Hialeah council approves appointments, multiple zoning items and several ordinances; two items postponed, one ordinance defeated

The Hialeah City Council held a mix of administrative and zoning votes on Sept. 9 that included board appointments, ordinance second readings, rezoning and variance approvals and two postponements at the request of administration.

Key votes and outcomes (at a glance)

- Appointment: The council approved a resolution appointing Daniel Cruz as the IAFF Local 1102 representative to the Employee's Retirement System board for a two-year term (09/09/2025–09/08/2027). Motion: Councilwoman Monica Perez; second: Councilman Junco. Roll call: Junco — yes; La Vega — yes; Perez — yes; Zogby/Zagvi — yes. Outcome: approved.

- Consent agenda: The consent agenda passed. Motion: Councilman Junco; second: Councilwoman Melinda de la Vega. Roll call: Junco — yes; La Vega — yes; Perez — yes; Zogby/Zagvi — yes. Outcome: approved.

- Ordinances on second reading (approved): - 11(a) Housing element amendments to the comprehensive plan (second reading) — motion by Councilman Ruckel; second: Councilwoman de la Vega. Roll call: de la Vega — yes; Perez — yes; Zogby/Zagvi — yes; Junco — yes. Outcome: approved. - 11(b) Repeal of Hialeah section 94-163 (water and wastewater payment in lieu of franchise fee) (second reading) — motion: Councilwoman Perez; second: Councilwoman de la Vega. Roll call: Perez — yes; Zogby/Zagvi — yes; Junco — yes; de la Vega — yes. Outcome: approved. - 11(c) Granting a perpetual FDOT easement for signal/lighting infrastructure (second reading) — motion: Councilwoman de la Vega; second: Councilman Junco. Roll call: Perez — yes; Zogby/Zagvi — yes; Junco — yes; de la Vega — yes. Outcome: approved.

- Administrative items postponed (at administration request): - 11(e) First reading of a proposed 50-year lease with Hialeah Education Academy, Inc. (postponed to 09/23/2025). Motion: Councilman Hunkle (mover as recorded); second: Councilwoman de la Vega. Roll call: Zogby/Zagvi — yes; Junco — yes; de la Vega — yes; Perez — yes. Outcome: postponed to 09/23/2025. - 11(f) Proposed facilities-use agreement associated with the Hialeah Education Academy lease (postponed to 09/23/2025). Motion: Councilman Junco; second: Councilwoman de la Vega. Roll call: Zogby/Zagvi — yes; Junco — yes; de la Vega — yes; Perez — yes. Outcome: postponed to 09/23/2025.

- Failed ordinance (first reading): - 11(g) Proposed amendment to City Code increasing agenda distribution time from 96 to 120 hours (first reading). Motion: Councilwoman de la Vega; second: Councilwoman Monica Perez. Roll call: Junco — no; La Vega — yes; Perez — yes; Zogby/Zagvi — no. Outcome: motion failed; ordinance not advanced.

- Zoning and land-use votes (selected items approved): - 15(a) Second reading: Future land-use map amendment from low-density residential to Transit Oriented Development (991 E. 201st St.) — approved (motion: Councilman Hunkle; second: Councilwoman de la Vega). Roll call: de la Vega — yes; Perez — yes; Zogby/Zagvi — yes; Junco — yes. Outcome: approved. - 15(b) First reading: Future land-use amendment from medium- to high-density residential (541 E. 202nd St.) — first reading approved (motion: Councilman Hugo; second: Councilwoman Perez). Outcome: first reading approved; second reading scheduled for 09/23/2025. - 16(a) Second reading rezoning to TOD with variances for a multifamily building at 924 E. 203rd St. (23 units) — approved (motion: Councilwoman de la Vega; second: Councilwoman Perez). Outcome: approved. - 16(b) Second reading rezoning to TOD with variances for 991 E. 201st St. (9 units) — approved (motion: Councilman Hugo; second: Councilwoman de la Vega). Outcome: approved. - 16(c) Second reading rezoning RO to C-2 at 1410 W. 608th St. (no change to operations; dentist practice) — approved (motion: Councilman Junco; second: Councilwoman Monica Perez). Outcome: approved. - 16(d) First reading: Variance to allow 47 parking spaces where 101 are required for an existing CrossFit/MMA gym (6440 W. 20th Ave.) — first reading approved (motion: Councilman Junco; second: Councilwoman Perez). Outcome: first reading approved; second reading set for 09/23/2025. - 16(e) First reading: Rezoning from R-33 to R-35 and multiple variances at 541 E. 202nd St. — first reading approved (motion: Councilwoman Perez; second: Councilman Junco). Outcome: first reading approved; second reading set for 09/23/2025. - 16(f) First reading: Variance to allow 10 parking spaces where 18 are required (2315 W. 4th Ave.) — first reading approved (motion: Councilwoman Perez; second: Councilman Junco). Outcome: first reading approved; second reading set for 09/23/2025. - 16(g) First reading: Special use permit to allow a K–5 elementary school with an associated daycare at 21 E. 50th St. (requested maximum 71 K–5 students and 169 daycare spots) — first reading approved with conditions (motion: Councilwoman Perez; second: Councilman Junco). Outcome: first reading approved; second reading set for 09/23/2025. (Council accepted a traffic-management plan and a declaration of restrictions tied to the approval.)

- Planning & Zoning final decision ratified (resolution 2025-07): - Resolution approving Planning & Zoning Board decision granting variances to legalize an existing accessory building at 4661 W. 8th Court — approved (motion: Councilwoman Perez; second: Councilman Hugo). Outcome: approved.

Context and next steps

Several first-reading zoning items and variance requests were approved to move to second reading or public hearing on Sept. 23, 2025. Two administration items (the long-term lease and associated facilities-use agreement for Hialeah Education Academy) were postponed at the administration's request so the full council can consider them at the next meeting. One proposed ordinance changing the timing of agenda distribution failed on the first reading.

Ending

Council members debated timing and transparency for agenda distribution during discussion; several zoning and land-use requests advanced, while the administration asked to defer a large long-term lease until a fuller council is present.