Right. --------- Good afternoon everyone. Hello. Um, calling the meeting to order. >> Mauricio. >> Commissioner Joseph. >> Present. >> Commissioner Styverson >> here. >> Commissioner Vascara. Excuse me. Vice
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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,
>> 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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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,
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
>> 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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
insurance benefits to the elected officials were provided via a memorandum back in 2009. So, as part of that memo, it states that
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
>> 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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
>> 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
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,
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
>> 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
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
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
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.
>> 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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
>> 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
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
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?
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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,
>> 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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
>> 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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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?
>> 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
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?
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
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.
>> 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
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
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,
>> 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
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
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
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?
>> 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
adjourned. See you all at 6:20. Thank you. Part: 2
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
>> 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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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?
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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?
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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,
>> 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.
>> 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
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
>> 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
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,
>> 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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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.
>> 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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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.
>> 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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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?
>> 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
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.
>> 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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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.
>> 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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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,
>> 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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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?
>> 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
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,
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
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
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?
>> 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
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,
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
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
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
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.
>> 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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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.
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
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
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.
>> 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.
>> 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
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,
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
>> 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
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.
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.
>> 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
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.
>> 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
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,
>> 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.
>> 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
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.
>> 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.
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.
>> 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
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
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
>> 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.
>> 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
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
>> 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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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,
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.
>> 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
>> 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
that the elevators are working correctly. um at Gateway um that the um sports park um that the construction is done in a quick
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
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.