A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to the logistics and planning for an upcoming concert in the park. The council discussed the potential impact of inclement weather on the event and the financial implications of canceling. A proposal was made to establish a clear protocol for canceling the concert by noon on the Friday before the event, allowing sufficient time for public communication and minimizing financial losses. The council members deliberated on the best way to handle refunds if the event were canceled and the possibility of rescheduling the concert for November. Dates after November 11th were suggested to accommodate one member’s return from vacation, with particular interest in the weekends leading up to Thanksgiving.

The council expressed excitement about the selected artist, known for her versatility in musical styles. Concerns about weather conditions led to a consensus that a cancellation decision should be made early to mitigate financial risks. Further discussions included the logistics of rescheduling the concert and ensuring that the community remained engaged and informed about any changes.

In another discussion, the council addressed preparations for an event scheduled the week before Thanksgiving. The event featured a couple who had performed in “Forever Tango” on Broadway, with logistical considerations for a wooden platform necessary for their performance. The budget for the event was initially set at $3,500 but was projected to be under $2,500 due to leftover items from previous events. The council discussed the need for volunteers to manage food and wine tables and the importance of careful food quantity management to avoid shortages.

The platform for the dancers was a point of discussion, with a rental cost of $672 for a 12 by 16 feet platform. There were deliberations about renting larger options to enhance performance conditions. The council also debated hiring servers versus relying on volunteers and the potential need for external catering services if the restaurant could not provide adequate staffing. A budget cap of $1,000 was proposed for the platform and server costs, which received support and was seconded for a vote.

Promotional aspects of the event were also discussed, with communications sent to the consulate for materials and participation. A time schedule was drafted to ensure a smooth flow during the event, and a reminder was issued about securing W9 forms from vendors to facilitate timely payments.

Another topic was the revitalization of Main Street through a new event aimed at collaborating with local merchants and the Chamber of Commerce. The council member highlighted the enthusiasm of merchants for the initiative, which aimed to revive Main Street with a blend of music, art, and performance. The proposed events would take place on Friday or Saturday nights from January to June, taking advantage of pleasant weather. The council discussed the necessity of a formal budget to proceed and the complexities of coordinating with various stakeholders for appropriate infrastructure.

The council also addressed budget allocations for upcoming events, including a Hispanic Heritage event with a budget request of $3,500. A motion was made to amend committee rules regarding attendance requirements, citing issues with members not attending meetings regularly. The member expressed that the current rules were too lenient, leading to difficulties in achieving a quorum and hampering decision-making. The motion to request stricter attendance rules was seconded, with a brief discussion about the nature of attendance policies.

Additionally, a council member shared an experience from a recent concert featuring musicians from the Symphony of the Americas. The member expressed interest in potentially bringing a new orchestra, “Music for America,” to perform in Miami Lakes. The council appeared receptive to the idea.

During the meeting, the council also discussed a proposal to enhance musical programming for the upcoming year, reflecting on previous experiences with orchestras. A motion was made to initiate contact with a specific group of musicians for next year’s events and to gather sponsorships early. The council acknowledged past shortcomings in securing funding and emphasized the need for a better balance in quality and quantity of performances.

The meeting concluded with an update on the library’s renovation and the associated cow sculpture. The council highlighted the need to coordinate with architects and construction teams to protect the sculpture and landscaping. The importance of securing sponsorships for cultural events was reiterated, with a mention of a $5,000 stage sponsorship for the Fourth of July event already confirmed.