Hey, that should be Brian. >> Oh, I I forgot to tell JB to bring it down. Yeah. Excuse me, everyone. We're going to get started. Council, please take your seats. Members of the audience, also, please take your seats. The time is
6:30. All right, madame clerk, I am calling this special call meeting of the town council to order at 6:31 p.m., which is the current time. Please call the role. >> Council member Cuadra Garcia,
>> Council Member Garcia, >> present. >> Council member Hsburg, >> present. >> Council member Fernandez is not present. Council member Sanchez, >> present. Vice Mayor Moretta >> present.
>> Mayor Diegas here. >> Mayor, you have quorum. >> Thank you. Everyone, please rise for the pledge of allegiance to be led by Colonel Bill Perez. >> Algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic
for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing for the invocation and a m moment of silence to be led by council member Garcia. >> Thank you, Mayor.
Last week, a patriarch of our town passed away, Councilwoman Mary Collins. Uh she was vital to creating this town and her family as well. And I just want to say
wish God to just keep their family and everyone who knew her in her prayers and ask for a moment of silence in her honor. >> Thank you. >> Thank you everyone. You may be seated. Council, we're hearing a very specific
item, but are there any last minute additions? Seeing none, all right, we are now in public comments. Madame clerk, >> good evening and welcome to this special call meeting. If you're here for public comments, please, this is the moment to
approach the podium and state your name and address for the record, and we will give you three minutes. And I also welcome the residents that are participating online. And as I always state, if you wish to speak online, just
click on the reactions icon and select raise hand and it will allow you to speak for three minutes. And again, if you're calling in in one of the several numbers that we provide to listen to the meeting via phone and you want to
participate as well in public comments, all you need to do is raise your hand by pressing hashtag number99 and we will allow you to speak three minutes. So again, welcome. And this is the public comment section of the agenda.
Okay, seeing none in chambers, any online? >> There is no no participants online. >> Excellent. All right, council. We are now on item 7A, proposed town committee budgets for fiscal year 2026 2027. At the top, I want to go ahead and uh set
the tone for tonight's meeting. Again, at this juncture, we are only operating with our preliminary tax role, right? our our preliminary estimate which will later be finalized uh at the end of the month. We also know that recently the state legislature went ahead and passed
uh a constitutional amendment that would be voted on this November that would have a substantial impact in our budget. And as uh the council is aware and uh members of the public should be aware, uh our our estimates right now for property taxes in terms of the tax base
show a 4% increase, but yet again we are facing a substantial increase in the police budget. As a result, and because there's going to be plenty of time between now and September to finalize these budgets and right now what the staff and the manager are looking for is
a specific recommendation as part of building the overall budget. Uh my motion at this time would be to keep the committee budgets at the current uh level in this fiscal year uh prior to the mid-year budget amendment. And again, this can always be amended later. That is the motion.
>> I'll second it for now. >> It's been seconded by the vice mayor. Any discussion? >> Um >> and again, we're going to give the committees a chance to explain, but uh I I'll get into it further as to what uh what I expect tonight. But Mr. Vice Mayor, >> sure. I mean in terms of just discussion on on the motion itself I I do agree
with with the rationale for it. Um we don't know the future is extremely uncertain. Um I guess my question becomes what is the effect of our vote here today when you said uh it could be amended later. You're not referring to later tonight. You're referring later in the process.
>> Correct. Um again as as many of the committees are aware the way we operate is we have our preliminary millage vote in July. Uh and then we have two public budget hearings in which we consider uh
the budget in its entirety and amendments are made between first and second reading and the first and second budget hearing. Um in in between that there's also or rather at the end there there's also a vote on the final millage rate. Um so again this this is just to also make sure that we are not spinning
our wheels tonight and overanalyzing these budgets uh because of the uncertainty that exists. So rather just to give direction to staff which is what they want this meeting for. It's just is to tell them to build out the uh the the the proposed budget with these committee
levels uh flat, right? Not a decrease, not an increase. I don't think we're in a position today to do either. And so rather just to, you know, help them out and give them direction on what we're expecting for the time being, just to build it out uh flat. Um, and so what that means for the committees presenting
tonight is we still want you to go ahead and uh explain what your requests are. I would not spend too much time justifying every request. Again, there's going to be plenty of opportunity to do so between now and September. Um, but that is my thought process as to uh, you
know, why we should keep things flat. And also I think also about uh setting the tone and making sure that we you know don't waste anybody's time, our time, staff's time or our volunteers time a by doing too many mental gymnastics when it comes to the budget.
Um Mr. Vice Mayor >> Yeah. uh just in terms of the way I see it right is if if the committees want to come and say hey we want to rep prioritize how how within our existing funds and stuff like that that that I'm very interested in hearing yes
>> um and then I I did want to make a a request it's obviously your decision as chair um I did speak to the chair of the elderly affairs she has another commitment so if if they could be brought up first I would greatly appreciate it >> sure okay so let's uh wrap up discussion and the vote on this motion and then we'll We'll open it up to the committees
and we'll we'll start with elderly affairs. I think public safety wanted to go last. Is that correct? >> Okay. Uh so with that, is there any fur further discussion on the motion? Seeing none, uh all those in favor say I. I. I. >> I'll oppose. No. >> The eyes have it.
>> And with that, elderly affairs, you are recognized first to present your budget, your budget request. Welcome. This is tall. Hello. How are you? >> Doing well, thank you. I'm Navaro, 6384 Milang Lane.
>> No, it's that it's tall. >> Okay. I am Rosario, the elderly affair committee from Miami Lakes. Um, thank you for allowing me to speak here. I went a little bit up on the budget. I don't know if you all see it really cuz
we we request a 365. We usually get around there anyway, but we're planning to bring back the senior Olympics. So, that takes a little bit of more money and everything is pricier and we have more people attending our but our
bingos, our socials and everything else. I mean, I want to keep it short, but it is what it is. >> Mr. Mayor, >> Councilman Sanchez, >> if I remember correctly, um, when you presented at the the committee report, this item came up, but I remember the
2500 was going to be through sponsorships. >> Yeah, we did. I I don't know if you all have them that we're supposed to get them. you requested how much sponsor money we get >> and we're trying to get sponsors but sometimes we get more sometimes we get
less cuz every really most of the nursing agencies and places like that now are struggling too because of their cutbacks as well. So >> did you get this paper with the sponsor monies? >> We did not get that. At least what I have in front of us.
>> I can give it to you. I mean I only have one. You can share it. And then you also asked me which who sent who belongs to who. >> If you want you can give it to the clerk and they'll make copies and and share with the council. Thank you.
And uh I I I as far as the senior Olympics I still remember volunteering when that occurred uh a couple times and it it was always a great event. I remember we did it at Day Christian one time even utilizing their field which unfortunately we do not have access to
anymore since they sold >> they sold the land right. >> Um however u I I still believe that there are going to be plenty of places on our properties that we can utilize and I think that companies like CCMS you know Mario will be more than happy uh to to sponsor that
at 2500. Um >> it's not a lot of monies. >> Yeah. In the grandest scheme of things, I think, you know, I mean, I don't want to speak for Mario, but I think he's one example of of someone who would probably be more than happy to help. >> We used to start with like a hundred people coming to our just the bingos,
not even talking about the movies and everything else we do. Now, we get approximately 135. >> So, it's more money every day. I mean, Mr. >> Mayor Mayor, >> and uh well, let me go first to the vice mayor and then to Councilman Sanchez. >> I actually want to ask a question to the
budget director. Um, is this one of those types of items where we we have to fund it in the budget as kind of like fronting, but then it doesn't actually get paid out by us because they get the the donation. How does that work? >> Excuse me.
>> Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you. >> Good evening, Mayor Council. I'm sorry. What is your question, sir? Is this one of those items where where we need to fund it because the the the item, right, the the the senior games needs funding
and but we're simply fronting it and then eventually when when they get the uh the the donations made, we still don't pay it. We don't pay it. >> Before I get to that, let me first address the exhibit that is attached um
to this agenda. >> Um there's an exhibit A and an exhibit B. Exhibit A is the actual budget proposal from the committee itself. That is exactly what was submitted to me through the liaison for each committee. In exhibit B, you have the historical
for each um committee. So, for example, since we are talking about elderly affairs, it's page six of 11. And at the top, you will see a green highlighted area. That green highlighted area is what what they have received for fiscal
year 24, fiscal year 25 and whatever they may have received in the current fiscal year in donations. >> Yeah. So both exhibits are here. Um but but what is >> but for you for the actual printout it's page 21.
>> And then we'll go to you Councilman Sanchez because I know you wanted to uh to speak. Then I also see the addition that wasn't there last year of $3,000 for a health fair that we didn't fund in the current fiscal year. >> Well, I know the money's around here. You have to >> Sorry.
>> Yeah, we did have the healthcare last year. >> No, this fiscal year, the one that we're currently in, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Because we don't know how much funding. So if you see when you look at the some of the items, it went down from like 11 to 12 and then we moved some of
that money to that health fair. Look at it and see you see how >> I'm looking at the bottom line number for 2526 your adopted budget was 30,500. Um and the one for you're asking for this year is 36,500. A $6,000 difference. I was trying to see where the difference was and it's 3.
>> One of them is that and then the the healthcare the health fair. But the healthare we usually make money. >> Okay. >> You know, >> which helps. >> Money is put back into the committee. >> We put it back into the committee. All the monies go back into the committee. >> Cool. Okay. Councilman Harrisburg.
>> Thank you, mayor. Um trying to hold back, but uh you you have a few good events here and this is generally for all the committees. I mean, especially starting as we dig in deeper into into these budgets, you got to find sponsors.
>> We try. We do really well most of the time. >> But I I guess the question is historically if you historically if you found a sponsor for the committee and it's a question for the budget director as well. I mean, we can approve the event but not approve a line item,
right? If we know it's going to be paid by SP, I'm getting at the there's there's a decent chance >> in a year there's not going to be any money for any committees. >> Well, if we vote that way, yeah, we're we're all going to be in bad news. >> Won't be up to us at the end of the day. >> Well, it depends how people vote. That's
if people go out and vote, they don't realize that at the end all these things that we're having, we won't be able to do. >> But that's the question. When I see when I see adopted budget and amended budget, when it when the amended budget has more money, is that donations coming in? So we do not budget um sponsorship and
donations, we budget them as we receive them. So once we've received the actual uh sponsorship or donation, then we allocate it in our revenue and our expense. So for example, with fiscal year 2026 using elderly affairs since that's the one we're talking about,
you'll see that there's a 4,700 under the revised budget in the highlighted green area. That's what they have collected to date um for sponsorships and donations. And then if you notice um for their meet and eat they had 12,000 budgeted but then it was revised to
13,700. That difference is part of that 4,700. So what they received there then was allocated to whatever line item >> and that that goes across committees. >> That goes across for all committees. >> So 23 24 and this was 31 but then 2420 oh no those are actual those are
actuals. Never mind. So yeah the amended is is as the donations come. >> Yes that is correct. Do we is there a way for when we look at the budgets and finalize for for you to provide us historical donations for each committee so we have an idea >> like you mean in detail who has given
donations >> not who not who >> well this this sheet >> like what she provided >> this sheet has that if you see 24 it they received 9,200 in donations in 25 they received 10,226 in donations. Oh, the the other the
other >> the page 21 of the handout and it's page six of the PDF. >> Yeah, I got it. I'm just exhibit B. >> I'm just thinking about that to not necessarily approve a budget. We can't budget on donations, but to approve events, right? >> There is a sheet that has the itemized who gave what.
>> Right. We have it. Yes. Thank you. Okay, that's all that clears those up. Thank you. >> Okay. >> All right. Any other questions to elderly affairs? >> All right. Well, thank you. >> That's it. Thank you. >> All right. Next up, we'll go with again
public safety wanted to go last. Uh going in order of the sheets, neighborhood improvement. Are they here? All right. We'll temporarily pass them up uh until they arrive or toward the end of the meeting. Economic development. All right. We'll pass them up for now uh
in case they show up later. Cultural affairs. Welcome. Good evening. My name is Elsa Reos and I'm the vice chair for the culture affairs committee. I'm here um Felicia
could not attend today so I'm it. Um let me tell you that we have an incredible group. We work really hard. uh we all get along super and we are super excited with all the events that our committee
is putting together especially the 250th anniversary of our nation. We're really working very hard with the town staff to make this event one to remember. And as you know last year we had over what
6,000 people or so attend or even more. So, um, right now I'm working on sponsors with the town. Uh, we have the band which are not it's not charging us. It's a military band. Um, we have a lot
of goodies that we're going to give to the children. Uh, we have the kids zone that um the special needs is helping us with the sensory zone, the kids zone. So, uh, as as you can see, it's, uh,
it's an event that, uh, it's not only wonderful, but unfortunately, it's expensive, too. So, um, for next fiscal year, we're asking the possibility, if possible, to increase it about $12,000.
Okay. So, um, we also have what we call concert on the fairway has been, we would like to have it renamed town concerts because these have been five concerts that we've had on Main Street, Main Street Live. Let me tell you, has
been an incredible success. A success for the town, a success for the Grams, a success for the merchants. We're getting people, the word is gets around and we're getting more and more people to attend. And um I would like to
compliment Felicia, our chairperson, because she worked really hard to get all these bands and she has developed a database of all the bands. So that one uh we want to rename if possible instead of concert on the fairway, rename it
town concerts. >> And Mr. manager, do you need us uh to make to have a motion on this or can you just do that administratively? >> The It's better if you do a motion. Yeah. >> Okay. Well, I'll move to go ahead and rename that line item to town uh what was it again? Town concerts. >> I'll second. >> It's been seconded. All those in favor
say I. I. I. >> All oppose? No. >> The eyes have it. And there you go. >> Thank you. Um >> let her finish and then >> Yes. The other thing is Hispanic Heritage. In the past, we've held it here and last year was at the uh Roberto
Alonso Community Center. We have outgrown the space. So, this year, the committee chaired by um Justin and Jerry from the committee has thought the idea of bringing it to the town. So, we were
able to get the Grams to approve the property right there in front of Chelis, all that front area because the other section of the main street is going to be paved. So, they're going to close that street. So, we're going to bring it there. We're going to have uh two
stages. We're going to have the live band. We're going to have uh uh dance studios from the community from Miami Lakes. And we're going to have vendors for food. So in other words, it's sour
fest. That's what we're calling it. And it's basically not one country. We're going to have countries from all over Latin America participate. Look how beautiful the flyer is. Nice and
colorful. So um that one of course is expensive. So, that's another one that we are requesting to um raise the fund from uh $3,000 to $4,000
to cover all these additional expenses. >> The other is $8,000 expected to cover extra >> the what? I'm sorry. >> What is uh actually let me ask you a two-part question going back a little bit. What is the increase on the 4th of July going to cover? Uh that $12,000
that you want uh extra. And then what is the $1,000 for the Hispanic Heritage event? What is that going to that additional thousand? What is that going to cover? >> Okay. So, for the 4th of July, we have the stage and the lighting lighting and all of that is going to be more. We have
an area that's just going to be like a bounce house and things for the children. That's an extra expense there. plus everything that we're going to give away because they everybody loves it whether we give the you know the beach balls or whatever we give away that's another additional expense that goes
into it and that's the reason that we're trying to work on it um we don't get involved with the fireworks I know that's something that's done separately for the um Hispanic heritage basically you know we have the music we have two
stages we have the uh lighting the sound technician. Erh, we don't know if we're going to need to rent some chairs, you know, for people when they come. So, there's a lot of extra things that go involved with it. >> Yeah. And we we haven't had two stages
before, right? Traditionally, it's just been a >> No, it it's been in house. >> Yeah. Okay. Yeah, that's what I wanted to confirm. >> This is going to be out. It's either was here or at the Roberto Alonso. So, we didn't have to rent the stage. We didn't have to do any of that. Understood. >> Yeah. Okay.
>> But um I think this is going to be incredible. I think we're going to have more exposure. People are going to see this event happening and uh I let's see. I think it'll it'll work much better than having everybody in a crowded room. It got too crowded last year.
>> Understood. Councilman Santis, you had a question. So about fourth of July, I know you mentioned the the upgraded stage, but if I'm not mistaken, um we at the carry forward, some of the funds from that are specifically allocated just for the stage. I think it was 36,000. >> Yes. Correct. >> Around that that number.
>> Yeah. Correct. Correct. >> So the $12,000 that would be more for like the bounce house and the beach balls and other items that we haven't had in the past. >> That we haven't had in the past. Correct. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. And now I'm overlooking the entire budget. Um, and I see that the overall
difference from this fiscal year to next fiscal year is $3,950. You mentioned the $1,000 for the Sabar Fest, which is I I hear and I think Mini Kaio, and I'm very excited to see that happen. But there's other items that have, for example, $1,000 difference um
for Oh, Fourth of July. So, it's not a $12,000 difference. It's $1,000 difference. You're bringing it up to 12, not bringing it up to 12,000. >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah. because the way you made it sound that you're an additional 12,000. >> You're right. You're right. >> So, you're bringing it up to a total of 12,000.
>> Right. It's an additional $1,000 bringing it up to the total of 12,000. >> Okay. That makes more difference. Yeah. Sorry. >> Very different. Yeah. Cuz $12,000 for bounce house and beach house did not sound Thank you. Thank you. >> No worries. Then also $700 for the Black
History Month concert. >> Okay. The Black History Month concert. That was something that I was going to ask uh the council because um this past year we were not able to have it because it was conflicting, you know, um with
the time, the performer and all of that. So, it ended up we lost the time to have it. Now, that money is there, the $3,000, and we were thinking if that money could be used for the Hispanic Heritage, you know, coming um you know,
in in October, if it's possible that we could use for that >> that would sound like more of an inter uh transfer, you know, uh so, >> right, transfer from one event to the other. Correct. >> Okay. >> You mean from one year to the next year? >> I'm sorry. >> No, no, no. With within the budget for
what they're proposing for next year. to move money from that line item to the uh Hispanic Heritage line item. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. So, you would need a motion to be able to do that. Yes. Correct. Yes. I mean, it's no longer Black History
Month, so I I would I would go ahead and move that. >> Okay. >> All right. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> It's been seconded by Councilman Sanchez. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. All oppose, no. The eyes have it. The motion carries. >> Any other questions? Sorry, that would be for next fiscal
year because Black History Month, I believe you said, is October. So, that would actually fall >> February. >> No, it's in February. Black History Month is February. >> No, no, but the next year >> Hispanic Heritage Month >> is now in October, >> right? It's in the next fiscal year.
>> Yeah. But both of them Wait, so are you talking about moving the money from this year's Black History Month to that one? >> Correct. >> Yes, that's what she's saying. From the February to the motion. >> I understand. No, she's saying it October is the falling fiscal year. But we had that problem with another
committee where we have an event in October, but people need to be paid before October. >> Correct. People get paid before October. Correct. >> Yeah. Public safety with the >> right. So we can still Right now they have they have this money for Black History Month. Black History Month
unfortunately the time didn't work. So my what I what the motion is to let them use that for Hispanic Heritage Month, but they would I assume the money would be spent in September or before October. Yeah, before the end of the fiscal year. >> Correct. Before the the beginning of the
new year, >> but then we're increasing the value of the October Hispanic Heritage uh >> of what it originally has. >> Yeah. So essentially what you're saying is you're going to carry forward $3,000 from this current fiscal year into the
next fiscal year. So you're going to add additional funds to what is already budgeted to next year's Hispanic Heritage. So if you have budgeted 3,000 increase and you're carrying over an additional 3,000, that line item will now have $6,000 for Hispanic Heritage.
Okay. >> I just want to make that very clear. Well, I I guess you know, going back to our earlier motion to keep the committee budgets flat, you're saying then that this would actually not do that, >> correct? >> Okay. Okay. So, >> the thing is that there's a possibility
that next February we can have a Black History event, you know, it just didn't work out this year. >> No, I if I may, mayor. Yeah. >> Right. We and we had the same exact problem with the with the public safety because they need the money in September
to host an event in October. >> So what happened with public safety is it wasn't so much about the funding. It was them requesting any budgeted amount of money that they did not use to be carried forward which is not typically what what happens.
>> Yeah. No. >> So he specifically respect uh requested for something a little bit different than what she's requesting. She's requesting >> I right I right she's requesting that they have that they just do an inter transfer right now but the money would
be used for an event that's happening next October but in reality they probably would spend money this year you're you're saying no I how do we not how do we not spend money in September >> the event is for is for October whatever is accompanied with that event will be
allocated and expensed in that fiscal year >> even when the checks are written in September because have to be paid or before the event >> like for deposits and >> in that aspect I I cannot speak to that that is the finance department but what I know is that if an event is for a
specific month all the expenses are are to be are to go with when that event is taking place. Well, then I'll just go ahead and offer an interpretation of the vote we just took, which is just just simply that to the extent that they need to pull money from the Black History Month line item from this fiscal year to
prepay certain things for the event the next fiscal year. Um, I guess we're just saying that that's okay. Make sense? >> I I mean I I get it. The accounting is confusing. It's I mean, >> but I I correct. That is exactly what
I'm saying because we know I assume that checks and deposits will be made in September for a big event that happens October. It's impossible to pay everyone in October. And I know they had that issue where people where the town couldn't pay them when and then people were just not going to show up for vendors. So I get it. There's this
imaginary date line, right? That we can't write checks or something. But >> I that is the motion. At least let them have the opportunity then then everybody can figure it out. Finance and and budgeting can figure it out. That does make it make them aware that all that payment whatever they pay has to be paid before October 1st.
>> Yeah, I I think I get what >> something like that. >> Yeah, I I and I think that that was our intent. That's why the motion I guess is still valid. Um you know, but okay. And what other uh uh changes do you want to walk us through in the budget or request?
>> No, basically Oh, uh women of distinction. >> That's right. Um, sorry. >> They requested we the budget was 3,500 for women of distinction, the proposed amount, and we are requesting $4,000. So
that's $500 more basically because of the expense of of the awards and the catering and all of that that goes up. So basically that's the women of distinction, the Hispanic, a little more for the Fourth of July and um and then
um of course for the town concerts um our um budget was 10,500 and we're asking 11,000. So that's about what $500 more because of the band and
how much you know they they charge us. Um that's about it and then the total will be around 42,450. >> Excellent. Councilman Guad Garcia has a question. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh Mr. Mayor, all these committees are very important and
that's understandable. I just want all my colleagues, including yourself and town manager, to understand that um at the end of when we balance our budget, um that we consider the money that might not be
coming in from the tax relief uh property tax funds that most likely will pass. And will that won't that affect us for No, >> not for this coming. Well, yeah, but uh regardless, we're planning conservatively uh since we don't know
what's going to happen. And so we we already have stated that for now we're keeping the budgets flat and they're just explaining what the requests are. So, you know, >> just wanted to throw that in for food for thought. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Uh anyone else?
Well, thank you very much. >> Okay. Thank you. Have a goodie. >> Thank you. You too. Next up, I have the Educational Advisory Board. All right, we'll pass them up. El, we already did elderly affairs. Youth activities.
>> Hi. >> You're up, Haley. >> Hi, everyone. My name is Haley Pto, chair of the youth activities task force committee. I just want to take a moment to recognize my committee members that are here. We have our vice chair, Alexa.
We have our student members Alliance Sanchez, Karolina Cuba Perez, and then our adult member, Christina Gonzalez. And we also have think of her as an adult. >> Our community liaison Ernie Sto. >> Well, meanwhile, we have in the back
there, you know, a baby, you know, that looks like an adult. >> I'm kidding. I'm kidding. All right, go ahead. >> So, just want to first off say we have an amazing team. Attendance has been great. I know this meeting is not about attendance, but we really really have improved that. And I think that does
come into effect when we're talking about money cuz if you're not there to discuss it, you're not really doing anything. So, we've been really great with that. Um, very very committed um set of individuals. Now, for the budget, we are requesting a total approval of
increase of $800. And that would be we kind of sort of move things around in terms of what we're giving the amount of money for what. Um for example, bike rodeo and safety day. Um we are planning to
requesting $1,000 for that for the next physical year. We are planning this year to do it as well without any sponsorship dollar without any you know taxpayer dollars. Um so we're moving forward with that. Um the difference between this
next physical year and all the other physical years is we are bringing something new. We're not sticking with the same plans hoping that it would work. We're bringing in new partnerships such as the Miami Day Transportation and Planning Organization. I already been in the talks with them. Um and a lot of
different other sponsorships that we are confirming. I don't want to speak on anyone else since it's not fully confirmed, but we are in the works for that. Um and again we're just experimenting and adding a new twist to it. Also, you know, looking into, you
know, really collaborating with the other committees as said in the the committee um the chair committee the committee chair meeting >> questions. Council Councilman Hersburg. >> Thank you, mayor. Um more maybe a question more for for
finance, but the adopted budget for 2526 was 342 and the committee request budget is 46. Now I get it. The amended budget was 452, but is that including donations because right now we're trying to figure
out what the town's going to give. So you're not asking for a little bit, you're asking for almost $12,000. >> Mhm. If you go to page 22, you will see um that they have um
raised $11,000 in sponsorships. >> Right. So to I just want to be make sure we're clear on what keeping the budget flat means in the proposed budgets go say 34,200. Correct. >> And keeping the budget flat. Yes. >> Right. That's what I want. Okay. So for
you guys understand you're the budgeting money from the town was 342 not 45. Right. because that that included the donation. So >> your request right now is to us to give you an additional 12. That's not going to happen. We all know that. >> Um and my only other thing is if you
know that you guys do a great job, your your programming is great, you want to keep that, you have the youth >> speak and talk about what the financial significance of losing those tax dollars would mean. Uh you guys have a very loud voice in that. Okay.
>> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Yeah. through the chair. I just want to say I I love the way you're you're iterating and and taking initiative trying to find sponsors, especially the Halloween haunted house, which is an amazing event. I know it's very difficult. It gets more expensive every
year, but yet you guys are figuring out working with different partners and, you know, companies to to bring. So that just that's great that that that way of thinking of you know getting getting uh you know just getting more sponsors involved and and just uh doing things
efficiently is great and I I I love it. Thank you so much for doing that. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> I just want to say since basically their whole committees here and some of the other committees aren't, I say we just transfer their their budgets over to them. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. Uh uh
thank you guys for being here and showing the the dedication. >> Well, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Next up, we have the Veteran Affairs Committee. >> All right. Good evening, gentlemen. William Perez, 7280 Miami Lakeway South.
I'm the chair of the Veterans Committee. We have a great group of veterans and non- veterans that support our committee. Um, basically we are keeping our budget flat. Um, we have moved some or requesting to move some money around. We want to move uh $500 from the care
package line item um to the Memorial Day event. Actually, that's not even funded. So, we would need to fund that. And I think we moved about 120 bucks or so to the Veterans Committee for T-shirt uh the polo shirts. Otherwise, there's no
changes. Um, we get most of our money, if not all our money, from sponsorship. So, when you see that huge amount, it's all sponsorship. >> Um, >> love that. >> Last thing, I got a note from Isabella who tells me what to do. She's Yeah,
he's on. >> Um, you guys need to approve the $16,950.50 that we made at the reindeer run for the Veterans Monument. Um it was like they need a vote on it, make a motion, I guess, to move it to the parks, I guess.
I'm suppose. Is that what's needed? >> Yeah. Um budget director. So that's just moving. >> I think that was already done. Wasn't it already done? >> I'm sorry. What was the question? >> 16,000 that they raised at the reindeer run. Uh he's just uh asking us if we
haven't already to formally move it to the memorial fund uh >> for the monument. >> The monument. We have money in the capital fund that was moved over. I think it was like 25,000 35,000 something to that degree. I'll check and I'll give you >> I think that was last year's and then we
had added additional 16 >> specifically just for the design and then once the design is completed then we would we can budget for um the construction of it. >> Yeah, that that's more to do with just an internal uh change within your budget
as opposed to the building of next year's budget, the creation of next year's budget. So, I think that that's the >> that's already been taken care of. >> Primary goal of the of tonight's meeting. >> That's all I have >> from the reindeer run. Um there's 28,000
that isn't allocated. I'm not sure if that's what you're referring to in that you're wanting to move that to be able to >> send that to the capital fund and have it as a >> Well, it's it's it should be just tagged for the monument the way we've been doing it. you guys. I
>> thought Yeah, I thought that the la the last time you reported there were already the proceeds from the reindeer run. >> I thought so too. That's why I was kind of surprised as I mean that >> and I think that the council took action on your request and >> Okay, then we're good. >> We'll double check and if need be, we'll
bring it back. But the >> All right. So that the council's aware and even the liaison whenever there is a motion done that the council approves there is a a form that needs to come to me where the count the liaison signs and then that gives me the authority with
the proper backup to then go ahead and do the actual um transfer of funds. If I haven't received that then that action won't be completed. >> That's probably okay. That's my Okay, that's my task. Never mind. Hey, Councilman Herszburg. >> Yeah. A question on that to the manager.
I mean, why wouldn't we just and I guess question to you as well, but like for the special needs advisory board, they keep carrying over their funds, just leave it there. Why wouldn't we just keep the funds in the committee until they have the funds, you know, until we're raising enough funds to actually get somewhere or spend it? Why why are
we transferring it in and out, I guess, is the question. Or why the committee wouldn't want to just roll it or that's what we do, especially >> why we don't have a line item to put it in. That's >> we can add right we can add in the line I guess. How does how does special needs work because I always see they have a bunch of money there. >> So special needs is um very different
than all other committees because they get their funding from the mayor's gala. What has happened in prior years which now moving forward will be different because the mayor's gala now falls within the same fiscal year. The reason it's been carried forward is because the mayor's gala would fall in September
which was at the very end of the fiscal year. So once everything then was um accounted for then at the budget amendment we would transfer what happened in September into the new fiscal year. However, now the mayor's gala happens in November which is
already in the current fiscal year. So we won't necessarily be having to transfer or carry over those funds moving forward. >> But does >> although this year it'll be October 23rd. I just want to put that out there. >> Still the same exactly. >> But doesn't the money stay with the committee? >> It stays with the committee.
>> Right. That's why I'm saying this >> his his funding stays with his committee. It doesn't go anywhere. >> Do we need to do anything? I guess >> I don't see it on my budget though. >> Okay. >> If if Ed town manager, if you can just look into that. I just want to make sure we don't get confused of how much money.
>> Are you talking about surpluses at the end of the fiscal year that that >> not necessarily surpluses, but they have an amount of money that wants to be they want to be used to help build the memorial. I think Councilman Sanchez might be able to help me out. >> So, I'm going to put a motion out there.
I'm going to I'm going to motion that any money that comes from sponsorships and events that was not paid for with taxpayer funds automatically gets rolled over into the next. >> You have that in a resolution already? >> We do. >> Yes. And because of that resolution that was approved by council and I believe it
was all of the council that's sitting currently >> um >> put sponsorship money. >> Yes. And I can actually read it for you what it actually says. non general fund sponsorship. >> That's okay. But you're saying that that's already in existence. Okay. >> I guess what we lack is an actual line
item to put that money in >> in our actual veterans committee budget. >> Okay. >> So, if you take a look at all the different line items we have, we have >> one for shirts, one for care package. We do not have a monument line item, so there's nothing to hold it
>> through the chair. You have you have a monument line item in the parks um capital fund >> transfer to CPF for parks veterans monument. >> It's in the parks. All right. So >> it's in the parks fund in in a in a capital account >> in the capital fund in 301.
>> It doesn't stay with the committee. So then they see how much money they're >> It is it is >> in the for the monument. The title of the account is monument veterans monument. >> Okay. I don't >> it's here and there. >> No, I get it. Okay. >> Yeah. other other all other other lines are all operational lines. That's why the money goes into the capital account
and it's dedicated for the monument and it's yours, but it's just not in the veterans committee uh budget for you to see. But whenever you need the balance or whatever we can easily get, that's easy. >> It'll be great if we can have it every time we have we're presenting with our budget. Um it'll be good if we could see
it every single time that >> every meeting. Is that something you guys have? >> Yes. It's actually because we we have a a goal we're trying to hit and we're not sure how close we are and what we need. >> I think that's all I have. >> Your your le we'll make sure your liaison every time you guys meet has
that the latest and greatest uh snapshot of what the capital account. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate that. >> And for the record for the public that's listening, resolution 252094 is where it gives the authority to carry over sponsorship dollars. >> Okay. Perfect. All right. Any other
questions? Seeing none. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Next up, Special Needs Advisory Board. Good evening, Mayor, Council. My name is Vivian Levy. I'm the chair of the Special Needs Advisory Board. Um, first
I want to thank the mayor because our funds all come from the mayor's gala. And I want to thank all the council for their support as well. Um so we're basically keeping all the programs uh that we have and all the
events um that we've done uh throughout the years. Uh the only thing is last night we had our meeting and we had a special young man uh Miami Laker uh Andrew Allejo. Um he has a sister with
special needs and he came to present a uh pickle ball um clinic um for special needs and uh we we made history last night at our meeting
because we had uh the Coyaso brothers show up to support the item at our meeting. That's the first time that ever happened. So, it was uh really heartwarming to see that these young kids want to get
involved, want to be inclusive. And um so, uh the board approved the item uh for we allocated $3,000. So, now it's not on the report because
it just happened last night. So, um I wanted to uh to present that to you all and uh it would it would come out of our social and recreation programs line item.
>> How much? >> 3,000. >> Okay. Sorry, I missed that. Okay, I'll go ahead. I'll move that change. Second. >> It's been seconded by the vice mayor. Any discussion? >> Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. All oppose? No. The eyes have it and the motion carries. Event is approved
and so is the transfer of funds among line line items. And I sense a future council member to among that duo there. Right, Clarissel? >> Oh my gosh. Didn't I say that last night? >> Yes. >> Must run in the family. >> Mhm.
>> Anything else? Uh, Madam Chair? >> No. everything. We're, you know, we're going to continue the three programs. We have the dance program, the animation program and the uh karate program and all the events that we do throughout the years, the years that we've done, the
workshops. Um, our last new event was the game night, which was a great success. We had over a hundred people come. So, um, yeah, really the only new thing that you hadn't been approved is this pickle ball, uh, tournament. So,
>> yeah. Any questions to the chair? Seeing none. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you so much. >> All right. Mental health, the mental health task force. Anyone here representing them? >> All right. Uh, we'll skip them. Blasting advisory board.
still. >> Evening everybody. Miguel Martinez. I'm the chair of the Boston Advisory Board. Um promise to keep it short and sweet. It's very simple. It's two items, very conservative numbers. Um it's just it's it's literally having backing for what
we're doing. Um, as an example, we had a a um an award ceremony last week that came fantastic. It it was unbelievable the response um so much that the the sponsor is is is promoting himself to
increase the the award uh for next year to over $2,500 in awards. Um so that's obviously cost us nothing to to carry this event. Um but the influence that it had on on the on today's youth was was immeasurable. Um I was very pleased with
the results and and the turn not the turnout we had 17 um um applicants but but the response in which they had which they presented it was unbelievable. So what we do is it as you're aware uh through creativity is use a very limited
and conservative budget to get to get our awareness out um and and it's a very dynamic um um field that we're doing. So this year's budget it was limited and I had gone to day days which that it was
unorthodox a bit for for the campaigning that we do um but I it was very successful. So, at a minimum, I'm asking that we keep the the um the the the budget flat and and we can continue doing uh creative uh events with that.
Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Any questions >> through the chair? >> Hey, Councilman Garcia. >> Uh I just want to say thank you again for for everything you do and I think what what you do with those with with the kids is amazing because you're inspiring them to um take something
negative that's affecting the town and turning it into something positive. I just have to say that yesterday, was it yesterday day before I I felt the most the strongest blast I felt in years and twice and it really rocked me. I mean, I was like, "What the it's been so long."
So, it's Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. The higher you are, the Yeah. So, and that took literally at least three or four seconds for the for the actual building to stop rocking. Um, it's still happening. it's happening uh to all of us to to to the town and and our
neighbors and we still gota you know this this committee does important work. So >> the the need is still there. Um we need to keep moving this and and we're definitely moving the needle. >> Um there's not one person that I saw in Tallahassee. They know me as the blasting guy.
>> So it we're known um and so needle is moving. >> Uh anyone else? All right. Well, thank you very much. Thank you. >> All right. Before we go to public safety, I'm going to circle back just to see if anyone from the other committees we passed up are have arrived. We have
Nick, neighborhood improvement committee. No. Uh economic development committee. All right. Mental health task force. One more time. All right. Public safety. You're it. >> What was it?
>> Yes. Mayor, I just got a notification from anyone. Miss Sto had a family emergency and she's asking to please be excused. >> That That's okay. Yeah. What was that? >> I'm part of the committee. Can I
>> Sure. Yeah. Uh come on up. >> Welcoming back Haley Prito for this time education advisory. >> Hi everyone. An adult member of education advisory board. As Mrs. Inguano said she unfortunately had an family emergency. So I'll be stepping in
in her place. As I'm seeing here, we're requesting the same amount um as the previous budget year. Um the only new proposed event that we are requesting is field day that would be held if approved at Roberto Alonzo Community Center and
that would be bringing together kids and competitions as such like a chess um chess competition and different aspects such as that. So, you just need per permission from us. Sorry to uh uh to use Roberto Alonzo for field day
>> for this would be a new event that's now part of our budget line. >> Okay. Uh I'll move the new event and I'll move for them to be able to use the the Roberto Alonzo Center. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. I. >> All oppose? No. >> The eyes have it. The motion carries.
>> Mayor, I do have a question. >> Councilman Hersburg. Um, so the I see 1616 part of that is the imaginary library which was a donation, right? Is that donation part of next year already or that's just I don't I
don't is an annual donation. >> I'm hearing from the director that no that is not. Um, >> so that that line item wouldn't be there. Um, okay. Got it. So, no, but no, it wouldn't be 15,000. The the flat budget would be $1,000. Just want to be
clear. I don't know why you guys didn't ask for the AP language and STEM. You know, we did fund it in the carry forward. Should have been on there at least as I ask. I'll I I do like it. I will try to fund it in the next carry forward, but we'll see what happens. But yeah, so the flat budget would be
$1,000. Just want to make that. I I assume finance knows that, right? >> Well, I do now, right? Well, and I'm budget, but yes. >> Okay, perfect. All right, that's all. Thank you. >> I'll bring that to the committee chair at our next meeting. >> Yeah. Thank you. Councilman Sanchez, per
town events, $1,000. Is that the spelling bee and the awards of excellence? >> Yes, correct. >> Okay. You do both with $1,000? >> What? >> Both events with $1,000? >> Sponsorships? >> We manage. Um, yeah, we get a lot of sponsors. You know, >> if you want to give us a little bit
more, we wouldn't say no. >> Okay. >> All right. Anyone else? Seeing none, >> just just best wishes to uh Miss Sto and whatever she's uh going. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Well, thank you very much. All right. Uh last but not least, public safety
committee going once, going twice. >> Oh, okay. >> We see you. >> We have chair Andreas. We cannot hear you. You have to unmute yourself. >> Okay. Um let's see. I thought I did.
Yes, we can hear you. We hear you now. And it if you can if you can display his um screen bigger so that the chair the council can see him in the TV monitor that would be helpful. >> Thank you.
>> Perfect. Uh nothing much to look at but nonetheless uh thank you for the opportunity and I apologize for not being there. Um currently at end of the year activities for the family with school. Uh mayor town council management. Thank you uh for the opportunity to having me. Um essentially, you know, why I'm here and
why I feel it's so important to attend this meeting is because currently our budget is set at $2,200. Uh that is what we was voted on last year. Um and we historically have had a $4,800 budget. Um our actuals from uh uh 23 ending
fiscal year 24 fiscal year ending um you know were $4,300 and $4,700 respectively. Uh the reason why the 25-y year fiscal year was lower uh was because we plan to do uh you know pay out the car show uh cars for heroes
expenses by end of the school year uh school year uh end of the the fiscal year and that couldn't happen right if not we would have been in par with the previous year. So, what the committee is requesting is essentially to go at slightly higher than our stoogal uh from
4,800 to 5,000. And that is comprised of several uh things. $200 for our deputy and firemen of the year award. Uh $2,000 for our PSAs. Um you know, there's been um as you all know, a lot of traction with our PSAs. We're actually working on one. I'm just working on the skit right now with our major uh for the golf cart
safety. And there's some conversations with the neighborhood improvements as well for um you know, the life rings as well. And there's many others that have been communicated on by our residents that we want to work on for the future. So, that's $2,000. Uh $200 for our new logo. Uh we we did redesign our our new
logo, which I'll be presenting to um uh during our report to council next month. Uh $2,000, which include uh three events. One event is back to nature, which we just had. It was the first uh time we ever did this with neighborhood improvement. Um uh Cars for Heroes is at zero. As we all know, we made a profit
last year and God willing, we're making even a more of a profit this year. um open house for the uh station 64 um you know which is $1,200. Now just to hone in on that $1,200 so you all understand what that is. Uh that's essentially a crossing guard um coffee or an asai
vendor uh sorry an IC vendor um groceries uh for a barbecue because we actually had last year the uh folks at the fire station actually pay for the barbecue and we felt that you know that was uh not fair to them. Uh so we would want to go ahead and put that forward
for hosting this event for us. Um we have had a sponsor there last year but uh which was game day and they were very um you know uh happy to support um the cause but it was still very expensive to have a vendor. In fact they actually had $1,100 that they paid to La Cafeta uh to come to that event. So we're hoping we
can have a sponsor for that event but this budget is considering if we do have uh we don't get a sponsor uh then $200 for our 911 memorial event. Um, and then uh $400 uh for shirts and hats with our new logo. Again, that'll be presented next year. Now, just to kind of go
through and I'm following the organization that was given to us by our committee liaison. Uh, Cars for Heroes, we had a,000 to 2,000 folks that attended that event. The open house at Station 64 had about 100 folks. Back to Nature was 20 uh individuals.
It was our first event that we did. Um, and I know that some of these events take some time to take off. I will tell you the folks that did show up were very very happy that we had this event. Actually requested to have it even more. Um but you know the committee right now is is planning to have that next year. Um and we hope to get the support uh
from this council to have it again. Um and then there's something that again this is a TBD uh swimming lessons. Uh we felt and again I'm sure you you all remember that I'm very big into competing with our local municipalities uh that surround us. Uh we should have swimming lessons as well uh like
everybody else. And that's something that I'll be discussing next month during our our council uh report to council on uh working with the zero drowning prevention program uh to hopefully open that up uh for Miami Lakes residents at PSN. So we don't know what that cost yet cuz we haven't even
had those conversations. We have the key contacts at Miami Dade County, but we haven't had those conversations yet. We're going to be asking for approval for that during our report to council. And then lastly, our our 911 memorial event that uh brings about 30 folks. Uh so that's what we're asking for. We're asking to get our budget back to where
it used to be. Um, again, you know, there's a lot of ifs, right? If we do very well this year on Cars for Heroes, we we we could probably get there. Uh, but essentially, we we don't know. So, um, again, we're very important um, you know, in and when it comes to the committees because we have we're that extended arm to the fire department and
to the police department and we want to continue that relationship. There's a lot of things that are going on. So, um, I'm I'm I'm available for any questions. you all asked >> questions >> through the chair. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Uh less question and more a comment. Um chairman, I I just want to thank you for
everything you've done and your committee is amazing. You've had people there for for a long time like uh Mama Nance sitting there. Hi Nance. and u and yourself who uh honestly the the events that you have put together
the new events as well. I mean it's very impressive very impressive what you're doing. Um I know the officers and first responders of the town appreciate what you do for them and so do we. We are a public safety town and um I just want to just give you give me give you my thanks
for everything you've done and and your innovative ways of of of of doing things and putting things together and bringing in again as many sponsors as possible. I know it's not an easy task, but you're leading the the way in showing showing uh other committees how it's done as well as well as youth activities and
others that bring in are starting to bring in a lot more sponsors. So, thank you for everything you do every day. >> Thank you, Council Councilman. And and just uh and and if I may, Mr. Mayor, um we are right now through today, we're at $3,100 that we have spent and what we
have projected is another 1,700. So just so you have an idea, we're going to be at 4,866. That's our projection for this fiscal year. So again, this is where I'm I'm kind of, you know, asking the council that we go back to our old budget of 4,800. We're asking a little more at 5,000, but just to give you all some perspective, um you know, from year
to date and act and uh you know, projections Councilman Herszburg. >> Thank you. And thank you, Chair. When you when you say you're at 4856 or whatever number you gave me, does that mean you expect a balance in your budget based off what
you spent and what you got received in donations? >> So, what's happening? Yeah. And and and thank you, Councilman Hsburg. So, right now, what we have spent through today is 31.66. What we have projected to spend through the end of the fiscal year is an
additional $1,700 to get us at 48.66. 66. Now, back to your question where you're asking, "Well, hold on a second. How are you spending more than the $2,200?" It's because we had a carry forward uh that Councilman Sanchez, thank you again for your support. We were able to get and then we had a a profit that came out of our Cars for
Heroes that is also helping as well, >> right? So, it's more of a question for finance. I don't believe we typically carry forward committee budgets, do we? >> We sponsorship dollars. >> Sponsorship dollars. >> Sponsorship dollars. Yes.
um balances that are general fund dollars based on the resolution that I mentioned earlier that prohibits that, >> right? >> So, that would have to be a motion, which is what um Councilman Sanchez um did at our second budget hearing.
>> But these are if if it's sponsorship dollars and when you show us the budget come June, August, it'll show if there's sponsorship dollars left, it'll show a carry forward for that committee. >> Yes. whenever the budget amendment comes in uh April, it's it specifically says
these are the amounts for whatever committees are eligible to have funds carried over. Now, in the resolution, it specifically specifies that >> um sponsorship dollars will be utilized first before any general fund dollars
will be utilized. So, after that, whatever is available in sponsorship dollars gets carried forward. >> Okay. I guess uh we'll I'll talk to the manager. I just I just feel that committees I understand the general fund dollars should go back. I just want to figure out how we can make sure
committees that have sponsorships get to continue to use that money for their purposes. That's all. And where I get to that is I think to the chair uh your car show I think was a su great success for the first year. I'm sure the second year is going to be even better. My goal is to have a zero dollar line item for this committee because I believe your
committee can fund itself. I really do because you're doing because you're doing a great job. So, I know you don't want to hear that necessarily, but you're you're doing a great job and we're going to have uh tough decisions on on budgets every year. So, that's all. Thanks. Great. >> And if I Mr. Mr. Mayor, do you mind if I
respond? >> Sure. Go ahead. >> Okay. Thank you, Mayor. Uh so, uh what ended up happening here, the reason why we were given the carry forward uh Councilman was because when we went to go pay our vendors for the car show, uh we were essentially told that we couldn't because the services weren't
rendered yet. So when we planned to spend on those funds by the end of the fiscal year, we weren't able to. So the request that we had as public safety at the end of that second uh budget hearing was listen, we're being told we can't do this. Is there any way we can carry it forward that way we can use those funds and not lose them. Uh so we we feel that
was that was a one-time occasion and we know and we want to make sure we abide by the resolution that the budget director is mentioning. Uh but that's that's the backstory behind it. To be clear, in 2025, in 2025, last fiscal year, the only sponsorship
dollars that this committee raised was $27. So there was no money to sponsorship money to be carried forward. Everything that they've collected to date is $10,240 in this current fiscal year. >> Councilman Sanchez. Yeah, I just to
touch base on what he was mentioning in the last fiscal year, the money that was left over, exactly what he just said, was the mo the money that was had I not done the motion and it would have been approved by by all of us, that money would just would have gone in back to the general fund. But in order to keep the ball moving on the car show, I
motioned to move it into the next fiscal year. And that's what he he means. >> You moved. >> I moved and then we we approved. >> Uh Mr. Vice Mayor, >> just a quick question. Uh, is there anything that you need us to approve or move around? I see something here about swim lessons that it shows here as a new
request. >> He said he was going to present that the next >> Okay, so we don't have to worry about that now. Crap. Thank you. >> Thank you, Vice Mayor. >> All right. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chair. And uh, with that, ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for your time. Thank you, staff. Thank you to our
volunteers. There being no further business, we are now adjourned at 7:36 p.m.