Miami-Dade Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee Meeting – September 8, 2025

The Miami-Dade Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee met on September 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM (agenda time) in Commission Chambers. Chair Oliver Gilbert presided with five members present. The committee considered ordinances on water/sewer regulation and composting, as well as several resolutions. Public testimony was heard on both ordinances. The meeting adjourned after approximately two hours.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 1G1 (Water/Sewer Regulation): Multiple speakers addressed the committee. Mayor Michael Joseph and Commissioner Fortuna Smuckler of North Miami Beach opposed the ordinance, arguing it duplicates existing state/federal regulation and threatens the city’s utility operations. Lobbyist Kendall Coffey stated the county lacks authority to override state law allowing a 25% surcharge. In favor: Mayor Robert Stevens of Miami Gardens and City Attorney Sonya Dickens argued the county has authority under its charter and state statute (180.19) to require interlocal agreements for utilities operating outside municipal boundaries. Resident Phyllis Smith, a North Miami Beach commissioner, warned of ripple effects and noted the surcharge funds infrastructure.
• Item 1G2 (Composting): Public testimony was almost uniformly supportive. Speakers included representatives from Pinecrest, the Agricultural Practices Board, compost businesses (Fertile Earth Worm Farm, Compost for Life), the Farm Bureau, and residents. They praised the ordinance but requested clarity on permitting processes, director discretion, and fee structures. One speaker noted the ordinance must not treat composters like landfills. No opposition was voiced.

Discussion Items

• Item 1G1 / Substitute (Water/Sewer Regulation): Chair Gilbert introduced the substitute ordinance, which establishes minimum standards and reporting requirements for municipal utilities serving outside their boundaries, consistent with Florida Statute 180.19. He argued the existing 25% surcharge for North Miami Beach is not regulated, and the statute already requires interlocal agreements. Commissioner Regalado raised concerns about transparency and potential administrative burden on Water & Sewer Department. Commissioner Steinberg expressed concern about county overreach but later voted no. Commissioner Cohen Higgins questioned North Miami Beach representatives about the lack of agreements and the $9.9 million annual surcharge collected (per county auditor Yinka). The ordinance passed 4–1, with Steinberg dissenting.
• Item 1G2 (Composting): Prime sponsor Eileen Higgins detailed the ordinance creating a zoning approval process for composting in agricultural (AU) districts, expanding definitions, and establishing permit categories. She noted collaboration with DERM and solid waste. Commissioner Regalado suggested a public webinar to answer remaining questions from compost operators. The committee passed the item unanimously (5–0).
• Item 2D (Implementing Order for Composting Fees): Considered alongside 1G2, this resolution set fees for composting haulers and community composting facilities. Passed 5–0.
• Items 2A, 2B, 2C, 3B, and 6A: These resolutions were approved unanimously without extended debate. 2A directs protection of intellectual property for the “From Waste to Race” event. 2B directs neighborhood planning for Schenley Park’s historic character. 2C evaluates decentralization of IT operations. 3B approves an amendment for sewer rehabilitation contract with Insituform Technologies. 6A approves minutes of prior committee meetings.
• Item 3A (Interlocal Agreement for Solid Waste): Commissioner Regalado moved to defer this item to the next committee cycle because the substitute was received late and she had concerns about bond provisions. The committee agreed to defer without objection (5–0).

Key Outcomes

• Item 1G1 (Substitute): Forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) with a favorable recommendation by a vote of 4–1 (Steinberg dissenting).
• Item 1G2 (Composting Ordinance): Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation by a vote of 5–0.
• Item 2D (Composting Fees Resolution): Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation by a vote of 5–0.
• Items 2A, 2B, 2C, 3B, 6A: All forwarded/approved unanimously (5–0).
• Item 3A: Deferred to the next committee cycle without a set date, by vote of 5–0.
• The committee also approved the agenda and closed public hearings.