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02-03-04 Item 1x 1 City of South Miami 2 Regular City Commission Minutes 3 January 20, 2004 4 5 CALL TO ORDER: 6 7 The City Commission of the City of South Miami, Florida met 8 in regular session on Tuesday, January 20, 2004, beginning at 7: 9 59 p.m., in the City Commission Chambers, 6130 Sunset Drive. 10 11 A. Roll Call: 12 The following members of the City Commission were present: 13 Mayor Horace G. Feliu, Vice Mayor Mary Scott Russell and 14 Commissioners David D. Bethel, Randy G. Wiscombe and Dan McCrea. 15 16 Also in attendance were: City Manager Maria V. Davis, City 17 Attorney Luis Figueredo and Acting City Clerk Maria M. Menendez. 18 19 B. Invocation: 20 Commissioner Bethel delivered the Invocation. 21 22 C. Pledge of Allegiance: 23 The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison. 24 25 D. Presentation(s) 7:00 p.m. 26 27 1. Presentation by Mayor Feliu - "Interval International" 28 Proclamation and Key to the City 29 30 Mayor Feliu presented a Proclamation and Key to the City to 31 representatives of Interval International to acknowledge it for 32 its contributions to the community by providing disadvantage 33 families with Thanksgiving food baskets, as well as for its 34 generous sponsorship to our annual toy drive. 35 36 2. Presentation by the Dept. of Environmental & Research 37 Management (DERM) pertaining to the "Canal Dredging 38 Project" 39 40 A presentation pertaining to the Canal Dredging Project was 41 delivered by Design and Construction Manager, Marina M. Blanco - 42 Pape, P.E. from DERM's Division of Recovery and Mitigation. Also 43 present were Chief Dorian K. Valdes, P.E. and Engineer Frank 44 Crespo. Ms. Blanco -Pape conducted a visual presentation of the 45 project and the Commission was provided with informational 46 brochures. It was explained that the FEMA Secondary Canal 47 Dredging Program was established to dredge canal sediments that REGULAR CITY COMMISSION 1 MINUTES - January 20, 2004 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 accumulated during "Hurricane Irene" (1999) and the "No Name Storm" (2000). FEMA has allocated funding of $235 million for dredging 79 County secondary canals, approximately 200 miles in length. Ms. Blanco -Pape outlined some of the basic benefits of canal dredging such as: Reduce the occurrence of street flooding; Enhance the water quality by removing sediments that may be contaminated; Increase the water storage capacity of canals; and, Promote financial benefits to the community by lowering flood insurance rates for those communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) /Community Rating System (CRS). She pointed out that they have seen savings of approximately $12 million at the County level on this past year due to improvement in the rating system from this program. The Ludlum Glades Canal Repair & Mitigation Work under the FEMA Program boundaries is, from SW 50th Street to SW 88th Street, and from SW 67th Avenue to SW 62nd Avenue. This Project has been awarded $4.52 million, and there is an on -going evaluation to identify any needed mitigation work: Embankment restoration and culvert replacement. The total length of the project is 2.33 miles and completion of construction work is scheduled for the end of April 2004. She said that residents that will be affected have been notified. Mayor Feliu thanked DERM representatives for their presentation adding that this is a very important project because there are many drainage issues within the City. Commissioner Bethel said that he has the Snapper Creek canal running behind his property and has reported numerous times about the sea weeds for instance growing on the canal and nothing has been done. Ms. Blanco -Pape said that she would be more than glad to report it to the proper department responsible for maintaining this canal. Vice Mayor Russell asked as to how the residents are notified. Ms. Blanco -Pape said that DERM had sent letters in both the English and Spanish languages explaining about the survey. As for notification of the construction, DERM had its own staff hand out flyers informing the residents that within 60 days there will be dredging activities, the name of the contractor and also a telephone number for them to get in touch with DERM. Mayor Feliu directed staff to air through Channel 5 all information pertaining to the dredging project for the benefit of the residents. Commissioner McCrea asked and Ms. Blanco -Pape responded that the Broad Canal is not included in the project. Ms. Davis clarified that the City is embarking upon the dredging project REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MINUTES - January 20, 2004 2 1 for the Broad Canal. He also inquired whether the protection of 2 manatees is taken into consideration since they sometimes get 3 stuck in culverts. Ms. Blanco -Pape said that DERM has a very 4 strict program and contractors are instructed to watch out for 5 any manatees. If they see manatees they must stop their operation 6 and wait until they leave on their own. Commissioner McCrea said 7 that this would be a good time to perhaps redesign the culverts 8 in order to prevent the manatees from getting trapped in them. 9 10 Commissioner Bethel said that about three years ago he 11 happened to be looking through the window when he saw a huge 12 manatee, weighing about 800 lbs, and a "baby" weighing about 400 13 lbs. Commissioner Bethel then discovered a scar on the "mother" 14 and reported it to the County. Mr. Valdes explained that 15 manatees should not be fed nor should they be provided with 16 water. They need to find their own feeding area. They should be 17 reported when found injured, however. 18 19 3. Presentation by the Police Department 20 21 Officer of the Year - 2003, Detective Gregory Robinson 22 Officer of the Month - Dec. 2003, Officer Richard Munoz 23 24 Chief Martinez and Assistant Chief Mills presented three 25 awards, Officer of the Year, Officer of the Month, and a new 26 award called the Chief's Award. The police patrol staff must 27 spend the special time during the holidays away from their 28 families, as they risk their lives in an effort to protect and 29 serve the rest of the community. Officer Munoz is a five -year 30 veteran of the department and urged everyone to congratulate him 31 for a job well done. 32 33 Assistant Chief Mills explained that the new Chief's Award 34 is issued to one or more members of the department at the sole 35 discretion of the Chief of Police. This special award is given 36 in recognition of exceptional contribution to the goals and 37 objectives of the Police Department. He then called John Barzola 38 as the proud recipient of the Chief's Award. 39 40 Detective Gregory Robinson was also recognized as Officer of 41 the Year 2003 for his outstanding contribution to the department 42 throughout the year. 43 44 Chief Martinez informed that Casa Larios has donated dinner 45 for all awarded police officers. Mayor Feliu directed staff to 46 honor Casa Larios at a later date for their generous 47 contributions. 48 49 REGULAR CITY COMMISSION 3 MINUTES - January 20, 2004 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 it 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 ITEMS (S) FOR THE COMMISSION'S CONSIDERATION: Approval of Minutes - January 6, 2004 Moved by Commissioner McCrea, seconded by Vice Mayor Russell, the motion to approve the minutes passed by a 5 -0 vote. Commissioner Wiscombe: Yea Vice Mayor Russell: Yea Commissioner McCrea: Yea Commissioner Bethel: Yea Mayor Feliu: Yea 2. City Manager's Report Ms. Davis introduced Mr. Joe Gibson as the new Community Relations Board (CRB) liaison. Mayor Feliu said that he had received a call from Mike Elder inquiring about the next CRB meeting. The Mayor then thanked Mr. Gibson for accepting the position of liaison to the CRB. Commissioner Bethel talked about his concern regarding the trash since people are taking the trash out too far ahead of the pick -up schedule and asked staff to do something about this. He also said that the "No Dumping" signs are consistently being ignored. Ms. Davis said that unless the violators are caught in the act it is very difficult to do any type of enforcement. She said, however, that since the Commissioner reported this, staff is watching very closely. Commissioner Wiscombe said that for the last few weeks he has noticed an increase in signs (garage sale, house for sale, etc.) being screwed into the telephone poles and into trees. He said that something needs to be done about this problem. There being no further discussion or comments, the City Manager's Report concluded. 3. City Attorney's Report Mr. Figueredo informed that the City Attorney had no item to report at this time. There being no discussion or comments, the City Attorney's Report concluded. REGULAR CITY COMMISSION 4 MINUTES - January 20, 2004 1 2 PUBLIC REMARKS 3 (5- minute limit) 4 5 Mr. David Tucker Sr. referred to the political signs that he 6 sees all over the City. He then referred to all the promises 7 that candidates deliver while campaigning and urged them to be 8 willing and unselfish, saying that the working hours of an 9 elected official are not limited to the bi- monthly Commission 10 meetings. He said they should be prepared to listen and to be 11 patient with their constituents, and to appear at the numerous 12 events happening throughout the year where their presence is most 13 vital. 14 15 Mr. George Arellano, founder of "La Finca for Peace" said 16 that he had prepared an award to recognize Officer Henry Guzman 17 who did a fabulous job at the holiday concert at Murray Park. He 18 then presented a Peace Award to his wife, Patricia Arellano, for 19 her outstanding contribution to the community for supporting and 20 promoting peace. 21 22 Ms. Valerie Newman, President of the South Miami Homeowners 23 Association ( SMHOA), requested to air on Channel 5 the 24 candidates' forum which SMHOA sponsored this week. She said that 25 in her opinion the forum was very successful, the candidates were 26 all treated equally, they were each given fifteen minutes to 27 state their platform and to answer questions. The Mayor 28 explained that there is a resolution which would be added on the 29 Agenda tonight to precisely cover that request. Mayor Feliu said 30 that indeed it was a good forum. 31 32 Ms. Marie Birts- Cooper spoke about a concern related to 33 Murray Park. She said that even though the construction is over, 34 the contractor, Dooley Mack, has forgotten to remove the signs 35 and it is becoming an eyesore. Also, she said that the grass on 36 both sides of the fence needs to be mowed. She then announced 37 her candidacy for Commissioner Group II. When elected, she 38 added, she is not going to ask the taxpayers for a hundred 39 percent salary increase. 40 41 Ms. Yvonne Beckman concurred with Ms. Newman that the SMHOA 42 forum must be aired on Channel 5 to provide voters with an 43 objective view of how the candidates feel on certain issues. She 44 then spoke regarding an application for a tree removal on SW 81St 45 Street where the applicant received approval for the removal of 46 one tree, which required to be replaced with four new trees. 47 However, they cut down twelve trees, including three oak trees. 48 She said that several neighbors had reported this and still 49 nothing has been done. Mayor Feliu directed staff to follow up 50 on this violation reported by Ms. Beckman. Commissioner Wiscombe REGULAR. CITY COMMISSION 5 MINUTES - January 20, 2004 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 then referred to another violation of this type which occurred some time ago on Miller Road and where the contractor had been fined. Mayor Feliu, together with the rest of the Commission, indicated that these fines should be revisited in order to make them more severe in an effort to discourage these types of violation since once a tree is cut the damage is irreparable. Commissioner McCrea reminded Ms. Davis about a tree ordinance which she has been planning to introduce. Ms. Sharon McCain concurred with Ms. Beckman about the need for protecting the trees. She then referred to an article on the Miami Herald Neighbor's section on Sunday relating to problems in the Coral Gables Police Department. She brought this up in order to illustrate that other cities have problems, that our City is on the road to recovery and our problems are not unique. Ms. McCain also referred to a meeting that Mr. Sherar and Ms. Newman have requested with the City Attorney. Ms. McCain requested that this meeting be held in the open. She also wants to know what are the questions submitted by Mr. Sherar and Ms. Newman. Mr. Figueredo said that Ms. McCain is referring to a public document and that he would be happy to provide her with the information she is requesting. He added that it is more cost effective to hold this meeting at the City Attorney's office and invited Ms. McCain to attend the meeting. Mr. Figueredo explained that neither he nor Mr. Gallop is a public official and that this meeting will not constitute any violation of the Sunshine Law. He then announced that the meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 26th at 10:00 a.m. , and the address for the law firm is 3225 Aviation Avenue, Suite 301. Mr. Dean Whitman referred to Mr. Miller's application to rezone his property on SW 62nd Avenue from NR (Neighborhood Retail District) to SR (Specialty Retail District). He said that nothing in the Charrette Report resembles what Mr. Miller, published of the Community Newspaper, is requesting. He said that in spite of objections by homeowners groups to the Charrette Report, the Report did not change significantly. Mr. Whitman said that before the project is finalized the affected neighbors need to be informed and timely notified of any decisions. Ms. Sarah Tompkins referred to an article in the Miami Herald relating to a study about police take -home cars. She said that the study shows that the take -home cars cost the City of Miami approximately $13,139 a day. She said that this study is a very good source of information for our City to consider. With regard to the take -home cars, Mayor Feliu referred to an independent study conducted by the Herald on the take -home cars and asked Ms. Davis to explain. Ms. Davis said that the Chief is working on a study to get rid of the take -home cars. REGULAR CITY COMMISSION 6 MINUTES - January 20, 2004 1 Mayor Feliu then directed staff to have a report on the take -home 2 cars by the next Commission meeting. 3 4 Ms. Velma Palmer, reminding everyone that she is a candidate 5 for the upcoming South Miami elections, referred to the traffic 6 on Manor Lane. She said that she encountered some neighbors of 7 that area who said they were very concerned about the speeding 8 cars on that street. She then urged the Commission to do their 9 homework. She inquired about the appointment to the CRA Board, 10 however, the appointment is for the CRA Advisory Board, Mayor 11 Feliu explained. 12 13 Mr. John Edward Smith urged the Commission to move beyond 14 the popular rhetoric and focus on the larger vision. He said 15 that South Miami is a gem in the heart of a metropolis and there 16 is no way back to the small town mentality. He asked who the 17 vision keepers of the City are and what the plans are for the 18 future. He pointed out to the vision for our downtown which is 19 the need for infrastructure parking and this is a need that will 20 not go away, he added. He then referred to the revitalization of 21 the downtown. In 1996, he said, the City Commission opted not to 22 tax the downtown property owners to provide full infrastructure 23 building and build out a downtown core, from SW 72nd to SW 74th 24 Rather, the City opted to go with the money that was funded from 25 the Shops at Sunset to reduce Sunset Drive with the commitment to 26 address the whole revitalization of downtown, and where are we 27 with that vision, he said. He then asked what the vision for the 28 SW 62nd Avenue Charrette is. He said he cannot believe that the 29 City gave away valuable parking inventory to residential parking 30 for 24 hours a day. About uniting the east and west sides of 31 Sunset Drive, he said that this would bring a more vibrant town 32 center feeling to the City. Mr. Smith also referred to the 33 City's old promise to make SW 74th Street a more bicycle- friendly 34 area. He spoke of opening SW 73rd straight to the City Hall 35 which will create circular traffic and additional parking 36 underneath the Metrorail. He said that. the stop sign on SW 74th 37 Street at the Hospital is not enforced, and that the street is 38 poorly marked, also the pedestrian crosswalk in front of City 39 Hall is not marked, he added. He then said that in order to make 40 the City more bicycle and pedestrian friendly the Commission 41 needs to have the rules enforced by ordinance. About the pool 42 for Murray Park he urged to consider the cost that will be 43 involved in running the pool. He called this the "GOB" factor 44 (government over budget factor) because he said it is going to be 45 a very expensive thing to do and it is not a fair burden for the 46 taxpayers of South Miami. He then extended his best wishes to 47 Commissioner Bethel on his retirement from the Commission adding 48 that Commissioner Bethel has rendered a valuable service to the 49 community. 50 REGULAR CITY COMMISSION 7 MINUTES - January 20, 2004 Mayor Feliu explained that Mr. Smith had requested to be allowed to speak beyond the five minutes and it was granted to him since he hardly ever speaks before the Commission. Ms. Beth Schwartz regarding to the twelve trees which were cut down and reported by Ms. Beckman earlier, she suggested to send Doug Baker who is knowledgeable about the law and he will take care of it. She then said that the name of the "Booby Trap" which was supposed to be changed to "B.T. Gentlemen Club" still has not been changed. Staff explained that there is a process through the ERPB for final approval of any signage and that might be the reason for the delay. She then said that motorists are ignoring the "Do Not Enter" sign on SW 70th Street just west of SW 62nd Avenue adding that police enforcement is needed at that location. Also, from SW 62nd' Avenue, along SW 69th Street she said that people are parking on both sides of the street and that there are no parking meetings there. Ms. Schwartz referred to the elected officials' salary and said that $3,000 is very little and maybe up to $10,000 would be in order, when the time is right. Mr. Adrian Ellis commended the Commission for appointing Mr. Gibson as the liaison to the Community Relations Board (CRB). He then referred to the swimming pool for the Multipurpose Center. He said that this is an important project since it has been promised to the community for long time, and also because there have been many accidents with children drowning while swimming in the canals. Mr. Ellis then commended the SMHOA for the fine job in conducting the recent forum. Finally, he announced his candidacy for Commissioner in Group IV, urging people to support him on February 10th by touching number 14 on the ballot. Vice Mayor Russell asked the City Clerk for information regarding Early Voting. The City Clerk informed that Early Voting will take place the week of February 2-6, f rom 7:00 a . m . to 7:00 p.m. The Miami -Dade County Office of Elections will be in charge of this and the only thing for voters to bring is their voting registration card and a photo ID. The County applies the same rules mandated by Florida Statutes to Early Voting as to Absentee Voting. Early Voting will be held in the Conference Room across from the,City Clerk's office. After there were no further comments, the public remarks were closed. REGULAR CITY COMMISSION 8 MINUTES - January 20, 2004 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Moved motion to 4 -0 vote. CONSENT by Mayor Feliu, seconded by Commissioner McCrea, the defer item number 5 in the Consent Agenda passed by a Commissioner Wiscombe: Yea Vice Mayor Russell: Out of the Room Commissioner McCrea: Yea Commissioner Bethel: Yea Mayor Feliu: Yea Resolution No. 11 -04 -11790 4. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, RELATING TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES; APPOINTING DAVID F. SAVERS TO SERVE ON THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TWO YEAR TERM ENDING JANUARY 19, 2006; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 3/5 (Mayor Feliu) S. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT AND ALL APPICABLE DOCUMENTS WITH PROPERTY BUREAU, INC. FOR ON -LINE AUCTIONING OF SURPLUS ITEMS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S PROPERTY AND EVIDENCE ROOM AND PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 3/5 (City Manager) 6. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH MIAMI SHORE POLICE DEPARTMENT, VIRGINIA GARDENS POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND MICCOSUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE WIRELESS ACCESS TO THE FLORIDA CRIME INFORMATION CENTER NETWORK AND TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 3/5 (City Manager) 7. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ELECTION; APPOINTING PERSONNEL TO STAFF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI GENERAL ELECTION BEING HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2004; DISBURSEMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,600.00 WILL BE CHARGED TO ACCOUNT NO. 01- 1200 - 512 -4920 ENTITLED "ELECTION "; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 3/5 (City Clerk) REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MINUTES - January 20, 2004 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Moved by Commissioner McCrea, seconded by Commissioners Bethel and Wiscombe, the motion to approve the Consent Agenda passed by a 4 -0 vote. Commissioner Wiscombe: Yea Vice Mayor Russell: Out of the Room Commissioner McCrea: Yea Commissioner Bethel: Yea Mayor Feliu: Yea ORDINANCE (S) SECOND READING PUBLIC HEARING (S) (None) RESOLUTION (S) /PUBLIC HEARING (S) (None) RESOLUTION (S) Moved by Commissioner McCrea, seconded by Mayor Feliu the motion to add the following two items on the Agenda passed by a 4 -0 vote. Commissioner Wiscombe: Yea Vice Mayor Russell: Out of the Room Commissioner McCrea: Yea Commissioner Bethel: Yea Mayor Feliu: Yea 8. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ELECTIONS; PROVIDING FOR DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY OF CANVASSING COMMITTEE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 3/5 (City Attorney) Moved by Commissioner McCrea, seconded by Mayor Feliu to approve this item. Mr. Figueredo explained that the Charter provides that the canvassing committee is comprised of a majority of the City Commission and the City Clerk; however, because of the participation of the commissioners as candidates on this election, this resolution is being proposed to avoid any conflict of interest with their duties as members of the canvassing committee. REGULAR CITY COMMISSION 10 MINUTES - January 20, 2004 I Commissioner McCrea concurred with Mr. Figueredo, adding 2 that the proposed resolution will serve to eliminate any conflict 3 of interest on this election process since the canvassing 4 committee counts the votes, but that this issue should be 5 addressed during the Charter process. 6 7 Commissioner Wiscombe said that it is not the canvassing 8 committee the one that counts the votes. The Department of 9 Elections counts the votes and the only thing that the canvassing 10 committee does is to oversee it and make sure that it is done 11 properly and there are no irregularities. 12 13 Commissioner Bethel said that the counting is done by 14 machine and it is run by professionals from the Elections 15 Department. 16 17 With no further comments or discussion, the motion to 18 approve this item passed by a 5 -0 vote. 19 20 Commissioner Wiscombe: Yea 21 Vice Mayor Russell: Yea 22 Commissioner McCrea: Yea 23 Commissioner Bethel: Yea 24 Mayor Feliu: Yea 25 26 9. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE 27 CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ELECTIONS; 28 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO BROADCAST ON CHANNEL 5 29 THE CANDIDATE FORUMS SPONSORED BY THE SOUTH MIAMI 30 HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION AND BY CHAMBER SOUTH; AND 31 PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 3/5 32 (City Manager) 33 34 Moved by Mayor Feliu and Vice Mayor Russell, seconded by 35 Commissioner McCrea to approve this item. 36 37 Commissioner Bethel said that the understanding was that no 38 City employee would be involved in the forums. He also asked who 39 is going to pay to air this on Channel 5. Ms. Davis explained 40 that the Homeowners' Association produced their own video and all 41 they are asking is for the City to put the tape in the machine. 42 Ms. Davis said that all that she is requesting is to air the 43 forum through Channel 5. No City employee is used and no labor 44 is involved other than placing the tape in the machine and the 45 same thing is going to happen with Chamber South when they have 46 their forum on January 29th. Mayor Feliu said that he favors the 47 idea of having the forum shown on Channel 5 for the benefit of 48 those who cannot attend in person. A question was raised with a 49 possible conflict with the CRA meeting scheduled for January 29th REGULAR CITY COMMISSION 1 1 MINUTES - January 20, 2004 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 and the Mayor suggested discussing that issue after the conclusion of this item. With no further comments or discussion, the motion to approve this item passed by a 5 -0 vote. Commissioner Wiscombe: Yea Vice Mayor Russell: Yea Commissioner McCrea: Yea Commissioner Bethel: Yea Mayor Feliu: Yea The discussion to reschedule the CRA meeting resumed at this point with no conclusion. Vice Mayor Russell then requested from staff to provide them with some alternative dates from which to choose. ORDINANCE (S) FIRST READING (S) AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA RELATING TO SOLID WASTE; ADDING TWO SUB - PARAGRAPHS TO SECTION 11 -4 AND AMENDING SECTIONS 11 -19 (a), (b) AND 11 -21 (a), (b) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES ENTITLED "DEFINITIONS ", "REFUSE CONTAINERS" AND "EXTENT OF SERVICE AND POINTS OF COLLECTION "; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 3/5 (City Manager) Moved by Vice Mayor Russell, seconded by Commission Wiscombe to approve this item. Ms. Davis said that because the City is changing to the automated garbage collection system, some of the definitions on this ordinance also need to be changed. She then referred to Sections 11 -9(a) "Refuse Containers," where the words "at property owner's expense" will be removed from the language of the ordinance. With no further comments or discussion the motion to approve this item passed by a 5 -0 vote. REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MINUTES - January 20, 2004 Commissioner Wiscombe: Yea Vice Mayor Russell: Yea Commissioner McCrea: Yea Commissioner Bethel: Yea Mayor Feliu: Yea 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 COMMISSION REMARKS Vice Mayor Russell said good night. Commissioner Wiscombe wished everyone lots of luck in the upcoming election and urged the voters exercise their right to vote and also to follow Ms. Palmer's advice and do their homework which is very important. Also, he congratulated Commissioner Bethel for the award he received at the Martin Luther King celebration, adding that Commissioner Bethel has truly been a pillar in our community and again congratulated him for the service and all the good things he has done for the community. Commissioner McCrea said good night. Commissioner Bethel said that the next Commission meeting will be his last, he will no longer be on the dais but he will be here in the City. He then mentioned that he attended an event yesterday at the Radisson, where at one time it used to be 500 role models and now has grown to 5,000 role models. He said . to have found diversity there, and that the speaker is a chaplain who spoke just as Martin Luther King. Mayor Feliu also congratulated Commissioner Bethel for being the recipient of such a prestigious award and thanked the Episcopal Church of Christ in Coconut Grove for recognizing Commissioner Bethel. He then reminded everyone about the Early Elections from February 2 -6 and urged everybody to take advantage of this opportunity. There being no further business to come before this Body, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M. Approved Attest Maria M. Menendez Acting City Clerk REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MINUTES - January 20, 2004 13 Horace G. Feliu Mayor