OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Miramar City Commission Meeting: June 11, 2024 – Proclamations, Fire Program, Incentives, and Public Comments on Gaza

City Commission — Tuesday, June 11, 2024
BodyMiramar, Florida
SessionCity Commission
DateTuesday, June 11, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
Meeting Thumbnail
⇩ GET FROM SOURCE

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:20

But overall that's good.

0:22

We want to make employees helping it.

1:08

And we're you know, we're saying that you know we're saying that we're gonna be three million dollars a year.

1:22

You know, it's one of that, right?

1:33

So we're gonna be offering more than someone.

1:51

No, but you're right.

2:10

So you have to go.

2:30

It's not just more people.

2:37

And I think now I think the reason why we see more now because people can now are saying, you know what, okay, it just wants to try and call it our capture.

2:50

I wasn't gonna say that's gonna repeat which is great.

3:01

No, you know.

26:53

Where is everyone?

26:55

Okay, if we can get everyone settled in, we need to get the commission meeting started.

26:59

I'll be gaveling in a commissioner.

30:00

This meeting is being streamed live at Miramarfl.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATT Uverse Channel 99 for all Myanmar subscribers.

30:14

As of June 11th, 2024 at 4 p.m., no members from the public have registered to participate virtually in this meeting.

30:20

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.

30:31

Please be sure to mention your name and address for the record prior to addressing the commission.

30:37

All comments submitted will be included as part of the record during this meeting and will be considered by the commission prior to any action being taken.

30:46

At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

30:49

Mayor Masson.

30:50

Yeah.

30:51

Commissioner Barnes.

30:53

Commissioner Chambers.

30:54

Commissioner Colburn.

30:56

Vice Mayor Davis.

30:58

City Manager, Dr.

30:59

Virgin.

31:00

Yeah.

31:01

City Attorney Powell.

31:02

Here.

31:03

Let's all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

31:36

We do have a commemoration list with bereaved city employees.

31:42

I'm first starting with Shauncia Harrell, Human Resources, lost her aunt.

31:52

Johnia Hartley, Social Services, Brother.

31:56

Alcia Allen, Public Works, Cousin.

32:00

Leslie Bell Sr., Public Works, Uncle, Kevin Blackwood, Public Works, Aunt.

32:09

Ignacio Olt, Public Works, Mother and Uncle.

32:15

Robert Samuel, Public Works, Aunt.

32:20

We do have some condolences we are extending to our broader community.

32:27

Harvey Chaplin, Chairman of Southern Glazers Wine and Spirit, one of America's largest spirit distributors, over 90 years old, and had his company in here in the city of Myanmar passed away this past weekend.

32:45

Passed away at age of 95.

32:50

As well as Sheikh Shafe, resident and Muslim spiritual leader who has attended many of our events here in the city of Myanmar and known by many of us.

33:33

On to proclamations.

33:34

We have one proclamation.

33:59

This proclamation is in observance of Juneteenth, Independence Day, which will be observed June 19th, 2024.

34:09

And at this time, I invite the Beta Beta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated to come forward to receive the proclamation.

34:20

Alpha Via Alpha Fraternity is the oldest intercollegiate fraternity for African American males founded on December 4th, 1906 in Ithaca, New York at Cornell University.

34:33

And we're joined by President Reggie Mathis.

34:43

Juneteenth, Independence Day, June 19th, 2024.

34:48

Whereas the amend the emancipation proclamation was formally issued on January 1st, 1863, declaring that enslaved Africans in the Confederate States of America were to be freed.

35:00

And whereas the news of the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation was not immediately delivered to the most remote areas of the Confederate States of America, and whereas news of the abolition of the enslavement of Africans was not delivered to all of the Confederate States until after the conclusion of the American Civil War.

35:20

And whereas all of the Confederate states received news of the end of the enslavement of African people on June 19th, 1865.

35:32

And whereas June 19th, Juneteenth, a linguistic blend of the words June and 19th was adopted to commemorate this historical and pivotal date in American history.

35:46

And whereas, beginning on January 1st, 1980, several states and municipal governments in the United States have declared June 19th, Juneteenth, a legal holiday.

35:57

And whereas on June 16th, 2021, the City of Miramar Commission requested by Mayor Wayne Messon adopted Juneteenth as a legal holiday in the City of Miramar under ordinance number 21-18 to provide city residents and employees an opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rights, privileges, culture, achievements, sacrifices of African Americans.

36:22

And whereas June 19th, Juneteenth is celebrated nationally and internationally to recognize the end of the enslavement of Africans in the United States and to celebrate the culture and achievements of African Americans.

36:38

And whereas today, millions of Americans of all races, creeds, religious, and ethnic backgrounds celebrate Juneteenth, which not only celebrate freedom, but also acknowledges the achievements of African Americans.

36:54

And as celebrations continue to spread, we can all be reminded of the often repeated maxim until all are free, none are free.

37:03

The highlights the manner of the end of slavery in the United States.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Miscellaneous█████████████████17%
Community Engagement██████████████14%
Public Engagement████████████12%
International Relations█████████9%
Procedural██████6%
Fire Protection██████6%
Economic Development██████6%
Capital Improvement Projects██████6%
Public Safety Awareness████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Miramar City Commission Meeting – June 11, 2024

The Miramar City Commission met on June 11, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (meeting gaveled in shortly after that time) for a regular meeting. The agenda included a proclamation for Juneteenth, a presentation on the Everglades High School Fire Program, consent agenda items, resolutions for economic development incentives, a budget amendment, and a change order for the 911 Remembrance Monument. Public comments focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the Mayor indicating a ceasefire resolution would be considered at the July 3rd meeting. All voting items were approved.

Proclamations and Presentations

  • Juneteenth Proclamation: Mayor Wayne Messam proclaimed June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth Independence Day in Miramar. The proclamation was presented to the Beta Beta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. President Reggie Mathis accepted and spoke about the significance of Juneteenth.
  • Everglades High School Fire Program Presentation: Deputy Chief Britton and staff presented an update on the program, initiated in 2014. The program has produced 180 graduates, with five currently employed by Miramar Fire Rescue. Graduates have also gone into military service and other fire departments. Firefighter paramedic Joseph Huertas and Firefighter EMT Blake Allen (both program graduates) gave testimonials. Fire Lieutenant Jake Destajo, a lead instructor, also spoke. The commission expressed strong support for the program.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was approved with one item (7A) pulled for separate discussion. All other routine items were approved unanimously. Item 7A was a resolution approving the nomination of Michael Hood Julian for the city’s Wall of Honor. Family members spoke in support. The resolution was approved unanimously. The Mayor requested that future Wall of Honor items be placed on the regular agenda rather than consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

Five members of the public addressed the commission regarding the conflict in Gaza and Palestine. All speakers urged the city to call for an immediate ceasefire and to use its platforms to raise awareness and support humanitarian efforts. Speakers included:

  • Naima Khan (resident since 1988): Urged the commission to advocate for peace, support humanitarian efforts, and raise awareness. She stated, "Supporting human rights does not make us anti-Semitic."
  • Mishka Sahar Ahmad (Everglades High graduate): Recalled a previous meeting where public comment was not allowed and pleaded for action, citing over 37,000 Palestinian deaths and calling for a ceasefire resolution.
  • Amna Aliyah: Described the situation in Gaza as "hell on earth," noting the destruction of hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. She called on officials to stop aiding the genocide.
  • Kuala Jabbar: Presented statistics: over 37,622 killed, 84,236 injured, 20,000 missing, and 370,000 homes destroyed. He asked for a ceasefire and an end to the occupation.
  • Michelle (resident, address given): Criticized U.S. support for Israel, calling it a genocide, and urged the commission to have the courage to oppose it. She referenced the constitutional duty to uphold freedom and justice.

Mayor Messam responded that the speakers were being heard and that a resolution would be before the commission at the July 3rd meeting. Commissioner Chambers and Commissioner Colburn offered condolences for a recently deceased Muslim spiritual leader, Sheikh Shafe, and expressed hope for a ceasefire.

Discussion Items

  • Economic Development Incentives (Resolutions 8 & 9): Director of Economic Development Anita Fain Taylor presented Project Sawgrass, an international aviation company expanding to Miramar with 88 new jobs (average salary ~$76,000) and $10 million capital investment. The city’s local match for the county program is $26,400. A separate local hiring incentive of up to $44,000 for hiring Miramar residents (if retained 5 years) was also proposed. David Cottington of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance noted that Miramar is a hub for aviation. Commissioner Barnes asked about the return on investment; staff confirmed funding is performance-based and only paid after milestones are met. Both resolutions were approved unanimously.
  • Appointments to Boards (Resolution 9B): Three appointments were approved: Jackie Michelle (Historic Miramar Advisory Board), Annaline Carter (Planning and Zoning Board alternate), and Adai Hawkins (Team Council Advisory Board). Approved unanimously.
  • Third Budget Amendment (Ordinance 10): Presented by Carmen Dominguez. Numerous adjustments to FY2024 budget, including reallocation of ARPA funds, transfers for capital projects (e.g., audiovisual upgrades, water treatment plant improvements), and fund balance reductions. No public comment. Approved unanimously.
  • Change Order for 911 Remembrance Monument (Resolution 11): Presented by Liz Valera. Ratification of Change Order #5 for escalation costs to JZT Utilities in the amount of $89,313.36 (final settlement of a larger claim). Commissioner Chambers asked if this was the final payment; yes. Concerns were raised about future costs for inscribing names on the wall, but that was not part of this project. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Juneteenth Proclamation issued for June 19, 2024.
  • Everglades High School Fire Program presentation received and praised.
  • Consent agenda (all items except 7A) approved unanimously.
  • Resolution 7A (Michael Hood Julian Wall of Honor) approved unanimously.
  • Resolutions 8 and 9 (Project Sawgrass economic incentives) approved unanimously – total city incentives up to $70,400.
  • Resolution 9B (board appointments) approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance 10 (third budget amendment) adopted on second reading unanimously.
  • Resolution 11 (911 monument change order) approved unanimously.
  • The Mayor announced that a ceasefire resolution regarding Gaza will be considered at the July 3, 2024 meeting.
  • City Manager will schedule a meeting with Commissioner Chambers to address staff resource concerns.
  • The Mayor directed engineering to study traffic safety at intersections (172nd & Miramar Parkway and Pembroke Road at Renaissance/Raintree).

Meeting Transcript

But overall that's good. We want to make employees helping it. And we're you know, we're saying that you know we're saying that we're gonna be three million dollars a year. You know, it's one of that, right? So we're gonna be offering more than someone. No, but you're right. So you have to go. It's not just more people. And I think now I think the reason why we see more now because people can now are saying, you know what, okay, it just wants to try and call it our capture. I wasn't gonna say that's gonna repeat which is great. No, you know. Where is everyone? Okay, if we can get everyone settled in, we need to get the commission meeting started. I'll be gaveling in a commissioner. This meeting is being streamed live at Miramarfl.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATT Uverse Channel 99 for all Myanmar subscribers. As of June 11th, 2024 at 4 p.m., no 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 commission. All comments submitted will be included as part of the record during this meeting and will be considered by the commission prior to any action being taken. At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Mayor Masson. Yeah. Commissioner Barnes. Commissioner Chambers. Commissioner Colburn. Vice Mayor Davis. City Manager, Dr. Virgin. Yeah. City Attorney Powell. Here. Let's all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. We do have a commemoration list with bereaved city employees. I'm first starting with Shauncia Harrell, Human Resources, lost her aunt. Johnia Hartley, Social Services, Brother. Alcia Allen, Public Works, Cousin. Leslie Bell Sr., Public Works, Uncle, Kevin Blackwood, Public Works, Aunt. Ignacio Olt, Public Works, Mother and Uncle. Robert Samuel, Public Works, Aunt. We do have some condolences we are extending to our broader community. Harvey Chaplin, Chairman of Southern Glazers Wine and Spirit, one of America's largest spirit distributors, over 90 years old, and had his company in here in the city of Myanmar passed away this past weekend. Passed away at age of 95. As well as Sheikh Shafe, resident and Muslim spiritual leader who has attended many of our events here in the city of Myanmar and known by many of us. On to proclamations. We have one proclamation. This proclamation is in observance of Juneteenth, Independence Day, which will be observed June 19th, 2024. And at this time, I invite the Beta Beta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated to come forward to receive the proclamation. Alpha Via Alpha Fraternity is the oldest intercollegiate fraternity for African American males founded on December 4th, 1906 in Ithaca, New York at Cornell University. And we're joined by President Reggie Mathis. Juneteenth, Independence Day, June 19th, 2024.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com