During the October 6 Town Council meeting, councilmembers approved an ordinance on first reading, several resolutions for business contracts and transportation improvements and proposed legislation to honor police officers, fight drug use among youths and change the land development code to increase the height of walls for more privacy.
• The Council tentatively approved an ordinance to remove the requirement that rooftop air conditioning units on town homes be screened from view at eye level and instead require that such units be a neutral color.
The town’s land development code mandates that where air conditioning equipment is installed on the roof of townhouse properties, that the equipment be screened from view at eye level (five feet, six inches) from the streets and adjoining properties.
The ordinance stemmed from residents’ opposition to the land development code because it would cost them thousands of dollars to replace their air conditioning enclosures.
Second reading of the ordinance, which is sponsored by Mayor Michael Pizzi, and a public hearing is scheduled for next month.
• Lawmakers approved a resolution authorizing Town Manager Alex Rey to renew several software maintenance agreements – Inobbar, LLC for the town’s agenda management services in the amount not to exceed $71,280 for three years; Tyler Technologies Inc., for Financial Management Enterprise System in an amount not to exceed $140,000 for fiscal years 2015-2016 through 2019-2020; and Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc., for GIS mapping services, in the an amount not to exceed $20,000.
The latter measure allows the use of GIS dynamic maps that anyone can use while viewing zoning, permitting and code enforcement.
• Council members approved Vice Mayor Manny Cid’s recommendation to give a vote of confidence for the town’s police department who handled two recent shooting incidents.
Councilmember Nelson Rodriguez proposed a similar suggestion, as lawmakers approved his encouragement of residents to place blue ribbons around their trees, mailboxes and doors to show the police officers support and appreciation for protecting them on daily basis.
• Lawmakers approved Councilmember Frank Mingo’s request to review the town charter and address the issue of reinstating an elected official following an arrest and acquittal.
Mingo said the mayor’s litigation to return to office and court costs charged to the town promoted the idea since the town charter was in conflict with state law.
Members will be selected to serve on the Charter Review Committee next year to look at the charter and make changes.
The residents will vote up or down on any proposed changes during the November 2016 election.
• Lawmakers approved Councilmember Ceasar Mestre’s proposed legislation to improve existing laws to protect children from drug paraphernalia business practices.
Mestre said there are several ordinances that deal with the matter including the display of bath salts, synthetic marijuana and tobacco products and paraphernalia, and Miami Lakes should improve the laws to distance children from those displays.
• Councilmembers approved Cid’s proposal for a land development code change that walls facing major streets should be measured from the side walk up and raised at 7 feet instead of the existing standard 6 feet for better privacy and security.
• Lawmakers approved Rodriguez’s recommendation to fine utility workers who block the town’s street while working on electrical lines and road pavings. Rodriguez said some companies didn’t acquire a permit or even notify the town that they are working in the area.
Council members also approved Rodriguez’s recommendation for a zoning change for using the town’s parks light towers as cellular antennas.