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.

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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.

You anointing.

Thank you for everything you do so far in the city.

Thank you for everybody you put here to responsibility to do the direction in the city, Lord.

We know you're in control that everything.

You say you are, we claim to you, you respond.

And this day we claim to you that way you can be the God for the city, be the God for the city hall.

We bless everybody working in the city hall, we bless everybody relief in the city, beautiful city, the Miami Beach.

We ask you for protection.

We ask you, Lord, to direction.

The people who come in this city uh do it with integrity, responsibility to today we see that happen, Lord.

We pray for the police department for the pilot party, for everybody to get involved to work in the city.

Thank you for everything.

We put in everything in your hand, and when we put everything in your hand, everything is going well, Lord.

We pay in your name, in the name of God.

Amen.

Thank you, Pastor.

Appreciate your leadership and and friendship.

Thank you.

Are there any uh veterans of the United States Armed Forces here?

Wow.

Oh, come on up.

I'm gonna ask you to lead the pledge.

Will McDonald, our parking director.

Which branch were you in?

God bless.

And to your nation.

Thank you, Will.

Thank you to all our service members.

Just want to take a brief moment before we started Sutnik to uh commemorate America 250, um, July 4th.

Uh this is our last meeting before then, as I mentioned.

I just wanted to briefly mention what America has meant to me and my family.

I'm gonna try to do this without getting emotional.

But my grandparents moving here, luckily before the Holocaust, because I did lose many family members who did not have the foresight or the luck, whatever it may be that they had to get out.

And this country, America, while there were quotas and limitations, did accept a lot of people that were escaping what was becoming a very obvious uh hostile situation in Germany and Europe.

But that's just my story.

I think pretty much everyone in this room has their own story for why they came to America, why this country continues to offer so many uh so much.

And we're not perfect, we try to get better.

We have our bumps and ups and downs, but we always strive to get better.

And it makes us realize how fortunate we are to live in this country that offers opportunity for so many.

There's a reason why people all over the world continue to try to come here because we offer so much and uh I know personally I'm grateful I'm grateful to this country I even look at my own story not to make this about me but a kid from Brooklyn and Staten Island the last thing I thought in the world I I'd be a mayor of uh a major global international city but those opportunities are there and that's everyone everyone in this room has their own story their own opportunities that they've been able to pursue because of this great country so I think it was important to mention that I'm happy to open it up love your tie Commissioner Fernandez Commissioner Bott.

I know you're you're getting there Commissioner magazine and Commissioner Dominguez we also have these commemorative quains I would I would love to uh to do a picture with it uh with everyone and also I have one for our police chief and and fire chief if uh if Chief Abella's here how beautiful what do we Mr Mayor before we go take a picture I just want to mention that uh what you mentioned is so important because so many of us we are here for out of different circumstances but all seeking freedom that ultimately is what has brought so many of us so many of our families uh for me as a first uh generation uh american july fourth means a lot for my family and myself because on july fourth nineteen sixty three my grandmother my uh arrived to the to the United States uh with um with her mother Adelina from Cuba and my uncle Larry my my my dad's brother and they came uh by sea via the Red Cross a ship called Maximus uh who took supplies and tractors to Cuba in exchange for Bay of pig prisoners being set free by Castro at the time and uh and as history would have it as as fortuitous as it may be they arrived to freedom escaping Castro's tyranny on a July 4th um and for them uh and my and my uncle wrote a beautiful essay about this you know narrating how how for him um it was a new life it was liberty it was freedom uh in the in the US they came in uh through the US Coast Guard airs air station in Opalaka on July 4th and I think for so many of us uh this country has given us so many opportunities for my family for my grandmother gave us freedom itself that they got on July 4th escaping the uh the Castro regime and so and so it's it it it's symbolic uh for so many of us so many immigrants that make that are part of our country as you well mentioned uh Venezuelans and so many others who had who have led dictatorship and thanks to 250 years of America and this great country we're all united here celebrating that today well thank you for mentioning that it's it's true really you can't go a day especially in Miami Beach in South Florida without meeting someone who's been directly impacted in a positive way by America whether it be people fleeing Cuba's Castro's regime Venezuela other countries and um it's a it's a constant reminder of how blessed we are so thank you.

Should we all go down and take a picture with this is that okay three two one more camera three two three four or five can we look up here can we look up here

Three, two, one.

All right.

Okay, one thing three, four, five, three, three, three, three.

Can we look up here?

Can we look up here?

Thank you.

I even have my sneakers on with the uh American flag on it.

We're gonna start the Sutnik hour.

Um wait for Ralph call up.

Thank you, everyone, for coming.

Good morning, everyone again.

Anyone who's interested, interested in addressing the commission, please make a line.

You will have two minutes.

We ask you to please state your name and address.

Go ahead, please.

My name is Brenda Jordan, 2316 Bay Drive, Miami Beach.

As everyone knows, I'm an artist vendor, and I asked the most high and my ancestors to guide me today in the speech, because sometimes it's almost like a nightmare where I'm sleeping, I'm talking, and no one is listening.

And every time I come to this meeting, that's what I feel like.

I feel like I have not been heard.

The last time I was in this commission commission chambers, the item of the artist vendors were put forward.

And I said, Great, finally I get a chance to really speak more than two minutes to defend my life, my tradition, my arts, and the city and its arts program.

And when I got my two minutes, other people were invited, and the people were Manny, he's an expert in finance.

Um co-compliance, they follow the rules that you put forward.

Um the other one was uh somebody else, but the point is none of them are experts in this, and neither are you.

You set up a program without any input from experts.

I see when you do parking um things, you go through a feasibility study, you do all of this to set up a viable program, not only for people parking, but for the city.

And in this program, no, from the beginning it was dictated to us, and then I thought Commissioner Suarez was here to help and have a viable program, but instead I was duped.

I felt like I was used like a pawn to push his agenda, which had nothing to do, and then it was a vote taken without us seeing what the ordinance was.

That killed the sunshine law.

And I've been putting up with this disrespect.

Last time I was shut down because who was speaking when Manny said there were 48, there are 15 people that entered the lottery, and we used to have 58.

That's a big disparity.

And I think that the prices have gone up, giving nothing to the audience, nothing.

In every relationship, there's a give and take.

Is that it?

Or do you really want to hear the truth?

Thank you, Ms.

Jordan.

Yeah, I'm tired of the disrespect that this city has given deaf ears to what is our livelihood and our lifestyle.

If you want to talk, I'm here.

Next, please.

Uh hi, my name is Gillian Haber, 1699, Daytonia Road, Miami Beach.

I've emailed most of you.

I am here to speak on behalf and hope that item R D R9AD is uh heard on the agenda today.

This is the city's traffic plan for road closure emergencies.

Um I live in North Beach.

Um apparently the city does not have a plan in place when roads get closed due to emergencies.

It's not as rare an occasion as you might think it is.

Uh on June 5th, uh a road was closed in North Beach that created absolute mayhem and chaos for hours.

I'm not questioning the police's uh determination to close the road.

They did that for our safety.

That's not the issue.

The issue is once a road gets closed in North Beach, we have one road south, two roads north.

You cannot get off those roads once you're on them.

There was no control of the traffic.

People north were driving the wrong way down the streets.

They were the road rage was unbelievable, and this was at 7:30 in the morning before rush hour had even begun.

I am simply asking that the city have in place a traffic closure emergency system.

It's pretty easy.

You would inform our four neighboring cities, surfside Bay Harbor, Bell Harbor, North Bay Village, let them know a road is closed.

You could tell Ways a Rose's road is closed.

You could tell us residents a road is closed.

That would immediately redirect a ton of traffic and um mitigate some of this.

Then there were no police officers at the time handling the traffic.

They all there was a shooting, they were investigating that.

No one was called to handle the traffic because I spoke with other people.

I had to turn around.

This is a public health issue.

You're going to have a secondary problem with road rage when this happens.

The traffic tie-up was about two hours.

The electric lights that say when a road is closed were not uh told timely.

Or when it was raised and it was no longer closed, that wasn't fixed either.

Um I have a lot more to say on this, and I would like to know how do I find out if you're going to hear this on the agenda today.

Thank you.

Thank you.

What date was it?

June 5th.

The 5th of what?

June.

Yeah, this was when uh Juning.

And thank you.

And by the way, I heard from a lot of people, a lot of friends of mine who were stuck in that.

And they and everyone, I have to say thank you, because you're saying it in such a uh rational professional way.

I appreciate that.

But I did hear it a lot.

Everyone understands the police activity.

It was the unknown.

People had no idea sitting in the cars.

It was like people were telling me pedestrians were telling them, hey, there's a police activity up front, you're not getting through, and they were able to turn around.

But not knowing it.

It happens.

You're gonna have it with flooding.

You're gonna have another police incident.

You're going to have a terrible traffic accident where they need to close the road, a fatality.

Something happened these things happen.

It's happened before, it's gonna happen again.

Let's just, whoops, let's just have a plan.

That's it.

And then you swing it into action.

You don't have to spend a minute figuring out what to do because everybody knows, oh, the road's closed.

All the cities know what to do, the police know what to do.

If you need to pull people from from uh the mid beach police people or the South Beach police people to help out, whatever you need to do, just say, okay, it's on.

You turn a switch, everyone does their thing, traffic gets mitigated.

Done.

Thank you so much.

Yeah, thank you.

Appreciate it.

We'll we'll hear it today.

Thank you.

I appreciate it.

Go ahead, please.

Good morning.

Hold the 788 Southeast Park Drive.

Uh Hyalia.

Uh, community like nothing but praise and admiration for the way uh Miami Beach thought government.

I I worked 30 years for Parks and Recreation Hailey, and I retired 13 years ago after 30 years of Parks and Rec, and I spent a lot of time here.

Um I'll make it here in 15 minutes.

I had a concern with with the with Mosul Beach because I know the combination of the county, the city, you uh maintaining that, but I I know my you're gonna take care of my issue because within one day.

I saw Commissioner Monica Mateo Salina the other thing.

She read the email, and she already knew what it was about.

And Mary, you answered the my email this morning.

I don't know, it's gonna take care of it.

And uh I just come here with encouragement because I think the demographic change in Miami Beach were before we were catering a lot of like the LGBT, the hip hop, the party theme.

Our north of Miami Beach is now like a very, very like a big family destination, and the big need for like the fitness people to travel for fitness.

I think Mosul Beach can be incorporated in that where of fitness destination, and my beach could be a family destination.

And if you look into like with um the tourism department of Miami Data High or City of Miami Beach, your tourism department.

I think if you reach out and present uh Miami Beach at the uh tourist destination for families, I think you will go like uh it's like a lot of families, especially in the summer.

Something similar to like Miami Spike, something where yeah, the families were family community.

And I want to share a quick uh story about your city clerk on Mr.

Bernardo.

Thirty years ago, he was uh our human resource director, and I was young.

I took a test.

I was gonna take an interview.

I didn't have a uh I didn't have a tie.

And Mr.

Ronaldo brought me into the office, his personal tie from the from his uh door.

He gave me the time.

Well, they you look better with the tie.

Where's this tie?

They just showed this character and what a great person.

I really I really I can I was greeted by by Commissioner Magazine, your chief of staff helped me when I came here earlier.

One of your fifth I I just have all prayed for you guys, keep doing what you're doing, and thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Appreciate that.

By the way, thank you for your email.

It was very it was very helpful.

You laid out uh the issues and uh thank you for sharing that story about Ralph and our city charter.

And today during the lunch hour, we do our review, our annual review of the charter offices, so very timely.

Did you feed him that?

Thank you, Mayor.

Go ahead, please.

Hi, uh good morning, Mayor and Commissioners.

Uh, my name is Marina Brainen, and I'm here again uh today for SAVES Advocacy as Pride campaign uh to recognize Miami Beach again for its constant support of the LGBTQ community and to offer our support for what's coming.

As I'm sure you all know, um uh Florida's SB 1134 or official actions of local government was signed into law earlier this year during the past legislative session.

It'll prohibit local governments from funding, promoting, or taking any official reaction regarding DEI initiatives, and it's set to go into effect January 1st, 2027.

If our cities don't take action now, this law will strip local governments of the tools you use to support communities like mine.

I'm here ringing alarm bells because obviously I'm a member of the LGBTQ community, and all the great things Miami Beach has done to support our community, like sponsoring Miami Beach Pride, which has tens of thousands of attendees every year, having a full-time LGBTQ liaison in your police department, and having an active LGBTQA uh advisory committee, just to name a few things, could be at risk.

This law won't just come after LGBT programs and policies in Miami Beach, though.

Obviously, I'm also a woman and a black person.

And I'm telling you now, as a former legislative aide, this law will come after every program and activity referencing any race, any color, any gender, and any ethnicity or religion.

So finally, just like with the floor ratio exemption for gender neutral restrooms, sponsored by Commissioner Alex Fernandez last year, which incentivizes developers to build inclusive restroom facilities.

We need this commit uh this commission to get very creative in how it fights back against the state because all of the amazing policies and programs you have for everyone here in Miami Beach is at risk.

Okay, thank you so much for your time.

And of course, we will reach out because um, like I said, the deadline is January 1st.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, please.

Good morning, Mayor and Commissioners.

My name is Paul Thomas.

I live on West Avenue.

How's everybody doing?

Uh I'm a member of SAVE, South Florida's leading LGBTQ advisory uh advocacy organization.

And I'm here today to ask the city of Miami Beach for the consistent support.

Uh this commission has shown the LGBTQ community.

Miami Beach's perfect score of 100 on the human rights campaigns municipal equality index reflects the work through the city's policy, services, leadership, and public commitment uh to equality.

That record matters, especially now.

Florida's new anti-DEI law is written broadly and may affect more than any one community or program.

It could reach city policies, funding, contracts, partnerships, advisory boards, training grants, recognition efforts, and other initiatives connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Because the law does not take effect until January 1st, 2027.

Miami Beach has an important window to act.

I'm asking the commission to direct city staff and legal counsel to conduct a comprehensive review of everything that may be affected by the law.

That review should identify what can be protected now before January 1st, 2027.

The city should also develop a clear implementation strategy, communicate with affected organizations and residents, and evaluate whether Miami Beach should support or join legal action challenging the law.

Miami Beach has already shown that it is an ally and a leader on inquality.

The goal now is to protect that leadership and use the time available to preserve the inclusive work the city has already built.

I hope the commission will act now to review at risk, secure long-term funding and agreements where possible, and protect Miami Beach's progress.

Thank you very much for your time.

Mr.

Mayor.

Thank you.

Commissioner Fernandez.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

I want to and thank you for to to all the members of the public.

You've been such a such a uh strong voice in our community.

Um for I think over a decade uh advocating here here Miami Beach, not only on LGBTQ rights, but also on health care, which is also important and is also threatened by by by a lot of these of these bills.

I'm extremely grateful to Save for being here.

Mr.

Attorney, um I know your your office has been working closely with my office.

You've been analyzing the bills.

You've been researching the impact it's going to have not only on the LGBTQ advisory committee, but the funding that we provide for outside agencies as it relates to LGBTQ services, events, um cultural activities as well, and beyond the LGBTQ uh community, its impacts on funding that we have for the Hispanic community, the black community, uh women's activities.

Can you guide us where are we in that analysis?

I know you've been dedicating a lot of time uh to to this.

Please uh if you can give us an update regarding this.

So I've had several meetings with key members of my team over the last several weeks, and we are actually setting up a meeting with your office, I believe, next week to review our findings and make certain recommendations and potentially put out a memo with guidance on what committees will be affected, what committees will not be affected, and so forth.

And generally, um, because I part of the challenges that I understand uh is that the position that Miami Dade County is in is different than the position that Miami Beach is in.

Miami Dade County had a whole office and specific staff people whose sole job where to deal and to liaise and advocate and act as executive directors of these committees.

Uh and so their position um and how they're going to be impacted might be different than how Miami Beach, how we might be impacted because of the way that our system is structured.

That is correct.

The the the law includes um an exemption for voluntary boards and committees.

Um the city can provide basic administrative support services as long as there's not a dedicated employee whose sole function is to provide that support.

So we're looking at that very closely.

Um but we feel confident that um that we should be able to preserve our committees.

And as it relates to the funding uh that we currently have in place, a number of health care uh uh support, it's support that we have for people that are facing housing insecurity, which is a big issue that we have, including in our transgender among transgender youth.

There's a lot of homeless issues, um as well then as cultural activities and tourism generating activity that's good for business in Miami Beach, such as uh such as Pride.

Uh, where are we in the in the analysis to determine whether if we funded before uh the implementation of the bill, whether whether the law would allow us to do that?

Sure.

Um there are certain programs that we fund for uh at-risk youth and individuals that we can continue to fund based on the exemption included in the law, which I think was in part uh thanks to efforts by you and and your colleagues and in uh in lobbying the the legislature in Tallahassee to include some exemptions uh for those groups.

And as it relates for for example, pride, pride, which is an investment that we make, not only because it's in our values and it runs in who we are as a as a community, but it's also good for business in Miami Beach.

It generates true tourism, it promotes us as a destination around the world, and it brings people to to to our businesses.

Uh, where are we in the analysis as to whether we can try to still allocate the funding for for for that activity and other activities before the implementation of the law January 1st?

As of the moment, we do not believe that the city can continue to provide support for pride other than for public safety.

Um there is an exemption for uh providing public safety resources uh to parades uh such as the Pride Parade.

I want to thank you for for the amount of time you and your staff has been have been dedicating to this.

I know there's still work, I know there's still a lot of analysis that that's being done.

I want to encourage you to also be engaging um with our neighboring jurisdictions who are facing this the same challenge so that so that so that we have um clear analysis uh and guidance amongst the different municipalities.

Sure.

In fact, one of my team members is reaching out to other municipalities are similarly situated.

I look forward to our meeting with your office, and I know we're planning simultaneously meeting with the various advisory co committees to give them the feedback as to as to where they stand.

We take this very seriously, and I appreciate you being present and your continued work.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Thank you for the work.

Perhaps uh if you would be open to it, uh consider making that a sunshine meeting.

Sure.

I my office, myself, I'd love to attend, and just for efficiency of government instead of just having that same uh but it's uh your call.

I'll I'll defer to the city attorney.

The city attorney is fine with that.

Uh I I love being able to collaborate with my colleagues, and I I will say it and I'll say it to the last day.

I am in I am in office.

I am so grateful to our straight allies on the city commission.

We are unable to secure the rights that we have to continue protecting them or even advancing, if it not be for the support uh and the incredible leadership, the fearless leadership and the bold leadership of our straight allies like yourself.

Um so if it's I'll defer to the city attorney if he feels it's fine.

I should probably once we're ready for prime time, then we could absolutely have a sunshine meeting.

I think that's a fantastic idea.

Very thank you, thank you.

Thank you all.

Thank you.

Next, please.

Uh good morning, Mayor, Commissioners, fellow residents.

Uh thanks for your time.

I know you guys work hard and you have a big product, big uh agenda today.

My name is Philip Stillman.

I'm in a Miami Beach resident.

I live in 3015 North Bay Road.

Uh close to 10 years ago, we moved from South Fifth Neighborhood to Lower North Bay Road, where our 90-year-old neighbor fed community cats twice a day.

When she passed away, we were left with a colony of cats reproducing unchecked.

And we have since spayed and neutered over 30 cats from just our block alone, which gives you a glimpse into what other neighborhoods are hiding as far as free roaming cats.

And I'm here uh to introduce my wife, Dana Stillman.

And when Dana was a young single mother working in an animal shelter, she faced a daily heartbreak of performing euthanasia on healthy animals, all because there was not there weren't enough homes or cages uh for the constant stream of dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, the community members brought in each day, just like the shelters we have today.

That experience has stayed with her, and she saw the suffering caused by unchecked overpopulation and knew there had to be a better way.

She's dedicated herself to prevention and targeted trapped neuter return.

Over the years, she's earned nine TNVR certifications.

She's become a free roaming cat population expert, and she founded the TNR Pro Hero Foundation, which is a nonprofit, and is now in her third year serving on the Animal Welfare Committee of this city.

Dana will share best practices in humane cat population management with the city.

She's prepared some important data, which I think is on a slide, and uh on our city's outdoor free raiming, free ranging uh cat population.

She's worked closely with internationally recognized experts like Stacey LeBaron of Community Cat Central and the Community Cats Podcast to understand where our population control program is and where it needs to be.

Dana is also a longtime Miami Beach resident, not surprisingly, who truly cares about our community and will now explain how to keep the free roaming cat population from increasing using widely known nationally recognized best practices in the humane cat population management.

So she's drawing on cat current cat population science, her TNVR certifications, and years of hands-on experience.

She's gonna share with the committee.

Thank you, Mr.

Stillman.

Oh.

Thank you.

Good morning, everybody.

I um my name is Dana Stillman.

I live at 3015 North Bay Road.

And I had sent some slides to the um communications director, but I see they're not up.

So I will just go over our cat population.

Our cat population is going up and up and up and up.

It was at 7,000 in 2014.

It was 15,000 in 2020.

In 2022, there's a published article which quotes um a person from our city at 30,000.

And in 2024, there that just the dunes in the beachwalk area was approximately 5,000 cats with a 25% sterilization rate.

So what are we doing wrong?

A lot of things.

And I'm here to help you fix them.

But I'm gonna cut right to the chase.

We need to spring break the cat situation.

We're not doing things right at this time.

So right now, we are not putting enough money into where it should be spent, which is assisting the owned cat population.

And those people that are abandoning and surrendering or inability to surrender because our shelters are full.

They are faced with rising veteran costs that they cannot afford, and they're having accidental litters which end up outside.

So it's assisting the owned cat population.

That's where the money needs to go, not into fostering and adopting, which is also important.

So I know I'm running out of time.

So in 2023, the city fixed 893 cats.

In 2024, we fixed 920.

In 2025, we fixed 806.

While our city's cat program expenses keep going up, the number of cats we can fix is essentially remaining flat.

Why?

We don't have the infrastructure.

We do not have the veteran capacity, and we do not have the surgical recovery capacity because we're dealing with live animals that have to recover.

Can you imagine trying to drive all of these cats, the thousands of them, off the beach twice to get them fixed?

Because that's what we're doing.

It's a waste of time.

So I've been mentioned and monitor um studied under under Stacey LeBairon of the Community Cat Central and Community Cats podcast, and she has um looked at our city's cat data, and she recommends the following.

Three to four hundred of them straight TNR cats, and the rest should be the friendly socialized cats on the foster to adoption track.

And then continue scaling up each year.

So kittens don't fall from the sky.

We have to fix the Adam and Eves, and there's a lot of them out there.

Anyone have any questions?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Morning, go ahead, please.

Good morning.

Uh Sarah de los Reyes, Sensor Harbor Neighborhood Association.

I have two items that I want to support.

C7N, which is um which is dear to our neighborhood since the inception of the Maurice Gift Park reconstruction.

We agreed in the beginning that we were going to have AstroTurf in the dog park.

And in the city did not have enough funds, so we decided to move it on afterwards.

And it's important because we tried the we tried the grass, and the dogs are digging, and there's a lot of dirt there, and it's a small park.

It's not like the one in Bell Island that is very big.

So I really want you to support this and to get it done for the neighborhood.

Uh Marilyn could not be here.

She is somewhere in Arizona, um in some of our parks visiting, and she's in satellite, so she could have cold end.

So she said to please strongly support this.

And another item, I want to thank uh Tanya Bod for supporting the historical marker on 1801 Bay Road, uh, where the beaches had their studio.

I think that's a great idea.

I think it he needs to have that done.

Thank you, Tanya.

Thank you.

Go ahead, please.

Good morning, Mayor and Commissioners.

My name is Matthew Galtanoff, 125 Jefferson Avenue.

I want to speak on a few mobility-related items on today's agenda.

C4F, the water taxi.

The mayor recently shared his concept for a South of Fifth to Bayside route.

Sofness said they would send a letter of support.

It's a great idea, and it connects dense neighborhoods with real destinations on both sides.

I'm happy to work together and with FDOP to move this forward.

Thank you, Matt.

You're welcome.

Uh C7Q, the trolley advertising wraps, the transportation advisory committee had concerns about full wraps covering the windows, and I'd ask you to take those concerns seriously.

C4S and R9 AI, the red light cameras.

I understand people dislike automated enforcement, but stopping at red lights is a basic safety safety issue, and the evidence is clear that red light cameras significantly reduce T-bone crashes, the ones that cause the most serious injuries.

Removing red light cameras may be a great campaign talking point, but it could make our streets more dangerous.

R5V, which would ban uh fishing at the street end parks at 10th, 14th, and Lincoln Road.

Um I personally don't fish, but I'm concerned with the continued degradation of our public spaces and restrictions on um on activities.

And this brings me to my my main point the proposed elimination of the bicycle pedestrian coordinator.

The commission funded this position through a vigorous multi-year process.

Um and we recently were surprised to learn that it was never filled by the administration.

Meanwhile, bicycle and micro mobility use has grown dramatically, and so are serious crashes, including recent deaths of people walking and riding e-scooters who buy the limited information release weren't at fault.

The transportation department is funded largely through the half penny sales tax and resort taxes, not the general fund, and Mr.

Mayor, you yourself have acknowledged that resort tax revenues are at record levels.

Please don't eliminate this position, please fill it.

Thank you and have a great meeting today.

Well you covered a lot of ground.

Thank you.

Go ahead, please.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor Commissioners.

My name is Alain Claudio, and I have worked for the city of parking enforcement for 22 years.

I'm also vice president of CWA.

And um I'm speaking today in both capacities.

I'm here to support the item C7AC regarding the recall of the improperly titled uniforms recently issued to parking enforcement specialists.

The uniform reads parking specialists and leaves out enforcement.

Our correct legally established title is parking enforcement specialists.

We are too often the targets of verbal and physical abuse on the job.

The war enforcement is the one wording our title that's signal authority.

And in a tense moment, that one war can be the difference between a situation that did de-escalate and one that does not.

For these reasons, we're respectfully asked that you pass item C7AC so that uniforms reflecting our correct title can be used to all our members.

Thank you.

And I'm happy to answer any um answer any questions.

Yeah, I was about to say the good thing is I don't think anybody pulled it, so it looks like it's going to uh I I'd like to co-sponsor the item along with Commissioner Fernandez.

Thank you for being here today.

All right, thank you.

Thank you very much.

Good day.

Um Commissioners, may I say something for a moment?

Please.

My name's Steve Walder, I'm a parking officer with the City of Miami Beach.

Uh first good morning to all the commissioners and Mr.

Mayor.

Um I've been with the city for about 10 and a half years, and recently there's been a uniform change per our new director, Mr.

McDonald.

And for the last 10 and a half years, we've been wearing white shirts.

I'm wearing the button-down shirt.

Some of the officers are most of the others that were wearing the um white polo shirts, like this young lady right here.

The polar shirts have an engraved badge which shows authority, like I'm wearing this badge here.

We have these beautiful patches on the sides.

And when the citizen comes up to us, uh either happy or upset, and unfortunately, it's usually the latter, they're upset.

Uh they see this right here, they see what we are.

We're parking enforcement officers, we're just doing our job.

The new uniforms that were just assigned to us, um, like these gentlemen here are wearing.

All it has here is a P that says parking, and on the back, it says parking specialist.

Most citizens that come that approach you on the street are not looking at your back.

They're looking at you from here up.

And we've been issued a badge for the belt.

Again, they're looking at you from the from your chest up, and they want to see what you are, they have to, because we do run into a lot of aggressive, agitated, upset, and unfortunately, sometimes emotionally disturbed people because we issue them tickets, and they just go bonkers.

I myself have been assaulted.

I spent four and a half hours in the emergency room in Mount Sinai Hospital, and subsequently six weeks of physical therapy.

Uh I've had other incidents with people on the street.

We have a terrific police force that always comes within 25 seconds to help us out.

They're fantastic.

Probably the best police force in the country.

And the main contention here with me is uh the majority of my co-workers that I've spoken to want to retain these white shirts.

They're highly visible at night if the police need to find us on the street if we're in trouble.

It's a lot cooler during this obsessive incredible heat.

And the main thing is it's a safety issue because they can see that we're officers and we're doing our jobs.

People have been mistaking us for citizens have been mistaking our my co-workers that are wearing these shirts as parking attendants.

That the same symbol here is the one used at private parking lots all throughout the city.

And they look like they're carried, parking attendants, and we should look like this, a parking officer.

I think this uniform that I'm wearing is fantastic.

I think it's the best uniform in the whole city.

No offense to the police.

Personally, I do.

Yeah.

No.

Thank you.

Um, I think we're all in agreement.

Nobody pulled the items, so you're it's gonna it's gonna pass.

I I can tell you I grew up in New York, and uh the parking attendants I remember when I was a kid wore they uh they they wore these brown uniforms, they look like UPS officers, and as soon as they switched to a more professional, yeah, it had a profound difference on how they were treated.

So if I may interrupt, I I've been to other cities around Florida in when I travel when I'm when I have some vacation time.

Even in Key West, they wear blue slacks or black slacks, a white shirt.

They have a badge this big, like they uh wear in LA, and they have patches on their arms, and they look very professional.

And to go from something like this to this, I think it is unacceptable.

Okay, let us talk here.

Okay, you you got it, because it's gonna pass.

Nobody pulled it.

Okay.

Um, thank you so much.

Thank you for bringing it to our time.

I just actually wanted to turn it to I you know Will to me has been extremely responsive, and any time I've called him with anything.

So I'm just kind of curious how this came up.

Uh so it kind of came to my attention pretty late in the game.

So just to put my perspective on the situation out there.

Um we hadn't ordered new uniforms for a number of years.

Um Mr.

McDonald had um tried to find a way to improve the engagement with the community with the parking enforcement specialists.

My understanding is they cannot be referred to as officers under state law.

Um, and so there were some modifications to the uniform that were being discussed, proposed, ultimately ordered.

Um we then got feedback from the team that they felt that that wasn't sufficient.

So Mr.

McDonald modified his perspective on it and allowed them to keep the Class A white uniforms that Mr.

Walkholder's wearing today.

And that Class A white uniform is currently part of their allowable uniform wearing as of two weeks ago.

And he's ordering more of those uniforms.

So I'm not sure what the issue is at this point.

Commissioner Fernandez.

Yeah, and and thank you, Mr.

Manager and Mr.

Mayor.

So you guys are allowed to wear the class A uniform.

Uh I'm gonna ask you because you represent the uh membership.

Yes, we are allowed to uh use um our class uniform.

How many?

So why aren't all the employees why aren't all the employees wearing the classic?

Unfortunately, there was only two officers and three.

I'm include myself that they normally wear the class A.

What they were normally were wearing our old times was this kind, this kind of uh shirt, the polo shirts.

This is known as the class A.

Right.

This is similar, but it's just a polar shirt and it has an engraved badge.

Right.

It also looks very official.

So the polo, the polo is what is what I think I've I'm accustomed to seeing uh most of our uh parking enforcement officers wearing or wearing the white polo.

Um and so I you know the this class A uniform looks old, and you're saying how many people in front of the parking department had had it?

No.

Before we had the choice of the class A and the polo shirts, most of the people were wearing polo shirts, and now two other people, including myself, three, are wearing the class A.

So but this class A has been here like we haven't gotten uniforms like this in over two years.

Okay.

So, you know, that's that's that's the challenge.

So if only three three of the employees really had that that uniform and we're and we're we're using it, you're putting at a we're putting at a disadvantage.

Uh, the other employees who how many employees do we have that are doing this type of work?

Well, 48 to 50.

Okay.

So we're putting all the other 47 employees at a at a disadvantage.

You guys are on the streets, you guys are in the heat in elements that I don't want to be dealing with.

You're representing our our city, and as you very well described, you deal with violence, you deal with with aggression on behalf of our city.

And I want to make sure that you all feel comfortable in in the uniform that that you're being asked to wear.

And if you feel uncomfortable with it, I want to make sure that we as a city take corrective action.

My my frustration was that four of us sat on the dais at the neighborhoods committee.

We we engaged in in conversation about this.

I thought we offered good feedback.

Um, and then I I feel almost like our feedback, our thoughts about this was just ignored.

It's most certainly forget about us.

Your feedback I feel was ignored.

And and you know, the rollout moved forward without giving that, I feel the proper consideration.

Uh and so, and so I thank my colleagues for for not pulling the item.

I think the co-sponsors, and I think you guys, because you guys are the ones that are on the streets every single day.

We might not always see eye to eye when it comes to enforcement, you know, and that's a whole different story.

But you are city employees, you are public employees.

You are in the heat, and you're doing difficult work, and uh, and your your opinion and your uniform matters, at least to me, and obviously to my colleagues.

And obviously to my colleagues.

Commissioner Mateo Salinas.

I I want to echo Commissioner Fernandez's comments because I I want you guys to look as professional and powerful and intimidating as possible because the fact that you guys potentially get attacked on your jobs is unacceptable.

I I feel so bad for you that you have to, and no one wants to get a parking ticket ever.

So of course they're gonna be upset when they get it.

And you guys have to be the face of that.

So I want people to think that you are police or an extension of the police.

And so this uniform that you're wearing the class A.

Yes, it is cool.

Do you get the same response when you're wearing the white polo?

I I think they do.

It's just uh uh some people prefer a poll a polo shirt.

Okay.

And to me, it's okay because they have a badge, and this badge means just as much as this one.

Okay.

So they're more comfortable with a polar shirt.

I like to look a little more dressy, so I wear this one, which which I think is fantastic.

As do two or three other officers.

And a lot of them used to wear this, but we've had new officers come on board now.

Okay.

Sure.

I I just want to make sure that you guys look like you, you know, you feel protected and empowered, and that people don't assault you or threaten you in any way, shape, or form.

And then another question the gentleman in the gray and the gal in the white, could you turn around so I can see the back, please?

Okay, so there was never, and you were saying, Eric, that what what can we not say?

Officer.

We say enforcement.

And neither neither of them say officer.

So we will be including enforcement on all of the future um orders.

The gray ones had already been ordered at the time that the committee had the discussion, and so it would have been throwing away money to not at least hand them out and give them to the individuals for the ability to wear them.

Um my understanding is if they want to wear the white polos, if they want to wear the gray polos, if they want to wear the class A, we're okay with all of that.

Until the new uniforms get ordered, the new uniforms will have class A, will have white polos, will have gray polos, and will include enforcement in the terminology.

Excellent.

But but none of them ever said officer, so that's kind of a moot point to mention that that's isn't part of this.

It only says officer in the badges.

I want to follow up on that.

But yeah, I know.

You have to go through next.

Yeah, so if if if I finish up, but then I have Commissioner Magazine and Commissioner Bott.

Thank you.

Thank you by the way, by the way, I'm I'm I was gonna make this comment a little later.

We we have a lot of items today.

This item passed, so it's a good discussion, but we really I'm hearing a lot of feedback from residents, maybe you have as well, that we're taking too long on items.

This item is passed.

They got what they want, so we have to keep my items moving.

So I'm asking that to all my colleagues today.

I'm gonna start cutting items off because we we it we owe it to our residents to hear some very important items.

But Commissioner Fernandez, Commissioner Magazine, Commissioner Bottton, let's let's move on to the case.

This past and I'm happy to collaborate with that.

Mr.

Mandar, you just mentioned that that the employees can wear either either the class A or the polo or or the gray polo.

Yesterday during during our briefing, I asked you about this, and you gave me a copy of an email that that says that any employee currently wearing a class A uniform full-time could continue doing so.

But that's only three employees that and then the rest of the 47 employees, what happens to the rest of the 47 employees?

And so what was communicated to to the membership based on the email that you provided me in my in my briefing was that those who were wearing the class A uniform could continue doing so.

And so that's great for three people.

And so, what about the other 47?

What you're saying now, and I just want to make sure for you know the the benefit of the employees that we have here, the rest of them can choose to wear the polo or some or whatever they feel most comfortable in within their uniform options.

Yes, they can continue to wear the white polos until we get the new order done.

Thank you, Mr.

Manchester.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Commissioner Magazine, and I'll keep it brief, Mr.

Mayor, and wholeheartedly support trying to uh limit non-necessary uh uh debate.

But quick question.

I've seen city government any time there's something that's proactive, like a change from enforcement to specialist, there has to be rhyme or reason behind it.

Right?

So there was proactive change.

What drove that so I think the concept was similar to our code enforcement department becoming a code compliance department.

I think we were trying to emphasize people's parking compliance, which I think is is an important message, but ultimately, if we're not willing to do something that is going to make the employees feel like they're in harm's way.

So we can walk that back that's necessary to keep the workforce happy.

Commissioner Bach.

Just a quick question to clarify.

So the new uniforms that are being ordered are gonna look like what I mean, Will, do you want to come up and actually and while you're coming up?

While you're coming up, I I want to reiterate that nobody wants to put anybody in harm's way.

I would not want to take your job because I know we all get quite testy.

Well, not we all, but many people get quite testy when they're dealing with what you do for a living and we are asking you to do it for a living.

So we want to make sure you have all the tools necessary.

I also know that there was no malice in in this um change, right?

We are trying to collectively be a city that is um encouraging people to adhere to to shifting norms.

We're doing it with micromobility, we're doing it with signage and stores, we're doing it with um what you can and can't do with your home.

We're trying to encourage that.

So if there was a misstep, it was not um malicious, it was you know a sin of omission, not commission that is being rectified.

So I want to make that really clear.

I just want to understand from my own edification what the new uniforms are gonna look like because I can understand that a gray polo or white polo is probably more comfortable to wear, but I do like having all the sort of official um bells and whistles, the patches, and um I understand that uh officer can't be used legally, but enforcement can um trying to make it a little softer.

I totally understand that, but if that ends up not being productive for you guys in the field, then then that's that's a a thing, uh conversation.

So Will, um again, I know this was not done out of malice or trying to to do anything um uh uh untoward, but where where um where did we end up on the new uniform so that everyone feels like they get what they need?

Uh Will McDonald Director of Parking.

So we are currently we met with the union on Monday regarding what a new uniform would look like.

Um we heard the feedback.

I I don't want to speak before everything is fully baked.

Um, one of the things, you know, see, you know, we heard the badges are important, that's why we went out and bought brand new metal badges for every one of our team members.

I want to make it clear our badges were very important.

I the class A's were only three people that voluntarily wore them.

That's why there's so few class A's, it's not because we we denied them the class A's.

Um I want to make that very clear.

As far as the polos, what we've heard so far, and I don't want to speak for the union.

We've heard instead of charcoal, uh start with dark and go to uh white polo for everybody that wants.

We've heard the talk about um instead of an embroidered badge, uh we talked about a flex badge, so it's like a rubberized badge that you velcro on, but it looks metallicized, so it's a little bit uh I'll just say it has a little bit more presence along with the same type of flex metallicized name patch that can go on the shirt.

Um we sent them a few mock-ups last night, and we just need to hear back.

Okay.

So so you guys are actively collaborating in getting new shirts that everybody feels good about that give you the folks in the field the protections that you need and provide whatever new standards we want as a city.

So that sounds like a good step forward.

Is everybody who's up at the podium feeling good about this?

Yeah, we'll we're gonna talk about it.

Okay.

So let's let's move forward in a positive way.

Again, um, let's let's put let the bygones be bygones and let's move forward in a positive way and make sure that as a city we're messaging the right thing, and as as our employees, you're getting the protections you need in the field.

Thank you, everybody.

Thank you, Will.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you for uh doing what you do, and then and I think we reached a good place, and thank you, Will, as well.

I uh we got this corrected, and Will, you've always been very responsive and on issues and uh and helping uh and helping.

I think you've been a good addition to the city.

So thank you.

Yeah, I agree.

Good morning.

My English now very good looking.

My name's Martin Santi, I'm represent the Esperternology Choice.

Uh what a conservation pro in Sisting.

A company established since 2016.

I see a lot of people bring a lot of situation problem.

I bring solution to the city of Miami Beach.

Uh and I I want to thank you.

Uh here.

I hear to think uh the pure Blake.

And also Alice Fernandez.

I send you a email.

Thank you for answering my email.

And elso David Suare.

David, I'm the one that called you last night.

Okay.

Who are giving me the opportunity?

A big time situation.

I had the solution.

And also the great thing is that it's not initially invest.

I can bring a solution to say on water, the city of Miami Beach Bay to Miami Day.

I have a great solution.

And uh I just uh waiting for the opportunity to present the whole project.

This about it.

So uh uh he did me to the uh engineer department.

I have my engineer.

I are you asking a few uh details I that I need to present the project.

So in a few weeks, uh, when you guys give me the opportunity, I'll be ready to to bring to the city of Miami Beach a great opportunity to say in the money that you guys paid to Miami Day Water.

Uh just asking this.

I know the minister, if the if the water and sewers raise the water, then you have to raise to the citizen.

At this point, we're gonna load up that possibility.

Thank you, Fernandez.

Thank you, David.

Thank you so much.

Go ahead, please.

Good morning.

My name is Carmen Olline.

I live at 1200 West Avenue, and I'm just here for a breath of fresh air.

A moment of gratitude for all of you and the work that you do, because it doesn't go unnoticed.

My husband and I, we moved here five and a half years ago.

We plan for staying two years.

But primarily because of the work of the city and this council mayor.

Um we've been here almost six years.

I feel safe walking the streets.

We walk all the time and bike.

We love going down Lincoln Road.

We play basketball at Flamingo Park and RollerSkate.

And we love the economic development that's happening across the city, the rejuvenation, the things in the back office, um, the concierge service to be able to, my husband to move his office a little bit easier for his business.

We're not only residents but business owners.

I see you, mayor, all over the city.

I listen to you speak, you're very clear, direct, and inspiring.

Um and I'm just here to say thank you and express my gratitude as a resident and as a business owner.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Wow.

I have chills from your speech, so thank you for that.

That's uh very very kind of you.

Um I do hear one-on-one.

I think we all do from a lot of our residents, but it's very kind of you to come up and uh and express that here.

Thank you.

Can Mr.

Mayor run for office?

Mr.

Mayor, I just want to thank you very much for saying that.

Um, we don't hear that all that often.

I mean, we do hear it, but I want to make sure that um that our staff hears that as well because uh none of us up here is doing this alone.

It is with the full support and cooperation and teamwork from every single city employee from directors to um the newest hire in in any department.

So it is a a true team effort, and so I want everybody to hear that loud and clear.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Eric, Eric Rollers, on behalf of the firefighters of Miami Beach Union.

Uh I just want to recognize her for being so positive because I work with them a lot, and you're right, they do not get nearly enough thank you.

So thank you for you for all you do.

That's what I'm actually here for is a thank you uh for in multiple ways because you're all doing so many great things for the community.

I just want to highlight those things.

So on behalf of our president and our membership, he wants to let you know, he's very happy about the news that we got that the Marine Patrol and Fire Patrol is moving forward on Purdy.

That's a very welcome location for our fire boat operations, so you can have great response times both to the south and north, as well as we got great news that also Fire Station One is moving along.

So those are again great things for our community.

Also, thank you, Commissioner Dominguez.

I see you're sponsoring our whole blood initiative, which is uh great, and thank you to our fire chief uh Dignabello for enabling our rescue chief uh David Sola, who I think many of you know, but he um has helped launch this whole blood initiative with a long he also brought two other uh drugs, one is TXA.

So when those are combined for trauma incidents, they help you know amazingly with the the patient outcomes, and that's what we're looking for.

Also, he's an instituted uh septic alerts, or so we have a new drug that we have or seven that we've added into our trucks that that helps with uh septic patients.

So overall, we're just delivering more services to citizens of Miami Beach, and that would not be uh possible without your support and your leadership.

So thank you.

Appreciate it.

Thank you, Eric.

Appreciate it.

Mayor we've for all the work that uh fire department does.

I uh we talk about the police a lot, but certainly um fire department is top notch.

Yeah, well, it takes a village, also parking like everyone really in the whole city.

We work together as a team, one city, one team.

So uh it's great being part of the team.

Appreciate it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

We're not going to switch to uh online.

Our first caller is Alicia Casanova.

State your name, address, please go ahead.

Alicia Casanova, 4775 uh Collins Avenue.

Um, I agree with what that uh beautiful lady just said.

Uh amazing to hear that, very rare to see that.

Anyway, uh good morning.

I represent the Midbeach Neighborhood Association, and we're in support of three items on today's agenda that impact our area.

First, we support Commissioner Fernandez's R5AF, which would modify the notice requirements for prospective bulk owners of condominium units.

This measure promotes greater transparency and helps ensure that both residents and associations are better informed about significant ownership changes within their communities.

Second, we support Commissioner Fernandez's R5X regarding an amendment to procurement procedures, since this item seeks to increase transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the city's procurement process and the awarding of contracts.

And finally, we support Commissioner Both's R5Y, which establishes a clear definition for micro mobility devices.

This ordinance strength is basic safety requirements and helps protect pedestrians, cyclists, and all users of our public spaces.

We do, however, respectfully request clarification of the language in section 70-66.

The proposed definition of micro-mobility devices includes both human-powered and non-human powered devices, such as bicycles, electric bicycles, and motorized scooters.

That same section, however, includes micro-mobility devices within the definition of motorized means of transportation, which could create unintended confusion regarding traditional bicycles.

We also believe that the proposed one-year grace period is too long.

Basic safety requirements involving lights brakes, helmets, and passenger limits should become effective after a much shorter public education and warning period.

Thank you all for all that you do for our city.

Thank you so much.

Our next virtual caller is Johan Moore.

Mr.

Moore, you have two minutes.

Good morning, uh Commissioners.

No, excuse me, in favor of one uh two items and in opposition to two others.

Uh I am supportive of R5N, uh, Commissioner Fernandez.

Um basically uh cheaper multi-unit buildings garbage collection.

Uh, this has been an issue that many in Flamingo Park have long uh agitated for.

Uh I also want to support Commissioner Suatis R7F, uh condo special assessment assistance for vulnerable residents, uh, likewise an issue of great concern to our relatively low-income neighborhood.

Uh I am in opposition to, as are many of my neighbors, uh, R5E, the 1600 Washington LDR amendment, and R5F, the 1600 Washington uh parking LDR amendment.

Uh I had uh assumed that someone else from uh my neighborhood association would be presenting today, but I believe that that will be at the next meeting after my neighborhood association has had uh more opportunities to uh review what you all decide today.

Uh to make a final comment in terms of something that Commissioner Fernandez said earlier.

I wonder if the commission can do an end run around the state's preclusion of DEI funding by essentially, for instance, giving whatever grant uh money would have been given to Pride uh during this year, while it is possibly still legal uh for let's say 10 years in advance.

I would encourage you to think creatively in that respect to counter uh Tallahassee's assault on our diverse communities.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Our next speaker is Sharon.

Sharon, please go ahead and hi, good morning.

This is Sharon Weiss, 23381st Street.

Um I'm calling today about the uh proposed uh or the discussion regarding water and sewer uh rate hikes or the issuance of a geobond to address our infrastructure issues.

Um today is the fifth anniversary of the surfside condo tower collapse.

And one thing that I remember reading about uh after the collapse was that there was a countywide moratorium on building in um surfside during the 1970s because uh of crumbling infrastructure related to water and sewer.

And part of the reason why the Champlain Tower was built was because the developer paid for a funded half of the cost of water and sewer infrastructure upgrades.

Um since that time, it has just been a blitz of uh of of building and developer giveaways.

And while I appreciate the discussion as to whether or not we want to uh fund the water and sewer infrastructure upgrades via um via uh increases to the bills or voting on a geo bond, either way that money comes out of the taxpayer and the residents.

And what I would uh respectfully suggest is that there are a number of uh items uh where developers want to increase bar or have more height or various giveaways.

And instead of just accepting another freebie public park, I think that we should be uh demanding that they contribute significant money towards our water and sewer infrastructure system.

Um we are a community water and sewer is a community resource.

Um the existing residents already pay for their maintenance um through taxes on our bills and asking us to pay more when we're not actually contributing to additional stress on the system is not fair.

We need to demand more of the developers that wish to take advantage of our community resources.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Our next caller is Troy Wright.

Mr.

Wright, please go ahead.

Uh good morning, uh mayor and commission.

Uh, my name is Troy Wright, executive director of the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District.

Uh thank you, Commissioner Monica Mateo Salinas for bringing the article 111 property maintenance standards division for abandoned and vacant properties registry back.

Uh we support that uh that uh and encourage property activation, improve the appearance of vacant properties and create a stronger environment for businesses, residents, and visitors.

Uh well-maintained corridor and city obviously benefits everyone.

Uh however, respectfully ask that the commission to consider a few important points.

First, there should be a clear distinction between a truly abandoned property and a property that is temporarily vacant while actively pursuing redevelopment, leasing, financing, or permits.

Um those situations are very different and should not necessarily be treated the same.

Uh second, many property owners experience delays outside of their control, including permitting plan, review, and construction timelines.

Uh we should be careful not to unintentionally penalize owners who are making a good faith effort to improve their properties.

And finally, I encourage the city to consider incentives in addition to enforcement.

If a property owner allows pro uh temporary activation, such as public art, murals, retail pop-ups, cultural programming, or community events.

Perhaps there could be reduced fees or other incentives that help keep properties active and contribute to the public realm while permanent plans move forward.

The goal should not simply be fewer vacant properties.

The goal should be more active, attractive, and productive properties throughout Miami Beach.

So the bottom line is that conditions are and will be important because a dark storefront sends a message of decline.

An activated storefront sends a message of investment.

Uh, thank you for your consideration.

Oh, and by the way, in honor of Americans 250 years on the 4th of July.

Visit a Washington Avenue business and you get a complimentary American flag.

Thank you.

Have a good day.

Our next caller is Diane Breslow.

Diane, please unmute yourself.

Hi, good morning.

Yeah, can you hear me?

Yes, go ahead.

Hi, I'm Diane Breslow.

I live at 750 West 51st Street.

And I am joining to support resolution R7AD as recommended by the administration.

And I ask the commission to approve this R7 AD as recommended by the administration.

This fund is for critical neighborhood projects.

We need to fix the flooding problems in my neighborhood, uh, the Lakeview area.

I've lived here for 57 years, and it is getting worse every single year to the point where I've lost a car um water into my house.

This is happening, and we really need to address this critical issue.

I want to also take this opportunity to thank Commissioner Monica Matea Salinas and John Norris from Public Works, who have been amazing and so open and receptive to our neighborhood meeting with us.

Really, it makes me feel so good to be a part of this community where I have people representing us that want to help.

So I really am begging this commission to pass this resolution and we get it on the ballot in November.

So thank you for your time.

Thank you.

Our next caller is Brett Benza.

Okay, good morning.

My name is Brett Benza.

Uh good morning, Commissioners.

Good morning, Mr.

Mayor.

My name is Brett Benza.

I live at 650 West Avenue.

I'm the president of the board here.

I'm calling today to highlight a situation at Canopy Park.

We all voted and supported a public park when a developer had suggested a very dense housing project.

We did not vote for a public mental mental institution.

Now, before someone gets politically correct on me, this is not a homeless issue.

That title paints a wide swath, and we all have empathy for those who are down on their luck and need support.

This is a mentally unstable population.

It falls between the cracks of outreach support and police enforcement.

Mothers with their children and strollers are afraid to walk the park without their husbands.

Men are arming themselves with walking sticks or worse.

They should not have to face screaming mentally ill people trying to intimidate, harass, and scare them from using the park.

I have in my hand a petition my wife started at 5 p.m.

last night.

It has over a hundred signatures.

Keep in mind that these four buildings near the park are at 50% capacity right now.

By next commission meeting, I'll have over 500.

You get the drift.

This is a serious issue, and what we are asking you for is more support from the police department.

We'd like the rangers back at the park, just like they were before Vi Park sold most of their uh apartments.

That park was patrolled daily by a park ranger.

They are intermittent now at best.

Um, and we need focus on this issue.

We have two major issues in the south part of West Avenue.

You know the first one is the Live Local Act.

This is just as important without security, people can't enjoy the quality of life that they pay so much to live in South Beach for.

Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you.

Our next caller is Eric.

We really shouldn't be getting calls like this.

I've been seeing emails about this for weeks.

We we have to address this immediately.

Officers need to be out of the cars walking.

I know we do a pretty good job, but I'm I'm very I'm um this one I'm upset about.

This is not this is not coming.

That call didn't come out of the blue.

Thank you.

Our next caller is Judith Judith Schmeigel.

PJ, let's go to Laurie.

Lori Beckham.

Good morning, everyone.

Thank you so much for your time.

Lori Baccom, 903 80th Street.

As a lifelong dog lover who has raised many dog family members to Miami Beach, I ask you to please oppose C7N, which changes natural grass in all our dog parts to artificial turf.

Artificial turf is bad for dogs and bad for the environment.

Every article I can find supporting artificial turf and dog parts was industry published.

Artificial turfs creates a heat islands, which will make their use unbearable for dogs and people half the year, and also impact the surrounding areas.

On top of that, the thought of introducing thousands of square feet of plastic into our environment is not in keeping with our goal to be green.

Green is not a color, it is a practice.

Daily, we will be introducing microplastics into our water and air, and at the end of its useful life, we'll have a bunch of garbage to deal with.

PERF is also a hard service that will potentially cause harm to playing dogs, especially the elderly ones.

Natural grass is cool.

It filters naturally.

It is sustainable, and most of all, dogs love it.

I do understand that artificial turf is easier to maintain and has a better look and can be cleaner, but I do implore you to find solutions to put the investment into maintaining our dog parks in a natural way.

It's better for the whole community.

Thank you so much.

And always thank you all for all your time.

We do really have the very best commission and city staff of any city in the country.

Thank you all.

Our next caller is Chris DeLise.

What is it?

Chris, unmute yourself.

Linda Diamond is next, please.

Hi, good morning.

Can you hear me?

Yes, go ahead.

Okay, thank you.

Sorry about that.

Good morning.

I'm calling in reference to R5M, which is the uh repeal for land-based shark fishing in Miami Beach.

I just wanted to basically call and say thank you to um attorney Mark Fishman that I've been communicating with and the council for considering this repeal um in good faith.

And I just wanted to drive home the fact that um there has been zero provoked shark attacks ever in Miami Beach, going back to 1958, um, and zero instances ever where a swimmer or beachgoer was ever entangled in any shark fishing line uh hooks or leaders of any kind.

Um I know it's brought to the attention when initially passed, I believe in January or February by an activist uh making these claims, but those claims were false and um unchecked.

So um I would like to just say thank you again for the potential repeal.

Um you've been uh real pleasure to work with uh all every step of the way, and uh thanks again.

Thank you.

Our next caller is Linda Diamonds.

Hi there.

I'm Linda Diamond.

I am the chair of the animal welfare committee, and I'm also the president of SobeCat Spay and Neuter, which is a partner with the beach on the CAT program.

Um I want to thank the commission and the mayor for being so supportive.

Uh since our program has begun, we have spayed and neutered 14,122 cats.

The reproductive suppression rate, meaning if those cats had procreated, which they can since they fix them, would be at 57,232 cats.

So we are making a huge impact, and I'm so proud of our program.

We have also been recognized at better cities for pets.

Uh they did a case study on us.

Uh, we've also been doing presentations for different cities, such as the city of Honolulu.

Um, we also have been recognized by Jackson Galaxy.

You might know him from the Animal Planet, his show um The Cat from Hell.

Our program does TNVR, track neuter, vaccinate return, adoption, foster, and we have a feeder program.

We are recognized across the globe.

And I want to thank our commission for supporting us.

That's it.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Diamond.

Our next caller has a phone number ending in 600.

Please state your name and unmute yourself, please.

Good morning, mayor and commissioners.

My name is Christina Vega.

I live at 65 Washington Avenue Golden Dreams condominium, and to present cyber money laundering in the real estate investigation score.

I'm here to object to items R5 and R5D.

Um, the Alton City Center Overlay.

Uh first um developer explicitly admit to active code enforcement violations of these parts of land development regulations section 2.4.1 point.

B strictly mandates that private applicants must be in certified good standing prior to consideration.

Uh second, the developer's mandatory disclosure of interest list uh entities price LLC.

Next one is Alton Rose J, Coma, L L C.

Next one is Rosney Capital, LLT as the primary beneficial owners holding combined 54% of uh uh interest in in the property.

Our public audits of lauded department of state, division of corporations portal, and open corporate confirm that these three entities do not exist anywhere in the world.

Third, the legal description listed in the application and other documents to submit it to the city are inaccurate.

We verified those legal descriptions against Miami Date boundary recorders, these data and property uh appraise those data.

Finally, thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

Our next caller is Johan Bermo.

Hello, can you hear me?

Go ahead, please.

Hi, yes.

I'm going to uh first thank you for all the work you do.

Uh with uh way safer.

Um so I live in 7441 Wayne Avenue.

Um I'm calling to support uh I'm sorry, the project on 16 uh 1600 Washington.

Uh I think the the project uh ads housing, which is something we truly need in South Beach.

Uh since I work here right here in 16 and on Washington actually.

So I think that that project would add a lot of uh housing and would help actually the traffic, which is insane sometimes to get here.

And uh and I think it's uh it's a party that should be voted for yes.

Thank you so much.

Our next caller is Judith Smeigle.

Hello.

I am from Flamingo Park.

A brief note, you can hear me, right?

Yes, go ahead.

Right.

About um Matthew's discussion of red light cameras, Matthew from Better Streets.

I am totally in favor of that.

We all know how recklessly people run lights and how dangerous it is.

If it is allowable, I believe in the deterrent effect of having signage saying in this case, it would be great if we could say cameras on this and other signals.

That's all I have to say.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Our last caller virtually is John Stewart.

Go ahead, please.

Good morning, everyone.

Um Mayor Minor and City Commissioners, I'm John Stewart.

I live at 900 Bay Drive, apartment 825 in Miami Beach.

And I'm speaking in support of R5E and R5F.

They've been mentioned uh recently.

As many of you know, I'm a professor of architecture at FIU.

I served on the city's historic preservation board for many years, including as chair when this proposal first came before the HPB.

At uh HPB, we asked the applicant to address three primary concerns to provide a more appropriate homage to the building's history and its architect Henry Hohauser to improve the articulation of the facade.

Um there were questions about the balconies and to clarify the treatment of the alley and vehicular access.

I'm really pleased to see that the applicants responded what I consider to be thoughtfully and substantively to each of these requests, and I support the accompanying amendments to the comprehensive plan and the land use development regulations.

But I'd like to also just mention the housing needs of this pro that this project addresses.

Um for more than 13 years.

I've worked for FIU on the block with this project's proposed, and during that time I can probably count on one hand if I don't even need a whole hand.

Uh the number of full-time faculty and staff members who've been able to live in South Beach while working at MBUS.

The lack of attainable workforce housing has been a persistent challenge for our community, our institutions, and our local businesses.

This project really helped to address the critical need that's existed for many years and is even more urgent today.

So I thank you for your inspiring service to our city and for considering these agenda items.

Thank you.

I think the officer has said that there was one more person.

I'll give you one minute.

Go ahead, please.

Thank you.

Uh Kevin Kruger, nine-year Miami Beach resident and Flamingo Park.

Uh uh currently.

Uh John Stewart's a tough act to follow, but hello, my friend, uh, my fellow real estate pro.

Um, as you all know me, I also advocate for sports tourism.

I'm gonna back up Lori uh asking for natural grass rather than astroturf.

I've asked twice that we look into this.

I think I shared some information last year when we debated placing the fire station at Flamingo Park and claimed that uh we wanted this preserve the green space, which the football field is astro turf, mostly black bellets, which are carcinogenic.

And I gave you some research from uh Philadelphia Phillies case studies, uh half a dozen of their star players.

You know how rare it is to make it to the major leagues, and six of them, uh Commissioner Magazine probably knows Tug McCall and some of the others have died from brain cancer in their in their uh mid-50s, and we have our children out there playing.

I would like to advocate that we research this.

I think if we have enough to staff uh gum cleaners, I like our parks department's uh maintenance guys over at the baseball field where I play, they do really well.

Let's hire more and do natural grass, not just for dogs, but literally our children.

Uh, there's also stats, if I may, one second.

Um, it's 30 times more likely.

We're watching the world cup right now, and goalies that play on AstroTurf have 30 times the brain cancer.

Not only that, but our World Cup FIFA uh was requiring NFL stadiums to perfect their turf.

We all know that famously, if you didn't notice, but let's please look this up.

Thank you, sir, and and lean into this and be the envy of Miami Dade parks with uh natural grass and beautiful fields.

They're better to play on anyway.

Thank you.

Okay, so uh let's go over the consent agenda, the pulled items, and then let's uh approve the consent agenda.

Yes, sir.

So the following items have been separated from the consent agenda.

Mayor Minor has separated C4B and C4S.

Commissioner Dominguez has separated C2D as in dog, C2C and C7A.

I actually okay, so I apologize.

C2D, C7C, C7A.

Commissioner Fernandez separated C4S.

So A packs off so I can't do that.

Commissioner Mateo Salinas has separated C7D and C7Z and C7AG.

Now, these three that I'm gonna read now are not on your separated list.

If you can write these down, Commissioner Suarez is separating the the next two items, C4G, C7AJ.

Again, Commissioner Suarez, C4G, C7AJ.

May I have a motion for the consent agenda excluding the separated and any addendum items that the uh that are on the consent agenda.

So moved.

May I have a second?

I'll second.

I heard a second from Commissioner Suarez.

All in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Anyone opposed, hearing none, the item is approved 60.

Mayor Minor is absent.

Your device, Mayor.

Thank you.

Um we have to go by time, right?

R5U.

I got it wrong.

R5U.

R5U is an ordinance of the Mayor City Commission of the City by Beach, Florida, amending chapter 82 of the code of the city of Miami Beach, Florida, entitled Public Property by Amending Article 3 and Title Use of Public Property by Amending Division 1, entitled generally by amending section 82 72 thereof, and titled Commercial Vessel Activity Hours of Operation of Publicly Owned Marinas by amending and refining eligibility criteria for commercial vessel activities at public marinas and public marine facilities and providing for repealer suborability codification and an effective date.

This is a second reading public hearing.

It is item R5U.

Commissioner Vice Mayor Dominguez.

Thank you, Mayor.

This is a second reading on the item.

Um I work closely with this with um the city attorney's office with code enforcement and also with the South of Fifth Neighborhood Association.

And this basically makes the eligibility criteria.

We currently have 31 BTRs that have operators that have applied and been approved for the Sunset Cruises.

And if an operator has a violation that it's not public safety or quality of life related, they can apply for consideration to be allowed to continue.

So that's what this item is about, and I will move the item.

Second.

All vote.

I heard a motion from uh Vice Mayor Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Bott.

Roll call, Commissioner Bott.

Yes.

Mayor Dominguez.

Yes.

Commissioner Suarez.

Yes.

Commissioner Fernandez.

Yes.

Commissioner Magazine.

Yes.

Commissioner Mateo Salinas.

Yes.

Mayor Minor.

Yes.

Motion carries the item is approved.

Mayor, I forgot to mention two things.

Yesterday there was an addendum addendum three, which was R9AI discuss and take action, eliminate red light camera citations and notices for red light right on red.

Spot co-spot sponsored prime by both Mayor Minor and Fernandez.

That is on the dais.

So you have that sheet in front of you.

So when we hear it, it was an addendum that was done this morning that will be provided to you shortly.

Addendum 4 is R7 AI, authorized city attorney to coordinate with the City of Miami, City Attorney's Office, legal options to the Live Local Act.

Jointly sponsored by Commissioner Bott, Commissioner Fernandez, and Commissioner Magazine.

That one will be provided later on.

Great, thank you.

And the the red light camera item will call with C4S that both Commissioner Fernandez and I uh pulled.

It's called R7W.

R7W is transportation to public Selomaris House residence three times a month.

Great.

So uh Commissioner Monica Mateo Salinas and I are co-priming uh Commissioner Vice Mayor Dominguez and Commissioner Fernandez uh uh co-sponsoring um yeah last year I brought an item to help our seniors with um getting around to uh to Walmart.

Uh it's uh it's really a challenge for some of our seniors who live in the um in the housing at places like Rebecca Towers, Stella Marie to get around.

So um very supportive of this continuation of that as well.

I'll turn it over to you, Commissioner Mateo Salinas.

Sure.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um so on a recent visit to Salamares House, which is up in North Beach, the residents um really appreciated how we have a once a month transportation to I believe it's Walmart off the beach.

Um because again, these residents don't have cars, they are elderly, it's very difficult for them to get to and from the grocery store.

Um they actually don't live in a walkable district area from a grocery store, so they have to take public transportation, and they want to be able to frequent a grocery store at least once a week, which I think is reasonable.

Um some of them were even asking for twice a week.

Uh and you know, I don't think we have the budget for that, but I do think we have a budget in it and the item states three times a month because that would be going to the local publics, and then once a month they would be taking the transportation that we provide for them to Walmart so they can get, you know, maybe if they need to get some stuff that Publix doesn't have.

Um and with that, I'm going to move my item.

Second.

Call the vote.

I have a motion by Commissioner uh Martel Salinas, seconded by Commissioner Fernandez.

All in favor, you say aye.

Ralph, if I could be a co-sponsor.

R7W is approved unanimously, and we're adding uh Commissioner Bot as a co-sponsor.

And just for the record, on the previous item, R5U, it was a public hearing.

There was no one requesting to speak, either in person or in the audience.

And maybe it's just something that we follow up on.

But do we know if we have services in some of the elderly communities that help uh facilitate online ordering?

Maybe I'm just throwing that out there in the abyss, something that we could question.

Yeah, talk about it.

I don't know the answer to that question, but I could certainly get with our housing community services for the question.

Maybe that's something that we could explore.

Call R7E.

R7E is accept recommendation, waive bid extent concession agreement, French French market at South Point Park.

Yes, please come up, Corinne.

Let me just say you do uh a fabulous, fabulous job with uh thank you, thank you, Mayor, and uh also Commissioner.

Can I say a few words?

Take it away.

Okay.

My name is Corinne Village Ingall, and I've probably called Miami Beach home for nearly 15 years.

I'm the founder of the French American Association of Craft and Trades.

A non-profit organization run interiorly by volunteers.

As an artisan myself, um I supportive craftmanship and small businesses businesses.

It's not uh only my profession, it's my uh sound.

The French market was created during the pandemic to help artisan and small business owners continue their work during a difficult time.

Since then, he has grown into much more than the market.

He has become a community.

We carefully select our artisan to ensure quality, authenticity, and professionalism.

After our first year in South Um Park, we are proud to see the positive impact the market has had.

We are committed to being respectful neighbors.

We pay close attention to clearliness, organization, safety, and the overall experiments for residents, visitors, and local business.

In a world increasingly driven by mass production, preserving craftsmanship and supporting local artisan is more important.

I would also to thank the city of Miami Beach events and recreation department.

We work hand in hand to this year, and their support has been a change to the success of the French market.

Finally, I would uh I would like to sincerely thanks um mayor Stephen Minor and all of you, the commissioner, for your continued support and trust for the artisan.

Sorry for my heavy accents.

I'm happy to be the idea of the case.

Thank you.

We love it.

What makes our city amazing?

We do our best um and thank you for all the artisans.

And we have a majority of women lives through our um-how.

And beyond the woman, we have some families.

I remember that some of the culinary events that you do, you get hundreds.

So I I think one of them you had over 500 people.

Uh yes.

I walk in, there's French media all over the place there.

You're um non-profit organization, we support all the artisans, and we organize also some contest to support artisan and China the business and uh the next uh major events is in National Hotel, October 25th, for the best baguette and the best croissant in Florida.

And we're waiting for 600 visitors.

Wow.

It's a lot.

Thank you.

Thank you.

John?

The only thing I gotta add is we you know we fully um support and look forward to a continued relationship with them if it's approved.

Amazing.

I move the item.

Second.

Let's call the vote.

Motion by Commissioner Fernandez, seconded by Commissioner Matteo Salinas.

All in favor of R7E, please say aye.

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

Hearing none, the item is approved 7-0.

That was R7E.

Excellent, thank you.

Call C4B.

C4B is proposed new agreement with Sodexo Live for MBCC food and beverage service.

C4B was separated by Mayor Minor.

So I I pull this item, it's a referral, and I'm gonna do something I don't think I've ever done.

I'm gonna ask this commission not to approve this referral.

I know there's three sponsors and co-sponsors, but I think there's certain information that's very pertinent that should be said.

So Sedexo I'll start off by saying they do they actually do an outstanding job.

They do a good job for the purpose of serving our convention customers.

The problem is, and this has been uh extremely frustrating for me, is that I brought an item several years ago, but it's not really even about the item.

It's that our convention center is empty at night and on the weekends.

And there are many non-profits that would love to utilize that space for for their annual charity dinner for uh again on the on the weekends and nights when it's not being used.

If obviously there's a convention that's going on that's utilizing the space, of course that takes priority, that's what it's there for.

Also, for example, our residents could utilize the space for weddings, and that has been to limited extent.

The problem is every time this happens, they we run into a wall with the extremely high cost for that SEDAXO puts in.

It's uh extremely high.

And actually, um I'm gonna after I finish speaking, I'm gonna ask uh Natalia from the Miami Business Club.

As you recall, last month we authorized um uh basically a gala that's gonna happen at the convention center, but they're running into major, major issues with Sodexo, and you'll hear it directly from the Miami Business Club.

I've met with Sedexo multiple times.

Eric has been in those meetings with me in the in that I've asked for them to come up with a kind of rate that could be something that uh if someone again, this is serving our residents.

This is something uh we we we we were probably all there.

There's an organization.

This is one example.

There's an organization called B Corcholim, they do amazing work.

It means uh helping the sick.

They work out of Mount Sinai Hospital, they help families that have loved ones who are sick providing whatever they need, kosher food, housing for people who are coming in to visit um loved ones who are who are sick.

Incredible organization, they do a dinner of six, seven hundred people.

They've always wanted to do it in the convention center, and every year they do it in the show of Bell Harbor, right?

Here is a major organization from Miami Beach that's Miami Beach based that 90% of the people coming are from Miami Beach, and they can't even use our convention center because the fees are too high.

Now we've had a couple that have a couple of events that have happened there in weddings, but it's a battle every time.

Eric, you and I have lived those battles because I gotta keep calling you and sort of saying, hey, we gotta get this, we gotta get that.

This is not a way to do business.

And by the way, if they don't want to do the business, if their excuse is, if their excuse is this is not a moneymaker for them, then just let another caterer come in.

But the problem is the way this contract is structured, they have full authority over that convention center for any meals.

And honestly, I I I'm actually surprised they're trying to bring this item and get through when they know my consistent frustration.

They asked me to sponsor this item, and I told them no, because I'm I'm I'm extremely frustrated.

And it's and it's and what's what's sad is they do a good job.

They're a good provider.

But this is a disservice to our residents.

Mr.

Mayor.

Who was first?

Christian magazine that comes in.

It actually was pretty close to simultaneous, I will say.

Um I've heard these similar concerns and frustrations, Mr.

Mayor, whether it be for nonprofit events that are in there, uh, where they've had to thread a needle of not even being, and this is for the lowest uh charities for the lowest income uh children across our community.

Um and they're paying for the convention center, but for the food portion, wanting to have chicken fingers and things like that that are low cost, having issues with being able to do so.

Uh to the other end of the extreme where we have incredibly high profile events, and they want um an enhanced kind of luxury or VIP area that Sedexo isn't able to provide, preventing them from coming in with other types of operators that would be able to uh provide something that is kind of on par with their event.

Um so I'm fine to kind of uh for lack of a better term, hold this up a little bit.

Uh do you want to take the lead on trying to discuss this?

Uh I don't think your goal is to immediately pivot away from Sedexo if we're able to thread this needle.

Uh, but I'd certainly like to see them work with some of these concerns because they're issues that I've had conveyed to me over the years by organizations across the gamut.

Yeah, Ali, I'll actually answer your question.

I would actually I think that Sedexo overall does a good job.

So I have no, I'm not advers.

Ultimately, I actually I don't have a problem with them continuing.

I I do have a con a problem with them continuing under the current status of this contract because it's it's been an I I think we're we're really doing a disservice to our our our our nonprofits, our charities, our residents who just want to utilize a space that we should be providing.

We have a magnificent convention center that we have invested in it, and other than coming to a convention, our residents can't benefit of it.

Why shouldn't they?

They want to do a wedding here, they can't.

They and but they end up and what happens is they don't end up doing it in Miami Beach.

They end up on a sunny aisle or somewhere else, and then we lose out on that.

And when when they could have the benefit of something of a of a of a service that we should be providing.

Commissioner Fernandez.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um, and I want to you know highlight Sodexo because I they do such a great job with the large events that come into our convention center.

The food quality is great, the service is great.

Um the bartenders are great.

Whenever I get invited to an event at the convention center, I always want to go because I know that that it's always a great meal.

And that was not always the case at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

There was a point in time back in the day where the quality of the food, and you go to many conventions and to many convention centers, and the quality of the food is usually subpar.

You don't even want to eat it, it's cold.

And not only that, the service, the employees uh that that work with with Sedexo, they really engage uh with with the people who are attending, and in fact, I believe a number of their employees are actually local from Miami Beach.

Where if Sodaxo is willing to have an opt-out provision from the smaller from the smaller events, the more community.

The more community focused events that they they want to have an opt-out provision, or maybe, or maybe the smaller events is just something that's not part of their contract.

Maybe we segregate that that part out because that's not their moneymaker.

Yeah, I would imagine their their moneymaker, they want the big conventions, the conventions that occupy the entire facility.

The whole reason why we invested, what was it, $600 million in uh in in improving the property.

So I am sensitive to your comments.

I do think if there is an avenue for improvement to provide affordability for our local nonprofits, for people that during slow season when the convention center is not being occupied by a large convention and someone wants to be able to have their wedding there, um that you know, either flexibility and pricing be baked into the contract for for local originated activities, or maybe just the smaller events get segregated out so that Sodexo can keep on doing what it does great, and it does really well and does masterfully.

Um I'm sensitive to your comments.

I also know, like for example, style safes, uh style saves, um, which does great work giving out school supplies for for underprivileged children in our community.

They have their event at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

They're not able to afford the food at Sodexo.

And so, and so they had food partners.

I think they wanted to bring in like at one point they wanted, I think Piola or or someone wanted to donate food for them.

They can't.

They can't accept that food because of the contract, a very strict contract.

So, Mr.

Mayor, maybe there's room for flexibility for flexibility.

I appreciate your approach that you don't you don't want to do away with this contract.

It's an important contract.

We're at a better place today, I will tell you, than when what we were at many years ago with prior vendors.

Um, but maybe what you raised doesn't open up an opportunity for reform to help our community be able to use the center and afford, not just to use it.

Anyone can use the center, to be able to afford to use the center, especially during the slow seasons.

So I'm I'm open to the conversation.

Thank you.

I'd ask I'd like to ask um Miami Business Club, uh, Natalia Oniskiv is here.

Um thank you very much for this opportunity.

Good morning, everyone.

Um first of all, I would like to thank everyone for approving $33,000 fee waiver last time.

Uh we appreciate your support.

Why don't you explain what you're what what you're doing and the and the partnership that we're collaborating with Miami Business Club.

Yes, of course.

Uh first of all, we are trying to do the charity gala on October 10th, 2026, in a beautiful Sunset Vista room uh in convention center, benefiting uh Miami Waterkeeper.

Uh what we try to do is to partner with we are partnering with the Miami, with the Miami Beach, with the city of Miami Beach in order to raise money for this local cause to keep our waters clean.

Uh the the issue when we signed when we agreed for this uh event, we didn't realize that after 30 that on top of 30,000 minimum spent with the exclusive catering uh vendor, we wouldn't be able uh to meet this threshold because of the uh because of the high prices.

We didn't realize that the actual cost once menu pricing I'm asking, please everyone in the gallery, everyone in the gallery, please, please thank you.

The 24 percent service charge and 9 percent sales tax were added.

A $53, and I will add some numbers to this conversation to make it more structured.

I'm an accountant, my language is numbers, so I think maybe that will help.

And I do have supporting uh analysis and uh some uh print screens from the menu that I maybe could pass to the commissioners to look at my uh calculations.

Uh a $53 chicken entree, including salad and dessert, ends up costing about $72 per guest after the 24% service charge and 9% sales tax.

Similarly, a $90 fill lemignon entry increases to approximately 122 dollars per guest once those mandatory fees are added.

A bottle of La Marca per second that retails for under 20 dollars costs nearly 68 dollars.

And a bottle of White Heaven Savignon Blanc approaches $88.

Meanwhile, compatible high-end Miami restaurants charge the same or less while operating full service restaurants with sub with substantially higher overhead.

So Daxo is charging compatible or higher prices, and then adds a 24% surcharge and nine percent tax on top.

Another concern is that surcharge structure.

So that's a charges an additional 15% if orders are finalized within 30 days of the event, and 20 percent within seven days.

At the same time, they require 100% prepayment, 30 days before the event.

For most galas, the final month is when the majority of ticket sales happen and attendance numbers become clear.

Requiring full payment before organizers know their final guest count while also imposing significant surcharges for adjustments, creates unnecessary financial risk and makes planning extremely difficult.

For for a charity gala, this structure defeats the purpose of the cities $33,000 venue waiver.

Well, we understand that the Miami Convention Center is world-class venue, and we are grateful for the city's support.

We struggle to understand the pricing structure imposed through the exclusive catering agreement.

With around 500 attendees, these costs add up quickly and significantly reduce the money that can go to charity.

Even with the least expensive chicken dinner and just two cocktails per guest, we're already looking at over $54,000 in food and beverage cost.

Once we add wine service at the tables, we are over, we are at over $63,000.

That's nearly double the value of the cities 33,000 venue waiver and significantly reduces what can ultimately be donated to Miami waterkeeper.

In our opinion, Sodaxa is not just expensive, the structure makes it unreasonable for a charity gala.

Without alternative catering options or competitive bidding, organizers have no choice but to accept the pricing structure, regardless of whether it aligns with their budget or charitable mission.

This not only creates challenges for our event, but also makes the Miami Beach Convention Center less accessible for other nonprofits, community organizations, and local groups seeking to host events there.

I have my calculations and um like that you can see structured with the prices added 24%, 9% market price, and I chose some compatible Miami restaurant prices so you could see how, in our opinion, unreasonable pricing is for the charity gala.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Mr.

Mayor, Commissioners, Doug Connor, Senior Vice President for Sidexo Live, and we've had multiple conversations about this particular issue.

And publicly I want to say to you that we have agreed to do 5013 in charity at cost at the convention center.

So that's our once we move this forward, that's our position.

Let me give you a question.

We did not because I wasn't aware that we were you were having this conversation with Maria.

Uh we have conversations with two people.

Well, I don't want to have the let's not go back and forth here.

After this meeting?

No, Danny Medina and you we can get together.

We can solve that issue today.

Okay, but well, no, you can't because this keeps coming up.

That's what I'm saying.

We can solve it today.

And believe me, I did not want to, you and I have met many times.

I did not want to have to do it this way.

But I actually I actually believe this was the only way that I'm gonna get your attention.

I understand completely, but we've also agreed to local residence at 20% off the menu pricing as well.

And we we've done that in writing, and I'm gonna give that to all of you later on today.

Okay.

Yeah.

We want to do the right thing for the community.

We completely agree with your position.

The community should have access to the building.

It should fill in the dark spaces.

Completely agree with that.

It should be part of the charity and part of the community.

We're 100% on board with that.

Well, I'm not going to negotiate with you here.

I would like to continue the discussion, obviously, through the city city management.

And we'll bring it back next month to see what you come up with.

Oh, perfect.

And thanks for that opportunity.

Okay.

Thank you.

And Mr.

Mayor, I just want to highlight Manny and his team, they're great.

Um and uh and it's always good quality.

Um, but I do again since you're here.

Um I I do agree if we can do something, and it's not necessarily even charity.

We have uh, I guess, you know, nonprofit organizations that are willing to pay, but the costs, I guess, is when it's when it's a non small nonprofit community nonprofit.

It's not the same that an entity like Art Basel, you know, or a national trade show.

It's very, very, very different budgets.

And and so, and the same thing happens with style saves.

Um, you that in the past they've tried to bring in uh food donated because uh small nonprofit, they can't afford the food that's a Dexo has why?

Well, because the DAXO has really great food, uh, which is a good problem to have.

And so if we can figure out some sort of flexibility even with that, so that you know, when we have these these events, a school distribution event, you know, and they have someone that's willing to donate pizza for for kids, you know.

If we can have some consideration uh for that so that if they can't afford your food, then maybe they can be able to bring that in.

And we we have been doing that with that particular uh WISPALs over the last few years.

We've actually donated water, labor, yeah.

So we have done that for them.

Yeah, and again, we are happy to do that for those things.

We'll let that in.

It's not an issue for us.

Okay.

Thank you.

Not at all.

Just a just a quick note.

This is a referral to FERC, and so none of the all the items that have been brought up for discussion, all those things are still to be negotiated.

And so this all of the the topics of negotiation still has to go before FERC is the referral.

Can you let me handle how to run the meeting, please?

No, I just want to I understand.

We're not calling the I'm not calling the item to for a vote.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Let's call R5E and R5F.

Yeah.

Uh Vice Mayor Dominguez just has a clerical uh announcement.

Um thank you, Mayor.

I had pulled C7C and C7A, and I made a mistake on those item numbers.

So I'd like uh for consideration for them to be approved on consent.

The item numbers that I meant to pull were C7O and C7Q.

And the reason we're pulling is I simply have something to say on each of those items.

I I won't speak for the for the city attorney, but you may want to do a motion to approve C7C and C7A.

I move to approve C7C and C7A as they were on consent.

And uh reconsider C7O and C7Q from consent so that I can have an opportunity to speak on them.

Okay, so let's do first the approval C7C and C7A.

I have a motion by Commissioner Dominguez.

Anyone seconded it, please?

Second.

I have a second from Commissioner Fernandez.

Uh on C7C and C7A approving it.

All in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

Hearing none, C7C and C7A is approved.

Now, Vice Mayor, you're asking to reconsider C7O and C7Q, correct?

So that I can have an opportunity to speak on them.

Thanks.

So C7O and C7Q.

Anyone uh uh second, please.

Second so have a second from uh Commissioner Mateo Salinas to reconsider all in favor of the reconsideration.

Say aye.

The items will be reconsidered when the mayor calls them.

Yeah, very much I appreciate it.

Let's call R5E and R5 F.

Yes, sir.

R5E.

In order to the Mayor City Commission of the City of Miami Beach Florida amending the City of Miami Beach Year 2040 comprehensive plan pursuant to the expedited state review process of Section 163.3184 subsection three Florida statutes by amending the resilient land use and development element goal RLU 1 and title land use objective RLU 1.1 and title establishments of future land use categories to conform table RLU 1.1 with the amended floor area ratio FAR regulations for the respective future land use category by amending policy RLU 1.1.10 and title high intensity commercial CD3 to provide FAR incentives to encourage the development of non-transient residential uses for applicable properties located on Washington Avenue from 16th Street to Lincoln Road and Amending Objective RLU 1.2 entitled land use regulations to amend policy 1.2.8 in title residential use incentives to amend the minimum standards for obtaining the the FAR incentives set forth in this ordinance and providing for codification repeater servability transmittal and effective date that is a first reading public hearing that was item R5E R5F is an order to the Mayor City Commission of the City of Miami Beach Florida amending the Miami Beach Resiliency Code Chapter 5 entitled off-street parking article two entitled vehicle parking bicycle parking and off-street voting requirements section 5.2.4 thereof and title vehicle off street parking requirements to modify the parking requirements for parking tier two by amending chapter 7 titled zoning districts and regulations article 1 entitled general to all zoning districts by amending section 7.1.11 thereof entitled residential use incentives to establish residential use and center specific to properties bounded by Drexel Avenue and Washington Avenue from 16th Street to Lincoln Road by amending section 7.2.12 thereof and title C D three commercial high intensity district by creating section 7.2.12.6 entitled urban core residential incentive area C D3 to create a residential incentive area bounded by Drexel Avenue and Washington Avenue from 16th Street to Lincoln Road and providing for codification repeat or submobility and an effective date that was that is item R5F that is a first reading public hearing that item requires six sevenths vote so we're listening to R5E and F.

This is a private applicant uh Debbie Tackett correct um thank you Mr.

Mayor um before I turn it over to the applicant um I just want to give a a very brief um summary and our administration's uh recommendation so their current proposal is to incentivize non-transient residential use um at the property located at 1600 Washington Avenue um the applicant is proposing an increase in FAR from a currently allowable 2.75 to a 3.25 so that results in a 0.5 um additional FAR which equates to about 5000 square feet uh of additional square footage that can be built on the site um the applicant is also requesting a height increase the currently allowable height is 100 feet and they are proposing a a new development project that would exceed that by 50 feet so a maximum of 150 feet is being requested uh they are not requesting an increase in density so 150 units per acre is currently allowed and their their proposed project does comply with that um just one quick update is that the project was approved by the historic preservation board at their May meeting that approval however is contingent upon um the land development regulation modifications being approved um the administration is supportive of the project and is recommending the uh commission approve at first reading and schedule the second reading for September um just one quick uh point of information for anyone who's watching since this includes an FAR increase request um between first and second reading the planning department will be scheduling an additional public meeting uh we had our first public meeting after the uh first reading of the planning board so between first and second reading there will be another opportunity for members of the public to join the meeting and issue any comments they may have um with that just to be clear that public meeting is for the community it's not I mean I would like to participate but it's not a commission meeting correct it's not a commission meeting but um you know it is a is open to the entire public and it's typically on on Zoom so I know it's going to be over the summer and a lot of people travel but we will um you know be able to to accommodate people who are remote to participate Mr.

Mayor we have a presentation if it could be loaded please the clicker uh good morning uh mayor and commission Neeson Casden and Cecilia Torres Toledo of Ackerman representing the applicant for 20 Lincoln Road Development and Ambassador Paul Sejas who is here today along with Trudy Sejas as well longtime Miami Beach residents I'd like to briefly take you through this presentation I know that you have been briefed on it and have spoken with some of us but to underscore how this is absolutely the right thing to do for this part of town at this time we call this this is the urban core legislation this is truly the heart of the city of Miami Beach.

I know that you have been briefed on it and have spoken with some of us, but to underscore how this is absolutely the right thing to do for this part of town at this time.

We call this this is the urban core legislation.

This is truly the heart of the city of Miami Beach.

But this was Miami Beach's downtown.

It was the center of offices, businesses, retail, the convention center.

It was the heart of the city, particularly the intersection of Lincoln and Washington Avenue.

However, what is missing in the heart of the city is a resident is residences where people can live.

The city has taken cognizance of this fact, and you have put in your comprehensive plan policies which specifically address this, and specifically call for encouraging mixed use, encouraging overlay districts, encouraging FAR incentives for residential development.

This is the plan, the comprehensive plan you have adopted, and it makes total sense because this is the missing element in this part of the city.

I think you're all familiar with the property.

Ambassador Sejas owns the entire block from Lincoln Road to 16th, from Drexel to Washington Avenue.

This would be a portion of the property on the southern end of the block, along with the parking garage to accommodate residential development.

I mentioned to you already that this is Miami Beach's urban core.

It remains that today, in fact, even more so, the actions of this city with the expansion of the convention center and the events that are hosted there with the New World Center, with the new convention center hotel, with the renewed efforts to revitalize Lincoln Road.

Once again, this remain this becomes the beating heart of the City of Miami Beach.

And the has been endorsed by the Washington Avenue bid, who I believe you will hear from, as well as by the Lincoln Road bid.

I would just want to briefly mention uh that Ambassador Seyhas has owned this property for over 30 years.

He invested at a time when people were not investing in South Beach.

I see one other person, Mel Schleser, one of the pioneers who was investing at that time.

He has been an incredibly great steward of this important property.

One of the largest, the 420 building itself, the office building, one of the largest historic buildings and office buildings, if not the largest, in the city of Miami Beach.

And he has spent millions of dollars in restoring it from everything, including the vitrilite banding around it, bringing in new tenants.

He now has the flagship Zara store there, taking care of the lobby and that magnificent mural he has.

But to help Washington Avenue and to help Lincoln Road, the missing component is residential, and that is what Ambassador Seyas wants to bring.

So we are here to answer any questions that you may have, or hear from Ambassador Seyas himself if you would like.

Thank you.

Actually, sorry, uh Commissioner Mateo Salinas.

Oh no?

Oh, Commissioner Fernandez.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um, and I want to ask our planning director if if she if she could come to the podium.

So this property is located in the CD 3 district?

Correct.

Okay.

Currently, the density that's allowed at the CD 3 district, what is the current density allowed in the CD 3 district?

Current density is 150 units per acre.

The current intensity, which is the FAR, is 2.75 for this property.

2.75.

Okay, so it's so okay.

So the so the increase, I guess, is just.5.

Correct.

Which is, I guess, very nominal.

Yeah, though there are our calculations uh basically result in about an additional 50,000 square feet for the for the property.

And remember, the property also includes the garage.

Okay.

Um so and so, in order to be able to access the units, the the amount of units that are allowed per acre uh under the zoning code, right now, the the current FAR doesn't allow them to access the full potential of the units that are allowed under the code.

Correct.

The surrounding buildings, talk to me about the surrounding buildings.

What are the buildings in in the surroundings?

So this is located within the city center, which is I um, you know, up until when we adopted the TCC regulations in North Beach, this was the highest intensity zoning in terms of um FAR and height.

So it was um most of the buildings that are in the neighborhood that have been constructed since um the 19 late 1980s to 1990s are are maxed out at 100 feet.

Um now and then the 407 Lincoln Road building, which is not far, is I believe over 150 feet.

So there are taller buildings in the immediate neighborhood, um, which is one of the reasons why the administration is supporting the requested.

The Decal Plan.

How does the zoning being very requested here compare to the Decal Plage?

So the Deco Plage is in the RM3 zoning district, so it has um you know different the deco plant is actually a non-conforming building to their particular zoning.

So they are maxed out on FAR and height.

What's their current height?

Um I believe it's about a 16-story building.

I don't have the exact height for the building.

Um, but it's taller than 100 feet.

It's taller than what would be permitted on that site today.

I mean, I I have to say that just being aware of what's happening in in the area.

Um we have a need for for for housing in our city.

Yesterday I met with one of our major stakeholders, and and they were explaining to me that they were looking to rent bulks of units.

And the closest that they were able to rent bulks of unit for their employees was in Coral Gables.

It was all the way at the lifetime building in in Coral Gables for their employees here in Miami Beach.

And so we've been speaking greatly about affordability.

And you know, we've been speaking and we'll be discussing today about affordability as it relates to water and sewer rates.

I'd love to talk about affordability as it relates to parking and towing, but affordability and housing is only achieved by supply.

That's the reality of it.

Um we want to be able to work with our private partners in identifying those areas where we feel comfortable facilitating growth so that we're able to preserve the other areas of our city so that the his the historic fabric of the core of our of our historic districts are not eroded.

Um I feel I feel comfortable with this also because as the representative for the for the applicant mentioned, this is in the in the area of our city that has traditionally been the downtown of Miami Beach.

You have an office building close by.

There's actually an office building on city-owned land.

Uh, I think it's Lincoln Terrace on Washington.

Across the street.

Right across the street.

Right across the street.

Across the street.

I understand that there is uh I heard yesterday in a briefing that there's a potential buyer for that property, a property that today I believe sits mostly empty.

We need to find the way uh so that so that the people who are going to be working is in buildings like those, and the people who work at City Hall, and the people who work at the Fountain Blue, and the people who work at Mount Sinai and the people who work at Loose have an ability to live in our city.

And what's happening is that the rents that they're getting in uh in Flamingo Park, the rents that they're getting throughout of our city, it doesn't compete with what they're getting in Brickle, but with what they're getting in Edgewater and what with what they're getting in other areas for the same price, they're getting more value in other areas, and that is creating a housing challenge for us.

Um let me ask the applicant, these units.

What is going to be the composition of these units?

There will be a mix of units.

There will be uh studios, one bedrooms, two bedrooms.

Uh I don't know that the final mix has been uh uh decided, but there will be if you want to ambassador, would you like to address that?

Mr.

Mayor, Commissioners, City Manager, City Attorney, uh, City Clerk, staff, uh thank you for for listening to to me.

I live at 3315 Collins Avenue.

And I've uh had the honor and the privilege to have owned that property for many years, as a matter of record, is the second uh when it was built, the second uh air conditioned uh building build in the United States only second to one on uh Park Avenue in New York.

So uh we're we're proud when we saw the asset we saw it was totally uh dilapidated.

We spent actually millions of dollars.

Uh and that was 27 years ago, close to 30 years ago to restore the building.

Uh and uh we were successful, and we're very proud of that.

Uh we're not turnover uh people.

Uh we're we're people that hold assets because we believe in uh first in our city because it's where we live.

Uh we've been involved in many other issues.

My wife is on the board of the Bass.

Uh and uh PC the Symphony, we were contributors as well as the Bass.

So we uh we're proud to be uh from Miami Beach.

And uh and I brought my wife uh because in two weeks it'd be our 44th anniversary of being married.

And uh she said uh, you know, and I always believe happy wife, happy life.

So she's judging me on this presentation.

So I hope you help me with my marriage.

Thank you, Ampassor.

So anyway, I uh I wanted to tell you that I I I thank you for considering this.

Uh I know that in the past we had gotten approvals to do things.

And uh the last one, for instance, and I know the mayor was concerned about this.

Uh we we made a mistake.

Uh uh the architects have moved a building into the alley.

And uh the alley is needed to service uh Sarah and all of the other uh tenants on Lincoln Road, uh that they need to have trucks to come in and unload uh their merchandise.

And uh so we made a mistake, and we move the existing uh building that is there, blocking the alley.

So then we we couldn't build that, and that's the reason, Mr.

Mayor, why we didn't we didn't build what was approved now.

We did it right, and the historical preservation uh board uh approved it with uh having a representation of the existing historical building that is there as part of the new structure of the new building.

Uh so they approved it uh subject to your approval, and uh so we're we're pleased to be able to conserve uh some of this, and we are committed to building that building.

Uh I as I assure you, Mr.

Mayor.

Thank you.

Uh so it and just a couple more questions.

And so, Ambassador, your you're proposing this.

I just want to make sure because one of one of everyone's concerns, I I believe in the community that I've heard.

The majority of new development in Miami Beach has been for the for the most part over the past couple of decades, it feels like luxury condominiums.

Uh, and that has been the greatest concern uh that our residents have have expressed that over the years, as new development has been approved, it has either displaced long-time residents, and that it's been replaced with with something that is not affordable to the average Miami Beach resident, and that it's that it's mainly condominium units that are being built.

In this case, your this project is completely a rental project.

Not only is it a rental project with a covenant requiring it to be a rental, no short-term rental, no and also to answer your question.

Does that covenant transfer with the land?

Does that run with the land?

It runs with the land.

So a future buyer couldn't buy this property and and turn it into a condominium building because the covenant requires this to be a rental building.

It would be subject to the covenant, which can only be released by you by a six-seventh vote.

And amenities-wise, because one of my concerns is that sometimes the more amenities that buildings offer, then the market rate goes up.

What are you doing in terms of amenities to be able to control the price point?

I'm sure it will be uh have the amenities that are necessary to uh attract new tenants, you know, uh things of that sort, but it's certainly not a luxury building.

And to that point, I do do want to mention the proposed breakdown of units to your question.

36 studios, 144 one bedrooms, and 32 bedrooms.

Uh the studios would be in the 500 square foot, the one bedrooms in the eight to 900 square foot, the two bedrooms in the 1100 square foot range.

So this is these are units designed for working people uh in the community.

Mr.

Casson, at the at the property right now, there's uh it's zoned and I I believe there's a 5 a.m.

nightclub.

Yes.

And that would be handled.

This ordinance, once it passes, that that uh that use would have to cease.

Okay.

All right.

I feel comfortable with this.

Our city needs rental housing.

It needs attainable rental housing.

We don't need more luxury condominiums that we have from everyone that we hear, we have uh we have too much of that and uh and is consistent with our city's desire to uh move away from these grandfathered 5 a.m.

establishments.

So I'm grateful for for you for bringing this forward to our city.

Thank you, Mr.

Man.

Commissioner, I would like to clarify something, because you said uh a developer and I develop other luxury uh condominium.

This is the first time that I develop uh and uh and the idea was to service and uh rent.

Uh it was it was designed to be explicitly for the market uh to it it would have uh benefits uh that that will be uh helpful to to market the the building uh like having uh uh a gym, for instance, in inside, which is contributes to people's health.

Uh and it has certainly contributed to mine.

Uh so some of these things that are included in in luxury uh condominiums or apartments uh will be included, but at the market rate that the market will bear.

So it would be basically for the people of Miami Beach to be able to afford it, which is needed, and that's what we felt that we would do this.

I'm not a developer, I'm an investor, and uh and that's what I've done.

And I'm a long-term investments as proven when I bought uh uh 420.

Thank you, Ambassador and Nissan.

I'm gonna actually ask you to if I want to call up uh Debbie and Nick.

So a couple uh questions.

Um why no development agreement here, for example, in 1250 West Avenue, we have a development agreement.

Why why none here?

So a development agreement is a is a tool that's available to us when there's uh going to be a public project involved, public property involved, um if there's significant infrastructure that's going to be impacted.

Um this particular proposal was submitted as a as a private application to amend the LDRs.

The project is a private project itself.

There is not a public component here.

So a couple of questions based on that.

One, is there anything, and you alluded to this because we we did have a conversation uh ambassador and and Mayor Kazden.

You're mayor for life, right?

Um That's why I'm doing it.

Um I just uh is there a because we've we've seen this happen.

We'll we'll we'll approve something here, and then nothing happens.

So uh what I'd like to see and have some assurances and probably carve it into the legislation is that there should be some time limitations embedded to assure that the project because we're giving something of value, and we should assure that it's not just something people and I don't I don't believe that's the intent, but obviously things happen and we have to make sure we're we protect ourselves.

Um yes, Mr.

Mayor, we could there's there's not currently a sunset provision as as the ordinance is drafted, but that's something certainly that the administration would support and that we could include um if if that's your recommendation.

Okay.

I'm hearing general support for that.

Is that something you want to work on?

Yeah, so we could uh if you'd like for second reading, we could require that a that applications be filed by a certain date, um that otherwise the incentives will sunset and be automatically repealed.

We can do that.

Okay.

Um is there a public benefit in this case?

So what um the way that this ordinance, as many other incentives have been structured that the city commission has considered in the last couple years, the developer would have to satisfy certain benchmarks to be eligible for the incentives.

Um I mean the the the Well, I let me I'm sorry.

I let me ask it a different way.

Public benefits to our city, our residents.

Are they offering some let me ask a backup question?

What's the assessed value?

If we approve this, what is the assessed value, the increase on the property by doing this?

And uh, you know, I don't have a I don't have a clear answer to that, right?

I think we have that.

I I don't know that we have a dollar figure on the increased FAR that's being contemplated.

So, Mayor, well while the while the code amendment may have a positive impact on the value of the property, since the since we're not, you know, we're not here on a uh on a on a transaction that the city is a party to, um, the commission should really look at this as a matter of policy, is whether you think you know it's it's um it's good planning policy to adopt it.

And obviously the commission can amend this ordinance, um, but but it it is really more on the basis of policy rather than you know what were the things that we could consider on a transaction.

No, and I'm I'm I'm separating the two, but I I to me it's I'd like to know how much we're what what value are actually providing by making this uh zoning change, Mr.

Mayor?

May I uh well let me hear from Commissioner Fernandez Resident Evil.

Would it be possible?

Only if you're clarifying this question.

Yes, please.

Would it be possible to require that whoever benefits from the adopted ordinance to enter into a development agreement by the city were by the city administration because we're not allowed to negotiate public benefits, neither are public benefits allowed to be negotiated through a legislative item.

But if the legislative item requires for there to be a development agreement, um could we could could we do that to to require to amend that into into the into the ordinance that the property that's going to benefit from this needs to enter into a development agreement before they can get their their building permits so that that can be negotiated by the city manager in the city's best interest uh generally speaking that the commission can't contract its its legislative approval of of code amendments based on the uh the the receipt of consideration from from the applicant?

So I would say, I mean, I think if there are particular issues that the commission would like to see from uh from a planning standpoint uh incorporated into the project, I would recommend doing it that way.

Well, let me ask you a question.

1250 West, we there was a development agreement, there were certain the Baywalk, the bikini hostel.

How did all that come about?

That's how that project was was uh was proposed was it you know that the there was a private component, but there were also I I think there was a lot of pushing to get them to they didn't just come up and wake up one day and do it.

Right, but because there were there were so many public facilities, I think, involved in that in that project, the Bay Walk, the the site of the the bikini hostel, which will become a park.

Um I think that's why that one was structured differently.

Mr.

Mayor, may I address thank you.

Uh yeah, this is uh uh uh Nick has given, I think, a very clear uh explanation of when development agreements are appropriate and what they're appropriate for.

I would just like to touch on a few things.

Uh, number one, to use the 1250 West.

There, there was a what was viewed as a public safety issue, and that property across the street what had to be bought and closed down.

That was the uh uh as well as other public improvements.

We don't have that here where we have to uh the and and in exchange for that, as you know, the increase in development rights was many, many times what we're asking for here at a property that is much, much more valuable.

But I would like to get back to the we have to understand what the public benefit is and what the restrictions are that you are placing on the property owner.

Number one, you have to get back to your comprehensive plan.

The comprehensive plan says what you should do to develop the city you want.

And therefore you enact zoning which implements that.

That's what you're doing here.

So we need to.

I gotta I got questions to want to.

But a couple of other things, if I may, Mayor.

Please.

So for instance, one minute.

We uh have a covenant that restricts uh uh you know our ability uh to have uh anything but rental apartments.

We have all these limitations on our property.

And with that, uh you know, this is the minimum that is really necessary after a lot of study and a lot of analysis to be able to build a building that will work.

Uh it can't really uh uh stand more in order to be able to happen.

So I would say as Nick explained, this is not a situation where development agreement is appropriate, but beyond that, the code itself has all the relevant provisions, which are limitations on the property to make sure it delivers the product that you, the city commission have put out for in your comprehensive plan.

Thank you.

Before one more question, I when we had when we were talking about other projects, I I recall this issue coming up about the assessed value of the zoning changes.

We did I don't we I don't know remember where we landed, but I thought it was something we were going to do routinely on these projects.

I would I how would we get an assessed value?

It's obviously worth something.

Assessed value will go up.

Please, Nissan, please.

I'm sorry.

Why don't we keep just the city staff on the floor?

We'll call you back up when you uh I believe we did that, Mayor, for for 1250, because again we were in we you know the we were in a different posture.

Uh because we were trying to consider the value of the of the public benefit.

We've done it for others.

It wasn't just it wasn't just them.

I I think the only clarification that I would I'm wondering if we need to to codify this in legislation that we should I mean we're the these this is of significant um maybe this project is not as large as others, but when we approve zoning changes, it has a value.

And we were making decisions without even knowing that value.

If I may through the chair.

Um I think it would be okay to request valuations, but I I just want to caution you that you cannot take that and say we are giving zoning changes having this value, and therefore we wish to extract value back to the city.

Um the zoning decisions need to be made based on the policy.

And as Nick you know very aptly pointed out, development agreements occur when you have a developer who approaches us and says, I want to proffer these benefits as part of my project.

And then those benefits get negotiated, and sometimes the benefits end up being different than what was originally proffered.

Uh but it's different than a situation where developers proposing changes and the commission simply needs to decide, is this a good policy?

Is this something we want to pursue?

Or or not?

And the decision should be based purely on that.

Let me ask you this question, Nick.

If if if uh if they decide, again, I I apologize.

I'm not trying to say that you're not going to commit to what you're saying.

Uh I have no reason to believe otherwise.

But I gotta add, we got we gotta protect ourselves.

That's what we do here up here.

That's what lawyers do.

If they decided they wanted to build all 500 foot, 500 square foot apartments, could they do it?

I don't I I don't believe Debbie, what is the use of the So they um they could if they if they availed themselves of an additional restriction, which would be to limit the AMI rent to no more than 140 percent.

So those would be true workforce housing rent restricted units, and they can they could um potentially have all units at 400 square feet.

If they are not, which the current proposal does not um restrict uh AMI rentals, uh the the average uh the minimum unit size would be 550 square feet.

So I mean this is what gets me concerned when I hear that we I mean could could could the ambassador sell the property to someone else and he would then inherit he or she would then inherit the zoning change?

Yes.

Yeah.

So I how well so that's my this is my question is what protections do we have that significant change?

We don't want micro units in our city.

So Mayor, if I can answer your first question, I I think that's exactly the kind of thing that you can consider when you're voting on legislation is that's a planning issue, right?

If you if you would like to see but the current proposal before us does not have these protections.

But I'm saying they should.

The commission could amend uh could amend the draft ordinance to address you know minimum unitized, average unit size.

Um if you wanted a particular mix of of units, that that is the kind of thing that you can.

And in what document does that get codified?

It would be it would be in the code.

It would be it would be a strict requirement, a land development regulation that the developer would have to comply with to be able to build this project.

I think we need to do that.

And by the way, that's how we've memorialized the other things like you know, like no short-term rentals, any existing nonconforming establishments after sunset.

Was this was this I mean I'm I'm I'm doing this because I think thinking through the issues we've seen.

Is this all written out in the in the memo?

Those other those other points are in the draft ordinance.

The only one that's not a good thing.

No, the one I'm mentioning now.

Was it highlighted that this is not I'm saying this this should have been flagged?

The unit size.

Correct.

We need you that we're relying on you to flag these uncertainties.

This particular proposal does not have minimum and maximum allowable unit size, but that's certainly something we can work with the applicant and make some recommendations at second reading.

Uh I have a few others, I'm sorry, before uh that I have to take.

Um Commissioner.

May I just respond factually because you raised an issue.

And I think we could discuss with staff an average unit size at as well as the minimum unit size as part of this ordinance to deal with the because we do have a uh it's it's not going to be all studios, and we can come up with an average unit size.

I will address your point.

Okay.

Thank you.

Commissioner Mr.

Mayor, I just want to clarify something, because you said that I have to develop.

I'm 83 years old, and I have I live with a cancer that thank God is in remission, but never know what happens.

My wife will become the trustee of my trust.

So I don't know if she could develop that or whether she would sell it.

So if you limit that, uh, you know, I I really appreciate you considering, but I don't know.

I hope that I live another 20 years to 120.

Uh I was gonna I was gonna say you got the No, and and first of all, you should you should continue to be healthy, vibrant.

44 years you're about to celebrate, you should celebrate at least another uh 20, 30 more.

Thank you.

Uh in good health.

But but you know, I'm I'm just doing what any commission should do and and uh together here, and what any lawyer should be doing.

We have to protect ourselves like that.

I appreciate that because we there's so many unknowns.

I mean, we you don't you don't go to I mean for the most part, you don't go to spend uh or uh millions of dollars in a deal by by a handshake.

Maybe that still happens, but generally there's a contract, and we need to make sure that contract is iron tight, so we don't we protect our residents and businesses.

Uh that's our job here.

You you can uh go around this community to Mr.

Mayor.

Uh where I've done business for many years.

And the biggest asset that I have is not 420, it's my name.

But what I'm saying is there's nothing, and and I appreciate David Martin, who is a developer here and is doing a great developer, can tell you that in a handshake I gave him, I sold him a property.

Um doll less than another offer just because uh we are shaking hands on it.

So that old-time shaking hands that still exist.

And I said again, the the biggest asset that I have is my name.

For sure, but uh as we said, there could be a various reasons that we in a few years we'll be dealing with someone else.

Well, what you may decide to sell it, you know, whatever.

It's either way, we would that's our job.

Commissioner Magazine.

Yeah.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um be quick.

Uh I I believe creating a vibrant walkable mixed use district in this area is the single most important thing that we can do for our city.

It adds housing affordability.

It adds, even for people that may not afford to live here, it will then take the rent pressures off of where they do live, helping the affordability in other areas of our city.

Full-time residents are what we need to help revive our local economy.

It will take cars off the road, creating a walkable district, and it cleans up underperforming blighted areas.

I want sidewalking corner cafes, watching the World Cup, just like in Paris and Barcelona, rather than vape shops and strip clubs that we currently have on Washington Avenue.

Um I'm okay with it being a bit taller.

I don't think it's plural, but uh unfortunately we're legislative prohibited.

That last one is one.

So I'll reverse that strip club and vape shops.

I feel so much better now.

Never mind, Washington Avenue is good.

Um I'm okay at being a bit taller than I would prefer uh given it's on the corner of 16th and Washington.

Um I think that truly is the nexus of this downtown walkable district.

Uh I don't like one-off applications, especially all the timing that we've spent talking about comprehensive plans, and I hope that we can use something like this as somewhat of a template or model for a true comprehensive walkable, livable place that will become our vibrant downtown, right?

Perhaps a similar type of zoning on the caddy corner across and then down Washington at uh at a shorter uh height with the same residential incentives uh that we're looking to achieve.

Um couple of things that I'd like to address.

Uh one if we can talk on the height real quick, just about why you have to be at that, because I can understand the next applicant having to be at that because he just had to acquire the land for a very significant dollar amount.

I know the ambassador who I'd like to thank you and your family for all you've done for our city and your commitment, has a much lower cost basis, if any cost basis really.

Um so why we have to be at that 150 and not somewhere around 125, 135.

Uh, but we can get to that.

Um most importantly to me, the single most important thing that I need this needle threaded here is ensuring that this gets done.

As I said, it is the single most important catalyst, I believe, for our city.

The ambassador said he's not a developer.

It does us and our city and a comprehensive district we want to be seen.

If we grant this zoning right, and it's just at some point in time, then market it for sale, because then the next applicant comes here and says, Well, this costs me 25 million dollars, and I just can't make the numbers work.

So I need 175 or 200 feet or things like that.

I am happy to work about how this takes shape in some regard.

In a way, I I I'd want to see the ambassador find a development partner.

Not to sell it to, but a JV partner or something like that, to ensure that this is going to get done.

Uh uh Commissioner Magazine, uh good points I'd like to to mention uh respond to if you first of all, Ambassador Sejas will have a fee developer who's an experienced developer to develop it.

I would point out, and this is an advantage to the city, that he is a long-term property.

He owns rental apartment buildings elsewhere, which he has owned for years.

He's not a flipper.

He he's he would be building to invest long term and will bring in a fee developer as a partner.

A couple other things I'd like to mention.

Can we center uh let's we don't even have to get in the height.

Uh I want to stick on this point because it's the single most important one.

Can we come up with something?

What the ambassador does after this project is developed, or perhaps his wife or the trust, whatever happens, happens.

I need this to move forward, right?

And I can't have a sale happen before it's developed because then that just brings a cash and economic windfall for what's happening, and it does nothing to get the project closer to fruition.

So if the ambassador is able to find a four-feed developer and commit that the property won't be sold until after it is developed, sign me up today.

Well, we've talked about two things here, which I think the ambassador is willing to do.

Number one, we can look at in between with the planning planning director tack it.

I gotta get used to that.

It's a nice has a nice sound.

Um average unit size to address the mayor's concern that this is going to be all could be all small units.

We will do that.

Uh number two, we could also look at an outside date uh in terms of as I think uh Debbie mentioned, in terms of attaining the necessary permits and approvals uh to do that.

One point I would say, and you uh Commissioner Magnet are very savvy about the markets here.

It's very tough to build rental housing in South Florida right now.

Construction costs are extremely high.

Financing is very difficult.

And in order to be able to bring this to fruition, uh he spent a lot of time studying and analyzing something that would thread the needle and be able to actually be built.

So if we can get getting this built is a major accomplishment.

So I don't love the product mix, but I'm not going to opine on that, right?

I'm going to let the market be the market.

The amenities, whatever.

I don't want to be heavy-handed on that.

I want to give you flexibility because my biggest concern and priority, as the ambassador mentioned, he's not a developer, is ensuring that this gets developed.

And how we do that most efficiently is if the ambassador is able to commit that he or his trust remains the owner of this and pays a for-profit or a four-fee developer until the project is completed.

Because if that is not done, then what happens is this zoning increase increases the value of the property.

And then if they just turn around and sell that, then the next owner comes back and he's in the position of, well, I just paid all this money for this property and perhaps uh this doesn't get done.

Well, th this is a different concern than what you would hear 99 percent of the time.

I'm trying to say I want this to come to fruition.

Let's make it happen.

Yeah, I mean, uh Ambassador Sales did develop the garage himself.

But here's the point.

We can't put in the ordinance uh requiring them to hire a fee developer.

I think what we can discuss to address your point is some target deadlines.

Or that their estate of somehow that that's not appropriate to put in a in a zoning ordinance, uh frankly.

It's it's uh it's the zoning ordinance deals with regulations.

But the regulations can be such as to incentivize that it happen in uh timely fashion.

Happen under the current ownership that it is, right?

I I would look incredibly unfavorable if we essentially pass zoning that increases the value only for the property to be turned around and sold, whether it be next week or in two years.

Uh because I'm not I'm not granting zoning increases to increase the value of the property.

I am willing to grant very significant zoning increases to bring this product to market as soon as possible.

And this is Commissioner Magazine, the proper zoning for this site can candidly regardless of who owns it.

It's a proper site for another discussion, don't disagree.

Yeah.

And so uh but you know, I think what we can do is discuss with planning staff uh a uh outside dates, we'll discuss average unit sizes to accomp to to accomplish what you I understand what you want.

Now, the fact of the matter is, Ambassador Sejas has always been a long-term holder of his assets.

But you never contracts would we would all operate under handshake agreements as the ambassador did it if you're not planning for contingency.

No, but it but but it's good to know that the person who has the property has a track record of not being a flipper, but being a lot of the project.

And I don't know if we would be having this conversation even uh if it not for the ambassador's contributions to our city.

But we'll work with planning staff on those two issues.

And and then the others that I would like in there, if we do grant this, um you have a 5 a.m.

uh late night entertainment license.

Are you willing to just this extinguish that?

Yeah, it's in the ordinance.

The ordinance says you can't have that use.

I know they but it's not going to be transferred or sold or anything like that.

That that license won't be transferred to another property or sold or well, it can't be because once it will be if this is adopted, that use will not be legal.

Yep.

Okay.

So someone else couldn't go in there to get an approval for that use.

And then I would also respectfully ask that you would pro-offer if we pass this, never to take advantage of a Tallahassee-driven housing law that would supersede this property.

That's a very good point.

Obviously, this is a site that can use live local.

Uh and uh Ambassador say and Ambassador Sales is trying to work with the city to achieve your objectives and not in a way that is uh uh uh would be a live local project, which he could come in and seek to do.

So this is really what I think everyone here has been looking for.

Uh absolutely.

I and I wish we could have this in a more comprehensive discussion.

This is live better as Commissioner.

Of course.

So I would ask that you consider as we are doing this one-off uh request as part of the agreement, then forgoing the ability to do live local on this project.

Well, uh, it's not an agreement.

This is zoning, and I don't I I can't I cannot say standing here that we would forgo it.

We have two readings.

So let's uh let's discuss in between.

It gives you normal hour.

I could uh I could withdraw the petition right now and go to the state and build over 20 stories.

Yep.

And what I'm asking is we approve that.

I'm not doing it.

I'm coming to you because I live on a beach.

I love the beach.

I love that building, and I want to do something with you.

But all I find is opposing and putting more and more uh states.

I I don't have to do this.

I can go to the state.

And I'm not sure if that's the tactic we want to take at this.

I'm actually trying to work very closely with you, and I think I appreciate several things.

But all of the demands that you're requiring, I mean, we're in a free enterprise country, you know.

If if I need to sell it because of my health or whatever, I'm not doing that.

I built a garage.

500 car garage.

I'm letting you know, Mr.

Ambassador, that's that's not the tax that we want to take right here.

Okay.

I am sitting here trying to protect our city, which is what I was elected to do.

I would appreciate very much.

I was elected by our residents, one of which I believe you currently are or formerly were to protect our city.

I do, and I appreciate it.

I don't know if you knew that I was sitting in a place like you many years ago.

You came into my office actually, and we had this discussion.

In 1980, I was uh elected to the school board, and I served for eight years as chair.

As as chair.

And uh I I know what it feels to be in your place and what you have to do.

So I do appreciate it very much.

But you know, I see what happens in the city of Miami and uh other cities, how they facilitate development that that are contributing to the city.

I I'm not a developer, but I did hire a fee developer to develop the beautiful garage, which is the nicest, and I don't know if you ever been in it, is I have 59 cameras to secure two things: security and cleanliness.

And that garage is cleaning.

The stairs are clean clean as it could be, they're wash regularly.

So I try to do things the right way.

So and this will be done exactly the same thing, and that's why I hired a an important architect to show that we're proud of our property.

So the history is there.

And respectfully, every single thing that I've brought up here is actually to help facilitate this gets done as quickly as possible.

If if I may also address Okay, let last comment is, but what I'm gonna ask after you make the comment, Ambassador, I'm gonna ask you and Nissan to please we have to hear from our commissioners.

I gotta keep this meeting moving.

We can't keep having this dialogue unless there's a question directed.

So the only thing I would say is, unlike other property owners who said, I'm gonna do a live local, now let's sit and negotiate city.

The only thing he's come in with is this very reasonable, appropriate plan.

So he's approaching this in good faith in dealing with the city, not trying to hold the city over the uh the barrel.

Uh I promised Commissioner Monica Mattel Salinas, Commissioner Vice Mayor Dominguez, and then Commissioner Bach.

Debbie, Nick, could you two address um the ground floor retail?

My concern is that a lot of developments have ground floor retail that is very, very large and just sits empty because it's too large and no one can rent it.

And I and I would rather see something that can be easily broken up.

And is that addressed in the legislation?

So it's not specifically addressed.

Um the project does require that micromobility component, and we do anticipate some of that will be included at the ground level.

Um that's one of the requirements in order to get the incentives because while the another thing that the ordinance is doing is it's removing the parking requirement, even though this um this project is connected to an existing garage, there will be parking available for the residents.

So I think um, you know, we encourage as many active uses as possible at the ground level.

Um that's also going to include in this particular instance a lobby for the for the residential units.

Um so that will certainly be um activated.

Um as far as commercial, uh we encourage neighborhood commercial, but where this particular uh ordinance does not have a a required square footage.

So whatever when the uh project, if the project moves forward and the applicant is looking for tenants, they they wouldn't be restricted if they just wanted small retail spaces, which is kind of the trend we're seeing now.

Some, you know, even as small as just a few hundred square feet could make a big difference if it's a coffee shop or something that's that's actively used.

So is it typical though to put in something like this legislation that would require for space to be smaller, retail space to be smaller, or is that completely up to the applicant?

Um currently as drafted, it would be up to the applicant in terms of their leasing.

Um because we've seen such a struggle with commercial properties in this area, but really citywide.

Um we want to give you know is maximum flexibility as possible to a potential retail, quality retail tenant.

Um we wouldn't want to restrict um based on their square footage needs, for example.

Um, just because it's been such a struggle lately to find good quality tenants in the city.

May I just briefly address that?

It's a very small feet.

Listen, I I literally the last I I we can't have this back and forth.

No, the commissioner, I think.

I know, and Debbie answered it.

But with one piece of information missing, that this is only 7,000 square feet at max on the entire ground floor.

And the and remember this particular building has been approved by the historic preservation board, so it can't have a large retail on the ground.

Okay, thank you.

Vice Mayor Dominguez.

Thank you.

Um so what I wanted to comment on the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association sent us a long list of concerns that they had, and I know that it was mentioned that uh this project was going to have a community meeting again, and I do encourage a discussion with the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association so that all of their items are addressed.

Commissioner Bach.

Um thank you for bringing this item.

Um my colleagues have made excellent points, so I'm not going to reiterate them.

I will um bring up two items for well, in it for context, this is a part of the city that has been underwhelming to say the least for a long time.

And I really believe that having eyes and feet on the streets there will start to transform that.

I've got some items pending um in the next number of months to try to do that from a few blocks down the road from you.

So I'm really excited to see this come forward.

Um share some of the concerns, um, but I know we have a second reading coming up, so we can take that offline in the interest of uh furthering this day's agenda.

Two things I want to bring up.

One is that when the Good Time Hotel was built, and I know you're not a hotel, um, but they had an enormous amount of retail space that was never even finished with floors and and walls.

And I don't want uh whether big retail or small retail or some other use that is permitted.

My I just want to put out there so we can have this conversation about how to ensure that something happens there when the building is built that it doesn't stay empty.

I think the developers of the good time ran out of resources, um, and for whatever reason they didn't attract the tenants they were hoping.

So I would like to have a conversation about how we can mitigate that so that it is easy for maybe smaller startup businesses to move into the space uh in a way that isn't onerous to everybody.

So conversation between now and future.

The other thing is if I remember correctly, and if I'm not correct, please please advise.

But my understanding is that this is a um uh short-term rental uh this has a restriction on short-term rentals six months in a day, is that right?

That's correct.

Would and again we don't need to have this conversation today, but would there be willingness to extend that to a full year instead of six months and a day?

So that you know, if we're trying to encourage people to actually move here and live here and work here, to me that that makes it much more appealing.

And so I will let you guys all discuss and hopefully we can have that written in for the second reading.

And I'm gonna add a third point because at the end of the day, the most important thing, Ambassador Sejas and Mrs.

Sejas, I congratulate you on your pending anniversary.

My parents just I know you're you're you're flinching, but my parents just hit 63 years last week, so um, you're an excellent company, and here's too many more.

Commissioner Fernandez.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um currently, um, what is CD three?

That this is the zoning area.

They're not asking for more density than what's required in in the current zoning code.

They're not asking for additional density, correct?

Okay.

Um separately from that, um, as it relates to unit sizes.

Currently, we have codified minimum and maximum unit sizes for for the zoning district or or we do not.

No, we do not.

We have minimum required unit size.

An average required unit size does exist.

However, for projects that proffer no short-term rentals, there is also no average unit size.

So it would just be the minimum, which is currently 550 square feet.

And so and so I would I would uh I would support the idea of between first and second reading to supplement what we already have within the city's uh three zoning district to speak about the average unit size since uh we are considering the amendment to to this ordinance.

I have to echo the comments by Commissioner Matil Salinas.

Um with new developments is that it has introduced a high amount of new retail spaces, and those retail spaces are sitting empty, and then it creates competition with with the surrounding uh retail.

And so and so I would want to see what is what gets baked into the ordinance between first and second reading.

I know the challenge with retail is that a lot of our older retail does not meet the needs that merchants need today.

However, it's the new retail for the most part that is sitting empty.

And so that is a concern that I share uh that I would like to see addressed between first and second reading.

Lastly, does the ordinance speak to setbacks?

Um there is a it's a 20-foot required setback above is it 50 feet?

Above 50 feet, it requires an additional 20-foot setback for the tower portion.

And at the ground level, at the pedestrian level, what is the current pedestrian level setback?

Um there's no required setback.

The HPB approved plans showed how many, what was your setback at HPB at the ground level?

Do you know?

I don't think we have one.

Yeah, there's no required setback in the CD3 for the for the ground level.

I saw a massing uh study that had uh had a setback uh uh at the ground level.

Not for this, not for this.

Okay.

I I've so I would just please uh it's I don't know if it's gonna create an issue with with a historic preservation board's determination.

You know, I've a question that I have for for our staff, how can a project we're considering legislation?

So we are not here the posture of reviewing a project.

We are reviewing policy.

Correct.

How does a project get approved by a board before the policy to guide that project is adopted by the city commission because it truly now eclipses our wings and our ability to properly legislate here?

It it does not, Commissioner, because this the Commission could always amend this ordinance.

The Commission could decide not to adopt the ordinance at all.

The HPV approval is very clear that it's contingent on the requisite amendments being adopted by the city commission, but nothing can move forward unless and until these amendments are adopted.

And if the commission revised this ordinance, they would have to go back to the HPB uh to conform.

So what's what's the separation between the street?

If I can ask if if I could recognize through the mayor, Mayor Casson.

What's the separation from the street and the and the front of the building under the uh the approved there is there is there is there is no setback at the street level, and you don't want it.

All of Washington Avenue doesn't require but Mr.

Mayor the building does not go up to the street.

I'm sure there must be at the ground level.

If I could finish my question, at the ground level, I am certain that the building does not go up to Washington Avenue.

There must be there's a sidewalk.

Oh, oh, oh well of course yeah.

So what is what is what is the separation from the curb of the street?

I'm thinking of pedestrianism.

What is the separation under the the approved plans from the street to the building?

It it is uh whatever the required sidewalk width is that the city has is the sidewalk width that we will have.

So if you look at the adjacent property, his 420 building, there's a wide sidewalk there.

Uh because of course, yes, we do want to have pedestrian uh a great pedestrian environment.

But the plan, for example, on 16th street, fronting 16th street, I see that there is a separation between between landscaping and the building of four 14 feet eight inches.

That's that's in the massing study that was included with our agenda packet, unless I'm looking at at the wrong documents.

Unless I'm looking at at the wrong documents.

Yeah.

Commissioner, um, our setback from our property line is zero, but I believe looking at this survey that from the center line of the right-of-way until our property line, so where the sidewalk would be accommodated, it's 25 feet, I believe.

25 or 35, it's very tiny.

25, okay, 25 feet.

So between how how much I got?

I'm sorry?

Between how much?

Between the center line of the right-of-way on 16th Street and our property line, there's 25 feet.

25 feet.

And so that's 25 feet, and and 16th Street must be how wide uh Mr.

Manager.

I'm trying to understand the setbacks.

So the setbacks, but the separation from the street.

Right.

So the right of way, which is the city's purview to determine how much of that is going to be street, how much is median, how much is sidewalk, is all currently laid out for Washington and 16th Street.

I would guesstimate that Washington is larger than 16th Street.

I believe Washington is probably close to 80 feet.

Um Washington, uh seven 16th Street is probably a 60 or 70 foot right-of-way.

Um, but in either case, those sidewalks are outside of their property.

Right.

Their property line is the interface between the right-of-way and the private property.

I understand that.

I I understand that, but for the pedestrian that is not walking to the center line of the street and they don't know the property line.

And and so what I what I want to make sure is that is that if any amendments should be contemplated between first and second reading to provide for good pedestrianism and not just narrow pedestrianism.

There's areas where you see where you have sufficient separation between the street and the uh front of the building to be able to accommodate not only pedestrians but a safe environment.

People don't want to be right right on top of the traffic, especially in a busy area like Washington now.

Sidewalks as well.

Sorry?

We want good sidewalks as well.

Of course.

So I just want to make sure that we have at least a I would love to see a 20-foot buffer between the street and the front of the building, and maybe that's something that we can look at between first and second reading.

Um, just to make sure that, especially since we're looking in an area of our city where we're where is it's anticipated to have a transit corridor.

You know, this is this is a major transit corridor, Washington Avenue.

Eventually it's in a plan somewhere that there's going to be dedicated bus lanes on Washington Avenue.

I want to make sure that any new development of this nature in this pivotal area provides uh the proper separation from the street.

We'd appreciate the opportunity to sit with you on that.

We think, as we say, if you look at the sidewalks on the entire remainder of the block, they're very wide sidewalks on Washington Avenue.

And by pop by plan, the the uses come to the street so that the street is activated.

That's what's going to happen here.

Uh and so, but we I'd like to uh I we would be happy to sit with you and show you how that works and how the city's requirements for sidewalks are more than adequate to handle, not only to handle, but to make a good pedestrian environment.

Okay.

Without it without the need for any additional building setback.

Sure, sure.

And I appreciate uh this this this collaborative approach uh because the city does need this type of housing.

The city needs rental housing, we don't need more condominiums, and we don't need more luxury inventory.

We need we need this type of housing.

So I'm supportive of this item in first reading.

I think there's work to be done between first and second reading.

I take uh to heart uh a lot of the concerns of race that need to be addressed at the community meeting uh from our important stakeholders at the Flamingo Park uh neighborhood association.

Um but I feel comfortable uh could uh considering a a motion of for for the for the first reading of this item and between first and second reading to to incorporate the concerns that have been raised by the neighborhood association by all of us uh at the stagus today.

Okay, let's uh before we vote, let's uh hear public comment.

We have some callers.

Is there anyone in the other person who wants to speak?

Anyone in the audience who wishes to speak?

If so, please approach the podium, make a line, and we'll call the people go ahead, sir.

Go ahead, sir.

You have too much.

I guess Mel Schlesser.

Uh I'm the managing partner of Gamek Development, and we also own the uh Lincoln Center on Lincoln Road, Euclid Avenue.

Uh I knew this has been a long meeting, and I'm not going to be uh very wordy just to tell you that I, as a residential developer, I fully support this development to bring people to Lincoln Road.

It's something I know the commission has been working on with your ordinances, which I also support.

So please uh I see where this is going, and I think it's going in a positive direction.

Whatever it can be done for Mr.

Sayas and his long-term marriage.

Uh would be wonderful.

Uh, I fully support this and ask the commission to go forward with allowing residential development uh on Lincoln Road.

Thank you.

Next, please.

Good afternoon, Mayor, Commissioners, Manager, and staff.

Annabelle Yopies, Lincoln Road Business Improvement Director, Executive Director.

I'm here on behalf of the board to show our unequivocal support for this project on the 1600 Washington Avenue.

Um, as many of you know, this is not going to be news to you that the city is faced with two major challenges, and that's traffic and housing and market value housing.

Um, many of the people who work in our stores in our restaurants in the hospitals don't have a place to live here, and they have to go across to Brickle to Edgewater to find a reasonable housing.

That impacts our workforce tremendously.

The reality is that we have a significant demand for market rate residential housing, but very limited supplies.

For decades, our zoning on the beach has largely supported hotels, luxury condominiums, and transient uses.

If we want a more balanced and sustainable city, we need to create opportunities for people to live here.

And I can't think of a better place than the 1600 Washington Avenue, the intersection of Lincoln Road and Washington, the heart and the hub of Miami Beach.

It is already surrounded by jobs, retail, restaurant, cultural institution, public spaces, and transit.

In every successful city, downtown is where housing belongs because it creates walkability, supports local businesses, and reduces dependency on cars.

Our merchants need more residents, people who are here year-round, who support local businesses every day, and who contribute to the vitality and economic stability of the district.

This project will approximately add 210 residential units to the urban core, has been thoroughly vetted, approved by appropriate land use boards, and supported by professional staff.

The Lincoln Road bid believes this is exactly the type of housing in exactly the type of location that Miami Beach should be encouraging.

I respectfully urge you support items RF5 and RF RFE and RF5.

Thank you.

Good morning again.

And thanks to our management.

I have a creative side.

And I what I thought would be so cool is that this Art Deco building that they have preserved so well could really lean in and be a signature building.

We're not going to be Brickle.

We don't want to be Brickle specifically.

We've got a cool sexy chic here, and this building and this this family seem to be part of that.

And so I just advocate that it sounds like a good plan.

I've seen them myself myself, and uh I you know I encourage it.

And if it comes to fee development, I can shift over from office brokerage to uh one of my other awesome clients.

I'm texting them asking if he's ready to go.

Uh he's been building 35 years, and I know you are so well networked.

Uh, you've got a lot of options.

I look forward to seeing this this go through.

I'm sorry, your name?

Uh Kevin Kruger.

Next, please.

Good afternoon.

My name is Matthew Goltanoff, 125 Jefferson Avenue.

I don't have a position on this project, but I'm generally supportive of corridor-wide incentives that increase the supply of housing for everyday people.

I do have a question about the claims that were being used to support the requested increase of FAR.

The applicant has stated that the existing 2.75 FAR does not allow them to achieve the full density permitted in the comprehensive plan on this site, which is 150 dwelling units per acre.

Um, which would be approximately 235 units based upon the unified development site of about 68,000 square feet.

However, because the parking garage is excluding from FAR calculations, it's not clear from the presentation why the FAR allowed today is not sufficient.

So to clarify the record, could the planning director please walk us through the numbers supporting that claim?

Specifically, how many units can be built under the existing 2.75 FAR, and what design or code constraints present prevent the project from being uh from reaching the full allowed unit code.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, please.

Hi, I was a going David Hertzberg, Sterling Building.

Uh, just wanted to speak out in support of the project.

Um, I think the addition of market rate housing is always a good thing in the area.

I just like to echo everything that Mel and Annabel said earlier.

I disagree with them fully.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Our first virtual caller is Jessica, Jessica, state your name, please.

You have two minutes.

Jessica, go ahead, please.

We're gonna go ahead and hear me.

Yes, go ahead.

Thank you very much for taking my call, Jessica Pita of 63913th Street.

Just a few short blocks from this proposed big development, and the heart of our amazing Art Deco Historic District.

To clarify during my little two minutes, I'm speaking on my own behalf, not on behalf of FPA.

However, I am a member.

And over the past several months, I listened to the public, attended various meetings, spoken with residents.

And let me tell you, just because they cannot be here today, because they're working day jobs, because they are the people that you guys are talking about.

Oh, let's help people live here.

There are people living here and they're at work, most of them right now.

Okay.

I'm speaking on their behalf.

There's significant concern and opposition regarding this demolition height increase proposal, far increased proposal.

A comment that particularly stood out to me was Commissioner Fernandez's on the additional 0.5 FAR.

What that actually looks like, I really appreciate that question.

I'm going to start talking more quickly because it highlights how difficult these numbers can be to visualize.

On paper, point five far seems modest.

Look, in reality, it represents a very significant increase in intensity, mass occupancy, and long-term impacts on the neighborhood.

There is oftentimes a disconnect and how these numbers appear on paper, my friends, and how they are experienced on the ground.

Excellent point, mayor.

That being said, I respectfully encourage this commission to also consider what cannot be captured on a tax roll or to pay off city bonds, for example.

Your time is up.

No, I'm not quite.

I apologize, but we have a lot of callers.

Troy Wright is next, please.

You have two minutes.

Troy Wright, Washington Avenue Business Improvement District.

There's no question that Washington Avenue needs additional residential occupancy that strengthens the core and supports the corridor.

So what I appreciate about this proposal is that it is not a massive tower.

It is a project that appears to be scaled appropriately and has the potential to help change the direction of Washington Avenue in a positive way.

Residential brings something that visitors alone cannot provide.

Consistency, activity, support for local businesses, and a sense of community.

So they help create the kind of environment that attracts entrepreneurs, professionals, families, and individuals who we want to live, work, and invest on Miami Beach.

So Washington Avenue cannot thrive on tourism alone.

A successful corridor requires a healthy balance of residents, businesses, hospitality, culture, entertainment, and retail, all working together.

We believe this project, a project like this could help create the balance and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Washington Avenue, the heartbeat of Miami Beach for years to come.

Thank you for your consideration.

Thank you, sir.

Our next caller is Mark Needle.

Hi.

We all want to create affordable housing, but wishful thinking and goodwill for current owners are not good public policy.

A greatly enhanced condo, a block from Lincoln Road and a block from the ocean looks and quacks a lot like a luxury tower.

But down the road, it only takes one change of ownership and another six, seventh vote like this one to turn the completed structure into luxury condos in order to, at that point, it will be increased the tax base.

15% of the building will be publicly granted bonus, but there are truly no guarantees that it will ever, much less permanently be affordable for local workers, even if the massing and liberal setback changes are made permanent.

Live local allows another half dozen floors, it's true, but at least it requires 40% affordable housing for decades.

Commissioner Dominguez, thank you for putting FPNA concerns on the table.

They've hardly been thoroughly vetted, as has been suggested, and indeed indeed they've been ignored at each stage.

Commissioner Fernandez, thank you for noting that much work needs to be done.

As you can see in the commission item, the public feedback has identified nothing but concerns.

Mayor Minor, great question.

No valuation has ever been done.

It shows how this process has been flawed.

It's just a negotiation between staff and ownership.

The public are shut out.

Commissioner Magazine strongly agree on the danger of being resold before even before construction, adding pressure to allow condo sales for luxury owners.

Commissioner Salinas agree on the requirement of small retail spaces.

Commissioner Bott agree on full-year leases because even 12-month leases can still become short-term uses for the many millionaires looking to spend a few weeks or weekends in Miami Beach.

And the six-month leases increase the likelihood of short-term visitors using these apartments.

We have a lot of skepticism, and so far we've been shut out.

I hope that changes.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, sir.

Our next call.

Next caller is Mikel Hosman Housman.

Hello, Commissioners, Mr.

Mayor.

It's always a pleasure to address you.

I am Michelle Hausman, the founder and the artistic director of Miami New Drama, based at the Colony Theater.

We're one of the last remaining cultural institutions on Lincoln Road.

And for the past decade, I lived and breathed Lincoln Road.

I've seen its beauty of hits its history, but also its problem and its extraordinary potential.

Last Sunday, by the way, I had my last drink at Sega Fredo, the restaurant that for 26 years lived inside the Colony Theater.

And I think the closing is a result of the trend on Lincoln Road.

And in order for Lincoln Road to survive and thrive, it needs residents.

That's why I support the project that 1600 Washington Avenue.

Lincoln Road needs its residents to fully flourish.

I want to express my admiration for Ambassador Paul Sejas, his wife Trudy.

They've really been model citizens of Miami Beach, profoundly committed to the nonprofit community, and they are exactly who we want to be developing this project.

I also want to thank them for bringing Enrique Norton as the architect.

He's one of the world's most respected architects, and it raises the bar for Miami Beach to have a project designed by him.

It's a show of excellence.

And I give my strong support because I believe in the future of Lincoln Road.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, sir.

Our next caller is Daniel Serraldo.

Yes, hi, Commissioners Daniel Seraldo calling as a resident of 730 Penn Street in Flamingo Park.

First, I have a formal objection on the record that this item R5E is improperly noticed as being at 925 p.m.

It's still there on the city website.

I've got a screenshot if anyone wants it before it gets changed, probably very quickly.

So let's please renotice R5E properly so that residents and not just real estate folks can be here listening.

Second, the city charter requires FAR increase to go to voter referendum.

There was a state preemption a couple of years ago, but it's not clear if it applies.

But what we all know is the intent of the voters is that major decisions like this should go to them.

There's nothing stopping this commission with four votes from sending this to the ballot in November.

Let's get this project better.

Let's let's make sure all of the community knows about it, not just the Chamber of Commerce and affiliated entities.

And let's make a project that we could all be proud of.

Uh, just so everyone knows, there's already a project approved at the HPB years ago when I was director of MDPL that came forward, and it actually saved the Hohauser building on the site.

This one would obliterate it.

And finally, the HPB did vote improperly because they voted before you all had the opportunity to weigh in.

And I was shocked to see a new member of the HPV works at a school named after the property owner.

There's a lot of issues here that need better betting and need the public to weigh in.

Thank you, Mayor Minor, for holding the line.

And just for the record, R5F says 926 a.m.

It is a companion item.

Okay.

Our next caller is Johan Vermeo.

Hello.

My name is Johan Bermeo.

I live at 7441 Wayne Avenue, and I work near intersection of Washington Avenue on Lincoln Road.

Um, I support this project as uh someone who both lives and works in Miami Beach.

I see firsthand how difficult the commute has become.

Many of the people who work in this area can't afford to live here.

So they spend hours commuting every day, which only adds to the traffic.

Challenges and experience.

Adding housing at 1600 Washington Avenue is practical solution in a location where it belongs.

It will help bring people closer to where they work, support local businesses, and create more activity in the neighborhood through the day and evening.

More residents mean more people invested in the community, which helps makes this area feel safer, livelier, and more welcoming for everyone.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Our next caller is Lyle Stern.

Good morning, everyone.

Speaking of my capacity as a resident and business owner and not in my capacity as the chairman for the Lincoln Road Bid at the Ganabill did a spectacular job for the bid.

I really want to thank Ambassador Sejas and uh uh for bringing this this opportunity forward.

I I'm incredibly supportive of this.

It significantly activates what is a dead corner.

Uh it provides needed and necessary housing for our community.

It substantially cleans up very important corner and corridor.

It adds substantially to our tax base.

Uh it leads and as importantly, it leads in signals that we're open for for responsible development.

I don't know how we could have more responsible developer and Paul Trudy Seas, given their commitment to this community over so many decades.

Uh and perhaps as important is this is this is in a creative way.

This signals that Washington Avenue is going through a real metamorphosis, a real revitalization.

We have to start somewhere.

And I think that this is an important cornerstone.

So I appreciate the discussion.

I appreciate the debate.

I appreciate the concerns.

But it's also important that we provide pathways for for reasonable expediency in bringing capital uh to our city, new capital to our city and adding to our stock.

So I thank you for your time.

Thank you.

Our last caller is Michael Cormas.

Comrades.

Yes, good morning, Commissioner and uh mayor and commissioners, Michael Comrades with offices of 1261 20th Street.

Uh I must say I'm a huge supporter of development like this around Lincoln Road.

Um I developed the Lincoln Place Office Building at 1601 Washington Avenue almost 24 years ago in hopes that it would have impacted that corner in a positive direction.

It's been 24 years and it's only been worse than it's ever been.

So I would applaud this type of development in the area.

Secondarily, Lincoln Road is a single purpose district, is not sustainable.

And that's been proven over and over again.

Mixed use is where we need to get to.

The closer we can get residents to Lincoln Road proper, the better off we'll be.

So I support this project.

And I support the Berg project coming up in case I can't get on the phone at that time.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Mayor that concludes the public comment period.

I thank you to all callers.

Um we've certainly laid out a number of issues to work on.

Uh if this does pass now between first and second reading, let's call the vote.

I need a motion, please.

Commissioner Fernandez, secondary uh Commissioner Mateo, uh Monica Mateo Salinas.

Uh one vote for both items is okay.

Yes.

If so, this item requires a six-seventh vote.

Uh Commissioner Mattel Salinas.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Dominguez.

Yes.

Commissioner Fernandez.

Yes.

Commissioner Magazine.

Yes.

Commissioner Bach.

Yes.

Commissioner Suarez.

Is absent.

Mayor Minor.

Yes.

Motion carries.

Second reading.

Public hearing for both items is September 10th, 2026.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Okay, we have some work to do in between.

Um, I think let's call two quick items, I hope, uh, and then we'll take our our our break.

And for the record, Mayor, uh uh Commissioner Suarez is a yes.

He is in the room.

Ah we see we see a sighting.

R5AA.

Yes, sorry, give me a thought.

R5AA is an ordinance of the mayor, city commissioner city might be short amending chapter 70 of the Baby Beach City Code entitled Miscellaneous Offenses by Amending Article 1 and title in general by amending section 70-1.1 thereof entitled Habitual Municipal Ordinance Violation Offenders to include additional criminal municipal ordinance violations within the habitual municipal offender ordinance providing for repealer servability codification and effective date.

This is a second reading public hearing.

It is item R5 double A.

Thank you.

And Commissioner uh Monica Mateo Salinas and I are sponsoring along with co-sponsors uh Commissioner Bott Magazine, Fernandez.

Um, but I'll I'll turn it over to you, Commissioner Matthias Salinas.

Sure, thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

This item really um firms up our habitual uh misdemeanor offenses, and it shortens some timelines so that way it's easier to um keep our habitual misdemeanor offenders off our streets.

And with that, I move the item.

Yeah, thank you.

Yeah, specifically right now, it takes four convictions uh in a 12-month period to be labeled a habitual offender, which can increase penalties.

This would be three offenses within a two-year period.

So certainly we're trying to address recidivists.

We've done a good job about it, but this is another good piece of legislation, so great to partner with you.

Thank you.

Through the chair, if I may.

Um, so the four offenses still applies to the uh to the existing offenses, the shorter period applies to some new offenses that were added, better quality of life um violations, including smoking cannabis, urinating or defecating in public, um, consumption or of of possession of alcohol in public, conducting business on streets and uh staying in parks after hours.

Let's call the vote.

I have a motion, Mayor, you're seconded.

Sure.

Uh motion by Commissioner uh Monica Mattel Salinas, seconded by Mayor Minor.

It is a public hearing.

I see no one on Zoom requesting to speak, no one in the audience requesting to speak.

Commissioner Matthias Salinas.

Yes.

Commissioner Magazine.

Yes.

Can I ask you a quick question uh before going forward with the voting?

I apologize.

Uh what is the procedures or municipal prosecution team go forward with this?

Like what the message we are trying to send is we are done with the same people over and over, terrorizing our city.

Terrorizing our city.

It is not this large swath of problem makers we have.

It is a very concentrated number of individuals.

And I don't want to prolong something that we're all going to pass, but Chief, if I could just grab your attention.

When we have a serious crime, besides you know, your your kind of domestic or two people that know each other, and it's kind of a moment of chance.

Is it a fair assumption to say even our most violent and serious crimes?

Those are not first-time offenders, painting with a broad brush.

I don't want to talk about the exception, but the broader rule.

It's built up, and it's typically people that have a long record that have just been in and out of this system.

Is that correct?

Um good afternoon, Wayne Jones, please chief.

Um that's absolutely correct.

I mean, it's been our experience anecdotally, and I don't have empirical data with me to share with you today.

But anecdotally has been our experience that uh oftentimes folks who engage in in various crimes throughout the city on multiple offenders, sometimes even uh offending across the country in multiple states, um, time after time, and you know, just as you're alone in arrest we've made of folks, you'll find they'd have in some cases dozens of arrests, uh, dozens here in uh region Florida in of itself and across the the country as well.

Thank you, Chief.

Um so and I'll just wrap it up and get back to the vote.

Clear uh clarifying with our municipal prosecution team.

I'd like to spend more time working or speaking with you all.

You are receiving a clear message from the city.

We are done with this.

We want to protect our residents, protect our visitors, protect our tourists, protect your city.

We don't want the these plea deals down if that's happening, just to get casework off of the plate or things like that.

It's what I see on social media.

I don't know the merits of it, so I want to discuss with that more, but I do want to highlight you are seeing a clear unified message about the direction that we want to take up here.

So thank you for the work that you all do.

Um putting that out there, like I said, perhaps unfairly.

I don't have data to back that up, just seeing some people in the know, uh, what they comment that while we do have you know high rates, a lot of it is just kind of plea bargaining downwards.

Um don't have to get into the back and forth about that right now in public.

We're going to take the vote.

I just wanted to recognize that you have a clear message that we are done with this, and it's not just about managing caseload, it's about getting these people that are terrorizing our community times off of our streets.

And thank you, Commissioner.

If I could piggyback on that, I mean it's one of the things, and I have a meeting with the prosecution team next week.

Sort of let us know if there's something there's more we can do.

For example, early on, this is when we we were not we didn't have the robust team that we have now, we weren't prosecuting.

I put on legislation basically requiring uh our prosecution, and if the judge dismisses it, we would appeal.

And that worked because they tested us once or twice, but ultimately realized we were serious.

You know, when I when I first brought that legislation, I was told internally, like it's it's a balancing act because we face these judges all the time.

We don't want them to be upset at our lawyers.

I said, perfect, I'll put on legislation that can be upset at me and the rest of our commission, right?

Uh we'll take it out of your hands.

So if there's anything like that, we're certainly uh we're certainly we're willing, um, I think uh all of us collectively willing, uh already willing and able to bear the brunt of that.

And whether it be uh I mean, right now, thank thankfully this is not happening, but when that bail reform was initially proposed, and I had uh exposed it, and then I worked closely, uh, Commissioner Fernandez was also instrumental in that.

This is several years ago.

A lot of uh a lot of you weren't even on the DS at the time when this was happening.

So um, and we're still fighting because some of these uh unfortunately, some of these I actually there was a there was an individual who was um arrested, 87 prior arrests.

It's crazy.

Eighty-seven prior arrests.

I actually publicly exposed it, put it on my social media, outlining every date this man was arrested and what he what he uh the the crime he committed.

I get a call about a week later that he uh he was arrested again.

I'm like, how is it possible?

And then and then he was actually dismissed because they said he actually was erroneously arrested.

So I'm not questioning that.

Uh if a person's erroneously arrested, but I I call the state attorney myself, the state attorney's office, and I speak to them a lot.

And I'm like, I don't I don't even care that he was erroneously arrested.

Fine.

Then then but it seems like he's always in the middle of trouble.

But why was he on the street in the first place?

He committed a serious crime in our city.

87th arrest, and he was out on our streets.

This is the type of stuff, and now I'm not blaming you.

Our municipal prosecution team only handles misdemeanors, the the the state attorney handles the felonies, but this is the type of work that gets gets maddening.

And um, but this is good legislation to try to try to make an impact, but we there's so much work more to do because there are too many people like you say terrorizing our city and recidivist that that that that should not be on our streets.

Call the vote?

Yes, sir.

Uh we have Commissioner Mateo Salinas as a yes, Commissioner Magazine.

Yes.

Commissioner Bog.

Yes.

Commissioner Schwartz is a yes, Commissioner Fernandez.

Yes.

Yes.

Mayor Minor.

Yes.

Motion carries R5 double A is approved.

And again, there was no one requesting to speak in the audience or in Zoo.

One last item before lunch.

Uh what's not even a working lunch break.

I'll announce that in a minute.

R5O.

R5O is an order to the Mayor City Commissioner of the City by Beach Amending Chapter 2 of the Code of City of Maybe Beach and Title Administration by Amending Article 2 and Title City Commission by Amending Section 2 18 and titled Stop the Pause Policy.

So establish minimum voting thresholds for city commission relating to specified projects at advanced stages of completion, having an estimated construction cost above a stated threshold.

Commissioner Fernandez.

From the moment that the contractor is hired, so that at the very last minute, we don't then raise those issues, and then you waste all of that precious taxpayers' dollar by canceling the project at the end.

Happy to move this item.

And again, thank you to the Office of the Inspector General for guiding us through this important policy.

Vice Mayor Dominguez.

Thank you.

Call the vote.

It is a public hearing.

I see no one on Zoom and no one in the audience requesting to speak.

Commissioner Fernandez.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Dominguez.

Yes.

Commissioner Mateo Salinas is a yes.

Commissioner Commissioner Bott.

Yes.

Commissioner Magazine.

Yes.

Commissioner Schwarz is a yes.

Mayor Minor.

Yes.

Motion carries item R5O is approved.

Thank you.

Okay, we're gonna take our lunch break.

Uh let's reconvene at 1 30.

We we do our annual review of our charter offices.

That's our city manager, city attorney, city clerk, inspector general.

So you'll be able to tell by their smiles or frowns afterwards uh how it went.

We'll see you at 1 30.

Or if they come back.

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.

We are going on air in five, four, three, two, one.

Okay, welcome back for our afternoon.

Session of the commission meeting.

We uh, as I mentioned, as we took a break, we were doing the annual review of our chartered officer, city manager, city attorney, city clerk, um, and our inspector general, which we're gonna continue in July.

A lot to talk about.

So uh you can try to determine from their faces uh how they feel.

But it was uh a good discussion, robust discussion, um, and moving our city forward.

Even greater greater heights.

Let's call we have the sun next uh hours anybody uh is here to speak.

Yes.

So approach the podium, state your name.

You have two minutes, sir.

Good afternoon.

My name is Jeff Weinberger from Miami three three one six two.

Can I adjust this a little bit?

Okay.

The cost of incarcerating homeless people last year, looking at actual days in jail for people arrested by your police was over three million dollars.

You don't pay that.

We Miami Day taxpayers from Florida City to Miami Gardens pay it.

And I'm quite certain we don't want our money spent over a policy that's purely punitive and does nothing toward ending homelessness.

For three million dollars, we could have housed well over the entire homeless population of Miami Beach for a full year in $2,000 a month departments.

That's how we need our tax dollars spent, not jailing people who are barely surviving on these very mean streets.

Thank you.

Is there anyone else who wishes to address the commission?

Seeing none, we're going to go to Zoom.

And thank you for coming in.

Obviously, I think myself and the rest of our commission have a very different uh take.

And it is, by the way, I I've actually been on with the police.

I don't not often uh I don't try to get involved in there, but I happen to be with them one time when they did have to make an arrest.

And I could tell you uh the person had a warrant out for them.

I I could tell you I got emotional about it.

I started tearing up.

It's it's not something that we relish doing.

But we also offer a lot of help.

We spend you you mentioned numbers about money, but we also spend millions of dollars to help homeless with shelter and and rehabilitation programs, even employment programs.

But ultimately, sleeping in the public does impact our residents, it impacts our businesses.

And homeless is a catch-all term.

It's not a fair term, actually, because there's homeless people who are really down on their luck, and there's people who are really part of the criminal element.

But it gets thrown into this catch-all term.

Um but ultimately I think as a city we're we're doing quite well.

And we uh for the various reasons with the the help we provide and the enforcement, and um sorry.

I appreciate your comments, but I don't I don't think you're gonna see uh a change here.

I think we're doing it right.

You don't help anyone by arresting them.

Thank you, sir.

Our next virtual, our first virtual caller is Helena Crystal.

Please unmute yourself.

You have two minutes.

Hi, can you hear me?

Yes, go ahead, please.

Okay, wonderful.

Hi, my name is Helena Crystal, and I live at 770 West 50th Street in Miami Beach in the Lakeview neighborhood.

I'm here today in support of resolution R9AH as recommended by the administration.

First, I want to thank the mayor, the city commission, um, vice mayor, all of you for your time, attention, and diligence that have gone into investigating flooding and infrastructure needs in Lakeview.

As residents, we greatly appreciate the effort to understand the challenges facing our neighborhood and identify meaningful solutions.

For those of us who live with re-occurring flooding, this issue is not theoretical.

It affects our home, our safety, our quality of life, our ability to navigate our streets during major rain events.

So I respectfully urge the commission to support resolution R8 R9AH and continue moving forward.

The recommended improvements for Lakeview.

Thank you so much for your time.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Our next caller is Ronnie Eisenberg.

Hi, good afternoon, and uh and and thank you for allowing me to call in.

I truly appreciate it.

Um I'm calling in regards to R9AE, the discussion and take action uh update on dynamic security performance uh at Biscane Point Guard House.

I'm calling as a resident, a father of two daughters, you know, husband of a wife that lives on the island since 2012, and I also represent the 327 single family homeowners as the president of the homeowners association.

And uh, I'm really glad that we're bringing this up today.

We have been through quite a rigor more since the Dynamic Performance Security Company took over the citywide contract.

Um, our costs have gone up and our service has declined greatly from the beginning.

We have dozens and dozens of emails, text messages, and voicemails with live pictures, live video of the performance of the dynamic securities guards and all day shifts uh in all day parts.

We also know that the city has been monitoring the interior cameras and the performance of the security officers as recent as today.

Twice I went in and out of the guard, the island, bother standing or opening up the slide glass doors, realizing it's very warm, um, but that they just push the button and allow the cars to come in.

So it's going on as of just 30 minutes ago, and it's been going on since the day they took um over the contract and replaced five of our security officers that we actually took part in training, and they were magnificent with the prior uh security company.

But they were the first five to go, and they've been replaced with definitely substandard, untrained um guards that have taken all the different shifts, including the roving security officer who dozens of reports from our residents that they park and they don't move around.

The prior company, they actually had to log in and check in uh every 15 minutes.

They knew where the cars were, and it seems like this company does not have uh any kind of guidelines for their roving um vehicle.

I've spoken to the owner of the company.

They this company is very reactive and not proactive, and as the front guard gate that protects these homeowners, we should be reactive.

So I appreciate you all bringing this to the uh agenda today, and I look forward to listening in.

Thank you, sir.

All right.

Next caller is Spencer Roberts.

You have two minutes.

Go ahead, sir.

Hi, I just like to thank the commission for standing on the right side of history and passing the shark fishing ban, despite um the state's intervention.

I don't, you know, you didn't do anything wrong.

There was so many cities that had already passed these bans.

FWC had respected this local authority for 18 years and sort of decided to change its mind now.

But um, we're seeing other states like Hawaii, New York, um, Massachusetts, California taking steps to rein in this out of control trend of hunting these endangered species for selfies, and I just want to thank you.

We're gonna be trying to address this at the state level uh in spite of everything and all the turmoil.

Um sorry that it's become such a political issue.

I'm sure you've received all sorts of uh nasty emails and comments, but I just wanted to say thanks.

Thank you.

Our next caller has a screen name of Zoom user.

Please identify yourself, state your name, address, and you have two minutes.

Hi, my name is Mark Lempo.

I am a resident of South of Fifth, and I've been so for over 30 years.