_hcCity of South Miami
Special City Commission Minutes
March 27, 2012
A. SILENCE OR TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES
B. ADD-ON ITEM{S)
C. ROLL CALL
D. MOMENT OF SILENCE
E. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
DRAFT
F. LOBBYIST{S) ADDRESSING THE CITY COMMISSION TONIGHT MUST HAVE BEEN
REGISTERED WITH THE CITY CLERK
G. PRESENTATIONS
The following members of the City Commission were present: Commissioner Harris,
Commissioner Welsh, Commissioner Newman, Vice Mayor Liebman, Mayor Stoddard.
Also in attendance were: City Attorney Thomas F. Pepe, Esq., City Manager Hector
Mirabile, Ph.D, and City Clerk Maria M. Menendez, CMe.
H. RESOLUTION{S)
.1. A Resolution providing the City Manager with instructions on how the City
Commission desires the City Manager to proceed with regard to the proposed
Murray Park Community Pool. 3/5 (City Manager)
Moved by Commissioner Newman to allow the opening for public remarks.
Seconded by Commissioner Harris, the Commission unanimously agreed.
The following speakers addressed the Commission with their personal opinions
regarding the issue of the proposed community pool: Sharon McCain, Doris Hall, Antoinette
Fischer, Claudia Hauri, and Eda Harris.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
April 27, 2012
1
Commissioner Welsh spoke about building a pool per a performance bond; then
added that a community pool is good for keeping children out of trouble. He then
recommended adding language to COA3, line 30.
Commissioner Harris said that the City has an opportunity to have two pools built,
with one indoor pool, heated, and an outdoor pool that would be open during the summer; this
pool would enable children under the age of 10 to have free swimming lessons. He then
proposed sending out a letter to every household to respond as to whether or not they would
want a pool, and the details would be explained in the letter.
The motion by Commissioner Harris, seconded by Commissioner Welsh to send out
the proposed straw poll in form of a letter passed by a 3-2 vote (Liebman Nay, Newman Nay).
Vice Mayor Liebman said that he hasn't seen anyone yet coming up with a plan on
how to maintain the pool; he then spoke about an average of how much surrounding pools
charge.
Mayor Stoddard asked staff about the possibility of using forfeiture funds for the
pool operation; the City Manager said that it would have to be approved by the Chief of Police
and among other requirements, there has to be a program that includes everybody.
Commissioner Newman said that she is familiar with AD Barnes Pool and that the
facility has limited availability. She said that the perception out there for the use of the pool
may be wrong because it would not be that easily available, and therefore, the City would be
taking an incredible risk at the cost of the taxpayers for a very minimal use. If the objective is to
teach children to swim, that could be accomplished with minimal risk, she added.
Mayor Stoddard said that after hearing the opinions of the different members of
the Commission, the only way that the pool could be a reality is if a straw poll convinces some
members of the Commission. He then suggested that they do not vote at this time because
they did not have an agreement.
Attest
Maria M. Menendez
City Clerk
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
April 27, 2012
2
Approved
Philip K. Stoddard
Mayor