Miami-Dade Recreation and Tourism Committee Meeting - December 8, 2025

The Miami-Dade Recreation and Tourism Committee convened on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM (local time) in Commission Chambers. The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Sen. René García, with Vice Chairwoman Micky Steinberg and Commissioners Marleine Bastien, Kionne L. McGhee, and Raquel A. Regalado present. The agenda included resolutions on tree planting, zoo operations, park land acceptance, and invasive vegetation control. Public comments were not offered. Three items were pulled for discussion.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1A-1G, 2, 3A, 6A, 7A: The remaining agenda items were approved unanimously without discussion. These included:
  • Item 3A: Resolution authorizing up to $250,000 from the Tree Trust Fund for tree planting in Cutler Bay (forwarded 5-0).
  • Item 6A: Approval of the Clerk’s summary of minutes for the November 10, 2025 meeting (approved 5-0).
  • Item 7A: 2025 Sunset Review of the Tourist Development Council (report received 5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the reasonable opportunity for public comment.

Discussion Items

• Item 3B – Zoo Operating Agreement (Second Amended & Restated): Commissioner McGhee pulled the item to discuss a proposal to provide Title One schools with free zoo visits at least one day per month or quarterly. The administration had no objection. Commissioner Regalado raised the possibility of fast-tracking sponsorship agreements for the zoo, similar to procedures for other items, but legal counsel noted that sponsorship provisions are already in the underlying agreement (IO8-9). The committee voted to move the item to the December 16, 2025 Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting.

• Item 3C – Park Site Acceptance (0.74 acres, 4252 SW 9 Street): Commissioner Regalado pulled the item. She expressed support for the passive park but raised concerns about maintenance costs and capital improvements. Director Christina White confirmed the park is planned as passive, with estimated annual maintenance of $40,000 from the department’s general fund. Commissioner García expressed frustration about the lack of transparency regarding CIIP (Capital Improvement and Infrastructure Program) funding, noting a memo requested on November 7, 2025, had not been answered. Deputy Mayor Coley stated the final budget books were not yet completed. The committee set a deadline of December 31, 2025, for the requested CIIP funding data. The item was approved unanimously.

• Item 3D – Invasive Vegetation Control Services (Prequalification Pool RTQ-01354): Chairman García pulled the item to question the request for additional time (5 years) and expenditure authority (up to $6,680,000, for a total modified pool of $13,754,000). He asked about the remaining balance of $4.7 million and how funds were being used. Deputy Director Rashida Stambouli of Durham (the contractor) could not provide immediate usage figures. Commissioner Regalado noted the seasonal urgency of invasive removal. The committee voted to forward the item without recommendation to the Appropriations Committee for a financial review, with the chair’s agreement to co-assign it. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 3B: Approved and moved to the December 16, 2025 BCC meeting.
• Item 3C: Approved with understanding that the park will remain passive and that maintenance costs ($40,000/year) will be covered by the department’s general fund. The administration must provide CIIP funding data by December 31, 2025.
• Item 3D: Forwarded without recommendation to the Appropriations Committee for further financial scrutiny.
• General: The committee agreed to schedule a presentation on park funding and CIIP data at its February 2026 meeting.
• All votes were unanimous (5-0) where recorded.