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[music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] [clears throat] >> All right. >> Good evening. Meeting date, Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6 p.m. Commission
Chambers 500 Southwest 109 Avenue. Roll call. Madam clerk, >> the absence of Commissioner, >> can we all please stand for the invocation? Does any commissioner wish to give the invocation? [snorts] Please bow your heads. In Jesus name
I pray. Dear heavenly father, thank you for granting us the gift of life, the gift of breath, the gift of family, friendship, and the gift of service. Thank you for allowing us to celebrate Easter Sunday. Jesus has risen and thank the Lord for that.
Thank you for affording us the opportunity to serve in this great city, the greatest nation in the world, my opinion, the greatest state in the nation, and most certainly we are the proudest city within the nation. I ask that you please continue to bless
our military, the greatest military in the world, our first responders, firefighters, our teachers, and this DACA, the commissioners and the mayor, our staff. Please help us make the important decisions, the wise decisions for the
betterment of our city. In Jesus' name, I will always pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Please be seated. [clears throat] Item four, special presentations. Mr. Mayor. >> Yes, we uh At this time I have a couple
presentations. One is Let me call him front and center please. Cadet, today you honor us with your presence here because by the way, most
people don't know this, but I gave him a a letter several years ago. >> Yes, the mother was >> uh for his achievement, his award, and everything he was doing in school at the time. And here you are, four circle, my
capacity, a different position. And again, we're honoring you with Commissioner Yanu, which is also the captain of the CAP. And we're very proud of our CAP. We're very proud of the young men and women that are there. And
you got, I must say, the Billy Mitchell award that is not given to a lot of people. Okay. Let it be known that Andre Fara >> Reara de Koopa
has satisfactory completed all requirements and is entitled to the belly Billy missile award given at national headquarters national headquarters in the civil air patrol auxiliary of the United States
Air Force on the 25th of November 2025. We could not give it to you at the time, but you're here now, and that's why we're presenting it to you. Am I correct? >> Yes, exactly. >> Okay. [applause] So, thank you for everything. Here's
your award behalf of the captain and all of us. >> Thank you so much, sir. >> There you go. >> Yes, sir. [laughter] >> We have plenty. >> May, why don't you and dad come in the picture, please? We have plenty of guys.
>> We'll get pictures after for you. >> Where's your dad at? >> Yeah, it was I called both. So, >> thank you. [snorts] >> Congratulations, sir. [clears throat]
[applause] Thank you. >> Oh, sure. >> We have another one of these. You were a lot smaller, though. >> Now, I'm really looking up to you. >> Thank you so much.
>> God bless. >> Yes. since you presented that program. >> Oh yes, sweet. >> Good to see you. >> Okay, let's [snorts] >> Okay, Commissioner >> Regal, would you join us up in your
second? >> Of course. Of course. Many years ago in Miami date county when I first started in the commission there was something that was very important and an awareness that had to be come out
and Can you silence that please? Thank you. would come out and actually make more awareness of something that was very difficult in our community because it wasn't expressed a lot and people looked at really talented but yet
people that had to deal with this affliction. Is that correct? >> Y >> and the issue was autism. So I went ahead with the help of a couple of my colleagues at the time and we created autism month in Miami date
county. I know some of you that are sitting in the audience remember that. But uh it was actually something that we did with a lot of joy and we got a lot of out of it and Day County started to grow with that and we started have big events. But then came
this lovely lady Rael Regal that became a commissioner and when she became a commissioner she decided to do everything to help autism in every way possible and she'll tell you why too. But she is very blessed and we're very
blessed to have her continue and really lead the march. We still doing the pipeline the motorcycle. >> I missed it this year. Okay. So there's a lot of ways to to deal with this issue. But thank you and my colleagues. Go ahead.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. So I'm going to present it now. >> Let's go ahead. I don't I don't even know what you're presenting. >> I have props. I have props. I have props. So, I I brought my props because I know that you know this stuff very well, Vivic. Um, but I wanted to to
share with everyone. Um, so I had the pleasure of serving with your mayor when I was at the BCC. Uh, for those of you who don't know me, I am the proud parent of two neurodeivergent adults. Uh, my daughter Isabella is 22 and my son Sebastian turns 21 uh next week
actually. And when they were diagnosed, I decided uh to run for position on the Miami County School Board and I started uh working there. And when Pepe and Rebecca were at the BCC, they were very supportive. Back when I got my diagnosis, people weren't even speaking
about autism. Nobody wanted to say that your children were autistic. Uh everyone thought that it was a temporary thing. It is not. They are autistic for life. uh and I became an advocate uh first at the school board and then later at the county. When I got to the county, I
really wanted um to focus on existing systems. You know, one of the things that Pep and I agree with is like why create something, you know, >> and try to work inside existing systems. Uh the county had already started a great program which I expanded called MIA air, which is a dress rehearsal
through the airport. And we really started other things that we could do. My first item, which uh Pepe co-sponsored uh and supported me, had this uh countywide training. So, we started by training our police officers. To date, we've trained over 4,000 police
officers with MSU card uh countywide. And two years after that, we rolled out our decal, which is also countywide, which is our occupant with autism, and it has a registration. And now uh the sheriff has expanded that so that the
registration also is not just tied to your home which is when we started it uh but now it's also tied to your car. So now uh you can put actual information about your child or your adult from the parents perspective if they're verbal if they're non-verbal and what are their
deescalations. We've trained all of our firefighters. We've done emergency services at the bike ride which is next weekend if you want to join us. We will be uh giving an award to our parks department. We've trained every single one of our parks members and we actually
got a national award from Nico for our training in our libraries, our social stories and our inclusive programming. So, it really has been a countywide effort. Uh and this year for April, I spent a lot of months on it. Uh and you'll you'll all get an email of it,
but I wanted you to bring a physical one for you and for your manager. I rolled out um the Florida neuroincclusive toolkit. So this toolkit goes through everything that we've done in the last 10 years. It has the legislation, it has the data and the how to do it so that
every city and county throughout Florida can do the same because I have never found an elected official that doesn't want to do this work. The question is how do you do it? How much is it going to cost? You know, and who's going to guide my hand like through it? So this gives very practical examples. I don't
want anyone to have to hire a consultant, you know, or get involved in some super complicated thing. There's a lot of easy things that we could do. For example, um this is the sunflower lanyard. We actually started using it at the airport and now we use it at transit. Um it's something that can be
used anywhere. Uh our office actually provides them for residents all over the county. Uh and it is a national symbol now that allows people to detect if someone has uh an invisible disability. So, uh, April is about autism. But
neurodeiversity actually is people who have a neurological delay like my children who are both in the autism spectrum, but also people who have dyslexia, you know, people who have epilepsy, people who have Tourette's. In the middle of the spectrum, you have people who have traumatic brain injury.
And on the neurological decline side, you have people who have Alzheimer's and dementia. So, one of the things that people don't know about Alzheimer and dementia is usually the first sign 85% of people who are afflicted with dementia or Alzheimer's, the first issue
that they have is with sensory overload. It's with the lights, it's with the noise and their inability to participate in public events. So, a lot of this is dedicated to how to create sensory friendly activities and sensory friendly spaces that will provide access not just
for people who have um Alzheimer's and epilepsy but also for people who have dementia um you know uh and autism. So, the idea is you know as a community we could do so much uh something as simple as for example the youth bear this year
was one of has been a great partner. They're in the toolkit. Uh for three years we've been working with them. This year if you went on Saturday or Sunday, uh they turned off all the lights and they turned off all the music from 12 to 3 to make it a sensory friendly event.
Very simple thing, you know, cost no money. It was just about, you know, stepping up and and doing it. Um, so this toolkit has a lot of these examples and it allows you all to kind of step in wherever you want, whether you want to do employment like we've done at the county and training for employment or
whether you want to focus on sensory activity first. Uh, and that level of inclusion or whether you want to do more training. Uh, it's all in here and Pepe helped me create most of it. Uh, so I'm here if you have any questions. Uh, we're providing you with the toolkit, sir. Okay, you already know some of that
legislation because you saw it when I was drafting it. Uh, but the idea is I really want to be um, you know, accessible to you all in whatever area that you want to do this work. U, uh, it really is wonderful work. I will tell you after spending so many years trying
to change my children, uh, they have changed me more than I have changed them. They're amazing human beings. Uh, they have tremendous abilities and I will forever be an advocate uh, for neuroincclusion. Uh, and I think that Miami Day County is leading, our cities are leading. I want to thank you for
raising the flag. I saw it outside. It's beautiful. Thank you so much. It means so much for our families to see our government talk about autism because for a lot of families, they just feel like they've been completely forgotten and they don't show up because they don't
feel welcome. So, I know that the flag doesn't sound like a big deal, but for them to see it, it is. uh and for our children. It's so wonderful to feel accepted and to be made part actively made part of our community. >> Thank you.
He's non-stop, guys. Non-stop. Another thing real fast, our police department, in fact, our chief, I think, has the badge on for autism. And so does we have a a car that we already wrapped for artistism and it's actually in
production. Chief, I believe you have the badge on. have it on. >> Yeah, there we go. And uh you know, we we'll be all set by next year fully with everything including in a lot of these events. We uh we're for summer camp. We've have people that already been
trained >> to deal with the children and everything else. There's a lot of things we're doing, but we're still not where we need to be, and I'm sure my colleagues have be very important to help out, and they will. So, thank you for coming and thank you for talking to us and we'll take it
from there. >> All right. Awesome. Can I take a picture? Yes. I want a picture. >> All right. Let's do it. >> I want a picture. Let's do it. >> Oh, there we go. >> Ready? >> Thank you guys so much. >> Got it. You're the best. >> Thank you so much. Anything that you
guys need >> [laughter] >> so much. >> All right, guys. Don't don't leave. >> Don't Don't leave. Don't leave. I would like to go. >> Thank you, >> Adana, please. From two. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. >> Oh, wow.
>> This is special. Oh, [groaning] >> you got all of them in here. >> Is awesome. >> Oh, look at the people looking at me. Oh, bring it into the office. >> Best cookie ever. >> Best cookie ever.
>> One more. >> My last one. Walmart. You got yours. There we go. >> Oh, wow. >> Okay. Want to say something? >> You guys want to get in the >> Yes. You want to get in the pictures and
>> Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Can you say what this is all about? >> Okay. Why don't you go stand right here? >> Stand right here. >> That microphone is right there on the roof. >> Okay. All right. >> We're good. >> Okay.
>> So, you want to lead us off, >> ma'am? This was your project. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, let's take a picture. >> Okay. All right. We'll take a picture first. Can you see?
>> I want to face you. >> Okay, let me stand right here. [laughter] >> Um, we call hometown heroes and we the girl scout troop like our troop 552
decided to choose this time around for the hometown the city of seaw water commissioners >> oh >> because you guys have helped us a lot especially me with my project and now I'm a the world's girl scout which is the highest ranking girl scout you can be congratulations
>> congratulations yes Yeah, [applause] >> highest award. I love it. >> But it cannot be done without you guys. And you guys always give us chances and a lot of opportunities for all of us to
continue and still be part of like and love the part of being a Girl Scout. You guys show us what it really truly is to like show the world what we are. And every time, you know, we get like donations from other people that don't
necessarily buy Girl Scout cookies, but they like to help around. We like to donate then Girl Scout cookies to people that help us, and we decided to choose the city of Sweet Water. So, we're very grateful. Yeah. So, these are all for you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> We [applause] appreciate it
tremendously, >> Commissioner Yano, Commissioner Yano >> and us, all of us. And I say Commissioner Yano because she's the one that introduced me to you guys and we are very very appreciative one for the
cookies. >> Let's start with that. And for the ability of having such a beauty of a future standing in front of us and you guys because I know what it takes to get to your level and it's a lot of commitments and a lot of things
and that's what service is all about and that's what you guys are doing and that's what we do. So, it's so important what you're doing that we respect it so much that whatever you need, you have a city now to be able to do the kind of great things that you want to do.
>> So, you're good with that? >> Are they Are they good with that? >> Yes. I second that one. >> Okay, there we go. >> We appreciate it that you select the CEO award just to give this out to us. >> Thank you very much. >> And congratulations on your golden award. >> We also have more. We have
>> We have more. Okay. >> Also, in general, I'm also a gold award Girl Scout and >> knowing how much it takes to be able to complete one of those projects. We are very grateful for your support to have been able to help one of our fellow Girl Scouts. >> Oh, that's and ladies, the pro and
gentlemen, the projects the project that's been put in place is really to deal with the children in the park and people in general is to be able to have sunscreen, okay? And the dispenser in both of our parks. our parks director made sure that we picked the right place
and now that we have these dispensers for everybody not to get burned in the sun which will avoid other things in the future. So it was a brilliant program and it's taken off and it's incredible. So thank you so much from all of us. Okay. >> All right. [applause] Thank you. We got
a picture already. >> All right. Uh who do I have? We have >> Thank you again. There's more. >> Let's stay here, guys. looking at. >> Yeah.
>> Mr. Maintenance Director, could you bring me the four employees that we have to give these awards to? Alex Alejandro Sanchez Pedro. You have January. Okay. And then we have
uh here. There you go. >> And then we got February. Where's February? >> There we go. >> And February. [snorts] Oh, okay. Let's March Alexand congratulations.
>> All right. The reason they're getting these awards is the outstanding work that they've done in the city. They do not stop. They're the lead two. Whether we have to fix a street, we have to create uh a new site to the building,
whatever needs to be done, these guys are the workh horses. Dave along with their their other the other employees of maintenance, but I wanted to say thank you and [clears throat] I'm sorry is not here, but you know, I'm sure we'll get
that to him. But I wanted to say thank you in front of everybody, our whole city for the work that you guys do. So once again, God bless you and keep it up and let's get a picture. Ready? [applause]
[laughter] >> I don't know. These are the competition against police. Competition against police. >> Got to get the caps. I wish you guys some caps. >> Thank you guys. [applause]
>> I think that's it. Is that it? Police. Might as well stay down for police. >> [clears throat] >> Shall I proceed? We may proceed. >> Good evening. Hron Messa, Major Police Operations Division.
>> On Thursday, March 5th, 2026, Detective Ardondo of the Sweetwater Police Department's Priority Service Unit demonstrated exceptional vigilance and proactive policing. While on patrol, he observed several individuals wearing ski masks in the area of 112th Avenue and West Flaggler Street, actively
concealing their identities. He coordinated with members of his team to continue observing these individuals before seeing them enter a vehicle which was later determined to be a ride share car and [clears throat] route to an undisclosed location. Recognizing the suspicious nature of the
situation, Detective Ardondo coordinated a traffic stop in the area of 107th Avenue and West Flagler Street. Upon initiation of the stop, one subject fled on foot but was quickly apprehended while the remaining occupants of the car were detained. Further investigation revealed multiple firearms inside of the
vehicle. Through the coordinated efforts of responding officers, it was also determined that several of the detained individuals were affiliated with the criminal gang as evidenced by visible gang related tattoos and other information. Continued [snorts] investigation in collaboration with the
state attorney's office gang unit and city of Miami criminal gangs detail confirmed the group's gang affiliation and developed intelligence linking them to multiple prior violent incidents. Detective Ardondo's keen observation, decisive action, and leadership were
instrumental in advancing a significant criminal gang investigation which was impacting our region. His efforts along with those of the entire priority service unit exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement professionalism and proactive policing. For these reasons, it's with great pride
that we recognize Detective Angel Ardondo as officer of the month, March 2026. [applause] Yeah. >> Make it tight, guys. >> Wait for the sergeant real quick. Make it tight. >> Come on. >> Come on.
>> Got a family here. >> Yes, you. Come on, man. Get in here. This guy here. Okay. >> One, two, three. One more. >> All right. [applause]
I call you down. All right. Very welldeserved awards. Very heroic on the part of our officers. Uh more importantly, Mr. Mayor, thank you for recognizing our employees in the maintenance department. Those are uh some of the unsung heroes. You
definitely hold them to the fire because, man, you put those people to work. So thank you for that and congratulations to all the recipients. We are at let's see we did presentation employee of the month is done. Presentation officer of the month is
done. Reports of officers, boards and committees. >> None. >> None. Item eight, additions and deletions to the agenda. I see >> a substitute. Yes. Uh vice president. >> Uh I'd like to move to reset item 11B to the June regular meeting. Please,
>> does anybody have any objections to the vice president's request? >> This is Oh, hold on. This is uh item B >> 11 BL Bravo. Okay. >> Uh if so, um
point of order, do we need a a vote on that or unless if there's no descent? >> No, you need a motion, a second, and a vote. You have a motion. >> All right. So a motion by Vice President Mati, second by Commissioner Sao Diaz. All in favor? This is an ordinance. So roll call.
>> Roll call. Madam clerk. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. And just so I'm aware, this item is deferred. Uh do we have a specific date?
the through the chair. >> I mentioned the June regular meeting, but if the applicant is ready sooner, I think that we would entertain to obviously receive your request for a hearing sooner. >> No, no, you cannot. >> We cannot do that. >> You cannot. Once you reset it to a
future date, >> then it is set for that date. >> If you advance it, you advance it as a new item and you will need two hearings. So, if I can make a suggestion, uh, Vice President Mati, if you want, we can go
ahead to a date specific two weeks from now. If the mayor and staff are not prepared in two weeks, then we can go ahead and defer, Mr. Attorney, uh, is that legally sufficient? >> Yes. So, there are two issues there. Number one, you're essentially daisy chaining, uh, deferrals. That's
completely appropriate. There's nothing wrong with that. However, you already have a motion that has been passed, you know, moved, seconded, and passed. So, you will need a motion to reconsider that motion.
You need a a motion, a second, and a vote on that motion. Then, once it's open, then you can go ahead and move again a second time through the chair. So, I'd like to reconsider my motion to the May meeting, which is in essence
cutting it in half. to the chair. >> Commissioner Sales. >> Yeah, I would like to hear from council. >> I think if possible uh to follow the commission president's recommendation that for sometime in the next two weeks, I believe Thursday the 23rd would be a
potential date. Um and at that time, you have our word that if we're not ready and we haven't reached a point where that second reading can happen, we would come here and defer the item until the item is ready. Um but for purposes of the master development agreement, we do have to point to a date certain. So
that's why it's very important just to set the date. Um I believe that setting the date too far in advance may delay the progress. Setting it too far in advance or too far in the future may delay the progress too far in advance may not give us enough time. I think based on the workshop, we heard that two
weeks um is a timeline in which we're trying to work towards. If we're ready, we will move forward. If not, we'll be here deferring the item again until the council um is ready and the applicant is ready to proceed. >> Uh Mr. Mayor, do you have uh any
objections to the applicant's council on the date request for April 23rd? >> Mr. President, if I may >> go ahead, sir. >> Um I have a difference of opinion regarding the June meeting. I believe that if we properly advertise a date
prior to June, if it's set for June, that would be legally sufficient. >> Oh, no. It would be I was trying to avoid the advertising, >> right? If we advertise, correct? >> That's an additional cost. >> Correct. >> Yes. >> Commissioners. No, I was, you know, last
meeting we had on Thursday, I requested to have a shape meeting before this. >> So, in two weeks. Yeah. So, in two weeks, I don't think I I mean, next month meeting. I don't think we're going to I think we're going to there's plenty of time for that to have a shade meeting
first with the U public hearing. We would shoot to have the shade meeting on the 20th of April um to then be able to have that 23rd second reading. >> Okay. What about the U advertising? Is that going to be good >> with the advertising?
>> If it is set tonight for a date certain and whatever I'm sorry, I know it wasn't April 20th. It was the week after. I guess it would be the 27th maybe. If it is set tonight for that date, then you do not need to advertise again. And then that night you will need to meet and if
you're not ready you can daisy chain that again you know kick it over to another date in the future without needing to advertise. >> Okay, >> vice president with >> uh I just want to clear up the language. You said shade meeting or a workshop? >> Workshop.
>> Two two totally different things. >> Workshop. Workshop. >> Workshop. Workshop. >> Yeah. Let's get that clear because >> after that meeting that we had, we want to make sure that they get every knowledge of every single paperwork that
was done on this, especially when it was mentioned that they've given us all the paperwork. That's fine, but I want to make sure that they have it because they're the ones voting on it. and they do need the time especially honoring
what my colleagues are asking for that he wants to have another u workshop >> before the actual meeting so in case there's any other information that they want to ask or flo I I don't want to make one over the other one because the amount of pressure to hurry up to get it
done that stops here >> there's no need for that anymore so we want to make sure that everything's done is done appropriate And we want to make sure that all the rules are followed and that every piece of information is given to these
commissioners so they don't feel disrespected or that they didn't get the information or anything and it gives them ample time to also ask the questions that they need to ask and they might have perfectly great situation that might come out of that knowledge.
So that's the way I see it and I do not want to go against their wishes. I was trying to try to move this as fast as I can, but I met with a couple of them today and they have told me we need time because now after that we want to see everything. So that's where we're at. So
I didn't see a problem on setting it for the first because you could do another uh meeting in between that could be called with 24 hours if I'm not mistaken. The workshop >> and again it's a workshop. at the workshop
>> as requested and then after that we already have the other one set. So I didn't see that as a problem. Moving forward, >> Commissioner SD. >> Yeah. On the workshop, do we have to advertise to >> You have to advertise the meeting but not the underlying item.
>> Okay. the the advertisement that we're talking about here is the advertisement of the the underlying item that uh CRI wants to advance to the city commission has to be has to be noticed and advertised and usually I think we pick the herald
that is that takes a little bit of time and that is it's not super expensive like $5,000 I believe. So in order to avoid that expense, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. For second reading. >> In order to avoid that expense, if you just daisy chain the continuences to
date certain at two weeks at a time or three weeks at a time, you can avoid that second expense. >> Gotcha. So what are we? >> Commissioner Ruiz, >> what are we? >> So well, we're at several places. I just want to recap just so I understand. Uh
the applicants council uh is requesting that we set a date certain for April 23rd. >> I'm sorry, Mr. President. I got that. When it comes to the actual motion, what are we >> No, I know. I I just want to recap what we >> So, the applicants council wants to set
a date certain for April 23rd, which is two weeks from now. um and stating or requesting to the mayor a workshop on April 20th. Now, before I vote, because
I know that uh Vice President Mati has a motion that we need to amend, uh Mr. Mayor, the way that council's attorney is presenting that, is that acceptable to you and your negotiations as our uh
representative? >> Uh, I'll be very bottom line with you. After speaking to a couple of my colleagues that they want x amount of information, a lot of information, they want to be clear on it. I don't know. I don't think it's enough time to move it
like that. That's why when uh the vice president of the commission asked for May 1st, I said I think that's fair because it's not that much more after we could get the actual meeting uh within maybe the two weeks. It all depends how
much all the paperwork that we got to request. Make sure that every paperwork is up to date and council has got to look at it. Am I correct, sir? >> Yes. and they have to verify our zoning and director and they have to verify and then we got to look at all the numbers
that were said >> in that meeting that we need to qualify those numbers and there's still some paperwork that we need to get that I need to get to them and we'll get together for that and make sure that they get it. So this will give us ample time so there is no back and forth. I
thought May 1st would be good. >> Again that's up to you. May 4th. >> I do think that the way that it was meeting >> I do think the way it was voted on though was June was the June meeting not >> I I'm sure I'm sure that Vice President Madi will uh will correct that. Does
anybody else have uh anything to say on this before >> Commissioner Yan Go ahead >> please? Um, unfortunately on Thursday is a very bad day for me because I have the civil air patrol the cadesta I cannot leave them
hanging and it's from 7 actually it start at 7 o'clock until 9:30 and I would love to be here because I want to be part of this you know last time unfortunately I had to leave at 8 o'clock so I couldn't finish the whole meeting. So I appreciate if any other day I'm available the I mean it's only
on Thursday night that I really that that commitment with the air force. >> Thank you. >> Does any other commissioner have any comments on this? >> Yes, I do. >> Commissioner Seld is the floor. >> Mayor, we had the meeting on Thursday on reference this item.
Prior to that, did you get any call so far from council or anybody from that from this? Did you get any phone call today? Because I know we had the meeting on Thursday, Friday was good Friday. The city was closed and I heard on that meeting that it was 80% and we talk a
lot of stuff. I mean we started the meeting at six o'clock. We finished at night. There was a lot of information. >> Did you get any call from them this today? >> No. >> All right. Thank you. >> Um Commissioner uh point of order. Being
that the com vice president Madi presented the item, can he um go ahead and >> amend it? >> Present an amendment or do you need somebody else because it was unanimous? >> There's there's already has there been I'm sorry. There has there been a motion? >> There was a motion and a vote, but we
didn't do a date certain. So now we need to correct and amend it. >> There has been no second motion now on the exact date. So Commissioner Mart or anybody else can present whatever motion they wish to present it. Commissioner Mi for >> you the original motion that was passed uh by you know Commissioner Mati's
original motion that was passed is no longer viable. It is dead. You can have a new motion to whatever date you wish. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I move to reset item 11B to the June to the May 4th commission meeting. >> Do we have a second? >> Second.
>> Roll call. Madam clerk. >> Commissioner Ruiz. Yes. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Martine. >> Yes. >> Commissioner. >> Yes. >> Commissioner. >> Yes. >> Commissioner. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Thank you. >> No problem, Mr. Vice President. So, u item 11B has been moved to date certain for May 4th >> um at the regular commission meeting. >> Yeah. 6 p.m. >> Excellent. >> To the chair. >> Commissioner Yan >> on the uh workshop. What's going to be?
Do we have a date for that? >> It's my understanding that the mayor can call a workshop or any one of us can call a workshop. I think it would be prudent since the mayor is negotiating that the mayor, just my opinion, the mayor calls for the workshop. Once he has prepared, staff has prepared,
>> they've cut some sort of a deal with the developer and then they can present us with the dish whether it's medium well or rare or medium and then we'll figure out what we like and we don't like. Okay. >> Is that accurate, Mr. Mayor? >> Good to go. >> All right. Um, uh, that's done. We have
additions and deletions to the agenda. Uh, we do have a substitute on item D. Did everybody get the substitute? Okay. We have item nine, petitions, communications, and remances. We have
a Sweetwater resident, Chiara Ore. Miss Oreong, are you here? >> Please come up to the microphone. Yeah. Please say your name and address for the record and welcome, ma'am. >> Yes. Hello. Excuse me. I'm [clears throat] just getting over a
cold, so I'm a little under the weather still. Kiara Oberon, 11500 Southwest 2nd Street. Good evening, mayor and commissioners. I am a longtime resident of Sweetwater for 20 plus years. I personally know some of you, have voted for all of you, many of
you more than one occasion. I'm here regarding the recently added and recently as of last week street parking spaces on southwest 115th Avenue behind Ronelli Park. I live in those patios of Snapper Creek condominiums located on the west side of 115th Avenue between
2nd and third streets and the back of my property opens directly onto 115th Avenue. Before these parking spaces were created, I reached out to the mayor and commissioners by email on three separate occasions, August, September, and December of last year, with concerns
about vehicles parking on the swale on the west side of 115th Avenue, both during the day and overnight. This was damaging the grass and violating city of sweetwater ordinances 3626 and 3627 which specifically state that parking on soils is prohibited and contributes to
the unsightlessness, congestion, and the appearance of overcrowding in the city. I was unsuccessful unfortunately in receiving response from the mayor. First, I would like to say that the repaving of the street has made a great improvement in the appearance of this area, but I would like to understand the
purpose of installing these parking spaces in this specific location. If the intent was to support event parking for Ronelli Park, I want to share that in practice, this is not what is going to happen. These spaces are now being used for regular residential parking, which defeats that purpose.
This is a photo between Second and Third Street, which shows that all spaces have already been taken by residences who live in the adjoining streets. >> [clears throat] >> We have they have now moved from parking in the swale to parking in these newly
added spaces. While these spaces are not technically on the swale, placing parking immediately adjacent to it creates the same conditions the ordinance is meant to prevent. Unsightliness, congestion, and the perception of overcrowding. This change has also eliminated my ability to access
my backyard, which I have historically used to store and move my recreational vehicle through my rear gate and to receive deliveries of large items. While I understand this may not be a designated driveway, it has been a consistent and practical use of my property. If the intent is event
parking, I would also ask whether the city plans to install signage restricting overnight parking similar to what is already in place on the opposite side of the street behind the park and how that would be enforced to ensure the spaces are used as intended. >> Thank you, Miss Oong. Uh Mr. Mayor, do
you want to respond? >> Yeah, I'll do it this time because it's important. We have we have discuss ma'am and and I appreciate you coming up and actually stating what you said. This commission and myself has been trying to
deal with the parking issue all over Sweetwater. It is not easy. There's a lot of people that live many blocks away and they go and they leave their cars everywhere they can. We have changed the around the park to no overnight parking.
And right behind the park on the west side, it's al also not overnight parking. The issue is that much a lot of the neighbors around the area, which we have discussed this here before, have asked for some type of more parking
relief for themselves because they don't have the spaces within their own areas. So, we asked around and it was basically the consent and I asked here in this commission and it was conceded by all the commissioners that basically we
needed to add more parking. The overnight parking is not something that we're looking forward to. In fact, you saw signs that said you cannot overnight park around the park or else they will be towed. >> And I believe those have been there, but on the newly added those are >> new. Okay. Because they've always been
Okay. >> All those all those are new. >> Okay. So, and and I want to be real clear that what might be bad for somebody is great for other people. We're trying to work with the very best. And when you say that they can't park there in that particular area, well,
that was illegal parking basically on top of the swale and everything like you said before, but now these have been done. They go through an expense to improve the area and do proper parking for the people to park there. And unfortunately or fortunately the majority of the people are getting
citations in the past in there come from inside that particular condominium association. So, we're trying to find ways to improve the city, improve the streets, and and I thought very nice lady. I'm trying to
make sure that it's a very hard thing to do to satisfy everything, but it's the best thing that we found together. That was the best thing for the area to at least give people some parking since they cannot park there overnight. >> And Miss Odon, if I can if I can say
something. So, I I've known you and your family for well over 20 years and and the overongs are a big clan. Um I I can tell you that um part of that that decision is our
communications that we had with the mayor in open meetings and the mayor. So I'm I'm I'm also at fault and and I and I don't want you to feel like I've betrayed you because honestly I didn't even think about your home. What I can give you is my word that I will most
certainly get in contact with you and your husband. We have a phenomenal relationship and I will convey uh whatever possible solutions uh with the mayor and we'll try and come up with a solution, but we'll definitely give you an answer and I'm so sorry. I just I want to be forthright with you. We're
not going to point fingers. I I'm to blame as well. U the mayor was just doing what this commission asked and and we thought it was a very good idea. So, I'm so sorry. We're gonna try and fix it. >> And I thank you. So, you're saying on the west side of 115th Avenue between Second and Third Street, overnight
parking will be allowed. >> I don't believe so. No, >> because there's no signs on that side because I it's in my backyard. There's no signs on the west side of the road right now stating that there's no overnight parking. >> So, I will I will and if I can I'm sorry to interrupt you. I will reach out to you and and we'll come up with a
solution. Um we'll have a general consensus and we'll request of the mayor. I'm sure the mayor is very open to look for an amicable solution. I'm so sorry. >> Okay. And if you just mind 20 more seconds and I'll be gone. If it was residential intent um to provide additional residential parking, then I
guess my question is why it stopped at Fifth Street and didn't continue all the way down to Seventh Street where there's other condominiums. And um you know if again if it was intended to function as a residential parking there is a city ordinance 4136 section 42.53 that outlines specific requirements including
a public hearing and notice to affected residents prior to implementation for parking for residential reasons. So >> thank you. >> I didn't receive any notice. I was just wondering you know I would like to understand whether those requirements were followed in this case but it doesn't seem like ma'am they weren't
>> noted. And again I apologize. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you for your time. Um, item 10, consent agenda. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Yananiel, second by Commissioner Ray. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed?
>> Item passes. Consent agenda passes. Staff items. A an ordinance of the city of Sweetwater amending chapter 14 of the code of ordinances entitled building and building regulations article 2 section 14-24 fee schedule adding certain new
building and construction fees providing for a repealer clause providing for a severability clause providing for an effective date second reading and public hearing. This public hearing is now open. Anybody wishing to speak on this item please come forward.
Seeing nobody come forward on the public hearing. Public hearing is now closed. Mr. Mayor, you have the floor. >> This is uh the second hearing on on the item that was brought forth from our building director that basically this is to streamline the ability and have a a
charge where there wasn't one before that other cities in the county has for when they want to do some work while they're still going through the process on the underground. And this gives them the ability to do so. So, this is uh why
we're putting it there and just codifying it into code. >> Mr. Mayor, I'd like to ask your building official some questions. >> Mr. Building Official, if you could please state your name for the record and your title. >> Richard Ruby, building director and building official. >> How you doing, sir? Thank you for your service to our city. Um, I have a few
questions. So, first, we're changing some fees. Can you please explain what those fees are? Whether we're increasing fees, lowering fees, creating new fees. >> So, we're creating new fees. We're not changing any existing fees. Um, one, the first one is the early start permit,
which is just an implementation, something that we've done in the past to help um builders to be able to start construction while their process is in the finishing stages. >> And what is that fee? >> The fee is, I believe, I don't have it
in front of me, $2,000. >> Is it per square foot or is it an all-encompassing number? No, it's just it's just the work until it's it's the underground work before the construction the real construction begins, but it lets them get ahead. >> So, you mean the utility work?
>> Not only the utility route work, it's foundation, um electrical, water and sewer. >> Okay. So, it's not because normally our permitting fees or our fees are structured by square footage. This is just an all-encompassing $2,000. >> Yes. >> Okay. Is are there any other changes? Uh
we also have the renewal permit and the extension. So the renewal is sometimes permits expire. In this case um if a permit expires, they can come in and renew their permit for 50% of what their base permit fee was.
>> That's excellent. >> The renewal is if they catch their permit before it expires, they can renew it for a lesser fee. >> And do we have any other changes other than those two entries? >> Just those three. >> That's excellent. Does anybody else have any questions pertaining to this item? >> Yes, sir. >> Commissioner Salas,
>> is this a does apply to the resident like a regular res? It's a Let me see if I can explain myself. This only for commercial. >> The early start. >> Yeah, commercial and residents. >> The early start applies to anyone. It's just more beneficial to commercial work.
They they're the ones that usually get stuck in the finishing stages of the process. >> Now, on a resident side, do they pay more? It's the same fee for everyone. >> For everyone. >> Yes. >> Commissioner, if I may, Mr. >> Mr. Mayor, you have the floor. >> Thank you. >> For residents, this is not really
something that happens because when residents usually pull out their permits and stuff, they go through the whole process. This is for more commercial type situations where they need to start earlier than what the rest of the permits and stuff are going. This is why it was created. No different from the
county, no different than other cities have and so on. the the one for when if the permit expires, you know, this gives them an ability to come in with another fee and just continue on. Correct. >> Correct. >> And what's the third one again? >> The third one is the renewal fee.
>> The renewal fee. >> The the extension, I'm sorry. So So it gives them if they catch the permit before it expires and they need an extension, we'll grant them the extension. >> That was something that was not done before. >> Yeah. Um I'm done. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you,
commissioner. Any other commissioners wishing to speak on this item? >> I'll go ahead and move this item. >> Commissioner Rainald with a motion to move this item. >> Second. >> Commissioner Sal Diaz with a second. Uh, this is a public hearing on an ordinance. Uh, roll call. Madam clerk.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Item A passes on second reading. Item B has been deferred to Monday, May 4th. Item C, an ordinance of the city of Sweetwater, Florida, amending the city's
land development code, article 6, signs, section 6.03.00, parentheses 7, prohibited signs and sign characteristics. Section 6.06.01, definitions. Section 6.07.0
00 LED signs and creating section 6.08.03 parentheses C providing for severability providing for codification providing for effective date first reading Mayor Diaz. >> Thank you Mr. President and most of you
have heard that in the past uh Dolphin Mall has been trying to get a uh a billboard sign put in the back part adjacent to the trunk light and they came and they've been uh working all the details out as far as uh everything
along with our attorney and um uh Mr. Vera, our zoning director, and making sure that what we did was exclusive to that use for the mall to be able to be able to use for their advertisement and of course whatever advertisement they
see fit that could go on there. We reviewed it and so on and we have a very prominent attorney here too that could answer any of your questions. But, uh, that's basically what it is is to be able to do a sign there. As you know, the county came and put a sign up in
between uh on the highest part of the going over the railway off of 25th Street and they put a sign there, a two-sided sign and uh they didn't come through us. Apparently, it's a little sliver that was part of uh the county
and not a Sweetwater in between uh the FDLE side and the city side. So, for that reason, there's one there. So, one x amount of feet away would not be a problem. And we did not see it and we brought it to you. >> Any commissioners wishing to speak on
this item? Um, does anybody want to move this item or would you like to hear the attorney? >> Yes, I would like to see the uh the attorney. >> Uh, sir, please say your name and address for the record. >> Thank you and thank you, Mr. Mayor, um, commission president, vice president, and members of the commission. My name
is Brian Adler with law offices at Bills and Sunberg, 1450 Brookl Avenue, sweet 2300. I'm joined tonight by Jeff Le who we're having a little disagreement this evening as to whether the uh Thin Mints or Tagalongs are the best of the Girl Scout cookies. So that that we've started a little war back there and also
with Lonnie Pharaoh from u both of them from Outfront Media. Uh we're al also joined by um Karen Eskez from the general manager from Dolphin Mall who is in full support also of the application. Um it's a pleasure to be here tonight. This is actually going to be a two-part hearing. The first part is actually to
change the code and the second part would be the conditional use and special exception for the actual signage and to modify the signage booklet. We were last here before you and actually it's great to see the same composition of the board when I was here in 2022 and we also had to modify the signage booklet. It's a
two-part hearing because the ordinance to change the code requires two readings and then the special exception would if it passed on first reading would require second the second reading. Um, I can go very quickly if you want through the through what we're seeking. Um,
>> do I have to do anything to slide you? >> Okay, the first slide. Got it. Okay. So, I'm not going to go through all the slides this evening. Some of them I have just in case questions come up, but are more relevant to the special exception. So, everyone's everyone's familiar with the Dolphin Mall. The green dot is where
we would be putting where the proposed location of the sign is. It's adjacent uh to the turnpike behind the Bass Pro. So, it is um it is far from from where the residential is located. I'll go into that with a special exception. I'm just
going to go through these. This is the changes to the code are multitude because it affects a few different sections. Um one is under the definition of signage. So, we thought where would be the most appropriate place to put the the dep the change. One is um a text amendment to the definition of signage.
There's also an accept there's already an exception to signage under regional malls under the code. Um you generally prohibit window signs. Malls all have the big signage in the windows. So, this is this was an ideal location to locate it. We're doing a little cleanup of the
of that provision. It says each having a 100,000 square feet or more with the changes to the retail market. Off fifth Sachs just uh closed their their locations throughout the country. So we're lowering that just to a minimum of 50,000 instead of 100,000, but it still
requires 75 acres and a mall of having over a million square feet. So that's what a regional mall is. Um the only change we got unanimous approval from the planning and zoning board. Can it [snorts] they're not see Oh, okay. So, the only thing they requested is in green, which
is adding the words a minimum of, just for clarity, a minimum of 50,000. What we're seeking here is just to add that a two-sided billboard with an interior of 30° shall be permitted at a regional mall meeting the criteria of this subsection, the criteria being over a
million square feet, 75 acres. The the next one is um your code prohibits billboards. Um currently most jurisdictions allow billboards after a public hearing. There are already billboards in the city. Some are grandfathered or right outside the city from the county. This is saying except
for one billboard sign at a regional mall as defined under section 6.06.01, which is the definition section I just showed you. Um and if approved by the city commission through special exception approval um pursuant to section 7.05.0, O. So, it is not an
approval as of right. It would require a public hearing. Um, another change is LED signs because LED billboards are generally 247. Um, LED signs, yours in the code are pro are are not permitted except for from um uh I'm sorry, LED
signs are not permitted uh to have lights except for 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Billboards are 24 hours are 24-hour operational. So, we're seeking an amendment to allow it 24 hours. Um but because of its location again it's on the turnpike and it's very far it's um
where we're seeking it is 3500 feet from the nearest Miami Date County residential about 4500 from nearest Sweetwater and over a thousand from the nearest proposed residential within Sweetwater. So it's very far away. So this is just allowing 247 like every
other billboard on the highway. Um, and this is the special exception criteria which we'll go through through the next one. So that's that's that's the and the rest pertain to really the signage if we're if it's approved on on first read. >> Thank you very much.
>> I try to be quick and and >> you're fine, sir. So thank you very much. Um, this is a a public hearing on this item is now open. Anybody wishing to speak on this item, please come forward. Seeing nobody stepping forward on this item, the public hearing is now
closed. Do we have a motion on item C? Moved by Commissioner Yananiel, second by Commissioner Ronaldo Ray. Roll call, Madame Clerk. >> Commissioner Martine, >> yes. >> Commissioner Ray, >> yes. >> Commissioner, >> yes. >> Commissioner Yano,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Ruiz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Diaz, >> yes. >> President Vo, >> yes. >> First, >> thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you all for your time. >> Thank you. Moving on to item D. A resolution of the
city of Sweetwater granting the request by Iwadus Ari Venture LLC for a special exemption for site plan approval to permit a student housing development and accompanying non-use variance for ground level open space maximum building height
and maximum number of housing beds per unit providing for findings of fact providing for severability. providing for codification, providing for an effective date. Public hearing is now open. Anybody wishing to speak on this item, please come forward.
Oh, sorry. This is a resolution. Disregard. Hold on a second. >> This is a resol. This is not a public hearing. So, disregard that. >> Uh, Mayor Diaz, you have the floor. >> Thank you. And I think u the attorney's uh preparing himself [snorts] to give a
presentation. I think another great building that's coming into our our city and it's one that I think with this presentation if you have any questions this is the time to ask and I know a couple of you asked
me today that we might have a [snorts] couple of questions. So let's go through the presentation. >> Let's go. You hear me now? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Let's go through the presentation and if you have any questions I think it's important to ask the
attorney that's presenting. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Attorney. You have the floor, sir. >> Thank you, council president, mayor, council members, Alejandra Aas, offices at 701 Brickl Avenue. I'm joined this evening by my colleague Joey Vasquez and Maria Levano Cruz, and we're here to
answer any questions you may have. There we go. We are grateful for the opportunity to be before you this evening with this truly transformational proposal and are proud to introduce the new standard for student housing in the university district, the Inspire Sweetwater Building.
The subject property encompasses approximately 1.93 acres and is situated on the west side of Southwest 107th Avenue between Southwest 2nd Street and Southwest Third Street. Located just south of the West Flagler Plaza Shopping Center, the property is
within walking distance between both the Florida International University College of Engineering and Computing located just across West Flaggler and the main campus of FIU situated across Southwest 8th Street. The property has a land use designation
of mixeduse residential commercial and is already zoned University District. And the property is currently improved with two-story multif family buildings that date back to 1975 and 1977 respectively. Now, the next evolution of student
housing in the city is being proposed by Capstone development partners, one of the nation's leading student housing and university facilities development and management companies. Since 1997, Capstone has partnered with over 70 public and private universities and
colleges and delivered over 50,000 onampus and university affiliated beds of student housing nationwide. No effort or detail has been overlooked in the programming and conceptualization of this project and has involved input from the team's planners, consultants,
advisers, and engineers. As set forth in the applicants development program, we are proposing a 29story student housing project encompassing 1,600 beds. Designed by Niles Bolton Associates, one of the nation's premier student housing
architecture firms, Inspire Sweetwater will incorporate modern and refined architecture and will enhance the attractiveness and visual appeal of this important corridor in close proximity to FIU. The project will also encompass an elegant and secure lobby, dedicated ride
share and delivery areas within the footprint, resident storage units, over 50 parking spaces for bicycles, and over 35,000 square ft of amenity area. While the applicant is requesting a non-use variance for pvious ground level
open space and due to its urban characteristics, the project will also feature meticulous landscaping and is proposing a 6,995 square foot covered community plaza fronting on Southwest Third Street. This will be a public amenity that will serve
to beautify the asbuilt environment and which will provide a community benefit for all residents to enjoy. As referenced, the project will exhibit design excellence and functionality by providing world-class architecture, urban design elements, and high-end materials and finishes.
The project is configured with 10 stories of structured parking with an architectural liner and 19 stories of residential dwelling units and will encompass off- streetet parking in excess of the city code. So, where 1600 are required, 1,618 are being provided.
To put the height into context, for just a parking podium, that's 10 stories. That's more than a uh medium-sized apartment building. The main project amenity deck will encompass approximately 23,695t of amenity area, including numerous
lounges and study areas, fitness center, and pools. This is the prototype residential level. Inspire Sweetwater will also provide diverse residential unit types and configurations. These unit types will span from studio units to sixbedroom units which will
serve to provide enhanced affordability and entry points and a multitude of housing options for residents. Now, based on the design of the building, the project also encompasses numerous terrace elevations and amenity decks.
These decks will encompass several thousand square feet of open space featuring outdoor lounges and viewing areas as well. These numerous terrace amenity areas capitalize on the project's height and the eastern skyline views towards downtown Miami. As such, the proposed height variance really is
not to increase the F of the building or any livable space, but it's actually to house key operational equipment and architectural features like the u the spires that are shown on the on the renderings. So, this includes uh housing for elevators, stairways, ventilating
fans, and all of those back of house elements. Furthermore, the project will positively contribute to the area's infrastructure and will be developed with a density pattern that's in line with the trend of development that is prevalent in the neighboring vicinity. And approval of this application will also contribute to
the city's economic prosperity and viability. It'll create much neededed jobs, improve access to quality student housing units. It will enhance property values and increase the city's adalorum tax base, which will total in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Additionally, impact fees for this
project will total over $2.5 million. Ultimately, this is a proposal that will set a new standard for the university district as it's being brought forward by one of the largest and most acclaimed student housing developers in the nation. We are certain it will be a transformative landmark student housing
development. We thank you for your time and are here to take any questions you may have. >> Hi, thank you >> to the chair. >> Commissioner Yan, you have the floor. >> Yes. One of the only thing that I'm concerned because I you know this is beautiful and you know that I approve everything that is going to approve the city but my
question is this are the tenants have been advised on how long they're going to be given for them to move out. >> So these tenants are all on a month-to-month rental program. Um they're actually I was discussing with the applicant earlier today concerning
this information. It is all undermarket rate rentals right now which is what's being offered right now. We have not disturbed um their current leases but it is month-to-month and based on the trajectory of construction we anticipate breaking ground early next year. So
these tenants will be given sufficient time to find additional but again it's monthtomonth but we don't anticipate giving them this notice from one month to the other. We plan on giving them okay more than enough time. >> No because you know that it always creates a problem. >> Absolutely. and you know how it is you know then they come here you know saying
that please give us more time so >> that's one of the thing that we were concerned um so where is going to start a building next year >> next year to break ground in early Q1 of 2027 >> okay is it going to have any sort of
like commercial on the bottom like >> it won't have commercial instead of commercial because of that area and we're not fronting [snorts] on 107th >> yes >> there really isn't the commercial viability so instead they're providing that nearly 7,000 square foot public amenity. >> It'll be a pocket park, but it'll be
covered. Cool. >> Um, so it'll protect residents that are walking by from the elements and then hopefully incorporate some type of art design or something to make it really appealable. >> No, thank you. Uh, it looks really beautiful. >> Thank you, >> Commissioner Sales. The floor.
>> Yeah, I was [clears throat] >> Yeah, thank you, Alex. I was going to ask about what Commissioner u she was talking about the residents. So, they got plenty of time >> for that. Thank you very much about that. Now, I'm I'm a little bit
concerned about the parking. I see on the display that you have an apartment that have like six units in there, six rooms. I'm sorry. >> I mean, there's plenty of parking and and I know you went through it, but you went very fast on it. And go ahead. Can
you explain a little bit? So, one of the reasons why your code and it's one of the variances that's being requested is for the five and sixbedroom layouts is because before you really didn't have the parking ratio of a one to one, right? >> So, right now it really doesn't matter if you have a onebedroom or a two bed or
a three bed because at the end of the day each respective resident will have their own designated parking space. So now when we updated the university the university district code and it's a one parking ratio whether it's a five bedroomedroom or a sixbedroom everyone
[snorts] will have um the necessary parking. So it will not it should not be a significant issue or an issue at all. Um this project really represents the next iteration which will have more parking than any building has had. >> And again going back to what my
commissioner was saying no commercial is going into that building. >> No commercial. So that also helps with the parking because now you don't have a retail need on the ground. >> Now another concern that I got is on the um traffic study. Any traffic study you guys done on this >> traffic study was conducted and it will
be reviewed in even further detail during the site plan and concurrency phase but our initial findings show that intersections are expected to operate at or above level of service standards in the PM. um exclusive right turn lanes or exclusive left turn lanes have been
found not to be warranted based on the traffic study and then maneuverability analysis indicates that passenger vehicles and loading vehicles will be able to enter circulate and exit the site without conflict. So one of the things I mentioned was the delivery and
the Uber drop offs. Exactly. Those will all be queued within the building to make sure that cars are not within the road network on [clears throat] the outside. And my final question is going to be the um animal any are they going to be pet free or
>> um service pets will need to be allowed per law. Uh Capstone manages 50,000 units. They really don't like to have pets within their management areas. So they're not anticipating allowing pets within the buildings. >> U one of the questions that was brought
up is, oh, if it's if it's a service animal, then at that point, you know, their hands are tied. But I don't think they're going to have a policy to allow >> service dog is a little bit more different than the other one. But I appreciate it. Thank you. >> And we know the issues that that's presented in the past on some of the other buildings. So it was definitely brought to light in our earlier meetings.
>> Thank you very much, Alex. >> To the chair. I only have one more question that I forgot. >> Are there going to be some lights in the street? Have you gone through Second Street at night time? Is so dark that is unreal. >> I I think that they're certainly open to improving the streetway even with that
pedestrian park. I think that now you know the next iteration of university district is to bride some cohesiveness between all of the university district buildings. So absolutely they plan to enhance the the ground floor. >> Any other commissioners wishing to speak on this item >> through the chair?
>> Vice President Marti. >> Um Mr. Aras, thank you. Another great project. Um what is the park impact uh fee that we're we're getting from this or how are you? So, because of the urban nature of these types of buildings and
their infill, right, um there is no raw or vacant land to develop, this applicant will need to pay into the park concurrency fee. >> Oh, do you know what that fee is? >> I don't I don't, but it'll be calculated on the 1.93 acres times whatever the um the
city fee will be for that. >> Okay. And I got to tell you, I'm really concerned about the roadway there. I mean, it's another how many units? 1,600 units. >> 1,600 beds >> between second and third. It's, you know, it's already a one lane. >> I think there's going to be problems at
109. We may need to put a light there, but I'll wait for you to to turn in the the traffic study so that these guys can look at it. But >> great project and we look forward to working with you. >> Thank you. >> Any other commissioners wishes? Mr. Mayor, you wish to speak? >> Yeah. uh to what uh Commissioner Mati said. One of the the hardest part when
they came to to visit us and to discuss this building the first it was a non-starter if they were going to be backing up the street like several of the other buildings have because of the drop offs and stuff like that. They actually went ahead and remodified and
put that whole first floor to be able not only to use to do dropouts and all kinds of uh different services that are available but the parkings of those temporary that have to visit and so on and they separated all that out. They
have done over well they have over 50,000 uh apartments all over the nation. This is a quality company that is coming in to do something and legally they have probably met everything that we have. I
don't think there's anything that we have um dealt with that hasn't and that's to my team over there. Is there anything that I miss that we haven't discussed? So we wanted to make sure that this presentation come before you
and you have any questions that you may have and like commissioner um you had a very important question to ask because uh they need to know. So I think one of the things that we want to make sure is ample time is giving.
>> Yeah. >> And I think every single one >> uh of the commissioners here uh want to make sure that and if it's you have a start date of whatever October, November of demolishing, whatever you need to do to give them
enough time. >> Absolutely. >> So they could get all their arrangements in order. And I think that's the one sentiment that I got from everybody. The rest is the the parking spaces are one basically for bed. So they met the goal that we put forth that wasn't here before that we discussed with each one
of you. And I I was very happy that took place and they will be talking a pilot program also with us. So right after this so everything that we asked for we basically received it from them >> and
>> great I I have a question. So I'm very familiar with the with the areas as is everybody else. On Southwest two street every morning we have a huge problem traditionally for the last 30 years where 18 wheelers will go ahead and make deliveries to Sadanos and you can only imagine the amount of
deliveries that are being there. So you actually have several 18 wheelers that are going around the block and then our police officers are forced uh to enforce that. So my question is twofold. Number one, the deliveries to the building. Uh, I'm looking at the plans and I see your
loading docks are in the parking garage, but 18 wheelers are not going to be able to go into the parking garage. How are you, how is the developer going to deal with deliveries and traverse the already existing traffic issues? >> So, the deliveries really will be it's
not deliveries, it will actually be garbage pickup. That's where that is. The >> is that on street? >> That'll be on the two street entrance. Um going back to kind of the operational expertise of Capstone, many of the buildings that have already come to be
here in the city of Sweetwater were not fully furnished. What they do is they fully furnish their their units. And the reason for doing that is on moving days, which is usually the most hectic traffic days. Now you don't have people moving in and out with their beds and their furniture. It's really just their
clothes. Um, so that helps to alleviate a the need for the significant loading docks because you're not moving heavy furniture, you're just moving tangible items. Um, and b it really limits the loading dock to just the garbage pickup. There won't be a retail use. So that
also limits any type of delivery uses for any type [clears throat] of retail. Um, so even the delivery aspect will be very limited. So, I'm I'm going to I'm going to make a recommendation to the mayor. The developer is not going to be happy with this only because now
we're getting into a congestion issue when it comes to traffic. Every semester we have movein moveout days. Uh Mr. Mayor, if you can study with our chief of police about uh implementing a potential offduty traffic detail on
those specific days only to combat the traffic challenges, specifically on Two Street, you've seen the deliveries uh of Sedanos where they're on two street. I can only imagine 18-wheelers and students, it's
so um I trust your judgment. If if if you could please speak to the developer, speak to our police command staff to come up with an amicable solution, I'd be very interested in seeing something. Um because the last thing I want, I drink coffee at that corner every single
day. That's my office. Anybody want to reach me? It's 1072. That's where I'm at. Um and I can see other than that uh 29 stories. I think that's the biggest one we got so far. >> Yes, sir. >> So congratulations to you. And Commission President, to your point, I'm
sure the applicant will have no issue with that type of arrangement. And when we do space out the uh move in dates, it it's not done just in one day. They usually space it out between three to five days of staggered moveins to prevent exactly that condition. But if
there's a merited need for that, they won't have any issue. >> Yeah. So, I'm I'm um I'm very proud of this project only because I had my little grano de arena where um this came to the commission several years ago. I don't
remember what year, 2019 or something. Uh where it was what it is now and now here we're >> the next evolution. >> So, that's actually pretty cool. Uh Mr. Mayor, do you need anything to close it out? Basically uh what you asked for is
something that we'll review but uh they have really really analyzed all this and tried to figure out ways to shorten like you said he's going to spread out the but you have a very valid point and that point will be looked at and I'll meet
with uh the chief and uh the specialists in our department when it comes to traffic flow and work with them. So I will review that too. >> All right. Any other commissioners wishing to speak on this item? Do we have a motion on this item? >> Moved by Commissioner Yananiel, second by Commissioner Ronaldo Ray. Resolution.
All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Item passes unanimously. Congratulations, sir. >> And thank you once again for coming with another development, Mr. Alex Aras of Hall. >> Not so fast. I got the next one. [laughter] Item E, a resolution of the city
commission of the city of Sweetwater abandoning and the dedication of the northwest 14th terrace between Northwest 128th Avenue and Northwest 129th Avenue Road under the plat of Western Miami section
B Bravo recorded in plat book 27 page 33 author authorizing the mayor, city clerk, city attorney to take all actions necessary for implement doumentation and providing for effective date and providing for effective date. Mayor Diaz, a little scrier's error.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. And to the attorney is going to basically discuss this is a road closure in the industrial area that uh the owners of the property are looking forward to closing because it doesn't really end up going anywhere. It goes right into another property on
both sides. So, it made sense. Our our zoning director already put this through his board and I think it was voted upon unanimously. Am I correct, sir? Okay. So, this is why it's before you today. >> Mr. Aras, you have the floor
>> again. >> Good evening once again, mayor, council members. Alejandra, 701 Brickl Avenue. Uh, this particular request is for the closure of the unimproved segment of Northwest 14th Terrace between Northwest 128th Avenue and Northwest 129th Avenue.
just north of Northwest 14th Street. Located within the annexation area, this property is currently unimproved and the asbuilt character of the surrounding neighborhood encompasses a number of industrial and commercial warehouse uses. The petitioner's property, which abuts the right-of-way segment just to
the south, was recently redesated to the office and restricted light industrial land use designation and was reszoned to I2 industrial heavy manufacturing in line with the asbuilt nature of the community. As you can see in this image, the
segment in question of Northwest 14th Terrace has never been improved. There is no pavement, striping, curbs, sidewalks, or utilities, and no history of roadway travel or functional loading use. This rideway is not functioning as a
street and does not serve transportation, circulation, or public access purposes. Closure of this rightway segment will not impact any functional roadway network elements. No abuing property owners will be landlocked as a result and no
circulation or emergency access will be compromised as a result thereof. Additionally, there will be no adverse impacts or effects on the public or the surrounding neighborhood as there is currently no future current or future public roadway use anticipated here. uh
no interference with utilities or services, no reduction in safety or circulation, and it will serve to reduce city liability and maintenance responsibility for this unimproved swath of land. Ultimately, the closure of this rightway segment will allow for the consolidation of the
petitioner's adjacent property, allowing for the efficient and unified use of the land, which is intended to be developed in the future in line with the surrounding development patterns and the I2 zoning approved thereon. Uh it will have no impact to the existing roadway
system or access points for neighboring parcels as well. As such, we would respectfully request approval of this item and are here to answer any questions you may have. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Aras. Do any commissioners wish to be heard on this item? >> Chair, >> Vice President,
>> uh, is there any cost to that land? And what happens with that? There's I'm sure there's some financial value to the land. >> Yes. So when you when you vacate the land, the 50% the median of the rightway will revert to the south and then the other half will revert to the north. Uh
once it reverts, it becomes property of that property owner and they have to pay property taxes on that land. Aside from that process, the applicant has spearheaded this. So even though the northern partial owners are receiving that land, this petitioner was the one that bore the full front of the
application costs which were in the $40,000 range. And then once this is transferred over, they will be paying property taxes on that square footage that they're that they're gaining. >> Okay. But the city doesn't get any any money from that. >> The city will get the advalorum tax
dollars from that. In fact, it's they're actually lessening any type of liability or maintenance cost associated with that property that right now is not being utilized for anything. >> Thank you. >> Any other commissioners wishing to be heard on this item? >> Mr. Attorney, you have the floor.
>> Uh, addressing Commissioner Marty's question. Uh it is um whenever there is an abandonment of a right of way, it is done essentially as giving it g where the government gives up the property to the original uh land that dedicated it
to the government in the first place. There is usually no compensation that goes along with it and that's standard. >> Any other commissioners wishing to be heard on this item? If not, do we have a motion on this? >> I'll move that item. >> Commissioner Ray with a motion. >> I'll second it. Commissioner Mi and so
either or Commissioner Madi with a second resolution. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Item passes unanimously. Thank you, Mr. Aras. Once again, I think you're going to have to put a substation office here uh in our building and zoning department.
>> That item passes. Item F, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Sweetwater approving contract for goods and services for repairs to the playground in Carl Park. Approving mayor's actions, providing for authority, providing for effective date. Mayor Diaz, you have the
floor. >> Basically, this is an item that you all know well on Car Carlo Park. Uh the areas were which is a blessing. We had a lot of children that use that park all the time, but it's starting to get worn down. the grass in that whole area
became a mud pit. It became pretty bad and we had the ability to start moving and try to fix it before the rainstorms really start coming in. Now, after uh April, they've been working on it. Uh this is an after the fact. I'm bringing it to you. I took the opportunity to get
it done and move it as fast as possible. And now I have before you uh for your approval. >> I have a question, Mr. Mayor. >> Go ahead. >> How much do we have in repairs? That's about $42,000 in total. >> More than reasonable. And the repairs are coming from park impact fees. Yes,
sir. >> Phenomenal. Nothing to general funds. No raising taxes. And I can tell you being a lifelong resident of Sweetwater, I've never seen so much activity in Cardinal Park. Kudos to you. Kick-ass job in all
of our parks. Honestly, hats off to you. Any commissioners wishing to speak on this item? >> Yes, sir. >> Commissioner Sales, you have the floor. >> Mayor, thank you. I mean, I live a block away from there and I go there to >> literally a block away. >> So, I go there every day and outstanding. I [snorts] mean, this is
going to look great. Thank you for that. Uh, Commissioner um, Vanoa answer where the money coming from and all that good stuff. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> I appreciate it. >> Thank you very much. >> Any other commissioners wishing to be heard on this item? I do have to say that I think I owe um the city of
Sweetwater some money because all those repairs are probably my kids causing the damage. You already know which one caused the greater majority of damage. >> Um, all right. Do I have a motion on this item? >> Move. >> Moved by Commissioner Saliaz. Uh, second by Commissioner Yano's resolution. All
in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Item passes unanimously. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Keep up the good work. Item G, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Sweetwater authorizing the purchase of a 3x two
video wall system from the audiovisisual group approving proposal, providing for authorization, providing for funding source, and providing for effective date. Mayor Diaz, you have the floor. >> This is uh to continue to bring that [clears throat] technology to our police department. And something that's
extremely important is to make sure that we have a visual once we have all the cameras installed and all the cameras that are installed right now and the cameras that uh the grant money is going to be providing is to make sure we have the latest technology on at least uh the receiving end. So when we have people
there that could be monitoring uh a particular issue that might be taking place on a certain part uh this will be very important. It's a tool that needs to be done and uh I think that's pretty much it and we're putting it in force
now and the cost is already in the budget uh the police department and I think uh it will enhance and continue to enhance our police services in several areas. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh just a quick
question. Um how much is this going to cost? I >> believe it's 31. State your name for the record. Deputy chief >> deputy chief is here. No give us uh >> Noel Gil, Deputy Chief of Police, City Sweetwater Police Department, 500 Southwest 109th Avenue. Uh it's a little
over $31,000 uh to get this done. This will enable us to bring in the camera systems that have been installed already all over the city, plus other ones that we are looking uh at at grant proposals to get.
And this is basically getting funded by uh some uh police impact fees that were around. So, it's a great uh way to bring those impact fees that are designed uh to alleviate with some of the growth
that we've had uh to bring in those uh those uh items that are needed. >> Thank you, Chief. Um and this is the beginning of our real-time crime center, correct? This is the infancy stage of our real time crime center.
>> This is why I mentioned that. And I want and I want to preface and I want to prepare uh my colleagues in the commission. A real-time crime center is an expensive project, but there is no price tag that we can put on life safety. Um I I commend uh the mayor. I
commend our chief, Sergio Diaz, our deputy chief, and our assistant chief, uh, Frank Fernandez, uh, for what they're attempting to do. We've never done that here in the city of Sweetwater. You guys have taken us to to another level. Kick-ass job. Keep up the great work. You already know how we how we all feel about you. I think 31K is
more than reasonable. Um, and I know there's more to come. Do any other commissioners have any comments pertaining to this item? Uh, I'm going to give commissioners an opportunity. Any commissioners wanting to move this item? >> Move.
>> Motion by Commissioner Ranald, second by Commissioner uh Vice President MD. Resolution. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Uh item passes unanimously. Thank you, Deputy Chief. Thank you, Chief. >> Um I do expect many more toys to come.
Don't be afraid. >> Bring it. >> Bring it on. >> Bring it on. >> Bring it on. >> Um kick ass job, Mr. Mayor. It's actually their initiative and they're the ones that brought it and I
simply approved it because oh by the way in the future and I'm glad you opened that door Mr. President when we have the station that one day we'll [snorts] have these are the kind of things unless it's outdated in technology but I don't see it that way. I think this technology could be picked up and moved into our
new facility too. So this is a reason why it's a little more expensive. We could have gone less, but then we don't have that type of technology that we could pick up and take with us. >> Just the beginning. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Item H, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Sweetwater
ratifying collective bargaining agreement with the police benevolent association providing for authority providing for an effective date. Point of order. Uh, Mr. Attorney, we have this as a reszo. We don't need this as an ordinance. >> No, sir. >> All right. Uh, Mayor Diaz, you have the
floor. >> Thank you, Mr. President. And we negotiated the union ability of the lieutenants being unionized and we went back and forth for some time and we came into an agreement uh both with the men that represent uh the lieutenant uh
bargaining unit and the PBA and us uh myself along with our attorney and our our three police chiefs sitting with us and also uh Scott that also financial financially was involved. So, we came to
the conclusion um on all matters and we're going to basically we want this done because I want to get them paid and get them up to for this last pay period and get it in accordance and then we're going to probably start
negotiating the new contract very soon which is going to be for the rank and file and also at the same time this contract is for one year period. >> No, sorry. Again, Noel Gil, this this
contract actually will expire at the same time as the rank and file contract in September 30th of 2026. Right. So uh it was done in that fashion to avoid uh you know constantly be negotiating and
renegotiating and it would be better for everyone concerned both in the rank and file and the lieutenants as well as the city to maintain uh the ability to negotiate them both at the same time. >> Any commissioners wish to be heard on this item >> through the chair. >> Vice President.
>> Um Chief Gil, I have a number of questions for you. Um, >> what is the pay rate for offduty? We're paying a lieutenant $50 an hour. That sounds really >> so >> really cheap to me. >> Well, it would be. Yes, sir. Uh, and it all depends, right? Because there are
opportunities where, uh, it will require a lieutenant to supervise, you know, a sergeant or more, which will be supervising more than, you know, uh, five officers per sergeant or what whatever the number is. I think it's four or five officers. So, uh, they
would be getting, um, and off the top of my head, I believe it's going to be about $60 or $65. I couldn't tell you for sure, but if a lieutenant were to work in the in the position of a sergeant, then they would go down to
$55. Or they could even get a a job rated at an officer rate, and then that would be $50. I I see here that that we're keeping we're keeping $20. So, are we billing, for example, 70? If a lieutenant's working an officer's job,
>> we would be billing 70. Yes. And if and if it would be a uh a lieutenant job, it would go up to 80. >> What is our break even? Do we really need $20? >> Uh sir, administratively, we do. uh because there's a lot of uh services and
things that go up on the back end that we need to take care of. So I would say and and again part of this also has to deal with the fact that you know wherever they go they're going in in a city vehicle. Uh so you know I would I would say that yes
>> do you know what the rate is in Miami? >> Like what does the city keep? >> I I don't but I would imagine it's fairly comparable but I can research that and get you that information. All right. Um on on 196
it talks about the the work will be handed out by seniority. >> The senior the senior lieutenant always gets the job and every week the list rotates. I think that's unfair. >> I think whoever you know you you accumulate the number of hours and
whoever has the least number of hours [laughter] gets the opportunity to work. what you're doing is the senior guy on a weekly basis always gets to pick the job. >> So it it it actually goes on a on a list basis, right? So So although the senior
guy may get it this week, uh he's not going to get it again the following week. So we we'll go down the road the the row uh to ensure that everybody does get an opportunity to it. >> It's just I don't know. It's not how I read it, Chief.
>> Um but if you're saying If you're saying that that's how it is, then you know, as long as it rotates, >> yes, >> I think that's the fair piece. And then on on 271 um talks about you know doing their
medicals and keeping it in the file. I would recommend that you guys um evaluate doing a a medical review officer and that's someone that would represent the city and then as the employees get hired uh that individual you know manages the medical component
of the files for us and they're not like downstairs where anybody can can look at a file. I know Ralph said the files are kept separately. Um, but it's someone that gives you recommendations. Hey, this person is not hirable, doesn't meet your standards or something's happening in their medicals. And they can give you
then recommendations, but it's not like anybody's looking at the employees file. >> So, our employee files are kept within our internal affairs office, which is uh actually has limited access. It is also alarmed as required. So those files are
not accessible to just anybody. >> I get that. I just >> and normally checked out. So um but with that said, it is a good idea what you're saying of bringing in someone that uh that potentially can assist us. We do have a couple of reserve officers that
are MDs that you know potentially can assist us in that capacity. Um because right now I I don't have the funding to bring in an an outside. Uh with that said, when we when we first bring someone in, they have to go through a
medical evaluation over at now at Mount Si. Uh and if they decide that they are not hirable because of some medical condition, then that's what we are going with >> and and and Mount Sinai actually offers that MRO. They offer those services.
>> Okay. >> So, I mean, you might >> I I'll look into that. >> I'll look at it >> and um I'll definitely uh look into that. And then the last thing that I have is is a question for you, Mr. Mayor. I know you're a very fair mayor. Um, but in article 22, it says on on on the
purposes of compensation, um, it's unappealable and it dies on your desk. I find you to be a very fair mayor, but there are times where we don't have fair mayors here. Would you consider evaluating that language to where maybe it's it's grievable?
>> Well, let's keep trying the way it is that there is a fair mayor here. >> I I know. and we'll try our best. I don't think you're going to find a more pro police mayor out there and but what's right is right and I am fair that way. >> I no I just don't say it's you but
>> how would you say our election another thing that we're done look we we've gone through this back and forth with uh uh the men uh because there's no female lieutenants on there and there's not yet good point. Um, we will be looking at
this contract now uh again in the near future and there's some things there that I will want to look at and I'll look into that and I'll see how it makes it fair in case tomorrow there's not a fair mayor here. >> I appreciate it. Thank you, sir. >> All right. >> With that,
>> any other commissioners wishing to speak on this item? All right. I have a few questions. Um, first, uh, Mr. Mayor, thank you for negotiating on the part of the city. I think that uh you're obviously always trying to negotiate the very best deal for our
residents and protect to protect our city coffers. You know that I uh I'm a big police guy. So are you. So I have a few issues with this. First, um, when it comes to, uh,
we have we currently have seven lieutenants, but I just received an appendix here to this agreement showing nine participants. Are we including the two police majors in this lieutenant's union?
>> Yes. Well, for for for the reason of if they were to get demoted, okay, their highest civil service rank would be that of a lieutenant, right? So, they're they're not part of the bargaining unit as far as um as far as uh you know
having the same benefits because they're part of the command staff, right? But we brought them into that appendix because of the fact that just like we have grandfathered in the existing lieutenants, it would only be fair to grandfather them in if they were to get
demoted, that the lieutenant is the highest civil service that they had because both of them were lieutenants at one point prior to getting promoted to major. >> I agree. I have no problem including the majors. I'm all for protecting people, but we didn't have a civil service rank.
So, they're just reverting back to a rank of lieutenant, not civil service. From here on out, it'll be civil service. Is that accurate? >> Right. Yes, you can say that. And and we have grandfathered those lieutenants as civil service. Right. >> I understand. I don't have a problem with that. I uh I I don't want people
thinking they're getting fired or whatnot. >> I have no problem including the majors. I'm sure that surprises some individuals. Um my other question is the on duty offduty injury percentage. >> Yes. >> Can you tell me what the language reads in the contract please?
>> Uh sir I would have to look at the contract percentage >> in front of it. So the what what it should read on the contract is that we are going based off what Florida state statute says >> the state minimum >> right the state minimum >> which is 42%. >> Uh I believe you're correct sir and 25
on the off. >> Thank you. I'll give you the floor. So, um, I have a huge problem with that. >> Okay. >> If one of our lieutenants or one of our majors gets involved in a shooting and they get injured and now they're disabled, they only get 42%. I will not
agree with that. Uh, our current collective bargaining agreement with our officers and our sergeants um is 75% on duty injuries, >> right? And I want to know how my colleagues in the
commission feel about just that item alone. So I'll open the floor to my colleagues in the commission. If any colleagues on the commission have any questions about that item, our lieutenants and our majors. If they get involved in an onduty injury, a crash, a shooting, break their leg, they get into
a fight, they get stabbed, they only get 42% of their pay, the highest five years. But our officers and our sergeants get 75% for an onduty injury. I don't think that's fair. I will yield to my colleagues on the commission on this item. >> Chair, Mr. Vice President, uh I actually
had this conversation with Ralph prior to the meeting. It's 65%. 42 is state minimum for general employees. 65 is for high-risisk. So it's the actual number is 65%. >> Great. 65%. I I still have an issue with it. Anybody
else have an issue? Anybody else want to comment on that item? And I I will I'll further comment that I believe the rank and file should go to 65 also to bring everyone in line without a yield. Sir, does anybody else wish to comment on this item? >> Yes, ma'am.
>> Commissioner Sali is the floor. >> Um I the first time I hear this, what what's your your point in this? >> First and foremost, when because of >> Thank you. because of perk they put the head which
is myself trust me it's a lot easier just to assign other people and just get it done but I'm trying to find the fairest situation that we have we've been back and forth back and forth and we also allowed certain things in
support of the officers I can't go back into every agreement and disagreement we have back and forth but I would tell you they negotiated very well and I think we did too and we're there. And now that uh it was clear the 65% I'm glad you
brought that up, sir. I appreciate it because I did not want anybody here thinking it was going to stay at the 44%. So, because of that, I think it's pretty fair. But we're going to be reopening. I said it already three times. Negotiations now pretty soon. I want to
get this finished, get this approved so I could get them paid their new rate and make sure that we move forward. Now, it's a very little difference when it comes to everything else, but it's a big difference because now they're assured their positions, which has not been said
here. Before they were on the decision of the mayor whether they hold the office or not. Now, they will be lieutenants and respected as such. And in the future, they will be testing when they go up. These men have been
lieutenants now for quite a long time and we accepted them as part of lieutenants as I said by the deputy chief. So it's been back and forth and I think it's very balanced the negotiations we did and I come to this commission and tell them we appreciate
your support in this. So then when it comes time we negotiate again, we'll see how we go back and forth again. This is something that's constant. is x amount of years and there's nothing else I could tell you but that I think is fair
to the point and it wouldn't have been fair because they could have gone into impass either of us and continue this thing but they decided to accept the contract and move forward. >> So you already [clears throat] negotiate this already and it's already done deal. >> Yes sir.
>> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Just any other commissioners wishing to speak on this item? Commissioner, >> Commissioner Cuis, >> uh, Chief, uh, >> I've never been part of any of these uh, >> uh, negotiate negotiations,
but I'm I'm I'm looking at 65 75% window uh, between officers and sergeants and lieutenants and mayors. I'm guessing the the equation uh, includes the odds of going injured, right? Because I'm guessing lieutenants
and mayors are more on the administrative part of the police department than sergeants and regular patrol. >> That's correct. >> So the odds of getting injured is higher on patrol and sergeants. >> That's that's correct. But but but let
me add something here is is you know we're looking to protect the pension system, right? and and we need to be careful because uh at the end of the day if this pension um and I'm not saying that it has been but if it were to get
abused on okay at the end of the day it is it is the the the pension [clears throat] of all those police officers that have served here that will retire someday and want some kind of pension. Uh and furthermore, it is something that, you know, we need to
make sure so that the city at some point is not at, you know, liable for a pension system that is right now doing very well and God willing will stay that way. Uh but we need to make sure that we protect it for those that that will
retire from it and we'll be expecting to collect something uh after, you know, 20 [clears throat] 30 years of honorable service. >> Okay. Commissioner, uh, vice president, you have the floor. >> I I just want to I want to touch upon some some numbers so you guys understand
some pension stuff. So, if if you're disabled, 65, it's 65% taxfree. There's no there's no tax on it. Uh, if you're disabled as a police officer because you're injured or something happens, you apply with the county and now you're you're tax you don't pay tax on your
home and the insurance for you and your family is paid by the city. So the difference between 65 and 75% is we incentivize at 75 people are incentivized to retire to to come after disability because they'll leave making more money.
>> At 65 it's about a break even and that's the difference and it and the chief is on point. 65 helps protect the pension. It doesn't incentivize people to come after disability because they'll make money on the pension. >> No, you better agree with that.
>> Yeah. the floor commissioners here. You want the floor? >> I I already had it. >> Okay. I >> You have It's all right. It's all right. We can share the floor. >> No, no, no. I'm I'm completely all right with it. You know what I'm saying? I was asking you if the odds of getting injured was part of the negotiation in
order to get to the 65 75%. >> Uh that is definitely a I I I wouldn't say it was part of the negotiation, but that that you bring up a very valid point that actually makes a whole lot of sense. >> All right. without all you >> and I this one. All right. Anybody else
wishing to speak on this item? >> I I want to go ahead and >> I'm going to speak before you vote. >> So, um I sat on the pension board and we've had five uh members of the city of Sweetwater Police Department um come and apply for disability to the members uh watching on TV and the members in the
audience when uh one of our officers gets injured on duty. Obviously, all of us are rallying behind that officer. And unfortunately, there are those circumstances when an officer just can no longer perform the job. When their doctor says, "Hey, they can no longer perform the job." That officer then
applies to the pension board and the pension board here in the city of Sweetwater sends that officer, that injured officer to the pension board doctors, those professionals in every instances, every instance. and we've we've uh ret medically retired
five individuals in in my time here in the last nine years. Um in every instance, our pension board doctors have recommended that those officers be retired medically and and I have voted to retire them. Now, my point of
contention is that I we're currently at 75% when an when an officer gets injured on duty. I never want to take anything away from our cops. I appreciate uh you know your warnings. I appreciate your caution. But uh that pension is very
healthy and very robust and my job is to vote my conscience and I will never take something away from the police officers specifically in collective bargaining. I will always try and add. Um I commend the mayor for negotiating for the very best deal for the city. I he he has a
very tough job and and he and I have spoken offline. Um, this is not a surprise. He knew that I was gonna that I was going to talk about this and and let me again reiterate, you know, the mayor takes his time and he speaks to every single commissioner on every single item and he always asks, "Are we
good?" I spoke to the mayor today and I told him, "Hey, I have an issue with this." Everybody knows how I feel about our police department and and moreover, I know how you guys feel about our police department. I'm not claiming that nobody here is not pro police. I'm just saying that I don't like taking anything away from our cops who put it on the
line every single day and now we're going to go ahead and we're going to take away um a potential, you know, disability percentage from them because look, if we go ahead and we approve this now, and that's fine, and the mayor and I have
spoken offline and and he says that he wants to go ahead and revisit this and and I thank you for saying that. But if, god forbid, one of our lieutenants or our majors, they get injured, you know, tomorrow on a shooting, on a stabbing, they're only open to 65%. I personally
don't want to do that. I want to give them 75%. So, my first question is that I request a a straw vote on this item. Is any commissioner willing to raise it from 65% to 75% disability?
No commissioner is willing. I understand. Um, so the other the other issue is that these could these lieutenants, seven lieutenants and two majors, they're not going to be tested now. We're hopefully looking for upward
lateral movement in the future. Um, but these positions are now solidified. We would literally have to double the size of the agency for sergeants um to be able to test. Now, from here on out, these are solidified
positions. They don't have to test. Correct. >> That is correct, sir. >> Okay. I see the appetite of my commission, and I will go ahead and yield. Do we have a motion on this item? >> Yes, sir. I will motion. >> Commissioner Sao Diaz. Motions to move
this item. Second by Commissioner Ray Aaldo [clears throat] Ree. Uh, roll call. Madam clerk. >> Commissioner. >> Yes. Yes. >> Commissioner. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Ray. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Diaz.
>> Yes. >> Commissioner Martine. >> Yes. >> President. >> No. >> Item passes. >> Thank you, Deputy Chief. >> And and again, on behalf of our chief of police, Sir Joe Diaz, we thank you for
all your support. Thank you. >> All right. Item G has been read. Item H has been read. Now we have item I, discussion of
the police pension board's proposal to restate its pension plan and request that the city conduct an actuarial impact study. Commissioner, Vice President Madi. U so this um this item, it's actually
just a restatement of the plan. And I'm not actually asking for an actual real impact. It's just a restatement of the plan language. It's just bringing the language up to current codes to reflect what's happening at the state. Um I didn't realize they put actual impact study in here. I'm not I'm not
requesting that. >> Okay. >> That's normally requested or done by the pension board on an annual basis and it's part of our um it's part of our actuarial piece. So, as you and I have discussed,
Commissioner uh Pedro Herrera's office sent me a proposal. Um, I responded and asked for particulars because I had not been expecting that. It just arrived one day and I had not been expecting it at all.
Um, I will be in touch with Mr. office uh and follow through on that and hopefully we can place something with the mayor's approval, we can place something on the we're in April that'll be the May agenda. >> And and just to be clear, this doesn't
impact uh bargaining or your ability to bargain or your ability to set benefits or nothing like that. This just brings pension language in in line with what FRS. So basically you're codifying like we do with the code bringing it within the lines that have
>> that FRS requires. Correct. >> And and also I do agree with the commissioner. This is sorely needed. >> I I have no problem with it. >> I just wanted to make sure >> it's his item. He was clear on it. He was very expressive as to why he was
doing it. I have no issues. >> Now the other part I was, you know, he clarified that already. The actuarial impact study is is not required by us by the city. >> Okay. >> Um it is done on an annual basis by the pension board which then sets your rate that you pay. [clears throat]
>> Correct. >> Um so >> just a correction on my part. >> I will contact Mr. Herrera's office first thing in the morning. Well, probably in the afternoon to have a trial tomorrow morning. >> Could he move on the item the way it is and just take that part out? >> No, because we don't have that's an
ordinance. >> Just a discussion. >> Yeah. Yeah. We It's an ordinance and it would have to be two readings, publication, the whole thing. >> We just wanted to bring it before you so you understood what was going on. >> Yeah. >> Okay. No, I have no problem with the item to be honest with you. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Is there anyone else on the pension board that want to say anything about this? >> Yeah, I have a question. So, we're discussing the police pension board's proposal to restate its pension plan. What are we proposing? I I see the actuarial impact. So, I guess we're
we're requesting an actual study or >> No, no, we're sorry. >> No, we're not requesting an actual study. We're just bringing the language current with what's in Florida retirement system. >> And what is the language that we're amending? >> This is the the meeting that we had a couple months ago with Pedro where we
all the pension board went through the language together and we talked about, you know, what needs to be in line. You remember the meeting? >> Yeah. I'm I'm just I I want to see the data, the actual language that we're changing. That's what he's That's what he's gonna get. We're not changing anything. >> That's what he's gonna get and we're going to bring >> Yeah, we will be changing it and then
you'll see it the way that all ordinances are presented to the commission. If you want, I can send it to you in advance once we have a document to look >> once everybody gets it. I'll get it. Just a heads up piece. >> That's fine. Any uh anybody else wishing to speak on this item? Any commissioners? Mr. Mayor, >> you good? >> Commissioner Mat, you uh you good?
>> Yes. Thank you. >> Member. >> All right. Uh item 12, reports. Mayor's report. Mr. Mr. Mayor, you have the floor. >> Well, we had an incredible Easter celebration and uh and Ronzelli
Park, it made history. That's the first time that the now the new park has hosted a major event. It came out perfect. I want to thank the parks people maintenance also for helping everybody that worked it in our police department for making it very secure.
Some of the comments that I got back was, "We love coming to the events in Sweetwater because we feel safe and it's a good event and you guys really do a good job." >> And family oriented. So, it that's the
way we do these events and I want to thank the commission for always being supportive and making sure not only that you support in every way possible, but also being there and being part of the event. Uh, I think that was important. There's uh basically not too much.
There's a lot of things coming up and that I'll be bringing up soon. Uh there's a lot of issues with uh the improvements on the city which we're working to see how we could generate those improvements to keep improving and
uh dealing with a lot of the future look of the city. And we're going to be looking at different subjects. Uh, one of the other ones is uh we're working to to try to get the city's rating
uh for the first time that we actually have a bond type rating and that's something that Scott is working hard on and that will help us with different avenues within our city. That's something that is new, too. And we could
go on and on, but I think what this commission and myself have promised the citizens of Sweetwater is to keep professionalizing and improving our city in every way possible. And we've come a long way in almost three years. And I'm
very proud of that. And that's mostly the the hard work that the director's employees and all the members of this city including the members of this board working together and making sure that we make things like [clears throat] this
happen. So I want to thank you all for that and I think uh we'll leave the ne the the other stuff for the next month. >> Thank you, Mr. Moore. Mr. Mayor, uh commissioners report. Any commissioners wishing to report anything?
No, I'm uh I'm gonna uh say a a brief statement when it comes to the uh the lieutenants union. >> Um I am pro having the lieutenants have a union. I absolutely have no issues with our majors being part of the union.
I think they should be protected. >> I have an issue and I want to make it abundantly clear several issues. Number one was the disability on duty. I have an issue with that. Number two, I think that our lieutenants should be paid higher um in comparison to other police
lieutenants. That is why I voted no. I want to make it abundantly clear. Everybody knows how I feel about our police officers. Those are the only two issues why I voted no. If anybody's curious now, as passionate
as I am about my police department, I accept the will of the commission. I will not get into an argument with anybody. That is how our form of government works and I accept how our form of government uh functions. So with
that, I yield unless any other commissioner wishes to speak on commissioner's report. >> Nope. >> All right. Moving forward. Uh city clerk's report attached. >> Attached. >> Uh city attorney's report. Mr. Attorney, anything to report? >> No, sir.
>> Police report is attached. Building zone report attached. Code enforcement division report attached. I just wanted to clarify the name of the department. Uh public works department report
attached. Finance report attached. Community and elderly services report attached. Parks and recreation report attached. Unfinished business. New business.
Good to of the order adjournment >> move and second and adjournment. All in favor say I. >> Any oppose?