OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting – August 17, 2022

City Commission — Wednesday, August 17, 2022
BodyMiramar, Florida
SessionCity Commission
DateWednesday, August 17, 2022
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

All right, so uh question how long is the time to process the application after it's been submitted?

0:10

What about what's the average time once you send an application in?

0:14

It's very hard to give an average time for processing, and the reason is because we're dealing with COVID, and so USCIS is using that as a great excuse to delay things further.

0:25

Um, but for the most part, within a few weeks, most people get at least a receipt notice letting you know that they received the application.

0:33

Uh and so, you know, with anything with immigration requires a ton of patience.

0:56

From our summer break.

0:58

The meeting of the Myanmar City Commission is now called to order.

1:01

An opportunity was given to the public to register to participate or email the city clerk 24 hours prior to the city commission meeting with any questions, comments, concerns on items.

1:13

We will hear on this evening's agenda.

1:15

Any person may be heard by the city commission through the chair and upon registering pursuant to the published notice for not more than three minutes on any proposition before the city commission unless modified by the chair.

1:29

This meeting is being streamed live at MiramarFL.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATT Uverse Channel 99 for City of Myanmar subscribers.

1:43

As of August 17, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.

1:47

No members from the public have registered to participate virtually in this meeting.

1:51

If someone is registered later than this time and would like to speak, they can raise their hand and at the appropriate time.

2:04

Please be sure to mention your name and address for the record prior to addressing the commission.

2:10

All comments submitted will be included as part of the record for this meeting and will be cons and will be considered by the city commission prior to any action taken.

2:21

At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

2:26

Mayor Massum.

2:27

Here, Commissioner Barnes.

2:29

Here, Commissioner Chambers.

2:31

Here, Vice Mayor Colburn.

2:34

Here.

2:35

Commissioner Davis.

2:37

Here.

2:38

City Manager Dr.

2:39

Virgin.

2:39

Here.

2:40

City Attorney Norris Weeks.

2:42

Here.

2:43

City Attorney Powell.

2:44

Here.

2:47

Let us all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

3:22

At this time we do have a commemoration list of deceased loved ones for City of Miramar and staff.

3:32

Alma Rogers from the Parks and Recreation.

3:36

Lost a brother, Ansil Cox, Public Works, Brother.

3:41

Brenda Martin, procurement, mom.

3:44

James Rowley, Utilities, brother.

3:47

Ramon De Leon, Public Works, brother.

3:52

Richard Rutherford, Public Works, Brother.

3:56

Sophia Powell, Cultural Affairs, husband.

4:02

Wahid Ishmael, Public Works, Uncle and Coven and Cousin.

4:09

Let's have a moment of silence for bereaved families as well as any other condolences we are experiencing in our community.

4:49

The proclamations are requested on behalf of Vice Mayor Coburn in recognition of India Independence Day and Indian Heritage Month, as well as Jamaican Independence Day and Women's Equity Day.

5:01

The Commission can feel free to join me in the front for the presentation of the proclamations.

5:10

I would like all my colleagues to join.

5:33

If we can have Saean Currion, President of the South Florida Asian Caucus to come join us today for Proclamation Presentation and Observance of India Independence Day and Heritage Month.

5:51

Are there any other members from the community?

5:54

Yes.

5:58

If you have any other guests, they may join us as well from the Indian community.

6:02

Come join us, sir.

6:04

Gentlemen.

6:14

Indian Independence Day and Heritage Month.

6:18

Whereas the city of Myanmar have a great tradition of celebrating significant milestones and events of historical importance, therefore, we are proud to join with our fellow citizens of Indian Heritage throughout Myanmar area and beyond and commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's independence.

6:36

And whereas it was in 1947 that India proclaimed independence and became recognized as the Republic of India, marking the beginning of its identity as a free and sovereign nation of people.

6:48

And whereas, as a growing democracy, India has proven to be a courageous nation seeking to establish as its basic fundamental principles those same values upon which the United States was formed was founded.

7:03

Freedom, opportunity, and justice.

7:06

Whereas the local community of people in Myanmar who held from India or with ancestral ties to India continually demonstrate the greatness and culture, traditions and beauty of their homeland and their contributions are notable and reflect success in many areas, including education, medicine, science, technology, and retail industry.

7:28

And whereas Jean Currion of on behalf of the South Florida South Asian Caucus, FOMA, Chief South Florida coordinator, approached the city of Myanmar with the idea of a tribute to the South Asian American Indian Diaspora.

7:44

Whereas Vicemary Vet Colburn introduced to the Commission in 2017 resolution declaring India Heritage Month in the City of Myanmar and the City Commission unanimously approved resolution R sixty-five thirty two.

7:57

And whereas the City of Myanmar welcomes the opportunity to promote a greater understanding of various cultures of the world, and this occasion, the seventy-fifth anniversary of India's independence, provides an excellent means by which Myanmar residents of all backgrounds can recognize the contributions made by the country and people of India and extend best wishes to them on commemorating the historic milestone of independence.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████13%
Property Tax██████████10%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Public Health Awareness██████6%
Contract Management██████6%
Community Development Block Grant██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Infrastructure and Engineering█████5%
Budget Equity Analysis█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting – August 17, 2022

The City of Miramar City Commission held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, presentations, a consent agenda, resolutions, public hearings, and other business. Key topics included the Broward County Property Appraiser's report on rising property values, a COVID-19 update, infrastructure contracts, and a deferred discussion on the Perry Middle School park project.

Proclamations

  • India Independence Day & India Heritage Month: Proclaimed by Mayor Messam on behalf of Vice Mayor Colbourne, recognizing the 75th anniversary of India's independence. Jean Currion, President of the South Florida Asian Caucus, accepted.
  • Jamaica Independence Day & Heritage Month: Proclaimed for Jamaica's 60th independence anniversary. Pastor Earl Richards of Miracles Through Prayers and Faith Church accepted.
  • Women's Equality Day: Proclaimed for August 26th, presented to Lynn Nazario, senior HR generalist overseeing the RBG Commission on the Status of Women.

Presentations

  • Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar: Presented on property values, exemptions, and the Owner Alert fraud protection program. Key statistics: Miramar's market value rose 17.84% to ~$19.5 billion; taxable value increased 11.5% to ~$12.585 billion; average single-family home sale price in 2022 is $602,099 (up from $522,752 in 2021); average condo sale price $274,000 (up from $238,000). If the city keeps its millage rate (7.1172), it would collect an additional $9.237 million in property taxes. Miramar has 26,882 homestead exemptions, 921 low-income seniors, and 238 long-term seniors. The office will hold an outreach event at City Hall on September 12, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
  • AT&T Check Presentation: Rashad D. Thomas presented a check to Honey Shine After School Program for Girls, accepted by CEO Tina Brown.
  • COVID-19 and Emergency Management Update: Firefighter Tara Smith reported decreases in cases and positivity rates; booster vaccinations up; 15,000 additional children (age 6 months–5 years) vaccinated in last six weeks; new UK-approved booster expected in fall; CDC guidelines updated (no longer requiring social distancing or contact tracing for general public, revised isolation/quarantine rules). Also noted 12,000+ monkeypox cases nationwide, 1,200+ in Florida; no widespread vaccination recommendation; polio cases found in New York sewage but none reported in South Florida.

Consent Agenda

All items approved unanimously with no discussion:

  1. Minutes of July 6, 2022 and Budget Workshop June 29, 2022.
  2. Purchase of Microsoft Azure Cloud Services from SHI International Corp., not-to-exceed $166,000 (total $240,999).
  3. Renewal of Cisco DUO multi-factor authentication licenses, not-to-exceed $99,892.
  4. (Item pulled).
  5. Second renewal of grounds maintenance services with Brightview Landscape Services, Inc., not-to-exceed $371,200.
  6. Second renewal of landscaping/irrigation/litter control services with DynaServ, not-to-exceed $260,553.
  7. First Amendment to Recreation License Agreement with School Board of Broward County for Henry D. Perry Education Center open space.
  8. Ratification of additional roadway resurfacing services for SW 148th Avenue from General Asphalt Co., $95,227.
  9. Local Agency Program Agreement with FDOT for Miramar Complete Streets Phase III design.
  10. Purchase of Workiva Consulting and Setup Services from Insight Public Sector, $74,840 (total $125,000).

Public Participation

  • Tracy Samuels (address in Pembroke Pines): Thanked the commission for a park bench donated in memory of her husband, former Code Compliance Supervisor J. Samuels, and asked about a street naming. Mayor advised the process is under Commissioner Chambers' purview.
  • Arthur Marshall (2131 Acapulco Drive, Miramar): Raised concerns about speeding on his street, requesting traffic calming measures. Mayor directed City Manager to coordinate with Police and Engineering to meet with Mr. Marshall.

Resolutions & Discussion Items

  • Item 11 – Board Appointments: Approved appointments: Affordable Housing Advisory Committee – Police Major Florinette Dorce (at-large essential service personnel); Commissioner Chambers appointed Carlester Gordon; Vice Mayor Colbourne appointed Ed Hill. Teen Advisory Board – Shania Grace (grade 9) and Jalen Cyril (grade 11). Unanimous.
  • Item 12 – Award of IFB 22-012 (Milling & Resurfacing, Sidewalk ADA Upgrades, Drainage): Awarded to Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc., bid amount $1,296,053, plus 20% construction allowance ($259,211) for total project cost $1,555,264. Unanimous.
  • Item 13 – Historic Miramar Innovation and Technology Village – Perry Middle School Park Phase I: Proposed award to D. Stephenson Construction, Inc., for Construction Manager at Risk services, Phase I GMP not-to-exceed $2,100,000 plus $100,000 contingency (total $2,200,000). Discussion revealed that the original project budget was $2.1 million pre-pandemic, but the full project cost (including future phases) is now estimated at ~$5.9 million due to escalating construction costs. Commissioners Chambers, Davis, and Vice Mayor Colbourne expressed concerns over cost overruns, procurement process, and impact on the community. Commissioner Barnes suggested considering duplication of existing facilities. Mayor Messam explained the CMAR delivery method. The item was continued to the September 22, 2022 meeting for a workshop to further review costs, phasing, and funding sources. Unanimous vote to defer.
  • Item 14 – First Reading of Ordinance #O1794 (Short-Term Rentals): Staff recommended continuance; motion to continue to September 22, 2022 approved unanimously.
  • Item 15 – Second Reading of Ordinance #O1792 (FY2022 Budget Amendment): Approved with reprogramming of funds (e.g., $20,652 from completed Lakeshore Park and Fire Rescue projects to Amphitheater project; $13,074 from Harbor Lakes to Island Park improvements; $3 million from fund balance for Historic Miramar Drainage Phase IV). Unanimous.
  • Item 16 – Award of IFB 22-008 (Historic Miramar Infrastructure Improvements Phase IV): Awarded to Man Con, Inc., revised bid amount $12,709,741, plus 15% contingency ($1,906,461) for total $14,616,202. Funding sources include state revolving loan, grants, and fund balance. Discussion noted lessons learned from previous phases; contractor will use sequential phasing to minimize disruption. Unanimous.
  • Item 17 – CDBG Action Plan Amendment: Reallocated $250,000 from residential to commercial rehabilitation program (increasing commercial to $350,000; residential reduced from $670,000 to $420,000). Staff noted the waiting list for home repairs has 61 applicants; new applications open in October. Unanimous.
  • Item 18 – Additional CDBG Funding for Tower Shops Phase II: Added $100,000 to match property owner's contribution, bringing total city funding to $340,000 for a 50-50 split on $675,000 construction cost. Unanimous.
  • Item 19 – Commission Report: Retirement System for Elected Officials: Commissioner Chambers sponsored a resolution to direct the city attorney to prepare an ordinance establishing a retirement system for elected officials serving at least 8 years. After discussion, the resolution was amended (via motion by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Chambers) to instead direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare a memorandum analyzing options for an alternative retirement system compared to the current FRS system. The amendment passed 4-1 (Mayor Messam dissenting). The amended resolution then carried.

Commission Reports

  • Commissioner Barnes: Thanked staff for Citizenship Drive (140+ applicants processed); noted personal participation in Jamaica's 1962 independence ceremony.
  • Commissioner Davis: Commended relocation of homeless couple near her area; praised lighting of water tower for Jamaican independence; raised concerns about lack of bus benches and wayfinding signs on Pembroke Road; requested improved security for online utility payments (username/password requirement).
  • Vice Mayor Colbourne: Announced upcoming MPO project solicitation; invited resident input.
  • Mayor Messam: Thanked staff for tree trimming and security issues; acknowledged support for Jamaica 60 event; recognized his election as President of the Florida League of Mayors.

City Manager Report

  • Noted installation of cell phone signal boosters in City Hall parking garage (all three floors) at no cost; working on getting other carriers. Mayor raised concern about police radio signal issues in school buildings, directing Police Chief to coordinate with Broward Sheriff's Association.

Attorney Reports

  • Announced two closed attorney-client sessions scheduled for September 7, 2022 at 6:15 PM and 6:30 PM regarding pending litigation: Bodden v. City of Miramar and Redondo v. City of Miramar et al.
  • Introduced new associate attorney Jordan Gary, assigned to Miramar.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at approximately [time not specified in transcript].

Meeting Transcript

All right, so uh question how long is the time to process the application after it's been submitted? What about what's the average time once you send an application in? It's very hard to give an average time for processing, and the reason is because we're dealing with COVID, and so USCIS is using that as a great excuse to delay things further. Um, but for the most part, within a few weeks, most people get at least a receipt notice letting you know that they received the application. Uh and so, you know, with anything with immigration requires a ton of patience. From our summer break. The meeting of the Myanmar City Commission is now called to order. An opportunity was given to the public to register to participate or email the city clerk 24 hours prior to the city commission meeting with any questions, comments, concerns on items. We will hear on this evening's agenda. Any person may be heard by the city commission through the chair and upon registering pursuant to the published notice for not more than three minutes on any proposition before the city commission unless modified by the chair. This meeting is being streamed live at MiramarFL.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATT Uverse Channel 99 for City of Myanmar subscribers. As of August 17, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. No members from the public have registered to participate virtually in this meeting. If someone is registered later than this time and would like to speak, they can raise their hand and at the appropriate time. Please be sure to mention your name and address for the record prior to addressing the commission. All comments submitted will be included as part of the record for this meeting and will be cons and will be considered by the city commission prior to any action taken. At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Mayor Massum. Here, Commissioner Barnes. Here, Commissioner Chambers. Here, Vice Mayor Colburn. Here. Commissioner Davis. Here. City Manager Dr. Virgin. Here. City Attorney Norris Weeks. Here. City Attorney Powell. Here. Let us all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. At this time we do have a commemoration list of deceased loved ones for City of Miramar and staff. Alma Rogers from the Parks and Recreation. Lost a brother, Ansil Cox, Public Works, Brother. Brenda Martin, procurement, mom. James Rowley, Utilities, brother. Ramon De Leon, Public Works, brother. Richard Rutherford, Public Works, Brother. Sophia Powell, Cultural Affairs, husband. Wahid Ishmael, Public Works, Uncle and Coven and Cousin. Let's have a moment of silence for bereaved families as well as any other condolences we are experiencing in our community. The proclamations are requested on behalf of Vice Mayor Coburn in recognition of India Independence Day and Indian Heritage Month, as well as Jamaican Independence Day and Women's Equity Day. The Commission can feel free to join me in the front for the presentation of the proclamations. I would like all my colleagues to join. If we can have Saean Currion, President of the South Florida Asian Caucus to come join us today for Proclamation Presentation and Observance of India Independence Day and Heritage Month. Are there any other members from the community? Yes. If you have any other guests, they may join us as well from the Indian community. Come join us, sir.

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