Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. You don't have on this. Look at it. >> All right, Madame Clerk. Good to go.
>> Mr. Attorney good to go. >> Commissioners good to go. >> Mr. Mayor, good to go. >> All right. Please take your seats. >> Meeting date, Monday, July 6, 2026 to 6 p.m. Commission Chambers, 500 Southwest
109 Avenue. Roll call. Madam Clerk, >> noted. If anyone could please stand for the imocation. Anybody uh want to give the invocation today? >> In Jesus name I pray. Dear heavenly father, thank you for granting us the gift of life, the gift of family, the
gift of friendship, the gift of service. Thank you for the very many blessings that you've bestowed upon this country, this state, our county, and our great city of Sweetwater. Please continue to bless our elected officials to make the proper decisions for the betterment of
our residents. Please continue to bless our police officers, our firefighters, and the greatest military in the world. And please don't forget our staff. A special thanks to our staff for coordinating the Fourth of July event that we had this weekend, which was phenomenal. And Lord, if you're not too
busy, if you can help us out tonight at 8:00 p.m. when USA plays Belgium, I'd really appreciate it. In Jesus name, I will always pray. Amen. Amen. >> Please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. You know, normally I' I'd recognize uh
stakeholders in the audience, but I don't want to steal anybody's thunder, so I'm going to wait for that. And I appreciate uh what you're doing, Mr. Mayor. Uh special presentations, Mr. Mayor. >> Yes, sir. We have a very special
presentation today. Somebody very important to all of us. If you would like to join me, let's go ahead and give this presentation to somebody extremely extremely important to all of us. I need to come alone. Why don't you
bring >> Yeah, you got to bring your husband. >> Your husband, huh? >> And she could they could take video for you, too. And you could be joining us up here. >> It's on TV anyway. First and foremost, I want to thank you
from the bottom of our hearts because I know personally the work you've done in the city of Sweetwater. And no matter what I'm going to read here, it still doesn't do the justice of what really has been done by you. But I'm going to
do it. And I don't like to read these things but I think it's very important for me to do it today. Okay. So proclamation by the city of Sweetwater, Mayor myself, whereas Janet P. Olivivero
Oliver, excuse me, has dedicated nearly four decades of exemplary service to education, positively impacting the lives of thousands of students, families, educators, and community members
throughout Miami Day County. hand. Whereas throughout a distinguished career spanning almost 40 years, Janet P. Olivivera has demonstrated unwavering commitment to academic excellence,
education, innovation, leadership development, and student achievement. And whereas as the principal of Sweetwater Elementary School
since 2009, Janet P. Oliver has led a high performance tier one title school serving as diverse students population fostering a culture of
excellence equality and opportunity for all students and whereas under Janet P. Olivera's visionary leadership. Sweetwater Elementary School achieved five consecutive gold
designations and earned the prestigious STEM platinum destination reflecting a commitment to innovation and academic distinction.
And whereas Janip P Olivera successfully implemented datadriven strategies in targeted innovations that enhanced students performance, optimized resources allocations and promoted
continuous school improvements. And whereas Janipi Oliva's dedication to the educational excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including being named Central
Region Principal of the Year of Miami Day County Public Schools in 2018 through 2019 and received Miami Coral Parks feeder pattern principal of the year honors in
both 2017 and 2018 and in 2018 and 2019. And whereas Janet Pier educational
um accomplishments are supported by advanced degrees from Nova uh Southeastern University and the University of Miami as well as a continued commitment to professional
growth and education leadership. Now therefore, I, Mayor Jose Pepedas, by the power authority vested in me as mayor of the city of Sweetwater, to hereby proclaim
and declare July 6, 2026 to be the Janet P. Olivera Now, my um my children went to Sweetwater Elementary and I seen
that school for many, many years. I moved in here in 1968 and I would tell you that that school has come a long way and that thanks to your leadership
and I know this feeling is the same across this day is here because >> my kids too. >> Okay. >> Mine too. >> Some that are going >> maybe mine. So to us, it's an honor to do this, but
more an honor >> having you all this time. >> And all I could say is I'm happy that you're going your own way and doing your thing and be able to enjoy life along with your husband that is here and your
assistant principal that's over there. I know that you will be greatly greatly missed. >> Am I correct? Yes, sir. Okay. >> May I say >> I was just gonna tell you go ahead and say some words. By the way, the mic is
up here so it's catching. Okay. >> Um, it's been my privilege to serve all and the children in this community. I don't normally lose it, but this has been a difficult separation after 17
years. This is my home, my family. The city of Sweetwater is such a beautiful community and deserves nothing but the best. I've had the blessing of having the children. I've had the blessing of knowing the families. I've had the blessing of meeting many beautiful
people along the way that have become our partners. The one thing I will ask all of you continue to fight for public education. The city of Sweetwater has one public school, Sweetwater Elementary. Fight for
it. Fight for what makes this country amazing. Democracy is built on free and accessible education to all. Fight for your school. It is a beautiful thing to be able to have the opportunity to be around children. It is a beautiful
opportunity to be supported. I could never have done 17 years of principal without this man by my side. I could never have done everything that we've accomplished with all the team that's there, the amazing teachers, the the custodians, the cafeteria personnel,
everybody. This young lady, you are left in really good hands. She is going to be an amazing principal in a very short time, we hope. And right now, I know that she will continue the legacy. But I
just ask for you. Please continue to work and pray and support public education. It is critical for the future of our country. >> Yes. Amen. >> Thank you. >> Say something, Mr. Mayor.
>> So, I have a 20-year-old, a nineyear-old, and a six-year-old. You've been there for all three children. I can tell you that as a professional and a as a public servant, we all want to leave an impact in our
community. You've most certainly left an impact in our community. There are thousands of children, thousands of children where you've impacted their lives. Aside from being a great principal, and that's cool. As a professional, you want
to be the very best you can. I think you're an amazing human being. I think God has blessed us. the way that you carry those children when our children have a bad day. You know exactly just looking at their face. You know, my wife is a very very involved uh parent and
you've exploited that a way bit too much. It's cost me some money. I will tell you the city of Sweetwater is is losing an amazing stakeholder. When I received the notification
that you were retiring, I received it from my child. I immediately, it was a shock to me. I I contacted my colleagues. I contacted the mayor. Unfortunately, because of political circumstances, which I disagree with. I
think this is a very poor decision on whomever made this decision. I can tell you that we're losing an amazing individual. And you're right, your successor has been amazing and we're going to help you continue being amazing. You got some big shoes to fill. Luckily for you, you're
an amazing individual as well. So, whatever you need from our mayor, we're always standing behind our mayor and our city. Um, I love you. >> My children love you. >> I love them a lot.
>> That's it. I'm done. Da, this is a special moment. So, we all got to say something. >> No, I thank you. My youngest one went to the school. Uh actually, uh on third grade, uh you guys decided that he needs
to have a test, you know, so he can go and gift the program, which he did. And right at your school, he was pulled out two, I think was twice a week. They pick him up in a bus and take it. So, I was very grateful.
>> Thank you so much. >> Thank you for your service to our community and and enjoy your retirement. Enjoy enjoy your time with your husband. It's it's a cherished time and move into into enjoying what you've worked for. It's welld deserved. >> Thank you.
>> Blessings. Thank you very much. As a boy scout leader, you used to give us the school for that for those meetings. >> My kids also went to that school. Right now, one of them is 25 years old. He's a firefighter. Thank you. Thank you you guys. That was basically the the school
that he started. >> I remember him. >> For me, it's bittersweet. For me, it's bittersweet. My my ne my my niece and my nephews were able to be with you and it's a bittersweet because my son starts now in August for the first time. But I
know it's in good hands. I saw you the other day when I was in enrolling him and I was really looking forward. But again, you know, you do have to share share your your moment, your your retirement and your life. You know, there's that wasn't all all of it. You enjoy with your husband. I know I'm in
good hands. So, I'm looking forward to, you know, now I'm going to also be there as well. And, you know, I have a four-year-old and now I have a seven-month-old. She's also going to be there, too. But, you know, enjoy your time, enjoy your life. You know, you know, I do stand behind all all that and
everything you said about the uh school, public school. I am a big public school person. So I'm I'm also a public school, you know, from Flegami Elementary to West Miami Elementary to South Miami High. So, you know, thank you for everything you've done for us and all
the students that have passed through from mostly from the city of Sweetwater. Thank you very much. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Well, I have zero history with Subar Elementary, but uh and my kids are too little for school except one of them, but we're homeschooling him. But um and
I didn't go there either. I went to Gilbert Porter way down in Pendle, but uh I did go to Coral Park, though. That's that's the that's the only one I have in common with everyone here. Um but I just wish you the best and wish you good luck and I've heard a lot of great things about you from everybody else. So, thank you and God bless.
Well, once again, I think you know the way we feel. We can't uh hide it and um I think Marco said it very well. You know, there's decisions are made that are not easy to deal with. And uh I know
the decision of enjoyment with your family is going to be a very good one. And I think I just have this feeling >> we'll be seeing each other again. So >> I just have that feeling, you know. I know that. >> So, God bless you. >> Thank you.
>> And may the Lord blow well on your sale. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you very much. >> Take the picture. Oh, no. We're taking a picture. >> No. Picture time. >> Take a picture. >> You got to stand next to your wife there. >> We'll stand in the back. >> He's a teacher, too. So,
>> all right. >> He teaches in high school here. >> This way. Two. Perfect. >> Hey, give me uh you guys. >> So, there's one cop in a >> time. No, no, no.
Good evening everyone. Uh Frank Fernandez, assistant chief of police, city of Sweet Water. This officer of the month award started with a commendation by uh Sergeant uh Dariel Risco who's here also tonight
where he presented it to us of one of his officers for outstanding performance. and quickly uh we suggested that we make uh make the paperwork necessary for officer of the month based on the uh the actions of this officer. This incident took place on May 31st of
this year. And this police officer demonstrated a huge commitment to public safety while investigating a lewd and indecent exposure incident that occurred near the Top Golf uh business establishment which is visited by
families, tourists, and residents alike. This officer not only met with the victims but stay there and gather as much information as possible. regarding the incident. He thoroughly reviewed v video
evidence and quickly developed information regarding the suspect's identity. Shortly after that, other officers arrived in the scene and they all began canvasing the area and successfully located the subject near the city furn
uh furniture just south of uh Top Golf. The subject was taken into custody with that incident for charges related to delude and indecent exposure. And the reason we bring him here today is because some officers do go the extra mile. They don't just write a report and
go to the next call. They actually take an interest in solving this crime, especially something as serious as this. This officer's diligence continued after the arrest though as he discovered that the subject was in possession of suspected methamphetamine
and this of course led to additional charges. This officer's professionalism, his attention to detail and dedication to public safety directly contributed to the successful apprehension of this offender whose actions negatively
impacted members of our community and possibly prevented future crimes. As a result of his commitment to public safety and proactive police work, Officer Joel Boske is being recognized as officer of the month for May 2026.
Please come forward. >> All right. >> Bring your wife. >> Congratulations. >> Yeah. Sorry. Sorry. Stand right next to your husband. >> Show respect. ulations. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for uh those
presentations. Most certainly warranted education and law enforcement. I'm all for it. I'm going to try and set a record here. Uh six, presentation of officer of the month award done. Seven, reports of officers, boards, and committees
attached. Madame clerk, additions and deletions to the agenda, petitions, communications, and runes. None. Amazing. Consent agenda item A. >> Moved by Vice President Mati. Second by Commissioner Murray. All in favor say I.
>> Any opposed? Item passes unanimously. Staff items 11 A. An ordinance of the city of Sweetwater, Florida, establishing duty for police officers to provide name and badge number upon request, providing for exceptions, providing for severability, providing for codification, providing for an effective date, second reading and
public hearing. Public hearing is now open. Anybody wishing to speak on this item, please come forward. See nobody come forward. The public meeting is now closed. This is my item. I'm going to keep this brief. Uh we've seen this on social media where
uh people will approach a police officer or a group of police officers. They'll hold up their phones and they'll say, "Hey, jerk. Name and badge number." And now the officer uh after being ridiculed has to give his or her badge number. If
the officer's on a call for duty, then I wholeheartly agree based on transparency, you should give your name and badge number. When the officer is not on a call for duty, when the officer is drinking coffee, having a meal, and one of these social justice first amendment auditors approaches a police
officer says, "Hey, jerk. Hey, fat ass name and badge number." The officer does not have to give their name and badge number. This is the first piece of legislation in the history of United States pertaining to this. I ask my colleagues on the commission to unanimously
u consent on this item. Do we have any discussion? Move. >> Yes, Mr. Mr. Mayor, you have the floor. >> I want you to know that uh when the item first came up, I just wanted to check all the varials varants uh as you did
and I want to to report that exactly what you said is exactly the case not only with Vura uh our attorney, but I am a thousand% supportive of something like this because there's enough that they have to go through in their life to then
have to deal with this also. So, I want to congratulate you on this uh ordinance. I think it's uh very needed, especially in today's time. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Any other discussions? >> We have a motion by Commissioner Yano, second by Commissioner Ronaldo Ray. Roll
call. Madam clerk. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So, Uh if anybody here is familiar with the Halo law and I know Commissioner
Seldes was referring to the Halo law. The Halo law is a state statute where if officers are performing their duties um there has to be a 25 ft radius from anybody approaching that officer. I don't know if people know this but the halo law was actually created here in
the city of Sweetwater. That halo law started here in the city of Sweetwater. It was then presented to state legislature, passed, state senate, and now we have the second piece of legislation. Many politicians talking talk about being pro police, but there
is no city in the great United States of America that's more pro police than my colleagues on this commission and our mayor. So, I I'm very very proud of my colleagues. Thank you so much. I'm very proud of you, Mr. Mayor, for this supporting this item. And uh let's keep supporting Sweetwater PD. Keep doing a
kick-ass job, guys. Uh, reports. A mayor's report. Anything to report, Mr. Mayor? >> Yes, sir. >> You have the floor. >> We got a couple of things and I'll try to make that meeting as fast as possible. So, with that said, we I want
to thank um all the commissioners and their support on the Venezuelan support that we did. But I want to give a special thanks to two commissioners that are sitting here next to me and that's Hidano, Commissioner Janu and of course
Commissioner Diaz Saul Diaz. Okay, they uh they really uh stepped it up. We worked hard. Uh we were there many hours and uh we raised uh a lot of help through the people that came and
donated. Uh I found a warehouse with GEM looking for well here in Sweetwater 163,000 square feet if I'm not mistaken and they through Pro Lodges they donated for certain time and that's between them
and Jim but um they came through and I said that we would try to fill it and I think some of you went by and saw it the warehouse is totally full. So, we did our part here in Sweetwater, but we couldn't have done it also without the
help of maintenance and code. Uh, they both did a great job in supporting making sure the equipment was there and the manpower and also building. I had a couple of people from building that were there too that were priceless. Uh, everything was received, analyzed for
date, making sure they're not expired. Everything was put in categories. anything medical type on one side, canned foods, everything was separated and then palletized. And Jem was very appreciative because it
was palatized in a way that they were it was very easy to put that on either a plane or put it on a on a container to go see where they're to Venezuela. So, I want to thank everybody that was involved, but most of all, I want to
thank the people that heard us and came with the donations and many business people out of Sweetwater and not in Sweetwater, but they came to Sweetwater and donated. I also want to thank, you know, working together with Dorado and making sure that there are sister city
close by and together we helped each other. So, I want to thank the mayor also from Dorado uh for reaching out and I know our police did an incredible job too and making sure that everything was secure at all times and they went ahead
and also supported the round during a couple of times that things got a little uh busy over there, let's just say. So, I wanted to say that because it was important and I think there's always been a time that Sweetwater has always
stepped up always to help others. See, there was a time we got flooded out in this city and it was hard. It was very hard because we hardly had the money to deal with the things. But God is great
as always and we were able to do what we needed to do. But it was thanks to the citizens of Sweetwater and the staff then and um but we knew we needed help and help came from a lot of places outside of Sweetwater, especially
outside of Day County and we were very appreciative for that. So this is why when we do this, we do it from our hearts because we know what it's like to be in chaos and and thank God it wasn't the devastation that Venezuela has
suffered and will continue to suffer for a very long time. So I want to thank everybody involved once again to starting police back there done an incredible job maintenance and of course code also and building and anybody else
that volunteered. Thank you. Now to go to another note 4 of July I think that we could not ask for a better event. Uh it was well extremely well attended and we did anticipate a
little rain. We had a big tent out there and it was used. It was used. So and all the little tents that we had around people used. But you know there something special nobody left after that. On the opposite more people
showed up and we had an incredible event. I want to publicly thank Romero Breto for the huge painting that we got put on a wall in Ronelli Park 40T by 20 ft
and it's absolutely patriotic. It's absolutely beautiful, colorful, and something that only just brightens up our Ronzelli Park. So, I want to thank them. And I also want to thank uh two
other people. I want to thank um you know our our people from Dion Mike Dion Dion generators. He was a big sponsor in helping us. Uh the painting itself was
wrapped on this wall because that's the new way of doing it. So they last and it would uh go through weather and everything else. And it also saves a lot in expenses. So,
uh, at the time Bruno for Miami Rap, uh, came, Metro Miami Rap came and, uh, did this and I could not ask for a better better outcome. It, it looks like it was
just painted on there. So, it will stand the time, the the test of time. And um I I I really was impressed with it, but I also was I was impressed with the amount of people that showed up in our new per
se park. And this was a true test of our park, including the the screen, everything that was there, and it passed the test. So, I want to thank this commission uh for always being supportive, for always being out there
and making sure that, you know, our city continues to get that for quite a while. A lot of these things didn't occur and now they do frequently as much as we can. And also a program that uh
Commissioner Vanuela brought to my attention back when we were doing the budget was to create uh to bring in uh flags to be able to put up for the citizens. And I report I think over 300
flags 300 flags were put up and we still got to get a couple more because some um that were by the way donated by Home Depot Sweetwater and they donated the flags and our maintenance department put
it up for the residents where they wanted it and so on. So, it's been some good things, positive things that are going on. One issue that I want to discuss, and I I hate to mix them, but it's
important. This city has come a long way, and with the support of this commission, has done an incredible job working together and unity. And I know every one of you says that wherever you go, and
that's the truth. We get things accomplished. We take care of our citizens and we work together as a team. But there's people out there that they don't like to see that. They wanted to
go back to the old ways. I know that I won't allow that to take place and I will call them out when I need to and I shall. One thing that we're doing here, the four questions that were brought in by
this by myself and this commission that was voted unanimously in in most cases were put on for this election. There's already people an entity or wherever it is out there saying
something that is not true, that is totally lying to the citizens of Sweetwater. that will not be tolerated here. Those days are gone. So I will do everything in my power
and I will ask you to do the same to make sure that our citizens understand the reality and those days from the past where people used to lie here all the time to try to get whatever they wanted will cease and will end.
And that is also important. So, I wanted to make sure that we got that out because uh those are the kind of things that Sweetwater no longer is part of. Our citizens know who we are and what
we're doing and they these questions were put for their vote. So, they're going to have a right to vote for these questions. I just want to make sure they understand the question in its entirety and their vote. They're
cautious. So that is one thing I wanted to express up here uh clearly and we look forward uh to a good election. Um now with these
four questions and um that's it. I don't think uh there's anything else I Yeah. Oh, >> thank you. You're always covering my back. There's a lady that that did an incredible job, but I did it over there.
thanked her for her work, but not only her, but her horse her her whole staff that did an incredible job and making sure that that park looked great, looked really patriotic, which because we are
and the food, everything, there was no issues. The police working with your team and of course some of the maintenance people and so on and the volunteers. I just wanted to thank you publicly again, Sandra Garcia, our park director, for such a good job.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh, Mr. Mayor, do you want to mention what you achieved with your finance director just recently? >> Thank you. I'm glad we're all a team up here. This is the first time I didn't write
everything down. Well, actually, you know, we brought up here a couple of times that we were going to go ahead and work at trying to change the financing and trying to improve our financing and for the future of Sweetwater. We're no
longer the little city. We have grown now to almost four square miles. We started at 8/10 of a mile. And to do so, we need to make sure our financial stability will be recognized. And in the future,
we could look to do certain types of projects within our city, whether it's a new city hall, a new police station, or whatever it is that we need to do that we had the first thing. And that was to get a rating that the city would get
rated. Uh, and I would like Scott, do you want to come up a second? because this man worked tirelessly to try to make this happen and to get a positive response. So, Scott, do you have the report? >> Hi. Um, we contacted the three major
>> Say your name, sir, please. >> Scott Middlesber, finance director, city of Sweetwater. >> Thank you, sir. Uh we con we contacted the three major rating agencies Moody's S&P uh Fitch and looked at you know how they worked and what they were going to charge us and basically went with
Moody's and paid them the fee and they looked through all of our documents and went through our audits and financials and compared them to our peers. You'll see a scorecard in there. Um almost all of the grades the city gets are AAA. Uh there's one double A and then there was
one a little bit lower and that was based on resident income, but uh we could have been rated uh double A1. We were actually rated double A2. Uh but that could improve, but that is about as good as you can get around here in Miami date county. That's what the county has
as bond rating. So, uh, if we do need in the future to borrow some money to do some major capital projects, uh, the rating agencies already have a head start to look at our ability to repay those bonds. Uh, of course, if we do something that the voters approve, we'll
have the full faith and credit of the taxpayers with our rating and we'll get the lowest interest rate you can get. >> Good thing you yield, Mr. Mayor. Do you yield? Absolutely.
>> So, well, before I begin, does anybody want to say anything on Commissioner's Report? >> No. Okay. So, Mr. Mayor, keep doing a kick-ass job. Every time I say kickass, people get a little weird because they say he's a bad word. I don't care.
Um, I' I've busted the the finance director's chops because I'm very passionate about Sweetwater and I've I've definitely given you a hard time and we've gone back and forth. We've been on opposition on different items and I'm okay with that. I can have
spirited debates and dialogue, but if there's one thing I'll always do is give credit where it's where it's due. Since 1941, the city of Sweetwater has never ever ever had a bond rating. Freaking kickass job, dude. So, I applaud you. >> Keep doing what you're doing. Don't
change. Uh, Mr. Mayor, obviously, uh, you've chosen good people, so um, keep up the good work. You and your staff. You definitely deserve it. >> Thank you, Mr. President. >> Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. >> Oh, no. You're welcome. So, um, nobody
has anything for commissioners report. >> Okay, good. We're going to scratch that. City clerk report. >> Oh, this game is only make it on time. City attorney's report. >> Just very quickly, uh about a year ago, I filed uh at the direction of this commission a lawsuit against Michael
Ralph for uh code enforcement violations. That matter settled about six months ago with a six-month payment plan. Uh I'm pleased to report that Mr. Rough has fulfilled his obligation and about 10 days ago delivered a check to
the city cashier's check in the amount of roughly $137,000. So that matter is not concluded. >> Building is owner report attached. Code compliance report
attached public works department report attached. Finance department report you got nothing to report on. You already reported enough community and elderly service report attached. Uh parks and recreation attached. Great event for
Fourth of July. >> Unfinished business. New business. Good to the order. Ajournment. All in favor say I. I. We are just