WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=z0DwkinS4LY

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:17.199
Thank you. And we are back. Um it is Tuesday um June 23rd. We are resuming our regular North Miami um council meeting. Um and I think we already done the consent agenda. Oh no, we have not done the consent agenda. So

2
00:00:17.199 --> 00:00:33.200
>> Mayor Mayor, I'm sorry. Before you get through that, I think you asked to pull item I >> Yes. >> Yeah, but no vote was taken on that. >> I thought we did. >> No. >> Oh, okay. Can we um >> All right. Mayor Desome. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Timothy.

3
00:00:33.200 --> 00:00:49.760
>> Councilman Burns. Councilwoman Estaran. >> Present. >> Councilman uh Charles. >> Yes. >> All right. Mayor, you have a quorum to proceed. >> That's what he's saying that. I thought we did. He said we just needed a a quick vote. >> So, I move second. >> Right. So, I make a motion to

4
00:00:49.760 --> 00:01:06.080
>> second >> to approve what they just said. >> Yes. [laughter] Second. I have a motion made by Councilwoman Esme Irvin to defer tab I to the July 14 council meeting seconded by Mayor Desome. All in favor? Any opposed? The motion carries with a 50

5
00:01:06.080 --> 00:01:22.240
vote as of 8:06 p.m. Attorney. >> Vice Mayor Timothy is now present. >> No, I don't think so. >> We don't have there's the same thing for tab H, right? That was >> that was the deferred. It was a and also um the

6
00:01:22.240 --> 00:01:39.280
if we can madame manager we let's do the um miss um Santana let's do the the budget thing um at after the uh which tab is this? Let's do it towards the end. So we'll go

7
00:01:39.280 --> 00:01:57.439
into consent. There's no city announcement >> consent agenda. Oh, >> wait, wait, wait, wait. But, but you could have go ahead and we did that because we all over the place today.

8
00:01:57.439 --> 00:02:31.599
>> Go ahead. Go ahead, ma'am. Yes. >> How long is it? And we did recognize state rep um Fabian Basabi after this. I'm sorry if you want to say a few words. Yes. But go ahead. >> Okay. Good evening, mayor, council, staff, North Miami neighbors, and guests. My name is Beverly Graham and I am presenting the following

9
00:02:31.599 --> 00:02:47.360
announcements on behalf of the city of North Miami. Join the North Miami Public Libraries 2026 summer reading program running from May 30th through through July 24th as we celebrate 100 years of stories during the city's centennial year. Readers of all ages can track their reading for a

10
00:02:47.360 --> 00:03:03.200
chance to win exciting prizes including gift cards, electronics, toys, and more. Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer and start your next chapter. Join Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy for Yoga and Pilates in the Park, a free wellness series designed to help you relax, recharge, and stay active in

11
00:03:03.200 --> 00:03:19.800
North Miami's beautiful parks. Yoga classes will take place on the third Saturday of each month at North Bay Shore Park at 9:00 a.m. Pilate Pilates classes will be held on the first Saturday of each month at Alfred Espaday Park. For more information, please contact 786 3858662.

12
00:03:19.840 --> 00:03:34.879
The city of North Miami economic development department is now accepting applications for the economic development small business grant and e eligible businesses may qualify for up to $7,500 in support. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis and is subject to federal eligibility

13
00:03:34.879 --> 00:03:53.480
requirements CDBG compliance and funding availability. To apply, visit ww.northmiami.gov econ. And for more information, please contact the economic development department at 3058959801 or email economicdev@northmiami.gov.

14
00:03:53.920 --> 00:04:11.239
We are excited to invite you to experience the Nomi night market, a vibrant evening filled with food trucks, local vendors, and live music. The market will take place on the first and third Fridays of each month from 5 to 9:00 p.m. on Mocha Plaza. For more information, please contact the economic development department at 3058959801.

15
00:04:11.920 --> 00:04:29.040
The city of North Miami is offering the residential tree trimming grant program which provides up to $1,000 for hazardous tree trimming and removal with no repayment required. Funding is limited and available on a first come first-s serve basis. Residents can apply now by visiting ww.northmiami.gov/treetrimming.

16
00:04:29.040 --> 00:04:46.960
For more information, contact the community planning and developments department at 3058959825. The city of North Miami is offering basic to advanced computer classes to for North Miami residents now through Saturday, September 5th at the North Miami Public Library. Sessions include

17
00:04:46.960 --> 00:05:03.520
basic class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Intermediate class from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and advanced classes from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with no classes on June 20th, August 1st, and July 4th of this year. To register for more information, residents should call

18
00:05:03.520 --> 00:05:22.160
3058915535. The city of North Miami will be holding extended service hours on Wednesday, June 24th. This initiative takes place once a month. The city will offer extended service hours from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. include the following departments: finance, community planning and development building, code enforcement, economic development,

19
00:05:22.160 --> 00:05:38.240
housing, social services, parks and recreations, human resources, and the clerk's office. Take advantage of the extended hours. We're here to serve you. Madame City Clerk, Vanessa Joseph invites the community to take advantage of the tax collector mobile office, offering convenient on-site services right here in North Miami. The mobile

20
00:05:38.240 --> 00:05:54.240
office will be available on Thursday, June 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Miami Public Library. Services include driver's license renewals, ID services, vehicle registration renewals, and more. With no appointment required, walk-ins are welcomed. The city of North Miami is offering free

21
00:05:54.240 --> 00:06:09.759
native trees for residents each Friday during the month of June. While supplies last, it is on a first come and first- serve basis. Residents can pick up their tree at the community planning and development department between 10:00 a.m. and 400 p.m. As part of the North Miami Centennial Celebration, the city invites the

22
00:06:09.759 --> 00:06:24.880
community to attend North Miami through the century, an evening with the Pioneers, moderated by internationally acclaimed comedian Sex Jr. The event will take place on Friday, June 26 from 600 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the North Miami Senior High School auditorium featuring our very own Mayor Alexum, former

23
00:06:24.880 --> 00:06:42.120
Councilman Scott Galbin, and senior assistant city manager John Lurfields and more. Join join us as we celebrate 100 years of North Miami through the stories and experiences of those who have helped shaped our community. Admission is free. Please RSCP at 1951 lectures.eventbbright.com.

24
00:06:42.720 --> 00:06:58.880
Councilwoman Mary Estimate Iran invites residents to attend the Father's Day barbecue at Buccaneer Park on Sunday, June 28th from 12:00 p.m. to 4 pm. The event will feature music, games, food, and giveaways for the entire family. We encourage the community to come out and celebrate fathers and father figures while enjoying an afternoon of fun and

25
00:06:58.880 --> 00:07:15.199
fellowship. America turns 250 years old during our centennial year. Let's celebrate big at the 2026 Independence Celebration by the Bay on Saturday, July 4th at the FIU Biscane Bay campus. Gates open at 6 p.m. Admission and on-site parking are free

26
00:07:15.199 --> 00:07:32.160
for all attendees. The celebration will feature food trucks, a kids zone, community resources, live entertainment, and spectacular fireworks display over Biscane Bay. For additional information, please call 3058959840 or visit northmiami.gov/ceelelebrate. Councilman Pierre France Charles invites

27
00:07:32.160 --> 00:07:48.479
the community to the District 4 food distribution drive-thru taking place Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Suniss Grove Community Center. Proof of residency with a Florida issued ID is required. No walkup service will be provided. One game, one passion, and one North

28
00:07:48.479 --> 00:08:04.240
Miami is the vibe. Join us for a high energy official FIFA watch party on Saturday, June 11th, and Sunday, June July 19th at Nomi Village. July 11th and Sunday, July 19th at Nomi Village. This free event brings the community together to watch the match, enjoy the

29
00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:20.400
atmosphere, and rep your team with your neighbors. Please RSVP at nomi watchparties.eventbbright.com for the latest updates and event details. In observance of Independence Day, the city of North Miami will be closed on Friday, July 3rd. For regular regular business hours will resume Monday, July 6th at 8

30
00:08:20.400 --> 00:08:36.880
a.m. To stay up to date with Nomi news, events, programs, and services, log on to Northmiami's official website at ww.northmiami.gov. gov. Click connect with Nomi on the homepage and sign up for the city's newsletters. Also, give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram at Northm Miami FL. This concludes the city announcements.

31
00:08:36.880 --> 00:08:53.839
>> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so very much. Now, we would like to acknowledge we see our state rep is coming and then we'll go to our um consent agenda. Good good evening, Mr. Representative Vasabi. >> Good evening. Nice to see everybody. Um, I actually

32
00:08:53.839 --> 00:09:10.320
came to uh speak on an item that was pulled today. So, um, I really am just staying to say hello. I will let you know that, um, we worked hard this legislative session, and I'm going to come back after, uh, we just finished our third special session. Uh, we've got the budget, uh, waiting to be signed by

33
00:09:10.320 --> 00:09:26.160
the governor. Once that's done, I'll come in in the next month or two when you guys think it's best and we can whenever we have the most people in town that we can do a proper legislative update. But I wanted to share something with you all. Um, interestingly enough, this was the first time that I've been that I've been uh privileged to put in

34
00:09:26.160 --> 00:09:41.120
appropriations for the city that I represent here in North Miami. And I only represent, to be fair, a very small part of North Miami east of Biscane. And it's a big city. And I I've got to

35
00:09:41.120 --> 00:09:57.519
witness firsthand what it is to fight for funding for this city. And as you know, a lot of a lot of this business is uh about the transparency, the accountability, and the relationships that we have. And we've got a seat at the table. And I was able to get a lot of funding in for this city for the

36
00:09:57.519 --> 00:10:14.399
first time that we work together. And recently, and this is something that came to me up in the legislature. Sorry, my voice goes like out every day at this hour. I talk so much all day. M [clears throat] but up in the legislature and also locally I've been

37
00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:31.279
getting a lot of calls from residents uh people that I meet you know I spend a lot of time here when I'm back in town and uh and people have just pulled me aside and they talk to me and a lot of the concerns are with spending and uh and I listen into some of the committee meetings actually the first thing I was going to say and then I didn't want to

38
00:10:31.279 --> 00:10:47.519
make too much fun of it but I was gonna say hey you guys are giving away all this money can I take some but my job is to bring you the money and to explain the relationships and partnerships and transparency levels that make the state um not vetoed that makes us invest in

39
00:10:47.519 --> 00:11:02.160
the partner the cities that we have partnerships with. And some of the things that come to to the attention are um some of the consultant agreements, the procurement practices, the amendments, the vendor relationships, um some of the spending decisions. And what

40
00:11:02.160 --> 00:11:18.160
I thought and this these are messages that I'm getting from both the north and right here locally from you guys. And and I and I'm not here to criticize. You guys have to run your city. The people put their trust in you. This is your role. I'm just giving you some feedback because a lot of people are afraid to

41
00:11:18.160 --> 00:11:35.279
speak up today. So, they call me because my phone number's everywhere. And I appreciate that and I encourage everyone to call me, please. But what I was thinking, and if you guys are willing to do this because um of the 10 cities that I represent, the majority of them are are thriving.

42
00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:51.760
They're getting record record dollars from the state. We're working together tremendously and and and I know we we're building that relationship. Um and one of the cities that I have the most problems with is is Miami Beach. And and when I had these issues come up, I said,

43
00:11:51.760 --> 00:12:07.440
"Okay, well, I've got to my role is to be responsible to the residents, the taxpayers, the the business owners. How do I how do I cut through this as quickly as possible to get some answers?" And under the purview of the the state legislature, I have a tool. It's the uh JAC committee, the Judicial

44
00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:23.519
Legislative Auditing Committee. Now, this is at no cost to the taxpayers. This is an off an agency, an office that is funded year round whether we use them or not. Um, but what they do is a comprehensive systems operational full fully

45
00:12:23.519 --> 00:12:39.920
comprehensive audit of a municipality. And I said, "Well, let me do that. Miami Beach would could use an audit. We've never really done one." And it didn't get the best feedback from the politicians. The people loved it. So, I thought I'd I'd come about this differently and didn't take anyone by

46
00:12:39.920 --> 00:12:56.160
surprise, but instead offer the opportunity in us working together to better serve the public that we represent. If you all are interested and we can take some time over the next months, let's maybe go s through some of the the contracts, some of the no bid contracts, some let's review some of the

47
00:12:56.160 --> 00:13:12.000
stuff. I have all the time in the world for this city. I love North Miami, the the community, the neighborhoods, the businesses, you know. Uh >> yes, may we going to go over it with who? >> No, no. I'm I'm happy to go over some things that you have issues with.

48
00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:30.079
>> No, no. I I wasn't clear because you in reference to that when when we just be um be clear you did call me um you know we spoke last night so this is the doge version of um of that committee um in terms of that um so I I do hear the

49
00:13:30.079 --> 00:13:45.680
concern and and we you and I we had a lot of discussion yesterday the residents they called me as well and some emailed and I would urge them because I'm hearing from my colleague they don't hear from their constituents as well and you and I we we had a lot of

50
00:13:45.680 --> 00:14:01.920
the same calls um regarding the the thing and I will urge the public. Yes, I am the the the mayor. Everybody in the city gets to to vote for the mayor position, but individually you have to engage with your, you know, individual

51
00:14:01.920 --> 00:14:19.680
council person because when I'm up here advocating for them, they're like, "Well, I didn't get no calls from nobody in terms of that." So, um I mean you as as our state rep and we have a very great relationship. you you do whatever you think you need to do in terms of um

52
00:14:19.680 --> 00:14:35.120
you know legislatively um and stuff and I know the manager the administration we open to meet with you um you know we that that's our what what we do um and but I do share the the same concern and we talked about it um you know um that

53
00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:51.360
the residents that that basically um that called and that's why I had a conversation with the manager that particular item I said because I did not have much information on it. Um we we did talk about it in passing but I did

54
00:14:51.360 --> 00:15:08.399
not have any discussion. So I did ask the administration to defer it um for next the next meeting um so that we could get I could get some clarity. I could um but you are more than welcome I mean the administration >> the main purpose mayor is that um

55
00:15:08.399 --> 00:15:25.519
there's tremendous opportunity right I mean I work hard at at securing funding in grant silos and that's everything from infrastructure resiliency grants environmental funding inv economic development programs public safety investments and there's a lot on that gets left on the table and I want to

56
00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:42.480
strengthen the relationship we have with Tallahassee and the best way to start a new relationship is in a fully transparent way. But I want to do this in partnership with you guys. It's merely a suggestion. I haven't taken any action yet. >> But my main concern was to voice the concerns of the constituency because

57
00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:59.199
they're calling me and some of them don't live within the lines of my district. Yes. But they're calling me anyway. And and I think you guys are accessible. Kevin, I've known you a long time. You've never not answered your phone. Alex, I called you late last night. You you answered the phone 1:00 in the morning. And I thank you for that. And and I tell everybody, call

58
00:15:59.199 --> 00:16:14.639
your elected officials, voice your concerns, and I'm I'm available if you want to do a a public town hall, if you want to go over specific anything from budgets to legislation. Um, I'm available for that. And just to be clear, it's Doge has a little bit of a negative connotation to it. That's kind

59
00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:30.000
of a wham bam comes in, makes, you know, it's usually for a spot zoning. This is something that could take time. I can arrange where a state agency will work alongside you and help strengthen the tools for your system to work better.

60
00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:46.480
Major corporations bring out third party entities to to audit themselves so they can be as accountable and fine-tuned as possible. It is an opportunity. You guys are more than welcome to work within um what you guys have. It's we have small teams, big teams, different cities, and

61
00:16:46.480 --> 00:17:01.519
not one size cookie. There's no cookie cutter fit here. I'm just saying the the avail the availability is there. I'm interested to work with you all because I want to make sure that Tallahassee sees what I see. you know, this is a hardworking community, people of faith,

62
00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:17.520
family, you know, small businesses, hardworking, beautiful people that that I would like to see some of the the fruits of the labor and the partnerships and and funding opportunities that I've created for all my other cities come here in a big way. You know, we shouldn't just be dependent on the one

63
00:17:17.520 --> 00:17:34.160
or two appropriations we'll be able to get through and and and um and yeah, [clears throat] ma mainly that just I wanted you to hear what I hear. So, this isn't an attack on any one person and anything. It's just when when enough people call me, I I say if they're not going to, I'm going to come here and let you know. And other than that, I came to

64
00:17:34.160 --> 00:17:51.280
say hello. Um, let me know what I can be doing for you all. I'll do a full legislative update. By the way, I do a a telet town hall every month. So, residents, if you see a phone call coming in, it says your state rep, Fab Masabi is calling, it's not a spam call. That's me live. And I go on and I talk

65
00:17:51.280 --> 00:18:06.720
for an hour straight. I just finished one as I was driving up here. and and you can YouTube fabi town hall. Lots of legislative updates. It takes a long time to get through all of that stuff. Um, pick up the phone, reach out to me. Um, I'm gonna have my cards in the back with my cell phone number on there for

66
00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:22.799
anyone who doesn't have it. And I just I look forward to keep working with you guys. And I'll be back with hopefully a bag of money and some good legislation to share with you all next time I'm here. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Um, state rep. Um, again, >> state rep. >> Yeah. >> Thank you so much for your presentation.

67
00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:37.919
How much money did you bring to North Miami? >> The dollar specific amount, I don't know. I've seen the budget right now. Right now, it's sitting on the governor's office. I'm waiting for it not to be. It's the public safety funding. >> Good chunk. Good chunk. I've got a lot of line items because I've got 10 cities and I put By the way, I don't just put

68
00:18:37.919 --> 00:18:52.960
in for my cities. I go across district lines, party lines. I put in for I put like throwing spaghetti on the wall. I put in for everybody that asks because I can't give cities or organ, you know, uh programs what they don't ask for. Um, but I I'll text you the exact dollar amount for the program.

69
00:18:52.960 --> 00:19:08.480
>> We we we have it and I want to say thank you. Um, it's it's about a million from him and the other. But the bottom line, thank thank you, Rep. Thank you so very very very much. We appreciate you. Um, thank you. >> You all just on on on that point. No,

70
00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:24.799
no, no. That's good. I'm just I'm just making my point. Um, I did tell the um the the state rep that um despite his advocacy and we love him, but it's not everybody in his party and we know exactly what's going on and I beg the

71
00:19:24.799 --> 00:19:40.000
city don't even apply for nothing from Tallahassee, but they don't listen to me. So, I think rep we on notice. I know you're being very nice, but thank you. Um, in terms of we, you know, the concerns that you have in the residents,

72
00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:56.480
but I I think we need to urge them to call their specific elected officials on their concern because they are calling me and then when you called me last night, it was that. So, we are on notice and we would disagree. It is doge. It may be a different way of doing it, but thank you. Thank you so much.

73
00:19:56.480 --> 00:20:11.280
>> I haven't done anything yet. >> I know. I know. We are noticed. We got it. Thank you. Thank you so very much. U madame um m um madame clerk the there is a correction with the um consent agenda. It's tab A

74
00:20:11.280 --> 00:20:27.840
through G and we are on consent agenda. Thank you. >> Unless a member of the city council wishes to remove a specific item from this portion of the agenda. Tabs A through G constitute the consent agenda. These resolutions and items are self-explanatory and are not expected to require additional review or discussion. These items will be recorded as

75
00:20:27.840 --> 00:20:49.039
individually numbered resolutions adopted unanimously by the following motion. that the consent agenda comprised of tabs A through G be adopted. >> Thank you. >> Motion to um motion to approve. >> Second.

76
00:20:49.039 --> 00:21:07.200
>> I [snorts] have a motion made by Councilman Burns to approve the consent agenda. Seconded by Councilwoman Estimate Irvin. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> The motion carries with a 40 vote. Okay. And the next item is G.

77
00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:21.600
>> Tap J. >> I'm sorry. J. Yeah. >> A proposed resolution of the mayor and city council of the city of North Miami, Florida approving fiscal year 2026 2027 annual action plan under the community redevelopment block grant CDBG and home investment partnerships program home

78
00:21:21.600 --> 00:21:37.280
programs authorizing the city manager to submit the plan to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Albert >> HUD and to execute all necessary documents providing for an effective date and all other purposes. Tab J. >> Thank you. Public hearing is open on tab

79
00:21:37.280 --> 00:21:53.919
J. Public hearing is open. Seeing none, >> move for approval. >> Second. There's no >> I have a motion. >> Okay. >> I have a motion made by Councilwoman Estran to approve the item at tab J.

80
00:21:53.919 --> 00:22:10.320
Seconded by Mayor Desome. All in favor? Any opposed? The item passes with a 40 vote. >> Thank you. Um >> K. >> A proposed first reading ordinance of the mayor and city council of the city of North Miami, Florida, amending chapter 7 of the North Miami code of

81
00:22:10.320 --> 00:22:26.480
ordinances entitled finance by amending relevant sections of article 3 entitled procurement code to modify the procedure for selection of evaluation committees and further updating the title of the purchasing department to procurement department providing for repeal conflict severability codification and for an effective date. Tab K.

82
00:22:26.480 --> 00:22:42.720
>> Thank you so very much. Um, madame manager. >> So, this is an update to the procurement code regarding the selection committee. Um ma major changes include just changing the name from director um from manager to director and of procurement

83
00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:59.679
and also that the city manager would appoint the evaluation committee or its designate and that when appropriate the evaluation committee could have a non voting technical adviser to assist in the selection committee. >> Wait a minute. So who approve so who um

84
00:22:59.679 --> 00:23:14.159
appointed those? I thought this was just a title change. Um, so there are some others in the in the >> Yes. >> Yeah. Who approved them now? Is it the director? >> It's the director. >> Okay. So, you want to have that >> city manager? The city manager

85
00:23:14.159 --> 00:23:30.640
>> and also um you said something from manager to director. >> Yes. The language cuz >> it used to be called a manager, a pro a purchasing manager. Oh. >> And it's really director and it's really a procurement director. >> Oh, okay. But the biggest one is you'll

86
00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:47.520
be appointing the evaluation selection committee. >> Yes. >> In terms of that. Okay. >> Go ahead. >> Non non- voting technical person. Would that be a city employee or would it be a outside person? >> It it could be either just someone who

87
00:23:47.520 --> 00:24:04.240
has specialization in certain in that area >> that might be helpful. >> Committee. >> Yeah. It has to be for free. >> Yeah. >> Usually. Yeah. On selection committees they free. No, I meant the outside technical person to come advise us >> for the selection committee being

88
00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:20.520
sitting on the selection committee. That would be free. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Thank you. Um this is the first reading of this. Um go ahead. Um Madame Clerk, roll call.

89
00:24:22.960 --> 00:24:43.520
Public hearing was open. >> Move for approval. >> Oh, wait, wait, wait. Public hand was open but if it public hear open >> public hear closed Mike you good >> we good okay so move for approval >> I have a motion made by Councilwoman May

90
00:24:43.520 --> 00:24:59.279
Irvin to approve the item at tab K the motion was seconded by Councilman Burns Councilman Burns how do you vote yes >> Mayor Desome how do you vote >> yes >> Councilman Charles how do you vote Vice Mayor Timothy how do vote >> yes. >> Councilwoman as the mayor of Van Huti vote >> yes.

91
00:24:59.279 --> 00:25:21.120
>> The motion carries with a 40 vote. >> Thank you. And now we have discussion regarding the enchanted forest. Madam manager just so currently at the um Enchanted Forest as you can see this is kind of the

92
00:25:21.120 --> 00:25:37.760
condition of where um our stables are. Currently, we do have some lessons and where it is, but it is in need of um repair and to um look at um this look at this facility to see what can be

93
00:25:37.760 --> 00:25:54.400
done. We have a contract that has that has expired for over 5 years. Um yeah, it's it was expired in 2020 apparently. Um it allows her to continue to use it. So the facility has been um being used

94
00:25:54.400 --> 00:26:11.039
um but considering the amount of equestrian interest around the city uh we wanted to bring that to the attention here and we were looking to see if we can have some level of private participation to help us rebuild the the

95
00:26:11.039 --> 00:26:27.279
center into the right equestrian center or something that would be appropriate for our residents. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. I'm just so glad this came a couple months ago. We had a discussion and um not a

96
00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:43.520
discussion. Well, we did because something was in the paper and residents I've been getting calls regarding that. It's just despicable. Um I thought this would have been um a resolution to to go ahead and and put this out and do what we got to do. So, thank you, Madam

97
00:26:43.520 --> 00:26:58.400
Manager, for that. Public hearing is open on the item. And we see our former elected official, Mr. Roland. >> But it's a discussion item. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'm sorry. That That's true. We're just acknowledging you. So, >> well, I would I would ask I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

98
00:26:58.400 --> 00:27:16.400
>> I would ask that you uh allow me to speak for >> about this issue and I would ask that you allow Melissa Benton who's given the last 10 years of We're not doing that tonight, sir. I I respectfully Huh.

99
00:27:16.400 --> 00:27:33.440
Mayor Mayor Mayor respectfully I'm I don't want to say >> just wait. No, I'm saying but I understand private participation. >> No, no, no, no. Mr. Roland, listen to what I'm saying. I'm saying on this item to follow protocol. We're not doing that tonight, but she could wait a few minutes. We're going to open up public

100
00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:48.480
hearing. Then she could do that and you can discuss >> speak on this issue before you public hearing. You can do whatever you want. Um but not with >> but what is the discussion like with the acts or >> so we're just we're just getting ready to we would would like to just move

101
00:27:48.480 --> 00:28:02.640
forward with some an RFP which we would have to do anyway. Um but we were going to look for possibly an enhance and allow folks to give us feedback on what they would like you know that to look like. Okay, >> Mr. Mayor.

102
00:28:02.640 --> 00:28:19.360
>> Yes, sir. Um, the city, we did budget a decent amount of money out there this year and so did the CRA. The the city finally put the money to repair the shelters that had been closed for two years. Um, we put money into the

103
00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:37.120
invasive removal. We put money into restoring the um office and the residents out there and money is in this year's budget. Um, we >> How much money? few hundred thousands of dollars are in there. Um the CRA put 200,000 to do a

104
00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:53.520
cover over the u um the arena because this way you can use it year round. Um, and and there there's needs to be we have to follow a procedure and of course to an RFP, but I'm not looking and I know my the residents in that area are

105
00:28:53.520 --> 00:29:10.000
not looking for a Wellington type beautiful pristine, you know, horse kind of a, you know, where it's where it's perfect. people like the the rustic. >> No, no, no. You know, because we gonna have a um a discussion because couple

106
00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:26.240
weeks ago when this item somebody went to the media and it was on us >> and I felt so disappointed that someone went and now you saying the way it looks, they were complaining and I got residents. >> No, I agree that we do it. We have the

107
00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:42.399
money there to fix it. >> We we do not have enough money with 200 or 300. This thing looks so despicable. Um, it's it's really really bad. Yes, sir. >> The city the stall itself is owned by the city of North Miami. >> Yes, sir. >> And it was deferred and deferred for

108
00:29:42.399 --> 00:29:57.919
years and years that the city didn't make the investment. The last time that arena was restored was back in 2007208 by the city. That is part of our responsibility. What I'm saying is we go out for an RFP. if there's a new

109
00:29:57.919 --> 00:30:13.760
operator or there new public p private partnership. What I don't want is it to become um a pristine kind of a just so perfect that you're scared to have a good time. Families like it >> Mr. Burns. No, I want the best.

110
00:30:13.760 --> 00:30:30.399
>> We don't want the luxury aesthetic. And I and sometimes we use an example. If you've ever been in New York City and you go ice skating, you have the Rockefeller ice skating ring. You go there and it is uh uh you know it's very expensive and it's ice. But then you go into Central Park and it goes to the

111
00:30:30.399 --> 00:30:45.600
public ice skating rink. Everybody's there. They can afford it. It's beautiful. Hundreds of people having it. But they're two different things. Okay. What we need to think that is that accommodates the most of our residents who've been bringing their kids there for years and grandkids there. Just

112
00:30:45.600 --> 00:31:02.159
saying that we definitely got to replace the roofs. Two of them are in the process. and again continue to make clean up the deferred maintenance that we're doing. We do have to put an RFP out because of uh the the code procedure. Um but when we do it, let's not put it that the that that we're

113
00:31:02.159 --> 00:31:17.360
turning it into a Fortune 500. You know, >> I disagree. We want the best. >> We want the Of course, why not? >> Then our residents can't afford what some of the horse people will charge to. we going into. So are you saying you

114
00:31:17.360 --> 00:31:33.760
rather for it when you when I don't know who went to the media criticizing the city how it looks and this look despicable for anyone any area. So because I don't you you saying for to just state that I >> there's there's two different things there. There's the operation of the

115
00:31:33.760 --> 00:31:50.240
stables and then there's the facility. The facility is on us. We as a city for 10 years didn't do the investment that needed. This council last year did make the investment. The money is sitting in the account to do all this work. And the

116
00:31:50.240 --> 00:32:05.600
pictures that she showed up there, the money is there. It's just got to be spent. But at the same time, you the operator of the uh operator of the stables by rules, we have to put that out because that lease has expired. And

117
00:32:05.600 --> 00:32:21.760
let's see who bids on it. But I don't want to see us try to turn it into something that if you want to go horseback riding and the person's going to charge you $45 to go around the ring for a few minutes, that's not what we want. We want something that's familyfriendly that people, our residents can afford and it can be in

118
00:32:21.760 --> 00:32:38.960
first class shape. I'm not saying don't keep it as a derelch uh place. Uh because the the blame is on um uh the city and on the parks operation and >> so the person who's operating has no so it's all you. So it's all you because

119
00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:54.240
that's your Well, you've been you've been here for a couple years. So it's so that doesn't make no sense if if >> No, they have the the operator has has a responsibility and they've lacked on some of their responsibility. But the city if a roof is leaking that's on us. the fact that the

120
00:32:54.240 --> 00:33:09.519
>> why are you having >> because the shelters have been closed for two and a half years. Now they're going to be reopened by the end of the summer because we invested the money. We just have to invest in that park because it's been deferred not just the stables but the whole park. Now that process is

121
00:33:09.519 --> 00:33:25.760
under underway. Okay. We're getting working on getting rid of the manure, working on re uh the the moving the invasive. >> So madam manager, right now you need direction to put this out for bid. Is that what you're saying? >> Yes. Yes. Okay. I know. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> So, we'll put it out for a bit. Thank

122
00:33:25.760 --> 00:33:41.519
you. >> All right. All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um meeting Oh, public citizen for >> Yeah. >> I love it. >> Mayor, um council, my name is Frank Woolen. I'm here with Melissa Benton.

123
00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:57.360
She operates Eminem Stables. She's operated it for the past 10 years. I know a little bit about this stable because my kids used to make a quarter. >> Um >> I think I think we we we have a problem. Um >> you've lost a quum, haven't you?

124
00:33:57.360 --> 00:34:13.359
>> Yes. Um >> I'll stop until someone second, but go ahead. Republican. Go ahead, sir. >> I'd rather speak. I'd rather vote. So you could talk. Go ahead. I'm sorry. >> I know. I said I'd rather speak to a quorum >> if they're going to come back and vote >> not voting. We done. We done. We done.

125
00:34:13.359 --> 00:34:29.520
But you can listen. >> Listen. All right. I I'll speak. Go ahead. >> All right. I've worked in over a hundred stables. Um, some of you don't know my background, but at one time that's what I did in Central and North Florida.

126
00:34:29.520 --> 00:34:46.399
Yeah. More than a hundred over a couple of years. And um, Miss Benton really has run this place in an exemplary fashion. Mayor, I don't know when you were last there. I've never seen you there. >> Excuse me, sir. I was there last week.

127
00:34:46.399 --> 00:35:01.200
>> Okay. Well, >> and then guess what? I had to No, no, no. Let me ask you this. I haven't seen you. So, you don't know where I go 24/7. So, you said, "No, Frank, you got to take that back because I had residents who went and called me to come and see the stuff that was there. I don't want

128
00:35:01.200 --> 00:35:15.599
to use a word that was there." And and when I came in, I called the manager immediately and and she told me she had already went out and checked the stuff. >> Let me make myself clear. >> You have about 45. >> I'm going to make myself real clear, okay? I believe that this is being

129
00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:32.720
driven by a very wealthy family who'd like to have their own private stables here in North Miami. And I think that before you decide to put this out for an RFP and you lower

130
00:35:32.720 --> 00:35:47.359
the cone of silence, you ought to think about the community that has used the stable that will next year be in somebody's private stable paying, [laughter]

131
00:35:47.359 --> 00:36:05.680
you know, $100 an hour or $30 to take their kids on a pony ride. >> Thank you. No, it's really It's really disturbing. >> First of all, it's disturbing, mayor. You It's disturbing, Frank. >> Really? I didn't realize the city was for sale.

132
00:36:05.680 --> 00:36:21.040
>> Okay. Yeah. Thank you for Okay, we done. Thank you. Public hearing is done. Thank you. >> Can I speak? >> Speak. I'm done. >> Thank you. Hello. Thank you for your time. I'm Melissa Benton. and I run MM Equestrian Farm at uh the Enchanted

133
00:36:21.040 --> 00:36:37.599
Forest Park. And I appreciate the barn and the the farm being on the agenda because it's been something that I think has been a long time coming. As we said before, the RFP should have already went out. There was a lot of postponing due to COVID due to multiple

134
00:36:37.599 --> 00:36:55.839
park directors that each time we would get a little bit of forward mo motion or um traction to to get money or into the budget, we would either have a new director or there was a long time we went with no director. So my contact was

135
00:36:55.839 --> 00:37:11.359
often cut off or I did just didn't have any. So now we have a great director. We have a great group of people um that have been coming in. Um Mr. Burns has been super helpful since he's been in and I've gotten more attention from

136
00:37:11.359 --> 00:37:26.720
anyone in the city and the parks and recreation department than I've gotten in five years probably. So, I'm really excited to see it move forward. I know that we did get money from the CRA and I really appreciate that. Um we did have a

137
00:37:26.720 --> 00:37:43.200
lot of money, as Mr. Burn said go to shelters and the invasive air potato plants that are taking over the park and the office that was down for years. Um and now we are [clears throat] trying to also get that money brought to the barn. So as you guys see the pictures, the

138
00:37:43.200 --> 00:38:00.000
roof is rotting in multiple places and needs to be replaced. Um the fencing as well, the post, the fence boards are rotting, which we have been starting to fix the arena fence and it's looking amazing. Um, so I feel like we've been getting traction. I hope that we can

139
00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:16.480
keep moving forward. And I look forward to this RFP going out and getting the contract renewed and settled and and everything on track. So, I appreciate your help and I'm here to help. And I'm also going to

140
00:38:16.480 --> 00:38:32.560
>> Thank you so much, ma'am. >> Everyone an email. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. First of all, I've been here for 12 years. and you've been there for whoever been over this park for 10 years. But the fact that a former elected official

141
00:38:32.560 --> 00:38:49.359
would be here and make a ridiculous claim, we if we want to make claims, we could do that because first of all, how when the item was supposed to be on here, there was some people who went behind our backs [music] to the media

142
00:38:49.359 --> 00:39:05.760
against the North M. Yes. So if you don't know some details. So I could have Sir, we not we're not having that. This is okay. Well, no, no, no, no. M Mr. Roland, you know the process and you're an attorney. Used to be a mayor and a commissioner. I'm

143
00:39:05.760 --> 00:39:20.000
sorry, a city clerk. So you you know the process. You came and made whatever claim that you want to make, which you have the right to do. I have receipts also. So So excuse me, sir. So I'm just letting you know. And that was out of

144
00:39:20.000 --> 00:39:35.920
bound for you to even incinerate whatever you you wanted to claim this. We want the best for North Miami. And I would hope that's what you want as well. Regardless how any of us look

145
00:39:35.920 --> 00:39:58.079
or any rep um community that we represent. With that being said, thank you. Anyway, >> I can do the report. >> Well, um, in lighter news, city of North Miami was awarded the Florida Stormwater

146
00:39:58.079 --> 00:40:14.720
Association Award. Um, 2026 Outstanding Achievement Award for the North Miami Storm Water Parks and Transforming of Flooded Property into Resilient Infrastructure. It's recognizing the city's innovative accomplishments and outstanding commitment to storm water

147
00:40:14.720 --> 00:40:32.079
management practices. Um, and we recently started a um a project to continue to restore the storm water park that we have. Um, and with that, I also want to say happy birthday to Yama Pierre, chief of staff. And that's my

148
00:40:32.079 --> 00:40:48.880
announcements. Thank you. >> Will we defer the budget update for the next? >> We we could give it if you just be the only one to hear and then we don't have to do it next. >> I'm here. I work for you. So you want to present it, do you have to present it

149
00:40:48.880 --> 00:41:04.240
tonight by any >> No, no deadline. We can do it in the next meeting. >> I would like to see it >> the July meeting. So >> all right. Thank you so much. >> So

150
00:41:04.240 --> 00:41:19.258
that's it. >> The meeting's adjourned. Meeting is adjourned at 8:46 p.m. >> Good night everyone. [laughter]