The Miramar City Commission held its regular meeting on September 6, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included multiple proclamations, presentations from county and city officials, approval of routine consent agenda items, a quasi-judicial public hearing for a new WSVN-TV news station, and discussion of urgent matters including a proposed solid waste facility near the city's border. The commission approved resolutions on internal audit services, a comprehensive pay plan, and a call for a lead study at North Perry Airport, among other actions.
All remaining consent items were approved unanimously by a single motion.
Item #2 – Internal Audit Services (Resolution #R7957) – Commissioner Chambers requested discussion. Staff proposed a budget of $200,000, but Commissioner Chambers sought a higher cap to avoid mid-year funding shortfalls, noting that the current $200,000 was fully expended before year-end. After debate, the commission amended the resolution to set a cap of $300,000, allowing the city manager to evaluate actual needs. The item then passed unanimously (5-0).
Item #10 – Miramar Canal Improvement Grant (Resolution #R7947) – Commissioner Chambers made brief remarks thanking staff for their work. The resolution was approved unanimously (5-0).
Item #11 – Comprehensive Pay Plan for Unrepresented Employees (FY2024) – Human Resources Director Randy Cross presented: ~300 full-time and 104 part-time employees covered; a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and a 2% merit increase (for satisfactory or above performance) will take effect October 1, 2023; living wage raised to $15/hour (matching Broward County); new education assistance incentive of $2,000 salary raise for employees who complete a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree during the fiscal year. Vice Mayor Davis inquired about certifications and trades; staff agreed to explore similar incentives for certification programs. Approved unanimously (5-0).
Item #13 – WSVN-TV News Station Development (Quasi-Judicial) – A 71,272-square-foot office building on an ~8-acre parcel at Miramar Parkway and Red Road. The applicant, Andrew Anson (CEO of Sunbeam Television, owner of WSVN Channel 7), presented plans for the new facility, which will bring 300 jobs to Miramar. The project requires a conditional use permit (for more than one satellite dish antenna – 12 total), a plat waiver, site plan approval, and Community Appearance Board approval. Staff recommended approval subject to five standard conditions. Commissioner Barnes welcomed the station, noting precedent set by NBC 6. Vice Mayor Davis stressed small business participation; the applicant agreed to work with the city’s economic development staff. Art in Public Places requirement (0.25% of construction cost) will apply. After testimony from the applicant and no public opposition, the commission approved each component separately and then the overall project – all unanimous (5-0).
Item #14 – Resolution Urging Lead Study at North Perry Airport – Commissioner Colbourne introduced the resolution, similar to one passed by Pembroke Pines. The resolution asks Broward County to fund and implement a study of lead concentration levels in and around the airport. George Corin, a Pembroke Pines resident and member of the airport’s Community Advisory Committee, spoke in favor, citing a July 2, 2023 Sun Sentinel article that named North Perry Airport as near the top for lead emissions among U.S. non-jet airports. He noted that no testing of air or soil has ever been conducted. Vice Mayor Davis and Commissioner Barnes expressed support while noting that Broward County may be reluctant due to revenue concerns. The resolution passed unanimously (5-0).
Urgent Resolution – Opposition to Miami-Dade Solid Waste Campus (Added by Mayor Messam) – Mayor Messam presented an emergency resolution urging Miami-Dade County to reject the mayor’s recommendation to locate a new solid waste campus with a waste-to-energy incinerator at the intersection of Chrome Avenue and US 27 (Opa-locka West Airport site). He reported that the Miami-Dade County Commission had accepted the report that day and may vote on site selection on September 18. The resolution passed as an emergency item (requiring 2/3 vote) unanimously (5-0). Staff was directed to gather technical information and engage with Miami-Dade.
Commissioner Reports
From design. Ready? Ready? All right. 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 or email the city clerk 24 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 the city commission before the city commission unless modified by the chair. This meeting is being streamed live at Miramar FL.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and tell excuse me and ATNT U versus Channel 99 for City of Myanmar subscribers. As of September 6th, 2023 at 6 p.m. 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, 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 city 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. Mayor Massum. Here. Commissioner Barnes. Here. Commissioner Chambers. Commissioner Colburn. Here. Vice Mayor Davis. City Attorney. I'm sorry, City Manager, Dr. Virgin. Here. City Attorney Powell. Here. City Attorney Gary. Here. Let us all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. One lady. At this time, we will observe a moment of silence, and we do have a commemoration list of bereaved City of Myanmar employees. David Daniel, police department. Lost his cousin, Edgar Folks, Public Works, Mother. Enid Chambers, Police Department, Aunt. Jackson Fontaine, Public Works, Uncle. Lloyd Huey, Public Works, Nephew. Richard Rutherford, Public Works, Brother. We also would like to keep our fellow Floridians in the Big Bend area that endured the hurricane and the aftermath and recovery efforts in the panhandle and big bend area. So let's keep them in our thoughts and our prayers and any support and resources we can lend their way. I'm sure would be appreciated. At this time now, we'll observe a moment of silence. Now on to presentations. Okay, there are several proclamations forward that have community-wide significance, so I just in advance just called the entire commission up because I'm sure you all probably want to find participate in this. Family can join as well if you would like. Okay. You're telling me pretty good.