Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting – May 17, 2023
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting – May 17, 2023
The Miramar City Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers at 2300 Civic Center Place. The meeting included multiple presentations, proclamations, a consent agenda, public participation, quasi-judicial hearings, and several resolution votes. Key actions included approval of the School Resource Officer Agreement, award of a reclaimed water system expansion contract, appointment of advisory board members, and adoption of a resolution joining the Cities Race to Zero Campaign.
Proclamations & Presentations
- 2023 Mayor John Land Years of Service Awards: Chris Holley II (Florida League of Cities) presented Commissioner Winston F. Barnes with the John Land Years of Service Award for 20 years of elected service. Barnes expressed gratitude.
- Youth Advisory Council Update: Council members presented their participation in the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, DC (March 2023), an Iftar dinner, and a book reading event. They also showed a video they produced to raise awareness about bomb threats in schools, emphasizing legal and mental health consequences. The video was praised by the Mayor as a proactive initiative.
- Teen Council Advisory Board Update: Board members reported on their trip to the Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee (April 3-4, 2023). They met with Senators Lauren Book and Shevron Jones, observed a Senate hearing, and participated in workshops. They also presented a plaque of appreciation to their liaison, Janine.
- Proclamations: The Commission proclaimed: June 2, 2023 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day (with acceptance by Moms Demand Action representative Anna Anselmo); May 17, 2023 as Diamond Nails Day (20th anniversary); May 21-27, 2023 as Emergency Medical Services Week; May 2023 as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (presented to Dr. Ren Zu and Jin Lu Arts for organizing the first AAPI festival on May 6); May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month (accepted by Trisha Mishler from Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s office); and May 14-20, 2023 as National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Consent Agenda
- The consent agenda included 11 routine items. Items 3 (School Resource Officer Agreement), 8 (Sidewalk Improvements to AC Perry Pre-K-8), 9 (Playground Equipment for Sawyer Park), and 11 (Race to Zero Campaign) were pulled for separate discussion. The remaining items were approved unanimously (5-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Delia West (241 Flamingo Drive): Expressed concerns about 18-wheeler and dump truck traffic in her neighborhood, unpermitted residential construction, and sidewalks uprooted by trees. The City Manager directed code compliance and public works to follow up.
- Jorge Solis (957 SW 166th Avenue): Complained about escalating blasting at the White Rock quarry (3-4 times daily, outside agreed hours) and urged stronger city action. He noted a lack of support from the commission and stepped down from the blasting advisory committee. Commissioners acknowledged the issue, noting municipal limitations under state preemption, and committed to continued advocacy with state legislators. Solis also raised concerns about the unfinished intersection of Dykes Road and Miramar Parkway, citing construction delays. The City Engineer provided an update on the project, citing signal arm lead time as a cause for delay, with completion expected within a month.
Discussion Items
1. School Resource Officer Agreement (Item 3 – Resolution R7885)
- Deputy Chief Jim Dunkelberger presented: The city provides 19 SROs and 2 sergeants to 17 public schools (two SROs at each high school). The annual 10-month cost per officer is approximately $122,320. The School Board of Broward County will now pay $103,000 per officer for 2022-2023, totaling $1,957,000 (up from $61,200 last year). Commissioners discussed SRO roles (safety, mentorship, education) and noted that charter schools have a separate agreement. Approved unanimously.
2. Sidewalk Improvements to AC Perry Pre-K-8 (Item 8 – Resolution R7870)
- Award of design services to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for $299,936. Commissioner Chambers asked about coordination with nearby construction (townhomes and park). The City Engineer confirmed the sidewalk project would fill gaps after other road improvements. Commissioner Chambers also urged the city to press the school board to replace the aging AC Perry school building. Approved unanimously.
3. Playground Equipment for Sawyer Park (Item 9 – Resolution R7854)
- Award of $118,410 to Playcore Wisconsin Inc. (GameTime) for playground equipment. Commissioner Chambers requested location clarification (northwest corner off Sawyer Boulevard, west of Island Drive, south of Pembroke Road). Approved unanimously.
4. Cities Race to Zero Campaign (Item 11 – Resolution R7891)
- Sponsored by Mayor Messam, presented by Assistant Director Nixon Lebrun. The resolution joins a global UN-backed campaign to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. Over 1,140 cities have already joined. Staff noted existing city sustainability efforts (LED lighting, EV charging stations, geothermal heat pumps, reclaimed water). Deputy City Manager Kelvin Baker explained the initiative would position the city for federal and state grants and involve a committee of employees. Commissioner Barnes emphasized resident education. Commissioner Chambers expressed support but cautioned against costly measures with limited impact. A promotional video was shown after approval. Approved unanimously.
5. Reclaimed Water System Expansion West of I-75 and Dykes Road (Item 13 – Resolution R7872)
- Award to R.P. Utility & Excavation Corp. for $6,845,228 (base bid) plus $850,000 contingency, total $7,695,228. The project will provide reclaimed water to areas bounded by Pembroke Road, Miramar Parkway, SW 184th Avenue, and SW 60th Avenue, serving seven communities and the regional park. It also meets contractual obligations with Cooper City and Hollywood for virtual reuse. Commissioner Davis asked about increasing minority and local business participation (15% goal). Staff said they will encourage higher participation. Approved unanimously.
6. Amendment with EAC Consulting for Reclaimed Water System Expansion (Item 14 – Resolution R7879)
- Authorized an amendment for construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for $549,578, plus $100,000 contingency, total $649,578. The amendment waives further competitive procurement via a four-fifths vote (best interest of city) due to time constraints (grant deadline, coordination with Miramar Parkway resurfacing, and contractual obligations). Commissioner Colbourne questioned the justification for bypassing procurement; staff explained the designer is best suited to oversee construction and that going to bid would delay the project by 2-3 months and risk grant funds. The amendment required and received a 4-1 vote (Commissioner Chambers opposed, with no objection on the motion after discussion). Passed 4-1.
7. Country Club Ranches Watermain Phase 2 (Item 15 – Resolution R7882)
- Award to DBE Management, L.L.C. for $1,996,839, plus $300,000 contingency, total $2,296,839. The project will serve 62 lots. Staff reported that phase 1 (134 lots) is complete. Commissioner Chambers urged acceleration of the project to serve more residents relying on well water. Staff outlined plans to survey easements and launch outreach to homeowners within two months, with a target to complete phase 2 by October 2023. Approved unanimously.
8. Parcview Townhomes Final Plat (Item 16 – Resolution R7844)
- Quasi-judicial hearing for a 6.46-acre parcel (Wellman Field) north of SW 34th Street. Staff presented the plat consistent with the previously approved site plan for 66 townhomes (approved in November 2022). The plat includes a new street (SW 33rd Street) and about one-third park space. Commissioner Davis raised concerns about all bedrooms being on the second floor, she suggested incorporating one-story villas to accommodate seniors and disabled. The developer, Jasmine Baldwin (Florida Community Development Corporation), explained that changing to include single-story units would reduce unit count, increase costs, and delay financing. Commissioner Chambers supported staying with the original plan to maintain affordability for younger working families. Commissioner Colbourne noted the design was already approved and changes would cause delays and cost increases. The developer agreed to provide an analysis of feasibility for future consideration. The plat was approved unanimously.
9. Continuance of Sam’s Club Fuel Station Application (Item 17)
- The application for conditional use, variances, and site plan for a fuel station at Sam’s Club (Pembroke Road and University Drive) was continued to June 21, 2023, at staff’s request. Approved unanimously.
10. Auditor Selection Committee (Item 18 – Resolution R7886)
- The Commission established a five-member Auditor Selection Committee per Florida Statute 218.391. After discussion, the committee will consist of Vice Mayor Davis (chair) and four external members from the list of five submitted: Hagen Agnew, Jean Pierre Hirsch, Tobin Phil, and Lisa Chung. The fifth candidate was not appointed to maintain an odd number. Approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Approved (5-0): Consent agenda (except pulled items), School Resource Officer Agreement (R7885), Sidewalk Improvements design (R7870), Playground Equipment purchase (R7854), Race to Zero Campaign (R7891), Reclaimed Water Expansion contract (R7872), Country Club Ranches Watermain Phase 2 award (R7882), Parcview Townhomes Final Plat (R7844), continuance of Sam’s Club application (to June 21), and establishment of Auditor Selection Committee.
- Approved (4-1): Amendment with EAC Consulting (R7879) with Commissioner Chambers opposing.
- Future Actions: City Manager directed to address resident concerns about blasting, construction delays, and sidewalk issues. Staff will provide analysis on potential design changes for the Parcview project. A workshop on legislative session impacts was requested. Management asked to review department resource allocation for weekend events.
Meeting Transcript
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. This meeting is being streamed live at Miramar FL dot gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATNTU versus Channel 99 for all Myanmar subscribers. As of May 17th, twenty twenty-three at four thirty PM, four 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 online, 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 roll. Commissioner Barnes. Here. Commissioner Colburn. City Manager Dr. Virgin. Here. City Attorney Powell. Here. City Attorney Gary. Here. We have this evening the Everglades High School Color Guard who will present the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem by Josie Escobar. At this time, may we all rise for the presentation of the colors. You may be seated. We do have a commemoration list to recognize bereaved families of the Myanmar City employees. First beginning with Commissioner Chambers from the City Commission, lost cousins and a close friend. Leah DeRill, Engineering Department, sister, Angelita Delrich, Human Resources, Mother, Conseil, Harold, Human Resources, Aunt, Karen Muir, Human Resources, Sister-in-Law, Azalina Barnes, Police Department, Father, Beverly Crairy, Police Department Niece, Duvard Francois, Police Department Nephew. Let's keep our fellow colleagues and our thoughts and prayers as they endure the loss of family members, as well as any other bereavements that we are experiencing in the community in the city of Miramar. Let's have a moment of silence. On to presentations. Welcome and thank you for having me. Mayor, Commissioners, staff and citizens, my name is Chris Holly, as the mayor alluded to, and I'm the director of external services at the Florida League of Cities, which is located in Tallahassee, Florida. For those in the audience who may not be familiar with the league, the Florida League of Cities has been the voice of city government since 1922. Our goal is to serve the needs of cities by providing city officials and staff with advocacy, training, financial and insurance services, and by standing up for the rights of governments closest to the people, governments like the city of Mirmar. I want to take a moment to say thank you to the city for being an active and dedicated member, and we actually had one of your staff members on a recent webinar. So we appreciate your uh your service and willingness to participate. I'm here today because it is my honor to present Commissioner Winston Barnes with the John Land Years of Service Award for his twenty years of service to the city. The John Land Years of Service Award, named in honor of the Apopka Mayor John Land, who served his city for more than sixty years, honors elected municipal officials like Commissioner Barnes for their extensive years of dedicated public service. Commissioner Barnes, your long-term commitment to public service in this city are truly commendable. It is true that local government is the government closest to the people, and you have positively impacted countless lives through your work as a local elected official, and we thank you for your unwavering dedication to serving your community. At this time, if you don't mind, I would like to read the resolution I'm here to present. A resolution of the Board of Directors of the Florida League of Cities honoring Winston F. Barnes for 20 years of elected service, an award in recognition of his unselfish commitment to municipal leadership and governance. Whereas America's municipal governments have long relied upon the unselfish leadership of their citizens for local self-government and Florida's municipal governments share the time-honored role as the level of government closest to the people. And whereas this reliance places extraordinary responsibilities upon citizen legislators, municipal elected officials who make significant sacrifices of their time and energies on behalf of their citizenry, often for little to no compensation, making this commitment a true labor of love. And whereas municipal leaders strive for excellence in the governance of their city, town or village, and commit themselves to providing quality services, governing effectively, and working to improve the quality of life. And whereas the league has named its years of service recognition in honor of John Land, the mayor of Apopka, between the years of 1942, or sorry, 1949 and 2014, a leader whose dedication is unsurpassed at the national and state levels, and who modeled the way for decades of municipal leadership. And whereas several terms in office, and this is one of my favorite paragraphs in this resolution. Several terms in office are a high compliment voters give to an official. And where these years of experience comes a strengthening of wisdom, discernment, and strong leadership skills that brings tremendous value to the municipal governments of Florida. And whereas Winston F. Barnes has held office in the City of Miramar for 20 years and is recognized for this achievement.
openpublica.com