Miramar City Commission Meeting – August 16, 2023

The Miramar City Commission met on August 16, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. to conduct regular business, including proclamations, a legislative update, approval of a canal embankment restoration expansion, a complete streets funding agreement, a quasi-judicial hearing for a Sam's Club fuel station, and board appointments.

Consent Calendar

• Items 15 and 23 were continued to the September 6, 2023 meeting.
• The consent agenda (all other items not pulled) was approved unanimously.
• Item 5 (canal improvement expansion) was pulled for discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• During the Sam's Club hearing, five members of the public spoke in favor: Gonzalo Fernandez (Miramar resident/business owner), Florian Cox, Jacqueline Mosley (longtime Miramar resident), and Scarlett Cross (Pembroke Pines resident who works in Miramar). No speakers opposed the project at the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Legislative Update (State Senator Jason Pizzo): Senator Pizzo addressed the erosion of local home rule, the upcoming legislative session’s focus on healthcare, the property insurance crisis, and the need for municipalities to engage earlier in the session. He offered his cell phone (305-505-8478) and emphasized that both parties are frustrated with unproductive “culture wars.”
• Proclamations (7 total): Recognized Jamaica’s 61st Independence Day (August 6), India’s 77th Independence Day (August 15), Aunt Lily Scalzo’s 99th birthday (August 10), Black Business Month, Kingston Delight Day (August 16), International Lifeguard Appreciation Day (July 31), and the Daily Point of Light Award to youth volunteer Amog Paron-Wall.
• City Clerk Intern Recognition: Amar Mansuri, first paid intern through the Passport to Miramar Initiative, was recognized.
• Item 5 – Canal Embankment Restoration Expansion: The Public Works Director reported that the program, initially serving historic Miramar, has completed close to 250 properties. The resolution expands eligibility citywide to canals and lakes on an as‑needed basis; residents will apply. Commissioner Chambers and Vice Mayor Davis noted the program’s growth due to state funding and climate‑change impacts. Approved unanimously.
• Item 20 – Miramar Complete Streets Phase 4 (LAP Agreement): The city received $368,003 in FDOT design funds for sidewalks, pedestrian lights, and ADA upgrades in historic Miramar (yellow segments; red/green already built). Discussion included preserving oak trees via sidewalk routing. Commissioner Chambers requested root barriers. Approved unanimously.
• Item 22 – Sam’s Club Fuel Station (Quasi‑judicial): The applicant sought approval for a members‑only fuel station on an underutilized parking lot, requiring a conditional use, two variances (allow a second station within ¼ mile of an existing station; reduce setback from 200 ft to 154 ft from residential), site plan, and community appearance approval. The applicant presented 525 letters of support, traffic/parking studies showing no adverse impacts, and testimony from local managers. The commission debated: Commissioners Barns and Mayor Messam supported the project, stating the membership‑only nature makes it unique and variances are justified; Commissioners Chambers, Colburn, and Vice Mayor Davis opposed due to the variance encroachment on residential zones and safety concerns. Votes:
  • Conditional use: motion to approve failed 2‑3 (Barnes, Mayor Messam yes; Chambers, Colburn, Davis no).
  • Variance 2200407 (fuel station proximity): motion to deny passed 3‑2 (Chambers, Colburn, Davis yes; Barnes, Mayor no).
  • Variance 2200408 (setback): motion to deny passed 3‑2 (same split).
  • Community Appearance Board: motion to deny passed 3‑2 (same split).
  • Overall project: motion to deny passed 3‑2 (same split); item failed.
• Item 21 – Board Appointments: Appointments made for Elderly Affairs Advisory Board (Paulette Watson), Historic Miramar Advisory Board (Michelle Julian Hood; Nadej Sterling as business owner at‑large), and Teen Council Advisory Board (London McNeil, Sandra Uguazor). Approved.
• Item 24 – Easement Vacation (Miramar Mega Center): Approved unanimously.
• Item 25 – Solid Waste Disposal Authority Governing Board Representative: After discussion, Vice Mayor Davis was appointed as representative and Mayor Messam as alternate. The motion carried 3‑2 (Barnes opposed, others yes).

Key Outcomes

• Canal restoration program expanded citywide; resident application process to be published.
• Complete Streets Phase 4 design funded; sidewalks will include root barriers.
• Sam’s Club fuel station application denied due to variance concerns.
• Board vacancies filled for Elderly Affairs, Historic Miramar, and Teen Council.
• Vice Mayor Davis and Mayor Messam selected to represent Miramar on the Solid Waste Disposal Authority.
• Meeting adjourned after commission reports and announcements (back‑to‑school wishes, budget hearing upcoming).