City of Miramar Commission Regular Meeting – November 13, 2023
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
City of Miramar Commission Regular Meeting – November 13, 2023
The Miramar City Commission met on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers at 2300 Civic Center Place. The meeting included presentations, a consent agenda, resolutions, public hearings, and commissioner reports. Key actions included approval of a 10-year lease for Juici Patties, adoption of the annual CDBG performance report, a 5% cost-of-living salary increase for elected officials (approved 3-2), and renewal of the city attorney agreement for five years.
Presentations
- Small Business Saturday Proclamation: Mayor Wayne Messam proclaimed November 25, 2023, as Small Business Saturday, encouraging residents to support local brick-and-mortar businesses. The proclamation was accepted by Lisa Telford, CEO of Ford Academy of Nursing, on behalf of the small business community.
- Resolution Honoring Dr. Brenda Calhoun Snipes: Vice Mayor Davis sponsored Temp. Reso. #R8035 honoring the life and mourning the death of Dr. Brenda Calhoun Snipes, former Broward County Supervisor of Elections and educator. The resolution passed unanimously (5-0).
Consent Calendar
The consent agenda included 18 routine items (Temp. Resos. #R8018 through #R8033). Items 3, 8, 9, 12, and 13 were pulled for separate discussion. The remaining items were approved unanimously (5-0). Key consent items included:
- Temp. Reso. #R8018: $75,000 for Miramar Police Department advanced training (Law Enforcement Trust Funds).
- Temp. Reso. #R8021: $100,000 DOJ grant for public safety outreach services (police social worker).
- Temp. Reso. #R8025: $252,000 in Law Enforcement Trust Funds for office furniture at the West District Police Substation.
- Temp. Reso. #R8029: $284,880 for police records management software renewals (OMNIA Partners contract).
- Temp. Reso. #R8022: Change Order No. 2 for electrical services at Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater ($58,720.24 total).
- Temp. Reso. #R8024: Phase 2 tile roof replacement at West District Police Substation ($469,611 total).
- Temp. Reso. #R8034: Ratification of Change Order No. 3 for the 9-11 Remembrance Monument ($200,000).
- Temp. Reso. #R8028: Purchase and installation of air conditioning equipment at West District Police Substation ($547,945).
- Temp. Reso. #R8020: Award of RFP for disaster debris removal services to six proposers (three-year initial term with two one-year renewals).
- Temp. Reso. #R8011: Change Order No. 2 for roadway resurfacing (Dykes Road to SW 172 Avenue) for $141,660.60.
- Temp. Reso. #R8031: Change Order No. 6 for Historic Miramar Infrastructure Improvements – Phase IV ($600,000).
- Temp. Reso. #R8015: Award for installation of prefabricated restroom at Huntington Park South ($185,869).
- Temp. Reso. #R8017: Award of RFP for Special Event Services to Circle of One Marketing ($200,000 annual).
- Temp. Reso. #R8012: Renewal of software licenses ($408,850).
- Temp. Reso. #R8013: Award for cybersecurity threat monitoring services ($89,500).
- Temp. Reso. #R8003: Adoption of 2023 Local Housing Incentive Strategies Report.
- Temp. Reso. #R8008 and #R8033: Claim release agreements (Esharia Pond and Jonah Bryant claims).
Discussion Items (Pulled from Consent)
- Item 3 (Temp. Reso. #R8021): Police Major Florinet Derac presented the $100,000 DOJ grant for a police social worker. Vice Mayor Davis highlighted that this is the first program of its kind in Florida, embedding a social worker in the police department to address mental health and social issues. The item passed unanimously.
- Item 8 (Temp. Reso. #R8028): Commissioner Chambers inquired about the AC unit at the West District Police Substation. Assistant Public Works Director Kirk Hobson-Garcia confirmed it is a single large unit for the indoor shooting range. The item passed unanimously.
- Item 9 (Temp. Reso. #R8020): Solid Waste & Recycling Manager Ralph Trapani explained the city has six pre-approved debris management sites and a county agreement. Commissioner Chambers questioned the use of Bass Creek sites and Regional Park. The item passed unanimously.
- Item 12 (Temp. Reso. #R8015): Director of Parks & Recreation Billy Neal noted that a multi-unit restroom was originally planned but the bid came in over budget. The project now includes a unisex restroom (two stalls) along with fitness stations, a pavilion, and lights, saving $400,000 through staff management. A $200,000 matching grant will reimburse the city. Commissioner Colbourne confirmed the grant is reimbursement-based. The item passed unanimously.
- Item 13 (Temp. Reso. #R8017): Billy Neal presented the Special Event Services award to Circle of One Marketing, a women-owned firm. The annual Afro-Carib Festival has grown from 1,500 to over 5,000 spectators and generated $299,000 in revenue in 2023. Commissioners noted the festival's growth and potential to become a signature event like Jazz in the Gardens. The item passed unanimously.
Resolution
- Item 19 (Temp. Reso. #R8032): Lease agreement with RANNKIDD, Inc. (d/b/a Juici Patties) for 2,400 sq. ft. of vacant retail space at 11735 City Hall Promenade (Miramar Town Center). Intergovernmental Affairs Manager Debon Campbell presented details:
- Term: 10 years with one 5-year renewal option; 8 months free rent.
- Base rent: $45/sq. ft. ($108,000 annually, ~$9,000/month) with 3% annual increase.
- Tenant improvement allowance: $40/sq. ft. ($96,000 total), recoverable by the city in year two.
- Use: Fast-food Jamaican restaurant; interior seating for 16, exterior for 40, plus an overflow room for 20–30.
- Owners Anita and Robert Kidd (Miramar residents of 21 years) spoke, emphasizing the restaurant will serve as a community gathering space. Commissioners expressed strong support, with Commissioner Chambers noting the brand's origin in Clarendon, Jamaica. A motion to approve passed unanimously (5-0).
Public Hearings
- Item 20 (Temp. Reso. #R7982): CDBG Program Year 2022 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). Chief Housing Administrator Katherine Randall reported total expenditures of $2,859,144, including:
- $2.8 million across CDBG, SHIP, ARPA, and CDBG-CV funds.
- Home repair: 24 owner-occupied homes assisted; 12 in pipeline.
- Commercial rehabilitation: $339,000 (one building completed, two under construction).
- Purchase assistance: $140,000 (two new homeowners).
- Rental assistance (CDBG and SHIP): 7 and 4 households respectively.
- Microenterprise: $132,597 (businesses assisted).
- 97 total households assisted.
- Commissioner Colbourne and Vice Mayor Davis discussed application demand: 75 applicants for the federal program, with only 8 selected. The city manager urged residents to prepare applications thoroughly. The report was approved unanimously.
- Item 21 (Temp. Ord. #O1820): Second reading of ordinance increasing elected official salaries by 5% COLA. Mayor’s salary from $43,411 to $45,581; commissioners from $34,175 to $35,884. Commissioner Chambers noted each official may decline the increase. Roll call vote: 3 in favor (Commissioners Chambers, Colbourne, Vice Mayor Davis) and 2 against (Commissioner Barnes and Mayor Messam). Approved.
- Item 22 (Temp. Ord. #O1819): Second reading of FY23 final budget amendment. Assistant Budget Director Carmen Dominguez presented adjustments, including an $828,000 increase in insurance premium tax revenue and $1 million reduction in ARPA transfer. General fund expenses decreased by $172,000 overall. Approved unanimously.
- Item 23 (Temp. Ord. #O1821): Second reading of FY24 first budget amendment. Includes $1.4 million increase for economic development incentives (reappropriated from FY23) and adjustments to solid waste disposal and stormwater management funds. Approved unanimously.
Other Business
- Item 24 (Temp. Reso. #R8036): Exercise of city’s option to renew the City Attorney Services Agreement with Austin Pamies Norris Weeks Powell, P.L.L.C. for an additional five-year period. Vice Mayor Davis introduced the item, noting the contract allows a 60-day notice and the current agreement expires September 28, 2024. Commissioner Colbourne expressed disappointment that the item was not discussed earlier and requested a meeting with the attorneys to provide feedback; the firm agreed. Commissioner Barnes noted the contract permits renewal rather than re-procurement. The resolution passed 5-0.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimously approved: All consent items (except those pulled), Dr. Snipes resolution, Small Business Saturday proclamation, Juici Patties lease, CAPER report, FY23 and FY24 budget amendments, and city attorney contract renewal.
- Approved 3-2: Elected official 5% COLA salary increase (Commissioners Barnes and Mayor Messam dissenting).
- Directives:
- Public Works to address temperature control issues at the Cultural Arts Center and third-floor lobby.
- City Manager to coordinate with the Broward Historic Preservation Board regarding the city’s 70th anniversary in 2025 and to identify historic sites and long-term residents for oral histories.
- City Attorney’s office to schedule a meeting with Commissioner Colbourne to discuss performance.
- Upcoming Events: Turkey giveaways (Commissioner Barnes on Nov. 16 at Fairway Park; Commissioner Chambers on Nov. 21 at National Guard Armory); Miramar Parks’ Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning (Nov. 23); National League of Cities Conference (Mayor and commissioners attending); Miramar Aviation Expo community day on Dec. 2; Commission’s annual Christmas party on Dec. 8; New Year’s Eve celebration at Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater on Dec. 31.
Meeting Transcript
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 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.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATNT U verse channel ninety nine for all Miramar subscribers. Thank you. On to presentations. And I would like to invite the CEO of Ford Academy of Nursing, Miss Lisa Telford, to come to receive the Small Business Saturday proclamation on behalf of the small business community. This proclamation is in observance of Small Business Saturday, which is observed on Saturday, November 25th, 2023. Whereas the City Commission of the City of Miramar, Florida celebrates and joins the small business administration and organizations across the country and supporting our local small businesses by shopping at a small business. And whereas, founded by American Express in 2010, and officially co-sponsored by SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small business's busiest shopping season. Historically reported, projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on small business Saturday reached an estimated 17.9 billion dollars. And whereas most consumers who shopped on small business Saturday agree that shopping at small independently owned businesses support their commitment to making purchases that have a positive social, economic, and environmental impact, and most consumers who shopped on small business Saturday agree that small businesses are essential to their community. And whereas the majority of consumers who shopped on small business Saturday reported the day makes them want to shop or eat at small independently owned businesses all year long, not just during the holiday season. And whereas the SBA, women impacting public policy, also known as WIP, and American Express will be kicking off the 2023 holiday season by encouraging consumers to support our nation's nearly 32 million independent businesses this small business Saturday and all holiday season long. And whereas the City of Miramar, Florida celebrates and supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our communities. Now therefore, I Wayne Messa, mayor of the city of Miramar, and on behalf of the City Commission, do hereby proclaim Saturday, November 25th, 2023, as Small Business Saturday. And we're asking our community to think about our local Miramar-based businesses. We know that there are a lot of options that are out there and a lot of conveniences in just staying at your home on your phone and buying from Amazon and other outlets, retail or online. But think about our local brick and mortars that could definitely use your support and your patronage during the holiday season. There's no better way than on November 25th to support our local businesses. Vice Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This resolution is a resolution of the City Commission of the City of Miramar, Florida, honoring the life and mourning the death of Dr. Brenda Calhoun Snipes, and providing for an effective date. Whereas Dr. Snipes started her career as a teacher at Blanche Eli High School in Pompano Beach, Florida, in 1964, and became principal of Robert Markham Elementary School, also in Pompano Beach. Whereas Dr. Snipes began her appointment on November 20th, 2003, and was re-elected for four-year terms in November 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. And whereas Dr. Snipes was an exceptional supervisor of elections and was well regarded by the public and her peers. Whereas the mayor, vice mayor, city commission, staff and employees of the city of Miramar, remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Brenda Calhoun Snipes. Now therefore be it resolved by the City Commission of the City of Miramar, Florida, as follows. Section one, that the foregoing whereas clauses are ratified and confirmed as being true and correct are made on specific part of this resolution. Section two, the city commission mourns the passing of Dr. Brenda Calhoun Snipes and communicates their deepest sympathies to her family and friends. Section three, the City Commission authorizes the city clerk to take any and all necessary steps to ensure that a suitable copy of this resolution to be presented to Dr. Brenda Calhoun Snipes' family. The resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. Thank you as we recognize her work as an elected official, a regarded educator, and a member of this community for so many years. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Being that this would be an item that we will be uh voting on. Are there any members from the public that wish to comment on this item? Are there any members from the public that wish to comment on this item? Hearing none, um back to the dais. Um I have a motion on the resolution. Motion to approve.
openpublica.com