Village Council Meeting Minutes - March 3, 2015
The Miami Shores Village Council held their regularly scheduled Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 in the Council Chambers of Village Hall. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM with the following individuals present:
PRESENT: Herta Holly ABSENT: Jim McCoy (due to illness)
Ivonne Ledesma
Barbara Estep, Village Clerk
PUBLIC INPUT: For items appearing on the Council Agenda.
No one came forward to speak.
APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 17, 2015 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
Councilman Davis moved approval of the February 17, 2015 Council Meeting Minutes as submitted. Councilwoman Ledesma seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
APPROVAL OF THE 2015 ELECTION POLLWORKER LIST (ELECTION BOARD).
Councilman Davis moved approval of the Election Poll Worker List as provided by Ms. Estep. Vice Mayor Walters seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
2) POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief Lystad
REQUEST APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE OF FORFEITURE FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,500 FOR INFORMED FAMILIES OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY.
Chief Lystad spoke of the Informed Families organization and their anti-drug campaigns. Councilman Davis moved to approve the request for appropriation and expenditure of forfeiture funds to Informed Families. Mayor Holly seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING TRANSFERRING K-9 RIK TO HIS HANDLER, OFFICER JOHN LEE SUBSEQUENT TO OFFICER LEE'S RETIREMENT.
Chief Lystad spoke of Officer John Lee's retirement and his K-9 partner, Rik's age of 9 also being close to retirement. Chief indicated that it is not prudent to retrain Rik for a new partner nor return him to service. The Chief confirmed that there are additional K-9 Units and the decision on whether or not to replace the third unit is being evaluated. Chief Lystad recommends allowing retired Office Lee to keep K-9 Rik. Councilwoman Ledesma moved to approve the request to transfer K-9 Rik to retired Officer Lee. Vice Mayor Walters seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
3) VILLAGE COUNCIL Councilman Hunt Davis
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION CONCERNING THE CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE BUILDING DEPARTMENT BY DEVELOPING AN AUTOMATED INSPECTION NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AND THE POSSIBILITY OF INTEGRATING IT WITH THE EXISTING SYSTEM.
Councilman Davis offered his thoughts on further automating the building department's permitting process and is looking to have the Administration research appropriate computer programs that may enable residents to obtain inspection results, plan review comments, etc. in a more timely manner. Councilman Davis indicated that it would be very helpful if a text message could be sent to a resident when an inspector is on their way to conduct an inspection rather than the present system which provides for a 2 to 4 hour window during which the homeowner must be available for the inspector. Following a brief discussion, Councilman Davis moved to authorize the Village Manager to look into applicable programs to automate the Building Department. Councilwoman Ledesma seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Ms. Estep read the announcements.
5) PUBLIC COMMENTS
No one present wished to speak.
Ivonne Ledesma Councilwoman Ledesma spoke of absentee ballots for the upcoming election and encouraged everyone to get out and vote. She also spoke of Saturday's Unity Day event.
Jesse Walters Vice Mayor Walters congratulated the six candidates running for Village Council and thanked them for their willingness to serve.
Hunt Davis Councilman Davis commented on Unity Day and the Heidi Hewes "Bark-Off" event scheduled for the following Saturday.
Herta Holly Mayor Holly urged people to take advantage of the March weather and attend Unity Day.
The March 3, 2017 Council Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.
______________________________ Herta Holly, Mayor