Council meeting minutes from February 11 and February 14 2025

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025, 6:00 P.M. PINECREST MUNICIPAL CENTER/COUNCIL CHAMBER 12645 PINECREST PARKWAY PINECREST, FLORIDA I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS: The meeting was called to order by the mayor at 6:00 p.m. Present were the following: Councilmember Shannon del Prado Councilmember Ken Fairman Councilmember Ariel Meyer Vice Mayor Jerry Greenberg Mayor Joseph M. Corradino Village Manager Yocelyn Galiano Village Clerk Priscilla Torres Village Attorney Mitchell Bierman II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. III. CONSENT AGENDA: The following items were presented per the Council’s consent agenda policy pursuant to Ordinance 2014-6: x Minutes of January 14, 2025 (Regular Meeting) x Minutes of January 24, 2025 (Workshop) x Minutes of January 28, 2025 (Special Meeting) x A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, AWARDING A BID TO HARTEC GROUP FOR THE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT SW 130TH TERRACE CUL-DE- SAC PROJECT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (2025-4) x A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE VILLAGE’S SHARE OF OPIOID LITIGATION SETTLEMENT PROCEEDS TO THE MIAMI- DADE COUNTY REGIONAL FUND; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (2025-5) February 11, 2025 Village Council Meeting Page 2 of 7 #Pinecresting x A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH MIAMI-DADE SHERIFF’S OFFICE (MDSO) FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE NON-TERMINAL USER AUTHORIZATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (2025-6) The mayor opened the public hearing. There were no speakers present. Councilmember del Prado made a motion adopting the consent agenda items. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Greenberg and adopted by a unanimous voice vote. The vote was as follows: Councilmembers del Prado, Fairman, Meyer, Vice Mayor Greenberg and Mayor Corradino voting Yes. The following item was withdrawn from the consent agenda by Councilmember del Prado and considered separately by the Council: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, CO-DESIGNATING A PORTION OF SW 70 AVENUE AS ANGELO P. DEMOS AVENUE; DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The mayor opened the public hearing. Ms. Chrissie Demos addressed the Council. Councilmember del Prado made a motion adopting the resolution. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Greenberg. Resolution 2025-7 was adopted by a unanimous voice vote. The vote was as follows: Councilmembers del Prado, Fairman, Meyer, Vice Mayor Greenberg and Mayor Corradino voting Yes. The following item was withdrawn from the consent agenda by Councilmember Fairman and considered separately by the Council: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH KIMLEY- HORN FOR THE LUDLAM ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY AND SHARE-USE-PATH DESIGN PROJECT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The mayor opened the public hearing. There were no speakers present. Councilmember Fairman made a motion adopting the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilmember del Prado. Resolution 2025-8 was adopted by a unanimous voice vote. The vote was as follows: Councilmembers del Prado, Fairman, Meyer, Vice Mayor Greenberg and Mayor Corradino voting Yes. February 11, 2025 Village Council Meeting Page 3 of 7 #Pinecresting The following item was withdrawn from the consent agenda by Vice Mayor Greenberg and considered separately by the Council: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE MIAMI- DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2025 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The mayor opened the public hearing. The following addressed the Council: Riva Steinman, 6421 Southwest 135 Drive; and Juliana Kaye 8761 Southwest 64 Court, Pinecrest. Vice Mayor Greenberg made a motion adopting the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilmember del Prado. Resolution 2025-9 was adopted by a unanimous voice vote. The vote was as follows: Councilmembers del Prado, Fairman, Meyer, Vice Mayor Greenberg and Mayor Corradino voting Yes. The following item was withdrawn from the consent agenda by Councilmember Fairman and considered separately by the Council: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, WAIVING THE COMPETITIVE BID REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH ZOO SOLUTIONS FOR PINECREST GARDENS FEASIBILITY STUDY PROPOSAL; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The mayor opened the public hearing. There were no speakers present. Councilmember Fairman made a motion adopting the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Meyer. Resolution 2025-10 was adopted by a unanimous voice vote. The vote was as follows: Councilmembers del Prado, Fairman, Meyer, Vice Mayor Greenberg and Mayor Corradino voting Yes. IV. AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS: There were no changes to the agenda. V. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Councilmember Meyer introduced the winners of Pinecrest Elementary School’s annual carnival raffle, which featured an initiative to reduce car congestion, offering students a "no homework" pass for biking to the event. The village added to the incentive with a raffle for a free annual family pass to Pinecrest Gardens and a Trek bike, exclusively for participants who biked. The winners of the raffle were the Syed family (Pinecrest Gardens annual family pass) and the Fraser family (Trek bike). February 11, 2025 Village Council Meeting Page 4 of 7 #Pinecresting Mayor Corradino introduced former Councilmember James McDonald of the Economic Development Council of South Dade, who introduced Rick Miller of the South Florida Defense Alliance. Miller presented concerns about a proposed development near Homestead Air Force Base, highlighting potential risks from a sports complex, hotel, and other projects. The council agreed to gather more information, including input from the county commissioner and a staff report, before deciding on supporting a resolution opposing the development. VI. ORDINANCES: The Council discussed the following ordinance on first reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE BORROWING OF MONEY AND THE INCURRENCE OF DEBT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $16,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE CONSTRUCTION, ACQUISITION, RENOVATION, AND EQUIPPING OF CERTAIN CAPITAL PROJECTS; ESTABLISHING ITS INTENT TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN CAPITAL EXPENDITURES INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH CAPITAL PROJECTS WITH THE PROCEEDS OF A FUTURE TAX-EXEMPT FINANCING FROM THE FLORIDA MUNICIPAL LOAN COUNCIL OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The manager addressed the Council. The mayor opened the public hearing. There were no speakers. Councilmember Fairman made a motion to approve the ordinance on First Reading. The motion was seconded by Councilmember del Prado and adopted by a roll call vote as follows: Councilmembers del Prado, Fairman, Meyer, Vice Mayor Greenberg and Mayor Corradino voting Yes. The clerk announced the second reading for March 11, 2025. VII. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Vice Mayor Greenberg announced that Miami Palmetto Senior High hosted its first speech and debate tournament in at least 15 years, with around 50-60 schools and 300-400 competitors. The event was a success, showcasing strong competition and placing highly in several categories. Maritza Shapiro, a community member and teacher, has revitalized the program, and the event is seen as a promising start for its future growth. The manager submitted the following communiqués and reports to the Council: x January 2025 Follow-up Report x Monthly Departmental Reports x Freebee Update February 11, 2025 Village Council Meeting Page 5 of 7 #Pinecresting The clerk submitted a copy of the following proclamations issued by the mayor pursuant to Resolution 96-32: • U.S. Constitution Week (September 17 - 23, 2025) The clerk submitted a copy of the minutes of the Zoning Board meeting of January 29, 2025. VIII. RESOLUTIONS: There were no resolutions considered by the Council. IX. PLANNING: The following proceedings were held by the Council, pursuant to Chapter 2 (Article VI) of the Code of Ordinances, and began being heard no later than 7:00 p.m. All witnesses giving testimony in the following quasi-judicial proceedings were sworn-in by the village clerk. HEARING #2025-0211-1. BET SHIRA CONGREGATION, INC. (OWNER) AND TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY (APPLICANT) ARE REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND MODIFICATION OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY RESOLUTION 4-ZAB-68-79 AS LATER MODIFIED BY RESOLUTION Z-114-86 TO PERMIT AN INCREASE IN STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND OCCUPANCY FROM 325 STUDENTS TO 600 STUDENTS; TO PERMIT AN INCREASE IN HOURS OF OPERATION FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M., TO 7:15 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M.; TO DELETE THE CONDITION REQUIRING DRIVEWAY ACCESS FROM SW 77 AVENUE TO BE CLOSED; TO DELETE THE LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS; TO DELETE THE LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL; TO ADD A NEW CONDITION ALLOWING THE REQUESTED INCREASE IN ENROLLMENT TO BE PHASED IN OVER THE COURSE OF 4 YEARS; AND TO ADD A NEW CONDITION ESTABLISHING PREFERENCE FOR ADMISSIONS FOR STUDENTS WHO LIVE WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, TRUE NORTH ACADEMY AND TEMPLE BET SHIRA, IS LOCATED AT 7500 SW 120 STREET. The Council disclosed ex parte communications. Allan Kusher, representing the applicant, addressed the Council. The following also addressed the Council, representing the applicant: Ivan Fajardo, architect for Civica; Joelle Taver, Michael Bileca, Maximo Blanco, Traffic Consultant, Monica Suarez, True North Principal, and Landscape Architect Kiehl Semler. Planning Director Olmsted gave an oral report, based on his memorandum of February 4, 2025, recommending approval of the request, subject to conditions of approval. Eugenio Lopez and Carlos Franics with Choice Engineering, the village’s consultant, addressed the Council. February 11, 2025 Village Council Meeting Page 6 of 7 #Pinecresting The mayor opened the public hearing. The following addressed the Council: Danny Mazer, 6951 Southwest 94 Street; Alice , 8281 Southwest 128 Street; Riva Steinman, 6421 Southwest 135 Drive; David Sacks, 7990 Southwest 132 Street; Elina Pacios, 7790 Southwest 120 Street; Monica Suarez, 10731 Southwest 125 Avenue; Aileen Bogert, 12701 Southwest 72 Avenue; Rudy Pages, 5840 Southwest 114 Terrace; Pastor William Wiecher, 11295 Southwest 57 Avenue; Felipe Assis, 6691 North Kendall Drive; Nancy Crair, 8190 Southwest 143 Street on behalf of Edythe Cannon, 6480 Southwest 131 Street; Ron Rosengarten, 6395 Southwest 114 Street; Gabe Mendoza, 10605 Southwest 129 Terrace; Tucker Gibbs, 3835 Utopia Court on behalf of Neal Litman, 7515 Southwest 122 Street; Rabbi Jesse Charyn, 7500 Southwest 120 Street; Alan Martinez, 7445 Southwest 99 Street; Liza Martinez, 7445 Southwest 99 Street; Ikobana Korth, 6363 Southwest 109 Street; Sheila Wagner, 7624 Southwest 108 Terrace; David Berger, 10650 Southwest 71 Avenue and on behalf Ann Ballen, 7301 Southwest 117 Terrace; Sebastian Valenzuela, 12700 Southwest 82 Avenue; Hacun Abacho, 7650 Southwest 135 Street; Cheryl Box, 7445 Southwest 118 Street; Vivian Beily, 12710 Southwest 72 Avenue; Steve Siegel, 5845 Southwest 114 Terrace; Doug Horwitz, 10460 Southwest 96 Street; Michael Kress, 6005 Southwest 135 Terrace; Paula Bierrenbach, 11800 Southwest 72 Place; Carolina Boucas, 12305 Pine Need Lane; Arin Saldana, 7298 Southwest 100 Street; Rebekka Haggard, 7455 Southwest 122 Street; Kevin Huber, 12020 Southwest 77 Avenue; Natalia Echevarria, 11224 Southwest 134 Terrace on behalf of Eugenio Sol, 13001 Southwest 63 Court; Plinio Gonzalez, 7991 Southwest 122 Street; Donovan Cluff, 8395 Southwest 135 Street; Stephanie Rivera, 7700 Southwest 122 Street; Steven Isicoff, 12730 Southwest 77 Court; Harry Speizer, 10001 Southwest 70 Avenue; Rebecca Sterling, 14701 Southwest 94 Avenue; Ivette Fernandez, 8185 Southwest 85 Terrace; Renee Garcia, 9401 Southwest 109 Terrace; Joshua Shimon, 9280 Martinique Drive; Cutler Bay. Councilmember Fairman made a motion to approve the variance with the following amendments: x 27-28 Council review x Approved updated traffic study x Pledge to reduce traffic such as a car reduction program with parents in partnership with the Village x Staff work with school times x No added cost childcare for drop-off and pickup x Resident priority x Staff monitoring queuing process during morning and afternoon Vice Mayor Greenberg amended the Fairman motion by adding the following amendment: x Council review at 460 February 11, 2025 Village Council Meeting Page 7 of 7 #Pinecresting Councilmember Fairman accepted the amendment. The Fairman motion failed due to a lack of a second. Councilmember del Prado made a motion to deny the variance and later withdrew the motion. Councilmember del Prado made a motion to continue the hearing to March 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Meyer and approved on a 5 – 0 vote. The vote was as follows: Councilmembers del Prado, Fairman, Meyer, Vice Mayor Greenberg and Mayor Corradino voting Yes. X. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE MEETINGS: The following schedule of future meetings was presented to the public: • VILLAGE COUNCIL WORKSHOP FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025, 9:00 A.M. x VILLAGE COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025, 6:00 P.M. XI. ADJOURNMENT: Councilmember del Prado made a motion extending the meeting beyond the charter-mandated midnight deadline. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Fairman and adopted by unanimous consent. The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 a.m. Respectfully submitted: __________________________ Priscilla Torres, MMC Village Clerk Approved by the Council this 11th day of March, 2025. __________________________ Joseph M. Corradino Mayor IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT A MEETING OR HEARINGS, THAT PERSON WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORDS OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORDS INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED (FLORIDA STATUTES). WORKSHOP MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025, 3:00 P.M. PINECREST MUNICIPAL CENTER/MANAGER’S CONFERENCE ROOM 12645 PINECREST PARKWAY PINECREST, FLORIDA The workshop was called to order by the mayor at 3:05 p.m. Present were the following: Councilmember Shannon del Prado Councilmember Ken Fairman Councilmember Ariel Meyer Vice Mayor Jerry Greenberg Mayor Joseph M. Corradino Village Manager Yocelyn Galiano Assistant Village Manager Angela Gasca Village Clerk Priscilla Torres Village Attorney Mitchell Bierman The manager continued the discussion of January 24, 2025. The manager presented discussion items to the Council. The Council directed the manager to present additional information for the following items: x Speed limit study x Commercial landscaping x Filming permit regulations x Canal maintenance plan x Tree canopy x Expansion of bike lanes and connections to parks x Appreciation day/month for teachers x E-news education campaign – top 5 issues x Code compliance statistics regarding citations February 11, 2025 Village Council Workshop Page 2 of 2 #Pinecresting The Council directed the attorney to present additional information for the following items: x Code enforcement models in other cities regarding vegetation on residential properties x Electric vehicles on sidewalks regulations The Council scheduled a continuation of the workshop on March 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. The workshop was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted: __________________________ Priscilla Torres, MMC Village Clerk Approved by the Village Council this 11th day of March, 2025. __________________________ Joseph M. Corradino Mayor IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT A MEETING OR HEARING, THAT PERSON WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED (FLORIDA STATUTES). WORKSHOP MINUTES FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025, 9:00 A.M. PINECREST GARDENS/INSPIRATION CENTER 11000 RED ROAD PINECREST, FLORIDA The workshop was called to order by the mayor at 9:05 a.m. Present were the following: Councilmember Shannon del Prado Councilmember Ken Fairman Councilmember Ariel Meyer Vice Mayor Jerry Greenberg Mayor Joseph M. Corradino Village Manager Yocelyn Galiano Village Clerk Priscilla Torres Village Attorney Mitchell Bierman The mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. Luis Gallardo (virtual), Valerie Finley, Joel Palau, and Jennifer Price, of The Happiness Project, were introduced to the Council and management team. The following members of the management team made a presentation regarding their respective departments or functions and presented proposed goals for inclusion in the strategic plan: x Planning Director Stephen Olmsted x Building Official Paul Buckler x Police Chief Jason Cohen x Public Works Director David Mendez x Finance Director Marie Arteaga-Nariño x Human Resources Manager Katherine Mainieri x IT Manager Gabriela Wilson x Administrative Services Manager Eduardo Pozas February 14, 2024 Village Council Workshop Page 2 of 3 #Pinecresting x Communications Manager Michelle Hammontree x Pinecrest Gardens Director Cristina Blanco x Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Daniel Alberty Luis Gallardo and Dr. Nancy Richmond provided the Council an update regarding the Happiness Project. The manager presented the 2024 Strategic Plan and discussed with Council the 2025 goals and key-intended outcomes of the following six pillars of plan: x Organizational Excellence and Financial Stability x Secure and Safe Community x Residential Character and Community Enhancement x Recreation and Infrastructure x Cultural Value x Environmental Sustainability x Transportation and Pedestrian Mobility The Council directed the manager to amend specified goals and key- intended- outcomes in the plan, including the addition of a seventh pillar, Social Connectivity & Public Well-Being. The manager presented discussion items to the Council. The Council directed the manager to present additional information for the following items: x Increase website usage x Fire Rescue Services with the County x SW 67 Avenue Red Light Camera Study x Village Council community outreach x Employee well-being x Explore ways to deter theft incidents along US1 The Council scheduled a continuation of the workshop on March 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. The workshop was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. February 14, 2024 Village Council Workshop Page 3 of 3 #Pinecresting Respectfully submitted: __________________________ Priscilla Torres, MMC Village Clerk Approved by the Village Council this 11th day of March, 2025. __________________________ Joseph M. Corradino Mayor IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT A MEETING OR HEARING, THAT PERSON WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED (FLORIDA STATUTES).