September Village Council Meeting Summary

Published on September 18, 2025

At the September 16 meeting, the Village Council approved new police radios, confirmed the installation of a playground at Veterans Wayside Park, and joined other Florida cities in a lawsuit defending Pinecrest’s ability to make local zoning decisions. Council also adopted the 2025-26 budget and millage rate, which remains among the lowest in Miami-Dade County, and supported several community initiatives, including a skin cancer awareness event. Two items, solar road sign lighting and utility regulations, were deferred for further review. A full summary of actions is included below. View full agenda here.

Police Radios
A resolution approved the purchase of Motorola N70 police radios and related hardware and software services from Motorola Solutions, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $744,291.65. The department’s 2013 radios have reached end-of-life. The new radios are approved for Miami-Dade’s system and supported for at least seven years. The upfront cost of $599,446 will be covered by the FY 25 budget surplus, with annual costs beginning in FY 2027 eligible for Speed Enforcement Camera Safety Program funding.
Learn more at Tab 2.

Special Magistrate Appointments
A resolution ratified the appointment of special magistrates/hearing officers pursuant to Section 2-141 of the Code of Ordinances.
Learn more at Tab 3.

Veterans Wayside Park Playground
A resolution authorized the Village Manager to enter into a contract with Rep Services, Inc. for playground installation at Veterans Wayside Park. The $374,946.35 project is fully funded through the remaining balance of the FY 2024 Capital Improvement Project budget, so no new funds are required. Costs include site groundwork, safety surfacing, and equipment for multiple age groups. Council noted the design balances features while staying within budget and that the playground will provide a safe, modern play space expected to increase use of the park. For answers to common questions, an FAQ is available here.
Learn more at Tab 4.

Solar Road Sign Lights
Action on a resolution authorizing the Village Manager to enter into an agreement with Solite, LLC for the Solar Road Sign Light Project was deferred for further review. Councilmembers requested additional information about the product’s effectiveness before moving forward.
Learn more at Tab 5.

Miggy’s Gift Skin Cancer Awareness Event
A resolution waived fees for Miggy’s Gift, a nonprofit founded by Pinecrest residents, to co-host a community skin cancer awareness event at Evelyn Greer Park on November 9, 2025. The free community event will include presentations, educational materials, and a silent auction. All costs will be covered by Miggy’s Gift, with the Village’s support limited to waiving facility rental fees.
Learn more at Tab 6.

Home Rule Authority Lawsuit
A resolution authorized the Village to participate in a lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 180, which restricts local governments from exercising home rule authority over land use and zoning. By joining other Florida municipalities, Pinecrest is working to protect the Village’s ability to make local zoning and land-use decisions rather than having them controlled at the state level.
Learn more at Tab 7.

Final Millage Rate
A resolution adopted the final millage rate of 2.503 for the fiscal year October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This is the first adjustment in many years, and Pinecrest’s rate remains among the lowest in Miami-Dade County. At the adopted rate, a homeowner with a taxable value of $500,000 will pay $1,251 annually; for $1 million, $2,503. This equals about $15 more for every $100,000 in taxable value. Council members emphasized that inflation, reduced federal and state funding, and the rising costs of services such as police protection, storm preparedness, parks, and tree canopy maintenance make this adjustment necessary to maintain the high level of services residents expect. For answers to common questions, an FAQ is available here.
Learn more at Tab 8.

2025–2026 Budget
An ordinance on second reading adopted the operating and capital outlay budget of $41.1 million for fiscal year 2025–26. The budget addresses rising costs while funding key community priorities such as police fleet replacements, Ludlam Road resurfacing, drainage projects, and ongoing school grants. View the full FY 2025–26 Adopted Budget on the Village website. For answers to common questions, an FAQ is available here.
Learn more at Tab 8.

Utilities in Public Areas
An ordinance on first reading that would update the Code of Ordinances regarding utilities in public areas was deferred. Proposed changes include requiring underground utility lines for new construction, removing unused poles, and aligning local rules with Florida law.
Learn more at Tab 9.

2024–2025 Budget Amendment
An ordinance on second reading amended the current year’s operating and capital outlay budget (3rd Quarter).
Learn more at Tab 10.

Coral Oaks Tennis & Wellness Expansion
The Village Council approved a modification to the site plan for Coral Oaks Tennis & Wellness to replace one tennis court with two pickleball courts and two padel courts, along with drainage improvements, 10 new parking spaces, and outdoor lighting. Approval was granted with conditions to address neighborhood concerns, including enhanced landscaping, installation of sound-dampening materials, and downward-shielded lights no higher than 18 feet.
Learn more at Tab 18.

Crimson Ibis Tennis Court Lighting
The Village Council approved a conditional use permit for outdoor lighting on a new residential tennis court. The permit limits lights to use between 8 am and 10 pm and requires installation in full compliance with Village code.
Learn more at Tab 19.

Additional Updates

- The Village issued a proclamation recognizing September as Hunger Action Month and welcomed Feeding South Florida to raise awareness of food insecurity.
- Council discussed ongoing concerns about audio equipment in the Council Chambers, with staff directed to explore upgrade options.
- Staff provided an update on the Village’s peacock management program, which continues with expanded efforts to manage the population through humane practices.
- Council discussed the Cypress Hall concession space and expressed a preference for a temporary coffee or grab-and-go service while exploring long-term options through a competitive process.

Schedule of Future Meetings — Pinecrest Municipal Center, 6 PM

- October 14 | Regular Village Council Meeting
- November 18 | Regular Village Council Meeting