Miami Lakes Special Needs Advisory Board moves to finalize plans for community 'Game Night'

The Miami Lakes Special Needs Advisory Board spent its meeting concentrating on plans for a proposed community "Game Night," with members agreeing to gather vendor quotes, draft a tentative budget and present proposed dates at the next meeting.

Kimberly, who identified herself as a member of the Special Needs Advisory Board, opened the discussion by saying the committee should finalize vendor outreach and logistics. Committee members reported contacting local vendors; one member said Nowhere Comics (based in Hialeah near Palmetto Hospital) "is willing to do it" but needs more detailed event information. Another vendor under consideration, No Limits Coffee Shop, was discussed both as a potential food vendor and as an employment‑showcase because members noted it hires adults on the autism spectrum.

Members reviewed preliminary vendor pricing and equipment options. Kimberly reported a quote from Linz Arcade offering retro machines at a special rate of $2.50 per machine (she said previous corporate events had been $3.25 per machine). The group discussed renting modern consoles (suggesting two Nintendo consoles for family play) and reserving space for retro arcade cabinets; members noted power availability and outlet distribution would determine the final layout.

The committee discussed logistics at the Roberto Alonso Center, including the need to confirm the number and location of electrical outlets, whether maintenance would provide power strips, and where to place vendors so machines would not crowd a single corner of the room. Because the proposed venue is a town facility, members noted ADA requirements apply and that the town could supply tables and chairs for an on‑site event; off‑site events would require separate rentals.

Food and entertainment options were discussed. Committee members weighed using vetted local operators (one member cited a vendor identified as Oscar/Bullintrade who is already approved by the town for family events) versus asking vendors to sell onsite. The board reviewed the town’s vendor documentation requirements (W‑9 forms and, where appropriate, certificates of liability insurance or food licenses) and noted that any expense above a set threshold would require town‑level approval.

Members also discussed event format, proposing free indoor activities with optional pay‑to‑play attractions (for example, a gaming truck or laser tag) for which attendees would pay on site. The committee debated an age policy (6 and up was discussed), possible cross‑promotion with other local autism events, and identified potential vendors and activity providers such as Quest Martial Arts, Learning Hive and local 3‑D printing demonstrators.

Before adjourning, the board directed staff and committee members to compile a tentative spreadsheet budget showing estimated costs for machines, consoles and food; to confirm vendor quotes and availability; and to return with proposed dates when facility calendars and other town events were checked. The chair moved to adjourn at 6:25 p.m.; the motion was seconded during the closing sequence in the transcript but a formal roll call vote was not recorded in the provided transcript.

Next steps: committee members will gather firm quotes, confirm Roberto Alonso Center availability, prepare a tentative budget spreadsheet and present proposed dates at the next meeting.