OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Miami City Commission Regular Meeting - July 23, 2026

Meeting Portal — Thursday, July 23, 2026
BodyMiami, Florida
SessionMeeting Portal
DateThursday, July 23, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:52:03
Transcript — Verbatim
0:17

Good morning.

0:19

Good morning.

0:20

We're getting settled for some.

0:22

Good morning.

0:23

Good morning.

0:24

We're getting settled.

0:25

Thanks.

0:26

Well, good morning, everyone.

0:29

Welcome to almost the end of July.

0:32

I hope between maybe some summer celebrations and summer camps and that you're enjoying the summer.

0:41

This morning, as we begin this commission meeting, we have a number of important recognition.

0:49

First, um, we are going.

0:52

Do we have is Commissioner Gabella in the house?

0:56

We're missing our I know Commissioner Gabella wants to be here for this particular one.

1:03

But Eddie, can I start with the songs?

1:08

Is that an option?

1:09

We can go backwards on our agenda.

1:12

Delightful.

1:27

Eddie, is that okay, Taylor?

1:30

All right.

1:31

So we have a couple of presentations this morning, and so we're gonna start off in a different order because I know Commissioner Gabella wants to be here for one.

1:40

But this is pretty exciting.

1:43

We have um a bunch of young people who have competed very capably to write songs about the city of Miami.

1:54

Uh this has been what's called the Elevate Tracks 305 Miami Anthem Contest.

2:01

Come in the middle.

2:03

And so this is a partnership.

2:06

It's a partnership with the UM Frost School of Music.

2:09

That's very impressive about all that.

2:12

Of course, our friends from Guitars Over Guns, who seem to perform absolutely everywhere in every school, and Young Musicians Unite, and they have done a global call called Elevate Tracks 305 to find the rhythm of our city.

2:27

So today we have the two winners.

2:30

Um obviously we have our young winner, there she is, and we have our adult winner.

2:37

I think you can tell by the size which one is which.

2:41

But um DVV12 with Roomba is the winner of the adult song, and then Soleil River Nation, and how old are you, Soleil?

2:51

I'm 12 years old.

2:52

Oh my gosh.

2:54

And you're already writing music.

2:56

How long have you been writing music?

2:59

I've been writing music my entire life, but my first ever released song was when I was nine years old.

3:05

Wow.

3:05

And and so when did you start?

3:08

Uh I started making music like five years ago, like during COVID, and here we are now.

3:12

Okay, so every now and then there's it's another COVID silver lining.

3:15

There weren't many, but this um this was one.

3:19

So I think we should hear a little bit of each song.

3:23

So which one do we want to start with, Taylor?

3:26

Roomba.

3:55

All right, so all right, so tell us where can we find this Roomba?

4:03

You can find you can find Roomba on Elevated Tracks 305 YouTube playlist and every platform as well.

4:10

All right, you got that.

4:11

Elevate at 305.

4:12

All right, and so now we're moving on to Miami on my tongue.

4:28

So muskins, sands and mushrooms, lip gloss, tasting like mango ice on the cruise.

4:45

Oh, so late, fantastic.

4:54

Um, and where can we find this?

4:56

In the same spot?

5:00

Yes, you can find it on Elevate Tracks 305 YouTube account and also on all streaming platforms.

5:03

All streaming platforms, everybody.

5:05

We've got a lot of talent here in the 305.

5:07

Congratulations.

5:08

Do you want us to take an official picture?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████15%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Public Safety████████████12%
Homelessness███████████11%
Fiscal Sustainability███████████11%
Historic Preservation███████7%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Affordable Housing████4%
Public Health████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Miami City Commission Regular Meeting - July 23, 2026

The Miami City Commission met on July 23, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. The meeting included recognition of community achievements, public comments on several high-profile items, and votes on ordinances related to homelessness, historic preservation, public hydration, and fiscal oversight. The meeting recessed for an attorney-client session and adjourned after its conclusion.

Recognition & Ceremonies

  • The Elevate Tracks 305 Miami Anthem Contest winners were honored: Soleil River Nation (age 12) for "Miami on My Tongue" and DVV12 for "Roomba." Both songs are available on Elevate Tracks 305 YouTube and streaming platforms.
  • Angelina Diaz was recognized for her coffee business, started with a microloan and support from her school. She now operates at Isisil South Florida.
  • The Miami Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children and Special Investigation Section were honored for a multi-day undercover operation that resulted in the arrest of 30 perpetrators (up from an initial 15, as noted by the police chief). The chief highlighted the collaboration with the State Attorney's Office and other agencies.
  • Commissioner Christine King was presented with a crystal gavel to commemorate her five years as chairwoman. She is the longest-serving chair and first woman to hold the position. Mayor Higgins, now presiding over meetings, thanked her for her leadership.

Consent Calendar

  • CA1, CA2 (amended per substitution memo dated July 21, 2026), and CA3 were approved unanimously. CA2 will include the new ordinance on minimizing single-use plastics before signing.
  • Public Hearing items PH1, PH2, and PH4 were approved unanimously.
  • Resolutions RE (excluding those pulled) and second reading ordinances SR1, SR2, SR5, SR6, and SR7 (SR7 amended per July 17, 2026 substitution memo) were approved unanimously.
  • First reading ordinances FR2, FR3, and FR4 were approved unanimously.
  • Planning & Zoning items PZ2, PZ3, PZ5, and PZ10 were approved unanimously.
  • Board appointment BC1 (Aaron DeMaio to Miami Tree Ordinance Advisory Committee) was approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • SR4 (Encampment Ordinance): David Peary (Florida Coalition for Advanced Racial Equity), Camilla Mejia (Catalyst Miami, Iraq War veteran), Chaplain Stanley Young, Michael J. Langley (Florida Justice Institute), Michelle Swift, and several others spoke in strong opposition, arguing it criminalizes homelessness, would flood jails, and is fiscally irresponsible. They cited statistics: 90% of arrested homeless return directly to streets, and the cost per inmate can exceed $100,000/year. A few speakers (e.g., Abby Abba, Kathy Park Squares) expressed support, arguing the ordinance is needed for public safety and business viability. Opponents noted the new shelter beds and navigation center (Better Way) as better solutions.
  • PH3 (Jackson Cottage relocation): Beatrice Brickle's statement (read by Alina Kasparis) opposed rushed deal, supporting Mary Brickle Park as alternative. Becky Roper Matcove (The Villagers) requested deferral for more detail. Casey Piquette warned about loss of historic context. Chris Rubb (Dade Heritage Trust) and Debbie Dolson supported, stating the move ensures preservation and DHT will own the property for the first time. Several speakers (e.g., Ashley Lucio) initially opposed but noted the benefit of permanent home for DHT.
  • PH5 (Hope Hydration Pilot): Speakers overwhelmingly supported, including Jorge Richardson (CEO), Christina Henneco, Mariana, Owen, and Jeanette Paulino. They highlighted free cold filtered water, reduced plastic waste, and no taxpayer cost. A few (James Torres, Henrietta Schwarz) raised concerns about advertising and billboard aesthetics.
  • RE16 (Human Trafficking Task Force): Multiple speakers supported, including interns Amalia Knoll and Shana Strauss (who helped draft the resolution), Betty Lara (survivor services), Victor Williams (Quest of Freedom), and Francesco De Verli (Survivors Pathway). They noted Miami ranks #3 nationally in human trafficking cases and emphasized the need for a dedicated coordinator.
  • PZ8/9 (Mimo Bay Adela 2): Deborah Stander and Mariela Lopez Delbert raised concerns about transparency of a $1 million community benefit payment, asking for legal authority and safeguards. Bill Matisse requested $500,000 be allocated to Legion Park.
  • FR5 (Construction Fence Advertising): Rosario Kennedy and Monty Trainer supported a one-year pilot with single operator (Del Mastro). Chris Carr and Jennifer Del Mastro argued long-term investment. Francois (New Tradition Media) asked for open competition.
  • Other Items: Speakers supported SR3 (sidewalk safety), PZ4 (greenway standards), RE11 (Ruth Shack street naming), and cottage housing amendment. Residents of Silver Court Trailer Park (Awilda Surieli, Elbin Arevalo, etc.) opposed SR4 and asked Commissioner Rosado for help against displacement.

Discussion Items

  • RE11 (Ruth Shack Street Designation): Commissioner Pardo shared a personal story of Shack's impact on LGBTQ+ rights and culture. The item passed unanimously with all commissioners co-sponsoring.
  • PH3 (Jackson Cottage): Commissioner Pardo noted an appraisal was done and a public engagement process (including Historic Preservation Board hearing) will follow. The item passed unanimously as amended.
  • PH5 (Hope Hydration): Commissioner King expressed concern about advertising fees. Commissioner Gabella supported but wanted negotiation on fees. Commissioner Pardo wanted location discretion in his district. City Manager agreed to negotiate and coordinate with districts. The pilot passed 4-1 (Commissioner Gabella opposed as is, but ultimately voted no? Transcript shows "Show that item pass four to one with Mr. Kavala. Commissioner Johnson." Possibly Gabella voted no. Motion to defer failed. Final vote: 4-1.
  • RE4 (Fleet Financing): Mayor Higgins introduced alternative financing for $150 million for vehicles. Commissioner Pardo questioned lack of Finance Committee review and potential to use non-ad valorem capacity instead of the $450 million GO bond. Commissioners debated fiduciary responsibility. Passed unanimously (Commissioner Gabella reluctantly voted yes).
  • FR5 (Construction Fence Advertising): Commissioner King and Pardo sought to exempt their districts. Commissioner Gabella wanted open competition. Item deferred to September 10 meeting.
  • FR1 (Historic Preservation Waivers): Withdrawn after concerns from D5 and D2.
  • SR4 (Encampment Ordinance): City Attorney explained the revised ordinance removes written warning requirement but keeps verbal warning and requires officer to verify available shelter bed before arrest. Commissioners debated definition of "reasonable time." Passed 3-2 (Commissioners King and Escalona opposed? Transcript shows "Show two no's" – likely Commissioner King and Commissioner Pardo? Actually Pardo stated he would vote no. So two no votes: King and Pardo? Transcript: "All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? No. No. Show two no's." Commissioner Pardo earlier said he would vote no, Commissioner King also expressed opposition. Passed 3-2.)
  • SR3 (Sidewalk Safety): Commissioner Pardo clarified the impracticality exception requires concurrence of general contractor, engineer, and city staff. Passed unanimously.
  • RE12 (Fire Station Repairs): Commissioner Pardo proposed $10 million (or $5 million now) for critical repairs. CFO Erica Pascal said no unassigned funds available without cutting other line items. City Manager noted payroll cycle is $22 million and budget is tight. Deferred to September 10 meeting.
  • RE14/15 (GO Bond Oversight Committee): Commissioner Rosado proposed charter amendment to create citizen oversight for GO bonds. Commissioners debated merits versus using finance committee. After amendments (removing audit language, clarifying advisory role, dashboard responsibility), passed 4-1 (Commissioner Pardo opposed? Transcript shows "Any opposed? No. Just one no." Likely Commissioner King or Pardo? Earlier Pardo expressed concerns. Passed 4-1.)
  • BU1 (Budget Report): Accepted.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Items (unanimous): RE11, PH1,2,4, SR1,2,5,6,7, FR2,3,4, PZ2,3,5,10, BC1, PH3 (amended), SR3, BU1 budget report.
  • Approved with Dissent: PH5 (Hope Hydration) passed 4-1 (Gabriella no); RE4 (Fleet Financing) passed unanimously with one reluctant yes (Gabriella); SR4 (Encampment Ordinance) passed 3-2 (King and Pardo no); RE14/15 (GO Bond Oversight Committee) passed 4-1 (one no).
  • Deferred to September 10, 2026: PZ1, FR5 (construction fence advertising), RE12 (fire station repairs).
  • Withdrawn: FR6 (earlier), PZ6 and PZ7 (indefinitely deferred), FR1 (historic preservation waiver).
  • Order of Ballot Questions: Clerk directed to place General Obligation Bond first, GO Bond Oversight Committee second, and the JLG Lease Agreement third on the November ballot.
  • Next Steps: Mayor will sign referendum documents for delivery to Supervisor of Elections. City manager to negotiate Hope Hydration advertising fees and district placements. Discussion on RE12 funding to continue.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning. Good morning. We're getting settled for some. Good morning. Good morning. We're getting settled. Thanks. Well, good morning, everyone. Welcome to almost the end of July. I hope between maybe some summer celebrations and summer camps and that you're enjoying the summer. This morning, as we begin this commission meeting, we have a number of important recognition. First, um, we are going. Do we have is Commissioner Gabella in the house? We're missing our I know Commissioner Gabella wants to be here for this particular one. But Eddie, can I start with the songs? Is that an option? We can go backwards on our agenda. Delightful. Eddie, is that okay, Taylor? All right. So we have a couple of presentations this morning, and so we're gonna start off in a different order because I know Commissioner Gabella wants to be here for one. But this is pretty exciting. We have um a bunch of young people who have competed very capably to write songs about the city of Miami. Uh this has been what's called the Elevate Tracks 305 Miami Anthem Contest. Come in the middle. And so this is a partnership. It's a partnership with the UM Frost School of Music. That's very impressive about all that. Of course, our friends from Guitars Over Guns, who seem to perform absolutely everywhere in every school, and Young Musicians Unite, and they have done a global call called Elevate Tracks 305 to find the rhythm of our city. So today we have the two winners. Um obviously we have our young winner, there she is, and we have our adult winner. I think you can tell by the size which one is which. But um DVV12 with Roomba is the winner of the adult song, and then Soleil River Nation, and how old are you, Soleil? I'm 12 years old. Oh my gosh. And you're already writing music. How long have you been writing music? I've been writing music my entire life, but my first ever released song was when I was nine years old. Wow. And and so when did you start? Uh I started making music like five years ago, like during COVID, and here we are now. Okay, so every now and then there's it's another COVID silver lining. There weren't many, but this um this was one. So I think we should hear a little bit of each song. So which one do we want to start with, Taylor? Roomba. All right, so all right, so tell us where can we find this Roomba? You can find you can find Roomba on Elevated Tracks 305 YouTube playlist and every platform as well. All right, you got that. Elevate at 305.

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