Miami-Dade Safety and Health Committee Meeting - July 8, 2025

The Miami-Dade Safety and Health Committee convened on July 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM in Commission Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation honoring the Homeland Security Bureau, a presentation on the Commission for Women's CEDAW recommendations, public testimony, a discussion on the State Attorney's misdemeanor diversion program, and the forwarding of several resolutions to the full Board of County Commissioners with favorable recommendations.

Special Presentations

• Proclamation Declaring July 8, 2025 as "Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Homeland Security Bureau Day": Chairman Gonzalez presented the proclamation, honoring the bureau's work in keeping the county safe. Multiple commissioners expressed gratitude.
• Presentation of the Commission for Women's CEDAW Recommendations Report: Legislative Chair Josephine Novo presented the annual report. Key recommendations included opening two new coordinated victims assistance centers (CVAC), launching a multimedia campaign for CVAC awareness, supporting domestic violence leave policy changes, funding a maternal health resource fair, and conducting a comprehensive wage gap analysis within county employment. The report noted an 84.7% increase in rape, over 300 more domestic violence cases, and a 16.7% wage gap among county employees (women earning $64,522 vs men $77,446).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Renita Holmes, Executive Founder of Wave of Women in Public Housing, spoke about the disparity in access to safe housing for women exiting the justice system. She urged the county to utilize vacant buildings that were once safe havens for women, and highlighted the difficulty of finding affordable rental housing within 30 days of release.

Discussion Items

• Discussion Item Regarding State Attorney Office’s Misdemeanor Diversion Services Program (Item 1F1): Chairman Gonzalez and Commissioner Hardemon discussed the program's status. The state attorney's representative indicated that a small point of contention remains but is close to resolution. Commissioner Hardemon confirmed he will speak with the state attorney to finalize details. The program aims to provide second-chance opportunities through diversion for adults and juveniles. Chairman Gonzalez also noted that Miami Dade College’s president expressed interest in supporting the program.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution Supporting Actions by the Federal Government to Phase Out Synthetic Color Additives (Item 2A): Sponsored by Senator Rene Garcia. The committee voted 4-0 to forward to the BCC with a favorable recommendation. The resolution urges the FDA to revoke authorizations for synthetic color additives, and directs the county mayor to evaluate feasibility of informational programs and incentives for contractors to transition away from synthetic additives.
• Resolution Approving a Lease Agreement for Warehouse Space in Doral (Item 3A): Sponsored by Juan Carlos Bermudez. The committee voted 4-0 to forward to the BCC with a favorable recommendation. The lease at 2200 NW 82 Avenue, Doral, will be used by the DOH as warehouse space at no cost to the county for five years plus two five-year renewal options.

Key Outcomes

• The committee forwarded two resolutions (2A and 3A) to the full Board of County Commissioners with 4-0 favorable recommendations.
• The discussion on the misdemeanor diversion program will be resolved through further talks between Commissioner Hardemon and the state attorney, after which it will be scheduled for a future meeting.
• Commissioner Higgins noted she will work to fill vacancies on the Fire Safety Board.
• Commissioner Hardemon noted he submitted an item for domestic violence leave for county employees.