A considerable portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing public safety concerns, particularly those affecting Bob Graham Education Center. Traffic safety around the school has been a growing concern for both local residents and law enforcement. Officer Amador engaged with residents to highlight ongoing problems related to traffic management, especially during school dismissal times. The traffic flow on 7th Avenue has been particularly problematic for parents and children alike, leading to a recent meeting involving school board representatives and community members to discuss potential solutions.

The dialogue revealed that changes to the school’s field area cannot occur due to existing drainage projects. This means the field must remain untouched to manage rainwater effectively. Parents’ lack of attention while driving was also noted as a significant safety concern, leading to suggestions that children should cross at designated ends of the streets rather than between moving vehicles. Enforcement of no-parking signs has been challenging, causing chaos when parents park in prohibited areas during school pick-up times. The council discussed reconsidering parking rules, particularly allowing parents to park on the swell during pick-up times to alleviate congestion.

The complexities of reworking the current traffic pattern were emphasized, with existing Miami-Dade County regulations restricting changes that could improve the situation. Despite rules aimed at maintaining safety, they have instead contributed to confusion and disorder. As one attendee remarked, “you’ve created the problem with all these rules; how are you going to fix it?” This sentiment reflected growing frustration over the lack of effective solutions from the school board and law enforcement. The council concluded with a proposal to host a public forum where parents, school representatives, and police could voice their concerns and collaborate on solutions. A motion was made to add the subject of school traffic safety to the agenda for the next committee meeting.

Another topic was the upcoming Bike Rodeo event scheduled for September 28. Officer Amador provided an update, emphasizing the town’s hope for a turnout due to the proximity of the farmer’s market, which would provide food options to attendees. The event will feature a helicopter, mounted patrol horses, comfort dogs, and specialty vehicles. The need for tents to provide shade due to hot weather was discussed, and a motion to add this item to the agenda for discussion and potential funding was seconded and supported by the members present. Advertising the event through social media was also suggested as a strategy to boost attendance and participation.

The council also reflected on the recent police and fire appreciation event. Members expressed gratitude for the positive feedback received and discussed the food delivery aspect. This year’s individual box lunches were appreciated for their quality, but a return to the previous method of serving food from a large tray was preferred for cost-effectiveness and practicality. The council approved the procurement of individual 5×7 wooden plaques from Trophy Land for each member of the police unit, maintaining consistency with the larger plaques presented at the ceremony.

Budget allocations were a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Discussions centered around public service announcements (PSAs) and the procurement of flashlights for community events. Concerns were raised about budget constraints, with participants emphasizing the need to stay within financial limits. A second PSA was proposed to address community safety concerns, particularly highlighting the non-emergency police number, 3054 police. The collaboration between police and fire services was acknowledged. The council approved the PSAs, with the total cost estimated at $800, while the flashlight purchase was deferred to the next fiscal year.

Additionally, the meeting included a motion to express appreciation for Omar Gonzalez’s years of service on the Miami Lakes Public Safety Committee. The council also discussed logistical details for a potential “Ice Cream with a Cop” event, debating its scheduling and coordination with the previously planned “Coffee with a Cop” event on October 2, National Coffee with a Cop Day.

Finally, the meeting addressed neighborhood improvements and the need for a public service announcement video about the dangers of texting while walking. The council discussed the importance of adhering to branding guidelines for committee attire and agreed to finalize the order for polo shirts. The meeting concluded with a resolution to review the committee’s mission statement and an announcement about a culinary bike tour event.