OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Miramar City Commission Meeting: February 19, 2025 – Proclamations, Blasting Advisory Report, and Local Government Academy Launch

City Commission — Wednesday, February 19, 2025
BodyMiramar, Florida
SessionCity Commission
DateWednesday, February 19, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
Meeting Thumbnail
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0:00

Being donated to a charitable trust that would support Miami Dade County charities.

0:05

We urge the Miami Dade County Commission to do the right thing and select the right site.

0:10

So Miramar residents and friends who oppose this incinerator.

0:14

What can you do to help us?

0:17

Well, make your voices heard.

0:19

Sign our petition and help send a message to the Miami Dade County Commission that we would not allow this incinerator in our backyard.

0:28

Visit Miramar FL.gov slash no burn to learn more and sign the petition.

0:47

Hi everyone, this is Commissioner Waston Barnes.

0:50

Welcoming you to one of our regular discussions.

0:52

This time around, we'll be talking about stroke awareness month, which is the month of May.

0:58

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

1:03

An opportunity was given to the public to register to participate or email the city clerk 24 hours prior to the commission meeting with any questions, comments, concerns on items we will hear on this evening's agenda.

1:15

Any person may be heard on this on excuse me.

1:18

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.

1:31

This meeting is being streamed live at Miramar FL.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATNTU versus channel 99 for all City of Miramar subscribers.

1:43

As of February 19th, 2025 at 4 30 p.m.

1:47

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

1:52

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.

2:02

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

2:07

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

2:17

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

2:20

Mayor Massum.

2:21

Here.

2:22

Commissioner Barnes.

2:23

Here.

2:24

Commissioner Chambers.

2:25

Here.

2:26

Commissioner Colburn?

2:27

Yeah.

2:28

City Manager Dr.

2:29

Virgin.

2:30

Here.

2:31

City Attorney Powell?

2:33

Here.

2:34

City Attorney Gary.

2:35

Here.

2:36

Let us all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:44

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

3:10

On our commemoration list for bereaved city of Miramar employees, we would like to acknowledge that Deputy City Manager Kelvin Baker from the Office of the City Manager lost his brother.

3:23

So let's extend our thoughts and prayers to DCM Baker as for the transition of his brother, as well as any other observances we may be experiencing in the community of Bereed families in our city, county, state, and nation.

3:42

Let's have a moment of silence.

4:01

Please be advised that item number five under resolution and item number eight under quasi judicial have both been pulled.

4:12

So if any members from the public that are here in the chambers are watching virtually, please be advised that item number five under resolution and item number eight under quasi judicial have both been pulled.

4:28

We do have a proclamation.

5:15

At this time, I would like to invite Director Nixon LeBron and team to accept the proclamation and observance of Flood Awareness Week.

5:37

Flood Awareness Week, March third through 9th, 2025.

5:42

Whereas, like many other communities in the state of Florida, the City of Myanmar has experienced severe weather in the past in the form of extreme rainfall or tropical system events resulting in flooding.

5:53

And whereas minor and severe flooding has caused damage and flood losses to homes and buildings in our community, whether they are in high-risk special flood hazard areas or low moderate risk flood zones.

6:03

And whereas the city of Miramar is one of four hundred and sixty-eight communities in the state of Florida that voluntarily participate in the national flood insurance program, which provides residents with the opportunity to protect themselves against flood loss through the purchase of flood insurance.

6:20

And whereas the city of Miramar is also one of two hundred and forty-four of these Florida communities that voluntarily participate in the community rating system known as CRS and have set high regulatory standards to reduce flood risk and potential flood damage to the community, which provides premium discounts to NI to NFIP policy holders.

6:41

And whereas the reduction of loss of life and property damage can be achieved when appropriate flood preparedness control and mitigation measures are taken before a flood.

6:52

And whereas a reduction, excuse me, whereas public education and awareness of potential weather hazards and methods of protection are critical to the health safety and welfare of residents.

7:04

And whereas in support of its strategic goal of advocacy, the Florida Flood Plain Managers Association have declared the week of March 3rd through 9th, 2025 as Flood Awareness Week to promote awareness and increase knowledge of flood risk, the availability of flood insurance, flood protection methods, and how to prepare for emergencies.

7:24

Now therefore, in coordination with the state of Florida, I win Mesa, Mayor of the City of Miramar, do hope do hereby proclaim March third through ninth, twenty twenty-five to be flood awareness week.

7:35

And we thank all of our City of Miramar staff that does what they do best to inform and educate our community regarding participation in the NFIP program as well as the community rating system survey and services to engage and inform our community as it relates to the severe weathers that can impact our property.

7:54

So thank you all so much.

8:40

As well as his human resource department colleagues.

10:00

Randy Cross, February 19th, 2025, because this is his last commission meeting.

10:07

Whereas Dr.

10:08

Randy Cross has dedicated over 22 years of exemplary service to the city of Miramar, holding various leadership roles and making a lasting impact through his expertise, innovation, and unwavering commit commitment to public service.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Schools█████████████████17%
Community Engagement███████████████15%
Public Safety██████████████14%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%
Public Engagement████████8%
Procedural██████6%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Risk Management█████5%
Procurement Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Miramar City Commission Meeting – February 19, 2025

The City of Miramar Commission met on February 19, 2025, at 4:30 PM (registration cutoff) for a regular meeting that included proclamations, presentations, public participation, and resolutions. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Wayne Massum, with all commissioners and city staff present. Item numbers 5 (resolution) and 8 (quasi-judicial) were pulled from the agenda. The meeting concluded with commission reports and adjournment.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • Flood Awareness Week (March 3–9, 2025): Mayor Massum proclaimed the week to promote awareness of flood risk, insurance, and preparedness. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community Rating System (CRS), one of 244 Florida communities in CRS.
  • Dr. Randy Cross Retirement: Dr. Cross was honored for over 22 years of service, including roles as Procurement Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Human Resources Director. He secured over $30 million in grants, led post-Hurricane Irma recovery, and transitioned employee insurance to a self-funded model. Commissioners expressed gratitude for his legacy.

70th Anniversary Commemoration

  • Staff presented a video tribute and a collaborative art project by seniors and children ("Platinum Roses") to celebrate the city's 70th anniversary, culminating in a group photo.

Blasting Advisory Board Report & Recommendations

Chairman Ryan Millet presented findings and recommendations on behalf of the board:

  • Background: The board facilitates communication between the city and residents affected by commercial blasting from White Rock Quarry in northwest Miami-Dade County. Past direct engagement with quarry management was unproductive.
  • Recommendations:
    1. Legislative reform: Request the commission prioritize commercial blasting regulation for the 2025–2026 state legislative sessions, fund a city lobbying team, and partner with Miami Lakes and other communities.
    2. Administrative actions: Allocate resources to lobby the State CFO/Fire Marshal’s office for increased enforcement; invite key state officials to observe blasting impacts; require a written liaison from the State CFO’s office.
    3. Public education & awareness: Propose a $10,000 annual budget for the board to ramp up lobbying, marketing, and education; appoint a commissioner liaison; elevate blasting to the same urgency as the incinerator issue.
  • Discussion: Mayor Massum noted the quarry operates within legal limits but that limits are too high. Commissioner Chambers doubted state-level progress due to political realities and suggested lobbying the federal government. Commissioner Barnes emphasized partnering with Miami Lakes and public education. Commissioner Colburn asked about board vacancies and outreach. The board currently has 5 of 9 seats filled. City Engineer Sal Soniga confirmed the board meets monthly. Mayor Massum proposed a workshop to further discuss the recommendations.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No members of the public had registered to speak (virtual or in-person) on agenda items. Two individuals had signed up for item 8 (Foxcroft), which was pulled, so they did not address the commission. The city clerk noted their presence and directed them to staff for updates.

Discussion Items

  • Local Government Academy (Item 9): A resolution authorizing a partnership with Broward County Public Schools to implement a local government academy curriculum at Miramar High School and Everglades High School, beginning with the 2025–2026 school year for 9th graders. The curriculum will include shadowing, internships, and capstone projects. Dr. Valerie Wanza (Miramar High alumna and BCPS Chief Strategy Officer) spoke in support. The city’s in-kind contribution is estimated at $38,600, with hard costs of $54,100. The resolution was approved unanimously.
  • Crime Update (Presentation): Police Chief Delvish Moss presented the 2024 crime statistics. Miramar’s crime index (ESRI) is below the national baseline of 100 for both personal and property crime, lower than neighboring cities Pembroke Pines and Miami Gardens. Overall crime decreased 2% from 2023. Violent and property crime decreases were noted, though auto burglaries increased 5%. All 2024 homicides (with nexus to victims) were cleared at 100%. Chief Moss highlighted technology tools (Power BI, Flock cameras, ShotSpotter) and proactive patrols. Commissioners commended the department and requested increased visibility in neighborhoods.
  • Insurance Renewal (Item 6): Resolution to renew property/casualty insurance for April 1, 2025–March 31, 2026, with a projected premium of $4,488,387 (not to exceed $4.8 million). This is a 5.9% increase. Risk Manager Karen Muir noted last year’s increase was negotiated down from 64% to 34%. The city’s insurance position has improved. Approved unanimously.
  • Third-Party Claims Administration (Item 7): Resolution to renew the contract with Gallagher Bassett Services for claims administration (option year two). The fee decreases 30% to $89,000 annually, due to reduced claims. Staff will issue a new RFP this year. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Blasting Advisory Board Recommendations: The commission will schedule a workshop to further discuss the board’s recommendations; no formal action taken at this meeting.
  • Local Government Academy: Approved (unanimous) to launch in August 2025.
  • Insurance Renewal (Item 6): Approved with a premium not to exceed $4.8 million.
  • Claims Administration (Item 7): Approved with a $89,000 fee.
  • Consent Agenda: Approved as a block (items not specified).
  • Commissioner Chambers’ Proposal: Requested $500,000 from the general fund for a senior emergency home repair program (roof leaks, AC, etc.) – no action taken, but city manager to consider.
  • Commissioner Chambers’ Concern: Raised need for employee safety and respect after an incident at a workshop; called for measures to protect city employees.
  • Mayor’s Request: Asked for a report on the use of third-party contractor CAP for building plan reviews and inspections, including fiscal analysis and revenue projections.

The meeting was adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

Being donated to a charitable trust that would support Miami Dade County charities. We urge the Miami Dade County Commission to do the right thing and select the right site. So Miramar residents and friends who oppose this incinerator. What can you do to help us? Well, make your voices heard. Sign our petition and help send a message to the Miami Dade County Commission that we would not allow this incinerator in our backyard. Visit Miramar FL.gov slash no burn to learn more and sign the petition. Hi everyone, this is Commissioner Waston Barnes. Welcoming you to one of our regular discussions. This time around, we'll be talking about stroke awareness month, which is the month of May. The meeting of the Mirmars City Commission is now called to order. An opportunity was given to the public to register to participate or email the city clerk 24 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 on this on excuse me. 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 Miramar FL.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATNTU versus channel 99 for all City of Miramar subscribers. As of February 19th, 2025 at 4 30 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 for the meeting and will be considered by the city commission prior to any action taken. At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Mayor Massum. Here. Commissioner Barnes. Here. Commissioner Chambers. Here. Commissioner Colburn? Yeah. City Manager Dr. Virgin. Here. City Attorney Powell? Here. City Attorney Gary. Here. Let us all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. On our commemoration list for bereaved city of Miramar employees, we would like to acknowledge that Deputy City Manager Kelvin Baker from the Office of the City Manager lost his brother. So let's extend our thoughts and prayers to DCM Baker as for the transition of his brother, as well as any other observances we may be experiencing in the community of Bereed families in our city, county, state, and nation. Let's have a moment of silence. Please be advised that item number five under resolution and item number eight under quasi judicial have both been pulled. So if any members from the public that are here in the chambers are watching virtually, please be advised that item number five under resolution and item number eight under quasi judicial have both been pulled. We do have a proclamation. At this time, I would like to invite Director Nixon LeBron and team to accept the proclamation and observance of Flood Awareness Week. Flood Awareness Week, March third through 9th, 2025. Whereas, like many other communities in the state of Florida, the City of Myanmar has experienced severe weather in the past in the form of extreme rainfall or tropical system events resulting in flooding. And whereas minor and severe flooding has caused damage and flood losses to homes and buildings in our community, whether they are in high-risk special flood hazard areas or low moderate risk flood zones. And whereas the city of Miramar is one of four hundred and sixty-eight communities in the state of Florida that voluntarily participate in the national flood insurance program, which provides residents with the opportunity to protect themselves against flood loss through the purchase of flood insurance. And whereas the city of Miramar is also one of two hundred and forty-four of these Florida communities that voluntarily participate in the community rating system known as CRS and have set high regulatory standards to reduce flood risk and potential flood damage to the community, which provides premium discounts to NI to NFIP policy holders.

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