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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Miami-Dade County Commission Meeting: May 7, 2024

Board of County Commissioners — Tuesday, May 7, 2024

BodyMiami Dade County, Florida

SessionBoard of County Commissioners

DateTuesday, May 7, 2024

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 8:34:14

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

1:33

Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.

1:34

I'm also the chair of the ITC.

1:36

I'm joined by my colleague Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, who is the vice chair of the ITC.

1:40

This is the presentation portion of our program.

1:43

We we use this program to express sentiment, uh, talk about great people, great organizations, recognize momentous moments.

1:51

We have a pretty packed presentation of agenda today.

1:54

Uh, we're gonna start with, I believe the World Trade Center.

1:57

I'm gonna hand it off to the Vice Chair of the ITC, Commissioner Kevin Cabrera.

2:02

Thank you, Mr.

2:03

Chairman, double chairman, chairman of ITC, Chairman of BCC, Chairman of it all.

2:08

So today we're gonna, again, as the chairman was saying, it is we're gonna be doing a proclamation for the World Trade Center Miami.

2:15

We talk a lot about Miami as a global city, how Miami is the gateway to the Americas, all these different things on how we are really, you know, what the next big city here in the United States.

2:24

People talked about New York, Chicago, LA in the past, well, now it's Miami.

2:28

And it's in large part due to the work at the folks at World Trade, uh at the World Trade Center Miami and the folks at the ITC and all the great work they do and and really building these relationships, um, whether it be here, whether it be abroad or welcoming missions here, um, making sure that we're making our our community welcoming to all these new uh businesses that might be looking to do partnerships.

2:50

So we'd like to call up some representatives that I understand are here.

2:53

We've got do we have Manny Mancia, the chairman?

2:56

We have Virginia Sanchez, the immediate past chair.

3:00

And Chris Mango's director of marketing and communications.

3:06

Come on up, the price is right.

3:09

And we've got with us also our mayor.

3:14

Oh, good morning, everyone.

3:16

We celebrate trade.

3:18

Thank you for what you do to make sure that our trade is growing, flourishing, and is a key part of our economy.

3:27

And the fact that it's trade month is a great opportunity to call it out.

3:32

But specifically, I want to say, thanks to our great airport and seaport, we are increasing trade exponentially.

3:41

Truly, our Miami International Airport, when you look at our commercial uh trade plus passengers, we're the eighth busiest airport in the world, and at Port Miami, not only the cruise capital, but increasingly the cargo hub for Central Latin America and the Caribbean.

4:01

So it's very fitting and proper, and thank you, Mr.

4:03

Chairman, for bringing this item.

4:05

Thank you.

4:05

Um, I'll just add this.

4:07

A lot of times when when when the vice chair talks about trade and the mayor talks about trade, sometimes you all don't really get that trade and logistics is one of the industries that's actually powering the growth of Miami Day County.

4:17

So when the mayor talks about cargo and the vice chair talks about cargo, what they're actually talking about is jobs that actually help our residents put food on their tables, pay their mortgages, pay their car notes, send their kids to college, go on vacation.

4:29

That's how important it is to us.

4:30

And it's organizations like the World Trade Center, who actually make that real.

5:00

And so I appreciate all of their efforts and please vice chairman present the proclamation.

5:04

Thank you so much.

5:05

So as it lets read it here, it's a little bit more clear here.

5:09

So be it resolved that I um along with Mayor Danil Living Cava, Oliver Gilbert, Chairman of the County Commission, and the members of this board declare a world declare this month, May twenty twenty-four, World Trade Month.

5:28

Can you back up a little quick?

5:32

All right, if we could just step back a little bit more.

5:35

All right.

5:40

I can see board members.

5:41

Yeah.

5:42

One second.

5:48

Yeah.

5:51

Perfect.

5:52

All right.

5:53

Can you back up a second, please?

5:56

All right, perfect.

5:56

Let's go with me in the middle, right here.

5:58

One, two.

5:59

Don't move, don't move.

6:01

All right, don't move, please.

6:11

Cell phones.

6:15

All right, perfect.

6:34

Excuse us.

6:35

Good.

6:48

All right.

6:57

Sorry.

6:58

All right, that's what we're in the middle right here.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural████████████████████20%

Homelessness████████████████████20%

Affordable Housing████████████12%

Economic Development█████5%

Cultural Celebration█████5%

Waste Management█████5%

Public Transportation█████5%

Procurement████4%

Small Business Support███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Miami-Dade County Commission Meeting – May 7, 2024

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners convened on May 7, 2024, at 9:30 AM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included special presentations, public testimony, and votes on numerous items including a report on waste-to-energy facility sites, the acquisition of a hotel for homeless housing, a comprehensive development master plan amendment, and a land conveyance for a Costco. The meeting was adjourned after 5:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

Routine approvals and unanimous actions included: adoption of the agenda with additions (Items 2B4, 2B6, 2B8, 8N7, 8P1, 8P2, 8P5, 8P6, 11A2 were pulled for discussion), acceptance of the Sunset Review of the Dade-Miami Criminal Justice Council (13-0), acceptance of Mayoral Reports (Aviation Capital Program, Waste-to-Energy site report, Citizens’ Right-to-Know Act annual report, homeless housing site report, first quarter budget report, DTPW fare/service adjustments, appointment of Dr. Anisha Daniel as Director of Solid Waste Management), and numerous commissioner consent resolutions for district allocations.

Public Comments & Testimony

Approximately 74 speakers signed up for the reasonable opportunity to be heard. Key testimonies:
- Wayne Messam (Mayor of Miramar) opposed the Airport West site for the new waste-to-energy incinerator, citing environmental and public health concerns and threatening litigation if selected.
- Essie Brown and Danielle Siegel spoke in support of the Costco land conveyance (Item 11A2), citing affordable bulk shopping and job creation.
- Diane DeSterrett, Stephen Heath, Regine Henry, La Kinta Walker, Denny Baldonado, Kimberly Sheffield, Capuzine Avent, Ken Forbes, and others expressed support for the Homeless Trust's acquisition of La Quinta Inn (Item 2B6) for permanent supportive housing for seniors, emphasizing the growing need for affordable housing and the changing face of homelessness.
- Mayor Christy Fraga (Doral) and Chris Eddie (Weston Commissioner) opposed the Airport West incinerator site, urging consideration of alternative locations.
- Robert Malpica, Vincent Morrill, Giovanni Cicchini, Jordan Donaldson, William Holm, Paula Greenfield, Stephen Alvarez, Taylor Alvarez, Roxana Solano, Ed Miranda, and others spoke in favor of 2B6, sharing personal stories of homelessness and the success of supportive housing programs.
- Paulette M. Darrow and Barbara Condon opposed the La Quinta project, citing concerns about safety, lack of community consultation, and the high cost.
- Thomas Condon opposed the project, arguing it would jeopardize a $1.5 billion redevelopment and waste taxpayer money.
- Scott Hansel (CEO, Chapman Partnership) and Annie Lord (Miami Homes for All) supported the project, stressing the urgent need for permanent housing.
- Odell Torres and Selma Garcia spoke on the waste-to-energy report, advocating for alternative sites.

Discussion Items

2B4 – Waste-to-Energy Facility Site Report

Commissioner Bermudez (District 12) questioned the lawsuit status and requested community meetings in Doral and Medley. COO Jimmy Morales committed to meetings. Chair Gilbert noted that the waste-to-energy issue is countywide and that the administration should consider all options, including public-private partnerships. The report was accepted.

2B6 – Homeless Trust Acquisition of La Quinta Inn

Extensive debate. Commissioner Cohen Higgins (District 8) opposed the report, arguing the price ($14 million for 107 units) was excessive and that alternative sites exist (e.g., Garden Inn, Quality Inn, Floridian Hotel, and a site on the busway). She cited a 124% price increase in 1.5 years and questioned the lack of communication with Cutler Bay.
Commissioner Hardemon and others supported the project, emphasizing the need for affordable housing and the dignity of formerly homeless seniors. Ron Book (Homeless Trust) stated the property is the only viable option and that the trust is willing to covenant the property for 100% seniors. Mayor Levine Cava and administration supported the acquisition, noting that a third appraisal is pending and that the purchase would require a supermajority vote.
A motion by Commissioner Higgins to direct the mayor to prepare an updated contract passed (voice vote). Commissioner Cohen Higgins placed a legislative hold on the item. The report was accepted.

7I – Comprehensive Development Master Plan Amendment (ALF Facility)

Application CDMP20210013 to allow a 216-bed assisted living facility on SW 122nd Street. Commissioner Cohen Higgins opposed, citing 800 signatures and a broken covenant. Commissioner Gonzalez supported, noting six town halls and design changes. The first motion to approve failed (7-5, lacking 2/3 majority). A subsequent motion to approve with reduced beds (185) also failed (7-4). The application was deemed denied. The companion zoning item (8L4) was denied unanimously.

7H – Procurement of Professional Services (Task Force Recommendations)

Commissioner Regalado proposed a floor amendment to adjust the definition of locally headquartered businesses. Chair Gilbert opposed the amendment, stating the item had been vetted for seven months. After debate, the amendment was withdrawn, and the item passed unanimously. Chair Gilbert committed to revisiting the definition.

11A2 – Land Conveyance for Costco (Perrine Area)

Commissioner McGhee (District 3) sponsored the item to convey 17.32 acres of county-owned land to SG Cutler Bay LLC for a Costco facility with a purchase price of $7,177,225 or a land swap. Community benefits include $1 million to the Septic to Sewer Assistance Program. Senator Garcia raised concerns about the assessed value ($7 million) vs. market value. Developer Mike Swordlow explained the price is based on rent Costco can pay. Commissioner Hardemon noted the land has been fallow for 20 years and will bring 400 jobs and $217 million investment. The motion passed 8-2.

2B8 – Better Bus Network Adjustments

Commissioner Bastien reported severe disruptions to Routes 10 and 16 in her district, causing residents to lose jobs. DTPW staff explained that a new Metro Link service (15-passenger vans) will launch in June, and an Uber voucher program is available. Commissioner Higgins noted overall ridership is up 10,000 rides per weekday. The report was accepted.

8N7 – Electric Bus Contract Amendment

Senator Garcia and Commissioner Steinberg questioned the $5.15 million price adjustment due to ProTerra's bankruptcy. The administration explained that a one-year warranty was negotiated and that the amendment was necessary to retain warranty provisions. The item passed.

8P1, 8P2, 8P5, 8P6 – Procurement Pools

Commissioner Steinberg requested safeguards to ensure proper implementation. The items passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

Item 2B4: Accepted the waste-to-energy site report. Directed administration to conduct community meetings in Doral and Medley.
Item 2B6: Accepted the report. Directed administration to prepare an updated contract for the La Quinta acquisition, incorporating covenant terms. Item placed on legislative hold by Commissioner Cohen Higgins.
Item 7I: Denied the CDMP amendment (application CDMP20210013) after motions failed to achieve required votes. The companion zoning item (8L4) was denied.
Item 7H: Adopted the ordinance amending procurement rules for professional services, with a commitment to revisit the definition of locally headquartered businesses.
Item 11A2: Approved the economic development conveyance for Costco (8-2).
Item 2B8: Accepted the report on fare/service adjustments.
Item 8N7: Approved the contract amendment for electric buses.
Items 8P1, 8P2, 8P5, 8P6: Approved procurement pools.
Motions: Directed administration to identify funding for increased marine patrol (passed), provide $100,000 in-kind for the Air & Sea Show (passed), and proclaimed May 14, 2024 as Israel Independence Day (passed).
Appointments: Alyssa Criplin to Historic Preservation Board, Jenna Green to Animal Services Advisory Board.
Deferrals: Office of Commission Auditor supplies report (1I1) deferred to May 21; Florida City CRA budget (8G2) deferred to May 21; Ordinance 7C (rapid transit zone) deferred to no date.

Meeting Transcript

Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. I'm also the chair of the ITC. I'm joined by my colleague Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, who is the vice chair of the ITC. This is the presentation portion of our program. We we use this program to express sentiment, uh, talk about great people, great organizations, recognize momentous moments. We have a pretty packed presentation of agenda today. Uh, we're gonna start with, I believe the World Trade Center. I'm gonna hand it off to the Vice Chair of the ITC, Commissioner Kevin Cabrera. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, double chairman, chairman of ITC, Chairman of BCC, Chairman of it all. So today we're gonna, again, as the chairman was saying, it is we're gonna be doing a proclamation for the World Trade Center Miami. We talk a lot about Miami as a global city, how Miami is the gateway to the Americas, all these different things on how we are really, you know, what the next big city here in the United States. People talked about New York, Chicago, LA in the past, well, now it's Miami. And it's in large part due to the work at the folks at World Trade, uh at the World Trade Center Miami and the folks at the ITC and all the great work they do and and really building these relationships, um, whether it be here, whether it be abroad or welcoming missions here, um, making sure that we're making our our community welcoming to all these new uh businesses that might be looking to do partnerships. So we'd like to call up some representatives that I understand are here. We've got do we have Manny Mancia, the chairman? We have Virginia Sanchez, the immediate past chair. And Chris Mango's director of marketing and communications. Come on up, the price is right. And we've got with us also our mayor. Oh, good morning, everyone. We celebrate trade. Thank you for what you do to make sure that our trade is growing, flourishing, and is a key part of our economy. And the fact that it's trade month is a great opportunity to call it out. But specifically, I want to say, thanks to our great airport and seaport, we are increasing trade exponentially. Truly, our Miami International Airport, when you look at our commercial uh trade plus passengers, we're the eighth busiest airport in the world, and at Port Miami, not only the cruise capital, but increasingly the cargo hub for Central Latin America and the Caribbean. So it's very fitting and proper, and thank you, Mr. Chairman, for bringing this item. Thank you. Um, I'll just add this. A lot of times when when when the vice chair talks about trade and the mayor talks about trade, sometimes you all don't really get that trade and logistics is one of the industries that's actually powering the growth of Miami Day County. So when the mayor talks about cargo and the vice chair talks about cargo, what they're actually talking about is jobs that actually help our residents put food on their tables, pay their mortgages, pay their car notes, send their kids to college, go on vacation. That's how important it is to us. And it's organizations like the World Trade Center, who actually make that real. And so I appreciate all of their efforts and please vice chairman present the proclamation. Thank you so much. So as it lets read it here, it's a little bit more clear here. So be it resolved that I um along with Mayor Danil Living Cava, Oliver Gilbert, Chairman of the County Commission, and the members of this board declare a world declare this month, May twenty twenty-four, World Trade Month. Can you back up a little quick? All right, if we could just step back a little bit more. All right. I can see board members. Yeah. One second. Yeah. Perfect. All right. Can you back up a second, please? All right, perfect. Let's go with me in the middle, right here.

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