VULNERABILITY STUDY WORKSHOP HELD ENSURING SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
Addressing environmental vulnerabilities is paramount to building resilient communities. A comprehensive Vulnerability Study Workshop was held on June 20, 2024 to help identify risks associated with the Village’s assessment.
The workshop was held to deepen the understanding of vulnerability assessments and the role in future sustainability efforts. Residents were provided the fundamentals and various types of vulnerabilities and how these are interconnected. Representatives from Coastal Risk Consulting guided participants through the process of identifying and analyzing risks, stressing the importance of data collection and the use of analytics to make informed decisions. Part of this study is to also identify critical and regionally significant assets in the Village to foster possible collaborations in sustainable solutions.
This workshop is part of the overall assessment being conducted by Coastal Risk Consultants through a grant received from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This update is required as part of a comprehensive statewide flood vulnerability and sea level rise assessment to assist in the development of a statewide resilience plan.
If you have not already shared, residents are encouraged to submit photos or share experiences of flooding on our website at: https://www.msvfl.gov/MSV-VulnerabilityAssessment to help aid in the Village’s vulnerability assessment.
UNPRECEDENTED RAIN EVENT IN MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE:
A COMMUNITY RESPONSE
On June 12, 2024, Miami Shores Village experienced an extraordinary weather event classified as a 1 in 1,000-year rainstorm. Over the span of 24 hours, the area was inundated with unprecedented rainfall, causing significant flooding and disruption across the community. Meteorologists have described the storm as a once-in-a-millennium event due to the sheer volume of rain of up to 21.5”, that fell within such a short period. This rare meteorological occurrence led to widespread flooding, affecting homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Streets turned into rivers, and many residents found themselves navigating deep floodwaters.
Swift Response from Public Works and Police
The Miami Shores Village Public Works Department was on high alert as the storm began. Thanks to their preparedness and rapid response, the department was able to mitigate some of the worst impacts. Crews worked tirelessly throughout the storm to clear storm drains and deploy pumps to vulnerable areas. "We had our teams on the ground as soon as we saw the forecasts," said Chris Miranda, Public Works Director. "Our priority was to keep the drainage systems functional and provide immediate relief to flooded areas. The sheer scale of this event was unprecedented, but our crews were resilient and committed. In parallel, the Miami Shores Police Department played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the community. Officers were dispatched to assist in severely affected areas to provide traffic control. They coordinated closely with emergency services to ensure that those in need received timely assistance. The recent rain event serves as a stark reminder of the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns. Miami Shores Village is committed to enhancing its resilience against such extreme events. Plans are already underway to improve drainage systems and updating emergency response protocols. Together, Miami Shores Village is demonstrating its resilience and capacity to overcome even the most extraordinary challenges.
VILLAGE HALL NEWS
BUDGET WORKSHOP TO BE HELD FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
A public budget workshop of the Miami Shores Village Council will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 6:00 pm to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (FY 25) Operating and Capital Budget. The Village Council will hold a budget workshop to review, discuss, and provide input on the FY 24-25 Miami Shores Village Operating and Capital Improvement Budget. This workshop will provide an opportunity for community members to understand the financial planning process and address the Village Council concerning the proposed budget during public comment. No other items may be discussed at this special meeting.
The budget workshop aims to promote transparency and public participation in the Village’s financial planning. The meeting will be held at Miami Shores Village Hall in the Council Chambers located at 10050 NE 2 Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33138. The agenda for this meeting will be posted on our website www.msvfl.gov. The preliminary budget documents will also be available on the Village website under the Finance Department tab, one week prior to the workshop.
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE RECEIVES BUDGET AWARD
The Government Finance Officers Association has named Miami Shores Village as a recipient of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
The association used nationally recognized guidelines to evaluate the Village’s budget as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications tool. The Village earned the distinction for its approach to fiscal management and strategic planning upon meeting all criteria with proficiency. The GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting. Congratulations to the Finance Department.
GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (GFOA) CONFERENCE
Village Manager Esmond K. Scott was invited to be a panel speaker at the recently concluded Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Conference in Orlando, Florida. Fellow panelists were Dr. Yvette Best, Human Resources Director, Orange County; Alexander Diaz, Town Manager, Golden Beach; and Deborah Girard, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, City of Orlando. The session was moderated by Ramiro J. Inguanzo, Deputy Manager of Bal Harbour Village Florida.
The theme for the panel was Developing Skills to Lead. The large group of financial professionals were treated to a discussion which charged them with how to incorporate and balance their technical and financial skills and knowledge with the everyday rigors of their chosen professions in municipal government. Among the areas discussed and skill sets examined were how to communicate complex information; navigate politics; guide decision-making; and lead teams through times of change, uncertainty, and crisis. The panel of municipal and county executives shared what knowledge, skills, and abilities they look for in a Chief Finance Officer and other leadership positions in government, including the different types of challenges they expect leaders to be able to manage. Founded in 1906, the GFOA, represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada.
JULY EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
JUNE COUNCIL ACTIONS
• Approved a resolution, declaring zoning in progress for preparation of amendments to Appendix A, “Zoning” of the Village Code of Ordinances, applicable to all applications on properties located in the residential (R) zoning districts for (1) new single-family homes; and (2) additions to existing single family homes in excess of 50% existing square footage.
• Appointed Andrew Lemke, Margie Wessel Scott, and Dana Vignale to the Doctors Charter School Board.
• Appointed Logan Schlosberg to the Sustainability & Resiliency Committee.
• Appointed Marie Mennes and Barbara Lawlless to the Library Board of Trustees.
• Directed the Village Manager to update the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Administrative Policy, Section M, regarding emergency procedures to include the emergency use of fertilizers and pesticides and also to remove the time of fertilization and allow it to be done year-round.
• Approved the rankings of respondents to RFP 2024-02-02 Parks and Recreation Master Planning Services; authorizing the Village Manager to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Frmwrk Planning + Design, LLC for the provision of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan in an amount not to exceed $136,110.
• Approved a Florida Local Agency Program agreement FM# 446054-1-58-01/ 68-01 with the State of Florida Department Of Transportation ("FDOT"), providing for reimbursement to the Village in an amount not to exceed $375,655 for the construction of and Construction and Engineering Inspection (CEI) services required for the multimodal mobility improvements along NE 6th avenue (SR 915) between 96th street and NE 107th street pedestrian promenade.
• Approved a resolution, upholding the appeal of the Planning & Zoning Board decision to deny the site plan application submitted by the applicants, Johnathan & Cassidy Buckland, determining that the decision was reasonable and is in accordance with the purposes of the Village Code.
• Approved a resolution, reinstating the program grant agreement for the Cambridge Program at Miami Shores Elementary School, requesting that the School Board of Miami-Dade County carry forward surplus funds in accordance with the previous program grant agreement for funding of the Cambridge Program.
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
For more information on Parks and Recreation programs call: 305-758-8103
JUNE EVENTS RECAP
Swifty Social Recap
On June 21, the Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Swifty Social. Children and families enjoyed an evening filled with Taylor Swift themed activities including a showing of the Taylor Swift Eras tour, friendship bracelet making, a 360 photo booth, and more.
Thank you to everyone who attended and made the event a success!
SUMMER FUN 2024
Summer Camp is underway and it is a blast! Children love our diverse camps like Fashion Camp, Swim Fit Camp, Shores Camp, and many more.
It's not too late to join in on the summer fun! We still have an amazing selection of camps available! Don't miss out on all the excitement and adventure waiting for your child this summer.
Shores Camp:
A fun interactive and creative day camp, which includes field trips, Aquatic Park visits, art classes and much more.
Sports ½ Day Camps:
Calling all sports enthusiasts! Whether you are a sports pro or want to learn some new skills, you’ll have a blast in sports camps. This is a non-competitive environment where you can play your favorite games and perhaps learn a new sport.
▪ Swim Fit Camp: Make a splash! Swim Camp will include stroke technique, water safety & fun.
▪ Soccer Camp: Make your goal to enjoy this fun soccer camp while improving your skills.
▪ Tennis Camp: Players will bring their game to the next level through drills, instruction, and games.
Themed Camps:
Each week we offer different themes and camp activities. There is something for everyone! From music, Dance, to Lego camp, there are so many options to choose from!
Tween & Teen Adventure CAMP:
Adventure Camp is designed for kids ages 12 – 15 to have a place to relax around peers, meet friends and enjoy new and exciting experiences. This camp offers creative activities, sports, team-building games and adventures to encourage participants to play, laugh and learn their way through an unforgettable summer.
LIBRARY NEWS & EVENTS
For more information on Library programs call: 305-758-8107 | Registration Required.
KIDS PROGRAMS
ADVENTURE BEGINS AT YOUR LIBRARY
Thursdays, June 13 - August 1, 2:00pm
FOURTH OF JULY PICNIC
Wednesday, July 3rd: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
CECI’S PROJECT
Helping Pollinators to Help Ourselves
Thursday, July 11th: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
MYSTIC DRUMZ WORLD MUSIC ADVENTURE!
The Legend of Marshmallow Island
Thursday, July 18th: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
THE LOST PIRATES SWASHBUCKLING ADVENTURE ~ LIVE SHOW
Thursday, July 25th: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
ADULT PROGRAMS
100 YEARS OF HURRICANE HISTORY
Saturday, July 27, 10:30am
Presentend by History Miami Museum Resident, Dr. Paul George
BUSINESS BUZZ CORNER
We welcome the following new businesses this month:
Grand Opening of Chick-fil-A Miami Shores 9190 Biscayne Blvd
Ribbon Cutting L-R:
Councilman Charles, The Harmeling Family, GMSCC Carla Peters, Manager Scott
Blu Dental 9715 NE 2 Avenue
California Closets 8703 Biscayne Blvd.
Visit our website www.msvfl.gov and check out our toolkit that provides important resources, from business grants, technical assistance, demographic data and steps to obtain a business tax receipt.
Brockway Memorial Library held a “Design a Parking Meter” Art Contest to celebrate their 75th Anniversary and beautify the Village of Miami Shores. Local area schools were asked to submit their students’ unique designs, and all entries were evaluated by a panel of judges. These gorgeous winning designs were painted onto the parking meters by the students and are now featured on the south side of the Library on 101st Street!
On Saturday April 20th, 2024 the culmination of the 75th Anniversary Parking Meter Art Contest was celebrated with an event honoring the nine winners. There were three winners from each of the participating schools as follows:
Miami Shores Elementary School
Angela Valenzuela, 5th Grade: “Aquatic Life / Sea Life” Gersaine Termidor, 5th Grade: “Bees Help the World” Xulu Velez, 5th Grade: “Flowers and Spiral Suns”
St. Rose of Lima School
Brooke Isha, 6th Grade: “In Our Shores, Era 2024”
Farrah Bensalah, 7th Grade: “St. Rose Is a Good Place to Grow”
Isabella Iriarte, 6th Grade: “Starry Shores”
Horace Mann Middle School
Janiah Fortune, 7th Grade: “Tweety Be Safe”
Kristina Smith, 8th Grade: “Aquatic Fish”
Loudwige Louis, 7th Grade: “Beach and Sun”
After the winners painted the meter posts, there was an art exhibit showcasing students’ artistic designs, and a pizza party! The winners, art teachers and schools were recognized and thanked at the event at the Library. The winners also received a participation certificate and a $25 gift card from Pura Vida, Miami Shores.
PUBLIC WORKS
DRAINS AND FLOODING
Mike Skofstad Village Arborist
During rain events, impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, parking lots, and roads, prevent water from being absorbed into the ground. When a rainfall event occurs, the portion of water that is not absorbed into the ground becomes what is known as “stormwater runoff”. All properties contribute to stormwater runoff and property owners are responsible for storm drainage flowing through their property.
One of the primary reasons for maintaining storm drains is to prevent flooding. When storm drains are clogged or damaged, they cannot effectively collect and divert rainwater and other runoff. This can lead to standing water on roads and parking lots, which can cause accidents and damage to vehicles.
During and after rainfall, stormwater brings leaves that have gathered on streets and sidewalks into storm drains. When large amounts of lawn debris collect in storm drains, lawn debris can cause trouble for homeowners, stormwater systems, and water quality. The lawn debris can mat across the storm drain and block water flow, causing water to back up on the street.
Miami Shores Village is reminding residents not to blow or dump leaves and yard clippings into roadways, storm drains, or drainage ditches. Putting your yard waste in these areas clogs drainage systems and causes flooding of streets and properties. Aside from potential property damage, it can also create safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians and leads to increased costs for public services.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining drainage easements located on their property in a neat and clean manner. This may include routine grounds keeping such as grass mowing as well as removal of trash, vegetation, and debris. Owners should ensure that drainage systems and structures are kept free of yard waste (grass clippings, tree trimmings, fallen limbs, and leaves) or other obstructions (privacy fencing or retaining walls) that may block the flow of water.
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE ADA RAMP IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
In 2015, Miami Shores Village conducted a Multimodal Mobility Study to enhance bicycle and pedestrian mobility and safety. The primary goal is to identify projects and recommendations to improve overall connectivity within the Village. As part of this initiative, the Village is installing 36 new ADA-compliant curb ramps, significantly enhancing accessibility for all residents, especially those with disabilities.
This project is funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation's Local Agency Program (LAP), underscoring a strong commitment to infrastructure improvement and inclusivity. The grant reflects a robust partnership between local and state agencies, aiming to create a more accessible environment for everyone.
Homestead Concrete and Drainage has been awarded the contract for this critical project. Known for their expertise and reliability, they will ensure the ramps are constructed to the highest standards, adhering to all necessary regulations and specifications.
The ADA Ramp Improvement Project not only improves mobility but also demonstrates the Village’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and connected community. By investing in these essential upgrades, the Village is taking significant steps to enhance the quality of life for all its residents.
This project exemplifies the positive impact of collaboration between local government and state agencies, working together to build a more accessible future.
For additional projects, please visit: www.msvfl.gov/departments/publicworks/CapitalImprovementProjects and click on each project for detailed project description.
VILLAGE UPDATES
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES:
Village Ordinance on Temporary Political Signs: What You Need to Know
As election season approaches, it is important for all residents to be aware of the Village’s rules regarding the placement of political signs. These guidelines ensure that our community remains orderly and aesthetically pleasing while respecting the public spaces we all share.
Here is a summary of the key points in the Miami Shores Village Code of Ordinances Section 504.2 Temporary Political Signs:
• No signs on the Public Rights-of-Way or upon any public utility pole.
• No signs on Village property including parks, village buildings and other municipal facilities.
• No sign shall be placed within five feet of any easement or within ten feet of the edge of the pavement.
• Signs must be located solely on the property side of the sidewalk where sidewalks exist.
• No political signs shall be installed more than 45 days prior to the date of the election which is the subject matter of such sign nor more 30 days prior to a primary election scheduled prior to a regular election.
NOTE: The primary election in Miami-Dade County will be held on August 20, 2024. Political signs for this election should not be displayed prior to July 21, 2024.
Private property guidelines: Each parcel of property shall be permitted one sign per candidate or ballot issue. The maximum size of any individual temporary political sign shall not exceed 4.5 square feet in area. The total sign area for temporary political signs located on any single property shall not exceed 27 square feet (six signs).
Enforcement: The Village will enforce these regulations consistently. Any signs found in violation will be removed. By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure that our Village remains a welcoming and pleasant place for everyone during election season. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work together to maintain the safety, aesthetics and fairness of our community spaces.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
HISTORIC HOUSE OF THE MONTH JULY 2024
Continuing our celebration of Miami Shores centennial history, July’s historic house of the month showcases this house built in 1926 by the Shoreland Company. There are no records indicating who the Architect that designed this Mediterranean revival style villa was, but it beautifully showcases the splendor of Miami Shores - America’s Mediterranean. Named “The Reeder House” for its first resident, Mr. James P. Reeder, a prominent Miami attorney. The property was designated a local Historic Landmark in 1988.
Drive by and admire this beautiful Miami Shores Centennial home at 352 NE 98th St!
SOUTHERN POLICE INSTITUTE COMMAND OFFICER’S DEVELOPMENT COURSE
The Miami Shores Police Department is proud to announce the graduation of three of its members from the Southern Police Institute 95th Command Officer’s Development Course; Captain Paul Cazzola (left), Commander LeeAnn Jonchuck (center), and Sergeant Justin Zalonis (right). This intensive 400 hour course, held from February 5th through June 14th, 2024, is designed to provide a foundation for practical law enforcement administration. This serves as just one example of your MSPD’s continued commitment to professional growth, education, and development in order to serve you better. Congratulations to the graduates for their auspicious achievement!
LGBT LIAISON CERTIFICATIONS
The Miami Shores Police Department is proud to announce that Officer Martha Tejera has become a certified LGBT Liaison, the first in the department to hold this certification. Officer Tejera attended the LGBT Liaison Academy and completed three days of intensive training on topics including LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement Training For Trainers, Hate Crimes Investigations, LGBT Liaison program development, and how to conduct active shooter response training for local organizations. Officer Tejera’s certification serves as another example of MSPD’s commitment to serve and protect all members of the community. Congratulations Officer Tejera!
