Miramar City Commission Meeting - November 2, 2022
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Miramar City Commission Meeting - November 2, 2022
On November 2, 2022, the Miramar City Commission held a regular meeting. The meeting opened with presentations of colors, a moment of silence, and proclamations recognizing National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Month, 602 Help Month, and Panamanian Independence Day and Heritage Month. The COVID-19 and emergency management update was presented by Division Chief Tim Roach. Items pulled from the agenda included consent item 7 and resolution item 8. The commission also discussed and voted on several agenda items.
Proclamations & Recognitions
- National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Month: Proclaimed November 2022 in Miramar. Kimberly Hill, Community Relations Coordinator for the Task Force for Ending Homeless Outreach, accepted and expressed gratitude.
- 602 Help Month: Proclaimed November 2022. Director Lorna Walker and the customer service team accepted. The 602 Help line is the city’s 24/7 customer service center.
- Panamanian Independence Day and Heritage Month: Vice Mayor Colburn sponsored the proclamation celebrating Panama's 201st anniversary of independence. Phoebe Wallace accepted.
COVID-19 & Emergency Management Update
- Division Chief Tim Roach reported no changes in Florida and Broward County statistics. Florida total positivity case count: 7,172,000 (from text: "7,1720"), full vaccination series: 14,761,529. Broward County positivity cases: 733,977, full vaccination series: 1,174,377. Broward County remains at level green (low community level). No local policy updates. Vaccination rates: Florida 81.5% (population over 6 months), Broward 87.1%. Booster rate in Broward: 43%. Flu vaccinations available at local pharmacies. Travel advisories noted: Level 3 for Uganda due to Ebola (128 cases, 27.8% fatality rate). Monkeypox cases peaked in August and are trending down; CDC does not recommend widespread vaccination. Omicron BA.5 remains dominant variant.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0 (Commissioners Barnes, Chambers, Vice Mayor Colburn, Davis, and Mayor Messam). Items included routine approvals.
Discussion Items
1. Safer Grant (Item 4) – Resolution approving FEMA Safer Grant Agreement
- Fire Rescue Chief and Division Chief Cliff Ricketts presented the grant. The Safer (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant totals $6.5 million, allowing the city to hire 16 new firefighters over three years. The grant includes a waiver of matching funds ($658,000) and other waivers. Commissioner Davis emphasized the effort to obtain the grant. Commissioner Barnes asked about sustainability; the city will be responsible for salaries/benefits after three years. Commissioner Chambers highlighted the need for coverage due to new apartment developments and praised Fire Station 107. The motion to approve passed 5-0.
2. Vacation Rental Ordinance (Item 9) – First Reading of Amendment to Land Development Code
- Eric Silva of Building Planning and Zoning presented amendments to Section 405.11.2, including: annual registration with police department (instead of one-time), posting of rental lease information (noise ordinance, parking, trash, local hospital, police number, evacuation map), trespass affidavit, and registration fee waiver for units with noise monitoring devices. Two public speakers registered; Lisa Rodriguez (4100 SW 141st Ave, Miramar) expressed support for the amendments, citing disturbances from vacation rentals in Country Club Branches and urging more regulation. The second speaker was not available. Commissioner Davis asked about the noise monitoring device (cost ~$600 plus $70/month monitoring) and confirmed it is optional; only 4 of 371 identified vacation rentals are registered, none with the device. Deputy Chief Jim Dunkelberg confirmed police responded to a complaint at a non-vacation-rental property and are working with owners. Commissioner Chambers asked about a 60-day grace period. Mayor Messam questioned the trespass provision—police can act on behalf of owner if disturbance occurs. Noise device measures decibels but does not record; no decibel threshold in current code. Mayor suggested exploring a decibel limit for enforcement. Commissioner Davis clarified the device is a homeowner tool, not used by police. Commissioner Chambers raised concerns about families with children and noise complaints. Vice Mayor Colburn appreciated the effort but questioned how decibel enforcement would work. Mayor asked about unregistered short-term rentals used for events; response: police respond to complaints, document with body cameras, and refer to code compliance for magistrate action. The first reading was approved 5-0.
3. Budget Amendment (Item 10) – First Reading of Fiscal Year 2022 Final Budget Amendment
- Carmen Dominguez of Management and Budget presented. General fund revenues decreased by $437,400 overall. Key changes: general taxes down $3.1 million (ad valorem, utility/communication taxes lower than projected), permits/fees up $3.4 million (building permits higher), intergovernmental revenues up $6.2 million (FEMA reimbursements, state revenue sharing), charges for services up $486,000 (fire inspection fees), fines down $32,000, miscellaneous up $351,500 (higher interest earnings), use of fund balance down $7.5 million. Expense changes: police up $1.9 million (overtime), fire up $400,000 (overtime), various departments decreased due to savings and vacancies. Affordable Housing Trust Fund increased by $4 million (developer contribution, ARPA funds). Debt service funds adjusted for refunding bonds. CIP loan fund increased by $35,000 for insurance settlement, plus $539,800 for employee vaccination incentives. Final numbers will be presented at second reading on November 14. Commissioner Barnes asked about potential changes; staff noted property taxes trending low. Mayor asked about the $3.1 million general tax shortfall—attributed to ad valorem taxes, awaiting explanation from property appraiser. Commissioner Chambers thanked staff. The first reading was approved 5-0.
Public Comments & Testimony
- On vacation rental ordinance (Item 9): Lisa Rodriguez (4100 SW 141st Ave, Miramar) spoke in favor of the amendments, citing noise and drug issues from a neighbor’s vacation rental and requesting more regulation. No other public speakers appeared.
Key Outcomes & Next Steps
- Safer Grant (Item 4): Approved 5-0. City will hire 16 firefighters; grant covers three years of salary/benefits, then city assumes costs.
- Vacation Rental Ordinance (Item 9): First reading approved 5-0. Second reading and public hearing scheduled for November 14, 2022. 60-day grace period after adoption.
- Budget Amendment (Item 10): First reading approved 5-0. Final numbers to be presented at second reading on November 14, 2022.
- Item 11 continued to next meeting.
- Commissioner reports: Promoted upcoming events (Gospel show, Black British Heritage celebration, state of the city address on November 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Miramar Cultural Center). Vice Mayor Colburn thanked staff for a community meeting. Commissioner Chambers reported on a swearing-in ceremony for youth role models. Mayor Messam noted the need for a legislative strategy on blasting and thanked staff for the Innovation Village update to the Historic Miramar community.
- Meeting adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
Cultural center. Together, we have accomplished significant milestones, respect it nationally for our economic development efforts, have created thousands of high paying jobs. We're a leader in public safety and offer some of the best perform. And Grammy nominated Dominican singer Bonnie Cepeda will delight you with some merengue and bachata. One of the performers who will also be taken the state. Any person may be heard by the city commission through the chair, and upon registering pursuant to the published notice. Not more than three minutes on any proposition before the commission unless modified by the chair.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATT Uverse Channel 99 for all City of Myanmar subscribers. As of November 2nd, 2022 at 640 PM. Two 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 before any action is taken. At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Here commissioner Barnes. At this time, let us all rise for the presentation of the colors national anthem and the pledge of allegiance. Mark time, Mark. Right, turn, Mark. Mark. Maybe seated. We continue to be proud of Everglades High School as well as Mirmar High School. There was a very successful Mayor's Cup football match between Miramar High School and Everglades High School, which is an annual football competition. Congratulations to the Miramar High School Patriots that won the game. And also we'll like to congratulate the Everglades High School GRTC, they won the Raider competition a couple of Saturdays ago with area schools and competing in physical training obstacles, and they have the big countywide competition at West Broward High School this weekend, and the top two Broward programs will go to compete at the state level. So Everglades is a team to beat, and we wish them well and uh represent the city of Miramar well. So congratulations and good luck on Saturday. At this time, we do not have a commemoration list for bereaved City of Myanmar employees, but we do express any condolences to the families and residents of the city of Myanmar that may be bereaved at this time, and at this moment we'll have a moment of silence. Thank you. One housekeeping matter regarding the agenda. Before we get started with the presentations, please note that the following items have been pulled from tonight's agenda. Item number seven from the consent agenda, and the item number eight from the resolution section. Okay, here we go. Our first proclamation is in recognition of National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Month, and I invite Miss Kimberly Hill, Community Relations Coordinator for the Task Force for Ending Homeless Outreach to come forward. Is she present or representative? Okay. Good evening and welcome to the city of Myanmar. And this proclamation is in recognition of National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Month. And it reads as follows. And whereas November of each month, the United States acknowledges National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. And whereas the purpose of the proclamation is to educate the public about the many reasons people are homeless, including the shortage of affordable housing in Broward County. And whereas to encourage the support of homeless service providers as well as create community service opportunities for residents, business, businesses, students, and service organizations. And whereas it is our hope that all neighbors will help their neighbors in need in our community. And whereas the intent of National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week is consistent with the activities of the task force for ending homeless Inc. Be it resolved that the City of Myanmar encourages all citizens to recognize that many people do not have housing and need support from citizens and private public and not profit and nonprofit service entities. Now, therefore, I Wayne Messam, mayor of the City of Myanmar, and on behalf of the City Commission, do hereby proclaim November 2022 in the City of Myanmar to be National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Month. Thank you for all the services that you provide to our community. Would you like to share a few words? Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor, Madam Vice Chair Mayor, and all the commissioners. Oftentimes these proclamations seem to be just words to people, but when you put those words out there, it really proves that all of the neighbors, whether they're housed or unhoused, are our neighbors and are uh human beings who deserve our respect and our love and our care. So thank you very much for this, Mayor.
openpublica.com