The Alzheimer’s Association presentation, delivered by Joey Kennan, a resident and volunteer advocate, underscored the need for increased awareness and support for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease within Miami Lakes. Kennan shared statistics, noting that Miami-Dade County has the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s in Florida, with an impact on the predominantly Hispanic population in Miami Lakes. Kennan’s personal experiences as a caregiver motivated his advocacy efforts and led to his request for the town’s assistance in promoting the organization’s upcoming fundraising walk and awareness campaign. The council members praised Kennan and his team, acknowledging the importance of such initiatives in providing resources and support for caregivers and affected families.

Shifting to infrastructure, the council engaged in discussions about a proposed partial interchange project at Northwest 67th Avenue. This project aims to enhance connectivity between local streets and the expressway system. The Greater Miami Expressway Agency outlined the necessity of this project due to increasing population and economic activity, which have strained existing infrastructure. The project’s potential to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow was emphasized, with council members expressing appreciation for the progress made after years of delays. Environmental and noise impact studies are underway, with community involvement highlighted as a part of the project’s development.

Another topic was the demolition services contract for a building on Northwest 151st Street. The council deliberated on whether to deny the current contract to reopen the bidding process, with some members expressing concerns about the contractor’s qualifications and costs. However, the motion to deny the contract did not pass, and the council proceeded to approve the current bid, acknowledging the urgency of the project and the potential for future development on the site.

Public safety also featured prominently in the meeting, with the police department reporting ongoing efforts to maintain low crime rates and announcing preparations for the new school year. The council commended the department’s visibility and engagement with the community, particularly during events like the Fourth of July celebration. The introduction of a new interactive component—a bike ride—during the upcoming National Night Out event was announced, aimed at fostering community participation.

The demolition contract discussion extended to concerns about environmental hazards, such as asbestos, in the older building proposed for demolition. While cost concerns were raised, the council ultimately approved the contract, with the understanding that moving forward was essential for future development plans.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the creation of a time capsule project by the Parks and Recreation Department, which has been under consideration since August 2024. The council discussed aligning the opening of the new capsule with the town’s 25th anniversary in 2025, promoting community engagement and sponsorship to contribute to the project.

Finally, the council discussed meeting protocols, specifically the timing and structure of committee meetings. Proposed amendments included extending the meeting start time from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and restructuring leadership roles in the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair. The council emphasized the importance of balancing staff availability with the need for effective governance, agreeing on amendments that allow for flexibility in scheduling while ensuring committee responsibilities are fulfilled.