OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting - July 10, 2024

City Commission — Wednesday, July 10, 2024
BodyMiramar, Florida
SessionCity Commission
DateWednesday, July 10, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
12:17

Everybody ready, good.

12:35

Good evening.

12:37

The meeting of the Mirmar City Commission is now called to order.

12:41

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, or concerns on items we will hear on this evening's agenda.

12:54

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 ATT Uverse Channel Ninety Nine for City of Mirmar subscribers.

13:23

As of July tenth, twenty twenty-four at four PM.

13:26

No members from the public have registered to participate virtually in this meeting.

15:14

We do have a commemoration list for our moment of silence.

15:19

And following is a list of Bereaved City of Myanmar employees.

15:27

Melissa St.

15:28

Claire from the Building Planning and Zoning Department.

15:31

Lost her father, Marilyn Chang, Financial Services, Cousin, Chantal Mosset, Financial Services, Uncle, Don Pentado, Financial Services, Mother.

15:48

Let's keep our fellow colleagues in our prayers as they mourn the loss of family members, as well as have a moment of silence for members of our community that have dealt with loss in their families.

16:04

Let's have a moment of silence.

16:28

I do have a couple of announcements before we move on to our presentations.

16:40

State Representative Bartleman cannot attend the meeting.

16:56

Item number nine will be moved from consent agenda to resolutions.

17:10

And item number twenty-seven, sponsored by myself, which is the calling for the immediate ceasefire is being continued.

17:25

And the reason is that the ceasefire is being called upon from both sides.

18:00

So individuals that have come to speak in support are in opposition for item number 27.

18:10

You will be heard through public participation, which will take place at 730.

18:17

So we did want to respect everyone's time.

18:20

We are having public participation and your position and support, our opposition can be heard during that time.

18:29

And I'll make that announcement during public participation.

18:34

On to presentations.

18:36

We do have some proclamations.

18:39

And we will come forward now.

19:31

Let's give them a round of applause.

20:03

Parks and Recreation Month, July 2024.

20:07

Whereas Parks and Recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including the City of Miramar.

20:13

And whereas the 2024 National Recreation and Park Association theme is where you belong, celebrates the many ways parks and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

20:36

And whereas our parks and natural recreation area ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors.

20:49

And whereas parks and recreation promote time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being and alleviating illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's.

21:06

And whereas parks and recreation programming and education activities such as out of school programming, youth sports, and environmental education are critical to childhood development.

21:18

And whereas parks and recreation increase the community's economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and criminal, excuse me, and crime reduction.

21:36

And whereas the U.S.

21:37

House of Representatives has this designated July as Parks and Recreation Month.

21:41

Now, therefore, I wane Mesa, mayor of the City of Miramar, and on behalf of the City Commission do hereby proclaim July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month.

21:52

And I know that I don't stand alone when I say that our parks and recreation department does an amazing job.

21:59

Obviously, out front are the wonderful events we do in the community, but when you really look at our over 40 parks and the programs that take place at our parks, I know that the city of Miramar, and we know that our city stands second to no one as it relates to how we engage with the community and provide resources for them for recreational activities in creating memories and physical fitness and all of the benefits of participating in our parks.

22:26

And we thank you all so much for all that you do for our events and our facilities because you are definitely the best.

22:32

So thank you all.

22:32

Let's give them a round of applause.

22:47

Thank you, ma'am.

22:58

For our next two um proclamations, I'd like to invite uh my colleagues forward in recognition of two of our best and finest on our police department.

23:11

We're going to do them individually, and I invite Chief Moss forward to give us some background.

23:20

I think you have the information.

23:22

If you need me to read it, I'll read it.

23:23

But I think it's best coming from our chief to share with our community.

23:33

And our first recognition will be in honor of Detective Jonathan Zeller.

23:48

Okay.

23:53

So tonight we honor Detective Jonathan Zeller for his outstanding investigative skills.

23:59

On January 23rd, 1980, Evelyn Fisher Bamberforth was found deceased in her residence at the Haven Lakes Mobile Home.

24:10

An investigation was conducted, and she was found to have been sexually assaulted and murdered by an unknown offender.

24:17

This case remained unsolved for 43 years.

24:20

Detective Seller self-initiated a review of the case in 2021 and began to track down witnesses, retest evidence, and ask the state attorney's office for assistance to the case.

24:30

Detective Zeller used his strong professional network of counterparts to work with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as well as the Briarwood State Attorney's Office and the Briarwood Sheriff's Office to conduct reviews of evidence.

24:51

After thorough review of the evidence and facts, Detective Zeller was able to secure an indictment against uh Ronald Richards for first degree murder and sexual battery.

25:00

Richards lived near the victim at the time of the murder and had previously committed a murder in Ohio, where he killed his ex-girlfriend and discarded her body on a roadway.

25:10

Convicted of aggravated uh aggravated murder, Richards was paroled in 1979 and moved to Miramar.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████13%
International Relations████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management████████8%
Public Safety███████7%
Fiscal Sustainability███████7%
Property Tax█████5%
Proposed Projects█████5%
Floodplain Management████4%
Legislative Updates████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting - July 10, 2024

The Miramar City Commission convened on July 10, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers at 2300 Civic Center Place. The meeting featured proclamations, a legislative update from Senator W.B. Pizzo, a 16-item consent agenda, resolutions addressing the FY2025 budget and assessments, and a quasi-judicial hearing. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Mayor Wayne M. Messam presided, and Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis, Commissioner Winston F. Barnes, Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers, and Commissioner Yvette Colbourne were present.

Presentations & Proclamations

  • Proclaimed July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month, highlighting the department's contributions.
  • Proclaimed July 10, 2024 as Detective Jonathan Zeller Day for solving a 43-year-old cold case.
  • Proclaimed July 10, 2024 as Detective Christopher Smith Day for solving a 37-year-old homicide cold case.
  • Proclaimed June 22, 2024 as Kelvin L. Baker Sr. Day, honoring a Marine Corps veteran.

Legislative Update

Senator Pizzo addressed the Commission, covering: vetoes of local projects; the veto of the short-term rental bill; HOA reforms in HB 1203; condo safety regulations; the MySafe Florida Home program (up to $10,000 for hardening); street takeover legislation; and his support for the city's stance against a proposed incinerator. He also discussed property insurance reforms.

Consent Calendar

The Commission approved the majority of the consent agenda. Items 4, 5, 6, and 14 were pulled for separate discussion; item 9 was moved to resolutions. Approved consent items included:

  • Minutes from five prior meetings to be placed on the September 4, 2024 agenda.
  • Renewal of Security Guard Services with Bright Light Security Services, $395,000.
  • Acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2023 Urban Area Security Initiative grant, $329,290.
  • Local Agency Program Agreement with FDOT for Sherman Circle design services.
  • Award of landscaping/irrigation/litter control services to The Greenshape, $524,472 annually plus $200,000 contingency.
  • Award of grounds full maintenance services to Dynaserv Florida, $335,703 annually plus $100,000 contingency.
  • Award of re-painting of City Hall, Artspark, and Development buildings to Eagle Painting, total project cost $178,160.
  • Purchase of network equipment for park Wi-Fi, $359,308.
  • Purchase of SCADA cybersecurity remediation services and software, total $952,220 (also discussed as resolution R7909).
  • Second renewal of annual fabrication and repair services, $200,000 combined.
  • Amendment No. 4 with CPH Consulting for water treatment plant design, $159,555.04.
  • Award of design services for West Water Treatment Capacity Expansion Offsite Pipeline, $244,411.
  • Award of tree removal and restoration services at West Water Treatment Plant, $115,500.
  • Amendment to Resolution 23-151 for owner-direct purchase of materials for solar panel project.
  • Award of police uniforms and services to Lou's Police Distributors, $134,000 annually.
  • Renewal of Shotspotter Respond subscription for three years, not to exceed $819,000.

Discussion Items

  • Item 4 (Sherman Circle LAP Agreement): Presented by City Engineer Salvador Zuniga. The agreement covers design phase funding up to $342,401 with FDOT reimbursement. Approved.
  • Items 5 & 6 (Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance): Vice Mayor Davis inquired about unbundling for small businesses. Parks Director Billy Neal noted that the landscaping solicitation was unbundled and four small businesses are involved, while grounds maintenance remains bundled due to scope. Approved separately.
  • Item 14 (Solar Panels and Roofs at Wastewater Plant): Discussion centered on the grid-tie system with no battery backup. Commissioner Chambers raised concerns about roof warranties being voided by solar installs for residents. Staff noted the roof and solar contractors are affiliated. Approved.
  • Item 9 (SCADA Cybersecurity): Presented by IT Assistant Director Ricardo Simonis. The third and final phase of a remediation plan costs $952,220, including services from EMA Inc., Dell, Gray Matter, and Carahsoft. Commissioner Barnes emphasized the criticality of protecting water infrastructure. Approved.
  • Item 16 (Shotspotter Presentation): After approval as part of consent, Police Major Jason Prigmore presented the renewal. He described benefits: faster response, evidence collection, and linking shootings. Vice Mayor Davis asked about expanding beyond the current four-square-mile area; Prigmore said expansion is desired but requires funding.
  • Item 17 (Board Appointments): Appointed James Hepburn to the Planning & Zoning Board and Rose Roch Kolb to the Police Pension Board. Approved.
  • Items 18 & 19 (Fire Assessment and Millage Rate): Assistant City Manager Shaun Gayle presented the FY2025 proposed budget. The millage rate remains unchanged; the average homesteaded home will see a $61.71 annual increase due to property value. Fire assessment rate was established as part of the resolution, with a public hearing set for September 12, 2024. Approved individually.
  • Item 20 (Stormwater Assessment): Public Works Director Tony Collins presented a preliminary rate of $120 per ERU, flat from prior year, with projected revenue of $6.7 million. A public hearing is set for September 12, 2024. Discussion covered flooding issues, including capacity limitations and planned pumping projects. Approved.
  • Item 21 (Sludge Hauling and Disposal): Awarded to Merrell Bros., Inc., at $1,625,595 annually, with a two-year term and three one-year renewal options. Approved.
  • Item 22 (Raw Water Main Improvements): Awarded to Accurate Drilling Systems, Inc., for $3,978,557 base bid plus $120,500 for Option 2 and $400,000 allowance, totaling $4,499,057. The project will connect two new wells to the West Water Treatment Plant. Approved.
  • Item 23 (CDBG Amendment for Weatherization): Chief Housing Administrator Katherine Randall presented the transfer of $329,000 in Neighborhood Stabilization Program income to create a weatherization program. Approved.
  • Item 24 (CDBG Annual Action Plan): The FY2024-25 plan requests approximately $817,000 in CDBG funds for residential rehab, rental assistance, commercial rehab, and administration. Approved.
  • Item 25 (Abandoned Property Ordinance): Second reading of Ordinance O1829. Changes from the first reading include a $150 annual registration fee (increased from $100). Approved.
  • Item 26 (Chick-fil-A Conditional Use): Quasi-judicial hearing for expanding the existing single-lane drive-through to a partial dual-lane configuration at 3211 SW 160th Avenue. Applicant's counsel Hope Calhoun presented, and Commissioner Chambers expressed concerns about congestion. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 27A (Hurricane Beryl Relief): Commissioner Colbourne sponsored a resolution supporting recovery efforts for Caribbean islands impacted by Hurricane Beryl, directing the city manager to monitor and report. Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Frank Shelaya, president of the firefighters' union, urged the Commission to support fair wages and working conditions for firefighters, describing their sacrifices.
  • Chuck Amaring, from Accurate Drilling Systems, was present to answer questions on the raw water main project.
  • Hawla Abdel Jabbar described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and open borders.
  • Hattie Willis reported chronic flooding in East Miramar, claiming the new drainage system is inadequate and asking officials to visit her community. Mayor Messam directed staff to discuss seawall programs and visit her home.
  • Marianne Rayo spoke in support of a ceasefire resolution, criticizing U.S. funding of the conflict.
  • Mishka Ahmad urged the Commission to pass a ceasefire resolution and criticized the item being continued.
  • Amna Leyan presented a report on genocide in Gaza and asked the city to take action.
  • Lisa Katz (virtual), representing the Combat Antisemitism Movement, formally requested the Commission not to consider the ceasefire resolution at all, or to work with her on more nuanced language.

Key Outcomes

  • All items were approved unanimously; the ceasefire resolution (Item 27) was continued to a future meeting to allow all community voices to be heard.
  • The first public hearing for the FY2025 budget and assessments is scheduled for September 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM.
  • The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for September 4, 2024 at 7:00 PM, following a 5:00 PM Affordable Housing Workshop.
  • During commission reports, Vice Mayor Davis publicly criticized Mayor Messam for missing Veterans Day and Memorial Day events without notifying her, and for failing to follow protocol at a recent event.

Note: The meeting extended to approximately 11:30 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Everybody ready, good. Good evening. The meeting of the Mirmar 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, or 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 ATT Uverse Channel Ninety Nine for City of Mirmar subscribers. As of July tenth, twenty twenty-four at four PM. No members from the public have registered to participate virtually in this meeting. We do have a commemoration list for our moment of silence. And following is a list of Bereaved City of Myanmar employees. Melissa St. Claire from the Building Planning and Zoning Department. Lost her father, Marilyn Chang, Financial Services, Cousin, Chantal Mosset, Financial Services, Uncle, Don Pentado, Financial Services, Mother. Let's keep our fellow colleagues in our prayers as they mourn the loss of family members, as well as have a moment of silence for members of our community that have dealt with loss in their families. Let's have a moment of silence. I do have a couple of announcements before we move on to our presentations. State Representative Bartleman cannot attend the meeting. Item number nine will be moved from consent agenda to resolutions. And item number twenty-seven, sponsored by myself, which is the calling for the immediate ceasefire is being continued. And the reason is that the ceasefire is being called upon from both sides. So individuals that have come to speak in support are in opposition for item number 27. You will be heard through public participation, which will take place at 730. So we did want to respect everyone's time. We are having public participation and your position and support, our opposition can be heard during that time. And I'll make that announcement during public participation. On to presentations. We do have some proclamations. And we will come forward now. Let's give them a round of applause. Parks and Recreation Month, July 2024. Whereas Parks and Recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including the City of Miramar. And whereas the 2024 National Recreation and Park Association theme is where you belong, celebrates the many ways parks and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe accessible spaces to build meaningful connections. And whereas our parks and natural recreation area ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors. And whereas parks and recreation promote time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being and alleviating illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's. And whereas parks and recreation programming and education activities such as out of school programming, youth sports, and environmental education are critical to childhood development. And whereas parks and recreation increase the community's economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and criminal, excuse me, and crime reduction. And whereas the U.S. House of Representatives has this designated July as Parks and Recreation Month. Now, therefore, I wane Mesa, mayor of the City of Miramar, and on behalf of the City Commission do hereby proclaim July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month. And I know that I don't stand alone when I say that our parks and recreation department does an amazing job. Obviously, out front are the wonderful events we do in the community, but when you really look at our over 40 parks and the programs that take place at our parks, I know that the city of Miramar, and we know that our city stands second to no one as it relates to how we engage with the community and provide resources for them for recreational activities in creating memories and physical fitness and all of the benefits of participating in our parks. And we thank you all so much for all that you do for our events and our facilities because you are definitely the best. So thank you all. Let's give them a round of applause. Thank you, ma'am. For our next two um proclamations, I'd like to invite uh my colleagues forward in recognition of two of our best and finest on our police department. We're going to do them individually, and I invite Chief Moss forward to give us some background. I think you have the information. If you need me to read it, I'll read it. But I think it's best coming from our chief to share with our community. And our first recognition will be in honor of Detective Jonathan Zeller.

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