Miramar City Commission Meeting - October 2, 2024
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Miramar City Commission Meeting – October 2, 2024
The Miramar City Commission met on October 2, 2024, at 4:30 PM. The meeting opened with roll call, proclamations, and presentations before moving to the consent agenda, ordinances, and public hearings. All votes and decisions are recorded below.
Consent Calendar
- Items 1 and 2 (not specified in available materials) were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda. Item 3 (community shuttle service agreement) was pulled for discussion and later approved.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public registered to speak virtually or in person on any agenda item.
Proclamations & Presentations
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Mayor Messam proclaimed October 2024 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 18 as National Mammography Day. Commissioner Colburn recognized Police Major Ty Shaw Williams, a breast cancer survivor in remission, and her grandmother Etheleen Shaw, also a survivor. The proclamation noted that 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer.
- Baron Tate Day – Recognized a Miramar-born swimmer who broke records and won medals at the Goodwill Championship in Jamaica and the Florida state championship. He trained in China via a sports agreement.
- Community Planning Month – Proclaimed October 2024 as Community Planning Month. Staff members were recognized for their role in the city’s well-planned development.
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month – Proclaimed October 2024. The mayor emphasized inclusive hiring and opportunities for people with disabilities.
- Fire Prevention Week – Proclaimed October 6–12, 2024. The 2024 theme: “Smoke alarms: make them work for you.” Statistics cited: 2,700 home fire deaths in 2022; 360,000 home fires; working smoke alarms cut risk in half.
- National Arts and Humanities Month (Artober) – Proclaimed October 2024. Cultural Affairs Director Kamasha Sibia, Broward Cultural Division Director Philip Dunlap, and Assistant Director Zakia Kelly presented. The city has over $27 million in cultural infrastructure. The arts and culture sector is a $877 billion industry supporting 4.6 million jobs. Upcoming events at the Miramar Cultural Center were highlighted.
- Teen Council Advisory Board – Presented a plaque to Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis for her support. The board consists of teens aged 12–17, meets monthly, and runs a podcast (“Talk of the City”).
- Honey Shine Mentoring Program – CEO Tina Brown thanked Vice Mayor Davis for supporting the program, which has served nearly 100 girls over three years.
Discussion Items
- Item 3: Community Shuttle Service Amendment – Third Amendment to the interlocal agreement with Broward County for shuttle service. Assistant Director Christy Gilbert reported that a consultant’s report on route improvements has been completed and will be submitted to the county; the process is expected to take six months. The current propane buses are about five years old; future replacements may consider electric. Approved unanimously.
- Item 4: Chemical Purchases for Water Treatment – Resolution authorizing $2,350,720 for chemicals (sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, corrosion inhibitor, sulfuric acid) for FY2025 at the East and West Water Treatment Plants and the West Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Approved unanimously.
- Item 5: Live Local Act Ordinance Amendments – Amendments to the Land Development Code to comply with state legislation (SB 102) for affordable housing mixed-use developments in commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zones. Key provisions: parking reductions of up to 20% near transit hubs, 10% near transit stops, and potential elimination of parking within the transit-oriented corridor. Developments must be at least 40% affordable. The amendment also exempts private schools meeting state criteria from conditional use requirements.
- Commissioner Barnes expressed concern about density and the impact on the historic corridor, noting insufficient transit.
- Vice Mayor Davis questioned parking elimination without robust public transit; staff confirmed that if a developer meets requirements, no parking is required.
- Commissioner Chambers opposed, citing loss of local control and concern that affordable housing is not truly affordable.
- Commissioner Colburn asked about affected areas; staff noted redevelopment of underperforming shopping centers is possible.
- Mayor Messam urged proactive coordination with Broward County Transit to anticipate demand.
- Vote: 4-1 (Commissioner Chambers opposed).
- Item 5b: COLA for Elected Officials – Ordinance increasing mayor’s salary from $45,581 to $46,948 and each commissioner’s from $35,884 to $36,961 (3% COLA). Total annual cost ~$9,000.
- Commissioner Barnes voted no, stating it is a part-time job; he will donate the increase to a scholarship fund.
- Commissioner Chambers supported, noting all city employees receive a COLA.
- Commissioner Colburn supported as a modest increase.
- Vice Mayor Davis supported.
- Mayor Messam voted no, preferring that residents decide such increases.
- Vote: 3-2 (Commissioner Barnes and Mayor Messam opposed).
- Item 6: Conditional Use – Pharmacy (Martiniques) – Location: 6229 Miramar Parkway. Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–3pm, closed Sun. The pharmacy will fill a gap in the area (no other pharmacy within 1,000 feet). Approved unanimously.
- Item 7: Raising Cane’s Restaurant – Continued to October 16, 2024, meeting. Approved unanimously.
- Item 8: Historical Plaque Recognition – Resolution to include names of commissioners who approved a project on future plaques, alongside current commissioners.
- Vice Mayor Davis proposed the change to honor past commissioners.
- Commissioner Chambers questioned the need, but supported out of collegiality.
- Commissioner Barnes opposed.
- Vote: 4-1 (Commissioner Barnes opposed).
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda (items 1–2) approved unanimously.
- Item 3 (Shuttle amendment) approved unanimously.
- Item 4 (Chemical purchases) approved unanimously.
- Item 5 (Live Local Act amendments) approved 4-1.
- Item 5b (COLA for elected officials) approved 3-2.
- Item 6 (Pharmacy conditional use) approved unanimously.
- Item 7 (Raising Cane’s) continued to October 16, 2024.
- Item 8 (Plaque recognition) approved 4-1.
Commissioner Reports
- Commissioner Barnes – Thanked staff for the Rockin’ the Burg event on September 27.
- Commissioner Chambers – Proposed a pilot program to create a credit union partnership for low-interest employee loans, using a city deposit as a guarantor. Also announced the Miramar Art, Food & Wine Festival (Oct 5) and Miramar Art in the Street (Oct 6). Attended Broward County school board meetings regarding potential school closures and urged consideration of student impact.
- Commissioner Colburn – Praised the Latin Music Festival (largest crowd yet, no complaints). Attended school board meetings on under-enrollment; noted positive suggestions from parents and teachers. Asked about the Afro-Carib event in February 2025 (Vice Mayor Davis clarified it is a “save the date” and will be reassigned after her departure).
- Vice Mayor Davis – Thanked Social Services for the Senior Resource Fair. Announced the Stanley Cup will be displayed at City Hall on October 9, 9–10 AM, for photos. Noted the Panthers’ championship and desire for inclusive sports.
- Mayor Messam – Thanked Parks & Rec and Marketing for the Men’s Health Summit on September 29, featuring Dr. Miller Carrier and Alonzo Mourning. Reported on the effort to oppose the incinerator at Airport West; a Miami-Dade County decision is expected November 6. The city will continue advocacy.
Meeting Transcript
Ember, you don't need an insurance card or an appointment to see the doctors here. But we recommend that you use the QR code on your screen or on the notice boards throughout the city to view the calendar and set an appointment, getting directions and seeing the clinic hours. I'll be gathering gal gal gaveling in to start the meeting. 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 or 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 commission unless modified by the chair.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATNT Uverse Channel 99 for City of Myanmar subscribers. As of October second, twenty twenty-four, at four thirty PM. No members from the public have registered to participate virtually in this meeting. At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Commissioner Barnes. Please note that the city attorneys have requested item number nine uh be withdrawn. And we will now move on to our presentations, and I invite the commission members forward to participate in proclamation presentations. Our first presentation is in observance of breast cancer awareness month requested by Commissioner Yvette Colburn, and at this time we invite police major Ty Shaw Williams to receive the proclamation on behalf of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Good evening, welcome. And Mother Shaw. Come on. Proclamation, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Whereas October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and whereas National Breast Cancer Awareness Month eCates women about early breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. And whereas National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer with national public service organizations, professional organizations, and government agencies who work together to ensure that the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month message is heard by thousands of women and their families. And whereas October 18, 2024 is National Mammography Day. And on this day or throughout the month, women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment. And whereas mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early when easier to treat. And whereas breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. And whereas the chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is about one and eight. Whereas death rates from breath breast cancer have been declining, and this change is believed to be due to the result of early detection through screening, increased awareness, and improved treatment. And whereas NBCAM recognizes that although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. Therefore, I Wayne Messon, mayor of the city of Myanmar, and on behalf of Commissioner Colburn and the City Commission do hereby proclaim the month of October 2024 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 18th as National Mammography Day in the City of Myanmar. Commissioner Colburn. Thank you. First, I want to say thank you so much to Major Shaw and her grandmother who is here today to receive the proclamation. Major T Shaw Williams is a proud Miramar employee and an even prouder breast cancer survivor who is currently in remission. With that being said, Major Shaw did not endure her breast cancer journey alone. Her grandmother, Etheleen Shaw, who is here tonight, is also a breast cancer survivor. Before Major Shaw diagnosis of stage three breast cancer in her left breast. Her grandmother, Mrs. Shaw, was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in her left breast. What makes their journey more unique is that they shared the same doctor, oncologist, Dr. Adriana Millie Lowe Narain, a breast cancer medical oncology at Memorial Cancer Institute. Major Shaw endured insureds, she makes it all to all her appointments so that her doctor would not tell her grandmother on her. And but to go through it with your grandmother. But you know, I thank you both for being here today, and I congratulate you on being survivors. Love you both. Thank you all for sharing this one. Thank you, Brahma. Our next presentation is in recognition of Baron Tate Day, requested by Commissioner Coburn, and at this time the Baron Tate family to come forward, please. Let's give them a round of applause. Baron Tate was born in Miramar on October 19, 2007 to his parents, firefighter Lieutenant Inspector Daniel Tate and Maria Tate. And whereas Barron started to swim when he was barely a toddler, taught by his father who has responded to so many incidents related to drowning. And whereas Barron has broken the plantation swim team record for boys' junior Olympics, 13 to 14 years old, into 200 and 400 freestyle relay, 200 and 400 medley.
openpublica.com