Richard Annese

The meeting, initiated by the Vice Mayor and involving Town Staff and School Board Member Roberto Alonso, focused on Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) matters to advocate for future traffic projects within the Town. Key discussion points included preferences for on-ramps, traffic flow entering and exiting the Town, east side exit projects, concerns regarding the Gratigny interchange, issues with NW 67th Ave as a freight truck route, feedback on the Greater Miami Expressway (GMX) event, preventative traffic solutions, crosswalk improvements, and construction funding. School Board Member Alonso emphasized merging Town priorities with the School District's, guiding the GMX project with Town recommendations, and requested a cohesive plan from Town Staff to present at a TPO board meeting. He also requested a follow-up meeting with the County Commissioner and School Board staff to accelerate the GMX Gratigny project.

The meeting included discussions regarding the Town Manager's intent to move funds for travel to Tallahassee during Committee Week. Public comments focused on bridge situations, including the Interlocal Agreement with Hialeah, traffic control, and concerns about the opening of NW 154 and NW 170th Streets. The main new business item involved a discussion on the continuation of litigation concerning the bridges. The Town Attorney explained the initiation of Dispute Resolution procedures against Miami Dade County regarding the NW 170th Street construction threat. Following significant deliberation and amendments, the Council voted to direct the Town Attorney to commence immediate litigation to prohibit Miami Dade County from constructing NW 170th Street into the Town of Miami Lakes, citing immediate danger to public health, safety, and welfare, and the compromise of significant legal rights.

The Town Council addressed matters related to the Royal Oaks First Addition Drainage Improvement Project. Key actions included authorizing change orders for increased asphalt work due to a requirement for a proper cross slope. Specifically, a change order totaling $22,791.00 was approved for ATC Engineering, Inc., and another change order for $18,505.00 was approved for 300 Engineering for Construction, Engineering, and Inspection Services. Furthermore, a contingency of $10,000.00 was authorized for unforeseen expenses. To fund these changes, a transfer of $51,296.00 from the Contingency Reserve Line Item 402-563 800-21 S 13 to the project budget was authorized. The Town Manager was authorized to execute the change orders and expend the budgeted funds, along with modifications to the Fiscal Year 2023 - 2024 budget.

The key discussion centered on the Town Charter Revision meetings. Mayor Dieguez designated Councilmember Juan Carlos Fernandez to serve as the Town Council's representative in the forthcoming Charter Revision meetings. Councilmember Fernandez accepted this role, which is designated as a non-voting membership alongside the seven members soon to be appointed by the Town Council. No other items were discussed.

The meeting commenced with several proclamations and recognitions, including a certificate for Councilmember Sanchez and proclamations honoring the Zonta Club of Miami Lakes, the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, Charlie L. Allasher/Debon Air Mechanical, and Major Jose Gonzalez. Key agenda items included the election of the Vice Mayor, who was reelected. Discussions and actions were taken regarding the adoption of the 2026 Council Meetings Schedule, Major Gonzalez's final Police Report, the Canal Stabilization Phase I report, Public Works monthly infrastructure reports, fleet replacement lease options (approving two vehicle leases), and an update on school zone cameras which was deferred for further documentation review. The Council approved a settlement with the Becker and Poliakoff law firm and received updates on ordinance enforcement. Committee reports covered the Youth Activities Task Force and the Special Needs Advisory Board, resulting in approvals for an inclusive gallery opening night and an inclusive picnic. A presentation was given on Vision Zero and the Transportation Master Plan. The Consent Calendar included approvals for minutes from October and November 2025 meetings and budget resolutions, though one resolution concerning a budget line-item transfer was pulled for separate discussion and subsequently approved. The Council approved an ordinance in second reading amending fence regulations. Resolutions passed included the creation of a Charter Revision Commission, authorization to apply for two FDOT Transportation Alternatives Grants, approval of a Quasi-Judicial request for a Clinical Research Facility use, approval of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Amended Budget closeout, and approval for the renewal of a non-revolving line of credit with BankUnited, N.A. New business included directing staff to explore legislation for electronic billboards, approving renderings for the Veterans Honor Wall to commence fundraising, passing a resolution supporting state legislation regarding limestone mining damage, and directing administration to develop criteria for hiring additional police officers. The Council also moved to request staff evaluate alternative, low-maintenance materials for parks landscaping and to compile a comprehensive sponsorship database.