>> good evening, everyone.
welcome to our chambers again. Today
is tuesday, december 20th . The time is 6:0 8:00 p.m.
, and we are going to commence our city commission meeting. Badham
clerk, can you kindly call the role?
>> board member fleurimond? >> present.
>> board member smith?
>> here. >> board member smukler?
>> here.
>> board member joseph? >> here.
>> mayor anthony defillipo? >> here.
>> you have quorum. >> thank you. Will call up
the baptist church to give our implication.
>> may we bow.
everlasting father, we
pose first of all to give thanks for guiding us
throughout the day , and being able to assemble
here this afternoon. As your blessing upon the agenda
, commissioners, and the mayor , may you climb
the wisdom of understanding, that we make decision for the
betterment of humanity , for standing of life , giving you glory.
such an honor to be made in your image and likeness that we
can create ideas and bring about changes
that were enhanced for the betterment of life. The ask god that you
bless us and bless also the participants, those that are sharing in and
giving suggestion . We acknowledge you and all of our
ways. May he ever present be with us. Amen.
>> amen.
>> thank you very much, reverend burke. Will the
following please stand on behalf of
skyler bock, who will lead us here in the
pledge of allegiance?
>> 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, skyler.
and thank you. I know we have our principal here from fulford
elementary. If you kindly stand up and
be recognized. Thank you for all of your hard work in our community.
thank you, again, skyler. Good work.
all right. We will move on to number four,
which is our request for withdraws, deferments, or any additions
to the agenda. Badham clerk?
>> mr. Mayor , per the
request of board member smukler,
item 1.94, which is the marketing campaign for tourism for
international trading and transportation , the item
will be pulled for discussion . It will be heard before legislation.
item number 9.15 is being deferred to the next meeting
, and that item is approving the interlocal agreement for administrative
services with the community agency.
per commissioner smith, a discussion item
between conflicting city event scheduling will be added as a discussion item,
which will be 15.6.
and those of the only changes that I have, sir.
>> okay.
I would also like to ,
do we have a mayors discussion which I would like to move up after we do
the consent agenda .
okay?
>> yes. >> all right. I need a motion ?
>> aye.
>> commissioner, sorry? >> I would like, mr.
mayor, with your permission, to move the discussion on the financials of
our city up so that it is not the last item
tonight knowing that there is a cut off at midnight.
>> okay. I 15.5?
regarding the finance?
>> yes. >> okay, you want to move that up?
you want to do that after consent?
>> wherever you would like.
>> 15.5? >> after the mayors? >> after the mayors discussion.
>> okay. It's very important that we get that finance
out of the way.
are we good? I need a motion in a second
to adopt the agenda.
>> I make the motion. >> second. All in favor?
>> present. >> aye. >> aye.
>> all post? >> opposed. >> let the record be known that
we have 5-1.
okay. Now we have our presentations.
we have our first presentation is coming from
board member smukler and board member fleurimond , and probably
all of us appear.
>> absolutely. >> at my name, please.
>> please.
>> all of our colleagues can join us.
test, test, one, two.
we would like to invite the mayor and her husband two,
.
you never know who is watching you. I
must say that I have been watching you for
some time. Her involvement in her contribution
-- her contributions to me a
civil government , and also to the board --
[ indiscernible -low volume ]
>> you see this woman here?
she is a role model.
I want to be you.
when I and my career, I want people to say that she is
just like her. The kid around many times , so you would
be my mayor. So, thank you for being an inspiration , thank
you for supporting me , and thank you for being here.
>> [ indiscernible -low volume ] anybody
that is anybody in dade county schools did something for her because they
needed her.
[ indiscernible -low volume ]
>> so, recognizing eden wiseman
is a community advocate and public servant
with the rest of miami-dade county schools for the principal and
--
>> whereas she was the first woman elected as chair of the hospital
at the center board of trustees and served on the executive board
of new world school of the arts, and was honored as a champions
of the citizens interested in arts for her commitment
to preserve the visual arts in south
florida, and --
>> whereas mayor wisner received the esteemed woman award
for miami-dade county for her professional development
with response ability, leadership, vision for contribution to this progress,
and promotion --
>> on the office of the
miami-dade campus as part of a diverse group
of civic business leaders acting as grant ambassadors
and leading a community network achieving community,
and promote and develop strategic fundraising goals .
>> whereas mayor edith wiseman was the first elected mayor
. In 2012 , families and businesses prospered
and thrived earning respect, praise, and admiration
in the state of florida.
now therefore we, the mayor and commission of the great city of north
miami beach, florida do hereby proclaim december 20th, 2022
, as mayor edith wiseman day
, wow! To recognize her years in service of dedicated
and devoted public service. And it goes way beyond
that. High standards of ethical governance , and visionary leadership
caution in the city of aventura.
.
I'm going to pass the microphone to mayor wiseman
in a moment, but I would just like to say from one family to another,
we have worked so, so, so many years together.
I can only tell you that
when she me shut up and listen, I shut up and
listen. You know what I mean, you know?
but she has always been a great mentor , she has always been a great mentor,
a person I look up to, a person who I take much advice from
, and truly a dedicated leader to her city , and to all of the cities
in miami-dade county and everywhere , because she
has played a role in so many lives all
over miami-dade county. Thank you for your service.
>> so, you know, you never give apologies , even a
retired politician .
I hope everyone of you get the experience that I am having tonight
, because all of us touch lives as we pass through this life. And there
is something I want you all to do. Is to take a moment
to look around you. You did not
get there by yourself. There are people behind you that lifted you up when you
were down, that stood by you when you did not feel
like you had a friend in the world.
look behind you.
you miss what is really important and relevant in the
world today. I have to tell you, being a north miami beach is very much
like being home. All of the schools in the city reported to
me. Maria rodriguez, the proud principle of fulford,
the chum the people just have not discovered
yet, but is one of the most amazing, beautiful schools you can imagine
. With one of the finest leaders that I know.
and I will say that of all of the schools.
your mayor could not have said it better. All I ever
had to do, because there is a lot more we have
in common than what separates us.
weather is sustainability , or compliments,
or both , too little to make much of an impact
, unite and come together .
as he said, commissioner, quality and equity are two different words
with two different meanings, and they're both very, very important.
one phone call and what your mayor would
say is all you have to do is call. All you have to
do is ask. I never say no to you.
and I will tell you that that is my relationship with every
person appear. We say yes to each other.
I don't think of things ventura, I think of things
for northeast data.
you have touched my heart and touched
my soul.
I can't thank you enough. I really can't. And I wish everyone
of you the best
to all of you. Happy holidays, christmas, kwanzaa, hanukkah, whatever it is you
celebrate, let the celebrations reach out
to somebody who does not know about your
celebration so we can have a teachable moment.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.
>> mr. Mayor?
mr. Mayor? I just want to personally thank
dr. Wiseman. She was detrimental hurting the first school
, which we negotiated years ago
, and she helped create a new community.
thank you for being a friend and a mentor.
>> and I'm a principal and a teacher
--[ indiscernible - low volume ]
again, when I say this feels like home, it
feels like home.
sometimes, we don't get along.
it is true , but it does not mean that we are not wanted.
I wish everyone the best.
>> our next proclamation is for --
on behalf of the executive team .
so, this club has been very instrumental in our team
, and over the last two years, we've been able to
partner to see this year and last year --1000 books
.
the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself .
is the largest use
organization --the lives of children, one
community at a time , such as fighting disease --to reduce poverty.
>> whereas local chapters and clubs, including northeast miami-dade
have raised essential funds and developed crucial service
and projects to have a positive impact and influence
on the children by nurturing them , and providing
the support they need to strive.
>> whereas qantas north miami-dade has a proud history
giving service to children since 1957.
from babies to readers, and teens to leaders, with
value of the qantas past president ,
known for his tireless advocating.
>> whereas northeast miami-dade has hosted and
sponsored many significant projects and events regarding youth, service leadership
, scholarships, reading programs, book
parties, literacy concerts, backpack and dictionary giveaways, and
baby showers.
>> and whereas qantas north miami-dade leaders
in the early childhood committee to help build important life skills
and foundational first years of the child partnership with
schools and businesses .
>> now therefore we , the mayor, and the commission for
north miami beach claim december 20th, 2022
, as north miami-dade day to honor and
recognize the dedication and commitment to
children's and families throughout the self for
the community within the city of north miami beach.
>> I just wanted to say thank you.
we look forward to an ongoing partnership.
>> next item, 523
, secure underground program --
>> thank you, mayor, commissioners.
david scott, department of public works city
of north miami beach. It is my pleasure to
introduce this project to you . We have a
wonderful relation with pnl, and that is an ongoing relationship.
we call each other whenever the need
arises, we work together, as you know commissioner and mayors
, that we were closely whether it is a hurricane, whether it is a
storm, or just cleaning up the city
with regard to sustainability. So, they have been a great
partner with us, and continue to do so. We have regular meetings with
them to go over any issues that would continue
the coordination. One of those projects I came forward I think is very important
for them to present to this commission and share it
with our general public. So, with thoughts, we have amy
with us from fp and l , and she will continue with the presentation. Amy?
>> so, I am not amy, but before she comes up
, good evening, everyone. My name is christopher,
I am the external areas affair manager for the for the light company.
I wanted to come up are? And is that
you know that we appreciate the opportunity to present on this program with you.
at fpl, we are always working to deliver america's most reliable grid. Just
last week, we removed the last transmission pull from our
fpl legacy system here in the peninsula.
we are towards the end of our hardening program
, and this secure underground program is going to
be working in neighborhoods working on neighborhood
lions to improve service. I mention all those three initiatives
, because that is the way the electric grid works,
right? There is the power plant, it since
over the to listen lines to your neighborhood through your
lateral or neighborhood alliance, right? So, it is our pleasure to be
here today. With that, I will turn it over to amy to walk into
the presentation, and then we will take questions at the end. Thank you.
>> before we continue, I want to go ahead. I know
we had some people walk in, some guests. I know we have the
former mayor barbara kramer, former commissioner
barbara kramer that is here. I was looking at
mayor wiseman and thinking of barbara kramer.
we also have with us former councilman david templer. Thank you for joining
us this evening. Go ahead. Thank you,
amy, I am sorry.
>> thank you so much. No, we appreciate the time and
the collaboration and continued support that we
have with the city. My name is amy, and amended the customer outreach
for the storm secure underground program across the state.
as david mentioned, we have already had many collaboration meetings with
the city.
so, this is a continue communication to make sure
that you, as well as the residence, are informed. Now is christopher mentioned
--to hear an echo to? Think it is a little
-- okay.
hopefully someone fixes it. I will continue.
the storm secure underground program as part of our
larger initiatives to really build that strong and more resilient
energy grid. The initiatives that you see on the screen
are actually many of the items that are part of our store
protection plan that help us improve the reliability of customers
across our entire service territory. So, after all the historic hurricanes
that we have had in the hurricane season, we started
this journey.
after hurricane irma, we had actually seen a significant improvement in our
restoration time , but we still saw that even
though we had implemented a continuous tree trimming and full inspection service
, even though we had been improving with our hardening program, we
saw had more areas to improve and to grow. Many of those areas were
actually in our lateral system where we were
trimming vegetation, but we still had an excess ability ,
or there is still vegetation that was causing impacts to the system.
with that, the storm secure underground program was born after hurricane irma
, and the reason why we are coming to tonight is because
portions of the city of north miami beach have actually
met specific criteria to be able to receive this
underground benefit at no up front cost of
the customers. So, the reason why it is
important to us to provide this benefit or to actually can mitigate this benefit is
because we as a data-driven criteria to actually identify
those neighborhoods and those projects that essentially
will be converted first.
so, we looked at the powerline performance during previous storms, such
as hurricane irma, hurricane matthew, michael.
we also looked at the outage on those lines specifically due to vegetation,
and we looked at the outage and performance on those lines
just on day to day operations. So, these three data points combined over
the span of 10 years actually allowed us to pinpoint those areas across
the state that actually need this program. We
are here today because portions of north
miami beach meet this criteria. We have already been doing work
within the city of north miami beach, but we are continuing to grow and
bring this benefit to more sections. So,
it is a large undertaking , and that is why it is so important
for us to the continued partnership with
the city . We want to make sure that it is clear
that we undergo a significant outreach process with our residents
to make sure that they understand exactly
what this program is , who we are,
and what exactly this will mean to their property, right? As a property owner,
I want to make sure you understand, right? I don't know general construction
if I'm just an average resident. I want to
make sure that is important. We really start with what is called our conceptual
design. So, looking at the engineering parts. What is the
optimal design of this underground project ? Where would
transformers really go if it is inoperable in our
best case scenario? And we turn it over to our customer outreach teams.
my team essentially starts mailing letters
letting residents know that they have been selected
for the program . Our selection criteria is based on the
reliability data of the feeders.
in the specific city, there are multiple the feeders .
we target specific areas.
and then, we start doorknocking. We start making phone calls
to request easements to place equipment on
the property , and let the customers know exactly what
is going to take place.
because we are needing customer easements to
actually bring this project to fruition, you will see the reaction of
a small portion that is also our final design. So, our initial
design and our final design may differ, right? Depending
on the location so we have been able to secure, but also, after
actually understanding any constraints of the projects, any national boundaries,
are there any issues we did not see initially when we first started
looking at the project?
finally, with reach the final design, we actually
go into our permitting stage.
that is where there is a significant partner ship with the city,
right? Want to make sure that we bring as much awareness so you understand
the volume of locates that we might have
to call. You understand the volume of permits
that we may have to request , and you understand really the construction
process and ultimately, we also collaborate on any of the city improve the projects
that you may be having, right? So, we are construction
in the right-of-way, we want to make sure that we understand
any rogue improvements as well that you may
be doing. Ultimately, the following year , which in the project over to construction,
which on average can take four to six month
depending on the size. I want to mention that throughout the customer
outreach process , we mail specific communication to the
property owners.
so, it is important that residents understand all of the communication
goes to the property owners. The information
that we send , almost flyers, if you
will, the collateral, it is in english and spanish, and actually, after feedback
with our initial meeting with the city of north
miami beach, we have actually translated the fact
sheets to creole. So, we now have it available in three languages.
so, the big aspect. What work are we actually
doing within the city? We have actually already
completed work since the program's inception a few
years back . What you see on the screen is the number of
overhead miles that we have converted, and then the customers
benefited. I do want to clarify that the number of customers is actually
households, properties. So, if you look at your old
household, it could've four individuals or five. The impact of the benefits
that we bring to the city of north miami beach is much larger than just
what you see on the screen.
now, we are in active construction, and that is why david mentioned we
have already been on the ongoing partnership, but what I do want to point our
attention to is that, as you look at what we
have previously completed, we are doing in '22, and ultimately, what
we are going to start doorknocking and essentially
designing in '23 and ultimately for p
24 construction, it is continue to increase in volume, right?
we went from a mile, to four, to five. As the program continues
to grow , since is a
decade-long project, you will see that the volume of work will continue
to increase. Not only in the city of north miami beach,
but across the state.
of course, for this, it is important for us to continue
the ongoing collaboration. Now, I want to just show some high-level
maps, and we can certainly follow up with an email after this. I
know it might be a little bit tough to see this on the screen.
this is a general area of the current work that we have. So, this is the
2022 construction.
as well as the 2024 construction that we will be starting to do outreach
in 2023. We did highlight the entire project stuff
all within the area. However, there are small portions
of those projects that fall within miami-dade county jurisdiction . But,
we still just wanted to show you the high-level
volume that you have any general neighborhoods. So, as
a visual representation, I give you all this information of selection criteria
, fact sheets, letters, borders is actually look like for
a customer?
I want to bring attention to the before and after pictures. On the
before, you typically see the average arial transform. That's typically
the back of your home. You have a pull
, you have some type of green cylinder box, and then you
have this line that is running to your home. That is the
service line collecting into the meter can.
that is the average before picture.
some properties and neighborhoods may
have those lines in the front of the property as long as
the reliability criteria is on
that meter, it would still be eligible for the project. So, that is I have
anything to do with the selection.
however, once we have obtained agreement, we have
selected the program projects, you can
see the on the after picture, we would remove that arial
transformer, and actually replace it with
a high mounted transformer in the front of the property. So,
that is the number one change. We remember from the back to the
front to make sure that it gets accessible for us to service throughout the
life of the piece of equipment , but also,
to minimize --
>> so, if somebody has a transformer in their backyard , they will have
a transformer in the front yard?
>> that is correct.
now, not every single home is going to need a transformer.
just like right now, we might have in arial transformer on the back of
every single property, we are just requesting
easements to be able to place those pad mounted transformers in the front
of the properties, absolutely. Now, in
the event that there any other utilities on that poll
, we would top that poll since we are only
underground in our fpl electric lines.
a second piece of equipment that you will notice
is the small connection to the meter box that essentially allows
the service to actually be received from underground. So, two pieces of
equipment, you can see that, of course with us
in proving the reliability, it is also important for us to improve the
excess ability.
this avoids any type of future interruptions to customers whenever we have to
service that equipment. It is our pledge as well that
we have to restore the property to its original condition
. We want to be very respectful of the homes, and we do have a dedicated
team that addresses any of those issues.
now, one of the largest aspects that has been important for
us as well is making sure that residents know
exactly who is knocking on your door, right?
there could be many sales individuals, solar companies, whatever the case
may be. We want to make sure that a resident is aware
of who is knocking. So, beyond the initial
letter that introduces the program , beyond phone calls, we also knock
on doors , and what you see pictured is what the average
customer outreach specialist will look like. So,
they haven't fpl approved contractor vest, they will have some type of fpl logo
uniform to edify them as a proper individual , and you also haven't fpl issued
badge. If there is ever any question from customers
-- I was thinking my time was done!
I am almost done, I promise, I promise.
so, we got the vest, we have the fpl uniform,
we have the fpl badge. A customer every
specialist might also have an ipad to take note of any customer inquiries.
we can also pull customer information and
take note of any property conditions.
if there is any types of concerns on whether the individual is a
valid fpl representative , customers can actually contact the
number that is listed on their fpl bill , as
well as on the letter that would have been mailed to the
property owner. For the work starting in 2023, we
expect outreach to start as early as january. So, you can expect
some of this work to begin soon.
>> just to highlight something that you said
real briefly , whoever is going to have work being done in their house
or in their backyard will not
just get something in the mail, they will get a call?
for bulky medication?
>> that is correct. We try to have at least
three different types of touch points.
the first one is a customer letter that gets mailed
to the property owner, the second one
is a phone call to try to set up a type of in
person appointment and affordable month
program. If we don't receive that, that we will go to doorknocking
as well. So, three different touch points to
make sure we committee with every customer.
>> I have a question. >> go ahead.
>> no one is going to be going inside the
homes?
>> that is correct. There is no need to go inside
the property.
>> it is very important that dataset as well.
>> absolutely.
>> so many things are going on nowadays
, everyone is very cautious.
>> absolutely. That is a very good point, mayor. Of course,
for us, it is crucial that we look at the condition of the meter,
we look at the arial transformer, we look at the overall property
for constraints. But nothing that we service is
really inside. So, we would not have to
go inside the property, yep.
so, just as a high level to understand the construction aspect, we
as a method called directional boring that helps us minimize the interruption
and disruption to not only the property, but also
the general city.
so, we can go as deep as 36 inches, so about three feet, and this helps
us avoid any type of tree root systems, any
other utilities that may be underground.
this is the reason why we call for locates and have to partner with the
city, because we want to make sure that
we properly identify and mark whatever is underground.
however, with this, we are able to avoid open trenching. Instead of opening
up and uprooting
the entire for dictation, landscaping, whatever the case may be, we as directional boring
to help us in initialize that. We do this in
the right-of-way.
in the furry picture, you see that you have the home, and then you
have the grass and the sidewalk. That is still within the private property.
up until that sidewalk is where he would
potentially place a pad mounted transformer. They work with
the property owner to of course move that
into a location that is acceptable to them, but also to us from a
construction perspective. But then, the directional boring takes
place in the right-of-way, which is why we need permits.
we do have additional resources if any residents have any questions or if
any of you have any questions as well.
we do have our no own fpl
website where customers can look at asked questions, media events, previously
completed projects, as well as the communication that
will be emailed or mailed, it's easy.
if there is any interest in any of our other underground programs
that are more city or municipality started , then there
is a separate website for that. I do
appreciate the time . We are here for
any questions. We are more than open to continuing to come back, especially
as we continue with outreach.
>> I think we will have some questions, and I
think it is important if we can get that number
and that email link , and be able to have
it on our website if anybody starts looking for that
information.
>> absolutely. >> they will find it
on our website as well.
>> absolutely. >> commissioner smith, you had your hand up?
and commissioner chernoff?
>> I did.
you said that if the poll has other wires on it from something
from a different company , are you reaching out
to try to tempt it so you can eliminate those poles completely?
>> we have had ongoing conversations with the other utilities to communicate
on the transfer ownership
about our underground efforts. Unfortunately, every single utility is at
their own discretion.
I can tell you that we have made contact and we committee with them on
the ownership of the actual ownership of the poles, but
beyond that , you know, I can't speak to anything.
>> who's poles are they? Electric?
the telephone? Who's poles?
>> it may vary.
I will tell you though that if that
poll was originally owned by fpl , and we remove our electric lines,
we would still maintain ownership
until there is any other type of agreement or discussion with
other utilities. We understand that is a significant concern for the city
and residents.
>> my other question is , and some of
those areas , we hope to one day not have septic tanks.
so, you are placing of this, are you being aware where
the septic tank is? Because we are going to try
to tie up to the sewers.
as you are doing this, trying to follow that plan
as well?
>> you know, I can't speak to that specifically, but I
can get back to commissioner.
>> okay.
that is a very important thing.
>> commissioner david scott, public works. Absolutely, that is
one of the reason we have ongoing commitment meetings.
we have all of our partner agencies in that room
with us.
water is there, code is there, of course, public works and any utility
that is looking to permit within the right-of-way . Our
goal is to coordinate our current work
. Of course, we don't have one agency going and digging of the roadway,
and then come right back and have a conflict later. So, that
is our purpose for bringing fpl into these
meetings, as well as it those other utilities, yes.
>> that is very important. You know, I had experience with moving
that box. I have had experience in the past. Somebody wanted to
purchase a home, and they did not want the box in their backyard.
so, the way worked at the time is you can move
a box if you pay for it, and you find somebody else who was willing
to take it on their property. So, my question is
as you move these to the front , is any
landscaping going to be done?
anything to not go down the sidewalk and look at
these boxes? Anything at all incorporated in this?
>> sure, that is a for concern.
before I fully answer your question, I
do want to clarify that every single property is a potential location for
a transformer.
until it's not. Essentially, we have to run calculations
on how many homes we can actually feed from one transformer.
one of our goals is to make sure that it
is as efficient as possible , and we don't have a
transformer in every single home, right? Aesthetically, that can be
a concern for customers. Now, we actually defy
a viable location, and we have agreement from a resident, we work
with them to of course move it to probably the left or right
side of the property to be able to minimize the visual obstruction
if there is any type of vegetation that may
be requested by the customer. Initially, there is that customer's expense.
but if there is any concern, we like to handle it.
on a case-by-case basis.
>> I must say, it is a big challenge. Fulford
does not have large lots. Many of them have
the garage or carport, or their driveway where they park
, and in the park another car between their property line
and where the car is parked on their driveway. So, if you put one
of those boxes there , they are not just going to have
a different look to their house, they will also lose the parking place.
>> absolutely. I think you bring up a
good point where sometimes, those areas that may be the most
highly populated and condensed are really those that need it the
most. So, we have been working very hard to
ensure that we continue bringing those benefits and look to the constraints
that are faced with in that property , because you're
absolutely correct.
it is a constraints, but I think that is one of the ways that
we try to make sure that we still deliver this benefit
, and try to understand what solutions are feasible even
with those issues.
>> I, for one, appreciate it very much. My last question is when
the money dries up for the ones you have currently identified as your
starting point , will you be expanding
so that we can try to get the community underground?
>> I am so glad you asked that question.
so, I can actually share that as of october this year. During
hurricane in of all times, we received full approval
on the for the public service commission to
have this as a full vetted project. When we initially started
after hurricane irma, you're in a pilot stage. We were learning
and development this. We now have full approval to continue with
this program moving forward. Now, I can tell you
that, because we are regulated by the for the public service commission,
we file on an ongoing basis to ensure that
we show what products have actually been
selected based on the reliability criteria, and then we
go back and say hey, this is what we actually completed what we
are actually able to accomplish.
so, we have full intent to continue moving forward with underground all
5.7 million of our customers if feasible.
>> and what is currently on the table right now, when is the completion date?
>> it is expected to start construction in 2024
. If we receive full customer agreements as well
as permits.
>> something a wonderful plan, and I wish you could get the other utilities
to agree so there is everything underground.
that is a nice goal.
>> thank you, absolutely.
>> thank you very much.
>> you had a question, commissioner ?
>> thank you. I appreciate your bring this forward. My question was answered
, one of them, but when the rest of the city would get
it. You are thing that we all will eventually. All of the six parents
the hurricanes and everything, but this is more to the city manager and
the city.
can we do a job or a better job of making sure that cable,
anyone else on that line, telephone can all
coordinate with fpl's that we don't rip it up
multiple times?
>> yes. As the public works director stated, right now, we
are involved in all of them in the meetings, so we will continue
to do so. Thank you.
>> commissioner smukler? >> thank you,
mr. Mayor. The stop is commenced, we know that. The oak grove area,
I have seen a lot of this work already being done
. In the boxes, you know, a lot of these homes,
the driveway area , and the front yard area
is not really that spacious.
these green boxes, although they may be more efficient as far as, you know,
restoring power and et cetera
, they are a little bit of an eyesore in people's
front yards. But, I have seen a lot of the work
being done already. What I would ask is that
, you know, you commented that all of these holes , and then there is
just dirt and rock. If we can
speed up the process of, you know, making the swells look better
, and putting grass where it needs to
be, that would be the ask, because that is what I
am noticing when I try that particular neighborhood, or those neighborhoods.
and I think aside from that, there was another
question that I had as well relating to fpl, but not this
particular project. When you guys are bringing in new polls
--you don't have an answer?
>> I don't, but I can address that really
question related to restoration.
>> okay, let's
do the first one.
>> agree completely on the restoration.
it's frankly quite transparently one of the challenges that we face,
because when we are actually doing directional
boring and under growling the intersection of the neighborhood, it is not just,
you know, one home, two homes. It can be a significant portion of a
neighborhood or an area. Restoration for us takes place at the end of the project
, because then we are looking at sod, we are looking at what concerns
or maybe , and we want to address everything
at once. I do appreciate the feedback, and if there's anything we can improve
on this year, we definitely welcome it.
I will turn it over to chris, and maybe he can answer the other question.
>> I had another question about the boxes. If there is opportunity
to make them an art project or something
like that? I don't know what's, you know, where your purview is over that,
but I see certain utility boxes that are in, you know,
on an intersection, like a north miami for instance , they have
an art project that they started over there were
these utility boxes are covered with, you know, very good
art from different artists.
I was thinking I might be something that you would want to consider. And
then, for the next question , I can ask christopher.
>> I think christopher is
a guy for those two things. Thank you, happy holidays.
>> no pressure.
>> so, every member couple months ago, I never thing I wanted to talk
to. I am noticing that as we drive, you know, throughout this region that
there are new polls being erected.
however, the older polls are being cut,
and not totally removed.
it is almost excessive to see all of these polls, sometimes
two or three poles back to back. Most of the polls that are being
cut in half don't have any function. Sometimes, what you are
doing with these polls is you are just attaching
some sort of a metal object to it, and running the line,
running the one of the lines through it to seem as if
it has some sort of a use.
but, my question is overall, are you planning on removing
these polls completely?
or is that the way you guys are planning on moving forward
with these poor placements?
>> sure.
if I can go back to your first question
, and then into the second one, and finish with the third, so, any restoration concerns
or complaint that you receive, you can forward
them to myself, or staff can also reach out to the
account managers assigned to north miami beach, and we will get it to
the ssu btm to address it right away, right? As weekly
as he can, right?
>> you've done that before, I know .
>> we try to
do if it can be addressed right away because we are so in construction
and we need to go back to that location for whatever reason, we can
indicate that back, but we will make sure
they have it on their punchlist so they do a before they close
the project out. In regards to the transformer boxes , we do have
a program that has some rules and regulations in terms
of putting a covering on it. We don't cover that at our cause. It would
be something that the city would have to cover if you
do choose to move forward. But, as a preset number of designs that
are approved to ensure that we can identify our boxes and it outage.
the last thing you want is a crew out
there patrolling a neighborhood in the dark trying to find a box and
not be able to identify it, and then it has
to be certain material that is, for safety
reasons, on the equipment, right?
and I can get more information to either mr.
scott or to the city manager's office about the program, and then the last
question regarding the polls , the new polls
that you see being installed
are for the feeder lines, right? When I first
came up and talked about transition lines, then there is the feeder lines,
which is like trunks, and then you have
the laterals, which is what ssu p is addressing.
her towards the end of that feeder hardening program. We are placing
all the older women and concrete polls with newer, stronger ones that are
built to or designed to maximum building standards
, right? Make sure they don't fail, if we do need to do repairs,
we don't have to replace the whole line of
polls, right?
what you are referencing is called dole polls, right? When you have a
pull, and we replace it, there is a pnl
. There could be at&t, the could be broadcast
, there is a whole number of utilities in the telecom
industry that you attach to our polls as well.
what happens is when we come into install a new one, we will first
transfer our facilities over, that includes the wires, insulators,
switches, transformers. We will then cut the old pole right above where
the telecoms travel , and we will then notify
those of the utilities to then transfer over.
some of them are more responsive than others to move over in a
timely manner. Recently, there was some legislation passed in tallahassee
to place and time constraints on that , and we
are trying to work through that with our partnering utilities
to move faster. But, our ultimate goal is to remove all of
the dole polls, the old polls
, once they are what we call free and clear.
there is nothing left attached to them. So, you did mention that there
are symbols that are free and clear. If
there are some that are in the city, you can pass those to myself,
or staff has identified them. You can
send it to the account manager, and we'll get them to the hardening team,
which is a different team from amy, and we will get this removed
right away.
it is our goal to remove every dole pole once they are free and
clear.
>> thank you, we appreciate it. Any other questions for mr. Christopher?
no, he had gotten his question answered when you asked. Okay.
listen, I hope you keep us updated with this project as
it progresses. I know all of us are very anxious to see this
take place.
I know the residents of eastern shores will be ecstatic
. For decades, we've been waiting for those
polls, because the other ones mean so much,
they look like they are going to already come down on your car. But,
you have our full support, and we look forward to seeing your team out
in the field, and working together with staff
to ensure that they are informed of what is going on so nobody
takes advantage of any residence.
that is very most important.
>> thank you,
and a preachy the supporting words.
one thing that we have found successful in the I highly encourage to if you
would welcome it is we can come back and give an update
just before we start construction so that, even
though we are having to mitigation with the
city staff , we would love to be able to
give it directly to you as well.
>> that would help.
>> thank you, happy holidays. >> thank you, christopher, thank you. Okay,
great presentation.
all right, folks, we are going to move on
to public comment at this time. Another, that is the next item.
I'm sorry, one second, madam clerk. Commissioner
has a question.
>> madam clerk, could you refresh
my memory what was pulled from the consent agenda
by commissioner smukler please?
>> sure. It is nine point one for , one second. Yes.
>> and 9.15. >> number 15 is deferred.
>> deferred? Okay.
mr. Mayor?
>> go ahead.
>> principal public comment? >> yes, please.
anybody wishing to speak in public comment, please kindly come up
and put your name on the list. If you would like
. We have a list appear.
>> good evening, everyone. The mayor commission of the city of
north miami beach has opened the meeting for public comment.
there is a three minutes time limit for each
speaker. Speakers will be called to the
podium. Please state your name and the
organization what you're presenting.
the mayor commission of the city of north miami beach
recognizes the importance of civility.
the city of north maybe beach requests that everyone
in attendance to exercise civility towards each
other at all times . Our first speaker is
emily pons, and the norman axle men.
>> folks, out of respect and time for everybody,
we will hear everybody speaking. There is no booing, there is no applause.
we are here to just hear the comments and move forward.
as public comments, so it is not interactive.
so everybody knows,
you can't come appear and ask questions and expect us
to answer them back. If you do have a question, and it is in
your statements, we will have staff try to address it on the side of it
is something that we can do right away. Go ahead, speaker.
>> thank you.
>> you can bring the microphone down to use we can
hear you. Don't be embarrassed.
>> you
hear me clearly?
>> a little bit closer.
>> hello?
oh, okay. Now?
>> yes.
>> okay, thank you. Good afternoon, mayor, commissioners
. First and foremost , thank
you for the opportunity to participate today.
>> speaker, positioning for
the record?
>> yes, sorry. My name is emily pons,
lavon 1870 northeast 157 three . I am here
to address some recent incidents that have occurred
in my neighborhood. On november 21st , on
158th street and northeast 15th place,
I was shot several times. On november 22nd ,
the same house was hit again, this time , over 30 shots were fired. On
november 23rd, the day before thanksgiving, our residents
at the intersection of northeast 18, and
158th street was shot nine times. On of them are 30th
, a house on 158 , halfway between
northeast 18th and northeast 19 was shot 15 times in
the middle of the night.
on december 10th, several shots were fired
in taylor park around 1030 at night. This
is apparent that must clearly demonstrate a need for additional
safety protocols alongside a greater police presence
in the neighborhood.
there is a community of individuals that
deeply care about these issues.
many of whom have felt neglected in the
past years by the local government and law enforcement.
we are now requesting a formal meeting in which the topics of police present is
streamlining traffic control measures such as speed bumps and
better signage .
we, as a community, want to be better informed about the efforts the city is making
to ensure an acceptable level of public safety , and
we would like to be given process --
progress updates on the time forward.
let's show those that believe real change is
not possible that it is. I believe the time is
right to fix the lack of follow-through that has left many residents wary
in the past by addressing these issues head-on, and
continuing until we are no longer afraid of
going out side at night. Thank you so much.
>> mr. Manager, can the police chief or somebody
come up and address this? Because I've got
to tell you, I do know that my colleagues, but this is
definitely something on my concern that has been going on for quite
some time.
>> yes, definitely. Chief?
>> obsolete. Good evening, mayor and commission. We
are aware of
the recent high visibility in the crime areas, and what has taken place
to take care of these incidences that
have been happening in the city. As soon as we realize that there is an
uptick in this type of violent crime, we neatly put
a detail together.
we have put out technical teams, we put out our a 13 team,
we did it around the hours of this type of crime is
occurring. He reached out to our local agencies,
miami-dade county, miami gardens, north miami. We are all experiencing
these types of crimes in our city. The target person
was actually the one that these shootings were taking
place, we have received leads.
we are working those leads actively.
we are also prepared to go ahead and do a pack
meeting, which is called police and community together
to get out there, because our concerns are the safety of
our residents. I am actively using every resource in my power
to protect our residents.
I have already immediately put out different details
so that we can combat this.
we have taken three guns off the street since that
time. We have made several arrests. So, we are doing
everything we can, but we can't do it alone. We have
to have our eyes and ears of our residents to call us. I
have also put out undercover units.
so, we are trying to find who these people
are that are creating these types of crimes, but
I need the citizens help. So, if you are
afraid, you can remain anonymous , you can call
crime stoppers, you can also call me directly , and
we can will do whatever we can to get out there and protect
our citizens.
>> and those number so they can call?
>> for crime stoppers is
305471 tips . Directly for me is 305949
--it's easy, 305-948-2995 . That is directly to me.
with your permission and your approval, we would like to go
ahead and set up a pack meeting in that area, which is considered
zone five , if you guys want to discuss a timeframe
later, we will be ready to prepare it. We will get out there
and get the notices to the neighbors to make sure that we have a full team
at that time.
>> thank you. >> you are welcome.
>> I recommend that we let the manager set that up, and
let them be visible to not only the neighbors,
but to here with the neighbors have to share with you.
>> excuse me, mayor, thank you. You know, there is a time
where we are having the pack meetings more
often, and it kind of stopped.
so, if not just in her neighborhood, but if we could start
them up again in the different neighborhoods, especially the ones that were missed?
>> absently. We usually try to have two
meetings per zone each year. Usually goes
according to the crime track.
something like this, we are prepared to go ahead and set up
that meeting.
>> please do. And then the other neighborhoods. Thank you.
>> okay. Any other questions towards the chief on this manner?
okay, thank you very much, chief.
all right, madam clerk, next speaker?
>> norman axel mean, and then irene belanger.
>> I currently leave it
17 east 10, right on the block. I begin I
will say that I think have an inalienable right, I will try to pronounce that correctly,
is a tough word for me. To live in peace entering
quality. Unfortunately, time and time again all
throughout the year, I believe that wright is being infringed upon because
of this.
people all over the blocks were I live are having these gigantic
amplifiers lasting muni at any time of the day or night.
it is extremely, extremely disturbing , and it is not just
holidays, it is a most anytime of the year . I've called the
police out numerous, numerous times ,
as I'm sure some of the officers probably recognize me. The police, of
course, I have to say other side have been
very commendable , and I've also talked to the city manager
about this, and the police chief recently, because I think there needs to be
something done towards enforcement of the issue.
every time I complain about a noise issue , I'm I
was told time and time again, there's nothing we can do. We can call
code enforcement. Code enforcement is not there at 11:00 at night or
1:00 in the morning. There hearings and other things
, and I don't know if I can remain anonymous, which is
very important for my safety. I just want to quote very briefly from
the city ordinance one, noise, no one
can operate photographs or other machine devices
producing sound in such a manner to deserve the peace, quiet,
or comfort of the neighboring inhabitants.
that is me. Or, at any time, it says that
any time without a volume necessary of convenient
hearing for the person in the room.
the ordinance is very clear. Anytime is not
just 11:00 at night, 7:00 in the morning, that is specifically
plainly audible distance of 100 feet.
that is what is between 11:00 and 7:00.
so, I would like this to be addressed.
I believe it would help many, many residents in the city.
I have been inside my home with the doors closed, windows closed, easy running,
may be a fan or two, and I can still hear this blaring and horrible
base sound, which sounds like this, okay, I
will not do too much , but it gets to be extremely disturbing
and annoying. People might want to rest, they might not be feeling well, and
I hope that this can be further addressed.
>> 15 seconds. >> I spoke to the police chief in
the city manager, and hopefully we can continue this discussion. Thank you.
>> thank you. Thank you, norman. >> irene belanger?
and then coleman led dusky.
>> out of respect, it is notice we have a state
representative joe kelly are here with us.
and I see hiding in the back but he will not
get away from me , representatives benjamin is back
there, right? All right. Thank you, representative. It is good to see you.
thank you. Go ahead.
irene, I am sorry.
>> that is fine . My name is irene belanger, I am
a resident of the city.
I just want to welcome the newly elected and re-elected commissioner. There's
a lot of work to do.
so, speaking on the consent agenda
, mr. City attorney, I find that you not apply roberts rules of order well
or consistently during these meetings.
if any commissioner wants to discuss or have a vote on an item, it must,
according to the rules, be moved to the regular agenda or tabled for
another meeting.
I have also witnessed this process applied
differently depending upon the commissioner.
you are paid more than any city attorney we have ever employed
. Too bad you don't seem to do your job. On december 29th,
it will be six months since I made a public record request
. It appears the government works very
differently than the business world I am familiar with. I would not have
a job if I mean my boss or colleagues wait more than
a few days for information. Mr. City manager , isn't
it your job to make sure processes are in place
to allow for the flow of information?
even while tacking on fees
to discourage requests, you feel no obligation to make sure
that there is transparency in city government.
during the election, somehow, city codes
were applied to only some of the candidates while others flaunted the law. The
buck stops at the city manager's office
for some people being given
preferential treatment.
and our favorite topic in the city, garbage, our city manager negotiated
a terrible contract for the city.
we have talked about the limited size of bulk trash pickup, even if
only one house in five puts out debris, they will
only pick up 22 cubic feet in front of
the one house. This makes no sense.
should we spread the bulk trash around our streets to get a
picked up? The city manager is going to hire
more people , and throw more money at garbage collection
. Why are we paying for recycling when it is a myth?
I personally saw both garbage and recycling dumped
into the same truck , and a coastal employee asked why
we care about recycling bins when it
all goes to the same place? Progressive cities
not only recycle , the even pick up food scraps separately
for composting . Imagine north miami beach being so progressive.
that is it.
thank you.
>> next person is --I am sorry if I miss pronouncing.
my apologies.
>> good evening.
I am a senior citizen.
>> speak into the microphone so everybody
can hear you.
>> okay, I try. I am senior citizen , and I enjoy
this city. First of all, I want to thank you to the commission
for the wonderful job.
job towards the city, towards the children ,
and us seniors.
we benefit from that, and we really appreciate it.
talking about coming here, we are a little concerned how
the senior program will function.
and, if we will have the same activity
that we had last year. Because we lost commissioners , so we don't
know know who is going to represent us in
helping us with the activities.
otherwise, again, thank you for the wonderful job
, and you can count on us , whatever we can
do, we will do for the city.
thank you, and happy, healthy new year.
>> thank you. Commissioner smith, are
you here?
>> she ran away.
>> I wanted to talk to her. Please, our
new liaison, she's getting her phone updated with the wi-fi.
>> we wanted confirmation that you would be taking care
of us.
>> I haven't heard.
I've talked to younger people on the commission.
>> that is wonderful, that is what we need.
thank you very much. God bless.
>> one other information, for those of you who
don't know, this is a holocaust survivor.
you should be used as an asset everywhere in our committee. If the schools are
listening to us, if the clubs are listening to us
, please, listen to her.
>> I'm willing to help, yes, there
is only very few of us. Thank you.
>> we look forward to seeing you.
>> we don't set an example by taking care of our
seniors, however children going to know how to
take care of the parents?
>> you're right, you're right.
so, we help together, and we are willing to help
if you need any help, my friends are willing to help
to make the beautiful city even better.
the best in the country.
>> thank you.
>> sandra douglas and former commissioner barbara kramer.
>> just give me a minute.
>> do you need water?
unfortunately, I can't get around like I used to.
but, that is going to change very soon.
I am 99% there, mackenzie.
I've got one more present to go.
so, it is on its way.
cassandra douglas, 1523 northeast 152nd street.
good evening, mayor, commissioners, city manager
on staff, city attorney.
I had a nice little speech all typed up ,
and was going to tell you about how I feel
, and what we should do, and all that good stuff.
but, I feel that at this point , it is not
the time. We will see maybe later on.
however, I do want to say this. Take
washington park community center of the
back burner. I see you have it on the agenda tonight, 11
point for, but this concerning some financial issues with it. I am
talking about action. We want to see progress.
we want to see something happen.
we were promised a grantmaking ceremony back in september. That has
not happened.
we are still waiting.
okay, you bought the property that you needed
, you have demolished the store, that is fine.
but we want to see more. We need to see more. We need to see something
that is going to happen that looks like something
is going to be happening. And washington park. We have been on the
back burner for too long. Far too long. So, we
would like to see something.
the other thing is commission meetings. Please go back
to twice a month.
I can't stay up until midnight. And I am quite sure I'm not the only one.
but, twice a month was better.
it seemed like we got more done when we held commission meetings twice
a month. There was more to discuss
, and we were able to get a lot more information out.
just trying to do everything one night a month is
just not getting it.
so please, take that under consideration.
that is it for me.
thank you. Welcome to phyllis, commissioner smith ,
commissioner chernoff, welcome back commissioner smukler ,
commissioner jean, and my friend , commissioner
fleurimond. And, in
commissioner josue's absence, graduate of the new baby.
and last not least, to our mayor. Everybody
have a good evening.
happy holidays, merry christmas , happy hanukkah, happy kwanzaa, everything.
everybody have a great time. Thank you.
>> keep fighting it.
>> former commissioner barbara kramer?
>> I still have a title. Even when I am
back there, it doesn't go away? Good evening,
my name is barbara kramer. Welcome,
commissioners, to a new day in north miami beach.
somehow I believe I will get more accomplished speaking as
a resident than I did the last two years as a resident with a
title. Somehow, some of you will realize that when I spoke to you from
the dais , it was in my capacity as a resident.
the difference now is that some of you cannot censor me
for speaking the truth about your substandard leadership
filled with duplicity and unapologetic behavior. I will continue
to hold you accountable. As far as the ship and sailing in the right direction
, the citizens expect your compass to aim and follow
transparent, honest, and responsible governing.
we expect public records requests in a timely manner.
we expect that no one's prevents that or hold any records ran some
, especially the city attorney, who is still holding my public records
request from when I was a city commissioner until
I pay $2000.00. And on a
side note, that same attorney drafted the censure
about me at the direction of a former disgraceful commissioner , and never
fact checked particularly offensive and assuming
false statements about me. Shame on you.
all of you need to write to this ship, throughout the drunken
pirate that have landed on our shores. The taxpayers
have been looted long enough
, and when the truth is uncovered, if you
don't think that the constituents woke up this past november, think again.
that long slumber they took for over two years
awakened them with a hunger and a thirst like never before.
the residence of an mba crave authentic , dependable, and controlled governing.
serve them nothing else.
happy hanukkah, merry christmas, and happy kwanzaa. Happy and healthy new
year to you all.
>> keith myers .
>> good morning, everyone. Welcome to the new
commissioners, welcome back, commissioner smukler.
so, we all berated transparency within the city.
>> please state your name. >> sorry, keith myers, 1440 north 77th street.
we are all being a part of our right to get access to information. We have
a right to have information. There is
a reason why we should have to wait six or eight months to find a
copy of the receipt. It is insane. What are you guys hiding? Stop
protecting former corrupt commissioners.
in november, the citizens of the sami beach spoke out to remove one of the
most vile women we have ever had on this. Don't think we won't do it again.
thank you.
>> good evening.
leslie sardinia . Thank you to the new commissioners
and to the old
. I have been a resident for 21 years.
never ever have I witnessed such
a hate motivated election.
it was horrible, horrible , and I haven't seen michael joseph
since the election. Before the election.
but what I saw was so disturbing , to make things about
race rather than what was right for the city
. I am not a racist, I am not somebody who ever looked at the color of who I
voted for. I voted for whoever I thought was going
to do a good job.
sometimes, I did not vote, because I
knew the two people were both very well intended for the job.
but, people have different opinions. Different viewpoints.
that this was a war.
this was a warlike I have never seen.
it was scary. It was scary to see signs
cut down , and faces painted over
. It was just very scary, it was ever my children to see that that is the
way that things were happening in north miami beach that I have never
seen in 21 years.
it seemed like it was such, such desperation to keep things status quo.
it was just do whatever you had to do in order to not have a change in
north miami beach. Cs, there is the wake-up
, because we all woke up.
maybe we were a little bit complacent, but boy ,
you cannot be complacent in the war that
I witnessed . One thing that disturbed me the
most worthy gift cards.
to see people waving , as if they themselves gave out those gift cards.
when the people that truly needed in north
miami beach , the ones that really, really
needed that gift card , that did not have a car to get there did not
get that gift card. The ones that needed a turkey did not get a turkey
because they don't have a gift card.
I was there helping to watch the people going through that
came around three times for three turkeys. But the ones who
really needed it did not get any.
I hope that I never see that again.
I hope that north miami beach -- >>
15 seconds.
>> does give up gift cards. But, I hope
that the ones that needed it really, really get
it. Thank you.
>> good evening. Welcome to the returning commissioners . I am anna
bonnet, I am a longtime resident of an
mp. I will be quick. I am a senior who would like to see
the senior center move forward under budget , even if positions and
employees have to be cut.
our task pairs want to address the need for responsibility
and accountability from the commissioners.
it has been common practice in recent years to
spend our tax dollars untethered while using p cards
. I'm calling for detailed documentation to
be submitted by a set deadline by each
commissioner on a monthly basis that they use
their p card. Punitive measures should be established for those commissioners
that do not comply with the mandatory deadline
for submitting the documentation to prove relevance of their
p card expenses or monthly charges.
especially for travel expenses.
and while on that subject, I would like to know that the past
and current practice of irresponsible spending of
our taxpayer money by certain people is being
investigated and audited. Thank you.
>> of a/v can check the audio going out to the feet of an mba
live, there are several people texting that they are having issues
to the manager. Thank you.
>> claudia gallagher's, and after that, diane torres.
>> good evening.
I am claudia, I live in 16558 northeast 26 avenue
. I have been living in the same place for 22 years now.
that is western and eastern shores.
a little neighborhood forgotten from the city. But, my point
tonight is to thank you all for all of your
public service. I know how difficult it
becomes sometimes to serve.
I hope this commission goes back to serving
the city, not to serve themselves.
this is a city of multiple nationalities
, and multiple cultures that we can celebrate and learn from each other
, instead of creating enormous divisions , as I felt in
the last two years . I also
hope that the commission can work on the cost
of water , and the issue with the
trash collection. I live in a condominium, and the cost went up
over 20% in the last year.
imagine what it did to our budget.
it completely destroyed our budget.
my last point is you
mentioned of the wrapping of the utility boxes.
I am part of the beautification committee and the redevelopment
advisory board . We have been working on that for more than
two years , and we cannot make any progress.
we have photos come of the photos expired.
there is nothing we can do to move forward
that project. It's over four years that we've been working on that.
in the last two years , it
is excuse after excuse after excuse.
there is no people working on that. It is an old project.
so I wish you the best of luck . I will
be popping up here once again , and offering my collaboration.
most of you have my emails, so thank you
very much.
>> good evening to everybody. Welcome, commissioners,
mayor, city manager.
my name is -- .
my accent is new york, of course.
this is why I come here today, to let everybody know
that instead of having small celebrations by individual groups
, I would like to see a single
multicultural festival for our entire city. Everybody else
is doing it, why cannot we? I love who I am
, I love my ethnicity, I love people.
I got certified to equity inclusion
for a reason.
because we are diversified , this comes
in all shapes , shades,
and people. We are not spanish, we are latinos. The hispanic. We speak spanish.
why not? Why not teach and mb
about everyone. The residence equally give us an opportunity
to learn about the many cultures within our city.
there are many cities that
have this already. Let's start doing it for us. Let start having small
ones over there in the library, like we used
to in the past.
let's use our library. Our library is filled with information for
our children.
those children that I am power with my business and powering legacies
, when I won an award, and I was told to say this by the black community,
they said to me , we hear you, we see you,
our friend. Your afro latino, and we have learned from you.
we want to know the things we know right now.
let our people know to about who you are. We need this in
and mb.
us are doing diversity the right way.
thank you.
>> james pullback and jeff harnage are.
>> I'm sorry about that.
it's 2499 northeast 130 service with
maybe beach. How are you doing? Congratulations for all of you that are
here tonight.
I know we will not solve all the problems in highland
village, but there are a couple of issues I do want to bring a. First
of all, you guys are doing --the front of the park where they have
done the kids park for the places, it is and approve them.
it is a good thing, it is a start, but there are some other issues
there. Like, I know some of the issues there right on the front of the
park, it straddles north miami and north
miami beach. You still have a lot of
the loitering, a lot of people with alcohol , there is still stuff there. I know
some of that is north miami issue. That
is north miami beach issue , but that has to be addressed. You
have kids up there in the front of the park. You don't
need people loitering and doing these things
up there. It's just not right.
number one. Number two, the issue of the code enforcement trash issues, I
have spoken with commissioner smith .
we are still dealing with the same issues . They are not picking stuff up. They're
not picking up the trash. Lastly, again, they
want a whole week without picking up the recycling. They
are just ignoring it.
we call, and you know, they give us no response. I
say, can we get a response? Don't give us a response! One of the going
to come out? People are putting trash out , it is literally at the point now
that all day long, all week long, people have garbage cans in
the middle of the street, there are abandoned
properties there. Some of us have kept our properties, and I know phyllis,
you have been there, and jay, you've been there ,
you have seen that some of us keep our properties up. But others are just
letting their properties go , and it is become a problem as far
as the crime issues you know in the park. There's been a lot of
shootings in the past, girls have been
kills killed.
that's another thing, the speeding.
they're racing on those back streets, the raising and
raising. We have called the police about this
enough, and there is just no issue.
he just, like, what can we do about this? Can't
catch them in the act. Well, these things have got to
be addressed. They have to be addressed
at some point in time. I know we will not stop all the problems tonight,
but I at least want to bring this up that these issues have to
be addressed. Because highland village cannot be ignored anymore.
thank you very much.
>> --, 166 street.
it's such a great night to be able to
have a commission meeting here , and not in the
auditorium. This is would've been trying to speak about for close to
a year now so that we can actually be
close and see each other face-to-face rather than be distant
. When we are distanced and behind masks, that is we don't speak
to each other respectfully. When we speak to each
other face-to-face and we are close to one another
, that is only can have peace and get things done. So,
I hope this is a new election, and now we are not in
the auditorium , and that we can move past covid, which is a lot about control,
and on about public health.
the election, I was disappointed to see for the first time in north
miami beach history where management got involved with campaigning
. I never remember that. I think we should think about making an ordinance
that during the election season that our city workers
should not be actively campaigning or fundraising
for incumbents.
I'm glad to hear that there was an audit.
we deftly need to see what is been going on with the spending
for the past couple of years, and have we gotten reports back from these
commissioner someone on the strips? They want with city
management. So, we need to get some
to figure out about that. Grant money that was given out tonight during
the cra meeting, I believe that when we are
giving out grants to businesses , they should also open up for internships
and apprenticeships for our north miami beach use
use for students. When we are giving a $25,000.00
, maybe there is opportunity to have a few internships for
our students that are looking to gain experience in the
real world.
I also heard the fpl tonight. A lot of
the issues that we had for years of great forestry
employees named carlos that knew every tree in the city of north
miami beach , tree trimming is an investment
, not only in making our city beautiful, but
also preventing from power outages . So, that is been neglected.
we should relook at tree trimming. I heard
another resident speak about the garbage situation . You cannot really speak about recycling and
the garbage situation, and she mentioned
about composting. That is one of the biggest things
that we can do for our city that can help us. We saw the
salary increases , we need to come down.
we are going through a tough economic time.
crime is increasing.
we have a great turnout tonight. This is a time that residents
are getting involved, voter turnout was one of the highest I can never remember.
this is a time that we must ask ourselves the residence, what can we do for
the city? Not what can the city do for us? Thank you.
>> --, and then eileen.
>> excuse me, the lady is before me.
good evening, everyone.
I want to thank the commissioners, city manager, staff
for making this beautiful room . It is well appreciated, well done,
thank you very much. I have been complaining
about that for the last half a year. It is back
on, it brings transparency and accountability to the videos.
I also want to say to the commissioners and mayor,
the honeymoon is over. I heard very much
almost everyone promised to bring the
sanitation back in-house. We can rent, we can lease the trucks
, that is a promise.
I was not talking, you people were talking. The sanitation will
be paid $6,000,000.00 before the takeover. $6,000,000.00
a year before the takeover. Now,
we are paying 13.4 million.
that six-point $4,000,000.00 can come into
our pockets, not to the vendors pockets . Because of another vendor was doing
it for 6 million , we can do
for 6 million and get that six-point $4,000,000.00 .
I think the recyclable is just a fantasy.
I see coconut branches , bags of plastic bags
in the recyclable. They don't recycle that. They threw it in the dump.
what are we doing? We are not educating the people.
the vendors promised that it was educating people, but
I don't think so.
we are having $60,000.00 a month lawyer.
I think we need to bring that back in-house . We used
to have four lawyers . Nothing personal, sir.
if you want, you can come back with a team
of four, +2 helpers.
we used to pay $55,000.00 a month , and that includes pensions
, notification time. We had four brains working full-time. Not a part-time job
. I think $720 for a part-time stint is not going
to work.
and I think they're just collecting 40 hours
a week . I can't work for a city that has the
second-largest water plant in florida .
>> 15 seconds.
>> we have to bring that back. Into all of
the people , I wish you the best for your hanukkah, your kwanzaa, christmas
, which are holidays I've forgotten between . I wish you well. Thank you very
much for having me.
>> okay, thank you, good evening, commissioners
and mayor. I'm with coastal waste and recycling. I
wanted all of the members in the residence --
>> be nice, be nice, please.
>> I wanted to address the consent of the residence.
I have a business card with my cell phone number for you can give
me a call. I do want to touch on the recycling , and I have witnessed the contamination
of the recycling. It is really bad, it would be great if we
could work on an education program or something
to be able to assist in what is recyclable and
not recyclable. I have seen dirt and plastic stuff that is not
supposed to be there. Garbage bags is one of the
worst offenders.
there was an issue. We do take our recycling to waste management facilities.
so, it is getting recycle, it is not getting thrown. There may be a location where
he did have a truck collecting the garbage
in the recycling. That time that that happen, the truck went straight to
our waste energy plant and medley where
we are at right now.
so, I want to address, I wanted to be here present that I understand
that I am hear your concerns, and I do want to hear from you. I
have my cell phone, if I run out of cards, I can give you my
cell phone number. You can call me if there is any service issues.
please let me know if there is anything that you need. I would like to help
you. I would like for you to become double with the service we
are giving you. Thank you so much for the time.
>> the last assigned speaker is karen harold.
>> hi, I just --I will lower it. I just wanted to
say welcome to the new and returning commissioners.
I am just getting here now.
>> we feature name?
>> oh, karen harold. >> thank you.
>> okay. North miami beach resident.
anyways, I was celebrating the 39th hanukkah, so
I was running late, but I just wanted to welcome,
as I said, the new commissioners, returning commissioner, and I hope
that everybody can appreciate the value that each person
is bringing to the table regardless of skin color, regardless
of where they were born, regardless of their religion.
because those things don't separate us as americans.
we use those things to enhance what we have as a group.
everyone has their life experiences , and yours are different,
and yours are different , and yours, and we
want to pull and have value from that.
each one of you is so valuable, and we need that.
not to work to separate each other.
not to have functions only for this group.
but, to have functions that are included.
like, there is some kind of citizenship happening soon ? I know it
seemed like it was directed towards one group and one group of lawyers.
why can't we have that for multiple groups
but we are making that effort , so other people in the
community can take advantage of it, and not be spending money for
big events? Is what it towards the needs of the people. And
trying to bring in tourists . Use the tax money that
we are paying . I work hard. I am a widow. It is only
my income, and I work hard to pay my
taxes and my bills for my home. I want to know
that my tax money is coming back into the community to help the community
. Programs for the community?
not fancy events. Giving away our money for
the day , and giving away gifts, and raffles.
please, have programs that will be diverse, help our community
, and look for the good in each other
and what you have to give. Okay?
thank you.
>> mr. Mayor? We do not have any more assigned speakers.
>> thank you. At this time, will move on
to announcements. Mr. Manager, if you can
, kindly see where the gavel is. I don't have
the gavel when we started. Thank god
I haven't had to use it.
we will go ahead with our announcements. Please, public affairs?
>> good evening staff and residents of the city of north amy beach. We
would like to share with you a few of the wonderful events from the public
affairs department on behalf of the mayor commissioners taking place throughout
the rest of the month of december and the great
city of north amy beach. Our community has been great, from the inflationary
cost from food and gas and everything else, and commissioner
commissioner smukler is once again joining with the people farm sure
to help mitigate the rise of cost , and provide
some food security to many of our residents. This farm sure distribution
will take place on wednesday, december 21st, 2022
between 9:00 a.m. And 12:00 p.m. While supplies last in the back of the north amy
beach city hall located at 17011 northeast 19 avenue.
did you know one in three family struggle
to afford diapers for their babies?
the north amy beach commission on the
status of women liaison from commissioner smukler, and they are
doing something about it with the latest
launch of the diaper drive, collecting paper sizes
from two through six, and baby wipes.
please, no swimming diapers.
but the diaper drive drop off locations are at the city of north
amy beach city hall , 17011 northeast 19 avenue , the nmb
library, 1601 for these hundred 67 three , the psa building, 17050 northeast
19th avenue , and the north miami beach
police department stationed at 1690 northeast 19th avenue.
we thank you for your generosity during this holiday season
, and if you want more information on where those locations
are in the diaper drive, you can always go
to our website. To commemorate dr.
martin with the kings birthday , the youth advisory
board liaison is excited to announce this year's mlk
foraging contest. The contest is open to all nmb students k-12, and
should be submitted to public dot affairs
by january 4th.
submission rules and guidelines can also be found
on the website, but entries must reflect subject matter
pertaining to dr. King , unity, and building community
, and there is a 50 word minimum. Again,
for more information, go to
citynmb.com.
and, if you're 60+ years young, the nmb mayor and
commission have created a safe space for our seniors to get active, have
fun, and maybe even win a prize or two. At every tuesday and thursday
between 11:30 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
in the mcdonald center here in the great city of north amy beach.
and, to all of our residents, parents, and students in particular, the city of
north amy beach discovery library is a stellar afterschool program
, and numerous secular activities for your cultural and educational
enrichment at the nmb discovery library.
consider the failure minor that the children's chess will be meeting
a few more times before the year is out on december 20th
and 27th between 4:00 p.m. And 5:00 p.m. In addition to
all the wonderful things happening at
the library , with all the turmoil in
the world, you can come join on wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. For the nmb
library yoga class, and the meditation mondays at 6:00 p.m. At the north miami beach
library. We look forward to seeing you there, and you
can always go to --for more information on
the library. At the direction of the city
manager's office , the co-compliance department has been providing residents
with information door hangers detailing trash ,
recycling schedules , and any illegal dumping
information. Remember, recycling pickup is not every other week on wednesdays.
nmb residents may refer to the online recycling
pickup calendar found at citynmb.com.
did you know the bulk pickup for your designated
area is still the same? That is ray.
also, remember that bulk pickup is restricted to a maximum of 20 cubic yards.
is a quick representation on how 20 cubic yards looks
like in feet.
trash and recycling bins cannot be placed not more than 24
hours and advanced, and should be removed from the curbside or alleyway
that same evening.
in a constant effort to keep nmb clean, the code compliance compartment will
begin to issue illegal dumping both trash and
recycling violations.
the city of north miami beach residents, do you
know that you can enjoy free rides from the golden glades interchange
to selective other stops by taking
the all new route ease starting every day on the daily
at 7:30 a.m., provided by the north miami
beach trolley?
city of north amy beach, it is time to free be. What is freebie?
freebie is the way to enjoy a free ride in north miami beach.
just download the app today, and enjoy a free ride in
the energy efficient tesla vehicle were
all you have to do is request service on your smart phone through the ride
freebie app. For more information, you just
have to go to citynmb.com. And as we approach the
end of our announcements, we would like to
share with you a couple of recaps from two very special events
that recently took place here in the city of north amy beach.
that is the snow fest and the swearing-in
of our newly and re-elected commissioners. Enjoy.
>> history was made on december 1st with the swearing in of the re-elected
and newly elected north amy beach commissioners
at the performance our theaters.
commissioner chernoff , commissioner smukler,
and commissioner smith are said to the
oath of office to serve in the great city of
north amy beach. All in all, it was a night to remember, and we
say congratulations to all of the elected and re-elected officials of
the city of north amy beach.
>> [ music ]
>> that concludes our public announcements for this month. Have
a merry christmas , happy kwanzaa, happy hanukkah
, [ speaking foreign language ]
, and happy, happy, happy new year to
the commissioners of north miami beach.
>> thank you very much. At
this time, that concludes our public announcements , and we will move to our city commission
reports. Clerk?
>> mr. Mayor, before I proceed with calling out for
the commission reports, I would like to remind everyone or inform the newly
elected officials that it was
decided for the city commission reports to do you reports in about two minutes.
it was two, and the one at the end. So, we will
begin with commissioner chernoff.
>> good evening, everybody. Thank you all for coming this evening.
thank you to all the citizens who spoke
and told us what is on their minds.
we do appreciate it. During the campaigning, there were two mandates
or three mandates from the people.
number one was for the city to
have somebody answering the phones , and communicate with the residents
instead of them trying to find a number.
that was a big priority. You know, you call the city, you need to get
somebody. It's very important, so I hope
it is addressed. Mr. Scott, if you are still around to the
city manager, I would like you to do a study on what it
would take for us to bring garbage back in-house for the whole thing.
so, I think that is needed right now with
everything that everyone is saying.
absolutely.
all right. I would like to thank all of our departments who
did put on the snow fest in the hanukkah lighting last night ,
and all of the events that you are doing,
you're doing a wonderful job.
you know, the citizens really came out and
enjoyed themselves. So, thank you.
the tennis courts. I would like to see
the recreation department look into making half of them, three quarters
of them pickleball courts. Pickleball is
a new sport that is out there right now that is gaining tremendous, tremendous,
you know , playing. A lot of people are doing
it. Old, young, everybody.
and we have this huge facility of tennis courts that don't get
used anymore. Tennis is fading, not many people
are fading.
I'm not thing to eliminate the tennis courts,
I am saying, keep six of them, or keep the clay courts, and make the
hard courts will pickleball courts.
come up with a proposition that we start doing
something to improve the facility.
happy anniversary to my wife of 32 years . December 30th will be our anniversary,
so happy anniversary, honey.
merry christmas to everyone , happy kwanzaa
, and everybody, a happy, healthy new year.
good night.
>> commissioner fleurimond.
>> thank you. December 30th is my birthday
, so, good to have a wedding anniversary. Congratulations.
so, thank you so much, everyone, for being here
, and also, I want to congratulate my new colleagues.
I truly , truly look forward to working with you
guys, and making sure enrichment of the city is a good one.
I will not take long, because with all
due respect to everyone that is here tonight , I don't
think that I should participate in this meeting. I will tell you why.
when I first started , you know, in office,
commissioner kramer and I had a conversation . Well, before
I got sworn in . And I asked her, who would she recommend that I
speak to that can help me with good governance?
and she recommended that I speak to katie sorensen , a former elected
official in the county. I had an opportunity to go and sit with katie
sorensen, and we spoke for a couple of hours.
we talked about good governance. And they will say that there has been
opportunities either sometimes I may have fallen
on the right side , or maybe not on the right side.
however, I think that the direction of this commission is going in , and
also with the residents are requiring of us
is for us to lead in a way that
is very responsible. Today, I received an email
in reference to our mayor's residence.
there were rumors floating around.
I do not pay too much attention, but I
did ask questions. My first understanding that it was a vacant property. I paid
it no mind. This email that I received today
states otherwise. That there is a property, in fact, that
the mayor may or may not be living in.
it is not up to me to make those determinations.
I reached out to our city attorney, I reached out
to --to ask him what is he think I should
do tonight . He said that he can't really give
me much advice on what to do , service should to
the city attorney. I know it was very short notice
, but I am not convinced at this point that our mayor either
lives here or does not live here.
I do not know. It is up for him to respond adequately
to what was sent to all of the city commission members . I am looking for
some legal advice, or, you know, whether or not we are
able to meets, or how we move forward, or the not the mayor has
to provide some sort of information in response
to the email that was sent by this resident . I really
want to work with this team.
I have been very clear about that. But,
for tonight, and to look at the responses that I believe I need
, I can't tell anyone else what to do.
but, there is some substantial things on this agenda,
and I don't want us to be voting, at least, I want to vote on
things when I feel like there is a question about the mayor's residency.
that is it for me. Thank you, happy holidays.
>> well, commissioner, since
you bring it out , went to gillette the answers you
can leave seeking participate the rest of the evening?
>> excuse me, just because of what he sent you
an email saying someone else coming going
to believe that?
>> no, listen.
I do not think this is the arena for me to go back and forth.
>> you started it.
>> listening . I am leaving a meeting, right?
based on what I feel it is appropriate, I'm expanding the reason
why am leaving this meeting. This particular meeting.
>> you can respond, I think he can.
he's not responding to me specifically. He correspond and say
whatever he wants. I am saying specifically that I
will seek the information I believe once I receive it, and I will
continue present pay.
so because somebody who may not be a resident,
it could be a fake name, because that is what your friend does?
>> I will not have that debate here.
>> well, you started the debate.
>> is not a debate. I am not saying why am
I participating.
>> order, order.
come on.
if you want to step down, he can step down.
>> civility, please?
>> I'm allowed to miss a meeting if I deem necessary to find more information, okay?
>> you can sit down if you want to.
>> I'm not stepping down.
I am not stepping down.
I'm telling you that until I find the proper advice that I will not
attend this meeting. I have told you already, mr. Mayor, that I'm
willing and ready --
>> to raise your voice!
>> I'm telling you that I'm willing to work with you and
the rest of the team.
>> okay, that is great.
>> you've come to me before, right? You have come
to me before, and I've extended my hand,
and so that I am willing to work with everyone here. Today, however,
with the information that all of us have received, I
need to clarify that before I can move forward.
. May I ask madam clerk, is his two minutes of?
>> thank you.
go ahead, madam clerk. I will answer with my two
minutes come.
>> excuse me?
commissioner jean.
>> good evening, everyone. I wanted to welcome our new and
welcome commissioners. I also want to thank dr.
rodriguez, the principle of fulford elementary for being
here tonight for the students. I also want to send a big kudos
to the barracudas replacing fifth of the 20 for our
self order recreational swim week championship.
so, kudos to the barracudas, and especially
to coach kelly hodge, coach --,
coach julian, and coach jaelyn. Thank you to all the summers
who participated.
I also wanted to thank everyone who participated in our holiday
literacy concert of our sponsors, and also, special thanks
to webster for donating the toys. I had the opportunity
today for being at the grand opening , so look
forward to speaking on the items that was placed on our regular agenda. Thank you
so much.
>> mr. Mayor, may give important information?
>> please.
>> commissioner jean, I thank you for inviting
me to participate in your literacy even.
>> commissioner smith? >> thank you.
well, good evening. Let me see if I can
bring us back to where our
commission should be with civility.
I had planned tonight to show you my three grandchildren's message
to their grandmother when I won for my two minutes.
I am very blessed. That is all I can say , how happy they were for grandma,
and the biggest point that I wanted to
point out , from their eyes, they said the city is lucky to have
me. So, I hope I can live that for them
for the next four years. There's a lot to discuss here.
there is a lot that we have to do.
before we can go forward, we have to
go back , and see what really is the necessity to go forward
. The primary necessity.
I think one of the biggest things that we
can do to help north family beach is efficiency
has to come up about 97% . We have to stop what we
are doing at the 3% level, and be much more efficient.
and how does that happen? Well, it happens
with communication.
but communication is so poor. You know many times in
two years I have tried to reach somebody?
I have given 13 1/2 years to the city, and it could
not reach our city? So, that is imperative. Availability
is important. If somebody has an urgent problem , if a
woman feels that she is hearing gunshots , that has to be where the police department
is available immediately.
so, availability, communication, and efficiency are really something that we have to
try our best to live by. There is a lot of
problems with code. There's a lot of
problems with code. You can start with me
, but there is no sense to go negative.
let's go positive, and save we are here to fix it.
we are here to fix, if we can, the budget.
we are here too, as many of you have said to me in real desperation
, please bring our city back to us. I had a phone
call today , and I don't want to deviate. But
I had a phone call today from somebody who lived in a home
that pays $12,000.00 a year in taxes. But, he
bought his home for me, it so happens, 25 years ago. That
home sold today, the person would be paying $80,000.00
, 85, $80,000.00 in taxes.
that is happening every day in our city. It doesn't
have to be eastern shores. It doesn't have to be skylake.
you can't buy one of the sunray homes for a
1000 square-foot under 400, $500,000.00. The tax revenue
coming in is significant.
the money going back to the residence , whether it be for their beautification, whether
it be for enjoyment, whether it be for their
own reduction of the cost of their water, their taxes
, where is it?
the city is getting all this new revenue , and the residents are getting left
-- less. So, that is one of my goals. I am on a
hunch, and if anybody can help me, I am looking for the
money. So, if anybody knows where the
money is , I am asking you to help me accomplish where is
the money.
I could go on and on, but the last thing I will
say to you as it took me two years to get the water plant
back. I understand we say $7,000,000.00 a year having the water
plant back. Of course, our water bills to us went up, so I have no idea
where that 7 million went , and on the agenda tonight under the consent,
we do need to buy and maintain our water plant. But, I am going to
focus on bringing our garbage back.
I do want to hear that we don't have trucks, I want
to hear it that we have stolen our trucks. There are rental companies.
there are ways to work it out. If you took a poll of
the city right now and said would you pay extra for two years
to have your garbage back to us , I would say 90% of
the public would say yes, where do I sign?
so, those things said, I want to do the best
I can for you , as most of you know, this is ever my intent to
come back. But, my grandchildren right. The city needed me.
and I really have to thank all of the public.
it wasn't me, it was a community effort door to door, phone call to phone
call that brought our city back to us.
let's make the best of it. Let's all work together and have the best north
miami beach of anybody that everybody will envy. Thank you
very much.
>> commissioner smukler? >> thank you, and good
evening. I was also thinking about the pickleball idea
at the tennis courts. I still don't know
what pickleball is, but I was thinking of that idea.
there is a food distribution tomorrow morning here
by the pool area. We are always looking for
volunteers, and I'm sure my fellow commissioners will
all be there tomorrow night since this is a city event.
thank you to parks and rec for all of your help always in setting
this up . Also, please drop off diapers throughout the different
city locations for our diaper drive . Like it was said, one in three u.s. Families
struggle to afford diapers for their babies.
thank you to our police department for keeping
our residents , businesses, visitors, employees, and
our families, my family safe. Thank you to our police department
for always being there to help and all of the
special events. I apologize. If you minutes ago, I got out of line there
and speaking over when I should not have, but I do want to thank
commissioner jean, commissioner smith, and commissioner
chernoff ping digital could be a rumor. Ironically, last
night, I had a conversation --well, I did
have a conversation, I said to commissioner
fleurimond that I had seen mayor anthony defillipo
driving into eastern shores on a weeknight at
11:00 p.m.
happy hanukkah on this beautiful third evening of hanukkah
, jolly and merry christmas , happy kwanzaa
, happy new year, with the old, and in with the new.
[ speaking foreign language ] local voices make local
choices. Thank you.
>> mayor anthony defillipo.
>> thank you. Good evening to everyone here in the audience.
>> the fetus down. >> the fetus down? Yes, I keep getting the message to.
>> it's a blank screen. >> mr. Mayor? We
went upstairs to check the source, so we are working on
bringing it back on. Thank you.
>> thank you so much. Real quick
want to think our commissioner for the
literacy even. It was so fabulous .
with the children, the interaction, I thought it
was fabulous. All-inclusive our city, everybody played a
great role , it is want to say thank you
and kudos for the hard work that you do. Folks,
I just want to go ahead
and think each and everyone of you, wish you
a happy holiday, whatever holiday you
are observing. Oh, you came back.
>> you know me and you, have an interesting relationship,
but I am back, sir.
>> listen, life is interesting, isn't it? We
are blessed . Folks, I want to thank you for coming here
this evening. I want to say that many, if not all of you
in this room, know me. You all know me by now.
I tell you. My family, all of you know , we have been police of
this community since the 1950s
, going back to my grandfather, my father, myself. My whole
family has always been involved in the city and the city minutes ability
of the government. Decades, decades,
years, and years of hard service and labor.
one that I would never tarnish or ruin. So, I
encourage all of you to keep your faith , and know
that your mayor is your mayor .
madam clerk, when I move,
did I not go to your office? Sedation my paperwork and fill it
everything appropriate?
>> yes, that was about a year ago.
>> is a residence in the city of f.a.b. Beach?
>> from what I recall, you did state that you moved from your area into
eastern shores.
>> and I document everything with you correctly
as I was supposed to as you told me everything was correct?
>> you gave me the new address, and he forwarded
it to hr.
>> and I went to hr, and I follow the
proper procedure the paperwork and get everything
filled the correct? Have that time, right?
>> I don't know what happened at hr. I can only speak
on our conversation here.
>> well, everything has been filled out. If
anyone wants to come and visit me, you can
.
I have a lobby where we can even have meetings and get together
and meet in the community. I would love to invite you all.
my address is always been a north miami beach. My residency has always
been a north miami beach without question. If you want to
question it, the clerk is there and has all of my information.
you are very welcome to get it . It is available,
it is public , and that is all I have to say.
I am very shocked that my fellow commissioner has taken this attitude and
this posture towards this . I will tell you, I am a
real estate investor. I invest in properties everywhere
in north miami beach. As a matter fact anyone
to know something? I'm going to buy another house that I am in the
middle of negotiating, okay? Because this is my livelihood, this is what I live for
him. Other people do other things, this is what I live from, and I bite,
sell, and invest. Folks, I love you all.
if you have any questions, you all of my number, and you can
call me. If you want to visit me, the clerk has my address.
god bless you all, have a great evening. Thank you. Madam
clerk, that concludes the city commission reports.
we will move on to our consent agenda.
mr. Attorney?
>> thank you, mr. Mayor.
I don't nine point one is a regular city commission minutes of
october 18th, 2022.
item nine point to is the resolution of
city commission of city of north maybe beach. Otherwise, the city manager
to ensure a purchase order to mk I service
with the purchase of hayward equipment.
that exceeds 71,000.
I don't 9.3 is the resolution of the city commission of city of north
miami beach approving the contract amendment with american
traffic solution inc. For the red light camera. Item 9.4,
the resolution of city commission city of f.a.b. Beach supporting the
efforts of the for the department of transportation to
rename a portion of the state wrote a 26 to anthony resnick
boulevard.
item 9.5 is a resolution of a city commission for the city of north
maybe beach approving the memorandum of understanding
that the city speech for joint acumen process . Item 9.6
is a resolution of city commission with the city of north maybe beach
authorizing a city manager for agreement with an
electric company for electric mode and property service
estimate of the budget amount of 120,000.
I don't 9.7 is a resolution
of the city commission in the city of f.a.b. Beach
with author city manager to issue a source purchase order
with the purchase of pumps not to exceed 70,000,
item 9.8 is a resolution of city commission
and city of north maybe beach authorizing a city manager to issue
a purchase order of technologies inc.
for slaker equipment an amount not to exceed 95,000 .
item 9.9 is a resolution of the city commission north
maybe beach, on the four department of
service contracts for ties to service , an amount not to exceed
370,000. Item 9.10 is a resolution of a city commission
of north maybe beach, authorize the city manager to have a agreement for
more storage an amount not to exceed 130,000 .
I don't 9.11 is a resolution
of city commission north miami beach , authorize and
increase expenditure corporation for liquid corrosion inhibitor chemicals
an amount not to exceed 50,000.
I don't 9.12 is a resolution of city commission city of north maybe
beach accepting and adopting the certificate of resource of november 8th
, 2022 general election .
fisher think two, four, and six.
election was held on of them are 22nd, 2022 .
I don't 9.13 as a result city commissioned north
maybe beach authorizing utilization of multiple contracts
from cooperative for our purchase of oem
arts and services not to exceed 214,000 .
I don't nine point one for was taken off the
consent agenda . I don't 9.15 was deferred
, and providing for conflict
and effective day. Thank you, mr. Mayor.
>> thank you very much. Our live streaming has
crashed. Nobody can see this online.
>> it is backup, sir. >> I think we need to recess
, because I don't want to continue.
>> this is the last of his backup now.
>> okay, can we
verify that? Let's take a 10 minute recess .
>> no one heard your response.
>> well, we have to move on. Is on the record,
they cannot for the public may record.
>> mayor, we can move on. The livestream is
not required by law. If you want to wait , as a
commissioner, it is up to you.
>> yes, we
don't have a quorum. We will wait for staff to get it right, because
I can't understand how this room sat
here for two years, and we are still not doing things right. But everybody understands.
it was about 10 minutes for staff to get
it together.
>> all right, guys, let's get started. If anybody could
please take their seats?
I am going to need everyone to please take your seats.
we are going to get started.
my fellow colleagues, if he could join me, please, we will get started.
okay, I have five. I needed commissioner smith, she's coming up.
esther attorney, I believe we were in the
middle of doing the consent agenda item?
>> yes,
mayor, I have read all the items, and obviously, we need a motion in
a second.
>> I moved to approve the consent agenda.
>> second. All in favor?
>> aye. >> aye.
>> anyone opposed the consent agenda?
okay, the consent agenda passes unanimously.
we have two items that were pulled that are
going to go to legislation, correct, madam clerk? Last two?
one was pulled, and one was deferred.
>> right. One was pulled, was deferred. You also
wanted your mayors discussion.
>> so, commissioner smith had an item that she wanted for discussion
, which is 15.5. She wanted to bring that
up. I also wanted to have the mayors discussion brought up.
and so, I had a brought up because I don't
really want to wait until the end. Usually, it's
on the tail end of the meeting, and sometimes, we
can't get work accomplish or get participation from the public.
every time we have an election, I always ask this question.
I ask you to my fellow colleagues because, you
know, obviously, out of courtesy, I want to make sure that we are all
in agreements with the charter officers, and
the management , and legal, and every department that we have to
make sure that everybody is happy or not.
so, you know, I have some reservations , and I would like to
bring them up during this time that I have as a mayors discussion.
I have some things that I want to talk
, bring up, and speak about with management , and I want to do it as respectfully
and as eloquent as possible. And I also have some
with our legal department.
so, if I am feeling this way, I would like to see what some of my
other fellow colleagues feel , and if any action
or any comments or actions want to be taken out of this discussion item.
so, I am opening up to see what my fellow colleagues have
to say at this time , and if there is
anything to say, and we can move forward from here.
anybody wishing to speak?
commissioner smith?
>> you know, I will make some comments . I will
make them with a great sense of honor to the people that serve
in our city, and the people who live
in our city. I am used to a different way of government.
that doesn't make me write and somebody else wrong, that doesn't make them
right and be wrong. But, I will tell you knocking on doors for three months,
and meeting the public
, if the public had a say so , the public would sit here right
now and say we need a change.
so, you know, there are lots of things that I personally felt, as
most of you know . People always said something
about something minor that is insignificant.
and I'm talking about when you run for campaign sign . It
is not earth shattering .
it doesn't harm your residence , it doesn't take away from
your businesses , but what it does say is a lot about character.
it says a lot about character.
so, I would like to say, one comment I would like to make
is, having read the charter , it clearly states
that the charter officers have to follow the ordinances and
the resolutions , and make sure they are implement it in your city. So, disappointed
is an easy word , but for me
, it was very difficult to go through
three months to have charter officers not follow
the charter.
that was a very difficult thing. Thank you
very much.
>> thank you, commissioner smith.
any of the commissioners wishing to speak at
this time? Commissioner fleurimond?
>> I think I will reserve my comments for when
we have our workshop. Thank you.
>> okay.
anybody else wishing to speak on the item?
of city attorney at this time?
>> once again, I speak on the city attorney, and I apologize,
because I know our city attorney for many
years, I had every intention for being with you today and sitting down
with you because, unfortunately -- there is no sound?
>> I got a text from someone saying there
is no sound.
>> well, let me just say this.
I, too, was on the brightline today.
I was invited, as we were as commissioners.
but, was very interesting at the brightline was somebody gave
a speech that was very clear , as
one person, what do you get done?
but, as a group, what can be done?
and for me , and you and I had
the conversation, some were surprised.
how could you set on a commission ,
and the attorney say that you have to vote
, the majority has to agree that you can pull
an item from the agenda? I listen to that
. See, what you don't understand is the agenda is
what you are going to vote on on a number of issues with one vote.
either or nay.
the commissioners, with all respect, like a ventura, which they have
a meeting twice a month, but one of their meetings is to go over that
agenda, and have everybody that is a head of a department's be
in that meeting , answer all of the commissioners questions.
it is published
, it is a meeting open to the public , but the thing about that meeting
is, when you go to to the --when you go to
the commission meeting when you're voting yay
or nay , bony have
networks up against each other, and you're voting on 15 things on
the consent agenda, you have no idea what
commissioner jean thought. She hear something that I did not
know? G say something that would make me have another question? So, when
you get to the consent agenda, you pull it , and you
have a discussion , because maybe you are not clear
on something, maybe you need more information before you vote,
or let's put it in a different way.
this 15 things on the consent agenda . You want
to vote no for one , so you have to vote no for all 15, or
you have to pull it , vote
yes for 14, and discuss the one you're voting no one.
so, I sat there and could not believe it.
I was in my house , and we are voting on whether somebody that
is a commissioner has the right to find out more information
before they vote based on a majority.
so, we have had this conversation, because I don't want to
70 commission were I am representing the public
, and I don't understand something I am voting for, and don't
have the right to bring it out, and bring
more information. So, for me, that was a very weak link in
our system.
and I just wanted to bring that up , because,
as you know, it bothered me then , it bothers
me know , and we have to be a transparent government
, that none of you have to say, where is the money?
none of you have to do that.
but, you turn to page 34, and you see where that 32,000 went. You turn to
page 58, and you see where that $10,000 went.
you don't see that it was moved, and moved, and hid.
that is why this is important to me, and that
is why that is the one thing, and I wanted to come and tell you,
I was going to say that tonight, because it still bothers me. The consent agenda
for the seven of us has the right to
make sure that we understand it , or have to vote no for the entire
thing. Thank you very much.
>> commissioner jean, and then commissioner fleurimond?
>> thank you so much mr.
mayor. Before the recess ended, you asked
me if I was okay, and I told you I wasn't. I'm
not really feeling well.
but, to commissioner smith's points, a lot of the opportunity to have
a workshop, not in this case, because I did not know there was going to
be an item for the mayors discussion to discuss legal, but obviously,
I am not sure of these conversations before or not.
seemingly, what I wanted to say is, in the same breath that she mentioned
me and she said that it is her practice to dialogue through
these issues, and also more so than anything to give people fair notice
, that line of statements doesn't align with this moment.
but, nevertheless , the mayor has the opportunity to move
an item forward so we can discuss it . But
again, you mentioned
to speak about the charter officers, and then you say the item
on legal, so I am not really sure where it is
coming from.
>> to clarify that, I just want to say, you know, I brought
up the items of the charter officers, but the legal and the city
manager, so that we can review and go over
the lakes and no lakes, and how we feel at this moment about those
charter officers.
and if in fact we do still want to keep them on,
or if there is some vision to have a change.
>> okay.
that being said, I am not comfortable having this
discussion now. Like I said, I'm not feeling well, so I will be leaving
the meeting.
>> okay. >> feel better. >> thank you.
>> mr. Mayor? >> go ahead, commissioner chernoff.
>> thank you for
the opportunity. I, too, was very disappointed during the campaigning
process of how the city reacted , but the legal department,
and the management a permit.
and I am sorry to say, but, you know, they welcomed
me here, and I appreciate that, but I think it is time to part
with them.
>> okay.
any other statement from any of the commissioner?
commissioner smith?
>> so, were talking about the attorney?
>> we are talking about the attorney at
this point, yes.
>> oh, all right.
so, I had the opportunity , when I was going door
to door , you know, meeting so
many people , and, you know, the concerns were the garbage,
the water , and the fourth floor.
I mean, they don't know what is the fourth floor, they
don't know what particular floor everybody
is out, but I am just saying, I am seeing the fourth floor.
so, I am not really happy with the attorney --I am not
happy how it all came about in the first place,
you know?
it wasn't even, you know , I don't like how it was done in the
first place, so I was never happy with that.
and, you know, I guess it is time for change.
>> okay.
you know, commissioner fleurimond, if you want
to go ahead and speak, I have two things I want to say,
slightly very brief. Go ahead, sir.
>> thank you. I just want to clarify first of all that ,
you know, my understanding , and that is the reason why to come back
is that the legitimacy of
--village of the legitimacy or one stability to
serve or not serve based on residency does not affect the legitimacy
of the meeting itself. That was the understanding that I gathered
once I left, and that is the reason why
I came back. So, I wanted to clarify that.
number two, we just sat here and agreed that we
would have a workshop with the city attorney, the city clerk
, and the city manager. That is what we just agreed on. In addition
to that , we talk about processes that happened
in the past , however, what I am seeing before
me know is the same process being incremented again.
to a degree, that is what I am seeing.
now, in addition to that
, I will throw to the city manager.
whether you like the city manager personally or
not personally , what I will say is that , if you look
at items that have been done over the past year
and a half to move the city forward
, he has done the job.
there has been no election, no
election that I can recall where there has not
been disappointment , or there has not been issues
of concern related to trash, related to water
, and related to the things that we have heard here this evening. In 2018
, it was about bringing back our water plant. It was about going from
going from quarterly --going from monthly billing to quarterly billing.
it was about bringing the sanitation back in-house.
in 2020, some of the same issues with the exception
of water, because we had in source water, there was a win, commissioner
smith was on the dais to make sure
that happened , and we were successful in bringing
it back. We save $6,500,000.00 the first year. Okay?
we then had an issue with sanitation where
waste management was staying past their initial contract
, and charging us a premium.
this commission, with the exception of, I believe,
commissioner chernoff, and I don't think commissioner smith was on at
that time , voted not to approve
the contract with waste pro . I say this commission, because weather
is all of us are some of us, it did not go through.
as a result of that, we continued with waste management and
continued to pay a higher fee.
this manager comes in , and negotiates actually have a contract bought
before us , and we voted on the contract. Now,
the transition has not been simple , and
the transition has not been easy.
but, it has been, I believe, less than six
months since we have transitioned to coastal, and they are working
to try to get things really need to be.
as it relates to personality differences , and things of
that sort, perhaps some of those issues do exist. When we
go to our city attorney, I will say that the city attorney
has worked to make sure that not only he does the
job that he is asked to do, but is innovative in bringing
in revenue through his department. We talk about
committee benefits . When people come appear now, this is never
happened before where there are actually contributing
monies towards education , and towards other things that our
residents need , all because of with the city attorney
is doing.
were talking about traffic, speed bumps . A lot of you
recall that getting a speedbump to be installed in the city of north
miami beach, years! As a matter of fact, 13th avenue
, were people were asking for traffic calming, we
cannot get speed bumps to the point for our
former city manager had to put speed tables the did
not do a darn thing to slow down the traffic, right?
this team comes in and negotiates with
miami-dade county a memorandum of understanding so that we can streamline
the speedbump process , and streamline traffic calming. Enough arizona has
an issue similar to those in you lita , they now have a speedbump
north of 164 three.
and there is more to come. These are some of the
things that do this team has been doing. It's been a rough
road.
I will not sit here and pretend that it has been pretty. It hasn't been
easy. But when I look at a cra that was dormant ,
and now has a director that is working hard, when I look at things
that are happening with traffic calming, when you look at revenues that are coming
in as a result of our team working to make sure that developers
respect north amy beach when they come to the table, to me,
we are advancing in the right place. When I look at our city
clerk's office, same thing.
there were ancient ways of keeping records that
we are no longer doing that anymore.
were moving into a more technologically advanced
city clerk office.
we understand politics, and I will be
the first to tell you that, listen, I get it.
new people come, sometimes they want their own people
in here that they feel they can work better with , and they can get
whatever it is that they are looking to do, they can advance their mission.
however, I will tell you that pound for pound, these charter officers
have been working their darndest to make sure that the city of north
amy beach signs. My thought
is that we were going to go into a workshop, see what the pros and the cons are,
and give these people an opportunity to prove themselves
to the new commission. That was my thought.
even as it relates to the city attorney and city manager, the
city manager did not leave until march or april the following year.
the city attorney did not leave until the following year. It
did not happen the first night.
but time and time again , I understand this might
be a process. You tried to pull in with desmond scott when he was here
before, you try to pull it with sarah, our former city attorney
, okay? And we fought hard that time in 2018 to make sure that
desmond scott stayed, and we fought hard
to keep sarah as well.
I don't think that this is the right process, I don't think it is good for
continuity, I do not think it is good for consistency. I think we can
this people an opportunity to hold a commission retreat and workshop,
and see where it takes us.
at that point, if we decide that we don't want
to move forward with them, we give them an opportunity to properly
transition the people that we have an opportunity to
vent, and to follow a process that so many people have been asking for
over the past couple of years.
but don't make the mistake of getting rid
of these people tonight. I don't thicken make sense. Thank you.
>> thank you.
I just want to go ahead and put on the record
, as I said, I will just be as professional as possible , because not only is
--a recurring city attorney, beatles a personal
friend of mine of many years, so I have the
utmost respect , and I will not sit here and break
anybody over the coals . But say
that there is a sentiment of here of wanting some change
, and from what I am hearing , you know,
I also have had my moments with you, and we all
sat down , and we have hashed it out afterwards.
but, you know, look. You are like one of my fellow commissioners said,
with the tide comes change.
every time, you know, you get a fresh new commissioner
, you get fresh fines, and people want to see
things and want to see new people.
they want to see a change in their government. I believe that is
the sentiment I'm hearing so far appear.
without belaboring this process --
>> mr. Mayor, may speak again?
>> no, excuse me. Without belaboring the process and going through
the mud, I want to give mr. --the utmost respect
, and say at this time that we are asking for your resignation.
I am asking for it here on a day us. I do know there
is a second that feels the way I do so
that we can continue moving this forward.
>> second.
>> so, there is a first and a second
to entertain the termination of the city attorney at this time.
is there any comments?
>> I have a comment.
>> for the second time?!. >> as I said earlier , whether
you have personality differences, you can go to the records, and you
can see how the city is moving forward
in so many ways.
separately from that, I will say that I don't
think this is a forum to discuss a resignation. I believe that
, if mr. --, or any charter officer
, should resign, we should offer the opportunity for them to be able to have a
discussion separately , and then bring something forth to
the commission that the commission could then
fully vetted and talk about transition processes. For someone
to walk out the day of
, and for a city attorney department to be just left without
an attorney , that doesn't make sense. That is never
been how we do business here.
you can say we do not have a particular process to
hire an attorney, but, as it relates to transition , we always have
a proper transition.
and so, you know, I say give him the opportunity
to properly, if that is what the commissioner
should decide , to accept a proper
transition from the attorney. I don't know where
the attorney stands, I can't speak for him. Honestly, that is up to him
to see for himself, but the way we are doing this here tonight is appropriate.
>> I call the question? >> I will not stand for. Thank you.
>> thank you. Okay, call to question, madam clerk?
you can break the quorum.
you can't break the quorum.
>> you just did. He just did.
>> you can't walk out in the middle of a discussion.
>> you could do what he wants, he is a grown man.
>> madam clerk, let's get the vote?
>> I don't give a quorum, mr. Mayor.
you have to do every thing directly.
>> you know what? To the developers that were
on the judicial, it is not our fault . To the residence I came here,
it is not our fault. And if the ethics commission is watching ,
you saw two of your commissioners, two of the commissioners
leave. I am hoping that you are watching into
some thing about it.
>> mr. Mayor, I would like to make a suggestion
that we have an emergency meeting? Although
it takes five people to do that , I think we need an emergency meeting.
>> we need five people for an emergency meeting.
I will respectfully ask ,
since we have lost a quorum , at the next meeting that there
is legislation drafted that will prevent anybody
from walking out.
I believe commissioner kramer brought up once, and it was
voted down. If nobody can find it , I have to do a
public records request to the clerk.
but I want to find the resolution that commissioner kramer
brought up once that would not allow a person
to walk out and break the quorum.
>> and just for the record, there was ever a majority vote to
fire desmond scott. There wasn't even a motion that
was seconded.
>> I don't know, city clerk, if I'm on or off
record, because we don't have a quorum.
but, for public information , and because it meant so much to me
, and with respect of somebody that I have known for a
long time , there have been some things that happened that hurt
our city from the council that we were given
in north miami beach.
I am not going to mention any of the above . My
confidence for what I feel this city needs to go forward
is based on something different.
but, I did read the charter , and I did read the city attorney's contract.
the city attorney's contract is firm,
and when I heard my fellow commissioners say give them the
opportunity to resign , the firm can quit anytime.
that is for sure.
this is a firm that works for us.
we, as city bodies, the majority of us have had
the opportunity, and it is nothing personal . As people have
told me that know you well, what a wonderful family man
you are , and what a great person you are. But I will tell
you the truth. If you knocked on the doors
that I did , out of 400 doors, 350
want a change.
so, there is a lot that plays into this conversation
. I have no idea what anybody else in this
felt. I don't play that game when somebody called me, I said you
were not going to work as a conduit.
that is not the way I do government work.
but I would think, knocking on doors , that three out of
the four commissioners heard the same thing I heard.
and prior to being elected, sometimes ,
commissioner chernoff and I walk together. Sometimes, commissioner
smukler and I walk together. But, this is not
a personal issue to me, this is a covered
mince run city that needs some correction
. I am saying some to be kind. Instead of saying a lot.
so, I will try to be kind to say that I don't think
it would work, because
, as our legal counsel , in that election
that was so blatantly obvious what was happening with our
government involved , and without somebody stepping in
, it makes me nervous , because the your question to yourself
is what else? What else?
so, I don't know if this is on or off record. I have no
idea because there is no orem, but I want to say, this is
nothing vindictive . This is nothing mean-spirited in my seat.
the only thing I want to do is bring the best government to north
miami beach we can possibly have, and with
what has happened in some of the decisions that
were made in my seats, I did not think that
that is what would go forward.
I can't speak for anybody else, but I do speak for what I have unencumbered. And
someday, maybe we will share it and see if I am wrong.
but, I really do appreciate you understanding that this is not, if
you will, that this is nothing against you. Is
the firm, and the way the firm took care of our city.
that makes me a little anxious to make sure that it
doesn't continue.
and that is the reason why I feel the way
I feel.
>> all right, folks. We will go ahead
and conclude this meeting. Obviously, we
can't continue any further. We don't have a quorum, meeting adjourned.
happy holidays to everyone. Be safe. Bless you all.