Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Meeting – May 21, 2024

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on May 21, 2024, beginning at 9:30 AM in Commission Chambers. The agenda included consent items, public hearings, ordinances, and several high-profile policy discussions. Key actions included approval of up to $10.5 million in cash support for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a resolution condemning TSA’s tour of Cuban officials at Miami International Airport, and a comprehensive audit of the county office supplies contract.

Consent Calendar

• Office Supplies Report (Item 1I1) – Accepted after deferral from May 7, 2024. Passed 10-0.
• Mid-Year Report for Eviction Diversion Pilot Program (Item 2B1) – Accepted 10-0.
• Report on Cash-to-Card Kiosks (Item 2B2) – Accepted 10-0.
• Numerous other consent items (Items 3A1–3A10, 8E1, 8G1, 8H1, 8H2, 8I1, 8J1, 8K1, 8N1–8N4, 8O1, 8O2, 8P1–8P3, 11A1, 11A5, 11A7, 14A1–14A4, 15B1, 15B2) were adopted without debate, often with unanimous votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Monica Vigas Pitang (Legal Services of Greater Miami) reported on progress of the Eviction Diversion Pilot Program, which educates and provides legal representation for tenants.
• Mercedes Cabrera expressed concerns about Section 8 participants becoming homeowners without experience, warning of potential foreclosures and displacement.
• Scott Paulowitz (Friends of Biscayne Bay) supported Item 4D (stormwater/impervious surface reforms), calling it a strong step for resiliency.
• Mary Waters requested clarification in Item 4A language regarding community council appointments, stressing that appointees should live within the council area.
• Dashima Pierce raised issues about gate security at her apartment complex; the administration offered to assist with the specific living situation.
• Fayola Delika, Yuvet Sentile, and Nazilia Nazir spoke in support of Item 14A2, co-designating a street “Veye-Yo” in honor of Father Gerard Jean-Juste.

Discussion Items

• World Cup 2026 Funding (Item 11A3) – Chairman Gilbert moved to amend the resolution to provide $10.5 million in cash to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) for fan-fest activations, volunteer programs, and transportation, plus up to $25 million in in-kind services and $3 million in legacy matching funds. Commissioners debated economic impact, accountability, and the need for municipalities to contribute. The committee will provide quarterly reports. The amendment passed; the amended resolution was adopted (voice vote).
• TSA Cuban Tour (Vice Chairman Rodriguez’s motion) – The board unanimously condemned the TSA’s tour of Cuban government officials through secure areas of Miami International Airport on May 20 (Cuban Independence Day). The resolution directs the clerk to transmit copies to the President, Secretary of State, and the Florida congressional delegation, and instructs county lobbyists to advocate for reinstating Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The mayor confirmed she has contacted the State Department and White House. The motion passed unanimously.
• Red Flag Reports (Item 11A1) – Responding to concerns about late notification of contract risks, the board adopted a resolution directing the Office of the Commission Auditor to coordinate with the administration to provide quarterly red-flag reports for contracts over $100 million or critical concerns. Passed 11-0.
• Drowning Prevention (Item 11A4) – A three-year pilot program to establish an Office of Drowning Prevention, funded by up to $750,000 from the Children’s Trust, was amended to include neurodivergent children. Adopted with amendments.
• Infill Housing (Item 11A7) – Authorized conveyance of 12 county-owned properties at $10 each for affordable housing development (up to 120% AMI). Discussion focused on ensuring compliance with affordability covenants and reverter clauses. Passed 12-0.
• Office Supplies Audit (Item 1I1) – Commission Auditor Yinka Machakurien presented findings on the county office supplies pool contract, including losses, inventory deficits, markups, and procurement irregularities. The administration acknowledged the issues and has referred the matter to Miami-Dade Police for a public corruption investigation. The report was accepted.

Key Outcomes

• World Cup 2026: Approved $10.5M cash grant (fiscal year 2024-25) to GMCVB for fan-fest activations, with a requirement to report on fundraising and activities. In-kind services capped at $25M. Legacy matching fund of $3M.
• TSA Resolution: Unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the TSA tour and urging federal action.
• Red Flag Reports: Passed 11-0, requiring quarterly reports and immediate notification of critical events.
• Drowning Prevention: Approved with amendment to include neurodivergent children. Three-year pilot program funded by Children’s Trust.
• Infill Housing: Authorized conveyance of 12 properties for affordable housing.
• Office Supplies Audit: Accepted; administration to provide a line-by-line written response and continues investigation.
• Eviction Diversion Extension: Authorized extension of the grant agreement with Legal Services of Greater Miami to September 30, 2024.
• Board Appointments: Jennifer Dillis to Animal Services Advisory Board and Juan Carlos Gomez to Nuisance Abatement Board approved.

Additional Notes

• Commissioner Gilbert celebrated his daughter Nella’s 16th birthday.
• Commissioner Regalado apologized for comments on Spanish-language radio regarding the office supplies contract, reaffirming support for county employees.
• The meeting adjourned after approximately five hours.