Council - Regular Meeting

Reverend Nathaniel Safflin of Oh, be careful. of the Bethl New Life Ministry. And then we'll start the meeting. Thank you. Mayor Desme here. Vice Mayor Timothy. Councilman Burns here. Councilwoman Eston May Irvin present. Councilman Charles present. Mayor, you have a quorum to proceed. Thank you so very much. Um the pledge. Major, please place your right hand over your heart and repeat after me.

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. Thank you. You may be seated. Let us pray. Almighty God, we thank you for your blessings, for your loving kindness, for your providential care for creation. Thank you, God, for all of the earth's citizens. Thank you, God, for this wonderful American city, 100 years north Miami. Father, we thank you for every resident, for every citizen of this great American city. Father, we pray God your blessings upon the mayor and upon the council men and women. Father, we pray God that you'll bless tonight's meeting and that you will guide tonight's meeting with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding with a oneness that unites us that will bless and strengthen this city into the future. Father, we pray this in Jesus name. Somebody say, "Amen."

Amen. Amen. Thank you. Thank you, Reverend. Thank you so very much. We definitely need prayer prayers now. Um, madame manager, any addition, deletion, or amendment deferrals to the agenda? Yes. Tab tab B um has an addition as a sponsor from Councilwoman Mars to Mayor Irvin and the city administration would pull the item discussion regarding Enchanted Forest.

Okay. Okay. And then we are are we set? Are we set, Mr. Attorney? Yes, mayor. The agenda is set. You may proceed.

Thank you so much. Um, thank you. We have a couple of um presentation this month. Um, United Way, you you want to do it, council woman? United Way, which one? Um the public library um Ju and Okay. And and councilman Charles next time we got it. Okay. So and then we'll have a centennial um oh I thought it was four. So it's these are presentation and we'll have a presentation by our centennial committee. I see the chairwoman here and then also update on 131st pedestrian bridge. I guess that's the public work with the administration. Um so we got two presentations. Let's go. Thank you. You guys look so serious. [laughter] Good evening everyone. Good evening and welcome again to another one of our council meeting and when we get to give proclamations and and this year um we are doing we are going to be giving a proclamation for the national volunteer week. But before I actually present the proclamation, I'm going to ask our city clerk to come up and just say a few words and then after that I'll make the proclamation.

Thank you councilwoman. I just wanted to share that the office of the city clerk hosted a reception, a small reception for volunteers that have volunteered throughout our city. So, if you have volunteered in the city, I'd love for you to stand and be recognized.

Literally, everybody. And I know that the council woman is going to read the proclamation, but I wanted to just mention very briefly that uh Nori Delva, the chief impact officer from the United Way, is going to be receiving the proclamation for National Volunteer Month. And they are 100 years old. They're 102, right? So they've just celebrated their centennial and we're in our centennial centennial year. And I think it's important to recognize the ways in which United Way has been really intentional about ensuring that they help people connect their passions to opportunities throughout Miami date county to serve their community. And that's where real impact and real change can happen. So I just wanted to briefly share that and you know remind us that you know the Latin origin of the word volunteer means your own free will and it was used in the context originally around the military context right so you went into battle you took yourself out there off your own free will and today we continue to battle for our communities for the people who are around us neighbors our friends and we have to continue to do that of our own free will and not because somebody made us do it. So, I just wanted to share that and thank you so much, Councilwoman.

So, come up. Come up while I read. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Come up while I read this. So, our beautiful city of North Miami is pleased to issue this proclamation in honor of National Volunteer Week. Whereas April 19th to the 20 to 25, 2006 is recognized as National Volunteer Week, a time to honor and celebrate individuals who generously dedicate their time and talent in service to others. And whereas volunteers are the heartbeat of strong, resilient communities, contributing their time, skills, and passion to support local initiative, uplift neighbors, and address critical needs. And whereas national volunt volunteer operation appreciation week provides an opportunity to recognize and thank those who selfishly give back and demonstrate the power of collective action to create meaningful and lasting change. And I think we get it now. So now therefore, it is [clears throat] resolved that Mayor Alexume along with Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy, um, Councilman Kevin Aurn, Councilwoman Mary Esme Irvin, Councilman Pierre Front do whereby proclaim April 19th to the 25th as our National Volunteer Week and we're very happy to present it to you. Thank you. [applause] take a picture.

Well, on behalf of of United Way and the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers that uh serve with us every single year, um we want to thank uh the city for this amazing honor. Uh we just had our big national volunteer celebration this past Saturday where we planted uh hundreds of trees at Camp Mahachi uh for the Girl Scouts. Uh, and one of the things that we do with the Girl Scouts is we allow them to have Girl Scout troops in communities where those families wouldn't normally be able to afford uh to have Girl Scouts troops. And so, United Way funds those communities and were able to have hundreds of young ladies go through Girl Scouts because of the support of United Way. And so, we gave back to them again this Saturday uh with dozens of volunteers and planted trees. And that is really what United Way is all about. Um, and I want to thank anyone and everyone in the room who's ever been a United Way volunteer or supporter. And again, a huge thank you to the city for this honor. Thank you.

[laughter]

Good evening. My name is Kevin Burns, Councilman from District 1, and I have the honor of uh presenting the proclamation for National Library Week. I'm not going to necessarily read the library uh proclamation, but you all know what libraries do, and you know how important they are to a community. We have libraries that come a long way. We have a beautiful library in North Miami that has afterchool programs. It has computers for people who don't have internet connections at home. We have friends of the library. If you're part of the Friends of the Library, can you stand up? the volunteers that are here. These people keep our library running through volunteer hours and programming. And it's without you all, we could not do the things that our library is known for. And uh at this time, I'm going to call up the library director and present him with this proclamation on behalf of the mayor and the city council members. um that we appreciate everything that the library does, what the library stands for, and how important it is for the community, and also to recognize that under your leadership out there at the library, it's been an amazing transformation. Thank you.

Uh good evening everyone. Uh Paul Brazil, library director. Uh first off, I want to start off by thanking the mayor and council for this proclamation. Um, I also want to thank our city administration for the continuous support of the libraries. Uh, if you pay attention to the news, uh, libraries across the nation, they're facing difficulties with book ban, censorship. So, it's a joy to work for a municipality where I don't have to worry about those type of things. Um, I often say I go to conferences, uh, different librarians, they share their stories and their panics and I'm just chilling in the corner cuz I know I don't have these issues. So, I thank you for allowing me to go to these conferences to stay quiet because all they do is, you know, talk about these things. And I want to, you know, thank you again and the city administration. Um, I also want to thank my staff because without a staff, uh, none of it would have be possible. My right-hand woman, uh, the soon to be Dr. Spratling, my assistant director. [applause] I also want to thank my assistant to the director, Marissa Santana. Without her, I don't know where I'll be. She is the core. Um, and the other library members who could not be here. Thank you for all you do. And lastly, just to echo what Councilman Burns said, I want to thank the friends of the library. Thank you for all you do. Uh the dedication. I know each month we come to you guys and we always have more requests and more requests and we do plan on having more requests. Uh the last thing for summer, I I would like everyone to I empower everyone to sign up for summer reading. This year's theme is 100 years of stories. Um I'm sure you guys know where we got that theme from. So we have uh categories for children's, teens, and adults. And we have some really good prizes and of course sponsored by the friends of the library. Uh so before we take this picture I'd like to invite the library staff up to come take a picture. Thank you.

Oh yes and the friends. I'm sorry friends. Yes. See that's why I didn't invite them. They don't want to take a picture. I know them pretty well. [laughter] to your mom.

Wonder That's mine. Uhuh. That's yours. [laughter] It's pins that you can.

Thank Thank you. Thank you so very much. And now we're going to move to our special presentation um the North Miami Centennial updates followed by the updates on 131st Street pedestrian pedestrian bridge project. Thank you. Good evening, honorable mayor and council and city administration. My name is Tabian Julio. I'm the chairwoman of the Centennial Committee. And this evening, I'll be presenting our monthly update. The Centennial web page is where residents and visitors alike can find all the Centennial information, including our YouTube link to the Channel 10's feature on North Miami Celebrating a Century, which aired Sunday, April 12th. You will also find the I am North Miami video taken at the North Miami Senior High Alumni Pioneer Picnic on Saturday, April the 4th. If you have not seen these videos, it is worth definitely taking a look. The Centennial page can be found at northmiami.gov. The Centennial web page also features former Miami Day County poet Laurat Khidad Moro Groier reciting It Takes 100 years, a poem she wrote specifically for the North Miami Centennial Celebration. We will take a moment to listen to the recording now. A hundred years is not a number, but a tide that laughs at the angles of memory. Not counted, but spoken. A century,

a vessel thick with mangros and pottery, spun byquesta hands, a monastery fortressed by 35,000 stones. North Miami. I speak to you as one speaks to a body that knows hunger and indulgence. A body dug in along the banks of the aliyah, rooted within the green expanse of an enchanted forest. North Miami, I speak to you to say it takes a 100 years for stories to become folklore. 100 years to raise school rooms and church steeples, to build libraries and endow art museums. A 100 years to plant a mercy of shade trees to Canad Arch Creek and remember the dinghy that refused to turn back like you, North Miami, still rowing toward the next hundred years. Let this poem be an offering, not a monument, not a number, but a map that marks the way home to every name on every mailbox, every kitchen, every altar, every promise you are still striving to keep. The poem will also remain hung on the walls of this chamber as we hope that all residents see themselves reflected in the poem. If everyone could please turn your attention to the left wall. [applause] Uh our historic Charlie rides continue. The last one we had was on um Saturday, April 18th. Our community joined Councilman Burns, city clerk Joseph on

rides throughout the his through through history with several stops including Copper Bridge, the Czech Club, and special thanks to Pink River all day beastro who provided the participants with light bites. If you have not enjoyed our rides, we encourage you to join us on the next one. The committee would like to confirm the dates and the location of the Centennial Gala. Friday, February 5th, 2027 at Nomi Village from 700 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

the council. So, we'd like to confirm the dates and location of the Centennial Gala. Friday, February 5th, 2027 at Nomi Village from 7 PM till 11 pm. Yes. Yes. Yes. Right. Councilman Char, that was your location. Thank you. It's good. That That's the picture. Oh, that's a uns messing around with me. Nice. In May. Is it cold in in it's going to be cold? We're in Florida. We global warming. Yes. Okay. [laughter] But we'll definitely have to take that into Okay. [gasps]

In May, the committee would like to present recommendations for ticket pricing to the council. Can the board currently provide parameters that we should use when considering the pricing? When you say parame I'm sorry. [clears throat and cough] When you're saying parameter, what what is the money going to be used for? That's that's number one. the money that we raise as part of is it that will help me determine if you know I think the council should just be the you may should be for I think that the council makes that determination right I'm sorry the council makes that determination no oh okay well I don't know what do we need money so we can have that we can have that discussion at a time

how much based on that I mean if there's any if there's others That's it. Well, these gaylas now they are going up and up and up. The average price used to be a 100. Now it's up to the last one I went to was two 250 or 200 the the the lawyers. Can we can we have the discussions or suggest some ideas with the city manager? Was that do that in private? Yeah, I mean but I don't know. It's the I'm happy to have Would it come back to Well, it'll have to come back to us. That's what we saying. Okay, then we could do that. Okay. In terms of um but you know, nothing no over no nothing crazy, but Okay.

Okay. Just through you, Mr. Mayor, you were just saying how the uh some of the gallas that we have to attend um a lot of those are in are inside uh hotels and they're very expensive, very elaborate. This one is going to be in a uh in Nomi Village. Um, and what that mean?

No, I'm just saying it's not the same as being a very expensive hotel. So, and the cost won't be the same. So, we hopefully will be able to offer it at a at a very very reasonable price, if not even free, no to the first 500 people out there of the community that sign up. Um, let's see what we can do there and work our way up from there. But anything going further than $100, I think you're going to get some resistance um for what the celebration is going to be. Okay. Let's try to get back to the community. Thank you. But I I I I don't know if I would agree. Go ahead. I just beg to defer. Yeah, that that Yeah, but we'll discuss

we can we can um dress Nomi village and make it a place that people will come and enjoy the gala. is not like open open sky and everything. So it's it's been done before. Great event been happening over there. I don't think we should base the price on Nomi village as some of you will see it. And again it is a it is for centennial. People will come.

People will come. We start early and we'll be able to sell tickets. So that should not be um don't don't just go village um the way you're looking at it. And as a matter of fact, do village get a very nice dress up as we speak now. So, um, we should, it is a very good location and we can dress it in a way that we can receive anybody, even the president of the United States of America. All right.

No, they do a very good job out there. They have a new tent that'll be beautiful. Um, they have the ability to do it. U, but sometimes the hotels have this flat fee before you even go in the door. But since we own the property and and are participating out there, um our cost should be a lot more reasonable than it would be if we were at a at the Coven Center or at the Lowe's or anywhere else that had been suggested in the past. That hopefully we can do it as reasonable as possible for the uh the the residents. That's all. But yeah, Nomi has done some great great events out there and they'll continue to do some beautiful events and uh we'll go from there and let's see what happens. And madame manager, what I would suggest um and I like the idea of what councilwoman estim was. I think those little details are not they they really a waste. Um we should just give them the suggestion and then

the overview is you know I think you know what we are doing for the city but discussing price and colors and that that's we have too much going on. Okay. But thank you so much um Sabine and the Anything else? You done? You're not done yet. Oh, thank you. You you done? No, you're not done yet. I'm done.

Oh, yay. Okay, good, good, good. Thank you. Thank you again. Um and now the 131st um street pedestrian bridge project that is beautiful, doesn't mean they have that. Yeah, that's what it's going to be. Beautiful color. Let me ask you what. So they put all the east like they have your district in that new district. Hollywood Hollywood. Yeah, I think it's the coast. But how?

Yeah, we running I95. Yeah. So it's crazy. See? Okay. This mean it passion.

Good evening. Good evening. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Car Phillip, public works director. I'm going to be be presenting on the Northwest Northeast 131st Street pedestrian bridge replacement project. So, this first slide is a project overview. Um, what what it consists of is us replacing the existing bridge that's currently out there. It's a pedestrian bridge and it's over the C8 Canal. Oh, by the way, that that's the that's the rendering that you see of the bridge. I wanted to you to take a look at it. Some of the uh as far as the scope of work, u as I mentioned, it's going to be the replacement of the existing bridge. So, there's going to be some clearing, some grubbing. When it saysote is more pedestrianote on the reroute pedestrian foot traffic from one side of the bridge to the other side of the canal. And this is this is just showing you the project location detour that we're going to reroute u folks that usually cross the bridge from um one side of the bridge to the other side. Here's a breakdown of the of the contract. It's 3.3 million. Uh the contractor is on general asphalt. Um the contract is is going to last about a year. Um notice of proceed notice to proceed is is May 18th of this year. Um construction activities because it's a prefab bridge. Uh you're not you're going to see some construction activities, but we're going to have to wait for the bridge to come in to um to set the new bridge. However, you'll start seeing some construction activity on July 1st of this year. Um, this project was awarded back in November of 2025 and it has a completion date of May of uh 2027.

As far as far as the project breakdown, the funding um we have several sources. You have uh federal funds, state funds, grant funds, and also uh city funds that are being put towards this project. We're also uh conscious of the environmental concerns that may happen out there. So, uh we'll work with the other agencies as far as what we need to do as far as their requirements with DURM and and some of the other agencies. Also, uh a big thing is going to be our public outreach. So, we'll work with communications um as far as doing uh receiving any complaints that may come up, any concerns, any questions regarding the project. Um, however, this is just a breakdown of how we plan on doing our public outreach and um information sessions. And here is just a uh sorry, here's the project schedule and next steps. Um right now we're working on some presubmitts um some things with the contractor and the CI um that's going to be working with us for uh contract compliance and that's it. You have any questions?

Yes. Yes, sir. Okay. Is this the the project um by Dr. West? Um yes. Okay. So please make sure that we if I don't get a call from her once a week. [laughter] It's been on almost four years that we whatever that you know so that it doesn't seem like it's because of what we did and and her situation got worse and it's something I know the council woman and and we've been dealing with with years and years. So, thank you so much. But it's very nice. Looks very nice. Thank you, sir. Council, thank you so much for the presentation. I just want to make sure that I'm understanding correctly. Um it's going to commence on May 18. Yes. So, there'll be

the notice The notice to proceed is May 18th, but you'll start seeing construction activity around July 1st. June 1st, I'm sorry. Yeah, June 1st. Why Why do we It just takes that long to right because when we give them to no to proceed, they have to get materials on there. They have to move that. They do the insurance. So, you'll see activity there. And then they'll have to schedule a time to uh remove the actual bridge that's there. There'll be a demolition of that actual bridge that's currently there and it'll take about 20 weeks for the um for the bridge to actually be um prefabricated. So be 20 weeks before you see something on there. You said 20 weeks 20 weeks.

So what's going to happen is they're going to prepare the site, but there's not going to be much going on until there there's going to be two major things which is one removal of the bridge and then it will be when we install the bridge is when you'll see that. Um so they'll prepare um after the notice of to proceed to start doing work to get prepared to demolish the current bridge at that point. At the same time they've already put in the order and as you seen this is what the bridge will look like. That is the color of the bridge as well. Um, and so that would be pre-fabricated and 20 weeks and then you'd come back and see additional activity where they'll prepare the site for putting the bridge and there's a lot of other things there because we they have to test the bridge and they have to do all those testing,

right? So, what I' what I'd like to make sure that I'm we're clear on in terms of outreach and communication. So, when there's going to be a removal of the of the bridge, there's going to be outreach about the removal of the bridge. Right. Correct. then when there's going to so any other major disruption there's going to be um constant outreach to say this is going to happen especially Dr. West the it hasn't been scheduled yet but once it is we will let them know when the planned demolition because that's actually going to be when we're going to consider that technically breaking ground.

Okay. So I just want to make the constant and and and the and the debris that's going to happen for the I think it's one two three homes actually and actually there's a building there too that could be affected by that. Just want to make sure that we are um effectively and continuously giving them the information. Yes ma'am. All right. Thank you. Anything else? Just as a reminder, does is the overall height being raised a little bit higher or is it the exact same height it is now?

It it's pretty much the same height, but the height of the bridge itself is going to be higher. So, it'll it'll still have same clearance. Yeah. But I'll share the I think we shared a section that had like the different heights on there. I can reshare that with you all so you can kind of see what height would build. And Mr. Fitler is coming from China. Hope not. No, no, no. It was a serious question. So it's it's it's here. You said it's prefab. It's pre it's prefab. It'll be prefabed in the United States. That's correct. Thank you. And thank you, sir. Yes, sir. Okay.

Thank you. City announcements follow [clears throat] nothing for appointments and then we'll do consent. All right. Good evening, Mayor, Council, Staff, North Miami neighbors, and guests. My name is Beverly Graham, and I am presenting the following announcements on behalf of the city of North Miami. Beautiful. Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy in partnership with Aunt Flo has launched a citywide menstrual access initiative to provide free pads and tampons in public restrooms across city facilities. Products are now available at parks, community centers, and city hall throughout North Miami. Councilman Pierre France Charles presents the district for adult computer literacy program. Classes take place every Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Suniss Grove Community Center, offering free hands-on classes. Participants will learn basic computer skills, email setup, internet navigation, and resume writing. For more details and to register, please contact Amos Jean Claude at 7865433014. Students, get ready to succeed. Councilman Pierre France Charles hosts D4 Smart Tutoring every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 400 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Suniss Grove Community Center. For details and registration, please contact 7865433014. The city of North Miami is now accepting applications for the 2026 youth summer internship program. This six-week program provides local high school students aged 15 and older with valuable work experience while earning paid hours. Applications are now open through May 10th. Eligible students must be North Miami residents and meet the

program requirements. To apply or learn more, please visit ww.northmafl.gov/yob. 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 the North Miami's beautiful parks. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, these community classes are a great way to start your weekend feeling refreshed and energized. Yoga classes will take place on the third Saturday of each month at North Bay Shore Park at 9:00 a.m. And Pilates classes will be held on the first Saturday of each month at Alfred Espay Park. Bring your mat, invite a friend, and enjoy a morning of movement, mindfulness, and community. For more information, please contact 786 3858662. The City of North Miami Economic Development Department is now accepting applications for the Economic Development Small Business Grant, and eligible businesses may qualify up to $7,500 in support. Funding is a provided on a reimbursement basis and subject to federal eligibility requirements, CDBG compliance, and funding availability. To apply, visit ww.northmfl.gov/eonddevsbg. And for more information, please contact the economic development department at 3058959801 or email economicdev at northnorth.gov. We are excited to invite you to the 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 to 9:00 p.m. at on Mocha Plaza. For more information, please contact the economic development department at 3058959801. Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to take part in the Nomi Techch app accelerator program. This 15week program is designed to help participants turn their app ideas into reality with no guidance with guidance from vetted developers and access to AI no code tools. No prior coding experience is required. This program is will take place every Monday from May 4th through August 17th. Those

interested are encouraged to apply by visiting northmafl.gov/nommechapp. And for more or additional information, please contact the economic development department at 3058959801 or email economicdev@northmiami.gov. Share your ideas and help shape the future of parks in North Miami at our parks master plan community workshop. Residents will have the opportunity to provide input, connect with staff, and meet the new parks and recreation director. The last workshop will be held on this coming Thursday at the Scott Gman Community Center from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to participate in this important community conversation. You can register at SGCC Parksmasterpl.eventbbright.com. Nomi Techch and Black Tech Week are combining for a full day of high energy events on Thursday, April 30th from 1 to 9:00 p.m. at the Blackbox Media Miami. This event is great for founders, tech professionals, and innovators, featuring panels, workshops, a business expo, and networking mixer. To register, please visit black techweek.com. The city of North Miami proudly announces its annual Haitian Heritage Month celebration set to take place throughout the month of May. This month-long tribute celebrates the legacy, contributions, and vibrant culture of the Haitian-American community with exciting lineup of educational, cultural, and family-friendly events. Visit ww.north at northmaffl.gov/ceelebrate for more information. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of Northwest 7th Avenue corridor at the Cultural Arts and Innovation Overlay District Symposium. The symposium will take place on Friday, May 1st from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Joe Ellison Center hosted by Councilman Pierre France Charles and Miami Day County Commissioner Marlene Bassen. This event will bring together community voices and leaders to discuss innovation and cultural development in the district. For more information, please contact the office of mayor and counsel. Families are invited to get creative at Mocha Mini Makers, a hands-on art experience inspired by the artist John

Jimenez and his large me metal cutout sculptures. This engaging workshop will take place on Saturday, May 2nd from 2 p.m. to 400 p.m. at the Mocha Pavilion. Participants will create their figure-based artworks capturing everyday moments like dancing, talking, and gathering while exploring movement, storytelling, and self-expression in a fun and meaningful way. For more information and to RSVP, please visit mochanomi.org. Join us on for Sunday Stories at the Mocha Pavilion on Sunday, May 3rd for from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Inspired by the picture book Freedom Soup by Tammy Charles, this family-friendly program celebrates Haitian Heritage Month through creativity, culture, and storytelling as children share create their own freedom soup. Artwork using collage and illustrations to honor heritage, comfort, and togetherness. RSVP is available online at no moanomi.org. The North Miami Police Department will host its fallen heroes me memorial ceremony on Tuesday, May 5th at 100 p.m. at the North Miami Police Department. This memorial is held in honor of the department's fallen heroes, Sergeant Carl W. Martz, Detective Sergeant Steven E. Bowerer, and Sergeant Lynette Ahaj, and provide the community with an opportunity to pause, remember, and pay tribute to their service and sacrifice. Get ready to ride North Miami. The Getting Gear Community Bike Ride is back for another fun, feelgood morning of fitness and community connection on Saturday, May 9th. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The ride starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. The ride starts and ends at Mocha Plaza. It is designed as a 90-minute round trip to experience and bring neighbors together while promoting wellness. Mocha Makers Returns to Pavilion on Saturday, May 9th from 1 to 3 PM. This legacy workshop series is communities as archive invites participants to reflect on the stories, memories, and places that shape South Florida's neighborhoods while exploring themes of displacement, belonging, and what what it means to call a place home. Residents are encouraged to RCP in advance at

mochanomi.org. Block Party on the Plaza is headed to the Mocha Pavilion on Saturday, May 9th from 3 p.m. to n 3 p.m. to 6 pm. This celebration honors John Entimenez and his art on the plaza work by no nesttos promas with a lively community gra gathering that highlights Peruvian culture through music, live guitar and kajon and traditional dances including Mariana and festival. Residents are encouraged to RSVP in advance at mochanomi.org. Madame City Clerk Vanessa Joseph invites the community to take advantage of the tax collector office offering convenient on-site services right here in North Miami. The mobile office will be available on Thursday, May 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 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, walk-ins are welcomed. To stay up to date with Nomi news events, programs, and services, log on to North Miami's official website at ww.northmiami. at northmiami.gov. Click connect with Nomi on the homepage and sign up for the city's newsletters. Also, give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram at NorthmFL on Xfollows at Nomi News. This concludes the city announcements.

Thank you. Thank you so much, Beverly. And we would like to recognize I know he was leaving. I asked him to stay. Our former city clerk and and mayor Mi Mr. Roland, Frank Roland. Everyone m [laughter] Mr. Roland, were you a council? We always having this argument. Were you a councilman as well? For eight years.

Well, well, you didn't have to. Okay. [laughter] No, because him and I I think we are the only two in North Miami's history who have served all three level, city clerk, councilman, and and mayor. But I said you were not part of the councilman crew. But okay, you made it clear now. Thank you. [laughter] Thank you so much, Mr. Roland. Have a good one. Thank you. And now we are ready for consent agenda.

Unless a member of the city council wishes to remove a specific item from this portion of the agenda, tabs A and B constitute the consent agenda. These resolutions and items are self-explanatory and are not expected to require additional review or discussion. These items will be recorded as individually numbered resolutions adopted unanimously by the following motion. That the consent agenda comprised of tabs A and B be adopted. So move. Second. I have a motion made by Mayor Desme to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Councilwoman Estimate Irvin. All in favor? I. Any opposed? The motion carries with a 5-0 vote. Thank you. Tab C.

Tab C. A proposed resolution of the mayor and city council of the city of North Miami, Florida, authorizing the execution of an offsystem construction and maintenance agreement between the city of North Miami and the Florida Department of Transportation, FDOT, designating and setting forth the responsibilities of each party with regards to the maintenance of roadway improvements on Northeast 124th Street and Northeast 15th Avenue resulting from FDOT project number FM 25629-6-32-1/ /two49 providing foreign effective date and all other purposes. Tap C.

Thank you. Um I know if is FDOT here I think I saw the gent please come up sir. Sir yes go ahead Mr. Fiddler. Yes. Good evening again mayor council car fiddler public works director. I have Mr. Ramon um from FDOT. Um sir you can do if you have any questions regarding their improvements. Council, Councilwoman, Vice Mayor, it's it's your um it's in Is that you? Um Kevin, I think that's the presentation, right? Oh, there's that. Was it? Yeah. The reason Go ahead. No, I have a quick question. Approving the Can you maybe state it for the record like exactly what you guys are doing on on 24th?

Sure. We're building a pedestrian a signalized pedestrian crosswalk on 124th Street just east of uh 15th Avenue. Yes. And I have some presentations uh some handouts that I'm happy to share with you if you wish. Yes, sir. The reason that I I said if you if we could say um ask your question, can you please talk to if dad about the I95 um corridor the cleanup? It's a mess in our city. Please, sir, I will be happy to. Yes. Yes. Thank you so very much. Thank Thank you. Um you want to present this or or that's that's it. There's nothing to present. All right.

Well, I'll be happy to uh brief you on the project and uh uh so as I said the project is I'm the uh Ramon Sier. I'm with Department of Transportation Traffic Operations Office and I'm the project manager for uh this project. I also have uh Jeff Bakadano with me. He's going to be the public information officer for the project. Um, so it's a very small project, but it's uh it's an important one for the community and that's how it started as at a request uh uh that we received from citizens needing to access a bus stop uh in the area and some buildings on the other side of the street. Um so the there were some um there are some issues with site distance that require us to uh remove five five parking spots on the north side of the road. Right. So those are five parking spots that are currently there and that we need to make room for the crosswalk and to improve sight distance. And that's for drivers heading south on 15th Avenue who want to make a left turn. that site distance is or that removal of those parking spaces is going to improve that site distance. In the handout, there is um a sketch of what the uh crosswalk will look like. It'll have a full signal. So, I'll have a red, yellow, and green indication and will be green all the time for drivers except when there is a pedestrian who needs to cross and activate will activate push a button and activate the signal. Uh, one of the pages in the uh um in the in the handout indicates the five parking spaces. Those are the five closest ones to uh 15th Avenue on the

north side of 123rd Street. Actually, we are also asking you to um give us permission to go into the local streets. uh particularly we need to go into 15th Avenue and uh northeast 124th Street and that is to we're going to be drilling under the road and basically we need to do that to access power from an FPL power pole that is just off of uh northeast 124th Street. So basically the drilling is underneath or the boring is underneath uh underground and we will be installing a pole as I said um just to give us uh electricity for the signal that will light up the signal. We are also going to have some pedestrian lighting additional pedestrian lighting

to light up the crosswalk at night make it safer and more visible. All right. So, there will be some um of course some um maintenance of traffic, right? construction. Um we are uh envisioning uh construction to happen between Sunday and Friday night from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Those are the that time for some night clo uh uh eastbound lane closures will be very minimal because the project is very um very short in scope right in distance the distance of the uh the length of the project. There will be at least one travel uh travel lane open at all times. Pedestrian detours will also be needed and access to properties and businesses will be maintained at all times. The construction duration is about 180 days. That's what we anticipate. And uh the project is funded. It will cost about uh $376,000 more or less fully funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. uh we will work with the municipalities to review plans and my presentation and being here before you today is an example of our willingness to um uh work together and keep you informed at all times. Uh we'll also open to receiving feedback from the public and um if you um support the project, our next step is to have a town hall meeting like an a public meeting where uh we're going to be um sending out notices to the businesses and residents within the um area of the proposed crosswalk.

Do you have a date for that proposed town hall? Not yet because again we were expecting your feedback from tonight. Okay. I know my second question was I'm sorry. Um but we will keep you informed. Correct. But you said 180 days. 180 days starting when um if this project is approved. Yeah. So again this basically everything was uh sort of like uh waiting for the outcome of tonight's meeting.

So um the next step is to we have a we have a um a contractor already on board. We use um what we call like a minor improvements projects contractor. We have those for projects such as this one. So it's um what we call like a work order driven type of contract. So all we have to do is give the plans to the contractor and that's basically when the 180 days start. Again, we will do that all in concert and and and coordination with the city. So before we ready to do all that, we will reach out to the city and uh let you know.

Yeah. Because there's an impacted business where that crossrock is um where you're taking away the parking. There's a business slated to be built there in a few years. We've we've done some uh reach out already. Councilwoman, uh we've also reached out to the uh apartment building and um so you're the next step in that process and pretty much the last one before we reach out full um you know with a public meeting. Okay. Thank you. Um thank any any other questions. Um yes. Yes, sir. Thank you. I have a couple questions. Um, you say you're going to go over underground and then put a power pole on 124th Street, 104th Terrace. Yeah. So,

Street. So, it's a regular uh utility pole that's going to be there, not a terminal box. Yeah. So, it's uh it's about a concrete pole that's about um 12 ft high. And basically all it does it it graphs the power from the FPNL pole, brings it down to that concrete pole, and it has a um um a meter. Right. So that's what you know so we can pay FPL for the for the electricity. Yeah. So that's basically everything that's going to be um with you know in plain sight.

Okay. Following up on what the council woman had said um that the proposed business that uh building that's being built there. Um one of their entrances is on 124th Street. I believe maybe maybe not. But um we wouldn't want to see that power pole stuck right in the middle of their proposed driveway. The power uh the power pole is on uh proposed on the there will be a signal structure on 124 that that's going to be holding the uh you know the signal indication for traffic and also for pedestrians. Um we have uh designed it such that it doesn't block anything. So it has a clear sidewalk width for pedestrians to walk by. Uh, of course it will not block any access to any business at any time.

And then my follow-up question, I've seen some of these crosswalks that you all have been putting in the the the old versions where people like on Biscane and uh 123rd, 122nd, you press the button and the lights flash and people walk across up and down Biscane Boulevard. I have seen some updated ones where the crosswalk on the ground actually has the flashing lights also um in some hightra areas. Is this that type where you have the flashing lights overhead and on the ground or is it just the ones that are similar to the ones on Biscane right now? In this no in this nothing the the so over the years we have we've had different uh different types of traffic control devices depending on pedestrian demand uh depending on location so on so forth we've had mixed results when it comes to driver compliance for example the ones that you I think you're making reference to where you have the flashing yellow lights driver compliance is somewhat u haven't been so so successful And we're in the process of removing those and upgrading them to a full signal. So again, the full signal, what I mean by that is the regular yellow, red, and green indication like you see at any intersection, signal any intersection.

Okay. So when somebody presses the button, the light's going to change. It's going to go red and it'll say, yeah, I mean it will not be automatic. So you know, it depends. All the signals are in interconnected. So depending at what point u in time the pedestrian pushes the button, pedestrian might get at a walk indication right away, it might have to wait about maybe 30 seconds, 1 minute, depending again, we don't want to have traffic stopping at every uh at every as much as possible, of course, right? And we don't want the pedestrian to be waiting an a reasonable amount of time either. Okay? So again, it depends at what point in time the pedestrian presses the button, there might be some way

for that pedestrian to call. And at one time when you all made some the last improvements on 124th Street, um there was conversations with your safety engineers about making Northeast 15th Avenue right turn only to go west. There was going to be no left turn to go east because they thought people would go out to 16th Avenue to do that. that was scrapped but then said it was coming back. But as of right now, there's no plans to um make it just right turn only with this program. Councilman, you caught me off guard because I know nothing about that and we have no plans whatsoever to make any restrict access. No. Yes. Thank you. Very good. Thank you.

Again, as part of I can only speak for this project. This project is not going to limit any movement for drivers and for pedestrians. Actually, it's going to improve movement. Oh, great. Thank Thank you, sir. And um please work with the vice mayor's office and my office to ensure u Mr. Jeff um work with our PIO for the outreach because we've always we will always get complaints where residents say they was not notified and then you know the street they have to do all these detour and all that good stuff. So thank you so much. Of course quickly uh Mr. Mayor if I may please um just want to say thank you any project that brings safety to the city. Mhm.

Uh it is um commendable. So thank you very much. But um I am not going to ask you about the right turn. But I have a few questions that I'm going to bring up. Maybe you're going to have to take some notes and then see since you here um you know it's not that easy to find anyone from uh FDOT up here. Uh I am going away. Yes. I am going to take you all the way west to um district 4. Okay. We having some issues with um landscaping the entrance and exit of I9 I 95 at 125th uh 125th

135th Opaluka Boulevard is like leader all over and uh it's like I've been trying and I know the managers been working very hard but still we seeing the same issue over and over. I know I'm not asking you to answer now, but I would like you to work um you know with uh the FDOT team and see if they can bring uh some closure to that issue because it's like terribly bad and residents been complaining about it day in and day out

and rightfully so. Council, I know Jeff is helping me take notes back there, but I will bring that message back. I am not the person to I am so sorry I'm not qualified to answer those questions but I will make sure the right person gets the message. That's why I made I made it clear. So I don't need you to answer but I just want to uh put it in your ears and then you take notes so that we can um get some answers. The other issue is uh again that has to do with safety uh lights under I95.

Uh 131st Street the overpass is totally dark. None of them lights are working. 125th it kind of yellow dim. Same thing with 135th. So please um see if you can talk to someone and you know carry that message because we need some help um in that area.

Yeah, I I work very closely with uh with the uh with the city with the public works department with the transportation department. Um so you know we we uh we're in contact on many different issues. Whenever you need any DOT related issue um if I'm not the right person I'll make sure the right person gets the message and if you need that person to come same as I'm doing today tonight and and presenting and answering your questions I'll be happy to do that. Anybody at the that's our job. So we'll make Thank you. We'll make sure we answer your question. Thank Thank you sir. We We have a long be we All right.

Thank you. We appreciate you so much. I think it's it's been Was it been Was it moved? Did you move? Um second. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Public hearing. Um we we keep it but public hearing is open on the item. Public hearing mic. This your district. Okay. We good. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. Thank you, Madam Clerk. I have a motion made by Vice Mayor Timothy to approve the item at tab C, seconded by Mayor Desome. All in favor? I. Any opposed? The item passes with a 5-0 vote. Thank you. Tab D.

Tab D. A resolution of the mayor and city council of the city of North Miami, Florida, approving amendment number one to the state revolving fund, SRF, loan agreement, DW131820, in support of the city of North Miami Winston Water Treatment Plant Reliability Improvements Project. Further authorizing the city manager and city attorney to negotiate and execute amendment number one to the agreement between the city of North Miami and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection FD and substantially the attached form providing for an effective date and all other purposes. Tab D.

Madame clerk, thank you so very much. Um public hearing is open on the item. Public hearing hearing none. Is there a presentation sir? I mean I think we've been briefed um and everything. So, um, so move second. Motion made by Mayor Desome to approve the item at tab D, seconded by Councilwoman Esté Irvin. All in favor? Any opposed? Item passes with a 5-0 vote.

Thank you. Some Thank you. Tab Oh, tab E. Please be advised that the following items, tabs E and F on the agenda are quasi judicial in nature. If you wish to speak in favor of, object to, or comment on an item, please complete a public speaker card indicating the agenda item number on which you would like to comment. You must be sworn before addressing the city council and you may be subject to cross-examination. If you refuse to submit to cross-examination, the city council will not consider your comments in its final deliberation. Please also disclose any exparte communications you may have had with any members of the city council. City council members must do the same. If you'll be speaking on the items at tabs E and F, the public speaker cards are at the entrance of chambers. If you plan to speak on tabs E and F, please stand and raise your right hand so that I may administer the oath. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony that you are about to give in today's proceedings are the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? If so, say aloud, I do.

I do. Thank you. Go ahead, Matt.

Okay. Tab E. A proposed quasi judicial first reading ordinance of the mayor and city council of the city of North Miami, Florida, adopting amendments to volume 1, goals, objectives, and policies of the city of North Miami 2045 comprehensive plan in accordance with the requirements of section 163.3184, [snorts] parenthesis 3, Florida statutes 2025 and chapter 29, article 3, division 11, section 3-102, parentheses capital A in sections 3-105 through 3-11 1110 of the city of North Miami code of ordinances specifically by amending the future land use element to increase the allowable height to 210 ft for certain properties within the Bisgane Boulevard planned corridor development overlay district providing four unadoption hearing and subsequent transmitt of the proposed amendments and supporting data and analyses to the state land planning agency for a determination of completeness providing for appeal conflict severability and an effective date. This item was deferred from the April 14 council meeting.

Madame clerk, also um read the title for tab F and we'll take it separately. Tab F. A proposed quasi judicial first reading ordinance of the mayor and city council of the city of North Miami, Florida amending chapter 29 of the city of North Miami code of ordinances entitled land development regulations at article 4 division 3 entitled special purpose and overlay district specifically at section 4-306 entitled plan corridor overlay district to increase the allowable height from0 ft to 210 ft for certain properties within the Bisgane boulevard plan corridor development district in accordance with article 3 division 10 in section 3-302 of the city of North Miami code of ordinances cohort of ordinances providing for repeal conflict severability codification and for an effective date and this item was also deferred from the April 14 council meeting.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Um just partake um we'll start on the in vice mayor. Um yes, I met with the applicant several times. I attended their committee meetings. Thank you, Mr. Burns. spoke to spoke to spoke to the applicant and attended the community meetings. Thank you. Um for myself, I spoke to the applicant um but it's been a couple weeks or months by um councilwoman. Yes, I've met in previous weeks with the applicant and the lobbyist. Thank you. And uh yes, I uh met with the applicant. Okay. Thank you so much. Um ma'am,

good evening, Mr. Mayor. Good evening, council. For the record, Debbie Love Community Planning and Development. These are as they are read. They are companion items. The first part is amending the comprehensive plan to increase the height from 110 ft. Can you speak?

Oh, thank you. Thank you. Usually I speak louder than that. increase the allowable height from 110 ft to 210 ft for properties within the Biscane Boulevard PCD that are located south of Northeast 123rd and east of Northeast 18th Avenue and Planning Commission uh recommended approval earlier this year. Assuming that you all approve this this evening, uh the next steps will be to transmit this to uh the department of um actually Florida Commerce now. Uh and we expect to get a response back from them within approximately 45 days. And after that, once we get any comments back, we will have to then come back and adopt it for second reading. and um then it will become effective 31 days after second reading and transmitt to the state. The second part of this is amending the LDRs. We need to [clears throat] modify article 4 division 3 section 4306. That's the um standards and for the PCD within the Biscane Boulevard. We carve it out to increase the height from 110 to 210 just for the properties that are east of northeast 18th Avenue and south of 123rd. Again, planning commission recommended approval. And we'll have a second reading assuming that you all uh approve this once we receive comments back on the comp plan from the state. That's the end of my presentation. The applicant is here in case you have any other questions.

Um, do you have a do the applicant have um a presentation? No. Okay.

Good evening, mayor and council members. Carla Jones on behalf of Lamison. I have Laura Tober here, the principal for Lamison. Mario Garcia Seda, uh also council for Lamezone. Um we're here if you have any questions. We support the presentation done um by uh Miss Love. The only request we're asking for is an increase in the height. We're not asking for an increase in density. As of right, the the developer can build up to 516 units. Just need uh to increase the height so that it's it sits better in the city. The developer can be do be a better steward of the city and the structure can create um more of an increase in value uh in the area. And as you know, this this area has been sitting vacant for a really long time. So this is the final piece that's needed to develop that area. So we're here if there are any questions.

Okay. Thank you. You have a presentation, too, sir. Oh, you just

just some brief comments. My name is Mario Garcia with offices at 600 BL Avenue, co-consel with Miss Jones on the Lay Mazan uh project. Just want to make two points. This property has been vacant now for close to 30 years. And I think that's very indicative of the need for new zoning regulations and a new height permission on this uh property in order to motivate redevelopment. It's a very prominent site. It's a large site. It's on a major roadway here in the city. A and secondly, it's important to note that this is just one step in a longer process. Ultimately, any project that's proposed on this site is going to need approval pursuant to conditional use permit and it's very important to keep that in mind. There will be another opportunity to review the actual project that would be proposed pursuant to these regulations at which time you could address other concerns that you might have with the actual project.

Thank you. Thank you, sir. So, I have a question probably for Miss Love. So tonight the request that is being asked for us to approve um I know it's going to go up to Tallahassee and then we'll have second reading. So this is for the conditional what what is what's the request for this? No sir this is strictly to amend the text of the comprehensive plan and the LDRs to increase the height. Okay.

They will have to come back assuming you all approve it and it come once it comes back from the state they will have to modify their existing conditional use permit. I see. Okay. I thought this was the project. Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you so much. Um and Okay. Thank you, Vice Mayor. I do have a question. You mentioned that it comes back before us again after it goes for the state for the final. This will come this item will come before us twice. Correct. Not the conditional use permit, but the actual text, right? You'll come back. This will come back most likely with their conditional use permit application. M

u but it may not it may just be a standalone second reading just for this these modifications.

Okay. And I know prior before that um I think we saw this project well this council well maybe not everyone saw this project maybe three times before but not not lame zone but was being presented but prior to um wasn't there some additional changes or not even additional changes but from what the original was I know the name change it was something else before um if you could just give us that history. Yes, ma'am. Um, as I noted in the staff report, this started out with a development agreement because in the zoning district in which it is in at that time our our our code required development agreements. So, this came before you under a development agreement. They came back to modify the application to add some additional units and then at that point by that point our code had already changed to require a cup instead of the development agreement. So it came before you all. You all removed the DA and replaced it with a conditional use permit and now they're before you with their final step in their new um project.

Is there a timeline when these things expire? um when we approve like so I know it came to us you know years ago I don't I'm not sure if this council was here well it wasn't this council um and then it came back before us after white house for the additional I think two stories so is there like a timeline on these projects

yes ma'am uh typically they have to obtain a building permit within 18 months of approval uh they have to get to DRC my apologies they have to get DRC approval within 18 months of the conditional use permit. Um, but in this case, there was a lot of extensions through the various hurricanes that and emergency orders that have come through. So, it's still an active approval. It has not expired. Okay. So, typically expires 18 months, you said. Yes, ma'am. It normally expires in 18 months. Yes, ma'am. Okay. That's it for me.

That's it. Yeah, that was my question which the vice mayor has um in terms of the time time frame for this and if this goes to Tallahassee based on if passed tonight based on your expert what's the time frame or we can't really say with them? No, there's a time frame. Uh, it's typically around 45 days. Okay. To get any comments back from the state. They're on a time frame just like we are. Okay. Thank you so very much. Okay. Thank you. Um, Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir.

Yeah. Thank you. Um, just want to see um thank you for uh bringing this item in here. My uh first question will be um did u you have any community meeting? If yes, how many of them? Yes, sir. Good evening. Can you the mic please, Miss Taba?

Good evening, Councilman Pierre France Charles and council members and mayor and vice mayor. We had two community meetings um for the project itself to explain the the request for increase in height. In addition to that, I attended the HOA meeting for Sansusi. They they reformed their HOA and I've also addressed the Keystone Point HOA and re we received a lot of support. Um we have lists of the people that were there and um and I'm pleased to say there was no negative response at all. They want development and they like the fact that we're keeping the height along 123rd and keeping it lower towards the south and uh side of the of the site. Oh, thank you. Um, no, I was about to ask on average how many people attended um those meetings.

The first one I think it was about 30 people and the second one about 40 40 people 40 more more. Yeah, that lead me to my 60. Thank you. That lead me to my uh next point because usually whenever we're talking about increasing the height in the city of Miami and then we have people all over and downstairs and everything and then I that I'm just trying to find out exactly what happened. So you did such a great job and nobody come here and then start jumping around and talking and crying and everything. So that's that's my reason uh for that.

You didn't notice the parade of elephants on 123 the traffic? No, no, no. Uh and uh so my next question given um that tonight let's see uh we approve this um project when are you guys planning to uh break down as as soon as possible as I'm prepared to if I was approved today I would be releasing the architect for construction documents. Um, we are we're ready to go. Fully funded. Um, uh, equity and debt construction financing. Ready to proceed. Thank you very much. That's it, Councilman. Yes, sir.

Thank um thank you. I usually get a lot of texts and email and and Mr. and I I only got one of my friends who um who comment about the the project. Everybody else, I haven't gotten anything. And in fact, I just got a text from a resident in um Susi that say please. Okay. Thank you so much, Miss. Yes. Yes, sir. Miss uh question for Miss Love.

You'll transmit this uh if it's approved tonight, it'll be transmitted to Tallahassee next week probably or this week. And um they [snorts] have up to 45 days. That puts us into uh June. Then it comes back for the council to to for you all to look at the comments that the state sent back. Um that puts us into July and August. We're on council break in July and August. Um so really it's not going to be back before us until uh end of August or uh August or September realistically for the second reading. potentially it we may be able to meet the July depending upon again as you noted uh getting it back if there's a lot of comments which I do not suspect it will be um so if there are no comments or very few comments we would be able to staff would be able to quickly turn it around and work with administration to get it on the um meeting before break as you noted it will have to be after your But we'll do our best to make it go as fast as possible.

Okay. And then can they amend their C? They have a the CU is a amended at that time or then they have to come back with the site plan approval additionally after that. Correct. That is correct. they can it would be up to them whether they wish to submit and us run their cup along with second reading which we've done before you before. Uh so again it's a matter of timing and when they're ready and then the amount of comments we re we make on their project. So it may not flow on the same timeline as the amendment text amendments

and then they have to submit for site plan approval also which takes a little bit of time. So, realistically, we're possibly looking at the end of the year before this project could actually um get get mo uh um mobilized. It depends. Yes. But I would tell you that probably that would be about right. Okay. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Um Madame Clerk, no, there's no public forum. It's quasi, right? Yeah. All um type F moved for approval. Oh, I'm [laughter] second. I mean type E first.

Yes. I have a motion made by Councilman Charles to approve the item at tab E. The motion was seconded by Mayor Desome. Vice Mayor Timothy, how do you vote? No. Councilman Charles, how do you vote? Yes. Mayor Desome, how do you vote? Yes. Councilman Burns, how do you vote? Yes. Councilwoman Estee Irvin, how do you vote? Yes. The motion carries with a 4-1 vote. Thank you. Tab F. So move. Second. I have a motion made by Mayor Desme to approve the item at Tab F. Seconded by Councilman Charles. Councilwoman Esme, how do you vote? Yes. Mayor Desme, how do you vote?

Yes. Councilman Burns, how do you vote? Yes. Councilman Charles, how do you vote? Yes. Vice Mayor Timothy, how do you vote? No. Motion carries with a 4-1 vote. Thank you. Thank you so much. Um, make beautiful stuff, Miss Tabber. [laughter] [snorts] Thank you. Thank you. Um, the discussion. Um, discussion regarding the contribution to the Police Athletic League PAL building.

Yes. Um, they I see the chief coming. I think Councilwoman Estimator Irvin, I think you you that's one of your pet peeves, but I think it started many many years. No, you could come, Chief. Many many years ago. I see Mike um in the back who's um part of PAL. So initially we had agreed there was some discussion that had agreed um many many years ago um and then the item kind of changed but last year I think the discussion started and I know the CRA we had agreed that we would give some of it and then I think the city so um for the what's that building what's the building they still oh the JC's yeah the North Miami JC's in terms so it's my understanding that you guys have a loan for so where are the kids now? Is the programs meeting or since the grandma gula shut down?

Good evening mayor and council shaw chief of police. Um through the manager I serve as the police of police chief as the executive director for PAL. The students are currently housed in the community room of the police department. Lord okay and that's since the grand margles they've been there. Yes. Okay. Thank you. And I know who's the who's the chief uh the the police who's overseeing them. I know Natalie left L. Darbano.

Okay. Thank you. Um and so this discussion is just I think the manager just needed direction. Um the CRA um did agree that they will give half which will be 75 and 75 the 150 and you guys secured. So the total project I believe is 400,000 to repair. Yes. The total project cost is $400,000 and a $250,000 construction loan has been secured. Secure. Okay. So that that was that that's the discussion um in terms of that. So what's the gap funding? What's the remaining that is needed? The remaining is 150,000 that's needed for the construction. And what about overall maintenance of the building? Who will oversee that?

It would be the PAL program. Okay. And you guys have, I guess, money budgeted to cover maintenance, cleaning, all that good stuff as well. So, I will get back to you on that. Um, I know that we are budgeted $95,000 per year for PAL. Yes. Yeah. So, I will program. Yeah. For the program, I will see how much it is to oversee the program and I can get that information to you. I think that also needs to be included. um when we think about you know making repairs to buildings often time maintenance and the other costs are deferred or not even included. So madam

man I have well yeah I'd like to state something first of all I just want to remind everyone that I used to actually be the secretary for the PAL board how um the police athletic league is is is something that I fought for and and support. Um, if you remember, um, maybe you would remember, not sure about you, Kevin, I don't think you were on the dice at the time, but I was not even elected, but I fought for us to get a million dollars. I think we got a million dollar from Biscane Landing, and this is was we were supposed to be

um have our own building and then after that, we said that we would be in Cadney North. So um that's where I expect that PAL would be that we that it would be at our our facility the the second phase of our facility. So I you know I honestly think that that's where we should be putting all our of our efforts to build a space there for them like I believe we had talked about before where are you saying Kag Park North. Wait wait wait wait a minute I'm I'm I'm lost. Um so right now so how many kids we have um in the program currently? There are 12 kids in the program currently

because we don't have the space. Um correct I'm so Kagney North. Um are you saying the the one that's that's the construction that's about to Madam Manager? This is for you. The SE No, [clears throat] but the second phase we don't even have the money yet to even start talking about the second phase. Um, so I I mean we can't I think that would be if we need a bigger space that could be part of the budget or the inclusion of that. Um, but to so what what are we saying? Mr. Mayor. Yeah. Yeah. Sorry. Hold on. No, no, let me ask. Yes. I'm sorry. And then Yes. Okay.

Councilwoman. So I' I'd you know I'd like to have further discussion with the city manager on where like I like [clears throat] I mentioned I think K needs [cough] needs a home. I'd want to go into further discussion like like I I understood it that they would have their home in Kagney Park. I get I I get that they need a home now. So let can if we could allow me to have that conversation through this administration and then I guess she'll bring it to you guys.

Okay, that's fine. But the only thing that this has been ongoing for the kids for many many years um in terms of the [clears throat] the proposed location because they have been we gave them up we gave them to use the Grand Margolas it's been you know here and there um but when the JC option came this was about three years ago and I believe councilwoman you kind of championed that idea in terms of the JC. Um, and then we kind of talked about um the JC being so that's not true. As a matter of fact, I have some concerns about

ownership and and I've had some concerns that I talked about a long time ago that I didn't even think that we kind of ironed out. But that's another story. That's not the point. I you know I I want to again I want to emphasize I actually want a permanent home for pal you know but this would be that permanent home right is it's my understanding do do you guys Mike I know you back that do they own the building the the the JC's would it be donated or oh donated I thought yeah Mike if you don't mind coming forward no leave him Mike no it's okay Mike but do do you guys own the building or It's a lease. It's a lease. Okay. 30 How many years?

Okay. Okay. You're getting it, Mike. There you go. Thank you. 99. It started out as a 99 year lease with the JC's, North Miami Junior Chamber, and then it was converted over to the Police Athletic League.

Okay. So, the only reason that I I say that, Councilwoman, and I think we we should you know, pursue the Kagny Park bigger location to serve more kids in the community, but we can't be the city of North Miami and for for for 180,000 whatever the amount might be and they've been asking just to repair the buildings for the kids and now we we we just I didn't know if this was going to be a controversial item because trust me, I would not have that was not the purpose. It's just like we're trying to do something with the kids. We not talking about the kids here. [laughter] So we the Kagny Park project the second phase. We don't know when that might be and I don't know if any of us will be on the council when that started or finished whatever the case is. So I and I'm not opposed to it. In fact, I like that idea. But if these folks got a loan to do the thing and they need 150 from us and then we're not even

Mr. I believe it or I know that we're not saying that we have money for the second phase, but myself and this administration has been diligently looking for funding for the second phase and I I I intend that that second phase will be before my term is up. That's for sure. So I'm so I just want to let you know I mean I don't know if you were briefed on that or not. We are actively looking for dollars for the sec second phase. I just I just want to say that I've been I've been doing that aggressively. Yes. I know. What's the capacity for pound? I know you said you have 12 kids now. What's the capacity that you guys are? So, we've had upward of 25 kids in the past. Oh, okay. Yeah. Is there a max that you guys normally No. No. Okay. Yes. Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor.

Yes. Um,

at one point in time when the new schools were built, a parcel of land was in the north corner of the existing um high school. um the maintenance shed area was set aside and that's where the PAL building was supposed to go at one time. The city did allocate a million dollars to it. That went by the wayside. Um and then the [clears throat] PAL program made the deal with the uh the JC's and acquired this building because it still had 35 years left on the lease. The PAL program has a loan commitment that will expire. Well, hang on. will will expire. Also during the budget process, you and I had proposed putting money into the budget. Both the CRA budget had allocated money and we had a conversation about and passed in the budget for the I believe that the the PAL money. I thought it was 150 just from the city, but the manager told me it was 75 from the city and 75 from uh the CRA. So the funding is there. the conversation that's been had that PAL has been looking for a home for for many many years now and if they go ahead and make the improvements and it's a functional community center we can never have too many improved city facilities especially in that area um of underserved and at some point in time if phase two comes about which I hope it does at Kagny Park North and we can build a uh PAL program um enhancement but that's years away but in the anytime you have to house your kids, expand your program, and that building is there for us. Um, I just don't want to, you know, there's people who would love to see a bunch of town houses along that property, which uh I would be opposed to. I know we want to make some improvements to the the uh senior citizens there. Uh possible pickle ball courts, basketball courts all along in

there. So, there's a lot of stuff happening in that area, but it should be they should stay within the community benefits, community uh facilities, and what better way than having the kids there. Um, it's centrally located. It's not that expensive in the realm of things of of making a facility available. Again, the the building is theirs, the lease is there, the funding is there, and hopefully within the next if uh we have this discussion and move forward um by the end of the new school year, you might have a new home for the the PAL program and we see what the future brings three, four years down the line. But we have to deal with what we have in front of us, what our economic means are right now. And again, [clears throat] the PAL program went out and secured a construction loan and um they're moving forward. They're getting sponsors and so forth. So, um they're doing their part. We need to do our part as a city. Thank you.

But and I and I the councilman might want to say a few words, but as an educator, let me just say this and and and I'm going to go ahead and go and mad vice mayor, you could finish um the meeting. We got to be careful. And you know, this is something for the kids. I do not I don't even have no kids, but I'm an educator at heart. I've been teaching and I know about kids. And if you when the chief said the kids are meeting in our community room, I think all of us should be opposed and want to do what we want to do. This is for the kids. And for us to I'm embarrassed and I'mma leave. For us to be sitting here to be talking about $150,000 for the kids for PAL our program and something that we all have been on, you know, on on the thing of doing. It's embarrassing. And I and I know people are watching and and I want to be on the right side of of this thing because this was not and this is not a vote by the way or anything. this was just direction to say, "Oh, okay. This is fine and just move on." And for us to talk about, you know, deferring this and and this this is really really really bad. And and and and and I respect everyone. Um but I I think we need to whatever the whatever we I don't know, madame manager, if um when we you're doing your briefing, you let folks know of these items. Um because this is this is this was not expected from me. Um

manager, you me you were going to say something when the councilman was talking about the money. Is it in the budget or is it not? I don't know if you want to take question. No, it didn't make it into the budget which was why we were in this conversation and when he said the 150 then there was a conversation which was outside of this meeting with the CRA about whether or not they could fund a portion because it was outside of the budget. And so I just had that conversation when it first came up. So the CRA is willing to put forth. You said what the 75 I haven't That was informally. Yes, that was the conversation from when I gathered my whole the whole 150. Is

Yeah. Yeah. That when I first, you know, when they came to me about it, I think it was either us or them that was given the 150. And it was never a question. And I I jokully say, "Well, maybe we should just split and they're like, "Okay, this is better for whatever the case is." So, I really didn't remember because it's been ongoing. So, and and if the vice may you know, maybe this is a conversation we have on the CRA side. If the city needs to find additional funding for um you know, for other projects, I think the CRA is more than capable of taking this 150. So, Madame Manager, if we need to bring it before you identified $75,000 that the city could contribute

if you voted on it. I was going [laughter] to look for it. That that was and that was the reason I was like it was a lot less for me to look for if I had the informal conversation just to make it happen. But it wasn't like we identified it. Obviously, if you vote for it, we look for it. But that was and I kind of remember what the the mayor had put forward during the budget process and u I as like him, I thought that the the city was putting up the whole 150 and the fact that it didn't get in the budget, it it is what it is. Um but um um I know that they need for the PAL program to move forward. Um that the bank and part of the loan is they want to see that the city has uh skin in the game.

Councilman, respectfully, this is our program. This is the kids of North Miami

that's run by a police department. So we would be responsible for the $400,000 in terms of that. So when they went out and and and and and secure whatever that they secure um the 150 I didn't know that that's a conversation. So that's where I'm sorry council mayor that's fine. No no thank you. Um I wasn't being I haven't been here long enough to um support Paul Paul from the inception and everything but um since I came in this is a program that I love is our kids and everything and listening to that healthy um discussion because I found it to be uh very enlightening because I'm still learning uh from that program which is uh program that I support and um I think um everybody sitting in here we just speaking the same language we um in support of it and the money is there um either on the CRA side or the city and my manager said she can um dig into um you know dig very deep and find a 75k and then the CR will get the 75k or um however they want to split it. I do believe u we are all up for it and um and we just get this move and then we pass that and

we call it the day. I um councilman I think the vice mayor suggesting which we probably in agreeing the CRA have the 150 and we could the interest that we're getting from the loan is more than 150. There you go. There you go. So I think that that that that at least for our kids um think think I think we got the the only thing sitting in here we have to uh make sure that we have that conversation with the CR and then we said that the money is there and then they give us something else. I think Yeah, I think but when do they have the Yeah, I think the CRA we we we could do what we do. Um but okay. Um thank thank you ma'am. Thank you chief. You the executive director. You should come up with the money.

Well, I'm here because Dave Bernie is the president in this not here. No, no, thank you. Thank you, Chief. Um Dave Bernie and all that 2 million with the women's business fund. He need Oh, please. Dave, that is [laughter] conversation. But he's just uh I think we had he was the chair. Who was that? Okay. Thank you. Um discussion. Oh, no, no, no. We said we said the CRA Oh, yeah. I said the CRA. Yeah, we said the CRA would will, you know, we'll do what we do. Um, where are we with this thing? Madam vice, my head is already um Oh, discussion um

discussion regarding the acquisition of a real estate property for the building department. So this is um this discussion I'm bringing forward is um the building department has been looking for expansion and to make some um changes in how we have the building department. Okay. Um and so what we wanted to come bring here is that we need to go and look look for property to acquire. Um, and so I'm just asking for the board's direction that allows us to go out and look for property to acquire and any contract we would just bring back um to the council at that time. So this is just authorization to move forward with. Yes.

Okay. Vice May form of a motion. Do we need to do it in form of a motion or do it in form of a motion? Yes, we can. Can I get So, I move that we um allow the city manager and the city attorney to go and acquire property for a building department and to negotiate it and bring it back to us. Do we have to open a public hearing? We do. Mr. [clears throat] Attorney, can you restate the motion because people are talking over you? Sure. So, I I'd like to move to give authority to the city um administration, the city manager, and the attorney to um acquire property negotiated and and for the building department um and to bring it back to acquire and negotiate to acquire negotiate.

Okay. Discussion, madam uh vice mayor. Um, the question was to go out, the way I was briefed on it was to go out, identify some properties that were for sale and then come back and tell us what it might cost, what the conditions of the building are, where they would be, and what to do with it. But to give a blanket authorization to come through right now to acquire

uh to do that um is is not a prudent. Um, again, the the staff can go out there, find five, six properties, three properties, and come back and say, "We found three properties we would like to to consider." Um, it's already been recommended on a couple properties that uh they've identified. Um, some may need to repair, some may not, but to just say that the the manager and the city attorney are authorized to execute and purchase, that would be kind of uh concerning, even though have to come back for the dollar amount. No, let me have um madam manager respond to him first if you may. Madam manager, you should go. Madam manager.

Oh, I just the concern that we have is that we're in a real estate market place. So, if I get opportunities and um bring them here, that means we could be bought out and sold out of those opportunities. So, that's the issue, right? We have a market where we see the properties we we we have already looked at and planned out what would fit um the building department, but it would not make good sense to bring back a bunch of different properties and then actually probably get an outbid on the properties that are our favors before we go ahead and do that. So we that is the reason why we are looking at that. And don't you have a timeline on this money as well? We also do have a timeline like if we do not um

if we do not spend this money, we will have to return it to the state and it's by September. So, um before the end of the fiscal year. So, we need to negotiate, we need to find a property, we need to move forward. Um you can say no if you don't want us to do that property and we go out and look, but bringing back multiple properties is not going to serve us well in the real estate market to purchase a property. Thank you, Councilman.

No, no, that's exactly uh my point. [clears throat] Um madam manager you just touch it correctly because in the real estate market in that real estate market every second is like you can easily lose an opportunity. The money is there we don't need them to come back every minute and then if we have our city manager we have a city avenue we should trust them to make um good um good and informed decision on behalf of um our city. I do believe um it is way better to give them the the um authority to go go ahead and and um do what they got to do in order for us to um you know acquire property as soon as possible because you can't have something for sale in a minute and then by tomorrow morning um join with all the money just go ahead and acquire that and just keep on moving and and they have to come back come back to us every and we don't we don't meet every day. So that is uh that was my uh my point. That's that's an issue.

Okay. Let me let me let me open up public hearing before moment. Public hearing is now open. Okay. Public hearing is now open. Seeing none. Public hearing is now closed. Oh, were you coming up, sir? Oh, you can come up. Thank you. No, this is for this item. For this build? Yeah. Building item. Okay. Public hearing is now closed.

Okay. Um, just to follow up with that, are are you implying is is this council implying that the manager can go out, find a piece of property and execute that contract, whether it's 2 million, 3 million, or 5 million, or would she have to come back and get authorization to spend that money and do you buy a building? Um, such I know the North Miami market pretty well, being a licensed broker for the last 25 years. Um, North Miami is not that hot of a market for what we're the type of property we're looking for where we're going to get beat out overnight because of a a piece of property. If you haven't seen the reality of financing for projects, we have all kinds of projects in the city that are approved. They're not moving anywhere because financing is very tough and the market is not as hot it was once was. However, um if we see an opportunity and the manager thinks it's it's good, it doesn't we meet every two weeks that two weeks isn't going to kill the deal and then you have another three to you know 30 to 45 days for due diligence for the the review process. So, um I think just uh uh it's not good stewards on our part just to give a blanket. I I again will stress that they should identicize some properties and then say, "Listen, it's going to cost us $3 million and it's going to cost a million dollars of renovations or it's going to cost us $5 million and we have to make the decision of spending millions and millions of dollars and not the city manager because ultimately it's our decision um to do that and we need to go very carefully forward with it and not uh reg relinquish um our authorization is the way I look at it.

Mr. City attorney, did you have something to add?

All I was going to say is on a real estate deal like this, I mean, I don't think the manager was suggesting that one day you guys would wake up and the city would own a new building for millions of dollars and you guys would know nothing about it. I think the idea is um we're going to identify a property. We're going to enter into some sort of an agreement with the property owner. um during that period of time where you're doing your due diligence, there should be a council meeting in between there where we can come in, we can brief you uh privately and let you know about the building. And if for some reason, and I can't imagine why, um you all decide we don't like that building for whatever reason, usually you can put something in the uh agreement that says it's it's contingent on the council's uh um approving it, and then you just don't go forward with the deal. So, I think we're all saying the same thing. I don't think, again, I don't think anyone's going to wake up one day and find out that the city of North Miami, the manager just bought a, you know, multi-million dollar building without you guys knowing about it.

Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman, I'm sorry. Thank you so much. Um, you know, I respect all my colleagues opinion and thank you for sharing your opinion. I just want the public to know that our city manager is is cheap. [laughter] She's going to fight for every penny. She's not going to waste every You see the audience is laughing. we know that she's fiscally responsible and she's not going to. So I have the very I have a full confidence in her judgment and along with the city manager to make decisions on our behalf that's going to come in front of us. So um trust me public if you're listening are we have a very fiscal responsible um city manager and so I'd like to call this out of the red right it was moved and second right?

Yes. Yeah. Motion made by Councilwoman Minister May Irvin seconded by Councilman Charles. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Post. Item passes with a 3-1 vote. All right. Citizen forum. This is when you can come up, sir. There's two mics. Your name. Any preference for my No, whichever one you prefer. Name and address for the record, please.

Uh, my name is Robert Waxman. W Axm. My address is 13290 Biscane Bay Terrace. Zip code is 33181. Safety. Keep that word foremost in your mind as I speak. My neighbor has a generator in his front yard. Clearly a code violation. That generator sits on a trailer, also a code violation, for over 10 years. I don't care about the code violations. That's not why I'm here. Three years ago, Crystal Patterson, who used to head code enforcement, saw the generator and trailer, and she started the citation process.

Yours, right?

And she she left shortly thereafter. Magistrate Smith finally heard the city's complaint last October, ruled against the neighbor. Read the transcript or listen to the audio from the hearing. He was angry because it turns out that generator was never permitted. Let me repeat, the generator was never ever permitted. The wiring from that generator was never permitted. The electric box that the generator is connected to was never ever permitted. I'm here because that electric box directly touches the hedge that runs along the property line very close to three bedrooms in my house. Fire hazard. safety. You can clearly see all of this from the sidewalk or the street in front.

So, that's the time. I'll give you another 20 seconds if you wrap it up. Uh, I have pictures that I've emailed to council members and the manager. I'm here because I want my city to protect me and my family from a safety hazard stemming from this not permitted generator and the related electrical wiring before something tragic happens. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Waxman. I believe you sent us an email. I don't think the pictures were submitted in the email that you sent over. Um but I'm What do you need me to do in order to put it in good form? I'll allow your council person for your district to respond. um if you would like to maybe reach out to his office directly.

Um Mr. Waxman has uh sent uh many pictures. I've had a conversation with the city attorney's office and code enforcement and with the manager's office. Um I believe there's a fine accumulating every day, either $100 or $500 a day um on that property. Um because uh I've been told because it's Homestead, there's not a lot we can do. But um the you speaking out again tonight, I appreciate that. I understand your concerns. I'm right there with you. And uh it's it's a shame that um somebody has been violating our codes for all this time, accumulating hundreds of thousands of dollars in in violation fines, and yet nothing has happened. So I apologize that you have to live with that um uh situation.

Can something be done? Can something be be done about that? It's a safety hazard. I agree with you. We'll have a conversation with the city attorney's office again of what mechanisms are available. Okay. Thank you.

Thank you. Citizen form is still open. Citizen form is now closed. Reports. We'll start with the city clerk. Just a big thank you to folks who came out to the volunteer week reception today. We had a very small reception but a very nice one. So, thank you all for coming and thank you all to the volunteers who continue to support our city. And on May 14th, we are having our mobile tax collector event. So, I encourage everyone who needs to renew their license or get a license, ID, handicap permits to please stop by the event at the North Miami Public Library. And of course, we still do passports. Summer's coming. Y'all want to be on a boat in Sanrope and no passport. So, make it make sense. Come to the office of the city clerk and we'll go ahead and do that for you. Thank you. [snorts] Thank you, Councilman Burns.

Just want just want to say thanks the uh city clerk for hosting the uh event that she had earlier today recognizing the volunteers. Um also I understand that the the district 4 and the district 2 cleanup and uh program for Earth Day was very very successful. Uh understand that hundreds of trees were given away and lots of things got cleaned up. So, it's a council people are doing good work out there. Um, but uh, every day is Earth Day in North Miami, so anything you all can do to help keep North Miami clean um, is appreciated. Um, that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Pierre French Charles.

Thank you very much, uh, Vice Mayor. I just want to say thank you to, uh, our D4 resident for coming out last Saturday for Earth Day cleanup. It was fun. We had a lot of fun. Bags of bags of um trash and everything. Um make us very happy that we uh left the park like cleaner than we uh found it. Just want to say thank you to uh our city administration and the manager. Thank you for your support and everything. And I know um we push but uh you answer. Just want to say thank you John. Thank you very much um for everything that you guys do um just to make sure that that um Saturday was a complete um success. Our parks department I cannot say um just close my eyes and not saying thank you um to you guys. Um our assistant city manager came out and um jump into the cause and help out catch I just want to say thank you. Thank you to uh each and every one of you our police department. Um thank you and uh it was fun. Love it. Um I think cannot do it every year probably every um 6 months because so so much fun out there and people love it. Thank you. Uh looking ahead I would like to invite each and every one of you our resident um district for resident to come out um this Friday May 1st for our Northwest 7th Avenue cultural arts and innovation over district. It's a long name. Um, symposium taking place at the JCC, uh, 1525 Northwest, 135th Street. It's going to be fun. We'll start exactly at 11:30. Just be there. And, um, there will be a lot of information, great panel waiting for you, a lovely keynote speaker, and the food. I heard that the food going to be good. So, please be there. And we're just going to have fun together. Um,

since we're not gonna be here and I'm gonna have fun, I just want to say um to all of you um happy single de Mayo because we're not going to be here. We're not going to get to see you day to have fun. And um to a very very good friend uh somebody I love and respect. I just want to say happy early birthday to councilwoman Mary Ste Irvin. We love you and have fun and just keep on having fun. Thank you very much. Thank you. All righty. Go ahead, birthday girl.

Ah, thank you, um, Councilman Pier Fron Charles. Um, good evening everyone. Um, just, um, excited to let you know that Friday, May 1st, we're going to be celebrating, um, Haitian Heritage Month. Um, there are a lot of fun activities for neighbors, for employees, um, for everyone. So, please look at the calendar. I don't you know next meeting I'll start to site a lot of the meeting but there's going to be dancing there's going to be cooking there's going to be a lot of activity so that you understand and get to enjoy um the the the Haitian culture. I want to already thank the committee that has been putting their hard work especially Steven Marcales this year is the chair. Um so please um go on northmiami.gov/ceelebrate /ceelebrlebrate to follow um all of the activities that will happen. And that's all the announcement I have for tonight. Thank you.

Thank [snorts] you. And happy early birthday, Councilwoman Mary Esme Irvin. And thank you, Councilman, for reminding me that on Saturday, uh May 2nd, we'll be celebrating Cinco de Mayo at El Kyosco with a block party from 4 to 10:00 p.m. in the city of North Miami. Um just want to say thank you to everyone who attended our Black Maternal Health Symposium. Um and of course Earth Day and to our residents, just a teaser, um it'll be coming out in the next couple of days or weeks. Um the TR the tree trimming grant um tree trimming and tree removal grant that this council approved will be launching in the next couple of days. It is open to all residents up to $1,000. But the caveat is is that we don't have the subcontractor. You will have to find your own subcontractor to remove your tree or to trim your tree if you are applying for this grant. um that way it removes the city from the liability, but we will pay the contractor directly. We'll be working with communications to roll that out for all residents um in all four districts to apply for the North Miami tree trimming and tree removal grant named after J Mueller who calls every day and city manager or city attorney.

No report. No report. Praise the Lord. Um, just wanted to let you all know that we had all the extra the extra pins that you asked ordered. So, you have them there so that you can uh give out to special residents or um and then also I just wanted to wish my husband a happy birthday today while I'm here at the meeting [laughter] and I'm very happy it's ending soon. So, you kept it short on purpose. Oh, no. Uh, not just picking up on that, if I may. Uh, Vice Mayor, before we go, I just want to say happy birthday to, uh, uh, Brian. He came out Saturday and help. He was like busy working with me and I have some pictures. Happy birthday.

We don't get the birthdays of the employees anymore. We used to get that so we can shout people out. But, um, there is a list. Birthday card. Okay. Well, you get the list, but personnel used to email, you know, everyone the list, you know, whose birthday it is, so we weren't being too hard on them. You know, they had their apartment maybe for that day. Well, happy birthday to all of the April, you know, everyone. Well, it was my daughter's birthday, so [laughter] yes. Second. Second. Motion tojourn by Burns, uh, Councilman Burns, seconded by Councilwoman, sorry, Vice Mayor Timothy. All in favor? All oppose? Time is 9.