Miami-Dade County Commission Meeting – July 1, 2025

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners met on July 1, 2025, at 9:30 AM in Commission Chambers. The meeting began with a proclamation declaring July 1, 2025, as "Hippólito Guayabera Day" and included the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and reasonable opportunity for public comment. Major agenda items included a contentious debate over the Solid Waste assessment increase, consideration of items related to the American Dream Miami project, and approval of numerous consent items, ordinances, and resolutions. The board also approved several appointments and policy directives.

Consent Calendar

• Proclamation: Declared July 1, 2025, as "Hippólito Guayabera Day" in Miami-Dade County (presented by Commissioner Bermudez, co-sponsored by multiple commissioners).
• Mayoral Reports: Accepted reports on FY 2024-25 State Legislature Awards (Second Quarter), Fourth Quarter 2024 Mobility/Impact/Water-Sewer Connection Fees, FY 24-25 Q1 Federal and State Funding, FY 2024-25 Second Quarter Federal/State Funding, and the appointment of Nathan Cogan as permanent Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development (all passed unanimously, 13-0).
• Commissioner Consent Items (3A1-3A12): Approved resolutions for street co-designations (e.g., "Fr. Juan M. Lopez Way," "Margarita Faroy Way," "Familia de Presos Politicos Cubanos Street") and district discretionary reserve allocations (all passed unanimously, 13-0).
• Departmental Consent Items (3B1): Approved a Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund Trip and Equipment Grant Agreement with the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged in an amount up to $8,000,000, with a 10% local match (passed 13-0).
• Ordinances for First Reading (4A-4I): Created or amended special taxing districts for street lighting, maintenance, community development, and peafowl mitigation (4H). All passed 13-0. Item 4J (Solid Waste assessment) was debated separately (see Discussion Items).
• Public Hearings (5A-5S): Approved ordinances and resolutions related to community redevelopment agencies (5A, 5B), plats (5C, 5F, 5G), reporting requirements (5D substitute), transportation surtax projects (5E), and numerous special taxing district assessments (5H-5P). Most passed with varying vote tallies; some items were bifurcated and voted on individually (e.g., 5L, 5N, 5O, 5P).
• Ordinances for Second Reading (7A): Adopted amendments to environmental protection regulations regarding seawalls, bulkheads, and biodiversity enhancement tiles (passed 13-0).
• Additional Departmental Items: Approved a development agreement for the Allapattah Branch Library (9A1) and a grant for older adults home modifications (9A2) (both passed 13-0).
• County Commission Resolutions: Appointed Rhenie Dalger to the NW 79th Street Corridor CRA, conveyed county properties for affordable housing, authorized bonds for the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA, conveyed utility easements, approved a pilot program for rain barrels, established zoning notice policy, directed stormwater maintenance, and directed an HIV/AIDS action plan (all passed 13-0 except 11A7 substitute which was amended and passed).
• Items Subject to 4-Day Rule: Approved change order for Underline Phase II (14A2) and settlement of lawsuit related to International Atlantic LLC (14A3) – note that 14A1 and 14A3 were discussed separately (see Discussion Items).
• Clerk of the Board Items: Approved public hearing dates, reappointments to the Environmental Quality Control Board, and other administrative items (all passed 13-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Miguel Diaz de la Portilla (600 Brickell Ave, Miami) spoke in favor of items 14A1 and 14A3, arguing they represent a unique opportunity to leverage impact fee dollars and potentially $350 million in state infrastructure investment for Northwest Dade, with a $17 billion economic impact and $16 million in tax revenue in the first year. He described the existing prohibition in 14A1 as unfair and the result of tortious interference.
• James Woodard (17001 SW 90 Ave) spoke against item 4H, the peafowl mitigation policy. He noted that in 2001, after 9/11, he and neighbors presented a petition with over 2,500 signatures supporting the Peacock Protection Ordinance, which item 4H seeks to eviscerate. He stated that the ordinance allows killing trapped birds, which he called inhumane, and argued that peafowl are natural-born natives, not invasive.
• Robert Gorlo (7485 Fairway Dr, Miami Lakes) spoke in favor of items 14A1 and 14A3. He stated that eight years ago, a development agreement with Triple 5 required two interchanges, one of which (NW 170th St and Turnpike) is being built. The second interchange is the subject of lifting the restriction, and he argued that the resolution prevents fulfilling obligations that would benefit Northwest Miami-Dade County suffering from traffic congestion.
• Scott Leftwich (9505 W Hwy 316, Redick, FL) spoke in favor of items 14A1 and 14A3. He noted his work on the EMERGE project and long-range plans in Orlando and West Palm. He stated that FDOT has confirmed a PDE study for the area, there is already congestion, and that connectivity and accessibility to the system are needed west of I-75.
• Stanley Young (500 NW 2nd Ave) spoke during the public hearing on item 5A, expressing support for the work of Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) but urging the board to also provide platforms and funding for community-based organizations (CBOs) that serve unsung heroes and those living on the streets. He noted that many CBOs face long applications and little recognition.

Discussion Items

• Solid Waste Assessment (Item 4J): Commissioner Gilbert, prime sponsor, presented the ordinance to approve, adopt, and ratify non-ad valorem assessment rolls for the Solid Waste collection service area for FY 2025-26, proposing a 2% increase (from $697 to $711 per household). The item initially failed on a 6-7 vote after extensive debate. The board suspended rules to discuss further. Commissioner Regalado expressed concern that the department has not fully explored revenue opportunities (e.g., cardboard sales, methane capture) and argued that a 1% increase would create urgency for efficiencies. Commissioner Gilbert countered that the increase reflects rising costs (labor, fuel, equipment) and that the board must pass a balanced fee to avoid dipping into reserves. Director Anisha Daniel noted that the department found $5 million in savings, reducing the need from 4% to 2%. After a motion to reconsider, the board voted 8-7 to approve the item as amended to a 1% increase (option two), with the understanding that it would go to the Infrastructure Committee for discussion and that the TRIM notice would reflect the 1% proposal. The board also passed a separate motion by Commissioner Regalado to direct the administration to advertise an RFP for landfill gas conversion by July 8, 2025, and an RFP for revenue-generating cardboard waste contracts within 30 days.

• American Dream Miami Items (14A1 and 14A3):

  • Item 14A1 (Modifying Resolution R-629-18): Commissioner Bermudez proposed an amendment to lift restrictions on using county subsidies for the American Dream Miami project. After debate, Commissioner Gilbert moved to 4-day rule the item, which was seconded and approved. The item will be reconsidered at the next meeting.
  • Item 14A3 (Settlement of pending lawsuit): The settlement involved a $5 million payment plus interest from International Atlantic LLC and a 10-year extension of the declaration. The board deferred this item to the next meeting, with direction that it does not need to travel with 14A1. Commissioners expressed concerns about the project's track record, potential TIF district impacts on the general fund, and the need for road infrastructure in Northwest Dade.

• Container Stacking and Storage (Item 11A10): Commissioner Gilbert’s resolution to direct the county to file a CDMP amendment to authorize container stacking and storage in conjunction with commercial vehicle storage in authorized locations. Commissioner Regalado raised concerns about excluding inland port development, and Commissioner Gonzalez requested guardrails to prevent the area from looking like a seaport. The item passed unanimously after clarification that it would return to the board for final approval.

• Florida City Annexation (Item 8G3): Commissioner McGhee’s resolution to direct the county attorney to prepare an ordinance and interlocal agreement for the annexation of 96 homes into Florida City. Commissioner Cohen Higgins questioned the fiscal impact, noting that the $269,000 in police costs would not disappear. Vice Chair McGhee clarified that the city has its own police department and that the annexation would bring taxes to the Florida City millage rate (6.3 vs. 1.9), resulting in an ~$1,200 increase per household. The board voted 10-3 to advance the item to the next stage.

• Peafowl Mitigation (Item 4H): Ordinance amending Section 5-16 to allow the county to opt out of peafowl regulations in designated unincorporated areas and approve a mitigation policy for District 12. Passed on first reading 13-0 after public comment opposing the measure.

• Utility Easements for Affordable Housing (Item 11A7 Substitute): Commissioner Higgins’ resolution to authorize the conveyance of non-exclusive utility easements on county-owned properties for affordable housing developments. Amended to add several transit station properties. Passed unanimously.

• Water and Sewer Security (Item 4I): Ordinance amending security provisions for the Water and Sewer Department, including fingerprinting and background checks. Passed on first reading 13-0.

• SeaWorld/Aquarium Lease (Motion by Commissioner Regalado): Commissioner Regalado moved to delegate authority to negotiate with the debtor in possession of the Seaquarium lease under Delaware Bankruptcy Court protection. The board approved the motion, with Commissioner Regalado to coordinate with the mayor’s office and bring any final agreement back for board approval.

Key Outcomes

• Solid Waste Assessment: Approved on first reading with a 1% increase (8-7 vote). The TRIM notice and mailed notice will reflect the 1% proposal. The board directed the administration to issue RFPs for landfill gas conversion (by July 8, 2025) and cardboard waste revenue contracts (within 30 days).
• American Dream Miami Items: Item 14A1 (lifting restrictions) was 4-day ruled to the next meeting. Item 14A3 (settlement) was deferred to the next meeting, with the understanding that it does not need to be tied to 14A1.
• Container Stacking: Resolution directing the county to file a CDMP amendment passed unanimously.
• Florida City Annexation: Resolution to prepare annexation documents passed 10-3.
• Peafowl Mitigation: Passed on first reading 13-0.
• Utility Easements: Amended resolution passed unanimously.
• Water and Sewer Security: Passed on first reading 13-0.
• Seaquarium Negotiations: Motion to delegate authority to Commissioner Regalado passed unanimously.
• Zero Drownings Program: Motion to expand the program passed unanimously.
• Appointments: Nathan Cogan confirmed as permanent Director of Housing and Community Development; Carlos Cortina and Enrique Espino appointed to the Greater Miami Expressway Agency; Rhenie Dalger appointed to NW 79th Street CRA; Rose Mary Stiffin and William Shelley reappointed to the Environmental Quality Control Board.
• All other consent items, ordinances, and resolutions passed as described above, with vote tallies noted in the agenda.