The council delved into the specifics of the salary adjustments, which were based on a study conducted by Evergreen Solutions LLC. The study evaluated North Miami’s salary practices against those of 21 similar municipalities, with the aim of improving salary equity and competitiveness. The proposed changes included adopting a new compensation structure with 27 pay grades and implementing a 1% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees. These measures are intended to address longstanding issues of pay inequity, especially among frontline employees who had been previously represented by a now-defunct union. The city manager emphasized the significance of these adjustments, noting that they would positively impact approximately 300 employees who were underpaid compared to their peers in other municipalities.

Public comments during the meeting reflected mixed reactions to the proposed salary adjustments. Resident Mar Medina supported the initiative but questioned how the city would fund these changes, particularly since they would be backdated. Medina suggested reducing discretionary funds by $100,000 per council member to accommodate the salary increases within the existing budget. Concerns over employee retention were also raised, with one council member noting that the Public Works department had faced challenges due to employees leaving for better-paying positions elsewhere.

The council discussed the financial sustainability of the salary adjustments, with one member questioning whether the city could sustain these changes without future budget shortfalls. The city manager assured the council that recurring income sources had been identified to support the nearly $1 million needed for the adjustments.

Additionally, the council addressed the new pay scale for employees, which aimed to balance compensation based on experience and skills. Concerns were raised about potential disparities, as new hires could potentially earn more than long-term employees in similar roles, an issue that had previously caused discord among staff. The city manager clarified that the changes being discussed did not affect police personnel, as separate negotiations were ongoing with the police union.

Aside from salary adjustments, the meeting also featured the administration of oaths of office to newly elected officials, including Kevin Burns and Pierre Frantz Charles, M.Ed. Burns and Charles both expressed gratitude to their supporters and emphasized the importance of working collaboratively for the benefit of North Miami. Mayor Alix Desulme also took the oath of office, committing to work with the council to ensure North Miami remains vibrant and thriving.

The issue of board member reappointments was another focal point of the meeting. A council member advocated for reappointing several board members to ensure continuity and avoid disruptions in city business during the council’s recess. Although there was a formal process in place for such appointments, established in 2019, the member sought to expedite the process by placing names on record for future reference.

The council also heard public comments on various community issues. Resident Veronica Gman called for unity among council members, residents, business owners, and developers, emphasizing the need for dialogue before making decisions that impact the community. Concerns about traffic calming, street lighting, aggressive development, and flooding were raised, with an invitation extended to residents to participate in an upcoming community coalition meeting.

Pastor Lorenzo Johnson from the Community Youth Against Violence initiative proposed “Operation Team Curfew,” a project aimed at implementing curfews across Miami-Dade County to address rising violence and crime affecting children. Johnson expressed a desire to collaborate with the council without any financial demands.