Miami-Dade Safety and Health Committee Meeting – July 13, 2026

The Miami-Dade Safety and Health Committee met on July 13, 2026, at 12:30 PM (EDT) in Commission Chambers. Chairman Roberto J. Gonzalez presided, with Commissioners Marleine Bastien, Keon Hardemon, and Vicki L. Lopez present; Vice Chairman René García was absent. The committee considered three resolutions and received budget presentations from four public safety departments. All resolutions passed unanimously with amendments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public speakers appeared during the reasonable opportunity to be heard.

Discussion Items

Illegal Dumping and Encampment Plan (Item 2A – Resolution 261121)

• Prime Sponsor: Commissioner Marleine Bastien. Co-Sponsor: Chairman Roberto J. Gonzalez.
• Amendment: Commissioner Bastien moved to add a requirement that the plan include recommendations for a mechanism enabling condominium residents and renters (single-family and multifamily) to dispose of bulk trash, addressing frequency, locations, costs, and funding sources. The amendment was adopted.
• Discussion: Sergeant Christopher Garcia of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) Environmental Crimes Unit detailed the unit’s reliance on the Illegal Dumping Trust Fund (IDTF). He reported that between 2022 and 2024, the unit investigated 4,476 cases, resulting in 329 felony arrests and 581 misdemeanor arrests. In the past six months, the north end of the county saw 56 arrests related to encampments. He emphasized that the IDTF, created from a joint EPA investigation, is statutorily restricted to MDSO enforcement actions and cannot be used for cleanups. Commissioner Lopez noted a recent memo from the Mayor indicating a 50% reduction in Solid Waste illegal dumping services due to a failed rate increase, creating a disconnect between enforcement and cleanup capacity. Solid Waste Director Dr. Daniels confirmed that the department has eight illegal dumping crews and would be forced to reduce to four under the budget constraints. Chairman Gonzalez expressed support for the item but cautioned against altering the IDTF, noting the critical role of the Sheriff’s enforcement unit.
• Outcome: Resolution passed as amended (3-0).

Vacant County-Owned Land for Sheriff (Item 2B – Resolution 261162)

• Prime Sponsor: Chairman Roberto J. Gonzalez.
• Amendment: Chairman Gonzalez moved to require the County Mayor to also identify underutilized county buildings and facilities suitable for MDSO use, in addition to vacant land. The amendment was adopted.
• Discussion: Chairman Gonzalez referenced a long-standing agreement for a shared station in Eureka (Station 71) between MDSO and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR). Chief Palmer confirmed that MDFR has moved into the Eureka property, but the Sheriff’s portion has not commenced, likely due to capital funding issues. Gonzalez directed staff to expedite the Sheriff’s access. He also inquired about five acres at Homestead Air Force Base for a K9 training center; Chief Palmer stated the county still owns the property and is seeking funds for development.
• Outcome: Resolution passed as amended (3-0).

Land Exchange Agreement Amendment (Item 2C – Resolution 261262)

• Prime Sponsor: Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
• Amendment: Commissioner Hardemon moved to correct a scrivener’s error by replacing an incorrect street address for the college parcel with the correct address (1000 Northwest 20th Street, Miami). The amendment was adopted.
• Discussion: The amendment clarifies the property description for the land exchange between Miami-Dade County and Miami-Dade College, involving 48,102 square feet (college parcel) and 48,456 square feet (county parcel). The first amendment removes a closing condition requiring environmental remediation by the Public Health Trust and modifies remediation and closing date provisions.
• Outcome: Resolution passed as amended (3-0).

FY 2026-27 Budget Presentations (Item 1F1)

• Department of Emergency Management (DEM) – Director Pete Gomez reported that DEM serves 2.8 million residents, earned its third accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program, and hosted over 100 trainings and 20 exercises for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Key issues include lack of a 24/7 operational monitoring capability and adapting to state/federal funding changes. The department is implementing a recovery assistance program with no budgetary impact and plans to move to the Integrated Command and Communication Center. No questions from committee.
• Medical Examiner Department – The department, the largest in the southeastern U.S., digitized 2,891 case files (131,000 pages) since July 1. It graduated four forensic pathology fellows and welcomed three new fellows. Priorities include modernizing the laboratory information system, maintaining accreditation, and addressing staffing needs. No questions.
• Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) – Director reported a current inmate population of 5,096, with 894 offenders on pretrial services and 874 on monitor release. The department broke ground on Site 1 of the jail replacement project (completion expected December 2030) and projected 176 incidents for the year. Priorities include replacing the 70-year-old PTDC (Site 2), implementing a new jail management system, and purchasing 2,600 radios for sworn staff. No questions.
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) – Deputy Chief Danny Cordessa presented that MDFR is the sixth-largest fire department in the U.S., ISO Class 1, and internationally accredited. It operates 177 frontline units from 73 stations, responding to ~300,000 incidents annually across 1,907 square miles serving 1.9 million residents plus visitors. Call volume increased 13% over five years. Recent accomplishments include 18 new units and two new stations (East Medley Station 83 and Eureka Station 71). Key challenges include land scarcity for new stations (only 2 of 11 search locations moving forward). Priorities include piloting an emergency vehicle pre-emption system and hiring three recruit firefighter classes in the coming fiscal year. No questions.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2A (Illegal Dumping and Encampment Plan): Resolution adopted as amended (3-0). The plan must include recommendations for bulk trash disposal for condominium residents and renters.
• Item 2B (Vacant Land for Sheriff): Resolution adopted as amended (3-0). The report must also identify underutilized buildings and facilities.
• Item 2C (Land Exchange Amendment): Resolution adopted as amended (3-0), correcting the property address.
• Budget Presentations: Heard and noted; no further action taken.
• Committee Minutes: Approved for the May 11, 2026 and June 8, 2026 meetings (3-0).
• Next Steps: The Committee adjourned; items will proceed to the full County Commission.