Council - Regular Meeting

president may have a quorum to present you so much we're going to move smoothly through the agenda we have pledge of allegiance by commander emmanuel ocean of the north miami police department followed by invocation by oh my pastor one of my favorite pastor geraldine woodaker of the the way of holding this outreach ministry and we'll take it from there all right please uh stand for this pledge of

I pledge allegiance 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.

If you will remain, please remain standing for the invocation. Let us bow our hands. Dear Heavenly Father, you have allowed North Miami City Council to convene again for the good and betterment of the city. Thank you, Father, for each member of the council. And as they navigate through tonight's agenda, grant them guidance, wisdom, and knowledge in making the right decisions. Let there be no hidden agendas, but rather, Father, let them be united in purpose. Grant them clarity of mind to find solutions. Let them listen actively, speak with respect, and value one another's perspective. May their efforts be fruitful and serve others well. We thank you now, Father, for the right decision being made for this city's good and for the glory and honor of your name. As a result of tonight's meeting, we thank you for the productivity made that are beneficial and just. In the name of our Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, amen. Thank you so much, Pastor Whitaker, for that prayer.

We're gonna have, wait before that, Madam Manager, any addition, deletion, amendment to the agenda?

No, sir. Thank you. Mr. Mayor, I'd like to know, I don't know if this would be the time, Mr. Attorney, I'd like to suggest that tabs A to G be all in consent agenda.

If any, I would, Yes, yeah, I'm okay with that. Can I make a motion? Are we good?

I'm okay. All of it, yeah, most of it.

You can do public hearings through- Yes.

Yes. Would we have- What's that?

Ordinances and resolutions?

There's no- There's no ordinances. There's no ordinances. Yeah, that's why- It's all resolutions.

It's all resolutions. Right. Anybody? Yeah, we could open it. Well, public hearing will open. Right, and they can talk about whatever. If I don't see Mike, that means- It's a green light.

Yeah, do we need a motion for that and I think that we probably have a motion made by Councilman estimate Irving to move tabs a 3 G to the consent agenda. This motion was seconded by mayor doesn't may all in favor or any opposed. The motion carries with a 5, 0, vote.

Thank you and after break I will really urge if we can just move to one meeting from not like they do when you look like that. It's in the charter? What's in the charter? No, it's not. The charter said we have just a meeting. Yeah, just the time. The charter just discussed the time. The charter was like 100 years old.

That's it.

Well, you were around to write it. I sure was. All right, we gotta keep it real quick. Well, a special presentation both by Councilman Burns and then city announcement and then no hurricane preparedness and then we could move from there.

Good evening, everyone.

I have the honor of announcing that it is Pride Month for the month of June. And pride isn't only about a parade. For many people, it's also about healing, visibility, grief, relief, safety, community, self-acceptance, letting go of shame, feeling less alone, rebuilding identity after years of hiding, and finally feeling fully seen and accepted for who they are. So happy Pride Month. The City of North Miami, for many years now, has proclaimed it Pride Month on behalf of the members of the City Council. Pride was a result of a, in June of 28, 1969, of a protest that started outside the Stonewall Inn in New York City, where the community was being abused and they fought back. And it was now the modern day of resistance and fighting for their rights and recognition and safety. So at this time to present the Pride Month is to Dr. Travis Stokes from the Miami-Dade County LGBTQ Advisory Board, I believe it's still called. Okay, sir, doctor.

Okay.

Good evening, everybody. I wasn't prepared for this, but that's okay. That's why we do what we do, right? Thank you so much to the City of North Miami. You all have been a pillar in this area to what we do and you lead the area and every city wants to be like North Miami because y'all do it the right way. I'm not saying that because I'm part of 100 and he's part of my class. I'm not saying that at all. I'm not saying that at all. No, but you all really do keep the inclusion, keep the diversity, and keep the equity going throughout this wonderful, beautiful city. And it's great to visit this city every time you come in because you know you're going to be safe, you're going to be sound, and you're going to get wonderful food and wonderful people. So we appreciate you all at the county, and we thank you so much for this honor.

I don't.

And one of the purposes of Pride Month is also to, so people can explain that there's still hatred and still a reason to fight and to celebrate. Nothing brings that, further home than the other proclamation that we're doing tonight where on june 12th night 2016 a tragic act of violence at the pulse nightclub in orlando florida claimed the lives of 49 innocent individuals and injured many many more forever impacting the families friends survivors first responders and communities throughout florida united states and beyond whereas we honor the memories of those who lost their lives, recognizing the courage, the resilience, the strength demonstrated by the survivors, the loved ones, and all those who can continue to carry the legacy of those affected. This tragedy deeply affected the LGBTQ plus community and serves as a sole reminder that the importance of dignity, equality, inclusion, and respect for all people. Remembrance strengthens our commitment to the fostering of communities free from hatred, discriminations, and violence, where individuals can live openly, safely, and authentically. Our proclamation lists the names of the 49 individuals that were killed. I'm not gonna read that, but therefore now, I'm Mayor Alex DeSalme, along with Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy, Councilman Kevin A. Burns, Councilwoman Mary Estimant Irvin, and Councilman Pierre-France Charles do by proclaim June 12th, 2006 as Pulse Nightclub Remembrance Day. And tonight we have David Rodriguez from the Equality Floor, organization to come forward.

Good evening everyone. You know, the Pulse Massacre was and still remains such a tragic and horrible symbol of what a lot of folks face. And so I just wanted to keep folks who have passed during that and also folks who face the incredible pain of that tragedy. I want to keep those folks in mind. So thank you very much for this.

Thank you, yes ma'am go. Is it on?

There we go. Good evening, Mayor, Council, staff, North Miami neighbors and guests. My name is Savannah Dre Smith and I'm presenting the following announcements on behalf of the City of North Miami. Join the North Miami Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program running from May 3rd through July 24th as we celebrate 100 years of stories during the city's centennial year. Readers of all ages can track their reading for a chance to win exciting prizes, including gift cards, electronics, toys, and more. Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer and start your next chapter. Join Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy for Yoga and Pilates in the Park, a free wellness series designed to help you relax, recharge, and stay active in North Miami's beautiful parks. Yoga classes will take place on the third Saturday of each month at North Bay Shore Park at 9 a.m. Pilates classes will be held on the first Saturday of each month at Alfred Besaid Park. For more information, please contact 786-385-8662. The City of North Miami Economic Development Department is now accepting applications for the Economic Development Small Business Grant, and eligible businesses may qualify for up to $7,500 in support. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis and is subject to federal eligibility requirements, CDBG compliance, and funding availability. To apply, please visit www.northmiamifl.gov slash EconDevSBG. And for more information, please contact the Economic Development Department at 305-895-9801 or email economicdev at northmiamifl.gov. The City of North Miami is now accepting applications for the North Miami Youth Council for the 2026 term. North Miami residents ages 15 to 18 are encouraged to apply for this exciting leadership opportunity designed to empower young people and to become active voices in their community. Applications are now open through June 12, 2026. To learn more and to apply, please visit www.northmiamifl.gov slash council. More time, more opportunity, stronger you. The Scott Galvin Community Center is expanding. New hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. This update gives residents more flexibility to work out, recharge, and spend time together. We are excited to invite you to experience the Nomi Night Market, a vibrant evening filled with food trucks, local vendors, and live music. The market will take place on the first and third Fridays of each month from 5 PM to 9 PM at Mocha Plaza. For more information, please contact the Economic Development Department at 305-895-9801. The city of North Miami is offering the residential tree trimming grant program, which provides up to $1,000 for hazardous tree trimming and removal with no repayment required. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents can apply now by visiting www.northmiamifl.gov slash tree trimming. For more information, contact the Community Planning and Services Department at 305-895-9825. The city of North Miami is offering basic to advanced computer classes for North Miami residents now through Saturday, September 5th at the North Miami Public Library. Sessions include basic class from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. Intermediate class from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 and advanced class from 2.30 to 3.30 p.m. with no classes on June 20th, August 1st, and July 4th. To register for more information, residents should call 305-891-5535. Fridays in June just got a little bit greener. The City of North Miami is offering free native trees to residents each Friday during the month of June while supplies last and on a first come first safe basis. Residents can pick up their tree at the Community Planning and Development Department between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the city of north miami invites you to attend the upcoming budget town hall meetings regarding the fiscal year 2026 to 2027 proposed budget taking place on wednesday june 10th thursday june 11th tuesday june 16th and wednesday june 17th 2026 from 6 pm to 8 pm join us to learn more about the budget process hear important updates and share your feedback with city officials additional details including meeting locations will be announced soon for more information please visit the north miami budget information page Madam City Clerk Vanessa Joseph invites the community to take advantage of the tax collector mobile office offering convenient on-site services right here in the beautiful city of North Miami. The mobile office will be available on Thursday, June 11th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Miami Public Library. Services include driver's license renewals, ID services, vehicle registration renewals, and more with no appointment required as walk-ins are welcome. MoCA is taking movie night on the road, and you, of course, are invited. Join MoCA off-site at Old Cinema, located at Old City Hall, first floor, 1130 Washington Avenue, Suite 200, Miami Beach, on Thursday, June 11th at 7 p.m. for a free screening of BLKNWS, Terms and Conditions. Registration for the screening also includes free entry to a Sunday brunch session at MoCA on June 14th, and space is limited, so early registration is recommended. If you've been ready to level up but need the room, the tools, and the community, this is it. The North Miami Commission for Women presents Empower Her Mentoring, themed Knowing Yourself, Knowing Your Power, on Saturday, June 13th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Scott Gatlin Community Center. To RSVP, please visit empowerherjune.eventbrite.com. Bring your style and your story, because Mocha Makers is turning fashion into art. This workshop explores styling as a form of self-expression and storytelling, led by stylist Margo Hanna, and participants are encouraged to bring clothing from home to style, share, and exchange. The workshops take place on Saturday, June 13th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mocha Pavilion. One game, one passion, and one North Miami is the vibe. Join us for a high-energy official FIFA Watch Party on Saturday, June 13, 2026, starting at 2 p.m. at Nomi Village, located at 12351 Northwest 7th Avenue. This free event brings the community together to watch the match, enjoy the atmosphere, and rep your team with your neighbors. Please RSVP at nomiwatchparties.eventbrite.com. for the latest updates and event details. I promise you won't want to miss it. North Miami Mayor Alex D'Souza celebrates soccer and Father's Day with the Nomi Watch Party on Friday, June 19th at Claude Pepper Park. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and showtime starts at 730. Watch Haiti versus Brazil live on the big screen. Whether you're a passionate supporter of the teams or just love great soccer, enjoy this community event with your family and friends. Secure your spot at nomiwatchparty-mayor.eventbrite.com. The City of North Miami will be holding extended service hours on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026. This initiative takes place once a month. The following city departments will offer extended service hours from 5 PM to 7 PM. Departments include finance, utility, billing, cashier, community planning and development, building, code enforcement, economic development housing and social services parks and recreations human resources and the city clerk's office take advantage of extended hours we're here to serve you to stay up to date with nomi news events programs and services log on to north miami's official website at www.northmiamifl.gov click connect with nomi on the home page to sign up for the city's newsletters also follow us on facebook and instagram at north miami fl this concludes the city announcements and for the last time i am savannah on the scene signing off to the city of north miami i thank you for these last four years you all will truly be missed where are you going oh you leaving thank you thank you

Wow. With that said, no hurricane preparedness, appointments none, consent agenda, and then we will do public hearing.

Unless a member of the City Council wishes to remove a specific item from this portion of the agenda tabs a 3 G constitute the consent agenda these resolutions and items are self explanatory and are not expected to require additional reviewer discussion these items will be recorded as individually numbered resolutions adopted unanimously by the following motion that the consent agenda comprised of tabs a 3 G be adopted.

May I get a motion so move second public. No because it's it's consent.

I have a motion made by Councilman Charles to prove the consent agenda the motion was seconded by Councilman estimate Irvin all in favor or any opposed. The motion carries with a 5, 0, vote.

Thank you so much I'm citizen farm is open anyone who wish to speak could definitely bring up any of the items that was in the consent. um agenda hearing none seeing none public hearing is closed um city council um report let's start with um council vice mayor no report thank you councilman

um just very quickly um since we won't be back here till end of the month um somebody who sits in the seat of the city attorney has a birthday coming up on thursday so uh happy birthday jeff happy birthday happy birthday i think so oh okay um happy birthday to you happy birthday to you

We said no comment.

And then I just want to say we had the AIDS Memorial Panel on display at the Galvin Center from June 1 through June 7. It was received very well. A lot of people came through. Also, at the same time, we have mobile testing from different organizations was out there that went over very well. and we had a movie night that we showed the film philadelphia a lot of people hadn't seen it or had they hadn't seen it in 25 30 years and it was a very uh moving experience went very well i'd like to thank everybody in the communications department that helped us promote that and get the great attendance that we had that's all i have thank you thank you um councilman i would have been there i didn't know um councilman all right uh thank you very much mayor good evening uh

Just have a speech that is about half an hour. Go ahead. Keep it short at 15. One game, one passion. So I'll see you Saturday at Nomi Village starting at 2. So we're just going to have fun. Three games. And best for last, Haiti is playing Scotland. So we'll be there.

I'm some yes, yes, yes, yes, thank you councilman councilwoman just want to thank everyone that came out for Mother's Day celebration on Sunday. Thank you. Thank you to my staff district 3. Thank you amazing job and that's all.

Oh my God and for me just check the website with all the events we got going on.

Thank you my birthday Gabby. Oh, yeah, happy birthday, Gabby.

I'm sure somebody else is celebrating a birthday somewhere. You don't have the birthday list no more. Madam Clerk?

Yes, well, Savannah, I'm really sad to see you go. This is an interesting place to learn the news, but nevertheless, I wish you all the best. I've seen you grow a lot in your four years here, and I know that wherever you end up, you'll continue to shine brightly. Want to also wish a happy Father's Day. I know that we'll have a meeting afterwards. Huge fan of my own father, so just thought I'd mention that. And then for the August 18th primary elections, I'd like to remind you that voter registration deadline is July 20th. And the deadline to request a vote by mail ballot is August 6th. And for those of you who believe that you may be on the vote by mail ballot list, it may not be the case if you did not recently make the request because it actually refreshes every general election. So please make sure to check your voter status, make sure that all of your information is up to date, that your IDs are current. so that you can be ready to vote in the August 18th primaries. And that is all. Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you so much. Mr. Attorney?

Yes, Mayor. Thank you so much. Real quick, as everyone knows, on November 3rd, the Florida legislature has placed on the ballot a constitutional amendment that would significantly change the state's property tax system. We've already received communications from different organizations that believe that there are some arguments that could overturn that. And so they're asking various cities to join in those lawsuits. And I know of at least one lawsuit which is going to be done on a pro bono basis. So I will examine what those arguments are. and whether we believe that they're actually going to be successful. But what I would like is to get permission from this board if we believe that this is something that the city should be part of, that we go ahead and be part of that. I will, of course, once we've decided who we're joining, what the lawsuit, I'll obviously keep you all informed of it. But I want to do that now because we're already getting the communications. I think you all received something from the... florida league of cities um so i just wanted to have that in place so that if we decide that we want to join these lawsuits i already have the permission of the board to do so thank you awesome so what do you need from us thank you for the birthday wishes thank you what what do you know from us i mean the discussion emotion as long as i know that the the i don't know yeah

OK so make a motion that you we give you direction so if you do what you do to you what is needed to see the people to yes, OK. To proceed if it's necessary to proceed is necessary to one of us that opposing the the the ballot is out of right that he right.

So they'll move or need what I'm saying. Yeah, we're waiting for the clerk.

motion made by councilwoman estimate irvin to give the city attorney to proceed as necessary to join the lawsuit against the the ballot initiative seconded by councilman charles all in favor aye any opposed motion carries with a 5-0 vote thank you and madam manager

I just want to give an update on the alleyway cleanups that we started in May. We've been doing it just took for the for was our first stop. And so we've had a total of 13 alleyways. She's just Successfully cleaned. They are currently from district 4 and we are finishing up district 2 and once we finish with that we will be moving on we've done 13 alleyways so far in the cleanup and when we did the first we looked at the 60 that we have and we found that 30 of them really needed work. So we're part way through.

that's it that's it oh and happy birthday jeff yes um mr mayor city attorney just a quick question um what's the limitations that we can do as far as promoting for against the uh constitution amendment as a city i was an elected official i was actually bringing an item next meeting for that one um we had a long discussion today

We had kind of a discussion. I need to go back and brush up on it. But generally, as we've been through this a couple of times before, you're allowed to... Educate. Advocate. Well, no, you're not allowed to advocate. You're allowed to... You can't lobby. You're allowed to provide educational information. I'll have to give you the scope of that. It may have changed. I mean, the last time we went through this was, I believe, when we did the bond. The MOCA bond and the Nomi bond. I need to go back and look at it. But again, knowing the subject matter, And our, I mean, you would assume what our position would be. I think we're gonna have to be very careful in whatever we put out because as we discussed, I don't know how you put this out.

Yeah, so we actually brought this up in our, we discussed it. So working on the MOCA bond and the NOMI bond, both bond, it has to be educational and it has to, you can't say vote yes or vote no. You can just say, you know, this information, but. We had the conversation.

We'll come back to you. I think she's gonna actually have us do a resolution. Well, I think Miramar is leading in the pretty so far they've you know, but so we got it.

I know the Florida League of Cities is putting something together, educational-wise. The county is putting something together. Lots of different groups on both sides are putting things together, and there's actually some cities that are not fighting it, and so it'll be interesting.

Interesting. Okay. Thank you so very much. A motion to adjourn? Second.

I have a motion to adjourn made by mayor doesn't a second by Councilman Charles all in favor of the opposed the motion carries with a 5, 0, vote the time is now 7, 30, 1.