Miami-Dade Safety and Health Committee Meeting - May 13, 2025

The Miami-Dade County Safety and Health Committee met on May 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (local time) in Commission Chambers. Chair Roberto J. Gonzalez presided. Commissioners present: Sen. René García, Marleine Bastien, Keon Hardemon. Commissioner Eileen Higgins was absent. The committee considered several resolutions and a special presentation, forwarding all items to the full County Commission with favorable recommendations.

Special Presentation

• Recognition of Deputy Joseph M. Vallejos: The committee presented a proclamation declaring May 13, 2025 as "Deputy Joseph M. Vallejos Day" in Miami-Dade County. Deputy Vallejos, a nine-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, was honored for his service and recovery from a January 8, 2025 accident. He has returned to light duty.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Theophilus Williams (1391 NW 95th Street) urged the commission to address the closure of a mental health facility at 23rd Street and 7th Avenue, stating that taxpayer-funded facilities sit empty while people with mental health needs are not being treated. He called on commissioners to prioritize reopening the facility.

Discussion Items

• Item 2A – Voluntary Leave Contributions to Love Trust Fund: Resolution directing the County Mayor to allow county employees to donate accrued holiday/annual leave time to the Love Fund, Inc. for law enforcement personnel and their families. Approved 4-0.
• Item 3A – Sheriff's Office Warehouse Lease: Lease agreement with a Florida LLC for a five-year term (with five-year renewal option) at an estimated total fiscal impact of $1,802,874.98 for the initial term plus option. Commissioner Bastien questioned why the county would rent instead of purchase; the committee was informed that Florida statute prevents the sheriff from owning property. Approved 4-0.
• Item 3B – Fire Rescue Department Office Lease: Lease at 9250 NW 36 Street for 16,624 square feet for a one-year term at $236,718.96. Approved 4-0.
• Item 3C – EMS County Grant from FDOH: Resolution to accept and expend FY 2024-25 EMS grant funds for pre-hospital emergency medical services, including subawards to municipal fire departments. Approved 4-0.
• Item 3D – Communications Site Use Agreement with FDOT: Ten-year agreement (with two ten-year renewal options) at no cost to the county for public safety radio equipment. Approved 4-0.
• Item 3E – Misdemeanor Diversion Services Contract: Award of contract to Advocate Program, Inc. and Court Options, Inc. for five years (with three-year renewal option) with estimated cumulative revenue of $21,600,000 from offender-paid fees. Commissioner Hardeman raised concerns about only two vendors and proposed creating a scholarship endowment fund from an additional fee. After discussion with Assistant State Attorney Steven Talpins, the committee approved the item but directed staff and the state attorney's office to meet before the full commission to explore adding a scholarship fund for participants who complete the program. Commissioner Hardeman assumed prime sponsorship; Chair Gonzalez became co-sponsor. Approved 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• All five resolutions (2A, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E) were forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with favorable recommendations (votes 4-0 on each).
• For Item 3E, the committee directed that before the full commission vote, the new sponsor (Commissioner Hardeman) and the state attorney's office discuss the feasibility of adding a $20–$25 fee per offender to create a scholarship endowment fund, managed by the Miami Foundation, for program graduates.
• The meeting adjourned after exhausting the agenda.

Note: The agenda indicated 11:00 a.m. local time; the meeting's actual start time was approximately 16:15 UTC.