Miami Lakes committee approves small rate increase for special-needs karate class and allocates $1,000 for celebration

The Special Needs Advisory Committee voted to raise the per-class town payment for the special-needs karate program from $1.25 to $1.50 and approved a $1,000 allocation to fund trophies, food and other costs for a year-end celebration.

Committee members described strong positive feedback from parents and students since the program resumed. Parent Jessica Torre thanked the committee for bringing the instructor back and described the program's benefits for children, saying it "represents structure, discipline, confidence, and community" for families. Committee members said the instructor had signed a contract and indicated previously that retaining a stable location and retaining him were priorities.

After discussion about class enrollment (committee members said there were about six students enrolled with space for up to 12), an unnamed committee member moved to increase the town payment from $1.25 to $1.50 per class. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records a voice "Aye" but does not list a roll-call tally. Committee members discussed invoicing and whether the signed contract needs amendment to reflect the new rate; a member said staff would check contracts and invoice procedures.

Separately, the committee voted to allocate $1,000 from the social and recreation line to pay for trophies, food and other items for an end-of-year celebration for the karate students. The motion passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Committee members also discussed outreach to fill remaining class slots and agreed to promote openings on social media and on flyers; they emphasized clarifying that the class is for people with special needs to avoid confusion with general town programs.

Outcomes: the committee approved the rate increase (voice vote; exact tally not specified) and approved a $1,000 allocation for the karate celebration.