WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 2 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=ip0ZvpV56ek Video-2: youtube.com/watch?v=ySlSuovSXmg NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: ip0ZvpV56ek): - 00:00:00: Meeting Called to Order; Public Comment Clarification - 00:02:02: Proclamation of Autism Soccer Day; Presentation by Founder - 00:07:24: Discussion of E-Bike Ordinance and Regulation Options - 00:13:55: Commissioners Debate E-Bike Sidewalk Ban; PD Input Requested - 00:23:42: Discussion on Health Benefits for Elected Officials - 00:29:54: Benefits if Officials Opt Out; City Manager Recommendation - 00:34:15: Benefits Resolution Required; Employee vs. Independent Contractor - 00:41:37: Extending Benefits, Municipal Purpose and Swearing-In Incident - 00:53:56: Back to Official Health Benefits; Commissioner Opinions on Duration - 00:58:16: Formalizing Benefits and Duration Options; Referendum Discussion - 01:05:36: Meeting Adjourned; Reminder of Upcoming Meetings Part 2 (Video ID: ySlSuovSXmg): - 00:02:35: Invocation, Meeting Minutes Approval, Opening Statement Read - 00:07:32: Agenda Modification for Mental Health Awareness Proclamation - 00:08:04: Ordinance 8A: Amending Subdivision Plat Approval Procedures - 00:09:24: Commission Discusses Concerns on Subdivision Approval Changes - 00:10:49: Commission Debates Adding Commission Notification to Ordinance - 00:14:37: Discussion of Amending Ordinance: Notification of Plats - 00:18:05: Commission Questions City Attorney About Adding Language - 00:22:10: Motion to Defer Ordinance 8A Until Next Meeting - 00:23:45: Ordinance 8B: Personal Delivery Devices and Mobile Carriers - 00:24:48: Public Comment: Steven Hirs on Delivery Device Ordinance - 00:26:43: Ordinance 8C: Amendment to Laia Beach Associates Lease - 00:28:03: Resolution 9A: Lifeguard Tower Purchase and Installation - 00:28:36: Commission Discusses Need for Additional Lifeguard Towers - 00:30:28: Adding a South Tower: Budget, Manpower, More Towers - 00:32:37: Resolution 9B: Lobbying Services Agreement with Ron Book - 00:33:08: Public Comment: Stephen Hirs, Importance of Lobbyist - 00:36:09: Commission Discusses Lobbying Priorities and Funding Requests - 00:37:46: Commission Appreciates Ron Book, and Legislative Process - 00:39:07: Resolution 9C: School Crossing Guard Services Agreement - 00:39:41: Commission Discusses Crossing Guards at Dangerous Intersections - 00:41:11: Investment in Crossing Guards in Sunny Isles Beach - 00:41:51: Resolutions 9D, 9E, 9F: Disaster Debris Management Agreements - 00:43:13: Clarifying the Primary, Secondary, and Management Agreements - 00:44:34: City's Hurricane Debris Policy, City's Right of Entry - 00:46:23: Resolution 9G: City Clerk Merit Salary Adjustment - 00:47:43: City Clerk's Salary Is Lowest in Surrounding Municipalities - 00:48:33: Commission Praises City Clerk's Office, Expressing Support - 00:50:12: Appreciating City Clerk Contributions, Experience, Performance - 00:53:38: Reviewing Process for Contract Review, Charter Officer Contracts - 00:55:30: City Manager Requests Consideration of Merit Adjustment - 00:56:51: Commission to Discuss Adjustment For City Manager Next Month - 00:58:10: Resolution 9H: Semiquincentennial Day Proclamation, July 4, 2026 - 00:59:18: Clarifying Plans for July 4th Celebration in the City - 01:01:45: Resolution 9I: Recognizing National Law Month, May 2026 - 01:02:52: Resolution 9J: Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation - 01:04:12: Citizens Forum: Stephen Hirs Appreciates Police Department - 01:06:53: Citizens Forum: Ena Stern Concerns, Water Leak, Elevator - 01:11:11: Commissioner Discusses Accountability, Responsibility for Issues Part: 1 1 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:28.720 Right. --------- Good afternoon everyone. Hello. Um, calling the meeting to order. >> Mauricio. >> Commissioner Joseph. >> Present. >> Commissioner Styverson >> here. >> Commissioner Vascara. Excuse me. Vice 2 00:00:28.720 --> 00:00:43.440 Mayor Var >> also here. >> Commissioner Lama >> here. >> Mayor Fetchin >> here. >> All members present. >> Okay. Wonderful. So, uh, for those that are watching, since there's not really anyone in the audience, uh, you may have noticed that we're doing this a little 3 00:00:43.440 --> 00:00:59.039 bit earlier. Um, this was a decision by the commission in order to be more inclusive and allow for more time for the public to engage and to have time for public comment. So the the the meeting is going to go a little bit different than you're all used to. Uh 4 00:00:59.039 --> 00:01:15.280 we're going to start with public comment first. Um so Mauricio, if you can just explain the process that it would normally take. >> Yeah. So normally um public comments are reserved for the 6:30 meeting where we allow the public to speak on any item 5 00:01:15.280 --> 00:01:31.520 that's listed on the agenda and we go a per item basis with a traditional citizens forum at the end of that meeting. However, for the workshops, um, we're adding this new section for public comments where the public can come and speak on any item that's listed on that 6 00:01:31.520 --> 00:01:47.119 agenda. However, whatever comments are made are limited strictly to what's listed on this agenda and not, like I said, the traditional citizens forums that we have at 6:30. >> Okay. Thank you. So, again, for clarification, if people want to participate and bring up whatever it is 7 00:01:47.119 --> 00:02:02.399 they want connected to the city, they should come at 6:30 and wait for the citizen form. Okay. Wonderful. So with that, do we have any public comments? >> We do not. >> Okay. Thank you. So let's start with those special presentations. >> Okay. The first item on the agenda is 3A 8 00:02:02.399 --> 00:02:19.360 proclamation uh for Autism Soccer Day. Commissioner Cyson, you want me to read the proclamation? Okay. The proclamation reads, "Whereas Autism Soccer is an an organization founded in 2012 to create inclusive opportunities for individuals with 9 00:02:19.360 --> 00:02:35.200 autism through soccer, sportsbased activities, and community support. And whereas autism soccer promotes social inclusion, skill development, confidence, and meaningful participation for children, youth, and adults with autism spectrum disorder in an environment of support, understanding, 10 00:02:35.200 --> 00:02:52.239 and encouragement. Whereas through adapted soccer training, autism soccer helps participants develop physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills while promoting teamwork, discipline, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Whereas autism soccer has impacted 11 00:02:52.239 --> 00:03:06.959 thousands of children and families and continues to expand its mission of inclusion and opportunity through programs, events, education, and advocacy. And whereas autism soccer day provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of inclusive recreational programming and to celebrate the 12 00:03:06.959 --> 00:03:23.200 abilities, talents, and contributions of individuals with autism. Whereas the city of Sunny Al Beach supports efforts that promote acceptance, inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement for individuals of all abilities. Now therefore, Dwis Fetchin and on behalf of 13 00:03:23.200 --> 00:03:39.120 the city commission of the city of Sunny Al Beach hereby proclaim April 18th, 2026 as autism soccer day in the city of Sunny Al Beach. >> Wonderful. >> Did you want to say a few words? >> Yes, I'm going to read something. So, in honor of April as autism month, I can 14 00:03:39.120 --> 00:03:54.000 request a proclamation recognizing autism soccer and his founder Oscar Amus. More than a decade ago, Oscar Amu CEO and founder Autism Soccer realized that sport require a new architecture to accommodate neurodeiversity. After 15 00:03:54.000 --> 00:04:09.760 founding the hope of for autism united for soccer foundation in 2013, his work has evolved to create a robust business and educational ecosystem. Documenting in his literary publications that today serve as a global guide. Today, autism 16 00:04:09.760 --> 00:04:25.360 soccer is active in 28 countries and has impacted the life of over 25,000 children and adults with autism. So, we have here Oscar Amus from Autism Soccer to receive the proclamation. So, if I may, I would like to invite him to say a few words. 17 00:04:25.360 --> 00:04:49.360 >> Sure. Please come up. Honorable mayor, council woman, council men, members of the this this beautiful city. I'm I'm your neighbor. I'm from North Miami. I want to appreciate I want to appreciate for this recognition. For me, this is more than a recognition 18 00:04:49.360 --> 00:05:06.560 because it's a significant uh put our name on the company for many many years working and for us is is a really honor to receive this proclamation. Today we serve at least nine kids for you community. They're going to play with us in Opaloka. Our 19 00:05:06.560 --> 00:05:23.039 organization is in 17 country. We're going to be close to 20 this year with the World Cup. Everything's going to be better. And um we serve a lot of kids around the world and we develop our own methodology and our franchise and we're looking forward in the future try to fit 20 00:05:23.039 --> 00:05:39.199 our program in this city but I think it's too small. It's like too many people here but we have the neighbors who help us to to receive the kids. So for that commissioner Fabola thank you so much for the proclamation. Honorable Mayor Larissa thank you so much for the 21 00:05:39.199 --> 00:07:24.960 for the support in all of you and the in the community. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Thank you. We'll come down and take a picture. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> No. Yes. There you go. Okay. >> Okay. Mauricio, 22 00:07:24.960 --> 00:07:42.800 >> the next item on the agenda, well, we're now into discussion items. 4 A is a discussion regarding ebikes ordinance. >> Okay, vice mayor. So this is uh you know as the memo um states like this is basically a a followup slashpiggyback on 23 00:07:42.800 --> 00:07:59.520 the scooter ordinance. The idea is to for me you know obviously to close the loophole well if we we're not going to be on a scooter then we're going to get an ebike and then we just have a different kind of problem. And I would like to be able to take action if 24 00:07:59.520 --> 00:08:15.520 possible in this sort of with in the same timeline as the scooter so that there's the summer to adjust and make plans. Uh and that's um so that's basically I'm just bringing it up. I know that we couldn't do them together because the 25 00:08:15.520 --> 00:08:31.440 laws are a little different. So maybe Allan can explain a little bit about that. But I just need to know, we need to know if everybody's on board with adding the ebikes to to as a new ordinance to address the same problem. 26 00:08:31.440 --> 00:08:50.480 >> So for clarification, I think it would be very helpful if the city attorney could give us some guidance as to what we can and cannot do. >> Please. >> Uh, excuse me. Um, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners. Uh so ebikes uh in the 27 00:08:50.480 --> 00:09:05.600 second to last legislative session if you recall with the scooters they passed some additional uh legislation with regards to uh two components. One adding the age restriction capability of cities to 28 00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:21.600 regulate as well as requiring identification. At the same time they did the same for ebikes which are defined separately and they're actually regulated separately in a different statute. >> If I just want to interrupt you for a moment. So if I can get clarification 29 00:09:21.600 --> 00:09:36.560 because I know there's a difference between ebikes and then electrical bikes that have pedals, right? >> So actually ebikes are the ones that have pedals and have a seat. >> Okay. The ones that don't have pedals. >> We don't have those that are just basically dirt bikes but electric motors. >> We can't regulate. 30 00:09:36.560 --> 00:09:51.680 >> Those are regulated by the state. You have to have a registration like a vehicle. >> If you can speak to those both of those, please. >> Okay. >> What we're speaking of here are electric bicycles, which I won't read the definition, but essentially it's a bicycle that's power assisted. It has 31 00:09:51.680 --> 00:10:08.480 pedals, it has a seat, uh, it pretty much looks like a bicycle. It just power systems. Uh, and there's three classifications of them under the statute. Again, I won't go through each one, but the other that you referenced is basically these dirt bikes, so-called 32 00:10:08.480 --> 00:10:25.760 dirt bikes that have electric motors instead of gasoline motors, which those are actually have to be registered like you would a motorcycle. And you have to have a driver's license in order to operate those. um uh you have some I understand from uh PD you know having 33 00:10:25.760 --> 00:10:41.200 dealt with a few of them here but generally what we're talking about here regulating would be the electric bicycles which are conventional bicycles power assisted. >> Just may I ask a question? >> Sure. >> The the dirt bikes um they are 34 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:56.079 considered vehicles, right? So they do not go on the sidewalks, >> right? >> Okay. >> Yeah. Um so with the ebicycles again there's a separate statutory section dealing with that but generally they're treated like reg regular bicycles with 35 00:10:56.079 --> 00:11:11.680 some exceptions. Um but where bicycles can go generally ebikes can go as well. uh I won't go through the whole statute but I can provide that to you separately you know by email uh because it's relatively short with regards to electric bicycles but they have some 36 00:11:11.680 --> 00:11:29.440 additional components um that uh that are attributable just to them that wouldn't be attributable to a regular bicycle for the most part wherever a bicycle can go any um including sidewalks. So there's no 37 00:11:29.440 --> 00:11:46.800 you are allowed to under statute to regulate them. If you want them off the sidewalk, you can have them off the sidewalks. Uh generally they're allowed certainly um in the bike lanes and as with regular bicycles on your lanes of 38 00:11:46.800 --> 00:12:03.519 travel in roadways and streets, but they have to be to the far right of that lane. You know, the same regulations that take place. So to the extent you regulate them, uh similar to vice mayor, what you said, if you want to be consistent with the scooters, um you could from a messaging standpoint as 39 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:18.480 well as a regulatory standpoint, uh have the age restriction on there as well, have the identification requirement on there as well. And again, that's up to you whether you want to ban them on sidewalks or not. Uh we could add that component. Um 40 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:35.200 the uh so you do have some leverage there in being able to to regulate them. You do have an existing bicycle ordinance. So we would just need to I couldn't tell you right now exactly where we would put this regulation whether it would be under the more 41 00:12:35.200 --> 00:12:51.279 sort of broad electric vehicle section of your code or whether we combine it with the regular bicycle one and we'll see where it fits best. We certain certainly want them to be complimementaryary but um you know that's just a logistical 42 00:12:51.279 --> 00:13:06.000 standpoint. I mean if you give us direction to enact something then we'll just make it fit. >> So um before we get into discussion just for more clarification do we currently use any ebikes with the PD? >> I know we did in the past. 43 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:22.560 >> I could I don't know. Um, one, so if we had an uh now a ordinance that would not allow ebikes on sidewalks, that would include the PD. Correct. >> It would, but there's certainly some exceptions. If you're in hot pursuit, 44 00:13:22.560 --> 00:13:38.720 for the lack of a better term, there's >> certain different rules that apply just as a, >> you know, you're supposed to obey the speed limit as the chief knows, but if you're pursuing someone, you may exceed the speed limit. So, >> I'm talking about aside from the exceptions though. I mean, generally >> we could carve that out. We could carve 45 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:55.920 that out, >> right? I mean, we could >> I'm not too concerned about the one bicycle. >> All right. I just want to be consistent. All right. So, let's uh Who would like to go first? Okay. Go ahead, Commissioner Joseph. >> Um, >> just talk closer to your microphone. >> Yes. So, um, originally when we did the, 46 00:13:55.920 --> 00:14:14.320 uh, city survey, residents had, uh, requested and by by unanimous decision to have scooters as well as ebikes off the sidewalks. I believe it was 70% that um, asked that that happen. Um, it 47 00:14:14.320 --> 00:14:28.959 was my intent when I originally asked for a full ban on ebikes and scooters. um which then was modified. Um it was my intent though to include uh ebikes at 48 00:14:28.959 --> 00:14:45.360 that time. So which I'm uh 100% for including them now um and banning the ebikes from the sidewalks. Actually the ebikes have had more occurrences with pedestrians than scooters on the 49 00:14:45.360 --> 00:15:02.480 sidewalks. Um, so residents would be so overwhelmingly happy to have those off the sidewalks. >> Okay. Anyone else? >> The the scooters cannot be banned from 50 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:18.000 the sidewalks, right? But the they can, but Okay. >> Okay. Well, it's it gets I don't want to put kids on the street, >> right? But I feel like we have less 51 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:35.519 ebikes than scooters. So maybe banning the ebikes from the sidewalks would be less of a problem because they have scooters as an alternative if they really want to be on the sidewalk. >> Does it make it confusing for people to figure out? >> That's the thing. Um I like to be 52 00:15:35.519 --> 00:15:50.720 consistent, but I can see how ebikes would create um they're just clunkier, right? then you're you're more likely to to hit a pedestrian >> and they go faster. >> So, 53 00:15:50.720 --> 00:16:08.160 >> I don't know. I mean, I don't I'm I'm not sure. I I'm I'm inclined to say no ebikes on the sidewalks. Um but it may create confusion and I I mean, I don't know if maybe if PD wants to weigh in on that later. Um what they 54 00:16:08.160 --> 00:16:23.040 think would be better for for them enforcement wise. Well, >> um, but >> later, >> but I think for me the the obviously I mean I think you guys heard from kids as well like they're like, "Oh, no scooters great. I'll get an ebike." And that's 55 00:16:23.040 --> 00:16:39.199 been the that's been the loophole. And so we want to make sure we address that. uh and for me I think the victory would be if we can see uh a significant reduction or complete elimination of of all of this going to 56 00:16:39.199 --> 00:16:54.639 and from school in the mornings and in the afternoons. That's why I thought the age uh was important because if you're 16, you're in high school. So we shouldn't be seeing you going to and from SIBK. So I for me, as long as we're 57 00:16:54.639 --> 00:17:09.520 accomplishing that, um I'm I'm open to suggestions. >> Um Commissioner Lama, do you want to weigh in? >> Yeah. So I I'd like to hear from from our police department and then from um ordinance perspective. I'd like to 58 00:17:09.520 --> 00:17:26.480 understand if so you you had mentioned we will need a well we already have an ordinance, right? Um regarding ebikes or the state does. >> No. So you already have your ordinance is forgetting state law right now. Your ordinance says you have an ordinance on regular bicycles >> on bicycles, right? Okay. 59 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:42.480 >> And then we have obviously the motor scooter >> uh ordinance which also includes some other like segways. Not that anybody uses those anymore, but things like like that it's a little bit more encompassing. >> Um and we the ebikes we just have to 60 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:57.200 really look for placement where it would fit best. But again, it could be in conjunction with the bicycles or it could be in conjunction with the scooters. It's just a matter of placement. Okay. From state statute standpoint, >> uh obviously they're regulated by state statute as well. There's minimum 61 00:17:57.200 --> 00:18:12.480 requirements for ebikes uh as they are for bicycles and scooters and so on and so forth. So those are complimentary of course. And again, I'm not I'm not talking about the dirt bikes, right? The electric dirt bikes. that that's state law that that's well regulated and and 62 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:28.960 PD has a good handle on those. Um but uh so there's both state regulation and then of course the the important localization of it is from the legislature last year which gives you that ability 63 00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:47.679 to do the age restriction and the identification requirement because that's not required on the state statute. So that gives you a little bit more oomph on the local level than you do at the state level. >> All right. So it will be basically the same as the current uh motorized scooter 64 00:18:47.679 --> 00:19:02.240 ordinance we have. >> If that's what you all decide that you want to keep it >> for word we could keep it this consistent, >> right? So from a messaging standpoint it may be better because you can say it's scooters and ebikes and and they're the same. if you do some disparity. I mean, 65 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:17.280 you could still I think to the commissioner's point, you could still ban them on sidewalks, I think, without confusion because an ebike is an ebike and a scooter's a scooter. >> Um, but, uh, from that standpoint, I mean, if you stay with the same age and 66 00:19:17.280 --> 00:19:34.080 the same requirement for identification, uh, again, from a management standpoint and enforcement standpoint, it's a little easier. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Commissioner Stewen. Nothing. Go ahead, Commissioner Joseph. >> I would just like to say >> your microphone's not on. 67 00:19:34.080 --> 00:19:52.480 >> Sorry. I would like to say that um having the 16-year um age uh requirement now would and then including the ebikes, it would give us a further um leverage 68 00:19:52.480 --> 00:20:10.080 and also idea going forward. Uh, as to what incidents we have, I have to I know the PD currently um doesn't take accident reports. They only take event reports and I don't know 69 00:20:10.080 --> 00:20:26.000 if actually they keep them recorded or not. But I'd like to be able to somehow gauge in the future once uh the new school year comes around um to see whether we would um and according to how 70 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:42.240 many incidents we actually have um on the sidewalks uh with pedestrians uh to see what uh the commission might need to do to further ban these um motorized vehicles. 71 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:59.120 >> Okay. So, um, do we have then consensus that we would make it consistent with the scooters? >> I'd like to make it consistent. Yes. >> Okay. >> But I mean, I would like some feedback from the police department, though. We'll need to >> Well, I Vice Mayor, were you hoping to 72 00:20:59.120 --> 00:21:16.320 get this on the agenda tonight? >> No. Well, >> no, we can't. >> We can't we can't do it. >> It would be an ordinance and you're changing you're adding laws to your book. So, I would I would >> preferably it should be on the agenda. Okay. proper notice, >> but we can start best the messaging 73 00:21:16.320 --> 00:21:33.360 >> if we have consensus on what the parameters are going to be. So, for example, age and ID the same as scooters. If you want us to throw in there as we're drafting this proposed ordinance for you to consider on first reading, we can throw in there a ban on the sidewalk and see how that reads. >> I would like to see that. And then um 74 00:21:33.360 --> 00:21:48.480 from that point forward then you know between at second at first reading and second reading you know we can have input from everyone and see if there's anything you want to tweak but at least we if we have direction to bring to you those major component the only thing 75 00:21:48.480 --> 00:22:04.880 that from a messaging standpoint uh I think you can start if you want if that's your decision um but we'd have to have clarity on definitely age um identification ation requirement and then if you do want to ban them on sidewalk. 76 00:22:04.880 --> 00:22:20.320 >> Yes. >> So the age and the identification I think we have clarity as far as the sidewalk. >> No sidewalk. >> No sidewalk. >> No sidewalks and also the ebikes go at a at a speed that allows them to be in the 77 00:22:20.320 --> 00:22:36.400 roadway. >> Uh commissioner >> that's correct. That's correct. And that's generally if you read the statute it's really the the crux of the statute really directs even bicycles humanpowered bicycles that I know and it really belongs in the street. Um they do 78 00:22:36.400 --> 00:22:54.320 allow the use on the sidewalk but again they make it very clear that cities can regulate them off the sidewalk and they are I mean ebikes are it's personal opinion but they are overpowered and it may be difficult on a sidewalk especially the narrower sidewalks. So if 79 00:22:54.320 --> 00:23:10.480 you want us to throw that in there you know we can do that. Yes. All right. But I mean, I know as far as regular bicycles, we could regulate them, but historically, we've left them on the sidewalk to avoid pushing kids out onto the street, >> but with ebikes, it's a different story. Commissioner Lama, are you in support or 80 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:26.400 against them? >> No. No sidewalks. Yeah. >> No sidewalks. Vice Mayor, this is your >> meaning no sidewalks. And so, it sounds like we have >> consensus. Look, we can we have consensus and if there is public the public wants to come out, we'll give them plenty of time to come out and speak or against. We'll draft the 81 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:42.720 ordinance and have it for you. >> Okay. Wonderful. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, Vice Mayor. >> You're welcome. >> So, it's hold on. So, it's May. So, it's So, we'll have first reading June, second reading July, and it'll be in place >> in time immediately. >> Perfect. >> Yeah. In time for school year. >> All right. Next item. 82 00:23:42.720 --> 00:24:00.159 >> 4B is a discussion regarding health benefits for elected officials. >> Okay. Mr. City Manager, >> Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of the commission, as we consistently kind of audit our procedures and processes, it was discovered that health 83 00:24:00.159 --> 00:24:15.840 insurance benefits to the elected officials were provided via a memorandum back in 2009. So, as part of that memo, it states that 84 00:24:15.840 --> 00:24:30.960 there was supposed to be a follow-up resolution, something formalizing the benefits that you all receive that are separate from your compensation in the charter. Mhm. 85 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:47.600 >> We cannot locate anywhere where there was some sort of formal resolution or anything that established what those benefits should be. So what we need to do now is we need to hear from you 86 00:24:47.600 --> 00:25:03.360 what those what you believe those benefits should be and then bring that back to you in a formal resolution so that you can vote on it and the process will be in place going forward. >> So this does not have anything to do 87 00:25:03.360 --> 00:25:18.960 with your compensation which is set by the charter. This is related strictly to your health insurance and benefits that you get from the city. >> Okay. So just for for for clarification despite the fact that we have no one in 88 00:25:18.960 --> 00:25:36.720 the room imagining people are watching right now the city commission receive can opt in doesn't automatically receive but can opt in for health benefits same as city employees. Correct. It's the same exact benefits that they can opt into. >> Yes. >> U all right. And since tw 2012 89 00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:52.480 >> it was there was a memo in 2009 that made it effective in 2010. So this process has been in place since 2010. >> Okay. Since 2010 all commissioners that wanted to including the mayor opt in were were eligible to receive the health 90 00:25:52.480 --> 00:26:08.880 benefits and now we just need to codify it. >> Correct. >> Okay. So um who would like to give their input? Commissioner Joseph, you like going first? >> So, for the commission and the mayor, uh, 91 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:25.840 considering that we're opted in, the city pays the entire cost of our health insurance. >> It depends upon your benefit selection, but essentially, yes. >> Okay. Because I know I have the family 92 00:26:25.840 --> 00:26:43.360 plan, so I'm paying additional for my wife and daughter. I pay that out of my own pocket. I wasn't actually aware how much the city pays towards my health insurance. >> Yes, we pay for your single cost and 93 00:26:43.360 --> 00:26:59.919 then you can add on family coverage. >> Right. So, I pay the family coverage. >> I wasn't aware how much the city was contributing towards mine. I just knew that there was an amount that I paid each month. So mayor if I in furtherance of the 94 00:26:59.919 --> 00:27:15.520 discussion uh some other cities provide these health benefits insurance beyond the term of the elected officials. So if that's something you would like to discuss we're trying to formalize all of 95 00:27:15.520 --> 00:27:31.200 this and put it into a resolution to bring back to you next month. >> Okay. >> So if I if I can add more specifically. So some jurisdictions. So under chapter 112 um you are required for your retiring 96 00:27:31.200 --> 00:27:48.400 employees and retiring is defined by state statute uh to keep them or give them the option to stay on your health insurance plan comingled with your regular employees. That's required. Uh under your home rule powers though under chapter 162 you are allowed to 97 00:27:48.400 --> 00:28:03.279 extend that to others. So if you wanted to let's say do it for all your employees, you could, right? Um and if you want to do it and confer that upon yourselves, you can do that as well. Uh so that's why some cities have opted to 98 00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:20.559 do that where uh once an official leaves their term that there's a continuation of benefits for finite amount of time depending on what you all want, but some certain cities do that. So as we were looking at because we were candidly it 99 00:28:20.559 --> 00:28:36.880 took a while for us to figure out when these were conferred on you >> and exactly what was conferred on you. So we started looking at everything and what other cities do as well and that was just one of the things that uh other some cities do. So since we're 100 00:28:36.880 --> 00:28:52.399 memorializing it officially now as it should be because it should be by resolution since it is conferred as a governing body to yourselves that there's only two ways you can really speak and that's through resolution or ordinance. So it needs to be memorialized someplace uh because 101 00:28:52.399 --> 00:29:08.480 frankly like I said it was hard for us to find you know who do you ask what are you entitled to? What do you get? It just wasn't anywhere. So, we need to have that certainly memorialized. But, as we're doing that, we're revisiting exactly what it is you all want and then 102 00:29:08.480 --> 00:29:24.480 we'll be able to put that together and make it official. >> And I had um asked and again for clarification, um the body needs is treated equally. So, the mayor cannot opt out, meaning we can't opt out of it in the ordinance >> individually opt out. I mean, in the ordinance, you can't carve it out. 103 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:38.240 That's what I meant. >> How do you mean? So that if you were to do benefits but would not include the mayor, >> you could do that if you wanted to because again you're you're not >> state statute does not require you to it 104 00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:54.799 only requires you to do it for your >> retirees uh again as defined by Florida law. >> Okay. >> Um what you confer upon yourselves or upon other employees and extend to them that's under your home rule powers under 105 00:29:54.799 --> 00:30:10.799 162. So you could do what you want in that regard as you know. So if you want to opt someone out, you can. >> Um because currently, for example, >> you all get a stipen if you opt out. >> So under chapter 112 currently, if you're still employed with the city, and 106 00:30:10.799 --> 00:30:27.120 by employee, you're not really employed, but um if you're being paid by the city uh and you are on the health plan, the stipen is okay. According to the attorney general, the continuation of a stipen post employment or postterm may be an issue 107 00:30:27.120 --> 00:30:43.200 under the extra compensation statute. So, we'd have to look at that a little bit. Um, but I think if you at at the minimum, if you were at least staying on the plan, uh, but then there would be no need for a stipen thereafter. So, that we'd have to massage and look at a 108 00:30:43.200 --> 00:30:58.799 little bit. But uh currently the practice of the stipen in lie of the actual coverage is permissible in the Florida law. >> Um because I believe you do have that option. So that that's still fine. >> Okay. And what if well I wanted to just 109 00:30:58.799 --> 00:31:14.799 hear from the city manager. Is there any sort of recommendation as to how long after leaving office and what that would look like? I think for us and having dealt with this over the past many years there needs to be a definitive time period. >> Okay. 110 00:31:14.799 --> 00:31:31.679 >> So the discussion has been a transitionary time in that when your term is up you then go out and seek your own insurance. Right? So perhaps a year, perhaps two 111 00:31:31.679 --> 00:31:48.640 years. And then I think my recommendation would be if this is something you're considering, I would include all of the commission, the mayor and the commissioners so that we don't have to then go back and change it if 112 00:31:48.640 --> 00:32:06.399 there's a new electorate in upcoming years. So in other words, if you're going to establish this benefit, well, first we need to define what the benefit is. We know right now it's health insurance for all of you. >> Then second, if it's going to be applicable, it should be applicable to 113 00:32:06.399 --> 00:32:22.799 all of you. And then third, there should be some sort of definitive time period. >> Okay? >> And there's two little caveats. uh one of course um in determining these benefits you ultimately have to determine that there's a municipal 114 00:32:22.799 --> 00:32:37.440 purpose to it right because you're expending funds as with anything else. So uh inherent in whatever decisions you make in the background there you have to be able to justify that there's a municipal purpose. Um generally providing benefits to elected officials 115 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:55.200 is is deemed to be a public purpose. Um so that's not so much an issue. The only other thing I would recommend because your charter is a little vague on this issue. So depending who you ask, so there there's if you look at attorney general opinions, um they treat benefits 116 00:32:55.200 --> 00:33:10.880 for the most part as compensation. Your charter under C2.6 talks about compensation and what you're entitled to as compensation. So one could argue that that's it. That's your only compensation. You don't get anything else. I'm not going into that 117 00:33:10.880 --> 00:33:27.279 interpretation because you as a governing body are the arbiters and interpreters if there's any sort of vagueness to the language. Um, so we could still do it by resolution, but just in the future where you if you 118 00:33:27.279 --> 00:33:43.039 get to a point where you're amending your charter again, I would recommend that you make it more specific in this section that compensation either does include benefits or does not and what those may be. So, for example, that you're entitled to the same benefits that are conferred upon regular 119 00:33:43.039 --> 00:33:59.440 employees, something to that effect. >> So, in the future, if there's someone if there's a debate about this, it's clear. So, you don't need to do it now. You could do it by resolution, >> but just as a belt and suspenders type of situation in the future, if you have an opportunity to u amend your charter, 120 00:33:59.440 --> 00:34:15.760 I would clarify that language in there so there's no question in the future. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um, let let's let someone else go first. Commissioner Susan, did you want to? >> But do we need this resolution? Is it mandatory to make it? So we have to 121 00:34:15.760 --> 00:34:31.919 >> you you if you're going to receive these benefits, it needs to be memorialized someplace. Yes, >> it has to. Like we cannot go around it, >> right? You you need you need some sort of action from the commission, not just what was what occurred in 2009 or 2010 122 00:34:31.919 --> 00:34:48.720 where somebody say, "Yeah, let's do this." And nothing else happened. It needs to be memorialized. That's what I want when I say it it has to. Yes. >> We don't have any other option. >> Correct. >> So, okay. Another thing because according >> it's a resolution. >> Okay. According to the IRS, 123 00:34:48.720 --> 00:35:04.880 we are employees because we receive a W2. So, federally in I mean in the eyes of the IRS, are we or we are not employees? >> Well, I can't give you tax advice, but from a taxing standpoint, you are because you do get W2s. You were paid 124 00:35:04.880 --> 00:35:21.119 through a payroll system, right? >> But you are from a traditional employment employer relationship. >> You don't fit that because you work for the voters. You don't work for the city. Okay? City manager can't fire you. The city commission can't fire you. So, 125 00:35:21.119 --> 00:35:38.560 you're an employee from that standpoint for tax purposes because you are paid through payroll. But you do not in a traditional employer employee relationship. >> Well, but that's an interpretation as well because again in the of the IRS, we 126 00:35:38.560 --> 00:35:55.280 are employees, >> but there's different things. If you get sued for t under title 7, you're not an employee. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, there's different variations, but for purposes of you getting paid, the city can only pay you really as because it is a salary. it. That's 127 00:35:55.280 --> 00:36:13.200 the only way that it can pay you. But again, the scope of an employer employee relationship is far broader than just your method of payment, right? So you nobody in the city except the voters can fire you, for example, right? Nobody else can tell you what to do except what 128 00:36:13.200 --> 00:36:28.480 you as a governing body have set forth in your code and your bylaws and so on and so forth. So you do not fit the traditional and this is something that has been discussed in every local government in Florida that I know of because these issues come up when let's say 129 00:36:28.480 --> 00:36:44.079 an elected official does something in violation of title 7 or does uh something in violation of any other federal law. The defenses afforded to employers gets it gets convoluted because you're not an employee. So I 130 00:36:44.079 --> 00:37:00.880 don't have control. the city manager's defenses for his employees with regards to let's say again title 7 is what he does in response to that and what he has in place as policies right but >> Alan if you can just so people understand when you're saying title seven if you can clarify that 131 00:37:00.880 --> 00:37:16.720 >> it's title 7 is a vehicle but it's a statutory vehicle where the civil rights act applies to you as a governmental body and to employers as well um so if you get sexually harassed if you are age discriminate not Sorry, that's ADA. Uh 132 00:37:16.720 --> 00:37:34.240 sexual harassment, a variety of of the suspect classifications that you are you're protected under title 7. Um those defenses aren't always available because you are not employees. The city manager can't conf cannot tell you what 133 00:37:34.240 --> 00:37:49.520 to do, right? His policies don't apply to you. You're not his employees. So that creates a so in that sense, you are not an employee. And for the most part, you are not employees. You're independent. You answer only to the voters. The mechanism by which you're 134 00:37:49.520 --> 00:38:05.920 paid is just just that. It's a mechanism by which you're paid. And the IRS requires taxation in that circumstance. >> Okay. Commissioner Stevenson, you have more to add. >> Um Okay. Let take turns. 135 00:38:05.920 --> 00:38:22.720 >> Uh Commissioner Lama. >> Yeah. Yeah, I'm just taking it all in. But um so I guess we'll have to define So now we know we have to do this. We'll just have to define what that benefit would be and um for how long basically. 136 00:38:22.720 --> 00:38:38.720 >> Well, it could be it could be status quo which you all have now. We don't have to change anything. It could be exactly what you're getting now. At the very minimum >> understood. Yeah. But I mean >> at the very minimum we just need to memorialize what you're getting now. If you want to add something else on top of that, then that's up to you all. But at the very least, we need to memorialize 137 00:38:38.720 --> 00:38:53.599 what you currently get. >> And you mentioned that other cities do extend the benefit to other uh >> some do. >> Some do. Okay. Could we perhaps look at some examples of other cities that that 138 00:38:53.599 --> 00:39:08.480 do this just to get a better understanding? >> We could. I I think I'm trying to remember if Dural I think Dural does it because we were there for a while. Um there I mean there's some that come to mind, but yeah, we could I mean we could >> Yeah, I'd like to understand what the 139 00:39:08.480 --> 00:39:25.680 what that benefit entails for for elected officials that obviously are not no longer there >> and the longer the period. So again, you always have to attach municipal purpose, right? >> Mhm. So if for as the city manager said 140 00:39:25.680 --> 00:39:40.320 if you justify it as a transition type period where it's two three years postterm to help you transition to private market or whatever else or another employer so on and so forth. Um that's fine. If you 141 00:39:40.320 --> 00:39:58.000 say into infinity until death that's harder to justify as a municipal purpose. Right? If you're 89 years old and you served when you were 40, it's a little hard to justify the municipal purpose and continuing those benefits to that time period. So the longer you go, 142 00:39:58.000 --> 00:40:13.680 the harder it is to justify the municipal purpose. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um yes, >> if I may answer one question. Um our HR department did reach out to some neighboring communities to see what they do offer and only three so far have 143 00:40:13.680 --> 00:40:32.960 responded. NMBB um they have covers the employee benefits and if you have any dependent coverage as Commissioner Joseph mentioned they're responsible for that and their benefits are offered when they term out. They continue beyond their term. City of Aventura um same 144 00:40:32.960 --> 00:40:48.880 thing. They cover the employee dependents they have to pay for and at the end of their term um they're eligible for COBRA and then Town of Suride um basically offers nothing. >> Well, COBRA actually >> they're not eligible. Um 145 00:40:48.880 --> 00:41:05.200 >> COBRA runs only for a short period. >> Hold on, Commissioner Joseph. Um Commissioner Lama, did you have anything else you wanted to ask? Did did you mention the time period there or is >> for for NMBB? What's the time period? >> NMBB it does not say when it ends but 146 00:41:05.200 --> 00:41:22.000 they continue after they term out. So I guess for as long as they choose. >> So they include the employee but not the uh and and the dependence the dependent can just like we have >> just like how we have. Yes. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yeah. But they pay like $80,000 per 147 00:41:22.000 --> 00:41:37.359 commissioner. >> Yeah. I'm ask Yeah. NMB now. >> Um, okay. North Miami does >> in North Miami Beach also has a higher norm Miami. >> I think they're in their 60s. I'm not sure. >> Let's do one at a time. Commissioner L, you done? 148 00:41:37.359 --> 00:41:52.960 >> Yeah, I'm done. I'm done. >> U, Vice Mayor, what's your opinion? >> I like the idea of of uh extending it for two or three years. I think when you consider first of all you don't want to be d it's only a couple of people so you 149 00:41:52.960 --> 00:42:09.680 don't want to be dragging a whole crowd of people into into this so it has a finite thing >> uh and people who are likely to be commissioners are often business owners. So when you when you sign on to the to 150 00:42:09.680 --> 00:42:25.440 the city health insurance uh and then you you let's say that you're running again and you don't get reelected you get left hanging uh otherwise you might be able to plan for it but there's 151 00:42:25.440 --> 00:42:40.720 there's uh I think that transition period and also not just in case you don't get reelected but if while in your employment you you develop a condition or something that maybe you need more time to be able 152 00:42:40.720 --> 00:42:58.160 to transition to find the the proper coverage or something like that. Um I I think that's I think that's a good thing but only for a couple only for a little bit like two or three years. Um or maybe you have a formula like uh half the 153 00:42:58.160 --> 00:43:14.319 number of years that you served or the number of terms that you served or you know something you come up with some formula but it's going to be a set number >> right >> um and I would I I would welcome that. >> Okay. Now Commissioner Joseph. 154 00:43:14.319 --> 00:43:35.040 >> Okay. So, I would like to ask how many people on this commission are currently uh using the city health insurance? >> I think the manager can respond. >> Well, I'm hesitant to, you know, share 155 00:43:35.040 --> 00:43:51.040 that with you because it's personal information. But if you all would like to know, then I can answer if that's your consensus. And the my reason for asking is if we have a quorum that is not using the health insurance then I 156 00:43:51.040 --> 00:44:10.079 would like to recuse myself on the vote. You can't >> you can't recuse yourself on the vote. You can only recuse yourself if there's a legal >> I would be voting to my own benefit. >> That that's that's wouldn't be a legal conflict. uh the only time you can 157 00:44:10.079 --> 00:44:26.640 abstain would be if you have a legal conflict >> uh >> because that if that applied if that if that was a legal conflict none of you could vote for it and then you couldn't do it >> right um Mr. city manager. >> I think I can answer without sharing the personal information where I can say 158 00:44:26.640 --> 00:44:43.440 that three of you are using our insurance and two of you are not. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. So, if we don't do this resolution, we are breaking the law >> essentially. Yeah. You you have not you're you're conferring your on you you're taking benefits that have never 159 00:44:43.440 --> 00:44:58.720 been conferred on you. >> That because I want to be very clear with this. Um I did my research. I believe we don't need it. Um I'm okay with the status quo. To your question, I do not use the benefits of the I'm not 160 00:44:58.720 --> 00:45:16.160 in the insurance of the of the city. So I have my own insurance. So like I said, I don't think we should be continue codifying things unless they have to be codified. Because if that's the case and we want to take other municipalities as 161 00:45:16.160 --> 00:45:34.160 an example, um there are a lot of things when it comes to our benefits that they should change, you know, and one of them is like communications. We are not part of the all staff communication, meaning that um we don't know when they're having any kind of events unless we get 162 00:45:34.160 --> 00:45:51.280 specifically invited. Last Friday there was um barbecue for the police department. um everybody got their email we did not so we cannot even come to say thank you for your service so we are not part we are not treated with u I'm going 163 00:45:51.280 --> 00:46:07.839 to say particularly I think it's a disrespect the way we are treated by not being uh part of the old staff communication same thing with the um we we approve the the budget however when there is people that is being hired 164 00:46:07.839 --> 00:46:24.160 fired promoted we don't even get informed about that as well. Uh I usually meet people in the elevator and had to introduce myself to them. Again, that is not best practices. That's not what happened in other municipalities. 165 00:46:24.160 --> 00:46:41.119 And things had changed uh for the bad because when I when I got elected, I remember getting many times invited to the police department when we had new hires. uh it was put into in our agenda I'm sorry into our uh calendar etc. uh 166 00:46:41.119 --> 00:46:59.520 suddenly someone for whatever reason and I will ask I will I would want to know why we are not anymore inviting even when >> the second to even to our police department new hires again we have to 167 00:46:59.520 --> 00:47:15.920 just meet the people in the elevator or somewhere else. So for certain things we are considered like I said federally according to the IRS we are employees. I understand we are not uh but u 168 00:47:15.920 --> 00:47:32.960 again um I'm perfectly fine with the status quo. I do not like to codify things that they don't need to be codified uh because usually it goes against ourself and the residents and if we are not breaking the law I don't 169 00:47:32.960 --> 00:47:49.040 think we should be codifying this and I would like to know why we are not getting invited to the police department's uh new hires anymore. >> If I can answer the first >> please go ahead. >> It's not codification. You're not codifying anything. Codification is through ordinances. This is a 170 00:47:49.040 --> 00:48:06.319 resolution. you are right now receiving a benefit that has never been authorized. >> So, we're breaking the law. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Essentially, you're you're receiving a benefit that's never been authorized. So, you need to authorize that benefit that you're receiving. >> Right. Thank you. Um I'll just if the 171 00:48:06.319 --> 00:48:21.599 city manager would just answer that question, but I don't want to get off topic because we we have a very set agenda. I want to continue this conversation so that we can, you know, concentrate on what we're talking about. But please go ahead. >> I will. So many years ago when 172 00:48:21.599 --> 00:48:37.599 I first appointed the chief as the chief of police, we've had many discussions regarding the police department and how we wanted it to move forward. So one of the things that I stated was over 173 00:48:37.599 --> 00:48:54.960 these past many years, there were new officers that started that I had not met individually. So I told the chief when we hire somebody new and as you know we've hired 18 police officers in the past two to three years. 174 00:48:54.960 --> 00:49:10.800 So we've really worked steady to build the relationship between the police department, the elected officials, the fellow employees to build it up to what it is now, which is great. So, as part of that, I explained to the chief, instead of me just signing an offer 175 00:49:10.800 --> 00:49:26.880 letter when we're going to hire an officer, I want to meet with them. So, now we have a process where there's a one-on-one meeting with me um and the chief and the applicant. And as part of 176 00:49:26.880 --> 00:49:43.280 the meeting and so far the feedback we've gotten has been incredible. I explained to them that because you know in today's times there's a lot of questions about the police or defunding the police. I explained to them with 177 00:49:43.280 --> 00:49:58.559 pride, this commission has always voted 50 on anything that we do for the police department and that they have the full support of the not only the elected officials but 178 00:49:58.559 --> 00:50:16.400 also the city manager's office. And we found that this has been an incredible tool. And sometimes we're told more often than not that this is the first time any of the officers have ever had a sitdown meeting with the manager. So after that 179 00:50:16.400 --> 00:50:33.119 we were including you in our new officer swearing in. As you know it's a significant event where they we pin the badge on them. We invite their families and we take photos. So for us uh the 180 00:50:33.119 --> 00:50:49.680 chief myself we take it very seriously and it's a very I say uh poant moment for the police officers and their families and then usually I explain to their families that the chief has built 181 00:50:49.680 --> 00:51:06.559 a family environment here. They have the support of the manager and I want them to know that their loved ones are going to be taken care of going forward. I always took it very seriously also to Right. >> Let can you let the manager finish please? >> The question hasn't been answered. 182 00:51:06.559 --> 00:51:22.720 >> Okay. So, getting to that point at one of these swearing ins. We had one or two officers there with their families. A chief has a very formal process where they're sworn in. We 183 00:51:22.720 --> 00:51:39.040 video. Everybody's taking pictures. We have media there. We were getting to the point where the elected officials were there and we were asking them to come up to take pictures. So the family is there. I'm there. The 184 00:51:39.040 --> 00:51:55.440 chief, a lot of the command staff, the family's coming up to take pictures and I'm asking you all to come up without being specific. And at that moment, one of you refused to come up to 185 00:51:55.440 --> 00:52:16.800 take pictures with the other. It was a moment of well, I guess, for lack of a better word, shock, disappointment. The family, we're all looking at each other wondering, you know, what's happening. It was a beautiful moment that, for lack of a 186 00:52:16.800 --> 00:52:33.839 better word, was ruined by pettiness. So why am I going to subject something like that to that in the future? So now the swearing ins are handled by myself and the chief and we take media. So, if 187 00:52:33.839 --> 00:52:50.400 you're there bickering about who's going to take a picture with who and you're not coming up and I'm explaining that they have the support of the police department and the elected officials and the city manager's office, it makes for a very uncomfortable moment. And it's 188 00:52:50.400 --> 00:53:06.800 not only happened there, it's happened at some of our community events. So, the employees don't want to be caught in the middle of this. They don't want to be talking to you one hearing about well we should do the event this way or we should have this kind of event or we should have done this for this event. 189 00:53:06.800 --> 00:53:23.680 They don't want to be part of that. And if they're seen with one of you having conversations then the other one's like well what is this happening? Why why are they talking to them or or they support them? So, it's an effort to protect the integrity of the process and everything 190 00:53:23.680 --> 00:53:40.559 else that we do here. So, you're all welcome to go, but you have to have some decorum and understand that in these kind of scenarios, it's not really about you. It's about their family. So, if there's a pause when I ask you to come up to 191 00:53:40.559 --> 00:53:56.400 take a photo with the families of the police officers that are being sworn in, how does that play out to them? So, it's embarrassing to the chief, me, and its poor representation in the city. So, that's why it stopped. >> Okay. So, 192 00:53:56.400 --> 00:54:13.119 >> thank you. Wait, let's Commissioner Stson, I want to let you keep going, but I want to stay on topic. So, please, you can go ahead. >> Okay. So, um I wasn't present when that happened. So, I'm sorry that the police department and their family had to go through that and it's very sad. However, 193 00:54:13.119 --> 00:54:28.400 for the behavior of one person, everybody else took got their rights taken away. I have three children and we talk about here that we have to be consistent. Um I you have to treat everybody of course equally. In that 194 00:54:28.400 --> 00:54:45.119 case, the behavior of one person took away the opportunity of everybody else to be there in that moment. That is not consistency. That is not fairness and that is not a a normal behavior. So whoever doesn't behave is part of being 195 00:54:45.119 --> 00:55:01.040 a leader to have that conversation with that person you know and um and it's I agree with you it's completely pettiness to be behaving like that. Uh me and myself I have refused pictures in the in the past because I don't I don't agree uh with the setting. Uh but I don't make 196 00:55:01.040 --> 00:55:17.440 it about me. I just remove myself and that's about it. uh about what happened in the police department. Uh I personally wanted to say to the chief and everybody the whole department I'm so sorry that that happened. I would like to be informed whenever you have those uh swearing in and if I'm 197 00:55:17.440 --> 00:55:33.680 available I would like to be there just to congratulate the new the families the new officer and not for the pictures because I'm actually one of the person here that is the camera doesn't like me so I don't like the pictures. >> Okay. >> And go ahead Mr. city man. I would very 198 00:55:33.680 --> 00:55:50.480 much like to have all of you there. But when the family's there, you have to understand the family wants a picture with the chief, with me. They also want a picture of the elected officials. So, I'm there explaining to them during the interview process how we're going to protect and take care of their loved 199 00:55:50.480 --> 00:56:05.520 one. And then some of you don't want to take pictures. So, I understand. Should it apply to all of you? >> Maybe not. But it's also happened at other events. So, the staff is scrambling. Ah, this person needs to get here. We should establish in the future 200 00:56:05.520 --> 00:56:21.280 if we're going to do this. We're going to have a certain time. If you're there at this time, we're taking pictures. I think it's your responsibility to find us, not us to come find you. There's going to be a photo opportunity at this 201 00:56:21.280 --> 00:56:38.319 time. If you want to be part of it, I really think we would all appreciate it, but not at the expense of of what's happened before. can't happen going forward. And I include that for all of the events, not just the swearing in. I'm happy to share it with all of you. I would like for you all to be there. 202 00:56:38.319 --> 00:56:55.119 >> Thank you. All right. Um, if we can get back on the item, please. So um right now there is I think consensus about keeping the the status quo of the insurance and this is more about getting 203 00:56:55.119 --> 00:57:12.319 clarification if we were to extend it um past um the term. So the manager made a recommendation of two two years two to three years. Okay. Um, so I'd like to hear everyone's 204 00:57:12.319 --> 00:57:28.480 opinion on that. >> What is your opinion? >> I I've never participated in the insurance, but that's just me. Um, I don't want to set up anyone in the future. Uh, especially since compared to some other cities, the the overall 205 00:57:28.480 --> 00:57:46.000 compensation is pretty low. So, it's not it's a it's an important part of this and especially for people like the vice mayor said that maybe own their own businesses. It's a it's a big part of it. Um, so I personally am in support of keeping the insurance and some sort of 206 00:57:46.000 --> 00:58:02.559 additional term, very limited, perhaps one year. Um, but I'll go with whatever the consensus is. So, anyone else? Commissioner Joseph? >> No, I pass I I will go with the consensus since 207 00:58:02.559 --> 00:58:16.960 >> Oh, I see you. >> I'm gaining a benefit. >> Okay. Um I agree. I agree. Obviously, we have to do the resolution. We can't keep conferring a benefit for 16 years uh without it. So, we have to formalize 208 00:58:16.960 --> 00:58:33.760 that. And I definitely support an extension of of a set period of time. >> What period of time? >> I like the idea of of two years. Like it's like the number of terms for most, right? It's if you serve two terms. >> Okay. 209 00:58:33.760 --> 00:58:49.839 >> Yeah. Commissioner Llama. >> Yeah, I would say the same. >> Okay. >> You formalize what we already have and then look into um an extension period of two to three years. >> Two to three years. You're saying >> I think this should be in the um the 210 00:58:49.839 --> 00:59:06.799 decision should be for the voters. Is there money? So I think we should do a referendum for this and ask the voters what is their opinion? uh uh if we're going to be doing this then why not uh the four of us we are term out so or the four commissioners so maybe we should be 211 00:59:06.799 --> 00:59:23.280 looking forward to help the the new commissioners that they are coming not only with all better benefits two three years or or so but also maybe a better compensation. So we are very low compared to many municipalities. We hire compared to other ones. But uh if we 212 00:59:23.280 --> 00:59:39.119 want to also get more talent um maybe if we have a better benefits to whoever decide to run for office and eventually getting elected um we should go through the real path of asking the electorate 213 00:59:39.119 --> 00:59:55.920 uh to give a better compensation to their elected officials including this package of benefits. So I do believe this should be in the name I mean the decision of the voters and us because I agree with Jerry we are kind of compromised because we are getting the benefit I'm not getting the insurance as 214 00:59:55.920 --> 01:00:11.440 well so but in general we as a body we are getting this benefit so I do believe that we should not be making this decision right now just uh stop breaking the law and make whatever resolution for the status quo and make a a referendum 215 01:00:11.440 --> 01:00:28.880 to ask the electorate about this Um just for uh best practices, I'd like to get clarification from the city clerk u and maybe actually the the city attorney as well. Um it is the norm for commissions and councils to vote on 216 01:00:28.880 --> 01:00:45.359 these sort of things and not necessarily go out to a referendum. And then if that was the case, what would that look like? >> Well, it depends on what your governing documents. So I have one jurisdiction that I know that there is a provision where they cannot confer the benefit upon themselves. They have to do it for 217 01:00:45.359 --> 01:01:01.920 the future commission but that's specifically within their charter. Right? >> So you don't have that in your charter. >> Okay? >> So there's nothing prohibiting you from doing it. >> Um best practices again it depends on the jurisdiction and what's in their code. Some of their charters actually provide for benefits. So that's already 218 01:01:01.920 --> 01:01:18.559 said and done. So there's no need to do a referendum because it's already in the code. Uh, I mean, I'm sorry, in the charter. So, it's kind of hard. It's kind of like apples and oranges here. Your charter really only speaks of compensation. Um, but has it been done? Certainly. I mean, 219 01:01:18.559 --> 01:01:35.920 it's not unusual to for you all to vote on that. Um, that that's not unusual. But, uh, because it's done, I think, you know, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Meyers, uh, all these other jurisdictions, St. Augustine, all these other places have done it by resolution that conferred 220 01:01:35.920 --> 01:01:52.319 upon themselves. City Hollywood, I know that was controversial because they gave themselves a big raise, but uh >> but you know, yeah, Deral Hollywood, so it's done. It's it's legal for you to vote on that. Um politically consistent with what others do. >> Politically, you know, that's up to you 221 01:01:52.319 --> 01:02:07.200 all, but from a legal standpoint, you can unless it's prohibited. >> No, no. No, I meant that Dorado has to do a referendum for to raise the the the money for the uh the compensations. Yes. >> Right. Yeah. It depends on on the charter and everything else because for 222 01:02:07.200 --> 01:02:23.119 for example, sorry, for example, here, let's say you want because you get $1,000, right, a month. >> Uh let's say you want to make it 2,000 that you'd have to go to referendum because that's in your charter, right? And that's why from a standpoint of the next time you do that for clarity, you 223 01:02:23.119 --> 01:02:38.240 should add and make some changes to your charter in that regard. But at least for now, the status quo, I would I would put in a resolution and get that squared away. >> Okay. And we addressed our our compensation when we did the charter review a few years ago, right? 224 01:02:38.240 --> 01:02:54.079 >> And that went to the voters, you know, and that's when we discovered that we've been doing that wrong for however many years and we have the adjustment. So, I feel the compensation has been addressed and I'm comfortable with this um because it's it's not an exaggerated thing. It's 225 01:02:54.079 --> 01:03:09.680 not for life. Uh and think it's a fair adjustment. >> Okay. Um Maritzy, if I can just get clarification, um how would this even work if this is the direction we would take? 226 01:03:09.680 --> 01:03:26.880 So, in terms of of a referendum, um I I'd have to speak with the supervisor of elections to see if there is enough time to be able to add this to the November 3rd ballot. Um this is a little bit different than having, let's say, a seat, for example, placed on that 227 01:03:26.880 --> 01:03:42.720 ballot because it's an actual question, which would take up more page, uh more space on the page. Um, but like the city attorney said, you know, it's it's a matter of the direction that the commission takes and gives a staff on on how to proceed with this. 228 01:03:42.720 --> 01:03:58.799 >> Okay. >> And you can always I mean, correct me if you could always do a standalone >> referendum, but that's at a higher cost. I mean, ideally, you want to do it in November. But I do have a question because about the referendum uh because um for a discussion that we had a few 229 01:03:58.799 --> 01:04:15.039 months ago when I brought about the inspector general u I was told that we don't have no time for the for that to be in this ballot. So >> yeah again I I don't believe there is time but I would have to get confirmation from >> if that's the case I can bring those both items back and request the 230 01:04:15.039 --> 01:04:30.400 referendum with whatever language necessary because I'm going to continue pursuing that. So, uh, we could do both, you know, and, uh, the one for the inspector general and also the one for the compensation and benefits of the future commission, 231 01:04:30.400 --> 01:04:46.400 >> right? Because remember, keep in mind that whether it's the the new office that you're speaking about or whether it's a charter change, it requires an ordinance which requires two readings. So, that extends the time, which is why I, you know, need to speak with the supervisor of elections to see what the 232 01:04:46.400 --> 01:05:02.000 exact timeline would be. >> Okay. Um, so I'm comfortable with having this body vote um because it does give the opportunity for the voters to come and speak against if they would like to. I 233 01:05:02.000 --> 01:05:19.839 um I um I lean very much to the two years rather than three years. U but I think it's important to actually also know what the what that means fiscally for the city. If for instance right now we have three people on and two people off. What does that look like if you had 234 01:05:19.839 --> 01:05:36.480 you know cumulatively what does that cost every year if you know for the next maybe four years or five years depending on when people are terming out. Okay. All right. Did anyone have anything else to add? 235 01:05:36.480 --> 01:05:52.079 >> No. All right. Uh that's our last item. Raio. >> Yes ma'am. >> Okay. So, just a reminder, we have um the meeting at 6:30, but we're going to have the um >> the LPA at 620. >> 620. >> Okay. All right. This meeting is 236 01:05:52.079 --> 01:05:57.079 adjourned. See you all at 6:20. Thank you. Part: 2 1 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:51.280 who serve this city each day. As the sun sets over our beautiful shores, may we rise from this meeting with solutions that help Sunny Isles Beach remain a shining example of 2 00:02:51.280 --> 00:03:07.920 compassionate and well-governed community life. Grant us patience for the road ahead and grace for the journey. Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Next item. Approval of the 3 00:03:07.920 --> 00:03:25.200 minutes. Thank you, father. >> This is for the minutes of the April 19th commission meeting. >> Can I get a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Okay. Mauricio, order of business. 4 00:03:25.200 --> 00:03:44.159 >> Um, let's do the uh your opening statement, Mayor. >> Okay, perfect. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We appreciate your attendance and thank you for joining us tonight. Before we begin, there are a few important reminders 5 00:03:44.159 --> 00:04:01.120 regarding conduct during our commission meetings. Please ensure all electronic devices are turned off or set to silent mode to maintain the integrity of our proceedings. Mutual respect is the foundation of productive discussions. We ask that everyone remain silent and 6 00:04:01.120 --> 00:04:18.000 attentive when someone is addressing the commission. Clapping, applauding, heckling, or any verbal outburst either in support or opposition of the speaker are strictly prohibited. Any individual wishing to address the commission must fill out a public speaker card and 7 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:34.960 submit it to the city clerk before the relevant item is announced. Each speaker is granted a maximum of 3 minutes. Should you exceed this time, the chair will notify you to conclude your remarks. Speak directly to the agenda's points. Remain concise and avoid 8 00:04:34.960 --> 00:04:52.560 redundancy. Should an individual speak without the chair's permission or continue speaking after a warning, they may be escorted out of the chambers. It is essential to avoid making impertinent slanderous remarks or becoming boisterous while addressing the commission. Such behavior may lead to 9 00:04:52.560 --> 00:05:08.880 being barred from future commission appearances unless the majority of the commission members present vote otherwise. The presiding officer may disallow signs or placards in the commission chamber. Please exit the chamber quietly and without disruption. 10 00:05:08.880 --> 00:05:24.800 The goal of our meetings is to facilitate public input and participation. However, disruptive or disorderly conduct hinders our collective objective. Individuals who want to speak on an item on the agenda are asked to fill out a public speakers card and give 11 00:05:24.800 --> 00:05:40.880 it to the city clerk before the item is called. Speakers are asked to speak to the issues, make comments concise and to the point, and refrain from making duplicate comments. All speakers will be limited to one threeminut comment per item. If you exceed the threeminut 12 00:05:40.880 --> 00:05:55.919 allotment, the chair will advise you to finish your comment. If you speak out of turn without permission from the chair and or you do not cease speaking after one warning, you will be escorted out of chambers. In order to maintain orderly conduct and 13 00:05:55.919 --> 00:06:12.400 or proper decorum at these meetings, anyone who interferes with the orderly process of the meetings after a warning may be removed from the meeting and may be barred from further appearance before the city commission as permitted in S286, 0114, 14 00:06:12.400 --> 00:06:30.000 FS, and SS74-5 and 74-21 of the city's code of ordinances. Any necessary removal will be made at the direction of the mayor and will be carried out by law enforcement or designated sergeant-at-arms. It is 15 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:45.280 essential that attendees adhere to these rules of procedure to ensure productive meetings that serve both the public and the city commission. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. >> Okay, so we have a few regulars in the audience, but I know we also have some 16 00:06:45.280 --> 00:07:00.000 new people. So, as always, I'm just going to reiterate some of that message. Uh if you'd like to speak, please fill out a public speaking card for the item that you want to speak on or you can wait until the end. If you decide you don't want to speak on the item, that's totally okay. But once the public 17 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:16.800 discussion uh public comment is closed, it's closed. You can't change your mind. Also, please address all comments to me, the chair. Um I um I ask that everyone maintain a quorum. It's really important that we do that. Uh we don't call out anyone's name. We uh try to be as 18 00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:32.560 respectful and polite as as possible. Uh I ask for the same from from my colleagues uh here. So with that, we do welcome your input. So please go ahead and fill out the cards if um if you choose to. Thank you. >> Okay, Mayor, we have a couple just one 19 00:07:32.560 --> 00:07:48.319 change to tonight's agenda. It's an add-on request by Commissioner Lama for a proclamation uh recognizing mental health awareness month. >> Okay. Do we need to um to vote on it or we just All right. You need a motion, please. Motion 20 00:07:48.319 --> 00:08:04.479 >> second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. So, that will be item >> item 9J. >> 9J. And we have those >> at the end and it's all in the back. >> All right. So, if anybody would like to speak on that item, you may do so. >> Go ahead. >> So, the first item that we will be 21 00:08:04.479 --> 00:08:20.160 considering tonight is an ordinance for second reading. 8A is an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Sunny Alis Beach, Florida, amending chapter 265, article 2, section 265-5 entitled definitions and 22 00:08:20.160 --> 00:08:36.240 article 5, section 265-17, entitled subdivision plat approval of the code of ordinances of the city of Sunonny Beach in accordance with the requirements of section 177.071 071 of the Florida statutes as amended by 23 00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:52.720 Senate Bill 784 in 2025 and to align with certain procedures in chapter 28 of the Miami date county code of ordinances providing for repealer providing for servability providing for codification and providing for an effective date. >> Okay, thank you. 24 00:08:52.720 --> 00:09:09.120 >> Good evening mayor, vice mayor and commissioners. Uh this is second reading of the ordinance to our platting section of the land development regulations in chapter 265 and this is to come into compliance with state legislation that now requires all platting procedures to be processed and approved administratively. Um we are also 25 00:09:09.120 --> 00:09:24.160 aligning with the Miami date county code with u more simple platting procedures such as slots splits and replats. Um and with that I'm available if you have any questions. Um just to note there were no changes since first reading. >> Okay. Do we have any public speakers? 26 00:09:24.160 --> 00:09:40.399 >> Uh, not for this one, ma'am. No. >> You sure? >> Yes, I'm sure. >> All right. Okay. Any comments or questions from the commission? >> No. >> I'll take a motion, please. >> I I do have a comment. Um, >> go ahead. >> Because I don't always trust Talahasi's intentions. In the event that these 27 00:09:40.399 --> 00:09:55.360 subdivisions approvals come forward to our city, I would like either to make as a best practice or maybe to put it there in the ordinance to for the commission to be informed when these uh approvals 28 00:09:55.360 --> 00:10:10.959 happen. So at least we know we don't have a say. We are not saying yes or no to any, but at least to be informed when these uh approvals happen. So, um I don't know if that can be added as an amendment and I will make the 29 00:10:10.959 --> 00:10:31.680 motion or any other way. I don't know the recommendation of the um zoning or our city attorney. That's up to you all as to whether you want to uh I mean we can we can certainly the city manager can attest 30 00:10:31.680 --> 00:10:49.279 that he will provide notice to you to put it in the ordinance. We would need to uh we hadn't contemplated that. So we'd have to it's doable. I just I don't know exactly where I would put it at this juncture. Um >> do we need to add it to the ordinance or 31 00:10:49.279 --> 00:11:04.640 who could we get? >> You don't have to. I mean, if if if you're directing your city manager and your planning and zoning director to inform you when planning is being processed and approved, uh, as the commissioner indicated, you have no say in it, but you certainly could be advised of it. 32 00:11:04.640 --> 00:11:19.600 >> Okay. I don't know that you need to make that part of the ordinance, but >> I wouldn't feel more comfortable making it part of the ordinance just in like a very simple sentence just to pass a report uh to the commission in the event 33 00:11:19.600 --> 00:11:35.839 that these approvals get submitted just for information purposes, you know, just to be and I said nothing to do with us or this body, but this is a new change that happened in Tallahassee. um the ones that we had the opportunity 34 00:11:35.839 --> 00:11:50.320 to mingle with these folks, we can see that sometimes the intentions can be blurry. So um this power has been taken from elected officials to unelected 35 00:11:50.320 --> 00:12:08.079 um staff. So, just to clarify, just for informative, uh, purposes, >> uh, I'm just looking for >> I I could tell you that. >> I don't think it's necessary. >> Yeah, let's hear from the rest of the commission. I don't think that's 36 00:12:08.079 --> 00:12:26.120 necessary and I don't I >> I would expect that we would be informed of these things. Can you explain like a scenario? Can can you give us an example of of when this would come into play, >> Mr. City Manager? 37 00:12:26.399 --> 00:12:41.920 >> I mean, we're we're keeping you informed because we brought it forward as an ordinance. So, I don't know how we would not. >> No, I think asking >> in what context would this ordinance come into play? Well, whenever you have 38 00:12:41.920 --> 00:12:59.519 to plat or replplat a particular, it's very min one of the reasons why they making administrative is very ministerial, there's really nothing for you all to do as a governing body because um it's basically just a survey of the property and you're not allowed 39 00:12:59.519 --> 00:13:15.360 to consider what's going to be on the property. So, let's say a new development comes in and they have to replplat that particular lot or they subdivide it into two for purposes of that development. By law, you're not allowed to consider what that development is going to be for the platting purposes. It's just 40 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:32.720 basically a meets and bounds type of adjustment that you make to the parcel. So, it's very ministerial. It's it's it's there's not a whole lot to report except that we got a plat uh >> correct, >> you know, a plat uh application and it's 41 00:13:32.720 --> 00:13:48.560 essentially been granted. I I I don't think I've ever seen a plat being denied. But um >> as long as you're following the whatever the regulations said, it's a meets and bounds. The only time that the only time I've seen objections to apply was by an F DOT uh when there was an opening on a 42 00:13:48.560 --> 00:14:05.120 major highway. They wouldn't agree to it, but that was in another jurisdiction. But I I don't know of an example of >> and that is for the purpose of of future development I assume usually. >> Right. So the county I mean platting is sort of a creature of the county. Uh Miami date isn't as strict as like let's 43 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:21.680 say Broward County on platting. Um but uh it's it's really a creature of the county and we they do uh we do have a role in consenting to it since it's in our jurisdiction but there's like like I said there's not a whole lot. I mean, it would be good, you know, to to have that 44 00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:37.839 in in like the monthly report. That's something if it's if it's ministerial, I just >> And you don't get them often to be honest. >> I just don't think that I I don't want to jumble up the ordinance. Um, I think it's good to go. >> Okay. Commissioner Lama. 45 00:14:37.839 --> 00:14:52.320 Yeah, if we could put somewhere in in the ordinance that you know the commission must be formed because I mean right now we are getting the um the the reports you know we could include it into that but >> wait wait wait just to clarify 46 00:14:52.320 --> 00:15:09.920 >> Mhm. in the monthly reports or in the ordinance. >> No, no, no. We could include we could include it. We could include a phrase where it states that the city manager or the city staff must inform us the commission that there's platting going 47 00:15:09.920 --> 00:15:27.199 on, etc., etc. >> Ordinance. >> Yeah, I want to end the ordinance and and and the information I mean the city manager in his reports can say, okay, planning is going on. this is you know what what's transpiring uh because not 48 00:15:27.199 --> 00:15:43.519 not I'm not talking specifically about this commission but let's say 10 20 years from now you know in the past we we were not informed of a lot of stuff so uh I just don't want that to happen again you could do it two ways you could 49 00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:59.120 because remember this is going to be in your code of ordinances so it's being codified through municode >> so you can have it specifically in the municode version or you could have it in your resolution that's granting the ordinance that directs the city manager 50 00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:14.240 by resolution that he has to do this. >> Yeah. But if we are codifying this right now, just let's do it the cleanest way. Make it part of the ordinance like we said in a very simple sentence there. There are going to be years that there's going to pass and there is not going to 51 00:16:14.240 --> 00:16:30.800 be even one application. So, but in the event that anyone ever applies to it and whoever is sitting down here will get that information at some point from the city manager's office. So, I think is if we are doing it right now, let's do it 52 00:16:30.800 --> 00:16:47.519 the simple, clean, and proper way. The reason I find it problematic is because that's not standard. And so you're basically by setting if if it's something that's rare, you're you're and it's not standard 53 00:16:47.519 --> 00:17:02.959 language, you're kind of setting up uh like you're setting them up to fail. That's just how I see it. I think we can share the do it in the resolution. I share it, but I wouldn't put it in the ordinance because then you're this is 54 00:17:02.959 --> 00:17:19.919 going to be like the odd one out that may be missed. and then they're in violation when if it's done the other way and it's not in code. I I just don't want to I don't want to complicate it. >> Uh Commissioner Joseph. >> Yes. 55 00:17:19.919 --> 00:17:34.640 >> So Alan, I have a question for you. So, regarding the platting, if someone is um looking to have their property replatted, uh for example, there's a property on 56 00:17:34.640 --> 00:17:50.080 Atlantic Isle that, uh the house was taken down and it's uh going to be replatted. >> We would know if it's platted for three lots or or two lots or not. >> Well, how do you mean you would know? I mean, 57 00:17:50.080 --> 00:18:05.760 >> well, we would receive a notice. >> Well, no, they're going to have to make application for the replat. We going to have to review it and go through the process of it being administered. I mean, you know, it's going to have to go through a review process, >> but normally the commission would not be made aware. 58 00:18:05.760 --> 00:18:21.200 >> Not anymore. >> No, normally staff would do everything and ultimately you would and again we haven't had many. I mean, I can't remember that we've had any, but >> we had it in Atlantic. have one possibility coming up correct >> that we had it before in I don't think 59 00:18:21.200 --> 00:18:35.919 >> right so ultimately the approval of the plat after staff is done with it would have come to you but it can't legally anymore >> not anymore to my point so now that >> wait wait wait wait commissioner let um commissioner Joseph finish >> okay so with adding this additional 60 00:18:35.919 --> 00:18:53.520 language that is requesting if the property was platted for three lots rather than what we're assuming is two lots we to find out or know. >> Yeah, you you're you're going to have to they whatever they're requesting, they 61 00:18:53.520 --> 00:19:09.840 they have to they're going to have to say what they're doing. >> But if we don't put additional language in that Fabola is requesting, we would not be made aware. Correct. >> Well, that's up to your manager. And two, you could always ask, but again, it's it's up to the commission. If you 62 00:19:09.840 --> 00:19:26.799 want it in there, we just need to find a place. that for purposes of clarity, I'd like to be able to specifically identify where I'm going to put it in the ordinance. If you tell me that answer my question, >> so >> there's a million ways you could know. I just I >> But okay, but be for it to be brought to 63 00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:41.919 our attention. >> That's up to your city manager. >> Additional language, it would absolutely be brought to our attention. Correct. >> It would be in your code, correct? But it still would come from your city manager. >> Yes. Okay. So I'm I'm for >> it's not going to be on an agenda or anything like that. It's just going to 64 00:19:41.919 --> 00:19:57.919 be coming from the city at >> nothing to discuss. So correct. So let's add >> or an email or something. Yeah. >> Okay. So um Mr. City attorney, how much time does this mean we have to wait till next month or are you able to add that language? >> What do you want to do 65 00:19:57.919 --> 00:20:20.240 >> today? >> Let me confer with the uh planning and zoning director. >> Okay. Yeah, I mean if if I guess we can wait another month. Um I just because there's different if we put it in one place it may not be so for example Miami date county has a 66 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:37.039 waiver of plat provision right for certain types of platting um which we have to abide by. So if I put it in the wrong place technically you wouldn't be made or he wouldn't be required to advise you over the waiver of plats as well. So, I want to make sure it's in the right place. So, 67 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:52.080 >> so we can defer the item for next month. Yeah, >> I have I don't see it as an emergency. >> Wait, let's just one at a time, please. I have a question. Um, and this may just be too technical at this point. If we put that sort of language in the ordinance and for whatever reason 10 years from now, who you know, the 68 00:20:52.080 --> 00:21:08.000 manager does not notify the commission, does that create some sort of liability besides just not notifying the commission? It's >> not liability. It's just you would be upset with your manager. Exactly. >> Take action accordingly. >> Okay. All right. So, you would need 69 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:22.960 another month then in order to >> I just I really hate to just do it on the fly and pick a spot that may not be appropriate. I just I was contemplating that. So, no reason to rush. >> But this is why we have the workshops, right? This is why we have the extra 70 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:39.840 meeting on Tuesdays so these things can come up. >> So, why wasn't this raised on Tuesday? You were not in the workshop on Tuesday. >> But I I'm not the one with the issue. Okay. Why didn't you raise it on Tuesday? >> And we did I went because then I do have my own my own meetings afterwards so 71 00:21:39.840 --> 00:21:55.039 that I'm able to prepare. >> Okay. >> So I mean it is whatever I'm going to be on, but it's it's just a little >> I mean commissioner just to give you an opportunity. Why wasn't it raised earlier? >> Okay. Because I just read about it today. 72 00:21:55.039 --> 00:22:10.240 >> Okay. I have no problem with it. >> Um, all right. So, that means we would >> Do you want to just defer it to a date certain to the next meeting? >> Commissioner Llama, you're okay with deferring it to next meeting? >> Yes. 73 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:26.400 >> I make the motion to defer. >> I second it. >> One second. >> So, it's just a motion for deferral. So, a voice vote would suffice. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> I >> Thank you. Okay. So, we'll defer this 74 00:22:26.400 --> 00:22:43.280 item to the June commission meeting. >> All right. >> And just for clarity, so we you want the manager to advise you obviously it won't be monthly because I'm telling you you maybe get one or two a year, right? So, uh I I don't know. Do you want language just when it happens? As it happens. 75 00:22:43.280 --> 00:22:58.240 Okay. >> Just to inform, not given advice. Just inform. Let us know. >> Right. As it happens, not on a monthly basis that that an application for that came. >> Well, >> no, no, no. That's not >> it's a little So >> I just want to be clear because if it's 76 00:22:58.240 --> 00:23:14.000 an application that's if if it's on application versus approval. >> So that's two different periods of time. So you may get an application and maybe it's abandoned or it's not approved. >> Well, I think we should know when there's an application. >> So you want to be notified of an 77 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:29.520 application, not necessarily approval. >> Correct. True. >> Yeah. We have no say in >> correct. Anyway, approval or denial is >> All right. All right, guys. We need to go one at a time. Okay. >> All right. >> So the city manager will advise upon application of plat re plat and it would 78 00:23:29.520 --> 00:23:45.600 be not only platting repling modification to plats and waivers of plats. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um do we need to do it again? >> No. >> All right. I just want to remind um my colleagues please just wait to be 79 00:23:45.600 --> 00:24:00.880 recognized because we have closed captioning and I want to make sure that everything is captured and everyone gets the opportunity to finish their thought and not talk over each other. All right, next item please. Next item is an ordinance for second reading 8B. In 80 00:24:00.880 --> 00:24:17.840 ordinance to the city commission of the city of Sunny Alles Beach, Florida, creating article 7 in chapter 256 entitled personal delivery devices and mobile carriers and creating section 256-50 entitled safe operation of personal delivery devices and mobile carriers in 81 00:24:17.840 --> 00:24:32.960 the code of ordinances of the city of Sunonny Beach to establish regulations for personal delivery devices and mobile carriers operating within the city providing for servability. providing for repealer, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date. 82 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:48.640 >> Okay, Mr. City Manager, are you presenting or? >> Mayor, vice mayor, members of the commission, this is the second reading of the ordinance that we discussed regarding personal delivery devices and mobile carriers. >> Okay, thank you. Do we have any public speakers? >> We do. 83 00:24:48.640 --> 00:25:07.279 >> All right. >> Stephen Hirs, >> Steven Hirs, 17201 Collins, just two comments. Um, it was maybe three months ago we all woke up and saw these devices on Collins Avenue by Samson Park that 84 00:25:07.279 --> 00:25:22.480 none of us, at least I wasn't sure what they were at first. Um, then there was messaging regarding the inability to prohibit them because it was preempted by Florida statute 3162071. 85 00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:39.840 However, um we the city did indicate that there was for health safety issues and quickly came up with uh an ordinance which is on second reading tonight uh increasing the visibility and all the 86 00:25:39.840 --> 00:25:55.840 other uh issues monitoring insurance and a fee to incur our administrative costs. it was done quickly and um I believe that that's the type of reactions to these type of um things that just 87 00:25:55.840 --> 00:26:11.440 surfaced that Tallahassee has placed restrictions on what the city is able to do. And the second quick comment is um that is another perfect reason why uh and it's going to be discussed later 88 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:26.960 tonight. Uh we need a presence in Tallahassee to monitor what uh is going on down there that uh either adversely affects our home roll powers or creates other obstacles for us to uh accommodate 89 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:43.760 the needs and quality of our residents. Thank you. >> Thank you. Do we have any other speakers? >> No, ma'am. >> All right. Any questions or comments from the commission? >> I'll take um I'll take a motion, please. >> Motion. >> Second. All right. 90 00:26:43.760 --> 00:27:00.400 >> Commissioner Joseph, >> yes. >> Commissioner Lama, >> yes. >> Commissioner Styverson, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Viscara, >> yes. >> Mayor Fetchin, >> yes. >> The ordinance passes 5 to zero. >> All right. Next item, please. 8C is an ordinance of the city 91 00:27:00.400 --> 00:27:14.880 commission of the city of Sunny Al Beach, Florida, approving a first amendment to the lease agreement between the city of Sunny Al Beach and Laia Beach Associates LLC for the lease premises located at 18590 Collins Avenue, Sunny Al Beach, Florida, authorizing the mayor to execute set 92 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:31.039 lease agreement providing for an effective date. >> Thank you, Mr. City Manager, >> Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of the commission. This is a second reading of the amendment to our lease agreement with Laia Beach Associates providing for 93 00:27:31.039 --> 00:27:47.279 a lease extension. >> Thank you. Do we have public speakers? >> No, ma'am. >> Sure. Okay. Any comments from the commission? >> No. >> I'll take a motion, please. >> Motion. >> Commissioner Lama. >> Yes. 94 00:27:47.279 --> 00:28:03.840 >> Commissioner Styver. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Viscaro. Yes. >> Commissioner Joseph. >> Yes. >> Mayor Spetchin. >> Yes. >> The ordinance passes 5 to zero. >> All right. On to resolutions, please. >> 9A is a resolution approving an 95 00:28:03.840 --> 00:28:19.760 agreement with Bosch Enterprises for the purchase and installation of five lifeguard towers. >> Mr. City Manager, >> Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of commission. This approves an agreement with Bosch Enterprises for purchase and installation of five lifeguard towers. 96 00:28:19.760 --> 00:28:36.799 Do we have public speakers? >> No, ma'am. >> All right. Are there any comments or questions from the commission? >> I just have a comment. Um, >> go ahead. >> These are just to replace, correct, >> existing ones. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, we do still have the need of 97 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:52.000 an additional tower now that we are uh considering and you guys are helping or making the budget. Please consider that at least one south tower at the end of the south end of Sonia's beach. Um there 98 00:28:52.000 --> 00:29:09.919 is a big area between the last tower from our city and the first tower of Holover. And you know it's the summer is coming. We have more people. There is very low visibility. I always said the same comment. So, I'm sorry to repeat myself, but I go to the beach in that 99 00:29:09.919 --> 00:29:25.279 area with my kids and I know that if I cannot see our lifeguard, he cannot see me either and I cannot see him from the area where we are just behind um what is be tropicana and the other building um the rich cartoon. So, just please 100 00:29:25.279 --> 00:29:41.200 considering the locations now for the budget that I know the need of the south tower. I heard about apparently a need on the north end. I don't go to the beach there. don't so much. So, I really don't know, but personally, I know we need the one on the south. 101 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:57.840 >> Okay. Commissioner Joseph, did you want to add something? >> Yeah. So, my question was um regarding the additional south tower. Um do we have uh manning power for that tower? Is that within our uh our rights? 102 00:29:57.840 --> 00:30:12.799 >> We do not. >> We do not. >> So, even if we place a tower there, who would manage? >> Correct. It would have to be part of the budget and we would have to budget additional lifeguards to cover it. >> And if I may, vehicles, training, stuff 103 00:30:12.799 --> 00:30:28.159 like it comes not only the tower, it comes with the personal, maybe an additional supervisor for the new personal that we have, but we have an amazing lifeguard people, you know. So, >> but prepared to >> Oh, yeah. Absolutely. It's a package. Yeah. 104 00:30:28.159 --> 00:30:44.559 >> Yeah. So, we're prepared to add that additional station. It's subject to the approval of you all as part of the budget process if you provide consensus. But like the commissioner stated, it's not just additional personnel, but it's everything that goes with it. 105 00:30:44.559 --> 00:30:58.960 >> Okay. >> That cannot be handled with existing personnel. >> Right. That's also an additional tower that we need to purchase that wasn't included that's not included here. Correct. >> Correct. So is that something that we 106 00:30:58.960 --> 00:31:16.720 save dollars by including additional tower here or no? >> We would not do that at this time because first we would have to have consensus then we would have to budget out the 107 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:33.120 cost of staffing the tower. >> Okay. So that's something then we have so that will be additional at a later date. Correct. >> Okay. So now Okay. So just one more thing. >> Go ahead. So we now have we will have 10 108 00:31:33.120 --> 00:31:48.799 fresh towers, white towers that we had this discussion previously that we have uh Romero Bridto has offered to uh do the designs for our now 10 towers 109 00:31:48.799 --> 00:32:05.360 and I bring it back to the commission for red discussion regarding that proposal. >> Okay, we can put it on the next agenda. Um, all right. Anyone else have any questions of the manager? >> It would be amazing for him to do it. 110 00:32:05.360 --> 00:32:22.399 >> Uh, no. I would I would I would only add um be obviously before we add any more towers that there be it's not just our opinion, but that there be some formal assessment um to determine that need. 111 00:32:22.399 --> 00:32:37.200 >> Okay. >> Correct. >> That's all. >> Commissioner Lama, do you have anything? >> No. >> I'll take a motion then. >> Motion. Second. All in favor? >> I I >> Okay, next item, please. >> 9B is a resolution awarding request for 112 00:32:37.200 --> 00:32:52.720 proposals number 2601012 and approving an agreement with Ron Elook PA for prep per excuse me for professional lobbying services. Mr. >> City Manager, >> mayor, vice mayor, members of the commission, we put this out to bid if 113 00:32:52.720 --> 00:33:08.480 you recall for professional lobbying services. the it was narrowed to recommendation for Ron book for lobbying for a one-year contract. >> Thank you. Do we have public speakers? >> Yes, Stephen Hersh. 114 00:33:08.480 --> 00:33:28.080 >> Okay. >> Steven Hirs 17201 Collins. I want to preface my comments by stating that I do not know Ron Book nor have I ever met him. Uh municipal government today operates in an environment where many defi uh 115 00:33:28.080 --> 00:33:45.200 decisions affecting residents are no longer made solely at the local level. funding priorities, condominium legislation, transportation policy, resiliency initiatives, public safety grants, environmental regulations, infrastructure appropriation, tourist 116 00:33:45.200 --> 00:34:00.720 impacts, and even land related legislation are increasingly influenced by Tallahassee and Miami date county. This precisely why retaining a qualified legislative lobbyist is not a luxury, it's a necessity. Without dedicated 117 00:34:00.720 --> 00:34:15.679 advocacy, the city risks having decisions imposed upon us instead of participating in shaping those decisions. A professional lobbyist serves as our eyes, ears, and advocate on state and county decision makers. A 118 00:34:15.679 --> 00:34:33.599 lobbyist provides early intelligence on pending legislation, identifies opportunities for state and county funding, coordinates with legislators and agency officials, and ensures the city's position is heard. and decisions are finalized, not afterwards. 119 00:34:33.599 --> 00:34:48.639 Equally important, a lobbyist helps municipalities build relationships and coalitions with other communities having similar uh in in uh desires. Most importantly, an effective lus often pays 120 00:34:48.639 --> 00:35:05.119 for itself many times through grant procurement, legislative protection of municipal interests and avoiding costly unintended consequences from legislation or county actions that unfortunately the last few years seems to becoming more and more 121 00:35:05.119 --> 00:35:21.760 prevalent from Tallahassee. And finally, of budgetary importance, the cost of this contracts already contained in a city budget line item funding source. In reading the 114 pages of the contract documents, the RFP on page 28, section 122 00:35:21.760 --> 00:35:37.440 31, scope of services, contains 21 identified most critical issues facing the city and 10 governmental agencies that will uh also be impacted and control these. I 123 00:35:37.440 --> 00:35:53.280 suggest that all residents read these items to see the importance of what the commission is hopefully doing tonight in getting us again uh Mr. Book as a lobbyist. At the end of the day, it's about protecting our interest as 124 00:35:53.280 --> 00:36:09.920 residents, safeguarding local control, and ensuring Sunel's Beach has a respected and professional voice whenever governmental decisions are made. Thank you for allowing me to speak. >> Thank you. Do we have any other speakers? >> No, ma'am. >> All right. Any questions or comments 125 00:36:09.920 --> 00:36:26.160 from the commission? >> No. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> Do I have a comment? Yes. So, um whenever we um we have to um sign in and a form to request appropriations, I do believe is due in September 126 00:36:26.160 --> 00:36:42.560 um for the before the budget is start to be put together in Tallahassee. So same thing I will um any direction that we give to our lobies about what appropriations are we requesting uh I 127 00:36:42.560 --> 00:36:58.560 will request also that to be informed to the commission uh we might want to either add things there or whatever have that conversation over the years I've been requesting to get some money or request some money for the project under 128 00:36:58.560 --> 00:37:15.520 the causeway for the under under park in uh and it has not be done yet and that's something that I put also in my priorities for this year in the budget. So I will request and I hope that the city manager will be able to inform the 129 00:37:15.520 --> 00:37:32.480 commission about the appropriations request that they're going to be sent to Talahasi before the end of September by our by our lobbyist. >> Okay. Anyone else? Go ahead, 130 00:37:32.480 --> 00:37:46.560 >> Vice Mayor. >> Yeah, thank you. Um, I just wanted to say a a good word on on Ron Book's office. I was happy to see that that they were the ones who who ended up um 131 00:37:46.560 --> 00:38:03.680 um here. uh because it was really through Ron's office that um uh the uh Rana in particular who was really helpful to me in developing the legislative push and 132 00:38:03.680 --> 00:38:20.480 to to Steve's point it's not just reading the things it's they understand they know the players they understand sometimes the what are the hidden motivations that you're not going to see on the paper and how the the what things are being traded for what and so the 133 00:38:20.480 --> 00:38:36.320 backstories and if you just come in with your logic that doesn't always win the game like you have to understand the players and so our lobbyist uh certainly helps us do that and they've been there a long time and I I personally was very 134 00:38:36.320 --> 00:38:52.400 happy with the assistance they provided and they were very helpful in that effort so I was happy to see them. >> Okay. Like to make the motion then? >> I'll make the motion. >> I I would just like to add >> Please go ahead. >> Yes. that I also had the opportunity to meet with Ron Book. I believe it was uh 135 00:38:52.400 --> 00:39:07.680 last year or the year before and um he is um quite good at what he does and I'm glad to see that we're using him again. >> Thank you. All right. Uh I need a second. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. 136 00:39:07.680 --> 00:39:24.800 >> All right. Next item, please. 9C is a resolution approving a third amendment to the agreement with Waterfield, Florida staffing doing business as staffing connection to provide school crossing guard services. >> Mr. City Manager, >> mayor, vice mayor, members of the commission, this is a company that 137 00:39:24.800 --> 00:39:41.440 provides school crossing guards and this is a third amendment with them an amount not to exceed 235,000. >> Great. Thank you. Do we have any public speakers? >> No, ma'am. >> All right. Are there any questions from the commission? Go ahead, Commissioner Joseph. >> Yes. So, I bring this up all the time 138 00:39:41.440 --> 00:39:59.280 that um I'm questioning whether we can use this service um in order to have crossing guards at some of our most dangerous uh city crossings, 174th Street in particular. um 139 00:39:59.280 --> 00:40:14.320 if we can if there's any way we can access them for non-school hours uh to assist in crossings um and for safety purposes. I've been saying this for years and I 140 00:40:14.320 --> 00:40:29.200 believe it's quite necessary. >> Commissioner Stson, you want to say something? >> I just agree with Jerry with that assessment. Yeah. Something needs to be done in that intersection. >> Okay. Anyone else? Vice Mayor, 141 00:40:29.200 --> 00:40:45.599 >> I again I would that's something that I would like to I would like to see what the police thinks about that or get an assessment from in terms of that safety and and what can be done about it. Uh now with regards to the this item in 142 00:40:45.599 --> 00:41:02.319 particular, uh I just wanted to highlight that it's like $235,000 for crossing guards. uh that that's an investment that the city is making and that that doesn't happen everywhere. Uh and um and I realized that some people I 143 00:41:02.319 --> 00:41:18.400 was speaking to someone who moved from a different country and this is the only place they've lived and they think that it's normal that this is just normal that the police is at every corner and that you have crossing guards. Um and it isn't. This is a like a very particular 144 00:41:18.400 --> 00:41:35.760 uh investment slash perk that that we uh make uh for the safety of our kids. So, it's I would I would want for that not to be taken for granted. So, that's why I'm highlighting that. >> Thank you. It's well said. Um Commissioner Lum, do you want to add 145 00:41:35.760 --> 00:41:51.200 anything? Any questions? >> All right. I'll take a motion. >> Motion. >> Need a second. All in favor? I >> Okay. Mayor, the next three items are going to be heard together. 9D, 9E, and 9F. 146 00:41:51.200 --> 00:42:06.880 9D is a resolution approving a first amendment to the agreement with disaster program and operations or disaster debris monitoring services. 9E is a resolution approving a first amendment to the agreement with DRC emergency services as a primary contractor to 147 00:42:06.880 --> 00:42:21.839 provide disaster debris management and removal services. And 9F is a resolution approving a first amendment to the agreement and consent assignment with Phillips Heavy, formerly known as Phillips and Jordan as a secondary contractor to provide disaster debris 148 00:42:21.839 --> 00:42:39.359 management and removal services. >> Thank you, Mr. City Manager, >> Mayor, Vice Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of the commission. These three items are all related to hurricane hurricane type issues. As you know, we're coming up on hurricane season. We're preparing a 149 00:42:39.359 --> 00:42:57.680 workshop for our residents and condos. These are necessary parts of number one, debris removal, but number two, debris monitoring that is necessary for reimbursement from 150 00:42:57.680 --> 00:43:13.839 FEMA and hopefully we don't have to use any of this. But this is something we do every year to make sure these contracts are updated and ready to go. >> Thank you. Do we have any public speakers? >> No, ma'am. >> Any comments or questions from the commission? 151 00:43:13.839 --> 00:43:31.839 >> I I just want to add um for clarification um if you can just add u Mr. City Manager why we have the three rather than just the ones for for those that are watching. >> Yes, thank you. A number of years ago, we had a brush with a small, well, large 152 00:43:31.839 --> 00:43:46.480 hurricane, but thankfully did not hit us. And we had a contract in place for debris removal. But if you recall, that hurricane affected a number of different areas, 153 00:43:46.480 --> 00:44:03.119 and the company that was on our list was nonresponsive for some debris that we needed to be removed. If you recall, there was sand all over Collins. There was a number of u light poles that were broken, some wires down, a lot of debris even though 154 00:44:03.119 --> 00:44:19.680 we didn't get hit with the storm. So, we learned from that in that now we have a secondary contract as a backup for debris removal. >> Okay. Thank you. And >> if I may just add, mayor, also there's the third. So, FEMA requires us to have a debris management and removal. So we 155 00:44:19.680 --> 00:44:34.880 have the primary and secondary for removal and we also have the third company for the management. That's also what federally required >> for the purposes of reimbursements. Okay. And I just want to add for for the public that when we had that hurricane which was eight years ago, could it be that long ago? 156 00:44:34.880 --> 00:44:49.440 >> It was 2017. >> Yeah. >> Wow. um that we do have spaces in the city that are private property, for instance, like the park at Winston Towers, and that we do not have a right to to remove from those properties unless we have approval uh or permission 157 00:44:49.440 --> 00:45:05.920 rather from the property owner. So, I'd asked during the um agenda review if we can identify any large spaces. It would be good to just know that in advance and be in contact with those properties. >> Yes, we will. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Next item, 158 00:45:05.920 --> 00:45:20.000 please. >> I'm sorry. qu question on that on the you you you triggered something >> um when something like that happens and properties have uh let's let's say like class of the Americas we had some trees 159 00:45:20.000 --> 00:45:36.800 is does this include maybe I'm I don't know if I'm remembering it correctly that we we put our branches and stuff out to the sidewalk and does is this service the one who who who picks that is that part of it >> yes but you have to bring it You're 160 00:45:36.800 --> 00:45:52.240 right. You have to put it outside and that you're not coming into the property. >> Yes. But yes, it does. >> Yeah. My request was for properties that have like that's a good example to allow us to come in and assist with that. Especially anywhere where there's cars like the police coming through because 161 00:45:52.240 --> 00:46:06.800 you have a road going in there that would prevent them from getting through. Not wait for the private property owner, but allow us to to clean that up. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Like Ocean Reserve. I mean, you have a few. >> There's a few, right? That's >> house. Yeah. There's a few that have roads. >> Yeah. 162 00:46:06.800 --> 00:46:23.280 >> Okay. All right. I'll take a motion. >> Motion. >> Need a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> All right. Next item. >> Next item. >> Excuse me. Next item is 9G, a resolution providing a merit salary adjustment for the city clerk. 163 00:46:23.280 --> 00:46:38.960 >> Okay, that's your item, sir. >> Yes. So, I'll just repeat my my presentation from from Tuesday's workshop. I recognize that this is sort of unusual to be presenting an item on my behalf. >> Feels unusual. >> It does feel unusual and doing it a 164 00:46:38.960 --> 00:46:54.960 second time makes it no easier. Um but to provide context to to the commission and as I mentioned on Tuesday, um in May of 2023, the electorate approved a charter amendment that fundamentally restructured the position um before it 165 00:46:54.960 --> 00:47:11.200 previously reported to the city manager. Uh with that change um it now reports to the city commission effectively putting it alongside the city manager and the city attorney as a charter officer. So despite this this 166 00:47:11.200 --> 00:47:26.960 change um no salary adjustment was made when I was appointed in 2024. Um the move was made or the contract was approved with no increase in in base salary. The contract did provide for a 167 00:47:26.960 --> 00:47:43.040 an adjustment for the cost of living increases and it also provided for annual uh performance reviews which has has not taken place since uh the contract was approved. Um, included in the memo, I provided some market 168 00:47:43.040 --> 00:48:00.000 comparison information uh with neighboring uh agencies. And as you can see on there, um the position in in the city is is the lowest paid in the surrounding municipalities. uh for example, and and 169 00:48:00.000 --> 00:48:16.800 it's not to single out any any of these agencies, but um about half of them are of a smaller size in comparison to Sunny Alles Beach um and get paid higher. Uh they also are a single person department 170 00:48:16.800 --> 00:48:33.440 and have no uh no staff to supervise. >> So based on on these reasons, um I'm proposing this for for your consideration. Um, commissioners, >> do we have uh any public speakers? >> We do not. >> All right. So, do we have any questions? 171 00:48:33.440 --> 00:48:49.839 Please go ahead. Commissioner Joseph, >> do we have to fear that you're going to go on strike? >> No. No plans. >> Okay. >> For now, Commissioner Jose. Um, well, I'm totally for it. Um I do believe that the city cler's office and I say that 172 00:48:49.839 --> 00:49:06.960 aloud before is one of the best rung um departments in the city and I congratulate you for that. Um I think you do magic with such a letter staff and used to be only you and Marlin and now thank god you have angel too. uh and 173 00:49:06.960 --> 00:49:24.240 the amass the mass of and the amount of information and the jabla that you have is insane and I think you guys do magic. So you deserve this and more and I just congratulate you for your good job. You 174 00:49:24.240 --> 00:49:39.440 have to deal with a lot you know with the public with the requests uh with the politicians with elections with the ones that win with the ones that lose. So, it's too much. And yes, I think um I'm totally in support of this. Yeah. >> Thank you. 175 00:49:39.440 --> 00:49:56.400 >> Okay. Anyone else? >> I'm also in support. >> Okay. >> Um and in fact, in in the residence academy, >> uh one of the things that we highlight is the insane amount of elections that that you've had to handle compared to 176 00:49:56.400 --> 00:50:12.079 other places like where they'll have like maybe one or two and you got to do six. is that if I remember it correctly, um between the the elections and the runoffs and and the surprise resignations and the the special 177 00:50:12.079 --> 00:50:27.359 elections, it's like it's a lot, right? So, um and I think >> loves it. >> He loves it. We know that's why we do it. That's why we do. We sit and we try to come up with ways to complicate your life. And for that, >> I've been here for 22 years for a reason. 178 00:50:27.359 --> 00:50:42.880 for that. I think uh and plus not like in other cities um you know the the clerk doesn't do some of the things that you do. they don't they don't write the resolutions or they don't they don't run the meetings or the you know the mayor might run the meetings like you you take 179 00:50:42.880 --> 00:50:59.440 on a lot and and we've also been not in your case but in in be before like as we when we were revamping certain other departments I mean we had become the training ground for other cities uh we couldn't keep people because we weren't 180 00:50:59.440 --> 00:51:16.720 paying uh and uh so we don't just in case you're getting any Yes, we'd like to keep you. >> Thank you. >> Commissioner Lama, did you want to say anything? >> No, I'm in support of this and I think that, you know, we're all grateful to Mauricio. 181 00:51:16.720 --> 00:51:31.920 >> Thank you. >> You know, all his experience with all the runoffs. I think he did, you know, start his own school and how to how to manage runoff elections, but uh and the city attorney, too. >> But no, thank you very much. And yeah, I'm in support of this. 182 00:51:31.920 --> 00:51:46.559 >> Right. >> Mayor, if I may have a point of privilege. Sure, please. >> Um, I've worked with approximately five or six city clerks. You have a very good city clerk and this particular city clerk does in in this position a lot 183 00:51:46.559 --> 00:52:02.319 more than other city clerks to to your point, Vice Mayor. Uh, not many, and I've this is the first city clerk I know that writes a majority of your resolutions and a lot of the work that's done to run the meeting. A lot of city clerks don't do that. So, 184 00:52:02.319 --> 00:52:17.760 >> yes. Uh, did you want to say something, Mr. City Manager? >> Yes. I just wanted to echo what the city attorney said. Um, in the past four years of working with the city clerk, if you recall, I awarded him the city manager award because he does an 185 00:52:17.760 --> 00:52:33.119 incredible job of trying to be apolitical in a very political environment. Um, but handles a tremendous volume of work and has always been helpful to me. So, fully support that. >> Thank you. And I just want to add I get the the privilege of going last as 186 00:52:33.119 --> 00:52:48.800 mayor. uh you know when I was first elected Jane was the city clerk and I thought she was just incredible and she was you know me she rest in peace and you were the assistant city clerk at the time and the you know not that you weren't really smart back then but 187 00:52:48.800 --> 00:53:05.359 you've really grown into and matured into this role to the point where you are you know so professional um that it is so appreciated by by this entire commission and and the residents and um you know the only thing I regret is that we have not doing the annual reviews 188 00:53:05.359 --> 00:53:22.960 which we should definitely you know get in in front of. >> So uh yeah you need to remind us when the next one comes up and I'm also in in support of this. So >> okay I just like that >> that um in all my interactions with Mauricio he's uh been uh he's excelled 189 00:53:22.960 --> 00:53:38.720 in my opinion in every manner and um that this uh this uh is welld deserved. All right. I'll take a motion. >> Move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> I >> All right. 190 00:53:38.720 --> 00:53:56.640 >> Before we move on to the next item, if I may. >> Yes, please go ahead. >> Um because it's related, but I wanted the vote to take place. Uh it's it's not clear who should bring this forward. I think it's it's kind of awkward to bring forward your own contract. Do maybe we 191 00:53:56.640 --> 00:54:12.240 can put a pin on that maybe for a discussion later but I think we should have a we should have a process for that like or some >> I >> or it's the expectation that everybody brings on on their own contract. It's if it's I think it's a little 192 00:54:12.240 --> 00:54:26.480 uncomfortable. >> All right. I would be in favor of adding that on to the next commission meeting to be able to discuss it for >> not just you but all the charter positions. But just if I can say there's no one that 193 00:54:26.480 --> 00:54:44.000 can better advocate for themselves than you. >> And I can tell you that in other jurisdictions typically it's it is very awkward, but it is the officer, it is the city manager, it is the city clerk, it is the city attorney that puts on their item. 194 00:54:44.000 --> 00:54:59.599 >> Usually at the same time of year. >> Uh so it's it's more repetitious like every September or every October it's due. So, it's sort of automatic, but it's unfortunately it is awkward. But >> so, maybe it's just better for uh either the manager's office or the clerk's 195 00:54:59.599 --> 00:55:16.319 office to do this by email and let us know what you think rather than have to wait an entire month. Um, and then if you feel that you need direction from us, then we can put it on the agenda. >> Okay. Yeah, we can do that. >> I mean, you could literally just put it on the calendar, >> right? I was thinking if it's if it's an 196 00:55:16.319 --> 00:55:30.400 annual thing. >> Yeah. It doesn't have to be anything convoluted. >> All right. You did a great job advocating for yourself. Oh, >> good. Thank you. Yes, Mr. Mr. Manager. >> Thank you, Mayor. In light of that, I'd like to advocate for myself and propose 197 00:55:30.400 --> 00:55:45.760 an adjustment now. >> That's not a joke. >> Okay. >> You say that's not >> a joke or it's not a joke. >> It is not a joke. Um I'm in a similar position as a city clerk in that I was supposed to be reviewed annually, but 198 00:55:45.760 --> 00:56:02.400 we've been so busy. It's been since uh year 2023 that have been reviewed and I think the things that we've been able to accomplish here are significant in these past number of years. As the city 199 00:56:02.400 --> 00:56:17.520 clerk said, it's very uh it's challenging to advocate for yourself, but through the great work of our team, uh we've accomplished some significant things. Specifically in the past four years, we've gotten our police 200 00:56:17.520 --> 00:56:35.280 department, our ocean rescue department, our building department all accredited. We also received autism certification for our police department, ocean rescue. We received clean audits, um, most recent A+ in the past four 201 00:56:35.280 --> 00:56:51.599 years. So I took the information that the city clerk provided and I did a salary comparison as well. So I think an adjustment is in order. >> Okay. Just for clarification because this is a little bit unusual because 202 00:56:51.599 --> 00:57:07.280 this is adding to the agenda in the middle of the agenda if I'm reading this understanding this correctly. >> So procedurally how would this work Mr. So, even though the the city manager um brought it up and discussed it, it would 203 00:57:07.280 --> 00:57:23.200 be to have a motion to add it on as a as a consideration. >> Well, I think >> Wait, wait, wait one second. So, it would be a motion to add it on right now. >> Yeah, because it'll require an action >> by the commission. >> Okay. I would like to say that I believe 204 00:57:23.200 --> 00:57:40.400 at the earliest we should have this on for next month so we can see similar comparisons as uh we did for the city clerk. >> Okay. Um let's we can do a discussion then. Does is anyone making a motion to add this on 205 00:57:40.400 --> 00:57:56.319 >> for discussion right now? >> Are you do you have that information? I have the information, but if it's better that you would like to wait until next month, I can provide a format similar to what the city clerk did. >> I Yeah, I I would think that that's 206 00:57:56.319 --> 00:58:10.720 better. It also allows the public uh to comment if they wanted to. >> I agree with that. Yes. >> Yes. All right. So, we'll add it on for next month. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Next item. 207 00:58:10.720 --> 00:58:29.200 So, next item is 9H, a proclamation, excuse me, approving the issuance of a proclamation recognizing July 4th, 2026 as United States Semiquesentennial Day in the city of Sunny Al Beach. 208 00:58:29.200 --> 00:58:45.920 >> Mr. City Manager. >> Well, thank you, Mayor. This issues a proclamation. As you know, this is a significant event on July 4th for the semiquincentennial day for city uh we're recognizing it in 209 00:58:45.920 --> 00:59:02.799 the city as significant for our country. >> Do we have any public speakers? >> No, ma'am. >> Do we have any comments or questions from the commission? >> I would like to co-sponsor the proclamation and also to add my name to it. >> I would like to do the same. 210 00:59:02.799 --> 00:59:18.880 >> Would everyone like to add their name to it? No, fine. >> I'm okay. No. Yeah. Yeah. I'll >> All right. >> You could keep it. >> I do. I do. >> Not that I do not support it, but you have your name. >> I have a question. Um because I did recently get this asked and I just I 211 00:59:18.880 --> 00:59:35.520 want to have it clarified for the public because we discussed this a while ago and uh I I want to make sure who whomever is watching, they understand what this means. What do we have planned for Fourth of July? Because the the fireworks were were too expensive. Um, 212 00:59:35.520 --> 00:59:50.160 >> nothing. >> Remind me, please. >> Me? >> Yes, please. Thank you. >> The fireworks were too expensive. Um, we're going to have a special display in history hall commemorating the 250th anniversary. 213 00:59:50.160 --> 01:00:08.079 >> We have um commemorative 250 Sunny Els Beach 250 anniversary pins that we are giving to everyone with a resident ID card starting June 1. And we are having we put up our special banners um along 214 01:00:08.079 --> 01:00:23.440 Collins Avenue. Sunny El Beach celebrates 250. >> Okay. All right. >> Did you want to say something, Commissioner Joseph? >> So, has history hall been recreated? >> There are items in history hall. Yes. 215 01:00:23.440 --> 01:00:41.280 >> But not as it used to be. I thought we were waiting to digitalize things and then we were going to recreate it the way more likely. >> I'll let the city manager answer that, but I don't want to get off topic because it's not an agenda item. Mr. City Manager, >> our history hall has been recreated. 216 01:00:41.280 --> 01:00:57.760 It's not the same as it was before. We're working on digitizing to provide that and then I think it was recommended by you all that we install something in short order, which we did. So, we're still working on the digitization process. 217 01:00:57.760 --> 01:01:13.599 >> Okay. >> To add to add to what we have already. >> Eventually, it will be similar to how it was originally. >> It's going to be different, but still memorializing the history. So, part of it will be digital and part of 218 01:01:13.599 --> 01:01:29.359 it will be the print like the photos that we have up now. But it'll be throughout the hall or No, >> what you're seeing now is mostly complete, but we will also have some digital monitors that are going to 219 01:01:29.359 --> 01:01:45.520 run through the history >> so people can either observe and read as they walk through the hall or study the monitor which will have everything on a loop. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay, I'll take a motion. >> Motion moved. >> All in favor? I 220 01:01:45.520 --> 01:02:04.240 >> I >> Okay, next item. >> Next item is 9 I, which is a resolution approving the issuance of a proclamation recognizing May 2026 as National Law Month. >> Vice Mayor. >> Uh yeah, it it's it's that. 221 01:02:04.240 --> 01:02:20.799 >> Okay. >> So, and um and obviously, you know, we approve it. if if we approve it, then we we would try and present it at the next meeting. Uh and uh you know, if they can't make it, then we'll find opportunity to present it. Um I chose 222 01:02:20.799 --> 01:02:37.119 the um the Miami Dade Bar Association to have like the local tie and also they are I believe the largest bar association in Florida. >> Uh and they do a lot of proono work and um obviously touch the community. So 223 01:02:37.119 --> 01:02:52.960 >> nice. Do we have any public speakers? >> No, ma'am. >> All right. Any comments or questions? I'll take a motion. >> So move. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Next item. >> Now we have the add-on item 9J, which is 224 01:02:52.960 --> 01:03:07.359 a resolution approving the issuance of a proclamation recognizing May 2026 as mental health awareness day month. Excuse me. >> Commissioner Llama, this is your item. >> Yes. So, just wanted to um bring this 225 01:03:07.359 --> 01:03:25.760 forward to um make people aware that you know May is uh mental health awareness month and the the theme of this which I think um it was very appropriate. Hold on. I'm I'm trying to look for it. Give me one second here. So, the theme for 226 01:03:25.760 --> 01:03:41.039 the um for the month of May for mental awareness uh month is more good days together. So, it's all about, you know, being conscious about, you know, any issues and and talking to people and 227 01:03:41.039 --> 01:03:57.520 communicating and basically, you know, knowing that you're not alone. So, you know, we'll be presenting then next month, which is in June. Um, but yeah, just wanted to bring this forward. >> Okay. Thank you. Do we have any public speakers? >> No, ma'am. 228 01:03:57.520 --> 01:04:12.880 >> Any questions or comments from the commission? >> I'll take a motion, please. Motion >> second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, now we're on to uh the citizens forums and we do have a couple 229 01:04:12.880 --> 01:04:32.960 of speakers. Steven Hirsch, >> Stephen Hirs, 17201 Collins. Uh May is a busy month. Uh today I would just like to remind everyone that uh May 10th through 16th is officially designated as National Police Week in the United 230 01:04:32.960 --> 01:04:48.240 States. Last week the city or Miami date county celebrated on Friday May 8th observance of law enforcement appreciation day and tomorrow May 15th is peace officers memorial day in the 231 01:04:48.240 --> 01:05:04.640 United States. These occasions remind us that behind every badge is a person who made a commitment to serve others, often a great personal sacrifice. Every day, law enforcement officers leave their homes not knowing the dangers that they 232 01:05:04.640 --> 01:05:20.079 may face. Yet, they continue to answer the call to protect our communities, uphold the law, and stand between order and chaos. According to the FBI and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 53 officers were 233 01:05:20.079 --> 01:05:36.079 feloniously killed in the line of duty during 2025. While overall line of duty deaths nationwide totaled 111 officers, these numbers are more than just statistics. They represent family, 234 01:05:36.079 --> 01:05:51.200 fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, partners, and their dedication will never be forgotten. This commission has consistently voted five to zero on resolutions supporting our police department in hiring quality 235 01:05:51.200 --> 01:06:08.799 personnel, training, and equipment. Our police department earned accreditation through the Florida law enforcement accreditation process back in October 5th of 2023, reflecting the professionalism and dedication of the men and women who 236 01:06:08.799 --> 01:06:25.280 serve our community every day. I join the thousands of Sunal's Beach residents, visitors, and business owners in thanking our city commission, our city manager, 237 01:06:25.280 --> 01:06:41.480 our police chief, and every member of our police department for their commitment to protecting our city and keeping us safe. Thank you. >> Thank you. That was very heartfelt. Thank you. Next speaker, please. in a stern. 238 01:06:53.119 --> 01:07:09.200 >> Hello. Hi. Your name and address for the record, please. >> Yeah. Um 2003 174 Street Wind. >> Sure. Uh something else. >> Yes, that's fine. And your and your last 239 01:07:09.200 --> 01:07:24.400 name, please? >> In turn. >> Oh, thank you. >> Uh good evening everybody. Uh my name is Inish Stern and I have been a resident of Sunals for the past seven years from Vincent Taro 300. I would like to bring 240 01:07:24.400 --> 01:07:39.119 to your attention two concerns I have as a resident of Sunals. First, I would like to talk about the Getaway pedestrian elevator and ask who's overseeing this project. Unless I miss something, the elevator has not been 241 01:07:39.119 --> 01:07:56.160 working since February 2026 after a full remodeling that was completed in December 2025. Bless you. >> I also wanted to speak on behalf of the seniors in the residents who cannot easily use the stairs. Back in the 242 01:07:56.160 --> 01:08:11.920 February, I brought my 90 years old mother to attend the class. We used the south elevator to go up, but we tried to come down on the north side. The elevators was out of order. I spoke with employees in suggesting placing a 243 01:08:11.920 --> 01:08:29.920 warning sign on the south side as well because otherwise people would go without knowing they could not come back by elevator. To discredit the sign was later placed there over the past past few months I heard so many different 244 01:08:29.920 --> 01:08:45.520 explanation that is almost sound like a material twist end up comedy part iron order hydraulic flooding because we are close to the ocean corrosion from the salt air it will work on Monday uh the 245 01:08:45.520 --> 01:09:01.759 lawyers are involved in the warranty issues because it was reinstalled in December 2025. But jokes aside, this is very important. The elevator is the only safe way to many resident, especially seniors 246 01:09:01.759 --> 01:09:17.759 attending classes or activities on other site to cross Boulevard. I would also like to know whether elevator has a preventative maintenances plan in place and who exactly is responsible for overseeing this project on behalf of the 247 01:09:17.759 --> 01:09:34.239 city. From my own experience serving on the board of the highriser building, I can say this project like this require close supervision uh accountability. Unfortunately, we cannot simply rely on the companies who is providing the 248 01:09:34.239 --> 01:09:50.400 service without active oversight from the city staff. Perhaps the city should also consider bringing on independent third-party elevator expert like getting a second medical opinion to review the situation and verify the recommendation 249 01:09:50.400 --> 01:10:06.960 being made by the original company. My second concern as a resident is ongoing please finish your thought but if you can wrap it up please. >> Sure. My second concern is the residents outgoing water leak on a corner of 1774 250 01:10:06.960 --> 01:10:24.239 street and North Bay Road. The water has been dripping and leaking for months and a plumbing permit has been posted on the tree since February 2026. As a taxpayer, I also concerned about who is paying for all this weighted water and increased water bill. This problem experience this 251 01:10:24.239 --> 01:10:39.840 problems become expensive problems when they ignore them for too long. I hope the city can provide residents with more transparency, accountability, and clear timelines for repairs. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ena. And um I I know the city manager's office is going to be in touch 252 01:10:39.840 --> 01:10:56.159 with you because we spoke earlier and you said you want to talk to them and that's we're going to make sure that happens. >> Do they have to provide the email or phone number? >> Someone in the back will will get your information and we'll make sure. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. >> No other speakers. 253 01:10:56.159 --> 01:11:11.760 >> No other speakers. All right. Thank you everyone that we're addressed. >> I have a I have a comment regarding what Enu was talking about. >> Okay. >> So, all of these items should have been addressed. It's the uh responsibility of a city manager's office to make sure 254 01:11:11.760 --> 01:11:27.679 that the elevators are working correctly. um at Gateway um that the um sports park um that the construction is done in a quick 255 01:11:27.679 --> 01:11:45.199 uh orderly manner uh without delay and we've had delays in all of these issues and um I just like to have more accountability and responsibility for the delays. Thank you, >> mayor. I'd just add that on the elevator 256 01:11:45.199 --> 01:12:01.400 issue, uh, that matters has been referred to my office, so I'll be dealing with that. I'm not necessarily going to telegraph what I'll be doing, but there's some issues that need to be >> Right. No, I'm I'm aware. That's why I wanted her to connect to the city manager's office. Okay. Thank you, everyone.