City of Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting - September 7, 2022
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City of Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting - September 7, 2022
The Miramar City Commission held a regular meeting on September 7, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, presentations on COVID-19 and radio signal challenges in schools, adoption of the consent agenda with several items discussed individually, approval of resolutions, and commissioner reports. No members of the public registered to speak or spoke during the meeting.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes from the Special and Regular Commission Meetings of August 17, 2022, were approved.
- Temp. Reso. #R7689 – Approved Contract Amendment #3 with Craven Thompson and Associates for construction management services on the Historic Miramar Areawide Drainage Improvement – Phase IV Project ($589,570).
- Temp. Reso. #R7698 – Authorized execution of the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Memorandum of Understanding with the Broward Sheriff's Office for $27,771 in federal funds for DNA testing in cold cases.
- Temp. Reso. #R7701 – Approved the Interlocal Agreement with Broward County for Surtax-funded community bus shelter improvements (MIRA-020).
- Temp. Reso. #R7703 – Accepted a $329,293 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant and authorized the Memorandum of Agreement with the City of Miami.
- Temp. Reso. #R7704 – Approved $80,000 for emergency medical transport billing and collection services from Change Healthcare.
- Temp. Reso. #R7711 – Awarded the hauling and disposal of domestic waste sludge contract to Revinu Inc. (annual not-to-exceed $760,680, initial 2-year term with three 1-year renewal options).
- Temp. Reso. #R7700 – Approved a two-year extension of the benefits consulting services agreement with Gelin Benefits Group ($195,000/year).
- Temp. Reso. #R7718 – Ratified submission of a grant application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment Study.
- Temp. Reso. #R7705 – Approved the second one-year renewal of the residential water/wastewater line program agreement with Service Line Warranties of America.
- Temp. Reso. #R7723 – Approved procurement of building division services from C.A.P. Government, Inc. by piggybacking Dania Beach’s agreement ($87,000 for FY2022, $150,000 for FY2023).
- Temp. Reso. #R7726 – Approved appointment of at-large member Frank Falco to the Police Pension Board (term ending 2025).
- Temp. Reso. #R7710 – Approved a watermain replacement agreement with OHLA USA along University Drive ($364,878 base + $100,000 allowance = $464,878) and waived further competitive bidding in the city’s best interest.
- Temp. Reso. #R7717 – Awarded the replacement of fire station bay doors (three stations) to Coast To Coast Garage Door, L.L.C. ($1,691,125 base + $48,875 contingency = $1,740,000).
- Temp. Reso. #R7729 – Approved the Comprehensive Pay Plan for unrepresented employees for FY2023 (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023), including 3% COLA, 2% merit increases, and raising the living wage from $12.50 to $14.02 to match Broward County.
- Temp. Reso. #R7731 – Adopted a resolution urging the Broward County School Board to increase funding for School Resource Officers (SROs) for every school in the county.
All consent agenda items were approved unanimously (5-0) unless otherwise noted.
Public Comments & Testimony
No members of the public spoke or registered to speak during the meeting, either in person or virtually. Written comments submitted prior to the meeting were included in the record.
Discussion Items
- Radio Signal Challenges in Miramar Schools – Police Chief Leonard Burgess presented findings from an assessment of 20 Miramar-based public and charter schools. All schools experienced poor in-building radio signal penetration due to hardened construction materials. The solution – bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) – is costly (e.g., $200,000+ per high school). Chief Burgess stated that enhancing communications is the financial responsibility of the Broward County School Board. Mayor Messam noted the issue had been raised with the Broward League of Cities and the School Board superintendent. Commissioner Chambers expressed frustration that prisoner amenities outweigh investment in children’s safety.
- Historic Miramar Drainage Improvement – Phase IV (Item 2) – Public Works Director Anthony Collins explained the need for additional construction management services due to lessons learned from Phase III (e.g., phased approach to minimize disruption, incorporation of asbestos water pipe replacement). The $589,570 amendment includes minority participation (15% CBE, 5% local businesses). Vice Mayor Colbourne questioned cost increases; staff clarified the initial contract envisioned part-time inspection (2 days/week) but full-time oversight (5 days/week) is now required. Commissioner Davis commended the project for laying infrastructure for the historic area’s revitalization and alleviating flooding.
- Community Bus Shelter Improvements (Item 4) – Assistant City Engineer Leah deRiel presented the design portion of the project, which will install 13 bus shelters primarily along community bus routes. Commissioner Davis raised equity concerns, noting no shelters east of University Drive in the 33023 zip code (the poorest in Broward County). City Manager assured the list can be revised. Commissioner Barnes asked about design flaws (poor rain/sun protection) and vagrancy issues. Vice Mayor Colbourne requested a comprehensive view of routes and existing shelters. Commissioner Chambers asked for consideration of the Mission Lane corridor, where a resident reported children waiting in the rain. Staff noted that the county is planning a shelter there.
- Building Division Services (Item 11) – Building, Planning and Zoning Director Eric Silva presented the agreement with C.A.P. Government, Inc. to augment inspection and permitting services. The city’s building department is overwhelmed by growth. Commissioner Davis called for a department-wide needs assessment and a “secret shopper” program to evaluate customer service. Commissioner Chambers suggested a behind-the-scenes meeting with administration and staff to address complaints. The item was approved 5-0.
- Comprehensive Pay Plan (Item 15) – HR Director Randy Cross outlined the FY2023 plan, including a 3% COLA, 2% merit raises, increased tuition reimbursement rates, and a higher living wage ($14.02/hr). Vice Mayor Colbourne noted the living wage increase was a priority she introduced years ago, and praised the step to match Broward County. Approved 5-0.
- SRO Funding Resolution (Item 16) – Mayor Messam presented a resolution urging the Broward County School Board to increase funding for School Resource Officers. The city currently funds the program and receives 75% reimbursement from the school board, leaving the city to cover 25% of salaries plus vehicles, uniforms, and training. The resolution asks for full funding. Commissioner Davis asked for clarification on cost-sharing history; Police Chief Burgess stated the city’s program cost $1.546 million in 2021-2022, with 25% coming from general fund taxpayers. The resolution passed 5-0.
Key Outcomes
- Approved all consent agenda items and resolutions (all 5-0 votes).
- Directed staff to revisit bus shelter locations to ensure geographic equity, particularly east of University Drive.
- Directed City Manager to arrange an assessment of building department operations and customer service across departments.
- Directed staff to explore assistance options for Foxcroft homeowners facing soaring HOA fees due to insurance rule changes (Commissioner Davis’s request).
- Continued advocacy with the Broward County School Board on radio signal improvements in schools and full SRO funding.
- Announced upcoming events: Miramar Latin Music Festival (September 17), Sickle Cell Walk (September 10).
- Adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 7:00 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. The meeting of the Miramar City Commission is now called to order. An opportunity was given to the public to register to participate or email the city clerk twenty-four hours prior to the 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.gov commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel Seventy Eight and ATT Uverse Channel Ninety Nine for City of Miramar subscribers. As of September seventh, two thousand twenty-two at three PM. No members from the public have registered to participate virtually in this meeting. If someone has registered later than this time and would like to speak, they can raise their hand, and at the appropriate time, our IT staff will unmute their mic to allow them to speak. 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 considered by the city commission prior to any action taken. At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the role. Commissioner Chambers. Here, City Attorney Powell. Here. I would recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to Republican for which it stands. One nation. Thank you again to the Everglades High School JRTC program that represents not only the school but our community very well. At this time, we will observe a moment of silence for all condolences we are experiencing in the community. We do have a commemoration list of bereaved city employees. Karen Shields, Utilities Department, sister. Let's keep our dear colleagues and our thoughts and prayers as well as all other condolences that we are experiencing in our community. Thank you. Everyone involved with the Everglades High School GRTC program, if you could join the city commission on the dais, please. Um for our students. Let's give them all a round of applause. Whereas on June twenty third through twenty-eighth, twenty twenty-two, the Everglades High School Army GRTC male and female academic team cadets play sixteenth in the nation at the Army National Academic Bowl Championships held at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. And whereas the United States Congress funds and has authorized one thousand seven hundred and thirty-one Army GRTC programs worldwide. D 1731 programs had to complete in the level one academic bowl preliminary rounds. And whereas teams who successfully complete complete competed in the level one competitions moved forward to compete in the level two competitions. In the level two competition, Everglades qualified as one of the final 36 Army GRTC programs worldwide. And whereas Everglades High School competed and placed number 16 out of the top 36 Army GRTC academic teams. Everglades was only one of the three schools qualifying in Florida and competing in the national competition. And whereas the Army GRTC academic male and female cadets placing 16th in the nation were Evelyn Contreras, Gene Carlos Gonzalez, Tian Fam, and Lorenzo Trocio. Now, therefore, I Wayne Mesa, Mayor of the City of Myanmar, and on behalf of the City Commission, do hereby proclaim September 7th, 2022, Everglades High School, Army JROTC Boys and Girls Academic Teams Cadet Day. Let's give them a standing ovation, City of Myanmar for their outstanding scholastic achievement in the nation. Thank you so much. Thank you. One more. Yeah, one more note. So I just want to be able to see. We have two of the best high schools, and we're so proud, and we know that our public schools, especially in Myanmar, face competitions. Parents in our community have a choice where they want to send their kids to public schools or private schools. And our private and our public schools are doing exceptionally well. And this is just one example of their scholastic and academic achievement. So congratulations. Now we have our proclamation to the darlings of the city of Myanmar, and that the wonderful seniors of the Myanmar County Focal Point Center in the City of Myanmar, we have not only active but just amazing seniors that know how to live the best years of their lives. So let's bring them all up. Half on this side and half on the other side.
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