10-08-24 Council Meeting has been Postponed to 10-15-2024 @ 06:30 PM. Be Safe!!!
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From:? ? ?Gina Inguanzo?<[email protected]>
Cc: ? ? ? ? Edward Pidermann <[email protected]>
Date: ? ? ?Tue, Oct 8, 2024 at 5:06?PM Subject: ?
Good afternoon Town of Miami Lakes Residents:?
Please take note that the Regular Council Meeting has been rescheduled for October 15th?at 6:30 pm, due to pre-storm preparations.
Please take note and thank you for all you do!
Gina M. Inguanzo
Town Clerk
Town of Miami Lakes
The proposed Special Taxing District -NSD- ordinance will return before the Town Council as an Ordinance in First Reading this Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, and again as an Ordinance in Second Reading on Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 (yes, the Council is meeting twice this month).
While I know attending Council Meetings is not always the most exciting thing one can do on any particular evening, I want to extend a cordial invitation to each of you to attend these two meetings.
First and foremost, your presence will ensure that the ordinance passes without issue.
Secondly, in the past, you have been marginalized, ignored, and ostracized.
Now, you have been listened to, given a platform, and action is finally being taken on the issue you’ve so passionately advocated for over the last several years.
Hence, the passage of this ordinance is a victory for you!
The passage of this ordinance is a victory for taxpayers!
A victory for property rights!!!
A victory for representative government; and I believe you deserve to share in that moment! Be there!
I hope to see you all on October 8th and October 29th!
10-08-2024 Council Meeting Agenda is now online:
TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA AGENDA Regular Council Meeting
October 08, 2024, 6:30 PM, Government Center
6601 Main Street Miami Lakes, FL33014
Video stream of meetings can be viewed here:
1. PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS (This shall take place prior to the meeting)
2. CALL TO ORDER
3. MOMENT OF SILENCE
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. ORDER OF BUSINESS (DEFERRALS/ADDITIONS/DELETIONS)
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Please be advised that this public meeting is open to the public and will be held in Town Hall Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, FL 33014. Public Meetings will be held at the physical meeting location stated above. For access to the meeting agendas please visit www.miamilakes-fl.gov/agenda. For Live video stream of meetings please visit www.miamilakes-fl.gov/agenda
Public Comments will be accepted by the following means:
(1) Join the meeting via: https://www.miamilakes-fl.gov/remotecomments. You must have a working microphone and working web camera in order to participate in live remote public comments. If you wish to speak you must raise your hand by clicking on the Reactionsicon and selecting Raise Hand. IT will allow each participant to speak one at a time as the Raise Hand icon appears. If you would like to show your live feed/video, please request it when unmuted to speak.
(2) Call in live during the meeting to listen to the meeting via phone and/or to participate in public comments. If you wish to speak, please raise your hand by pressing *9. This will show the Raise Hand icon on the screen and IT will allow each participant to speak one at a time as the Raise Hand icon appears.
You may call in to any of the following numbers:
+1 786-635-1003 +1 312-626-6799 +1 929-205-6099 +1 253-215-8782
+1 301-715-8592 +1 346-248-7799 +1 699-900-6833
PLEASE ENTER THE MEETING ID# WHEN PROMPTED: 666 475 152#
Public Comments will be heard at the beginning of each meeting and once all are heard, Public Comments will be closed. Each speaker will be afforded (3) minutes to speak.
All comments or questions from the attending public shall be directed to the mayor, in a courteous tone. To ensure the orderly conduct and efficiency of the meeting, public comments shall be limited to three (3) minutes maximum per person.
No clapping, applauding, heckling, verbal outburst in support of, or in opposition to a speaker or his/her remarks shall be permitted. Should a member of the attending audience become unruly or behave in any manner that disrupts the orderly and efficient conduct of the meeting, such person will be asked to leave the meeting. As a courtesy to others, all electronic devices must be set to silent mode to avoid disruption of the proceedings.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, PERSONS NEEDING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING SHOULD CALL TOWN HALL AT (305) 364-6100, BY 5 PM, NO LATER THAN (2) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING FOR ASSISTANCE.
7. APPOINTMENTS
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Cultural Affairs Committee
Report to Council:
Memo to Council: Request for Town Council to amend existing Committee Rules regarding member’s attendance requirements and to reinstate the previous rules. The current rule is too lenient, causing constant absenteeism without any repercussions for those who do not attend the meetings; therefore, hampering the efficient operation of the committee to make and approve decisions due to lack of quorum.
2024-11-09 Minutes: https://pub-miamilakes.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=28293
CAC Attendance: Wow... talk about efficient record keeping!
CAC Budget as of 09-27: https://pub-miamilakes.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=28295
9. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approval of Minutes
Attached Please find the following minutes for your review and approval:
09-05-2024? ?Sunshine Meeting on Short-Term Rentals:
Vice Mayor Fernandez called this meeting to discuss short-term rentals and the Town Council’s desire to review the Town’s existing ordinance to strengthen it with stricter regulations for compliance. It was discussed that the current ordinance accomplishes a registration process, that it was created in 2022, and that Airbnb’s need to comply with the ordinance.
It was discussed that they want neighbors to have quality of life and not have nuisances created. They spoke that bad neighbors should be held accountable. They spoke about increasing registration and renewal fees, adding MDC Life Safety inspections, raising fines for code violations, implementing sticker criteria for the suspension of vacation rental, providing the Town Manager with clearer criteria for revoking vacation rental permits and encouraging HOS’s to enforce deed restriction that may prohibit short-term rentals in their communities.
Building Department Director Daniel Angel, stated that the responsible party needs to be a resident. He further explained all the requirements necessary for Airbnb registration. He explained that he would like for liens to be complied with before a house is used for an Airbnb. He further explained that the house should go through a full inspection. Councilmember Ruano then stated that she does not want Airbnb’s in the Town of Miami Lakes. She explained that she would like to deter this business until a later date. She further explained that she feels individuals renting the Airbnb will not be properly policed.
The councilmembers asked the Deputy Town Attorney Lorenzo Cobiella, to look into the following question: Is there any ability to go after the Airbnb Industry, if the host violates our proposed ordinance. Deputy Town Attorney Cobiella responded that that he would look into that and provide an answer later.
September 10, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2024 First Budget Hearing
b. Authorization to Award a Contract for ITB 2024-08 NW 154 Street and Palmetto Expressway Turn Lanes Project (Marrero)
Resolution ITB 2024-08 https://pub-miamilakes.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=28320
Exhibit B-FM450905-1-54-01: https://pub-miamilakes.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=28322
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT FOR ITB 2024-08, NW 154 STREET AND PALMETTO EXPRESSWAY TURN LANES PROJECT, TO HOMESTEAD CONCRETE & DRAINAGE, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR DOLLARS AND 40/100 ($150,464.40); AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
c. Authorization to Award a Construction Engineering Inspection for the NW 154 Street and Palmetto Expressway Turn Lanes Project (Santos)
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A WORK ORDER, PURSUANT TO CONTRACT 2021-43 FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING AND RELATED SERVICES, WITH CALTRAN ENGINEERING GROUP, INC., FOR N.W. 154th STREET AND PALMETTO EXPRESSWAY TURN LANE PROJECT, FOR AN AMOUNT OF TWENTY NINE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED TWELVE DOLLARS AND 54/100 ($29,912.54) NOT TO EXCEED BUDGETED FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY OF TOWN OFFICIALS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
d. Authorization to Waive Competitive Solicitation Requirements for the Town Hall HVAC Control System (Marrero)
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM TO INTEGRITY CONTROLS AND TEST & BALANCE, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED BUDGETED FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
e. Authorization to Award Contract for ITB 2024-22 Royal Oaks Eighth Addition Drainage Improvement Project (Marrero)
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT FOR ITB 2024-22, TO ATC ENGINEERING, INC (“ATC”) IN AN AMOUNT OF ONE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED NINETEEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED NINETY DOLLARS ($1,819,490.00) NOT TO EXCEED BUDGETED FUNDS AND AUTHORIZE A PROJECT CONTINGENCY OF $181,949.00 APPROXIMATELY TEN PERCENT (10%), FOR ANY UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES RELATED TO THE PROJECT; APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM THE CONTINGENCY RESERVE LINE-ITEM INTO 405-563805-AR13; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
f. Authorizing to Award a Construction Engineering Inspection for the Royal Oaks Eighth Addition Drainage Improvement Project to Caltran Eng. Group (Santos)
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A WORK ORDER, PURSUANT TO CONTRACT 2021-43 FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING AND RELATED SERVICES, WITH CALTRAN ENGINEERING GROUP, INC, FOR ROYAL OAKS EIGHTH ADDITION DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND INSPECTION (CEI) SERVICES FOR AN AMOUNT OF ONE HUNDRED NINETY-THREE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED THREE DOLLARS AND 64/100 ($193,703.64) NOT TO EXCEED BUDGETED FUNDS; MODIFYING THE TOWN BUDGET APPROVED BY ORDINANCE NO. 24-330; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY OF TOWN OFFICIALS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR ROUNDING; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
g. Authorizing to Award a Contract for 2024-25 Francesca Mary Drainage Improvement Project (Marrero)
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT FOR ITB 2024-25, TO RG UNDERGROUND, INC (“RG”) IN AN IN AN AMOUNT OF? ONE MILLION SIX HUNDRED TWENTY NINE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED ONE DOLLARS AND 50/100 ($1,629,301.50) NOT TO EXCEED BUDGETED FUNDS AND AUTHORIZE A PROJECT CONTINGENCY OF $162,930.15 APPROXIMATELY TEN PERCENT (10%), FOR ANY UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES RELATED TO THE PROJECT; APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM THE CONTINGENCY RESERVE LINE-ITEM INTO 405-563805-AR14; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
h. Authorizing to Award a Construction Engineering Inspection for the Francesca Mary Drainage Improvement Project (Santos)
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A WORK ORDER, PURSUANT TO CONTRACT 2021-43 FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING AND RELATED SERVICES, WITH WSP USA, INC, FOR FRANCESCA MARY DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND INSPECTION (CEI) SERVICES FOR AN AMOUNT OF TWO HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED SIXTY NINE DOLLARS AND 00/100 ($245,769.00) NOT TO EXCEED BUDGETED FUNDS; MODIFYING THE TOWN BUDGET APPROVED BY ORDINANCE NO.24-330; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY OF TOWN OFFICIALS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR ROUNDING; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
i. Supporting National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listing of the Maddens Hammock Site (Bajdaun)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Town approve supporting the Miami-Dade Office of Historic Preservation in applying for a National Park Service (NPS) grant aimed at researching and compiling an Indigenous history of Miami-Dade County. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to enhance our community’s historical narrative while promoting the recognition of Indigenous heritage.
Background:
The NPS grant focuses on projects that highlight historically significant areas and promote the preservation of cultural resources. A key requirement for this grant is the nomination of at least one property to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), which mandates the consent of the property owner. Currently, the Town of Miami Lakes lacks any resources listed on the NRHP, but the nomination of the Maddens Hammock site would pave the way for its inclusion as the first NRHP site within our jurisdiction.
Maddens Hammock holds significant potential for uncovering and showcasing the Indigenous history of our region. Recognizing and preserving this site will not only honor the cultural legacy of Indigenous peoples but also enhance local historical awareness and tourism. Maddens Hammock, locally known as Dunwoody Forest, is one of the most significant Indigenous sites in Miami-Dade County that is associated with the Tequesta Culture. Archaeological excavations at the site revealed uninterrupted occupation dating back as early as 500BC with evidence of trade between the Tequesta and other aboriginal cultures, as well as contact period trade with the Spanish. To the Seminole Tribe, the site is known as Council Island, a historic camp and ceremonial center. The site was locally designated in 2006 by the Miami-Dade County Historic Preservation Board as the Maddens Hammock Archaeological Zone to be recognized and preserved.
The designation will further help Miami Lakes be recognized for its significance in American history with reference to Indigenous heritage while creating a digital placeholder for the vital information on the history of the land. Allowing there to be an online archive for residents and visitors alike to have access to. Being recognized
in national publications and listings will be another aspect of our Town and its history to be proud of which will only add to the story of the community.
The Register can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/database- research.htm#table
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, IN SUPPORT OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY’S OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRSERVATION’S APPLICATION FOR A NATIONAL PARK SERVICE GRANT AIMED AT RESEARCHING AND COMPLING AN INDIGENOUS HISTORY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE TOWN CLERK; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
j. Authorization to Award a Contract for ITB2024-10 Furnish and Installation of Steel Structure (Bajdaun/Marrero)
Invitation to Bid: https://pub-miamilakes.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=28368
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT FOR ITB 2023-18, TO KAYLEX STEEL BUILDINGS, CORP., ?IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED FORTY TWO DOLLARS AND 50/100 ($247,142.50), WHICH PROVIDES FOR A TWENTY TWO THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY SEVEN DOLLARS AND 50/100 ($22,467.50) CONTINGENCY; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
k. Long Term Agreements with South Florida Council Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, Inc., and American Legion Post #144 (Bajdaun)
License & Use Agreement: https://pub-miamilakes.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=28303
License & Use Agreement - 2024-05 https://pub-miamilakes.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=28304
License & Use Agreement - 2024-06 https://pub-miamilakes.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=28305
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, APPROVING LICENSE AND USE AGREEMENTS WITH THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; SOUTH FLORIDA COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL OF TROPICAL FLORIDA, INC., AND LEGION POST #144; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A THREE YEAR LICENSE AND USE AGREEMENT WITH THE? BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL OF TROPICAL FLORIDA, INC., AND LEGION POST #144 FOR USE OF TOWN FACILITIES FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS AT NO COST; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND CONDITION OF THE AGREEMENTS WITH THESE ORGNZIATIONS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
l. Authorization to Waive Competitive Solicitation Requirements, for Grants Support Services (Marrero)
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR GRANT ?SUPPORT SERVICES WITH BELLTOWER CONSULTING GROUP, LLC, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED BUDGETED FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The proposed Special Taxing District -NSD- ordinance will return before the Town Council as an Ordinance in First Reading this Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, and again as an Ordinance in Second Reading on Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 (yes, the Council is meeting twice this month).
While I know attending Council Meetings is not always the most exciting thing one can do on any particular evening, I want to extend a cordial invitation to each of you to attend these two meetings.
First and foremost, your presence will ensure that the ordinance passes without issue.
Secondly, in the past, you have been marginalized, ignored, and ostracized.
Now, you have been listened to, given a platform, and action is finally being taken on the issue you’ve so passionately advocated for over the last several years.
Hence, the passage of this ordinance is a victory for you!
The passage of this ordinance is a victory for taxpayers!
A victory for property rights!!!
A victory for representative government; and I believe you deserve to share in that moment! Be there!
I hope to see you all on October 8th and October 29th!
11. ORDINANCES-FIRST READING
a. Neighborhood Service Districts -Amendment Process (Morera)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA; CREATING CHAPTER 38, TITLED “NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE DISTRICTS”; CREATING SECTION 38 -1, TITLED “AMENDMENT PROCESS”; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION INTO THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Recommendation:
The Neighborhood Service Districts (“NSD’s”) in our Town have been a hot-button issue for several years since the Town took over the administration of these Districts from the County. I recently had the opportunity to host a workshop with residents in the affected areas to hear their concerns and discuss how the Town Council, as the governing body of the NSD’s, can best serve the Districts.
During the discussion it became apparent that the NSD Advisory Boards, while established with the best of intentions, are not fulfilling their purpose of acting as conduit between the Council and the residents of the respective NSD’s, but rather, have at times been the source of frustration and resentment among the NSD Residents. As the governing body of the NSD’s, it is the Town Council’s duty to listen to the NSD residents and act as stewards for the NSD’s. For these reasons, I would like to have a discussion with my colleagues about dissolving the NSD Advisory Boards for the Miami Lakes Section 1 NSD, the Royal Oaks Section 1 NSD, and the Royal Oaks East NSD.
That being said, at this time, I do not see a reason (or a call from the residents) to dissolve the NSD Advisory Boards for Loch Lomond, Lake Hilda, or Lake Patricia. In the case of these NSD’s, the Advisory Boards appear to be accomplishing their intended purpose because, in the case of Loch Lomond, all members of the Advisory Board are elected members of the Loch Lomond HOA, and in the case of Lake Hilda and Lake Patricia, because these districts are solely for lake maintenance, and are naturally limited in that role to measures that are needed for the maintenance and preservation of the lake.
Additionally, in order to ensure transparency, open dialogue, and that the Town Council is doing its job as governing body of the NSD’s, I would like to discuss with my colleagues the idea of establishing quarterly NSD workshops open to all NSD’s (including those who still have advisory boards) wherein our Town Council can listen to feedback and concerns from the NSD residents directly.
Moreover, to ensure that their non-ad valorem tax dollars are budgeted wisely and with the input of those that ultimately pay the assessments, I would like to propose to my colleagues that we establish, by ordinance, that
the Town Council is required to hold a budget workshop or special call meeting in or around late- spring/early-summer specifically aimed at the NSD budgets.
Finally, as discussed at a prior Council Meeting and during my various meetings with the NSD residents, the Council had License Plate Reader cameras (“LPR’s”) installed at the entrance to some of the NSD’s to enhance the existing network of LPR’s placed throughout the Town. These LPR’s benefit not only the residents of the respective NSD’s, but the entire Town, whose overall security infrastructure is bolstered by a having a robust network of LPR’s throughout the Town. However, the burden of bearing the cost of these LPR’s was placed solely on the NSD residents. It should be noted that the costs associated with these LPR’s is not trivial; by my calculation, the LPR’s make up 19.6% of the Miami Lakes Section 1 operating costs (excluding staffing and administrative costs), 30.9% of the Royal Oaks Section 1 operating costs (excluding staffing and administrative costs), and 33.4% of the Royal Oaks East operating costs (excluding staffing and administrative costs).
To remedy this, and to account for the fact that the NSD’s get preferential pricing and payment plans on the LPR’s than the Town, I would like to propose to my colleagues that we amend the FY24-25 budget for the Miami Lakes Section 1, Royal Oaks Section 1, and Royal Oaks East NSD’s, respectively, to add a revenue line- item from the Town’s overall budget (source fund TBD), thereby reimbursing the NSD for its expenses relating to the LPR’s, and simultaneously increasing the contingency reserve line items by a reciprocal amount. This way, (1) the assessment rate remains the same; (2) the NSD’s contingency reserves are properly funded, (3) we benefit from the preferential pricing and payment plan available only to the NSD’s, and (4) we avoid imposing a cost burden on the NSD residents for something from which all Town of Miami Lakes residents benefit.
领英推荐
To be compared with the final red-lined version found within the pages below:
b. Lien Reduction Ordinance (Ruano)
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Council approve the proposed changes to the lien reduction schedule in Section 8.7(e)(4) of the Town Code to ensure that the system promotes timely compliance and maintains equity in civil penalty enforcement across property types.
Background
At the September 10, 2024, Town Council Meeting, Councilwoman Ruano presented a New Business Item that was subsequently approved to direct staff to restructure the lien reduction schedule in order to improve town wide compliance along with offering an amnesty program for violators prior to the inception of this amendment of the town code.
Miami Lakes Code Section 8.7(e)(4) currently provides for reductions in civil penalties for violations based on property ownership type, with varying levels of reductions depending on whether the property is owner- occupied, non-owner occupied, or bank owned. These guidelines grant significant reductions, sometimes as low as one day's fine for owner-occupied properties, which has raised concerns regarding incentives for timely compliance with code violations.
In response to concerns that the current structure lacks adequate motivation for violators to comply swiftly with the Town's code, Town staff worked with Councilwoman Ruano to restructure the lien reduction schedule. The revised guidelines introduce stricter timelines for penalty reductions and create a more equitable framework that encourages prompt resolution of code violations. The proposed restructuring will limit the reductions available over time and ensure that violators who delay compliance face higher penalties. The ordinance also provides a six (6) month period during which owners with existing liens will be notified to take advantage of the existing ordinance reduction schedule before the new reduction schedule is implemented, if approved.
Summary of Proposed Changes:
1. Time-bound Reduction Framework:
o The new schedule introduces time-based reductions for owner-occupied, non-owner-occupied, and bank-owned properties, with the percentage reduction decreasing as more time passes post-compliance.
2. New Limits on Reductions for Non-owner-occupied and Bank-owned Properties:
o Non-owner-occupied and bank-owned properties face stricter timelines, and maximum reductions are lower than for owner-occupied properties.
3. Encouraging Timely Compliance:
o The system now imposes significant financial consequences for delays in compliance, which encourages violators to act swiftly.
Key Changes:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA; CREATING AMENDING CHAPTER 8, SECTION 8-7 OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLED “RECOVERY OF UNPAID CIVIL PENALTIES; UNPAID PENALTY? TO CONSTITUTE A LIEN; INTEREST TO BE PAID ON LIENS; FORECLOSURE; PROHIBITION OF THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATES OF USE AND OCCUPANCY OR ZONING APPROVALS TO VIOLATORS WITH UNPAID CIVIL PENALTIES OR LIENS; CIVIL PENALTY REDUCTION; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION INTO THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
c. Approving the Devising of Certain Land Owned by TOML in Consideration for Land Owned by Miami -Dade County (Santos)
WHEREAS, the Town is the fee simple owner of certain real property located 6350 Lake Patricia Drive, Miami Lakes, Florida, bearing Folio No. 32-2024-0003-2750 (hereinafter, the “Town Property”); and
WHEREAS, the County is the fee simple owner of 1,742 square feet of real property located within 6350 Lake Patricia Drive, Miami Lakes, Florida, bearing Folio No. 32-2024-003- 2720 (hereinafter, the “County Property”), as depicted and legally described in Exhibit “A”; and
WHEREAS, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (hereinafter, “WASD”) owns and operates Pump Station 329, which is located on the County Property; and
WHEREAS, in order to bring Pump Station 329 into compliance with the requirements and regulations set forth by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEAP), the County must complete upgrades to Pump Station 329 by December 31, 2025; and
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE DEVISING OF CERTAIN LAND OWNED BY THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES IN CONSIDERATION FOR LAND OWNED BY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
12. ORDINANCES- SECOND READING (PUBLIC HEARING)
13. RESOLUTIONS
a. Amending the Special Rules of Order (Dieguez)
Memo: https://pub-miamilakes.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=28313 At the July 9, 2024, Regular Council Meeting, Councilmember Dieguez made a motion to amend the Special Rules of Order so that the three Charter Officers, Town Manager, Town Clerk and Town Attorney, shall be seated together on the dais during meetings. The motion was approved by the Town Council.
Draft Special Rules of Order: https://pub-miamilakes.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=28315
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA MAENDING THE SPECIAL RULES OF ORDER OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES F/K/A THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING RULES AND PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
b. Adopting State Legislative Priorities for 2025 Session (Shock)
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE TOWN’S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025; AUTHORIZING TOWN MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO PURSUE FUNDING FOR LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AGREEMENT IN FURTHERANCE OF ADVANCING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; AUTHORIZING TOWN CLERK TO REMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE TOWN LOBBYIST, THE SOUTHERN GROUP AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
c. Police Contract Extension for 5 years (Pidermann)
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA, APPROVING A FIVE YEAR AGREEMENT WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR THE PROVISION OF LOCAL POLICE SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY OF TOWN OFFICIALS; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY TO EXPEND BUDGETED FUNDS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
14. NEW BUSINESS
a. Amendment to Section 13-1506 of the Town Code (Morera)
*This New Business Item was deferred by Councilmember Morera at the September 10, 2024
Recommendation:
§ 13-1506(2)(a)(3) of the Town Code currently states:
In lots where the rear setback is 25 feet or less, or where a detached gazebo as an accessory structure is unfeasible as determined by the Administrative Official, an attached canopy, open on at least three sides, may project into the rear setback up to a maximum of 50 percent of the required rear yard, provided no other detached accessory structure is proposed for the property. Each canopy located in the rear yard shall not exceed 350 square feet of roofed area (including roof overhangs) or cover more than 20 percent of the required rear yard, whichever is less.
Given the foregoing, if a property’s setback is 20 feet, then a pergola cannot be any more than 10 feet to the property line. It is my understanding that the purpose of this restriction was to avoid illegal multi-family use of single-family homes. However, while I agree with the intent of the restriction, as worded, this portion of the Town Code has the unintended consequence of overly-restricting legal use of our citizens’ private property; specifically as it pertains to the addition of pergolas which enhance the use and enjoyment of many single-family homes.
I would like to have a discussion with staff and my colleagues about revising § 13-1506 to create a carve-out that would allow structures that are open on three sides, with only one side of permanent closure (the wall of the home where the structure/pergola is attached) to be able to reach a setback of 5 feet from the property line. In the example above with the 20-foot setback, a pergola would be able to go 15 feet into the setback instead of just 10 feet.
b. Vendor Employment Opportunities (Cid)
Recommendation:
Many of our vendors are consistently looking for job applicants for various positions. As such, I would like to create a tab near the employment opportunities section on the town website with links to our vendors job postings on their websites.
c. Ruth C. Schobel Co-Designation (Dieguez)
Recommendation:
I propose to co-designate Fairway Drive as Ruth C. Schobel Way.
d. Roberts Rules of Order Training (Fernandez)
Recommendation:
I would like for the Town attorney to conduct an informational session for the incoming council on Roberts Rules of order, the council special rules of order, and proper parliamentary procedure.
e. Amendment 4 (Garcia)
Recommendation:
A resolution from the Mayor and Council urging our residents to vote no on amendment 4 this upcoming November 5 election. The Supreme Court decided to allow each State to decide on the conditions of what constitute a legal abortion for themselves. This Amendment is contrary to States rights and the voters on that state to have its elected officials set the parameters wanted by their Constituents
f. American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora (Cid)
Recommendation:
I would like to pass a resolution in support of the Museum's efforts to bring to justice those communist thugs who murdered four members of Brothers to the Rescue.
g. Lake Quality (Dieguez)
Recommendation:
I would like to direct Town Staff to reach out to all Lake HOAs to determine if they would like to schedule NSD elections and to set minimum standards for lake maintenance, confirmed by regular testing.
h. FY 2024-2025 Budget (Fernandez)
Recommendation:
I would like to make the council aware of certain trends and observations I made during my review of the 2024 budget, that can be useful in adjusting the budget during the upcoming budget cycle.
i. Pressure Washing a Sidewalks (Garcia)
Recommendation:
Due to a recent incident with a resident that took it upon himself to finishing pressure washing a sidewalk after our contractor attempted to do so, I would love the staff to brief the Council on the conditions that led to this and ways to avoid it in the future.
j. Imagine Miami Lakes 2025 (Cid)
Recommendation:
As IML25 plan comes to an end, I would like to request from staff the % of the plan that is either done or moving forward and begin the process of preparing for the new strategic plan that’ll be launched in 2026.
k. Traffic Town Hall Meeting (Dieguez)
Recommendation:
I would like for Town Staff to coordinate a Town Hall Meeting with the Town Attorney, Town Manager, and relevant Department Directors, to discuss jurisdiction over roads including signage and signal lights (role of federal, state, county, and town), to discuss traffic light synchronization efforts past, present, and future and to discuss ongoing efforts for traffic relief by connecting to highway system and expanding turn lanes with renderings shown.
This public meeting will be conducted in person, livestreamed live, recorded and the public will be able to ask questions live, online or submitted via email.
l. Committee Social Media Strategy (Fernandez)
Recommendation:
I would like to direct staff to meet with the committees to develop a marketing plan that helps with allocating the proper resources to specific events efficiently.
m. Crooked Palm -Enforce new extended school zone area (Garcia)
Recommendation:
In our continued efforts to ensure the safety of the children of Miami Lakes, can the Town Manager request that the Major place a detail on the southbound portion of 67 Ave before Crooked Palm to make sure drivers are observing the new extended school zone.
15. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
16. MANAGER'S REPORTS
a. Police Report (Major Gonzalez)
09-23-2024 PD240923298325
On Monday, September 23, 2024, at approximately 1:59 P.M., units responded in emergency mode to Costco Wholesale at 16580 NW 59 Avenue regarding a known theft suspect returning to the scene. The suspect had previously stolen wine bottles over the weekend, a crime reported under Miami-Dade Police case number PD240923298102 by the store's loss prevention officer.
Detective Garcia spoke with the loss prevention officer, who explained that they were in a manager’s meeting when the suspect re-entered the store. The officer immediately recognized the suspect and alerted the managers that he was in the liquor section. The officer then observed the suspect conceal a 750ml bottle of Caymus Vineyards 2019 Special Selection wine under his jacket. The suspect left the store without paying and was confronted outside by the loss prevention officer. After being asked to return the bottle, the suspect complied but immediately fled on foot through the parking lot.
Upon spotting approaching officers, the suspect attempted to evade arrest by running towards nearby dealerships but was apprehended at the Bank of America located at 5875 NW 163 Street, Miami Lakes, 33014.
The suspect invoked his right to remain silent and refused to speak with Detective Garcia. During a search of the suspect's vehicle following the arrest, officers recovered over $60,000 worth of stolen property. The suspect was then transported to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) and charged with four counts of theft. Additionally, the Miami Lakes Municipal District closed three cases, and one case from the Kendall district was also resolved.
b. Public Works Infrastructure Report (Santos)
17. ATTORNEY'S REPORT
a. Lake Access Report (Cobiella) Oral Report, Actions may result
18. ADJOURNMENT
This meeting is open to the public. A copy of this Agenda and the backup therefore, has been posted on the Town of Miami Lakes Website at miamilakes-fl.gov and is available at Town Hall, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes 33014.
IMPORTANT Issues with the Town’s Special Taxing District Survey Monkey Survey
September 21, 2024
Miami Lakes Special Taxing District Residents, we want to bring your attention to a concerning issue with the recent SurveyMonkey survey sent by the Town regarding Special Taxing Districts. Please be cautious about participating in this survey, as it poses privacy risks.
Here are some concerns:
1. Mandatory Answers: You must answer all questions, even if you do not want to or do not have an answer for a particular question. Pressing <NEXT> to go from the first page to the second page is not allowed unless all questions are answered.
2. Survey Submission Issue - Duped into submitting:? After completing two pages of questions, the survey misleads you by submitting the survey when you expect a third page. At the end of the second page, there is another <NEXT>. When the <NEXT> is pressed on the second page instead of the third page, it tells you your responses are submitted.
3. Cookie and Privacy Controls: The survey claims you can control cookies, but it does not allow changes. It appears that you have agreed to send your information to third parties.
4. Transparency and Control Portal Page: The survey asks for your email and phone number to opt out of sharing your data with third parties. However, you cannot proceed without entering this information. There was another <NEXT> at the end of this page, and it again would not go to the next screen unless your email (and phone) were inputted. I was not going to be fooled a third time.
For these reasons, we urge you to avoid completing the survey to protect your privacy.
# # #
What is the real goal of the Special Taxing District Survey Monkey questions?
Dear Special Taxing Districts Neighbors,
For the past six years, the Town has made significant changes to our Special Taxing Districts (STDs), resulting in drastic increases in the additional taxes we pay on top of our regular property taxes. For many owners, the taxes paid for these Special Taxing Districts now exceed the property taxes paid to Miami Lakes.
In Section 1 alone, the Town collects more than 18% of every dollar spent on Special Taxing District services.
Over the past two years, the Town has charged $43,177 annually just to administer Section 1.
On top of this, the Town charges STD owners for services that all Miami Lakes taxpayers should pay.
For example, the network of License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras is paid for by all taxpayers, but STD owners also bear the additional costs for the cameras within their districts.
This is a clear case of the Town shifting more costs onto Special Taxing District owners, making us subsidize other Town expenses, such as police and additional services.
We suggest that you not complete the Town's Monkey survey.
It is a way for the Town to justify adding more services at our expense through higher taxes.
If you do decide to respond, please make sure to state that any new services should be initiated by the district owners, not by the Town, to increase our budgets and their fees.
Let's Special Taxing Districts' owners protect our interests.
Since we have NOT yet received the Survey in the mail, thanks to the many property owners who alerted us to the receipt of an envelope from the Town of Miami Lakes which contained the following scanned pages:
Miami Dade County: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/public-information-guide/surveys-forms/reporting.page
Miami Dade County: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/public-information-guide/surveys-forms/reporting.page
Last week, JP Yanes called the house to discuss the issue of the survey and when he realized that several people had not received the survey he drove to our home and brought at least three that I am aware of. We plan to turn ours in tomorrow during the Council meeting, attaching the Ordinance that is coming on first reading as a reply to the survey.
Do as the Ordinance suggest is all we want, we shall no longer provide comments, suggestions or ideas because if we want something we are fully aware the process is to gather as a community, initiate a petition, have the majority of the property owners agree and then submit that petition to the Town of Miami Lakes.
Thank you JP Yanes for coming to give us the survey but we sincerely hope that these Right Track / Wrong Track surveys come to an end and because this item was under discussion we should NOT have received a survey in the first place.