Miami City Council
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📹 Meeting Video
📝 AI Transcript
[00:00] We're going to be in my city council except number 18, 20, 23.
[00:05] Number two, automation declaring September 22nd, 2023 as Barbara Lauren Day.
[00:13] Motion.
[00:14] Second.
[00:16] Seconded.
[00:17] Wait.
[00:19] Don't hold.
[00:19] Aye.
[00:20] Senator Williams.
[00:21] Aye.
[00:22] Parker.
[00:22] Aye.
[01:18] By the way, Central Avenue Bridge, to honor Chief Edwin Cook.
[01:24] And for those of you that don't know, Chief Cook passed away yesterday.
[01:29] And this bridge was something she was very proud of.
[01:37] Her first go as a chief, her first time as a chief,
[01:40] she joined the city and helped make this bridge happen.
[01:44] So Friday morning, her daughter Samantha had messaged me and
[01:49] said that her mom wanted to see Bo and I.
[01:53] So we went out to see her.
[01:55] Luckily, we had a really good conversation with her.
[01:59] You'll hear a little bit about that in a minute too.
[02:02] But after we left, I told Bo I wanted to name that bridge after her.
[02:07] Because I knew she was proud of that and being a part of that.
[02:12] But I told him I didn't want to wait until she was gone.
[02:16] I wanted her to know before she was gone.
[02:19] So Bo, the city staff, pulled a miracle off and
[02:24] had this thing where I could go tell her within a few hours.
[02:27] So I went back to her house and walked in and her daughter said she's asleep.
[02:32] She's been asleep since you and Bo left this morning.
[02:34] I said, well, I need to tell you something.
[02:36] I said, I will tell you and your dad and maybe she'll over here.
[02:39] And so I said to Central Bridge, our council meeting,
[02:44] we're planning on voting to name this after her.
[02:48] And so she was asleep and she said, I love you, boys.
[02:52] So she heard it and she knew.
[02:54] So that made me happy that she knew.
[02:56] I had Bo on the phone and I wanted to tell her so.
[03:00] But it would be a great honor to drive by there and
[03:03] see her name on the sign every time we drive by.
[03:06] So I need a motion to approve.
[03:10] Second.
[03:14] William.
[03:15] Senator.
[03:16] Senator Sharif.
[03:22] So, Kay, Bowman.
[04:10] I understand the seating that you all are going to be discussing and
[04:14] deliberating on allowing the Boys and
[04:17] Girls Club of Ottawa County to create and build a gymnasium.
[04:23] That for the use of our teens and the older kids in this county.
[04:26] I really don't have a political thing on this.
[04:30] I'm a member of the Friends of the Coleman.
[04:32] I've been president of Miami Little Theater.
[04:36] But I was a teacher in this school district for 30 years.
[04:40] And I continue to advocate for children.
[04:43] All Saints Episcopal Church does Teacher's Toolbox,
[04:46] which provides school supplies for every student in Ottawa County.
[04:50] I'm also on the Miami Public Schools Enrichment Foundation.
[04:54] I'm on the Arts and Humanities Council.
[04:57] And all of those things promote children and our youth.
[05:02] And so I'm here to say that I really hope that you approve
[05:07] creating a gymnasium on the existing building.
[05:11] I know that it's taking some space as a parking, but
[05:14] I think we still have enough to share.
[05:16] And the vision that this gives to our young people is invaluable.
[05:23] They need to know that this community and this city has their back.
[05:27] And the best place I know for them to be is within the heart of the city.
[05:33] So they can be learning about the things that happen here.
[05:37] They would be in the thought within walking distance to the Coleman.
[05:40] They are the future audience for the Coleman.
[05:44] They can be used to help promote that place.
[05:49] They have been used.
[05:50] We used them at the Mural Fest this year with Arts and Humanities.
[05:54] They were wonderful helpers who tromped up and
[05:58] down Main Street on a really, really hot day,
[06:01] making sure that everyone was comfortable and ready.
[06:04] Our children need our support.
[06:06] And so I ask today that you really consider heavily that these kids
[06:11] are our most important future, and that if we say that they are not
[06:16] important, then we are really cutting our throats.
[06:20] Please consider this.
[06:22] They are invaluable, and you must, must remember that they're your future voters.
[06:28] They learn, they pay attention, and they remember.
[06:31] I still talk to students, well, they're adults now, and
[06:35] they're all grandparents, practically.
[06:37] But when this community voted down in auditorium for this school district,
[06:43] it was heartfelt and is still a sore spot for people in the 70s.
[06:49] We're talking 50 years ago, folks.
[06:51] That's something that we need to remember, that this kind of vote.
[06:55] And we need another gymnasium.
[06:56] Our schools don't have enough space for our kids.
[06:59] We don't have a YMCA, or other places that our kids can gather.
[07:04] And the Boys and Girls Club offers a variety of programs,
[07:08] not just athletic, but studying, arts,
[07:12] a variety of things that will improve our community.
[07:16] The world is a different place than it was when I started teaching here in 1975.
[07:22] And we have a lot of parents who try their best.
[07:26] But the homes that our kids grow up in now are vastly different than
[07:31] the ones from 50 years ago.
[07:33] Thank you.
[07:34] Okay, next we have Jessica Mullen, claims.
[07:59] Parker.
[08:00] All right, six, September 5th, 2023, Bravers, go to mute.
[08:11] Sundberg, Williams, Sokol.
[08:17] Seven, discussion on ordinance to protect citizens.
[08:19] Misty Tiffany, moving on to eight, we'll move on to nine.
[08:32] Discussion with Remsa Coleman, the Boys and Girls Club,
[08:35] regarding the proposal to build a gymnasium and parking lot.
[08:39] Of the Boys and Girls Club, Kingsland, Carol.
[08:55] Mayor Parker, council members.
[08:57] The city has abandoned its offer to sell part of the parking lot,
[09:02] circumventing any issues with the sale of public property,
[09:06] to an offer to lease part of the lot.
[09:09] Do the council members know the answers to these questions tonight?
[09:15] Does the city know its fiduciary liability for this project?
[09:21] Do individual board members of the club have personal, legal,
[09:26] and fiduciary liabilities?
[09:29] Is the builder prepared to cover the cost of an environmental study
[09:34] below all that concrete and a water runoff study by a certified
[09:39] engineer before construction can begin?
[09:44] But all of that is of no concern, because here's the issue for tonight.
[09:51] The land for all the city parking lots on both eight streets
[09:57] was purchased with a federal urban renewal grant
[10:01] through the Miami Urban Development Authority.
[10:06] On May 6, 1968, the Miami Urban Development Authority
[10:12] transferred by warranty deed the parking lots to the city of Miami,
[10:18] Oklahoma, with reservations, restrictions, and protective covenants.
[10:25] The city agreed for itself, its successors, and assigns,
[10:30] and every successor in interest to the restrictions.
[10:35] The first restriction is that the property can be used only for
[10:41] all street parking.
[10:44] After consultation with our title attorney, we know that
[10:50] restriction will always be in effect, and it has no expiration date.
[10:57] Therefore, whether the property is leased or sold, no structures can be
[11:02] built on the property, and it can be used only for parking.
[11:07] Note that this ends the subject for the council, and that the council does
[11:12] not intend to violate this covenant.
[11:15] I would suggest that you make your decision based upon the law,
[11:19] and we have copies of the deed for you.
[11:22] I'm aware of this, which was brought to my attention last week.
[15:39] I've reviewed this deed, and it does have that provision written as represented.
[15:45] However, I would point out that if you were to turn to page three of the same
[15:52] subparagraph B, which is the beginning of page most of the way through subparagraph B,
[16:03] it goes on to state that it is further intended to read the agreement the
[16:08] covenant provided in in subdivision A, which is obviously, if I'm
[16:16] aware of it, there's no section apart from this.
[16:21] It should be the cabinet providing in one, in subdivision A, a section two
[16:29] shall remain in effect until July 1st, 2005, and restriction has been
[16:38] avoided, or has terminated by the very order.
[16:44] May we respond?
[16:45] May we respond?
[16:52] Sure.
[16:59] Mr. Lori, our title attorney looked at that.
[17:02] He said that there are portions of this deed that have expired, but that that
[17:07] particular provision to which we have referred tonight is in effect and will
[17:12] remain in effect for perpetuity.
[17:15] So council members, I suggest that you be very careful about this.
[17:23] If you are not sure, then tonight is the night for you to make the decision
[17:28] that you're going to have to do your own due diligence and research this
[17:32] very carefully, because we have consulted a title attorney who says that
[17:38] portion of the deed to which we refer will exist in perpetuity.
[17:44] So and he's done his homework.
[17:47] So thank you.
[17:48] With all due respect, Carol, Ben is our legal advisor.
[17:53] We will take his tonight, and then he can talk to the title attorney that
[17:58] the council will probably take Ben's advice tonight.
[18:01] Anything else for us?
[18:10] No, I just point out that I also am a title attorney.
[18:15] So if that were the proper interpretation in this sentence,
[18:22] it means nothing whatsoever.
[18:24] It's in there.
[18:27] So you feel confident we can proceed with a vote tonight?
[18:32] I think that you are perfectly entitled to proceed to the vote as to
[18:36] whether or not we're going to proceed looking at this.
[18:41] If the vote is no, then that's the end of the discussion.
[18:45] If the vote is yes, then we will just proceed through the process.
[18:50] There will be other votes to be had as it moves along.
[18:54] Anyone else?
[19:05] Thank you, council.
[19:14] I stand before you today as the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa County
[19:18] to express our unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community,
[19:22] particularly for our youth who are the future of this community.
[19:26] Tonight we are here to discuss the important Teen Center Project,
[19:29] specifically the construction of a much needed gymnasium
[19:32] which has garnered significant attention and sparked a healthy dialogue within our community.
[19:37] As you can see, we have additional community members here this evening
[19:41] in support of our Teen Center Project.
[19:43] They have come prepared to make a public statement in support of our project,
[19:47] but given the statements we have already made directly to the council,
[19:50] in addition to the negotiations we have attempted to make with Friends of the Coleman,
[19:55] we don't find it necessary to spend any more time on this matter
[19:58] and understand the council is ready to vote this evening and move forward.
[20:02] I want to thank these community partners for taking the time
[20:05] to show up this evening in support of the club
[20:07] and for standing committed to the progress of our community.
[20:11] First and foremost, I want to emphasize that we have approached this project
[20:15] with an open heart and an earnest desire to collaborate with all stakeholders involved.
[20:21] We understand the concerns raised by Friends of the Coleman
[20:23] and want to assure the council and the community
[20:26] that we have taken their questions and concerns seriously.
[20:29] We have engaged in numerous conversations and meetings,
[20:32] actively seeking to address the points of view and explore possible compromises.
[20:38] Our commitment to collaboration extends far beyond mere words.
[20:42] It is reflected in our actions.
[20:45] We have made a conscious effort to engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue,
[20:49] working tirelessly to ensure that our project aligns
[20:52] with the best interests of our community as a whole.
[20:54] We value the input and expertise of Friends of the Coleman
[20:57] and consider them an important partner in our collective mission
[21:00] to improve the lives of youth in our community.
[21:03] We have listened to their concerns regarding the impact of our project
[21:06] on the historical significance of the Coleman Theater,
[21:09] and we have taken steps to ensure that our plans are respectful at this cherished landmark.
[21:14] We have also explored potential solutions to mitigate traffic
[21:18] and parking challenges to alleviate any disruptions to our neighboring properties.
[21:23] We have expressed our commitment to working with them to ensure events
[21:26] at the Coleman Theater continue without any potential issues.
[21:30] As an organization dedicated to serving the youth of Ottawa County,
[21:34] we are deeply committed to enhancing the lives of young people.
[21:37] The Teen Center project, including the gymnasium, is a crucial component of this commitment.
[21:43] It will provide a safe and inclusive space for our teens to engage in physical activity,
[21:48] educational programs, and positive social interactions.
[21:51] We want to ensure the Council and the community that our dedication to serving
[21:55] the youth of Miami is not limited to the immediate project, but extends for years to come.
[22:00] The Teen Center will be a place where countless young lives will be positively impacted,
[22:06] where lifelong friendships will be forged, and where dreams and aspirations will take root.
[22:11] In conclusion, we want to thank the Council for their careful consideration of our project
[22:16] and express our sincere gratitude to the Friends of the Coleman for their engagement
[22:20] and their concern for our community's heritage.
[22:22] We're committed to continuing this dialogue, to finding calming ground,
[22:26] and to ensuring that the Teen Center project enriches the lives of our youth
[22:30] while preserving the historical and cultural fabric of Miami.
[22:33] We kindly ask for your support as we move forward, united in our shared goal of creating
[22:38] a brighter future for the youth of our beloved city.
[22:41] Together, we can make Miami an even better place to grow up and thrive.
[22:45] Thank you for your time, and I'm happy to answer any questions.
[23:03] I do have a letter from Councilman Eastiff, who's not here, and his wife went on a trip
[23:20] that's pre-planned, so he did write a letter that I will read on his behalf in just a minute,
[23:27] but I'm going to go first.
[23:29] I told you guys earlier that I had met with Chief Cook on Friday, and I told you you're
[23:37] going to hear a little more about that conversation, and this is the time for that.
[23:42] When I met with her, when Beau and I walked in, first she told us how much she loved us,
[23:48] but then she went on to say, you guys know we started something together,
[23:54] and we started a mission that has a lot of momentum,
[23:59] and she said, I'm not going to be able to be here and help you guys finish that.
[24:04] I need you guys to finish this. We both assured her we would.
[24:10] She loves her grandkids. She loves my grandkids. She loves her grandkids.
[24:20] She loves everybody in this room's kids, because that's who Chief Cook was.
[24:24] She loved every one of you, and she loved this community.
[24:28] She knows what path we're on with this community right now.
[24:32] This community is heading in the direction that hasn't been in a long, long time,
[24:36] and I committed to her that day to lead without regret, and tonight I'm going to do that,
[24:46] and since these guys are done, I'm making a motion to approve moving forward with at
[24:51] least with the Boys and Girls Club. So now I'll read the Councilman's D-Step letter.
[24:59] Ladies and gentlemen, community members, and distinguished guests,
[25:02] today, although I could not be here in person, I'm writing to you advocate
[25:06] for a cause that is close to our hearts, the construction of a much needed gymnasium
[25:11] for our community in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club, and the incredible work
[25:16] being done by Mackenzie Garsland, nurturing the potential of our community's children.
[25:23] Our community is a place where dreams are born, nurtured, and brought to life. It's a place where
[25:30] our children's aspirations know no bounds and their potential is limitless. However, to ensure
[25:37] that our youth can reach their full potential, we must provide them with the right tools and
[25:42] opportunities. One of these crucial tools is access to safe, nurturing, and engaging
[25:48] environment where they can grow not only academically, but also physically.
[25:54] The Boys and Girls Club has a long history of serving as a pillar of support for our
[25:58] community's youth. They've been a haven for countless children offering guidance, mentorship,
[26:05] and educational programs that empower young minds, but today we're here to take the
[26:10] next step in this journey. A gymnasium right here in our community would be more than just
[26:17] a place to place for us. It would be a place where our children can learn the sexual life
[26:21] skills. It's a place where they can discover the importance of teamwork, dedication,
[26:25] and discipline. It's a place where they can build their self-esteem, learn set goals,
[26:31] and work tirelessly to achieve them. This gymnasium will be a symbol of our commitment
[26:36] to providing every opportunity for our children to succeed. Now, let me take a moment to
[26:42] recognize Mackenzie Garson, a passionate advocate for our community's children.
[26:46] Mackenzie has dedicated her time and energy to supporting our youth, ensuring they have access
[26:52] to educational resources, mentorship, and caring community. Her tireless efforts have not gone
[26:59] unnoticed, and we are proud to stand by her in this endeavor. Together with Mackenzie
[27:05] Garson and the Boys and Girls Club, we can build a gym that will not only provide a space
[27:09] for physical activity, but also serve as a hub of positivity, growth, and empowerment for our
[27:14] children. It's an investment in our community's future leaders, athletes, and role models.
[27:20] So I urge you all to support this vital project. Let's come together as a community,
[27:24] as neighbors, and as friends, and make this dream a reality. By doing so, we not only build
[27:30] a gymnasium, but we also build a brighter future for our children. A future where they
[27:35] can thrive, excel, and become the best versions of themselves. Together, we can make a lasting
[27:41] impact on the lives of our youth, and together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant community
[27:47] for all. Thank you, Brian Easton. So for me, I think everybody agrees that we all support
[28:09] the Boys and Girls Club. I don't think either side disagrees. It's a good thing.
[28:18] For me though, my hang up is with the parking lot, and I know whenever
[28:28] Goodfellas wanted the parking spaces there, and I didn't want to be a trend
[28:36] where all of a sudden businesses are wanting parking spaces for wherever. So
[28:44] for that vote, I was an A vote. And just to be consistent with that aspect of it.
[28:58] A lot of you know what I do for a living. I've been in law enforcement in this area for
[29:02] the last 30 years. I've seen a lot of our youth fall because they have nothing to do.
[29:10] They have no place to go in this community. And therefore, a lot of them that we had to take
[29:17] the juvenile jail, JVP, Kelly, Clarion Ward, or Vanita, or wherever. That's just wrong. We
[29:26] need to stick together as a community and do something for our youth. And if we can't do
[29:32] something for our youth, then there's something wrong with us. Because there's a lot of youth
[29:37] out there that need our help now, and they're not getting it. We have nothing in this town
[29:42] for youth to do. Nothing. And therefore, they just go out and they run amuck. So we absolutely
[29:50] need to stick together and do something for them. I had a hard time with this vote.
[29:55] I wasn't a vote, but as of now, I'm against it.
[30:07] As a community, we need to do everything we can. I looked at both sides of it,
[30:16] and to me, it's just the best decision. They're our future, and we've got to invest
[30:28] in our future. I mean, I've had young kids still. I want them to have every opportunity
[30:37] to make things successful at Colman. I'm on board. I would like to follow up, too, by saying
[30:52] I know nobody up here, and I can speak for property stuff, too. Nobody here is against
[30:57] the Colman. We're friends with the Colman. We're not against anybody. We love you guys.
[31:01] You guys invest in an asset that's a city asset, and we thank you for that. You guys have
[31:06] been great stewards of the Colman. I don't think for us it has anything to do with that.
[31:12] For us, it comes down to just the kids. I think so it comes down to us that we
[31:16] feel like we owe it to them to move forward with this, and is it ideal to make my motion?
[31:32] Mayor, may I intervene real quick? Just to clarify, tonight is not a vote on an agreement.
[31:41] Tonight is a vote of whether or not we should proceed to create an agreement.
[31:48] So just to be clear, there's a lot of work to be done. There's a lot of issues that need
[31:52] to be vetted and addressed, as Brad pointed out. To create an agreement, we have to look into
[31:59] the issues that were brought forth today about the parking. We need to look at the number of
[32:04] parking spots. We need to look at the environmental. We need to look at the water
[32:08] runoff. All kinds of things still yet have to be vetted, and those things will be in future
[32:14] decisions that we'll have to make once we come up with an agreement that everybody can agree
[32:20] on that hopefully would meet the needs of everyone and address all the concerns. That
[32:24] would be the goal, but again tonight is just a step to move forward to go vetted so that we
[32:30] can do more engineering. The Boys and Girls Club had brought this to us because they were
[32:34] at an impasse of not wanting to spend additional dollars on the engineering
[32:40] if the council was not even interested in exploring it. So that's what they're seeking
[32:45] today is just is the council interested? Would you be interested in exploring this agreement?
[32:50] If so, there's more work to be done. Just wanted to clarify that. Williams?
[33:15] Second word.
[33:20] Contract C 23-34 with First National Bank and the amortization schedule for 36 months to 61
[33:27] months to give related signing and payment authority to the city manager as designated.
[33:41] A few meetings back we approved for a moon mover. I had it set up on three-year terms
[33:48] and the budget actually had it set up at $39,952.80 which you all approved.
[33:57] What I didn't realize everything up to this point we were doing on three-year terms on all
[34:02] of them and I said okay this is three-year terms, but actually it was set up originally
[34:07] on 60-month terms and for us to get to the $39,952.80 we would need to go
[34:16] to 61 month terms. We'd get it to $39,592.00 which would keep us in budget
[34:24] and that's why I need your approval to go along with this. First National Bank
[34:31] is going to keep the same contract just change the amortization schedule.
[34:40] Question approved. Second. Williams. Aye. Sunberg. Aye. Doppel. Aye. Parker. Aye.
[34:51] Well, the pledge amendment 24-1, adjust the estimated carryover,
[34:56] reduction of carryover, commerce funds, it's the same one with the MSUA.
[35:00] Yes, this is for five funds that the council. Sunberg. Aye. Williams. Aye. Doppel. Aye. Parker. Aye.
[35:19] 13 other new business of any of which the residents close to this agenda.
[35:26] 14 staff reports. 15 mayor council community announcements. As mentioned earlier,
[35:40] Chief Cook passed away yesterday. Her funeral arrangements are
[35:45] she and Lane State at the Ottawa Community Building starting on Wednesday,
[35:52] through Friday at four. The funeral will be Saturday at 16.
[36:05] Before you get further, I thought you might want to address the flag conversation.
[36:09] Oh yes. Sorry. And we're going to declare that all city flags be at half-mast
[36:20] through Saturday at the funeral. All city flags be at half-mast. 16 city managers.
[36:38] 17. Doppel. Doppel. Aye. Sunberg. Aye. Williams. Aye. Parker. Aye.