Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting - March 4, 2025
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Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting - March 4, 2025
The City of Miramar Commission held its regular meeting on March 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting featured multiple proclamations, the unanimous approval of the consent agenda and a budget amendment on second reading, and farewell remarks from Commissioner Winston F. Barnes, who served since 2003. No public comments were received on agenda items.
Presentations
- Proclamation: Muslim American Heritage Month and Muslim Day – Mayor Wayne M. Messam recognized March 2025 as Muslim American Heritage Month and March 31, 2025, as Muslim Day, highlighting contributions of Muslim Americans and the significance of Ramadan. Community members Shahad and others expressed gratitude for inclusive recognition.
- Proclamation: Broward County Teacher of the Year – Richard LeMarre Day – Richard LeMarre, a chemistry and science teacher at Miramar High School, was honored as the 2025 Caliber Awards Teacher of the Year. The Mayor proclaimed March 4, 2025, as Richard LeMarre Day. LeMarre shared his unconventional path from medical school to teaching, emphasizing his love for Miramar High’s culture. He received a hologram of City Hall and two concert tickets.
- Proclamation: Procurement Month – March 2025 was proclaimed Procurement Month, recognizing the city’s procurement team for its role in strategic sourcing and contract administration.
- Proclamation: Social Work Month – March 2025 was proclaimed National Social Work Month. The city’s Social Services Department and Police Department were thanked for their community engagement and advocacy.
- Proclamation: Women in Construction Week – The week of March 2–8, 2025, was proclaimed Women in Construction Week, highlighting the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and its 52-member Greater Fort Lauderdale chapter.
- Proclamation: Women’s History Month – Commissioner Yvette Colbourne presented a proclamation declaring March 2025 as Women’s History Month, accepted by her intern Simone Piert, who spoke about being given opportunities.
- Proclamation: International Women’s Day – Commissioner Colbourne presented a proclamation for March 4, 2025, as International Women’s Day, accepted by another intern, Talia West, who thanked the commissioner for inspiration.
- Presentation of Home Transformation – Commissioner Colbourne recognized a collaborative effort to assist resident Marveline Boston with code violations. Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of East Pines, Rotary Club, Lowe’s, Waste Pro, and city staff cleaned and painted her driveway, resolving violations. Boston expressed gratitude.
- Proclamation: Winston F. Barnes Day – Commissioner Barnes, serving his final meeting, was honored with a proclamation declaring March 11, 2025, as Winston F. Barnes Day and received a key to the city. The proclamation cited his 22 years of service, broadcasting career, and scholarship fund for local high schools. Barnes delivered remarks thanking staff and urging respectful treatment of civil servants.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes from Regular Commission Meetings (Feb. 7, 2024; Jan. 22, 2025) and Special Commission Meetings (Nov. 6 & 11, 2024; Feb. 5 & 19, 2025) were approved.
- Temp. Reso. #R8333 – Approved second amendment to non-exclusive license agreement with Sprint Spectrum Realty Company, renewing for five additional five-year terms.
- Temp. Reso. #R8337 – Approved first amendment to site lease agreement with T-Mobile South, L.L.C., renewing for five additional five-year terms beyond Sept. 10, 2033.
- Temp. Reso. #R8339 – Adopted the City’s Updated Community Shuttle Title VI Program Plan to ensure compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- Temp. Reso. #R8334 – Approved award of bid for replacement of Digester Building Elevator at the Wastewater Reclamation Facility to Maverick United Elevator L.L.C. in a not-to-exceed amount of $128,000.
- Temp. Reso. #R8328 – Approved purchase of Law Enforcement Training and Professional Development Services from Broward College Institute of Public Safety for $90,000 in FY 2025.
- Temp. Reso. #R8327 – Approved purchase of Law Enforcement Training and Professional Development Services from City of Miami Police College for $110,000 in FY 2025.
- Temp. Reso. #R8354 – Approved an Easement Agreement with the School Board of Broward County for roadway construction and public access at Henry D. Perry Education Center.
All consent items were approved unanimously by a vote of 4–0 (Commissioners Barnes, Chambers, Colbourne, and Mayor Messam).
Public Hearing – Budget Amendment
- Second Reading of Temp. Ord. #O1840 – Interim Assistant Budget Director Yenevin Capote presented the first amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budget. Key adjustments: $115,000 transferred from the General Fund (fire rescue vehicle purchase and capital outlay) to Miramar Regional Park Renovations; $235,000 from Risk Management Fund 502 for HR department renovation; $7,000 from Sunset Lakes Academy Playground to Aquatic Complex Renovation (Fund 389); $7,600 from Miramar Boulevard left-turn project to Aquatic Complex (Fund 394); and within Fund 395, transfers from park restrooms, Fire Station 107, and Arts in the Park projects to the Aquatic Complex. No changes from the first reading. The commission unanimously approved (4–0).
Commission Reports & Comments
- Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers – Congratulated Commissioner Barnes on his service. Reported that city daycare enrollment is strong, with a discount for city employees. Raised concerns about the Building Department: inspectors failing inspections for unrelated issues (e.g., alarm permits) and inconsistent code interpretation causing delays. Suggested creating checklists, streamlining processes, and reconsidering policies to avoid discouraging permits. Announced a request for at least $500,000 in the next budget for senior home repairs (AC, roof, windows), asking the city manager to repurpose current funds. Requested a report on ongoing employee investigations. Addressed election misinformation: clarified the commission did not vote to disqualify any candidate; the issue was with state documentation and the courts rejected an appeal. Urged residents to verify claims.
- Commissioner Yvette Colbourne – Thanked staff for Women’s History Month events and those who assisted Ms. Boston. Praised Commissioner Barnes’ service, acknowledging his clear positions.
- Commissioner Winston F. Barnes – In his final remarks, clarified he is not moving to Jamaica to teach; he simply suggested retired teachers volunteer. Expressed gratitude for staff in Parks and Rec, Special Events, and the City Clerk’s Office, particularly Denise. Noted pain over staff reluctance to visit the third floor. Requested meetings be shortened and avoid unnecessary late nights. Reaffirmed his belief that elected officials are transient and civil servants should be treated well to serve residents. Proud of establishing a scholarship fund with $20,000 from his first pay raise, which remains intact. Plans a photographic exhibition of Miramar churches. Thanked colleagues and residents.
- Mayor Wayne M. Messam – Congratulated Richard LeMarre and praised Miramar schools. Thanked staff for Black History Month events. Updated that the Country Club Ranches community will have a meeting on connecting to municipal water; easement documents are being prepared. Announced the city has control over County Line Road and staff will assess conditions for paving. Reminded about the Mayor’s 5K run on Saturday, May 8, 2025, at 7:00 AM (bib pickup Thursday at Runners Depot in Weston). Encouraged voter turnout for the March 11 municipal election. Wished Commissioner Barnes well, jokingly offering to text him if meetings run late.
- City Manager – Expressed appreciation for Commissioner Barnes’ service and wished him well.
Key Outcomes
- All consent agenda items and the budget amendment were approved unanimously (4-0).
- Proclamations and presentations were authorized.
- Commissioner Chambers directed the city manager to: (1) investigate building department practices to streamline inspections and reduce delays, (2) explore repurposing funds for senior home repairs this fiscal year and target $500,000 in the FY 2026 budget, and (3) provide a report on employee investigation costs.
- The city will proceed with community meetings for Country Club Ranches water connection and a plan for County Line Road improvements.
- The meeting adjourned following a motion by Commissioner Barnes.
Meeting Transcript
Um I love I'm a coffee drinker. So we were um talking and we were like, hey, we really need to uh put these masters degrees I'm sorry, doctorate degrees to work. Both of us have our doctorate in organizational leadership. And we start thinking, how can we really maximize report? Yeah, for it. I want to take it. Um this is the new best. Whatever you want, right? Thank you. Good evening. 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 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.gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATT Uverse Channel 99 for all City of Myanmar subscribers. Joe Thomas Public Works, Cousin. And Tiffany Davis, Parks and Recreation Husband. Let's keep our colleagues in our prayers as we join them for the bereavement of their loved ones. Have a moment of silence. Thank you. All right, on to presentations. Okay. We're going to shift the list around. And I invite Shahad. Dwai? We? Do I we? Hi. And any other members from the Muslim community that would like to come forward to receive the proclamation and observing of the Muslim American Heritage Month and the significance of Ramadan. Good evening. Welcome. Thank you. Thank you, Bill. Yes, come join us. Come join us. We know you all have to break fast soon, so yeah, you ought to be okay. You are very okay. This proclamation recognizes Muslim American Heritage Month and the significance of Ramadan. Whereas Muslim Americans have made significant contributions to the cultural, economic, social, and political fabric of our nation, enriching communities through their dedication to education, public service, business, science, and the arts. And whereas the observance of Muslim American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the diverse history, achievements, and contributions of Muslim Americans while fostering understanding and appreciation of Islamic traditions. And whereas Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community observed by millions of Muslims around the world and in our local communities. And whereas during Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as an act of devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal, while also emphasizing generosity, charity, and compassion for those in need. And whereas the values of Ramadan, empathy, gratitude, service, and self-reflection aligned with the universal principles of kindness, justice, and community building, fostering unity and solidarity among people of all backgrounds. And whereas Muslim Americans continue to play a vital role in promoting interfaith dialogue, civic engagement, and humanitarian efforts for that strengthen that strengthen our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion. Now, therefore, I Wayne Mesa, Mayor of the City of Myanmar, and on behalf of the City Commission, do hereby recognize March as Muslim American Heritage Month and March 31st as Muslim Day in the City of Myanmar and acknowledge the significance of Ramadan in shaping the values of faith, resilience, and compassion that contribute to the well-being of our society. Let's give our Muslim American community a big round of applause. Yes. On the behalf of the Muslim community in South Florida, I want to thank you, City of Miramar, Mir, and Commissioners. It's not only the Muslim Heritage Month is building the bridges between the communities, between the religion. And I want to thank you again, Mir. Shahad, please. I won't take up too much time, I promise.
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