Kimberly Trellis, engaging the council via Zoom, introduced the Miami Lakes Local Lotto initiative. She detailed how this project aims to support local businesses struggling with rising costs and reduced consumer spending. Trellis emphasized the importance of local patronage, especially during the holiday season, urging residents to shop and dine locally. “If you’re going to go out to eat, it’s, you know, pick a Miami Lakes restaurant,” she stated, highlighting the challenges faced by small businesses in the area. The initiative has already garnered support from the Economic Development Committee and the local Chamber of Commerce, although legal constraints prevent the EDC’s logo from being featured.

Trellis’s call to action was met with enthusiasm from the council members, who expressed their intent to promote the Local Lotto through social media and other networks. The dialogue underscored a shared recognition of the necessity for community involvement to aid local businesses. Trellis concluded her presentation by expressing gratitude for the council’s support and excitement for the initiative’s potential impact.

The meeting also featured a discussion on public safety, focusing on holiday crime prevention. Deputy Amador of the local fire department presented encouraging crime statistics, noting no homicides for the past two years and significant decreases in robberies, auto thefts, and burglaries. However, concerns were raised about vehicle security, particularly incidents involving unlocked vehicles in gated communities. This prompted a proposal for a public service announcement to educate residents on security measures, especially during the holiday season when crime rates tend to rise.

The council further reinforced community vigilance by endorsing the police department’s “Grinch Busters” initiative, aimed at addressing package thefts during the holidays. This initiative highlights the proactive measures being taken to ensure the safety of both residential and commercial areas. Council members emphasized the importance of community engagement in spreading awareness about vehicle safety and crime prevention.

In addition to these discussions, the council deliberated on a holiday safety video project. This video, produced by Ghani Productions, has expanded beyond initial expectations, incorporating safety messages from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Topics such as package safety, the Grinch Busters concept, and holiday fire prevention tips were included. The video, characterized as “very positive,” is set for distribution through social media, featuring logos from involved departments and celebrating the town’s 25th anniversary.

The council approved an invoice of $350 for the video production, acknowledging the extra work required for its multiple skits. The committee also addressed updates from the Citizens Crime Watch at Homeowners Associations and approved a slight increase in an invoice related to key fob and carbon monoxide safety.

The meeting transitioned into discussions about upcoming community events, including a documentary and gathering featuring food trucks and activities. This event aims to celebrate the town’s history with elements such as full-sized cow displays and a beer festival. Coordination efforts were initiated to ensure committee representation at the event, scheduled for a Saturday from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Budget allocations and financial discrepancies surfaced as a topic of concern, particularly regarding previous events and fundraising efforts. Members expressed confusion over budget figures and called for clarification from the finance department.

Further discussions included the approval process for fundraising initiatives, with a focus on the public safety committee’s efforts. Members debated the standards to which the committee is held, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public perception regarding fund allocation. The conversation also touched on planning for the 2020 season initiatives, with proposals for community participation events and adjustments to event frequency for better management.