Miami Beach City Commission Meeting - June 24, 2026
Miami Beach City Commission Meeting - June 24, 2026
The Miami Beach City Commission held a full-day meeting on June 24, 2026, covering a wide range of topics including public comments, consent agenda, and major discussions on development projects, public safety, infrastructure funding, and cultural assets. The meeting began with a patriotic tribute for America 250 and the upcoming July 4th holiday. Commissioners voted on numerous items, deferred the critical stormwater and water/sewer funding decision to the next meeting, and selected a design team for the Byron Carlisle Cultural Center.
Consent Calendar
- Approved consent agenda items (excluding separated items) unanimously 7-0.
- Approved second reading of R5U (commercial vessel activity hours) 7-0 after a public hearing.
- Approved R7W (transportation for Selomaris House residents three times a month) 7-0.
- Approved R7E (French market concession at South Point Park) 7-0.
- Approved C7C and C7A (previously separated) as consent items.
- Approved R5AA (habitual municipal ordinance violation offenders) 7-0 after a public hearing.
- Approved R5O (Stop the Pause policy) 7-0 after a public hearing.
- Approved R7AF (agreement with One Blood for whole blood on rescue units) 7-0.
- Approved R5M (repeal of shore-based shark fishing ban) 7-0, first reading; second reading set for July 22.
- Approved R7A (lease amendment for 1691 Michigan Avenue) 7-0, first reading; second reading July 22.
- Approved R7D (amendment to 1250 West Avenue development agreement) 7-0, second reading July 22.
- Approved R9O (RFLI for 7605 Collins Avenue marine science center) 7-0.
- Approved R7AE (temporary use agreement for Rhythm Foundation at 7605 Collins) 7-0 as amended.
- Approved referral of C2D (artist/craft markets) to Public Safety committee.
- Approved referral of C7D (19th Street parking project) to Public Safety and FERC.
- Approved C7O (bird bath at Belle Isle Park) withdrawn – deferred to neighborhood committee.
- Deferred C7Q (trolley advertising wraps) to July 22.
- Approved C7AG (public employee salary portal) 6-1.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Brenda Jordan (artist vendor) expressed frustration with the city's vendor program, alleging lack of input and disrespect.
- Gillian Haber (North Beach resident) urged the city to create a traffic closure emergency plan, citing a June 5 incident that caused chaos.
- Alain Claudio (parking enforcement union VP) and Steve Walder (parking officer) requested recall of improperly titled uniforms; they supported item C7AC.
- Marina Brainen and Paul Thomas (SAVE Advocacy) urged the city to review impacts of Florida's anti-DEI law (SB 1134) and protect LGBTQ programs.
- Dana Stillman (TNR expert) presented data on free-roaming cat population, recommending increased spending on owned cat population and TNVR.
- Matthew Galtanoff spoke on multiple items: supported water taxi, opposed trolley full wraps, supported red light cameras, opposed fishing ban at street-end parks, and urged not to eliminate the bicycle/pedestrian coordinator.
- Martin Santi (water conservation company) offered a solution to save water costs.
- Carmen Olline (resident/business owner) expressed gratitude for the city's work.
- Eric Rollers (firefighters union) thanked the commission for progress on Marine Patrol/Fire Patrol and Fire Station One.
- Virtual callers: Alicia Casanova (Midbeach NA) supported items R5AF, R5X, R5Y; Daniel Serraldo and others spoke on various items.
- Several callers supported or opposed specific items, including the 1600 Washington development, the Alton City Center overlay, and the stormwater bonding.
Discussion Items
1600 Washington Avenue Development (R5E & R5F)
- First reading of amendments to increase FAR from 2.75 to 3.25 and height from 100 to 150 feet for a rental housing project at 1600 Washington Avenue.
- Applicant: Ambassador Paul Sejas (owner of 420 Lincoln Road) and team. Project is 100% rental (covenant runs with land), no short-term rentals, includes 210 units (studios, 1BR, 2BR).
- Administration supported the project; planning director noted it aligns with comprehensive plan for downtown core.
- Commissioners raised concerns: need for community benefits, sunset provisions, minimum unit sizes, ground-floor retail activation, and ensuring project gets built (not just sold).
- Public comments: mixed – support from Lincoln Road BID, Washington Avenue BID, residents; opposition from Flamingo Park NA and others citing lack of voter referendum, improper notice, and potential for luxury condos.
- Approved 6-1 (Commissioner Suarez absent) for first reading; second reading set for September 10, 2026. Commission directed staff to work on conditions between readings.
Alton City Center Overlay (R5C & R5D)
- First reading of amendments to create overlay district on Alton Road between Lincoln Road and 17th Street, allowing increased FAR (2.0 to 3.5) and height (65 to 150 feet) for mixed-use development with minimum 50% residential.
- Applicant: Infinity Collective (David Burke). Project includes 150+ rental units, micro-mobility, community benefits (paddle courts, EV charging, etc.).
- Administration recommended 80% residential; applicant agreed to work on unit size and lease term.
- Commissioners discussed parking, short-term rentals, and community benefits.
- Approved 7-0 using planning board version; second reading September 10, 2026.
Red Light Camera Enforcement (C4S & R9AI)
- Commissioner Fernandez proposed suspending enforcement for right-on-red violations due to numerous complaints and potential constitutional issues.
- Chief Wayne Jones noted that every violation is reviewed by an officer, and the current threshold is 7 mph.
- Debate: Commissioner Bott proposed a six-month pilot with higher threshold; Commissioner Mateo Salinas opposed; Mayor Minor and Commissioner Suarez supported suspension.
- Motion: suspend right-on-red enforcement citywide except at 17th & Alton (where right-on-red is prohibited) – passed 5-2 (Commissioners Bott and Mateo Salinas voted no).
Byron Carlisle Cultural Center Design Team Selection (R2A)
- Three finalist firms presented: Stantec (ranked 1 by evaluation committee), Brooks Scarpa Huber (ranked 2), and Kahler Architecture (ranked 3).
- Each firm presented qualifications and vision for the mixed-use project (cultural arts + workforce housing).
- Commissioners discussed local roots, experience with similar projects, and community engagement.
- After discussion, Brooks Scarpa Huber was selected 6-1 (Mayor Minor voted for Stantec). Stantec ranked second. City manager authorized to negotiate contract.
Stormwater and Water/Sewer Funding (R7AH & R9AH)
- Deferred to July 22, 2026, with direction to staff to prepare two ballot questions for a general obligation bond (full $784M or stormwater-only).
- Debate: Full geobond advocates (Suarez, Fernandez) argued it is cheaper for median homeowner ($308/year) vs. hybrid model ($726/year). Opponents argued hybrid model is more fiscally sustainable and equitable for higher-value homes.
- No vote taken; deferral passed unanimously.
Other Items
- C7AG (public employee salary portal) approved 6-1, with Commissioner Mateo Salinas opposed.
- C7Q (trolley wraps) deferred to July 22.
- R9O (marine science center at 7605 Collins) – directed staff to draft RFLI, to return in July.
Key Outcomes
- 1600 Washington Ave: Approved first reading 6-1; second reading September 10.
- Alton City Center Overlay: Approved first reading 7-0; second reading September 10.
- Red Light Camera: Suspended right-on-red enforcement citywide (except 17th & Alton) effective immediately.
- Byron Carlisle: Selected Brooks Scarpa Huber as design team; contract negotiations to begin.
- Stormwater Funding: Deferred to July 22 meeting (starting at 11 a.m.) with clear deadline for ballot language.
- Public Employee Salary Portal: Approved 6-1.
- Shark Fishing Ban Repeal: Approved 7-0 first reading; second reading July 22.
- Lift of Moratorium: Not pursued; will be discussed at July meeting.
Meeting Transcript
Please take your seats. The meeting is about to begin. Remember to speak into the microphone as this meeting is being recorded for public record. Please stand by. Since uh this is our last commission meeting before July fourth. And uh most of us are wearing red, white, and blue. If not, uh, we're gonna get a little color in there. But uh Ralph, if you can uh give us some instructions before we get started. Thank you, Mayor. Good morning, everyone. The city commission is physically present in the commission chambers at Miami Beach City Hall, seventeen hundred conventional center drive, third floor. Members of the public are invited to attend either in person or virtually. If you're joining us virtually, you can log in using the Zoom app or visit Zoom.us on your browser. You can also phone in at three oh five two two four nineteen sixty-eight or toll free eight eight eight four seven five four four nine nine. Again, the local number is three oh five two two four nineteen sixty-eight. The webinar ID is eight one three nine two eight five seven six seventy seventy-one pound. Again, eight one three nine two eight five seven six seventy seventy-one pound. If you would like to speak virtually on an item during the meeting, please click the raise hand icon in the zoom app or press star nine on your phone. All lobbyists must register with the office of the city clerk, located on the first floor of City Hall. You do not need to register it if you're an expert witness giving only technical specialized testimony, a representative of a neighborhood association or nonprofit speaking without pay, or a private citizen speaking on your own behalf without compensation. However, if you are an expert witness or a nonprofit or neighborhood rep, you do need to submit a written disclosure form to the office of the city clerk before speaking with the commission or staff. Forms are available at the office of the city clerk. If all if a lobbyist gives or agrees to give a thousand dollars or more to a neighborhood association or its representative regarding a city matter, that must be disclosed in writing to the city clerk. Note that contingency fees are not permitted to compensate lobbyists. If you plan to speak during the comment period today, please sign in. Thank you. Thank you. Now it's my honor to call up Pastor Victor Palacios from Iglesia Bautista Poder de Dios. How do they do? Not bad. A church right here in uh in Miami Beach. You're also uh 28 in Chidan. 28th in Sheridan. You're also uh a friend. And recently we did a uh National Day of Prayer, uh, which you had a number of pastors, fathers, rabbis. Uh we did a ceremony outside of City Hall about a month ago. Uh it was very uh it was very moving. So I appreciate you putting that together. I know you also did a caravan of cars, so thank you for yeah. Thank you for the city need to break. Yes, you know. Yes, amen. Well, uh the country too, but we live here, and we need to pray for our city. Well, uh today is the day, the special day for uh heaven and for this city. We're gonna pray for you, for the mayor, for the commissioners, for the manager, for the city clerk, for the attorney, and for everybody in this room and uh for this city. Father, in the name we come to you to this day. We thank you because you're the Lord of the Lord, you're the king of the king. We come to you in this day. We ask you, Lord, for wisdom in this meeting. We ask you, Lord to do you direction.
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