Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting – March 15, 2023
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Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting – March 15, 2023
The Miramar City Commission held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers at 2300 Civic Center Place. The meeting included proclamations, presentations, consent agenda approvals, public comments, resolutions, first readings of ordinances, and extensive discussion on several items, notably the real-time crime center phase 2 and the West District Police Substation roof replacement. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Wayne M. Messam and attended by all commissioners: Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne, Commissioner Winston F. Barnes, Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers, and Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes from February 15 and March 1, 2023 meetings approved.
- Temp. Reso. #R7811: $70,000 Law Enforcement Trust Funds for Police Department operational needs approved.
- Temp. Reso. #R7780: Acceptance of $219,603 ARPA Child Care Stabilization Subgrant from Early Learning Coalition of Broward County approved.
- Temp. Reso. #R7828: Interlocal Agreement with Miami-Dade County for emergency water interconnection (not-to-exceed $41,000) approved.
- Temp. Reso. #R7829: First renewal of landscaping/irrigation/litter control services with DynaServe ($395,712.80) – pulled for discussion.
- Temp. Reso. #R7830: Maintenance services for Mark43 Records Management System ($161,300) – pulled for discussion.
- Temp. Reso. #R7831: Maintenance/support for PremierOne CAD System and radio equipment ($92,942) – pulled for discussion.
- Temp. Reso. #R7834: Highway Maintenance Agreement with FDOT for SR-7 Transit Corridor Improvement – pulled for discussion.
- Temp. Reso. #R7835: Award for Town Center Asphalt Walkway Rehabilitation ($93,440) approved.
- Temp. Reso. #R7838: Purchase/installation of security cameras, panic buttons, and badge access for Real Time Crime Center Phase 2 (not-to-exceed $735,000) – pulled for discussion.
- Temp. Reso. #R7839: Phase 1 roofing services for West District Police Substation ($578,419) – pulled for discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Margarita Morales (Huntington resident, 30-year homeowner) expressed strong opposition to a proposed zoning change from commercial to multifamily (300 units, 7 stories) at 3700 Lakeside Drive, citing concerns about traffic, safety, and property values. She urged the commission to deny the project when it comes forward.
- Mario Font (Huntington resident) asked about the city’s process when an owner seeks modification within an HOA and the HOA opposes it. The mayor and city attorney clarified that no formal application has been received; the process would involve a public hearing where both sides present.
- Lazara Nunez (Huntington resident, 23-year homeowner) reiterated opposition: the HOA board passed a motion to formally oppose the project, and a community petition has collected over 50% of signatures within five days. She listed concerns about decreased property values, changed neighborhood character, increased density, and safety.
Discussion Items
- Landscaping & Litter Control (Item 5): Commissioner Davis requested unbundling the contract to create opportunities for small and minority businesses. Dr. Karen Hollis explained prior unsuccessful attempts due to SBE capacity issues. Commissioner Davis emphasized the need for a successful model, asking the city manager to develop a holistic plan with financing or education support. The item was approved (4-0, Chambers absent for vote? Actually recorded votes: all yes).
- Mark43 Records Management System (Item 6): Commander Italia Thurston presented. Commissioner Davis clarified that the software does not include body cameras (handled by Axon). Approved unanimously.
- PremierOne CAD System (Item 7): Thurston explained the CAD system integrates with Broward Sheriff’s dispatch, reducing radio chatter and allowing self-dispatch. Approved unanimously.
- FDOT SR-7 Transit Corridor (Item 8): Assistant City Engineer Leah DeRiel presented the maintenance agreement for pedestrian/bicycle improvements on SW 25th and 33rd Streets. Commissioner Davis questioned the Mediterranean design for bus shelters in the historic neighborhood, requesting a comprehensive architectural plan for the area. Approved unanimously.
- Real Time Crime Center Phase 2 (Item 10): Public Safety IT Manager Jason Campbell presented. Discussion included scope (cameras, badge access, panic buttons, situational awareness software), monitoring (analysts at police HQ), and funding (not eligible for UASI cybersecurity grant; future federal grants to be sought). Vice Mayor Colbourne requested a workshop to outline the full plan. Commission agreed to both one-on-one briefings and a general workshop. Approved unanimously.
- West District Police Substation Roof (Item 11): Construction Administrator Daryll Johnson presented Phase 1 (flat roof and stucco parapet) for $578,419, with Phase 2 (tile roof) in FY2024. Extensive debate ensued: Commissioner Davis asked about cheaper materials; Commissioner Barnes criticized the Mediterranean look mandate; Commissioner Chambers questioned the warranty (previous leaks, design flaws, and interior damage not covered). Mayor Messam urged efficiency. The manufacturer (Garland) confirmed a 30-year warranty with on-site inspections. After a tense exchange between Mayor Messam and Commissioner Chambers over speaking time, the item was approved 4-1 (Commissioner Chambers dissenting).
- Water Conservation Resolution (Item 12): Resolution supporting the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation approved 4-1 (Commissioner Chambers dissenting).
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda Items: 11 items approved with several pulled for discussion; all pulled items were eventually approved as noted.
- Ordinances – First Reading:
- Elderly Affairs Advisory Board (Ord. #O1806): Approved unanimously. Board will have 11 members (55+ age requirements). Second reading scheduled for April 12, 2023.
- BID Construction & Professional Services Advisory Board (Ord. #O1807): Approved unanimously. Board will have 9 members (one per commissioner plus at-large). Second reading scheduled for April 12, 2023.
- Commission Reports: Commissioner Barnes suggested moving city elections to align with state/federal elections to increase turnout and save costs; Commissioner Chambers opposed. City Attorney noted a charter change would be required.
- Mayor Messam requested a presentation on the building department’s pandemic performance and a rollout schedule for the race-conscious program. He also raised concerns about police car replacement and the appointment of the new police chief.
- Next Regular Meeting: April 12, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Elected once per week on your regularly scheduled good evening. The meeting of the Myanmar City Commission is now called to order. An opportunity was given to the public to register to participate 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 backslash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATT Uverse Channel 99 for City of Miramar subscribers. As of March 15th, 2023 at 5 p.m. One member from the public has 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. 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 being taken. At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Mayor Mason. Here. Commissioner Barnes. Commissioner Chambers. Vice Mayor Colburn. Yeah. Commissioner Davis. City Manager Dr. Virgin. Here. City Attorney Norris Weeks. City Attorney Powell. Let us all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Chief Ray Perez, fire department lost his father. Angelita Dirish, Human Resources, lost her mother, and Maxo Sainteless from the public works department, Uncle. Let's keep our colleagues at the City of Miramar in our thoughts and our prayers, as well as keeping our community in our thoughts and prayers who may be experiences experiencing loss in their families as well. Let's have a pause for a moment of silence. It seems like it's a surprise to you, too. Or the representative from your office. Yes. Okay. You're recognized, sir. Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. Advice Mayor Commission. Um I would like uh my staff to present this item so that we can discuss um one of the project of Mr. DeBarton. Nixon. Oh, sorry. We have Dwight Ms. My apologies. Um, DeBron, not this one, the other one. Uh so Mr. Mayhem, you one of the things that we are proud of in the City of Miramar is the service that our employees gave to us. And we are delighted to say the least that Ms. Barbara McCreary from Budget has a distinguished career of over 25 years and will be retiring in the next um month or so. And so we're gonna take this opportunity to present to her, and we'll allow the budget team to do the honors in presenting Miss Barbara McCarey, uh, Mr.
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