OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Miramar City Commission Meeting – November 14, 2022

City Commission — Monday, November 14, 2022
BodyMiramar, Florida
SessionCity Commission
DateMonday, November 14, 2022
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:00

Are on the boulevard, you're under parkway, and we see three officers in a particular position.

0:08

One has an instrument in their hand.

0:10

What are they seeing?

0:11

Okay.

0:13

Well, we have we have two the different devices that we use.

0:16

One is a radar.

0:18

Okay.

0:18

And the other one is a laser.

0:20

Now, the one that our our unit uses is a laser.

0:24

And the way we we work with those lasers is there is an actual like uh like a scope in it.

0:31

You know, and it has little dot.

0:33

Now that dot gets put on that car.

0:35

So that that work information.

0:38

Correct.

0:38

That that that little dot, it's it and it's a laser beam.

0:42

So it's an invisible laser beam, nobody can see it.

0:44

You know, so it goes out and it gives us that information back.

0:48

It tells you how far the car's going, how far away the car is.

0:52

Okay.

0:52

Um, and and it's specific to that car.

0:55

So there, you know, so there's no specific that specific uh even at a at a thousand feet, the the spread of that laser beam is only two feet across your bumper.

1:06

Wow.

1:06

So think about two feet in front of your car at a thousand feet.

1:10

Now at a thousand feet, you're not you're not gonna necessarily see us.

1:14

Oh question.

1:19

You are pulled over by a traffic officer under those circumstances.

1:24

How does one proceed?

1:25

How does one respond to the officer?

1:29

Well, you know, and we've had a you know a numerous amount of of contacts out here, you know, throughout the years, and and the the best way is you know, if you're if you're calm, you know, you you you stop, you um you address the officer calmly, say, you know, this is my license, this is my registration, this is my insurance.

1:50

Um, you know, and when when when it's when it's respectful both ways, I think that's traffic stop goes a whole lot better.

1:58

Okay.

1:59

Uh going to work one morning at five something in the morning, they two cars back didn't stop.

2:09

So the one between us kind of made contact with my car.

2:13

Okay.

2:14

Okay.

2:15

Um you're rushing to get to work at a particular time.

2:20

How does one get a police report after an incident like that?

2:24

Does it take 24 hours, 48 hours?

2:27

Do you ask for it or it's automatically generated?

2:30

Well, in in crashes, uh, we have a thing that's called a driver's exchange of information.

2:37

So right on that spot when you report the accident and you're there on scene, you know, you're supposed to get one of these drivers exchange information.

2:45

That's gonna give you access to who was driving each vehicle, uh, what insurance they have, what kind of car it was, and who was the officer who handled, you know, and plus the particulars of the case, case number and and state number.

2:58

Uh that way when you call your insurance, you can handle that that day.

3:01

Ah you know, now be you know, depending on how busy the officer is and how busy the department is, the records division.

3:09

So uh generally speaking, uh to have a completed report it's about a week.

3:14

Okay, but you do get information almost instantaneously before absolutely.

3:20

And now we use uh a program called TRACS.

3:23

Um, and in that program we can actually even email you that information.

3:27

Ah okay, so you can actually have it on your device.

3:30

Absolutely.

3:31

When when we um use the roadways throughout our city, what kind of consideration should motorists have and should bicyclists have about sharing?

3:44

Because my my philosophy on driving has nothing to do with your moving the car from point A to point B.

3:51

My philosophy is that driving is sharing the road.

3:55

Absolutely.

3:55

And that's a big push that the state has also pushed over the last several years uh through campaigns uh such as bicycle safety and sharing the road.

4:04

Um I know you've you've seen it out, you know, we're we're getting a lot of bicyclists out here, large groups out there riding, exercising, you know, um, and you know the particulars on that is that we we do have to share the road.

4:19

Yeah, uh bicyclists are entitled to use that that you know that that lane on the right and uh use the roadway as as needed.

4:27

Um the um the one thing I gotta mention is that if you're going to be riding on the road with a bicycle, you also have to follow those safety rules just like any other vehicle.

4:38

Right.

4:39

You know, because at that point you're a vehicle.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing███████████████████████23%
Transportation Safety████████8%
Procedural████████8%
Parks and Recreation███████7%
Public Safety█████5%
Public Engagement████4%
Public Health Awareness████4%
Public Works███3%
Public Participation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Miramar City Commission Meeting – November 14, 2022

The City Commission of Miramar, Florida, held a regular meeting on November 14, 2022, beginning at 11:45 AM and concluding after 11:00 PM. The agenda included a wide range of topics: presentations on traffic safety, community events, departmental accreditations, a COVID-19 update; public comments; consent agenda items; policy discussions on affordable housing, park facilities, and airport safety; and quasi-judicial hearings for two affordable housing developments. The commission approved numerous resolutions, including funding allocations, contract awards, and land-use variances.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Michelle Philsain (6700 East Lake Road, Miramar) spoke during public participation, alleging that a local business owner (Ray Menard of BNM at 6959 Miramar Parkway) asked her to leave his store because she had previously criticized Commissioner Colborn at a prior meeting. She asserted her First Amendment rights and warned commissioners to be careful with their decisions. Vice Mayor Colborn denied giving half a million dollars to anyone and called the accusation a lie.
  • Ronet Cambridge (9410 Atlantic Street, Miramar) later spoke during quasi-judicial hearings to request that the proposed senior affordable housing development (Pinnacle at La Cabana) adopt a name consistent with neighboring communities (e.g., River Run, Turtle Bay, Foxcroft).

Presentations & Reports

  • Traffic Safety Discussion: Traffic Officer Rosario described radar and laser speed-measurement devices, proper conduct during traffic stops, how to obtain accident reports (available immediately via TRACS, full report within about a week), sharing the road with bicyclists and large trucks, emergency vehicle protocol, the importance of moving over for stopped emergency vehicles, and school zone safety (15 mph in Miramar due to congestion). He noted that as of 2022, there had been 1,165 crashes in Miramar, with 378 attributed to distracted driving. Five fatalities had occurred since January 2022.
  • Kirk Franklin Gospel Concert Announcement: A. Curtis Farrell announced that Kirk Franklin would perform at the Miramar Amphitheater on Black Friday (November 25, 2022) at 5 PM.
  • Apprenticeship Program Promotion: Alexandra P. Davis described the City's apprenticeship program for residents aged 18-26, offering paid training in public works, utilities, IT, parks, and Waste Pro. An open house was scheduled for February 28, 2022 (note: date appears incorrect; likely February 28, 2023).
  • 9/11 Memorial Bench Donation: Mayor Wayne Messam and Fire Rescue Local 2820 presented a check for a bench at the 9/11 Memorial at Miramar Regional Park. The union donated funds to purchase a bench; remaining benches and bricks are available for community purchase.
  • Small Business Saturday Proclamation: The commission proclaimed November 26, 2022, as Small Business Saturday, encouraging residents to support local independently owned businesses.
  • Accreditation Achievements:
    • Economic Development and Housing Department: Received Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) status from the International Economic Development Council on October 24, 2022 – the only city in Broward County with this designation.
    • Police Department: Reaccredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) for 24 years; only 11% of Florida police agencies hold this accreditation. The on-site assessment occurred October 27, 2022; formal award in February 2023.
  • COVID-19 Emergency Management Update: Deputy Chief Jermaine McFarland reported that Broward County was at a “yellow” community level. State cases: 7,215,992; full vaccinations: 14,790,986. Broward cases: 736,130; full vaccinations: 1,706,887. The dominant variant remains Omicron BA.5. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases were rising, particularly in children under five; no specific vaccine is available.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved by a single motion (all items passed unanimously unless noted). Items included:
    • Resolution approving first option five-year renewal of interlocal agreement with Broward County for temporary debris management sites.
    • Resolution approving amendment to historic Miramar Canal Improvement Project to include properties west of University Drive maintained by external agencies.
    • Resolution awarding IFB for multi-function copier equipment to Cordus International Corp (not to exceed $547,396 over three years).
    • Resolution approving 2022 SHIP Affordable Housing Incentives Report.
    • Resolution awarding RFQ for design services for Vicky Cosiano Recreation and Multipurpose Facility to Walter Zakaria Associates ($464,585 total).
    • Resolution awarding RFQ for design services for covered fabric awning systems at City Hall and Viscaya Park to Conveno Consultants ($735,000 total).
    • Resolution allocating 42 bonus density units to Foxcroft Estates (84-unit affordable rental development) and approving a $640,000 loan to Pinnacle for matching funds.
    • Resolution approving renewal of employee on-site health and wellness center contract (CareATC) for two years ($1.175 million first year; $1.25 million second year).
    • Resolution approving interlocal agreement with Broward County for airport zoning regulations at North Perry Airport.
    • Resolution urging FAA, NTSB, and Broward County to review and enforce rules governing North Perry Airport operations to reduce aviation mishaps.

Discussion Items

  • Foxcroft Estates Affordable Housing: Staff presented a proposal to develop 84 rental units (100% affordable) on Foxcroft Road using bonus density and a $640,000 loan from the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The project targets households earning up to 60% of area median income. Commissioner Davis and others emphasized the need for attainable housing for working residents. The loan includes a 30-year deed restriction and a commitment to 20% small business participation.
  • Vicky Cosiano Recreation Facility: A design contract was approved for a 5,000 sq. ft. single-story community center at Cosiano Park. Discussion included parking concerns (currently 100 spaces; sufficient for the new facility but tight during ballfield events). Commissioner Chambers suggested designing for vertical expansion; staff indicated horizontal expansion might be more practical. The facility will include restrooms, admin offices, and a multi-purpose room.
  • Airport Safety Resolution: Commissioner Barnes introduced a resolution urging federal agencies and Broward County to review North Perry Airport operations, citing recent crashes. The commission approved the resolution.
  • Consent Items Pulled: Various commissioners pulled and discussed items #6-#8, #10-#12, and #21. The canal improvement expansion and the copier lease were debated; both approved.

Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings

  1. Wellman Field Townhomes (Park Villas in Miramar): Approved a site plan for 66 for-sale workforce townhomes (8 two-bedroom, 58 three-bedroom) on 6.46 acres, with three variances for landscaping. The City allocated up to $3 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for infrastructure. Units will be income-restricted to 120% AMI; 15% at 80% AMI. The developer will provide a $45,000 per-unit credit to buyers.
  2. Pinnacle at La Cabana (Senior Affordable Housing): Approved a site plan for a 110-unit senior (62+) affordable rental development with ancillary commercial space on Miramar Parkway. A variance for reduced parking (100 spaces vs. code-required more) was approved based on a traffic study. The building will include public art.

Key Outcomes

  • Votes: All consent and discussion items passed unanimously (5-0) except where noted. Specific votes were recorded individually for each agenda item.
  • Decisions:
    • Approved $3 million loan for Park Villas townhomes.
    • Approved $640,000 loan for Foxcroft Estates.
    • Approved design contracts for Vicky Cosiano facility ($464,585) and awning systems ($735,000).
    • Approved all three variances and site plan for Wellman Field townhomes.
    • Approved variance and site plan for senior affordable housing.
    • Adopted Small Business Saturday proclamation.
    • Sent resolution to FAA, NTSB, and Broward County regarding North Perry Airport safety.
  • Next Steps: Staff will bring back alternatives for parking at Cosiano Park, continue ARPA fund allocations for outreach, and submit CAPER report to HUD.

Note: The transcript did not include an agenda or minutes; all information is derived from the raw transcription of the meeting proceedings on November 14, 2022.

Meeting Transcript

Are on the boulevard, you're under parkway, and we see three officers in a particular position. One has an instrument in their hand. What are they seeing? Okay. Well, we have we have two the different devices that we use. One is a radar. Okay. And the other one is a laser. Now, the one that our our unit uses is a laser. And the way we we work with those lasers is there is an actual like uh like a scope in it. You know, and it has little dot. Now that dot gets put on that car. So that that work information. Correct. That that that little dot, it's it and it's a laser beam. So it's an invisible laser beam, nobody can see it. You know, so it goes out and it gives us that information back. It tells you how far the car's going, how far away the car is. Okay. Um, and and it's specific to that car. So there, you know, so there's no specific that specific uh even at a at a thousand feet, the the spread of that laser beam is only two feet across your bumper. Wow. So think about two feet in front of your car at a thousand feet. Now at a thousand feet, you're not you're not gonna necessarily see us. Oh question. You are pulled over by a traffic officer under those circumstances. How does one proceed? How does one respond to the officer? Well, you know, and we've had a you know a numerous amount of of contacts out here, you know, throughout the years, and and the the best way is you know, if you're if you're calm, you know, you you you stop, you um you address the officer calmly, say, you know, this is my license, this is my registration, this is my insurance. Um, you know, and when when when it's when it's respectful both ways, I think that's traffic stop goes a whole lot better. Okay. Uh going to work one morning at five something in the morning, they two cars back didn't stop. So the one between us kind of made contact with my car. Okay. Okay. Um you're rushing to get to work at a particular time. How does one get a police report after an incident like that? Does it take 24 hours, 48 hours? Do you ask for it or it's automatically generated? Well, in in crashes, uh, we have a thing that's called a driver's exchange of information. So right on that spot when you report the accident and you're there on scene, you know, you're supposed to get one of these drivers exchange information. That's gonna give you access to who was driving each vehicle, uh, what insurance they have, what kind of car it was, and who was the officer who handled, you know, and plus the particulars of the case, case number and and state number. Uh that way when you call your insurance, you can handle that that day. Ah you know, now be you know, depending on how busy the officer is and how busy the department is, the records division. So uh generally speaking, uh to have a completed report it's about a week. Okay, but you do get information almost instantaneously before absolutely. And now we use uh a program called TRACS. Um, and in that program we can actually even email you that information. Ah okay, so you can actually have it on your device. Absolutely.

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