Monday, September 20, 2021

Special council meeting set for Thursday, 9/23/2021 - relating to an agreement on the bridge. Does anyone have the specifics?

There is a big meeting coming up this Thursday, September 23, 2021. And to mark the importance, the important document is not disclosed, more evidence that transparency is dead in Palmetto Bay. This behavior of non-disclosure has become the norm here in Palmetto Bay see prior posts of April 30, 2019 and April 24, 2019, Tactical Transparency in Palmetto Bay - who is managing information, the elected officials or campaign consultants? Either prior mayor would have posted this very important Interlocal Agreement no less than 7 days prior to this meeting.


This decision will profoundly impact the affected areas of Palmetto Bay. Some say for the better, so disagree and say it will be for the worse. And that is why details and public discussion are important. So what is the agreement? Who knows?

9/21/21 UPDATE. The actual document remains out of the public view. CLICK HERE to view the agenda (saved as 'final') as it was posted as of 9:20 AM just prior to the 9/23 meeting. The Resolution approving the agreement is prewritten and posted, but the very document that it references, the actual Interlocal Agreement, is NOT part of the package. Note that the actual Interlocal Agreement is the important document. Everything else is procedural fluff.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS: What meetings were held with the stakeholders? I none, why? If meetings were held, then where was notice posted? Were minutes kept of any such meetings?

Here is all I have with only two business days remaining before the day this item is set to be decided. Is that fair to the affected residents (all sides of the issue).

This item was once set for a prior village council meeting, but deferred to allow time to review specifics. Now it is the close of day Monday, 9/20/2021 and the public (at least the general public) remains without access to the specifics pertaining to the 87th Avenue bridge.

I have written numerous articles relating to the lack of transparency of this current administration as well as the lack of prep and details of the so-called bridge fight.

Concerned residents appear not to be in the loop and are moving on beyond the current Palmetto Bay mayor and village council to contest the bridge.

But the fight appears lost. It really was never much of a fight at all. From the mayor engaging in a photo op at a park rather than appearing before a county board to contest the bridge (and claiming lack of notice besides having discussed the issue at a council meeting the night prior).

RECENT BACKGROUND: 

May 21, 2021, Canceled? Update on the "Hybrid Conflict Resolution Assessment Meeting with Miami-Dade County Transportation Planning Organization ("TPO") Regarding the SW 87th Avenue Bridge Project - CANCELED"

July 20, 2021, Palmetto Bay Bridge - the definitive statement from the Village Attorney - more post mortem - photos, video and links provided.

I have asked the question "What did they know and when did they know it?" (our current elected officials). February 2021 came and went without any elected officials keeping residents in the loop, updating them on preparations for combating the bridge. Why, obviously because there was no preparation, plan or vision. See another prior related post, this one posted February 2, 2021, Bridging Palmetto Bay - the plan is back and apparently this has been put together without any opposition or input from current Palmetto Bay officials. It is incredulous to think that our elected officials met with our County officials, with a new County Commissioner, without asking proper questions or being offered the updates on the plans for the bridge. 

Now we are left wondering what deal was cut and which (if any) residents were consulted or allowed input into this proposed deal set for a vote in the next few days. No wonder residents are reaching out directly to our County Mayor!

So why is money begin spent for the Social Media specialists as well as attorneys to attend these "mediations"? Where are the updates, the reports? What are the deliverables for the tax dollars being spent?
  • You want "no right turn signs"? The County has always been reasonable. What has been unreasonable has been the cost of enforcement. When does Palmetto Bay reach the number of 'no turn' signs where they lose their effectiveness?
  • You want "traffic tables"? We have secured these anytime we have asked (at least while I was in office). And I think we have reached the point of diminishing returns on them at this point.
  • Landscaped chicanes? We have been allowed to install those as well (I actually prefer them).  Approved for use and installed in 2008.
  • Roundabouts? They work. I even got the County to pay for them. Not everyone likes them, but traffic lights are so awkward. Holding drivers up when there is no traffic and tend to go out in bad weather. Current Palmetto Bay leaders have a lawsuit pending to avoid the County's offer to fund and build a roundabout at SW 87th and 174.
  • Traffic diversion, turning some streets one way? All could be done, at least at one time.
  • We did get the County to put in at least one traffic signal that I can recall - 87th avenue and Coral Reef Drive - through negotiation and in collaboration with our commissioner Katy Sorenson - once again, we thank you Katy! 
  • Also lighted crosswalks - Old Cutler Road/174, numerous spots on 82nd Avenue and on 168th street.


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