Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting - April 2, 2024
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Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting - April 2, 2024
The City of Miramar Commission held a regular meeting on April 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included multiple presentations and proclamations, a consent agenda, several resolutions, and two ordinance readings. All items on the agenda were approved, including the re-election of Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis for a one-year term.
Presentations & Proclamations
- Legislative Update: State Representative Robin Bartleman provided a legislative update on bills passed, including fire truck lighting (blue lights), mobile response teams for mental health, lethality assessments for domestic violence, social media restrictions for minors, and property insurance issues. She also highlighted bills that preempt local control (living wage, vacation rentals, public works).
- Recognition of Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers: Ecuador Congressman Johnny Alfredo Lavayen Tamayo presented a recognition to Commissioner Chambers for his service to the Ecuadorian community.
- Recognition of Miramar High School Cheer Team: The team was recognized for winning back-to-back state championships. Coach and captains spoke, thanking the community.
- Check Presentation to UNCF: Commissioner Colbourne presented a $21,000 check to the United Negro College Fund, raised through city employee efforts led by Chief of Staff Cassandra.
- Proclamations: The Commission issued proclamations for Muslim American Heritage Month (April 2024), National Autism Acceptance Month, National Volunteer Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, NAREB Realtist Week (April 7-13), Water Conservation Month, and Financial Literacy Month.
Consent Calendar
- Item 1: Minutes from the Regular Commission Meeting of March 6, 2024, were approved.
- Item 2 (Pulled for Discussion): Resolution #R8106 amending procedures for the Fire Protection Assessment hardship assistance provision was discussed separately and approved (see Discussion Items).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Alison Adams (President of Mark Homeowners Group) expressed gratitude to the Parks and Recreation Department for the planned installation of a prefabricated restroom building at Fairway Park (Item 4), noting it had been a long time coming.
Discussion Items
- Fire Fee Hardship Assistance (Item 2): Vice Mayor Davis sponsored a resolution to update the fire fee hardship exemption procedures. Social Services Director Katrina Davenport presented the changes, including adopting 200% of the Health and Human Services Poverty Guideline (updated annually) as the income eligibility metric, replacing a fixed 2004 table. The just value threshold remains $250,000. Staff estimated a potential maximum budget impact of $2.5 million if all eligible households (about 5,000) applied, but historically only about 100 households apply annually, resulting in a $47,921 revenue reduction. Commissioner Colbourne questioned the fiscal impact difference, but Vice Mayor Davis noted the historical pattern. The resolution passed unanimously.
- Selection of Vice Mayor (Item 3): Commissioner Chambers nominated Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis to serve a second one-year term. After clarification from the City Attorney, the nomination was made for a full year, with a vacancy to be filled if she leaves for county office. The motion passed unanimously.
- Body-Worn Cameras and Tasers (Item 5): Police Executive Officer Willie Jones presented resolution #R8077 to purchase body-worn cameras, equipment, and Tasers from Axon Enterprises, Inc. for $2,890,795 via a cooperative contract. The new cameras feature live streaming, bidirectional communication, and a signal sidearm that automatically activates the camera when an officer draws their weapon. Unlimited cloud storage is included. Vice Mayor Davis and Commissioner Chambers asked about the real-time crime center integration. Chief Del Rush Moss and IT Manager Sean McDonald provided updates: Phase 2 (cameras at town center, software) nearly complete; Phase 3 (physical build-out) awaiting funding. Resolution passed unanimously.
- Roofing at Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center (Item 6): Resolution #R8100 approved $856,811 plus $25,000 contingency ($881,811 total) for roof replacement using a piggyback contract with Garland/DBS, Inc. Commissioner Barnes inquired about roof age and warranty (30-year for built-up, 20-year for tile). Passed unanimously.
- First Reading - Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance (Item 7): Ordinance #O1826 amends the Land Development Code to add a process for reasonable accommodation requests from individuals with disabilities, aligning with federal fair housing and ADA laws. Building, Planning & Zoning Director Nixon LeBron explained it applies to private property modifications (e.g., artificial turf, front yard fences for autistic children). Second reading scheduled for May 1, 2024. Passed unanimously.
- Second Reading - Solid Waste Ordinance (Item 8): Ordinance #O1822, amending Chapter 18 of the City Code, was approved. Key changes: bulk trash cannot be placed curbside more than 7 days before scheduled collection; bulk trash limited to 3 cubic yards of permitted contractor-generated waste; no bulk trash during hurricane warnings or severe flooding. Commissioner Barnes thanked staff for incorporating previous suggestions. Passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Approved: All consent agenda items (Items 1-2), all resolutions (Items 3-6), and both ordinances (Items 7-8) were approved unanimously (5-0 votes).
- Vice Mayor Re-Elected: Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis was re-elected for a one-year term.
- Fire Fee Hardship Procedures Updated: The resolution established annual adjustment of income limits based on HHS poverty guidelines.
- New Equipment for Police: Approved purchase of body-worn cameras, Tasers, and equipment with integration into the real-time crime center.
- Solid Waste Code Amended: New bulk trash placement rules and restrictions enacted.
- Future Meeting: First reading of Reasonable Accommodation ordinance will have second reading on May 1, 2024.
Meeting Transcript
Right, I'd ask if everyone gets settled, going to be gaveling in the meeting at seven o'clock. 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. This meeting is being streamed live at Mirmar FL.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATT Uverse Channel 99 for City of Myanmar subscribers. As of April 2nd, 2024 at 4 p.m., no members from the public have registered to participate virtually in this meeting. If someone is 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 commission. All comments submitted will be included as part of the record for this meeting and will not be considered by and will be considered by the city commission prior to any action taken. At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Mayor Masson. Here. Commissioner Barnes. Here. Commissioner Chambers. Commissioner Colburn. Here. Vice Mayor Davis. Here. City Manager Dr. Virgin. Here. City Attorney Powell. Here. Let us all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States. At this time, we'd like to recognize bereaved city employees who have lost loved ones. And we do have a commemoration list recognizing Nathan Dunkley from Public Works Department who lost his uncle. Let's keep Nathan in our thoughts and prayers, as well as our broader community who may be experiencing loss in their families. And at this time, we'll observe a moment of silence. I do have one modification to the agenda. We will be removed. We will be moving up the proclamation observing Muslim American Heritage Month up to the top. And I would like to invite Dr. Zafar Kureshi and any guests who may be here from our Muslim community observing Muslim Heritage Month. We understand you're going to be breaking fast soon, so we want to make sure to be bringing forward. So come forward. Thank you. American Muslim Heritage Month, April 2024. Whereas Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar and marks the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. And whereas Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days based on the timing of the astronomical new moon. And whereas Muslims around the world observe the month by fasting each day from dawn to sunset. And whereas the daily breaking of fast called Iftar is often celebrated by family and community gatherings and is followed by the Tarawi evening prayer. And whereas Ramadan is regarded as a time for spiritual reflection, increased awareness, and giving to the global poor, sick, and hungry, and a bridging of differences between people over a shared commitment to faith. And whereas Muslims across the Broward County and around the world mark the beginning of the Ramadan this year amidst a global pandemic, where forced were forced to find new ways to connect and observe together over video calls and virtual groups, gatherings. And whereas it may have been challenging to experience Ramadan without all the customary gatherings and formalities, the holy month was still full of reflection, compassion, and unity, nonetheless, and the acts of kindness and selflessness shown by the Muslim community continue to bring hope to us all. And whereas the end of Ramadan is traditionally commemorated by the Aid Alfiter, Festival of Breaking the Fast, a joyous occasion marked by sharing sweets, gifts, and good tidings with family friends and neighbors. And we just recently had an iftar dinner here in the city of Myanmar. And whereas, despite a new normal, Broward County joins and the city of Myanmar with Muslims around the world celebrating the close, the close of Ramadan and a blessed Eid Alfir this year. Now, therefore, I wane Mesa, mayor of the city of Myanmar, and on behalf of the city commission, do hereby proclaim April 2024 as the American Muslim Heritage Month and April 10th, 2024, Muslim Day.
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