gran's point, um, is this something that you think we can with regards to the lake maintenance and stuff like that, something that we can assist, we can help, um, we can I mean, she already
forwarded to Jeremy, so at least the two lakes that the town is involved with, Lake Hilda and Lake Patricia to see if this is something that can be looked into. So, where they engage in this new agreement, um, they could be part of it. if you go online. I mean it's it's in
the I mean I was looking for information but public works but public works is not anymore is is uh deliberation public works is the thing is that they have what they call best practice
>> okay >> and then it tells you exactly you know how to proceed and you have the little cards everything but like I said there's no enforcement you know there's no you know just put the little cards is uh we don't want to be a police state but still you know we have people don't I
mean when like I said when people come to cut the grass they want you know accept this stuff people don't so is you know it's either we are the watchd dogs it's like years ago I wanted to do the what they call the tree patrol to see
what trees are hacked or or damaged by a car is is the the community being aware so we had a case of a lady who reach out to our office. We met with Jeremy and and with Omar and because there were
dead animals in the lake and unless unless the town unless it has a park adjacent to it, the town, you know, go and clean it. So, and we also discussed that there's some legs that are owned by the by the
>> by the No, by the county. And how that works, I don't know. And you can ask them for help because it's expensive or is expensive to bring people in to clean it. So that's something that we can look into and see who will we reach out to to
help us clean up the lakes in the areas that can be because if it's totally enclosed, it's it's private. So how can I get it? >> Yeah, I think Mr. Her I remember the the issue that we had or that brought up a couple of years ago
with I think it's late Michael and uh where that is completely enclosed. There was a resident that was granting access to maintain the lake and then something happened with the president who says I'm not given access anymore. So just wonder you know what happened
with that lake who's maintaining. >> Yeah that's that's a problem. We need to know which legs are, you know, are owned partially by the county like I said before >> and you know, excuse me. >> Anything that is accessible, you know,
like it has some like supposed has like a beach area that the town can >> help out, but other than that, you know, >> is it in the scope of work for public works or >> no public works? Like I said, if you go
and I told him when I asked Omar, he told me, "No, that's that's not accurate anymore. The parks department is handling it." So, they need to update because people go to our website to get information, but if the information is not accurate, like I went to get it and
it was not, it was not the accurate information that I needed is, you know, we're not worked together with them and tell look this is incorrect. Let's let's do it because people I mean I count and and probably um you know goes into a website to get information and it's not
you know accurate. So >> all right Miss H can we unmute her? I think she has hand raised. >> She's >> Yes. >> Okay. Teacher >> uh can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Oh okay. So back when the neighborhood
improvement committee started um one of the presentation that you have is actually the night what we first met met uh to go over the lakes. What they did is every council member used to have a zone where they were um elected and
every single one of them reached out to the different HOAs in the town and in that night we almost had the 34 lakes represented. Every single person stood up and explained how their lake worked, whether it was, you know, being uh done
through a management company, whether they were doing something about the lake, what issues they had, and then they had a presentation as to how to improve. And then they from that they made up a little booklet that was, you know, distributed to all of the HOAs.
And the thing is the HOAs are the ones that need to continue. But I hear that there are many HOAs that are dormant in the town. and two that now the lake is been done to a special taxing district. So the key if you're going to do something is you know to create some
sort of an agenda that becomes very attractive for all of us maybe even inviting this um scientist to like understand what it is that we're after and then explain and in that meeting in that conversation then perhaps you know
we move forward in the sense that what the council members seem to be wanting to do is utilize the neighborhood improvement committee to bring the communities together so we can resolve our own issues. So that is the way it was done a long time ago. In particular,
Councilman Pulo used to do an HOA meeting every quarter. And then that is where the neighborhood improvement committee came up because they thought that it would be much better to do that as opposed to an HOA because it it turned out into just complaint complaint
complaint. So, so that is a suggestion to try to get all of the town to understand in particular the fact that our lakes are man-made and therefore they are repositories of anything that is on the streets or whatever. So, it is
incumbent in every one of us to do a little bit in order to make sure that the lake is clean. >> Great. So, by the way, I I when I spoke to Miss Reynolds, I told her that um we do exactly those those HOA meetings and that will be a good topic for the next
HOA uh meeting that we have. And definitely this scientist, we can even bring out the gentleman who did the the study if it's still available for FIU that they did that study, you know, all the leaks. We can still try that. Um, so I'm I'm on board definitely to see what
could be done, what kind of connection path we can do between the neighborhood improvement committee, uh, the town council and the HOAs because ultimately at the end of the day, it is on the HOAs, right? Um, unless the town own, you know, a few lakes and maintain them,
but the only one really who they assist in that process is Lake Hilda and Lake Patricia through their special tax issue. That's why when I spoke to her, I said, "Send it to Jeremy because it definitely um something that it could be looked at now that they're, you know, putting out RFPs or they're reviewing
the agreement um to see if this is something that's feasible um and it's something that, you know, they like to to do. So, um that being said, uh Miss Reynolds, is there anything else? I don't want to keep you, you know, almost like I I really appreciate it so much at
a last minute to to jump in, but was there anything else that you wanted to add? Um, so I >> No, the the only the only thing else is that I did copy Paul Ganser, who is the uh scientist that we spoke to, and he immediately replied something that just,
you know, floored me because he's very busy and he actually opened the door for your group or the town to have a conversation with them. He is available through um uh Zoom. So whatever you want to do with this, it's entirely up to
you. So dream high, dream big, and clean lakes. >> That's it. Thank you so much for your time. Um >> want to say good night. >> Yeah. Hope you're still on. >> Yeah, I'm still on. >> Okay. Um, so you know when when I went
to the town website, the last I think it was an inspection or report was from 2019. So we're overdue. I think is is like I said, we work with the county to see they can, you know, provide some financial assistant in doing those
reports. They're expensive. That's what Omar said to us. >> Yeah. >> That we met. >> What what what did Omar what did Omar say was very expensive? the is doing the you know the >> late studies >> the late studies the late studies are are very expensive and we did the last
2019 >> yeah but remember though yeah we have one in 2008 we have one in 2019 so which means that I doubt sincerely that there will be something like you know that has gone that bad or whatever but when we um
about maybe six months ago we had the issue that we kept on getting flooding so I reached out to Daniela Levawa, Miami date mayor, and she was kind enough to send an inspector to come over and look at our drains. When they looked
at our drainage system around our lake, we were 75% clogged. So, she contacted the town, told the town that they had to send the trucks to clean them. They cleaned them and we haven't had any uh flooding. So, so that means that there are aspects of work that needs to be
happening that perhaps we're not we don't have like a set schedule. We're not doing whatever. So, there's a thousand things that we can do and the lake if if your company the one that cleans it is giving you reports. Ours does every single month. We know the
quality of the water. We know all of the readouts and most people may look at the report and keep on going. But I create a spreadsheet and I put month after month so I know exactly the trend as to how the water of the lake is. So I I don't even need you know think that I need another study. We understand the lake
quite well. Now >> another thing that um I I like glad is in the conversation with B work is that they they I don't know if they fixed it
but they had to replace that uh truck which was done to clean the the drains that you mentioned. So, uh, we can follow up to see because now it's the dry season, but when this the wet season arrives or the rainy season, if they don't have a good truck to to clean the
drains, we're going to be in trouble again. >> But but the the key though is what you just said is very true, but don't forget that right now is when the leaves are all falling down, which means that our drains are getting packed. >> Okay. So, um, we'll we'll see. By the
way, that is a great suggestion. You know, a long time ago when we first bought the homes here, there used to be a truck that collect the leaves every single day. One of those that has like a sweeper in the back. And they used to ride around Miami Lakes. Of course, we were much smaller then. They were used
to ride around Miami Lakes, even in the neighborhoods. And now that truck, the one that cleans the leaves off of the street, goes down only 154th. And I've seen it maybe once on 82nd, but it doesn't even go into the neighborhoods. And that incredible amount of leaves is
what's closing everything. >> Okay. >> To find out if you can get that truck back how much it's going to cost to do so. >> Well, from a turning point here for sure. Definitely.
um we can get that um you know for the next topic for the HOA um bring them out uh bring the gentleman out you know invite as much as any HOA I know um Miss Reynolds we'll have a a good uh sizable
reach so I I said when that time's come I know we'll stay connected I'll let you know you know the day of that meeting so that way you can you know inform every I mean we'll do the town staff of course will put it out there and we'll put it everywhere they need to. Uh but I know that you have a great reach as well um
with all your communications and and messages. >> My pleasure. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you and good night. Bye >> bye. >> Right. Right. Is there any additional discussion on that?
>> Quick question. Do we know how any other municipality handles uh like weariness you know corables pines is south brow district and the ones that are inside are has is the h
>> mostly the h >> and some falls under h >> so I lived in a lake in haya for 20 years and you would have to go door by door to get everybody on board and collect money every month or every year to have >> there's no water conservation committee that runs those
>> unless unless it's a public water. Yeah. >> So if you live on the lake, you're responsible >> pretty much. Pretty much >> then you for sure. >> All right. So seeing none, we'll we'll continue, you know, tap in with that and
and see how we can um >> continue to >> I mean I can check with Jerry or Okay. >> How how about that? Because what you're saying is true is Yeah. the leaves are blowing in the drainage and it's
clogging things and how do we clean that up and you know so that's something that we can >> Okay. Let us know. >> Yeah. Let us know and being proactive about it because here's the issue, right? You don't do it now. >> Yeah. Proactive >> and then correct. And then you wait two, three, four, five months and all of a
sudden then it's out. >> Yeah. >> Be proactive. things like there that you know the town is not taking care of them, militaries are not taking care of them. So, >> and it's like I almost feel like if we're almost turning the blind eye to this because the rates aren't going to
go anywhere. >> They're not going to get filled and we are called Miami. >> That's what it says in the last page. >> You know, they're not going to go any So, we got to figure out a solution. We keep on putting a little band-aid on it >> and then we rip off the band-aid. We put another one. I rewrap the band-aid. So
what what are you going to fix it's we got to really figure out a solution to the problem not just keeping >> if there is yet. >> All right. So we're moving on to the next item 7D green space near Northwest
87. >> Again we're waiting for um FDOT to do a pedestrian study on that area. It seems going to be some movement there. They've been doing some studies as we speak. going to Jeremy. So, we're on standby
with that. So, as soon as I get some kind of information that's promising, I'll bring it back to the group. >> That's the area by the beach, >> correct? >> The dumping stopped or the people >> they did clean up the dumping in that area, but just like a week ago, I I did uh send it to the council. Uh somebody
dumped a whole couch set there, but they picked it up. They picked it up quick. And you know who? >> Yeah. Yeah. Apparently, they picked it up quick. It was >> I'm sure in that location I tell >> 2,700 calls and little messages through the app. >> You know how many kids pass through, you
know, cars pass through that. Yeah. You see it was like a three second count right there. >> I love that. Oh, this is a space. >> But yeah, as soon as I get something for Jerry, I will let you guys know. >> Awesome. All right, so >> they don't have a space in the other
dump anymore. We just do stuff like that. All right. So, we're moving on to new business. Uh, first item 88. So, NIC report to council. So, I want to make sure that I get this ahead of time
and start building that report. Don't wait till the last moment. So other than um so with regards to the pomero um same thing if you can just you know same thing that we did last time put a little paper together summary so I can attach
it to the report that would be great for next time um will this be presented to council for resolution before the report or will the report happen before the resolution? Yeah, that's what I was going to say. >> You know, past events and then what
you're working on >> like a little progress report. >> So, we'll be at the April meeting. >> Yeah. So, it has to be approved by next week. >> Great. >> Yeah. Last time we had a very good presentation. They were impressed. So, I think we can do >> we should we sure we sure did. So, and
and my recommendation is at that meeting, I'll speak to um Councilman Fernandez so he can put it on the agenda at the next meeting in March. Okay. So, that way um they'll discuss it and then they'll bring it >> I think they already had it earlier this
month. >> They had it yesterday. >> No, no. I'm saying in March. That's what I'm saying. No, no, no. He he'll put the agenda item in March, right? So, >> he'll introduce it in March. We're in April. >> You're in April. Report on the 21st. She
reports to the size. >> Yes. >> To the chair. Um the only thing I would like to add to the report is if we could bring back I did send out an email to Home Depot the beautifification uh contest we used to do. >> Okay. >> So if we have funds
>> again I did reach out to Home Depot and just just if we get their donation then we'll bring it back. But I do want to, you know, somehow either I'll try to find a sponsor for it if we don't get Home Depot, but I do want to bring that back. I think it was a great, it's something that the community did, you
know, like and we could bring, you know, >> all right. So, I have beautifification contest. Okay. Then the four items. So, I'll put a letter together just as a summary uh for the event um for the Aiden Perry for
Lake Awareness. Uh Felicia, same thing. if you can just you know bring a little summary letter for the next meeting uh as to where we at so we can add to the reportate I can give an update >> okay >> I I have questions
>> well so I really like the um what's it called beautifification >> yeah but I wonder if maybe if maybe we can use the funds for like people to apply who want to beautify maybe they don't have I don't know >> to spend the money touristic >> yeah like I don't know and But then it's
not a contest, right? >> Not a contest, right? It would be more of a grant, like a mini. I don't know. >> In this case, actually, they would have to submit their pictures of a yard. >> Right. Right. Let's see how bad they got the worst. >> That's it. Hey, listen. >> But how do we know? How can we guarantee
that they're going to use the money for the >> That's the right. >> Maybe it's reimbured. Maybe like they >> Well, there's still then they >> you're gonna Hey, you didn't get the three palm trees you brought in >> depot gift card or something, right? Like >> Well, but no, but look, I like where
you're going. Maybe the first part will be this. You know, the the terms and condition is Okay, we're going to review whatever the top three uh um uh >> worst >> worst, right? We'll pick one, right?
We'll pick one and then you're worded, right? If you want, but you do have to call us back once the work is done and then >> Well, it's the same thing pretty much. But the only thing >> we always did a before and after, you know, when the contest so >> Well, well, no, no, we didn't.
>> We didn't. >> No, no, we didn't. We didn't do a before and after. They submitted before and after pictures. Correct. Right. We didn't go out there to >> No, no, no. The minute, right? And then we did our research to see like this looks like it was, you know, photoshopped at Google Maps or something
like that. Doesn't look like it's, you know, >> Yeah. We checked like when was this done on Google images. >> Correct. Correct. 10 years ago was >> I mean it I I think it's a good one. Uh but the only problem is if we don't have any funding. >> Correct. This is all this is all on
basis if I do get funding either from Home Depot or I find a local >> or Lowe's or Lowe's or Lowe's. Home Depot, Lowe's, you know, um sometimes that happens >> the uh >> the Ace >> the Ace Hardware. >> Okay, I'll reach out to them. >> The Ace Hardware, those are mom and pops
operations. I mean, they're not Miami, but I will tell you, I go to that Ace Hardware a good 10 times. >> You'll find a lot more things in that Ace Hardware do. >> Yes. Oh, I guarantee you many of the tan
residents go to the hardware. >> Yes. Yeah, >> like to uh >> Yeah, thanks for >> Thanks for flatting us. >> Okay. >> All right. So, other than those then uh Mr. Peda, if you can just again just give us a little update um you know in
writing. So, uh Felicia, I know you mentioned something that you'll provide, but it would be best to have it in writing because what we do is we attach it to the report like we did. Yeah. Oh, okay. Great. I'm saying that verbally. And then that day, you know, like each of us went up >> there.
>> Yeah. And we speak we speak into that item. Yeah. Yeah. >> What we did last time I think it was we had the two items the the lake awareness you had something else >> the the Perry >> and then yeah >> oh we'll be able to have an update on that. >> Yes.
>> Very brief because we don't want to be redundant but but basically say this is what we've done so far and then they they they know what we're doing. They know that we're active proactive whatever. >> Yeah. >> And and then they'll building. >> I think I honestly in my opinion were
there that was awesome. I don't think I've ever seen in the years and years that I've been a volunteer for this town that that we've had that many committee members come and report and speak. Tell me the day and what committee.
>> Tuesday, yesterday the uh special needs advisory board. >> Oh, great. But guess what? We were the first ones. So you guys are followers. Money. >> Exactly. You see, you weren't providing any update. You were asking for money. >> Wait, are you on?
>> No. No, but I saw the meeting and I saw that they were all there. They were all there. Yeah. >> Gayla. >> Yeah. >> You want to use the money to do a >> How many people showed up >> to the meeting? >> Yeah. To that meeting. How many >> of the committee?
>> Yes. >> I would tell you six or seven. >> Six. Six. That's it. Maybe we can break that. We can break that because we have we have seven now in our committee, right? 3 three and Javier. No, seven
>> and Frank. >> And Frank. So, we have eight >> something. >> No, I know. But what I'm saying is, you know, we beat that. >> We'll find something >> that you can report on. Um, >> thing about our report is they could see
that we were doing something for the community. I know how each committee does, you know, like cultural affairs we're doing. Uh, by the way, we're doing this awesome event for the Fourth of July because we're doing the 250th anniversary of the independence. But so
they can see something, you know, like we want to improve the town. >> What's happening for 250? >> Huh? >> What is the town do? Like what are we doing? >> We're doing the fourth of the culture the 4th of July. So we're going to make it grandio. >> Okay. like extra big you should do chili
cookout chili cookout celebr it's good that we what we reported is we we're doing something not is for the for the welfare of the whole community
>> yeah I think important that we we're not a specific um >> driven >> driven you know >> or services >> you know our agenda is to you know >> improve the neighborhood improve the neighborhood
>> make that central so I think I think we can we can do as good as we did last time I think >> we sure can we sure can all right so I got two I added another um well in addition to the four items that we have in old business. We have
beautifification contest and I added HOA meeting. >> Um I want to you know tell them what the next topic is right that we're looking for um to address and how that first one was successful. However, um we still need their support.
>> Um and I want to ask them, you know, how how did they support our last one? Okay. Um I want to put them on the spot. >> They didn't come. None of the council. >> One of the mayor the towards the end. >> Yes. >> Remember, we went up there and they're
like, "Uh, no, you're going to keep this many, >> right?" >> But they got to do their part, too. >> All right. Any other items? >> Are we going to continue to keep the I know the funding is an issue, but maybe we talked to them. It's been a tradition
for the NIC to do it. Um, we've gone down to maybe one I think we put in our agenda with bike ride >> pretty much. So again, it's it's something that we've always done. >> That's something they are they are advertising the bike ride, but the logos
on the flyer, what is it? The police and something else and he's representing NC. So am I representing CAC, the economic development, right? >> And our laws are not there. So you know why? >> We got we should just try to ask them.
Look, we understand it's a it's It's a monetary issue, but if we we're not asking you to specifically give us more money, just make that event happen at least with the police officers is what we need. >> It's just the cost of the police is what
kills us. We don't really spend anything on that event, but the mandatory fact that we have to have the police. >> How does um and out of curiosity, I don't know if you can answer this, Isabella, but um the what's it called? The Miami My Run Club. Do they They
don't pay for police. >> No, cuz they don't need a police officer. They're not on the road. >> They kind of are. >> They're everywhere. >> Yeah, but they're on the sidewalk. Really? They're supposed to be running. >> Which one you talking? It's >> everyone's
time running. I haven't seen them running or match. >> Yeah, >> they're running or >> Oh, like right there. It's happening right now. >> It's actually happening right now. Yeah, >> they should have >> like live. They're running right now. >> They're running right now. >> See, they don't go either through 87.
>> They should have but they don't they don't >> they don't drive on the street. >> I'm just saying on a sidewalk. Yeah. Well, >> not that I don't I believe in safety obviously. I'm just saying like why are we paying for this? >> Because they're not >> Yep. So why are we paying for the town
sponsored committee? We are >> like >> well I can do things differently. I just feel like they their budget respectfully already puts like includes so much like overtime. It's already in there. You know what I mean? Like why are we paying
extra? It's already budgeted. >> So you're saying give us three officers that are on already on call that day. >> Just stop on by. Yeah. >> It's true. I get her. I get her. I get her. The town's not that big that you know three officers being pulled for
three hours is going to be a big issue. wanted to >> I remember years ago u we did a tour of one of the fire stations in in Far Gables and there was a lady that complained that you know every time there's a fire the noise and and then um
one of the fire it was like a joke but he said uh okay lady next time you have a fire in your house we won't come pick so like be careful what you ask for you Well, in this case, no. Well, this No, in this case, yeah, in this case, it's saying what she's saying is, hey,
there's funds already. They're available. Why can't we utilize >> I feel like they're double dipping it in, >> right? >> But you know what I you know what I'll find out about that, uh, Helen, I would find out how much >> because there there's one way we can ask. >> You're very good. >> We love our We did,
>> right? It's how much surplus of that line item >> are we adding at the end of the year? I would say at a minimum the past three years >> so that yes so that way we can make an education an educational request and say
look we looked at the past three years if you'd like us to do more re we can do that right and you've left on the table 50,000 60,000 20 I I don't know what dollar amount we're talking about that they're over budgeting and it's just
sitting there I get catastrophe, huge emergency, but >> we're just asking for one. We're not asking for three. >> I think historically we needed three. We had so many people. We don't have that anymore. >> But like we're not asking for like, hey, just one bike ride
>> at least one, you know, maybe the Christmas one. I don't know. >> Like something, you know. >> So when you did the golf club, you probably zero. Zero. I had a police officer. Okay. There's two golf cart ones that
they do. One the town. Okay. And one PSN. The one for the town. They didn't have any. >> So that's another one that I'm going to that I'm going to add here. Um which is a golf cart parade. So from I was not able to attend the
last one. Um I think the way that that has grown >> Yeah. >> Okay. in the community. It's uh it's it's it's very um significant and I think it's more from what I heard at the
last parade there was u a significant amount of safety concerns. So I know we talked about that. Um so I think we should revisit it. I'm going to bring it up and see if we can through the
neighborhood improvement committee. Okay. we can help sponsor because we don't have any money to sponsor anything uh but they can you know we can be a support uh a supporting uh tool to to get a budget in there and have because I
I I feel that it's it's gone really really big now and there's a lot of concerns of safety. I remember we tried to to to do something where if we had the event they could try to wave or discount the registration fee here in
the Miami Lakes, but they gave me a hard time on that. I don't know if you could ask about that as well. >> They said it went through the building department or something and they couldn't. >> So, what I'm going to do is I'm I'm going to connect I believe there's there's Well, I believe no, there's there's a group chat for these golf
members. Um, and I if if I remember correctly, there is a currently a council member in that chat. Um, um, there may be, if I remember correctly, um, a town attorney in that chat. So,
I'm going to knock on their doors and see how we can all come together, use the neighborhood improvement committee as a path to officialize. And I mean they have more than one of these um events, big events throughout the year.
The Halloween one, they have the holiday one. I know for sure those and there's maybe a few others. I don't know how many. >> Well, now we incorporated them to the veterans parade as well. Yes. So, >> but that would that would work good, >> right? Because it's it's tit. But the
other ones that they're having at, you know, the holiday one and Christmas, uh you know, those are getting pretty big already as it is. and we just want to make sure that we support him in any way safety purposes. Yes. >> Yes. Um historically because some of you were not around when when the
neighborhood improve committee used to be called beautifification because it former um chairperson decided that you know the committee did not need that much money. So we can work with what we have. If we if we look at our >> that's not even a budget.
>> I think we're the lowest and >> we probably are >> we do a lot with the I think as far as awareness and what's >> improving it education. >> Yeah, but they the the the com the councils in the the pathway of each
committee trying to raise their own money for >> Yeah. because I I left the meeting uh but I think I have to listen to the minutes again the video because what they want to do is consolidate the activities of all the committees to save
money and and I agree with them because what I've seen and I mentioned it in the last um chair report uh quarterly meeting is that each committee has become their own little island. you know, everybody's doing the same thing that this other one is doing and instead
of coming together and collaborating, >> you know, if everybody's doing their own little thing which as the other company's doing. So, if you're doing a a uh you know, a domino um tournament, why should you, if you're in this committee
and the other committee is doing it, when did you combine it? And that saves money. us. I think that's the bottom line is is the town wants to save money instead of giving money. Of course, some committees get more sponsorships than others. So, it's, you know, it's hard.
It's hard to put together when you have only what 7 $750. >> We never used the 750 for the beautifification contest >> last year. >> Last year, maybe. >> Uh, no. I think we used it up to fun. >> No, it's something else.
>> Yeah. At the end of the year, we decided to fund bikes. Maybe it's >> chair. Uh I don't need to find fund me. It's already two. >> Is it though? >> It's in beautifification. Yes. I'm 50. >> But because it says grand total. Am I reading this wrong? Available budget $124?
>> Yeah. >> So, how do we not like did it get removed? >> That's what I'm asking. Does it use it? >> No, you have to use it or you lose it. >> No, I have 750. >> We still have 750. So, yeah, we have 750. >> Am I We we could try to get more
sponsors, but if we wanted to, that line item does exist. >> So So I'm looking at original approve >> original approve >> the revised budget. >> So >> we only have the verification proof. >> So if I'm looking at this correctly,
there's only one line item with money, >> right? >> The award beautifification contest. >> Yeah, that's the only one that has the money. The 500 is going to be moved into lake because that was for the HOA meeting, the sponsorship. And the 360 was repost. That was the mistake. So it's 750. That's what you
have right there. >> So for the whole No, no. But 750 for the entire year. >> What's the 124? What? It says under available budget 124. What does that mean? >> It's bottom. >> 12410. That's between these two numbers.
>> That's the difference. >> So we do have a line item for it, Rudy, but we don't have a line item for anything else. >> No, but there's no money left. It's 100 or something. >> No, we have $750. You haven't touched the seven. >> Oh, this year we haven't. >> No, this was clear that you have the 750. >> Okay. >> Yeah.
>> So, wait. So, our budget, our total >> that takes us one police officer. >> No, but 750 is just for touch. Can't even use it for anything else. >> Yeah. Yeah. We're pretty houses. >> We love our I want to make that clear.
We love our >> So, we're in the the forest. Isabella, do you have fun? >> We still got still got four more items. So, let's go. Right. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I just had a question about time.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Well, is there a deadline? We have to be by 10:00. >> No. >> An hour and a half. You start at 7:30. >> No, that was full discussion. >> So, they right they capped off the meeting at 7 an hour and a half, too. >> Yes. >> It's always an hour and a half. >> Usually, I don't even know. I mean just
>> All right. So, all right. So, so we So, we got six items. Four from the top. Beautifification contest. Do we really need it since somebody is there? No. Okay. So, we take that off of HOA meetings and then go parade it. Anything else you want to add on the report?
Okay. All right. Great. So, we're moving on. There's really no motion there to do. I'll put the report together and bring it at the next meeting. Um so the next one is election of officers. So it starts at at the beginning of every year.
>> So um let's go start making nominations. >> I nominate Helen for secretary. >> Helen I I I must say I must say you're you do really do a great job on it. >> Um and we do have Mario who's a backup. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, whenever you're not here,
>> love that. >> Okay. So, do you accept that nomination? I >> accept the nomination. >> Awesome. Is there anybody else with secretary? >> No. Seeing none. All right. So, let's do all the nominations and then we'll just do one motion to approve that. >> I
I'll nominate Mario for vice chair. >> I'll accept that nomination. >> You accept that nomination? Okay. Anybody else for vice chair? >> Okay. >> He's been he's been very involved lately. I I'll help you out. >> Good. Thank you. >> We we work together.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Um >> the chair, my vice chair is fine. >> Okay. So, is there anybody else? Uh any other nominations now? The only one left is for chairs. >> I nominate Rudy for chair. >> Wait. Can I nominate her? >> All right.
>> Thank you. >> I accept Felicia. You could be the you could be the chair. Oh. Oh, you let me know, girl. You You trust me. She can't be two chairs. >> Yes. Yes. No, I got you. But but but the
truth is we we we do what we can with what we have. >> Okay. That's a fact. You know, there there's only very limited resources. Okay. And and you know, we're a team. So, >> you know, and and and we do >> and we very important
>> and and we do and we do. But the fact is that that there's things that come up, right? And there's got to be a balance, too. >> So, yeah. >> All right. So, all right. Thank you. I accept the nomination. Uh that being said, I motion for all the nominations
to be approved. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Mario. All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Okay. The eyes have it. Congratulations. Moving on to item AC tour.
>> Okay. So recently, >> sorry I mean sorry >> recently um I was in uh Tallahassee where I actually ran into most of our tongue council members who were there for day days and we spoke and um they
suggested that we consider another historical tour around Miami Lakes and I'm like that would be great but we have no money so what are we going to do about that and they're like we will find the money we have don owners like potentially willing to do this. We really want to bring it back. Is there
interest from the committee? Like I will bring it up. Um and we can discuss. Um former council member Goyasa was also in attendance. He had the idea what if we do a pickle ball tournament that could fundra >> for it. So a lot of
>> I like that idea. >> A lot of like >> they have pickle ball force here. >> Oh, we could do we could do pickle ball there. We could try to get Goldman on Saturday with pickle ball there. because they have they have the nets. >> Yeah. Anyway, so I I like the idea. He's willing to help us like put the
tournament together. Um I invited him tonight. He was able unable to attend, but wanted to get a feel like how do we feel? I wasn't at the last historical tour. I heard it was very successful. People liked it. Um but I I can't speak
to how it went. So >> biggest cost is going to be the bus. So, you know, we I think it's a great idea. I think we added more historical things to the town, more areas maybe if you know points you could say. But uh definitely I think it's a good idea.
>> Yeah. >> Uh on that note, um I reached out to Kyasa because years ago we wanted to as you know we have an archaeological site here could be you know and we wanted to get a marker. We haven't we have we're not even in the in the archaeological
record that we have about >> and and I told him give me a contact so that could be part of our fourth of July celebration but if and I see what's part of it I think that will be important it will put us in the map and you know it's
something that um no community has it I think it will be a good project collaborate with I mean the historic portion and and the neighborhood portion of it. Uh so, you know, I think that would be good. I mean, we can get him. I mean, we can, like I said, I I sent the
email. I sent him all the information. He hasn't called me back maybe because he was in Tallahass, but you know, between the two of us, we can, you know, >> Yeah. We don't know >> what what if we actually do this not as a a one time thing and we do it kind of like a other towns do where they have
the little little mover and then you have certain times and where you say you say hey historical you know people come from out of town hey historical tune available >> big bus here in Miami >> big red bus
>> thinking big it's just that sometimes like my crazy ideas it's because they're look archaeological sites around the world that you know if you apply and we you know >> yeah thing
>> we could be an UNESCO site being an UNESCO site puts us in the map and we'll have people coming and visiting when I believe and that's the idea is looking beyond that so it's we start small we get our marker we start promoting our
historical sites that we have could be part of a for >> I think is is something that you know I've been thinking about it but uh like I said we can talk to him if he's interested. Yeah, >> we did that historical tour. >> Yes, we did. >> Yeah, JC was part of it. You know
>> that he's the one who made it out. >> You did the video the video you know that actually we never got the video because funny story he the video guy was supposed to do it for free. They got into a conflict and he just took off with the material. Never.
>> Yeah, I know. He was the one filming it. >> He never He never gave us the the video. >> That's right. >> So, in the interest of time, we have five minutes left. Chair, do you have any comments? I can bring this up again next month, but I want to >> I like the idea of diving into pickle ball. >> Okay.
>> Pickle ball is the fastest growing sport. >> Yeah, I think we would we as something that the the council wants to bring money in. I think that would be a great opportunity. >> Maybe it could fund our committee to do stuff for >> correct. I I think we should at all try to do that because they would fund a lot
of our our projects. Maybe it's our gala like >> I don't mind >> I mean that's how they fun their >> you know how much they >> like a lot >> no special >> I don't mind looking into that pickle ball thing
>> so I put >> So I put um Rodang Salasar Okay. Yes. Um, so both of you can work together and come back. If you want to put Mario, you want to add on that too. >> Yeah. >> Just as
I don't mind doing that. I like that. >> Perfect. >> Mario. Okay. >> Awesome. Okay. >> Right. Next. >> Okay. Next item. Right. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, just quick recap. I felt like one, you know, thank you Isabella um
town in general for the support. Um, I know it was a lot of back and forth. Um, I'm really proud of the HOA event we had. Um, I know I think most of us were there that night. Um, it was a full house. Romeo killed it. And people were actually interested in the um in the HOA
secret the whole reason why we have this. So, that was really good. I did see like comments online on on like iHeart Mini Lakes on Facebook, the different groups were actually posting about not just Ron McIll but the attorneys that came to speak. So >> in terms of like good feedback, we bought it. Um
>> I think it was very he was better because in the other one he didn't have the presentation. >> Yeah. >> This one he was >> he was great. He was great. >> He was awesome. And I'm sure you guys saw he's retiring so >> like right before that. >> Um yeah. Any other Oh, I did get a Well,
thank you. Um because I was trying to get photos from the Laker. They haven't sent >> I got an update on that. I spoke to Anandra and she said that Mayor was the one taking pictures so I haven't had time to reach out to we got those guys.
>> So he has pictures of the crowd which is what you want. >> Yeah. >> Did you get it? >> We got Yeah. >> Okay. So that's it. >> They were there too. The Laker was there was pictures of the crowd. >> Well, I'll take any of >> No, they're thinking about giving
that. >> But if you have That's what you needed, right? Picture of the >> Yeah. I just wanted to see like what because I was I wanted to prove this was a full house event. >> No, it was great. >> We'll get this picture and attach it to the report. >> Great. Yes. >> But as you can see, if we don't have a
high >> named person, we're not going to get that that kind of raw news. What was >> right? And we put paid ads towards it like >> three years ago. No, >> more right. was before the
>> about time that we brought him back. He was awesome. >> No, and it fit perfectly with the coyotes, you know. >> Everything that was going on. >> Yeah, it fit perfectly. >> Yeah, my melee did a story if you guys haven't seen it. It was cute. Well, look it up. Um yeah, that's my little, you
know, whatever. Hopefully our next HR event will be great. And the last thing, we really don't have time, but um >> we actually do we do we need to start the meeting at 7:45, so we're good. >> Okay. Yeah. Oh, no. Timing doesn't matter. >> It's when you start the meeting. >> No, it's
>> an hour and a half from the moment you call the meeting to order. >> Is it? >> Of course. >> And you just when it's scheduled, so 7:30. If you start it later, >> that's go behind.
>> Hurry up before he kicks out. brief. Um, I'm sure we're all or most of us are aware of uh the the I guess I wanted to bring this up, the senior living uh senior residential area um
that the Grahams initially were aiming to build in um >> Commerce Way. >> In Commerce Way um >> I'm sorry. Yeah. >> Um >> which you scratched, >> right? So, I want to bring it up because it's been all over like the my Facebook
groups and stuff. People clearly have a special interest. Um, in case I mean, we have time if we want to have an official stance on how we feel. We have time ahead of the the next meeting. It was deferred. The item was deferred on like here's >> it wasn't properly advertised,
>> right? So, I don't think we have time to really dive deep into it now, but I if there's interest, I can put together something more formal for us to review at our next meeting and see if we have a position. >> What is our purpose actually? Are you
saying that >> should we take a stance, I guess, is what I'm saying. >> So, what is the go in front of the council? No, the the the grass want to change what they were going to build. They're donating to build 541 units. Now, >> what was the original number?
>> Senior leave. It was it. So, it wasn't the thing was Yes. Because the thing was they were going to only take one parcel. Now, they want to take the three parcels which equal 22.5 acres and turn that whole 22.5 acres into residential living which equal 541 units. >> Right.
>> As opposed to the initial idea was we age and place in Miami. So, >> and they weren't going to use the whole property. They were going to leave the other sections as industrial, but now they want to take the whole 22 acres and make a residential. >> What do you say? >> My whole thing, my whole thing, I do
agree with Hell. Okay. My whole thing is I'm not against you building on your property, but why are we getting ahead of ourselves when the Grimes are already building like 241 units on the golf course? Let's wait till that gets filled. do a traffic study, see the impact on the residents, see the impact
on the community before we say, "Okay, let's put another 541 units. How can we allow 541 units before 251 units go up and there's no study been done, no traffic study been done? There's no impact been done. So, it's it's a little concerning, especially me that live on
the west side, right? How's this going to impact us? We got two major constructions coming up in our area and to the corridor of the town, which is 154th. It's no matter what you say, it's going to be empowered. >> So my only my only thing with that Helen I think I'm
Felicia that that walks that that's more in the path of >> opinion. Well no opinion >> right and that would be difficult to get seven or eight people hearing their opinion or the truth even put them out and get their opinion out of it which is something that may be more personal.
>> I'm not involved in that. I have no idea. Maybe if you ask me, I can care if it's a thousand units or if it's 300. Maybe if I educate myself, then I'll be like more. I think that's more of something personally. I don't know that the neighborhood improvement committee
would exactly of something that's >> that major, right? Uh because the truth is she may feel or honestly the rest the entire committee may feel like we don't want it and I may turn around and say no. >> Correct. But it does it does affect the
neighborhood at one point or another. >> I'm sure. I'm sure. >> No. And there were a lot of people who who spoke against it at the public comment last night. >> And uh >> by the way, that that goes because we I really want to end this. I don't want to I I appreciate the the uh courtesy that
Isabella has um provided. That's the same thing with the um 67th Avenue and the Granny. >> Yeah. >> I attended the meeting they had here with regards to the opening. There's people that are completely against that um and there's other people that are for it. So you see it's it's one of those
topic which just it's it's it's more of I think an individual thing. Now if it was improving something right as a committee that we're good I think that one in my opinion it's more of an individual. >> I'm I'm fine with that. I wanted to bring it up because it's the biggest
topic that I can't happen right. It makes sense. It makes for because again neighborhood >> improvement. >> Yeah, correct. I think that you like the residents are concerned because of the density and all that, but I think that the town already has a process for that.
I don't think as a community should want that. Yeah. >> Okay. I'm good with I'm good with leaving it there. Um, thank you and thank you for allowing us to >> any any other um announcements? >> No. So, >> yes. Yes. Freddy gave away this Friday night. Yes.
>> Have live street for everybody to sign up for the bike tour. >> And the bike tour. Yes, we are. We're working on it. We're getting more restaurants. So, >> yeah, it's been it's been an arduous uh effort
>> between the three of us. Can we get bites brought in or no? >> We have 10 bites in the field. They need to be checked, but I think they're working on on something. >> All right, so motion. See that there's no further announcements.
>> Yeah, I said motion, but >> she wants respond. >> Let me know. We still got a tie. So motion to adjourn at 9 9:05 p.m. Second by Helen. All in favor say I.
>> You guys have it. Thank you so much for your time, guys. Dude,