[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6166685,"mediaKeyId","5415167-a3fe7c8c746d5dd300ce93b3576de02d","parentId",5415167,"title","Council, residents debate windshield stickers, key cards and automated gates for guardhouses","audioSeconds",4651,"startMs",3329000,"endMs",7980000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415167-a3fe7c8c746d5dd300ce93b3576de02d&start=3329&end=7980","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415167-a3fe7c8c746d5dd300ce93b3576de02d/thumbnail_3329000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166685/Miami-Lakes/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Council-residents-debate-windshield-stickers-key-cards-and-automated-gates-for-guardhouses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166685-22c17397adbd4df2519433ff79554a1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770709940&Signature=U6KLQJ54DK3-N8wBxl4INu5Cn5bBz01F7NaQIw7UNU1IkoJNGld1OVg3BlKAiPQUsD4jootLvdSokFHBaxbry6o-9Cjid6SHuB2afv40-EsM~C3uUxzgfEamOec2M12a6dlpwG-nwevah4hR1JbP-BVLXFGNzK1uo5PCDRjT8DkOcpFx~xcY56NXJWv5hwqwT1C9CLYG3kV-IQvUf9lLYZKYbHyhxasR95oPGfgKExidt47RMRhA9vkG2x3enNjFghFqJR9XQqdxkf6O9rP2y~6UnKrmIWMSR3-tFVGx6~ptgtXvvUHp2cDWU9K5oerZl4lC97ks9r1VubPsL8ytVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Miami Lakes, FL","date","2025-07-18T03:08:53.49Z","article","Residents, security staff and council members spent public comment and workshop discussion on July 17 weighing several ways to speed vehicle access at guarded entrances and reduce guard-arm damage, including reintroducing windshield decals, issuing key cards or clickers and installing automated photo/infrared triggers.

Supporters said decals and key cards helped previously. Irene Gutierrez, who gave her address for the record, told the council: “We had a sticker and we had a clicker. We didn't have any issues. You know, there was no lines.” Another resident called the stickers cheap and said giving two per house and selling extras could offset costs.

Why it matters: council members framed the options as trade-offs among resident convenience, guard safety and contract rules. Vice Mayor Moreira and others emphasized that any change that would alter the scope or cost to property owners could fall under the town's special taxing district rules and might require a community vote or a straw ballot process before implementation.

Details and council direction: staff (JP) confirmed the town currently uses small clickers and noted some sections already have white key cards. JP told the council that key-card systems can work where there is a dedicated resident lane but that replacing existing clicker hardware at multiple gates carries a cost. JP said: “If you go with the stickers on vehicles, you'd want to change it out every so often. Loch Lomond's HOA, for example, they change it out annually.”

Council members and the town attorney discussed whether specific upgrades count as \"capital improvements\" that require voter feedback under the STD (special taxing district) ordinance. Councilmember Herzberg and others argued that modernizing a gate with an infrared photo-switch that would allow a gate to remain closed and open automatically when a vehicle stops at the gate is a common-sense safety improvement; others said the definition depends on the ordinance language and could vary by district.

Operational items already implemented: JP reported several security operations already in place: recorded camera footage retained for up to 10 days at all guardhouses, transition of night-shift guard identification checks (10 p.m.–6 a.m.), and enforced guard contract standards (JP said 16 guards were removed per contract for not meeting language requirements). John, an SFM representative present in the room, was asked to ensure guards follow protocol, including turning on lights and recording plates when required.

Next steps and limits: Council directed staff to bring back concrete, budgeted options and legal guidance about which measures would be treated as routine repairs versus capital improvements requiring voter input. JP said implementation of measures like an ID-check resolution would include 30 days' notice to homeowners and a public information campaign. Several council members asked staff to estimate hardware and recurring costs and to propose funding approaches that would not automatically raise assessment rates.

Ending: The council did not adopt a final policy at the workshop. Staff was asked to return with cost estimates, ordinance references and options for voting mechanisms (Miami-Dade County elections vs. HOA-style or online straw ballots) before any stickers, key cards or infrared-trigger systems are ordered or installed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Workshop | July 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Residents, security staff and council members spent public comment and workshop discussion on July 17 weighing several ways to speed vehicle access at guarded entrances and reduce guard-arm damage, including reintroducing windshield decals, issuing key cards or clickers and installing automated photo/infrared triggers.","taxTitle","Miami Lakes, Miami-Dade County, Florida","taxId",55516,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166670,"Town staff reports increased summer lake maintenance and planned fish stocking at Lake Hilda and Lake Patricia",1901,3969000,5870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415167-a3fe7c8c746d5dd300ce93b3576de02d&start=3969&end=5870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415167-a3fe7c8c746d5dd300ce93b3576de02d/thumbnail_3969000.jpg","/articles/6166670/Miami-Lakes/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Town-staff-reports-increased-summer-lake-maintenance-and-planned-fish-stocking-at-Lake-Hilda-and-Lake-Patricia","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166670-88902abffd73f59de939b9580c1df0e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770709940&Signature=CsmfgwueQz9fCvtpJQmPH-eI9fOE1Lxk75a-t4nexq-1zvW6tAkU5IkQXsws-KOujEY0Y1xJ1AF87pMoMaiSa~Mqlh6JZNcQX1jJTbVTtBdbV9SRWjz3LfxBpi8dcRHIgcVMeNJ3VAeXoPOvvZX8XTBWx7iVhb5jOEKaHb3~2mMk0jJ70ewL0xzf-aBYRWKeSJYIC4d2UlPc78bG8D6R2sCoNkQHgV4~duekIXztJC0Z-ZXGdNp3PDHpqDEjzS8E7U7~IsZ46r~Satple78eUfebws32odwbjxT5Md8-6fVzePPSD3YzoGQgvtt5jRWn8VnnRzAGbjJwO4AbWra6Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff told the council the town’s lakes saw increased algae this summer and described steps underway to mitigate conditions, including more frequent maintenance and planned fish stocking.

What staff reported: JP said Lake Patricia and Lake Hilda experienced an increase in algae this season and the town increased maintenance cycles from two to three per month for the summer, with the higher frequency continuing through September. He also said the town is planning to stock bass at both lakes \"shortly in the next couple coming month.\" JP described the maintenance chemicals as primarily intended to control algae and to manage pH, but not intended to make the lakes suitable for swimming.

Council questions and technical options: Council members asked about species and methods; JP said he would confirm which bass species would be stocked (he suspected but did not confirm a specific strain) and noted that aeration—either bottom-mounted aerators or fountains—was a recommended measure for improving lake health over time.

Ending: Staff will follow up with species confirmation and continue the three-times-per-month maintenance schedule through September. Council members requested further details on long-term lake management options and costs.","Staff said algae increased in summer and maintenance cycles were raised from two to three per month through September; fish stocking (bass) is planned and staff discussed chemicals, pH and aeration as management options.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166676,"Contract renewals, guard-level changes drive mixed assessment impacts across districts",2248,4074000,6322000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415167-a3fe7c8c746d5dd300ce93b3576de02d&start=4074&end=6322","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415167-a3fe7c8c746d5dd300ce93b3576de02d/thumbnail_4074000.jpg","/articles/6166676/Miami-Lakes/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Contract-renewals-guard-level-changes-drive-mixed-assessment-impacts-across-districts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166676-b62fbcd6eda7f4fe60105efdb5ff2d80/orig.mp4?Expires=1770709940&Signature=WP2eqSkGZl1xu5UdxIfQr~JNd9Vf4uZk-rSycM7lh9axdh~QV~-j~ggNv52anAwMhn1EergRSgkeM5RXG1IIWkOVu4Qmf2eQlSRvwAcrJ~C55r7y00zyw-2AhMm-zV5Hs5Yna0R4B-WF25SewRkOzT3Mam5~UrJg-2PD0kdF5W-XQ3V3wInsQCpfL0AqR72Sit1mr81L4A3x~VKc7DTx-BYoPJi6yN~ec88We5~gn3DBvgX8zVSOF6lgNzxcFtOy064GtEINO9dFaRpuet-5kzBNSJfhjZ1ljM9SSp8SSv9fbbmumW1INg1BezoUPNpdNHtReGdvNiktPghKbsOJDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The town reported mixed assessment impacts after recent security contract changes and a council-approved change to guard staffing levels.

What changed: JP told the council the town had implemented a shift from live monitoring to recorded cameras and had rolled some districts from Level 2 staffing to Level 1, as council had previously approved. JP said the Level 1 change lowered the assessment in Miami Lakes Section 1 from $340.98 to $305, but Royal Oaks Section 1 saw an increase because staff used terms from a newer contract the district piggybacked on; Royal Oaks (one district) rose from $756 to $853 per the figures JP read at the meeting.

Why it matters: Council members and residents asked whether these moves would raise property-tax bills. JP and other staff emphasized that capital projects (separate from these operational contract choices) would only be added to a district's tax bill if residents approve a ballot. When a contract expires, staff may use an existing contract's terms to piggyback to new vendors, which can change rates depending on market conditions.

Contingency and funding: Council discussed contingency reserves, which staff said are presently capped at 10% of the special taxing district's annual budget under current policy. JP reported example contingency balances (Miami Lakes Section 1 contingency approximately $26,000; other districts lower or comparable) and said unused contingency carries forward. For a guardhouse project, JP described a one‑year assessment increase model — construction funded from current funds rather than long-term debt — with construction beginning the year after approval.

Procurement and contract strategy: Council members debated whether staff should issue standalone bids versus using an existing contract to obtain terms; staff argued a 3-year-old contract would likely have lower rates than new bids. Council asked staff to bring procurement options and timing back to the council and to clarify savings that could come from lowering contingency percentages for a single year.

Ending: No procurement action was taken at the workshop. Staff will return with a procurement plan, updated assessment-rate projections and detailed contingency balances across STDs before final budget adoption.","Staff reported the recent security contract strategy — moving some districts to a Level 1 guard profile and piggybacking on newer contract terms for others — lowered costs in some districts but raised them in others; the council discussed contingency reserves, how assessments would be paid and the process for future bids.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166681,"Loch Lomond residents petition council for guardhouse renovation; petition reaches 10% threshold, council seeks clarification before ballot",628,4272000,4900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415167-a3fe7c8c746d5dd300ce93b3576de02d&start=4272&end=4900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415167-a3fe7c8c746d5dd300ce93b3576de02d/thumbnail_4272000.jpg","/articles/6166681/Miami-Lakes/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Loch-Lomond-residents-petition-council-for-guardhouse-renovation-petition-reaches-10-threshold-council-seeks-clarification-before-ballot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166681-44b435323f68d0089b22550126694145/orig.mp4?Expires=1770709940&Signature=ThrdFflqS3uBTQjll1ARaU8mYcxLGmTutvmjihBUTkULt29Xv5yRDQ27J1RAGc9Ts5ROiGjF7qCqIBp4BE3jg~wS49mfjIMSh2mXnXe8T3Gfk~rqlarMkLwHdgUltqdOfUUL~7c7m6mWIMGxqv~fuIn2ceD4qDkc-OPYQPMW4E~gPzp7KXk4r2~jIur1iAvkjLvmPTxkLbEDJ9YizcwdEey2JSWnH6icGW74ywJRj71N43REO6aR9aT-hY716d7zFvC3C4ZYcuHwSP4xOqqqkoPAHYHLgRwVzMManeCajLOqUE-Cz~r9GNFa~hLKbrnBWfjGriLTbDPIDbmlgO3o8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Homeowners in the Loch Lomond special taxing district gathered signatures seeking a vote on guardhouse improvements, but council members and staff said the petition needs clearer wording and cost details before the town advances a ballot.

What residents asked: Patrick Cumple, identified at the meeting as president of the homeowners association, told the council the petition was intended to give residents a choice rather than let the council decide. “Don't put it in our hands. You guys take the reins. You tell us, do you wanna spend the $2.50 to completely, you know, knock it down and build it back up or maybe a more modest amount to to renovate?” he said, explaining he collected the signatures to choose among options.

Council response and legal steps: JP (staff) and multiple council members said the petition reached the 10% signature threshold the STD ordinance requires to proceed, but they raised a procedural concern: the petition did not make clear whether signers supported a minor renovation, a full rebuild or a modest renovation with a bathroom. Councilman Herzberg and others recommended clarifying which option had support before sending anything to a ballot.

Costs and financing: Staff said ballpark construction-only estimates are in exhibit C of the agenda and that those figures did not include design and planning; council members asked staff to include design, permitting and potential sewer/septic connection costs in any estimate for bathroom installations. JP said construction would likely be funded by increasing the special district's assessment rate for one year (staff described a model in which the assessment would be increased for one year and construction would occur the following year), not through long-term bond debt.

Vote mechanics and scope: Council and staff discussed voting mechanisms. The county elections office handles formal elections tied to tax assessments and property owners, but the town is evaluating HOA-style electronic or phone-ballot mechanisms or straw ballots for preferences. Staff said Miami-Dade voter rolls may not match property ownership and that HOA-style or paid voting vendors could be used to reach property owners. Former Councilwoman Marilyn Ruano, who participated in earlier ordinance drafting, emphasized the distinction between repairs/maintenance and capital improvements and that residents should vote on additions that create a new budgetary obligation.

Next steps: Council asked the Loch Lomond petition organizers to return with clarified petitions specifying which option residents favored (minor renovation, renovation with bathroom, full demolition and rebuild) and asked staff to provide updated cost estimates including design and permitting and to confirm the appropriate ballot/HOA voting mechanism and estimated vote costs. No ballot was scheduled during the workshop.","Loch Lomond homeowners collected signatures to ask the town to send options for renovating the guardhouse to voters; council and staff asked residents to clarify whether signatures support minor renovation, full rebuild or both, and staff said cost estimates and a proper ballot mechanism must be confirmed before proceeding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council, residents debate windshield stickers, key cards and automated gates for guardhouses

Town staff reports increased summer lake maintenance and planned fish stocking at Lake Hilda and Lake Patricia

Contract renewals, guard-level changes drive mixed assessment impacts across districts

Loch Lomond residents petition council for guardhouse renovation; petition reaches 10% threshold, council seeks clarification before ballot