Central to the meeting was the discussion on the town’s charter, described as Miami Lakes’ “constitution,” and the process for its review and potential amendment. Deputy Town Attorney Lorenzo Coella highlighted the necessity of this process, emphasizing the importance of the charter in guiding the town’s governance. The proposed amendments, expected to be completed by the last week of May, would ultimately require a referendum for approval by town residents. Coella proposed a meeting schedule to facilitate this review.

The adherence to Florida’s Sunshine Law was another significant topic of discussion. The council was advised of the risks associated with private conversations about council matters outside of official meetings. Members were reminded of the potential criminal penalties for violations of the Sunshine Law. This included ensuring that all communication among members regarding council business occurred in public forums, adhering to the law’s stipulations. The importance of routing questions and communications through designated staff was also stressed, with Gina, a staff member, mentioned as the point of contact for inquiries.

The meeting also addressed the operational aspects of the council, with a focus on protocol for agenda construction. The clerk was identified as playing a central role, and council members were instructed to submit their agenda suggestions via email to the clerk, rather than contacting the chair directly. This protocol aims to streamline the process and ensure all members have input on discussion topics.

In a key outcome of the meeting, the council elected new leadership roles. Javier Leoto was nominated and unanimously supported as the new chair, while Romero Guanso was elected as vice chair following a nomination and seconding process. This election was conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order. The newly elected leaders are expected to guide the council through the upcoming charter review process.

The council also emphasized the importance of community engagement and public input. There was a strong consensus on the need to involve residents in shaping the town’s charter for the next decade. Members expressed enthusiasm for hearing from the community, with one council member noting, “the single most important thing to me is feedback and input from the public.” This sentiment was echoed by other members, who recognized the value of understanding diverse perspectives.

Discussions also touched on the handling of public comments during meetings. It was clarified that while public suggestions would be considered, council members should avoid engaging in back-and-forth dialogues during public comment sessions. Instead, they were encouraged to absorb the comments and consider them for future agenda discussions. Written public comments would be distributed to council members both electronically and in hard copy.

The council also discussed the importance of timely communication and distribution of documents. Members expressed the need to receive revisions or amendments promptly, allowing them to review and form positions on proposals.