Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting – April 2, 2025
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Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting – April 2, 2025
The City of Miramar City Commission held a regular meeting on April 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Commission Chambers, 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL. The meeting included proclamations, a presentation, consent agenda items, the selection of a Vice Mayor, first readings of two ordinances, a public hearing on the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP), a quasi-judicial hearing for a proposed car wash, and appointments to the Broward League of Cities Board. Commissioners present: Mayor Wayne M. Messam, Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers, Commissioner Avril Cherasard, Commissioner Yvette Colbourne (elected Vice Mayor during the meeting), and Commissioner Carson Edwards.
Presentations & Proclamations
- Proclamation: Broward AWARE! Child Abuse Awareness Month – Mayor Messam declared April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, noting City Hall Plaza lit in blue.
- Proclamation: Financial Literacy Month – Presented by Financial Services Director Kevin Adderley; April 2025 recognized as Financial Literacy Month, with city-hosted seminars.
- Proclamation: Water Conservation Month – Declared April 2025 as Water Conservation Month; highlighted the City’s use of reclaimed water (up to 4 million gallons per day) and brackish water from the Florida Aquifer.
- Proclamation: National Autism Acceptance Month – Presented with Officer Joseph Drew and Dr. McSwain; noted the City’s autism registry, first responder training, and sensory bags at the Cultural Center. City Hall Plaza lit in blue.
- Presentation: First Serve Tennis Program – Commissioner Colbourne and Parks Director Billy Neal recognized the free after-school program at Lakeshore Park, providing professional coaching to Miramar children at no cost.
Consent Calendar
The consent agenda included items considered routine. Items 2, 3, 4, and 7 were pulled by Commissioner Chambers for separate discussion and voted on individually. All other consent items were approved by a single motion.
- Item 1: Minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting of February 19, 2025 – approved.
- Item 2 (separate vote): Temp. Reso. #R8380 – Purchase of furniture, fixtures, and equipment for Human Resources Department Office Renovations from Pradere Designer Workspace, $174,192 (plus $3,000 contingency) – approved unanimously.
- Item 3 (separate vote): Temp. Reso. #R8367 – Award of design services for Wastewater Reclamation Facility Building “L” Office Renovation to Walters Zackria Associates, $178,650 – approved unanimously.
- Item 4 (separate vote): Temp. Reso. #R8340 – First one-year renewal for City fiber backbone interconnections with Comcast Business Communications, $576,000 annually – approved unanimously after staff presentation and discussion regarding Wi-Fi improvements in parks and City Hall.
- Item 5: Temp. Reso. #R8364 – Renewal of phone and cellular telecommunication services (Granite, Verizon, T-Mobile) totaling $355,200 for FY2025 – approved.
- Item 6: Temp. Reso. #R8361 – Purchase of cartridge filters for East Water Treatment Plant, $96,600 total – approved.
- Item 7 (separate vote): Temp. Reso. #R8360 – Replacement of two boilers and exhaust fans at Wastewater Reclamation Facility to Airways Mechanical Services, $749,680 (plus $100,000 contingency) – approved unanimously; staff discussed reclaimed water quality (90%+ clean, meeting state standards).
Selection of Vice Mayor
- Item 8: Temp. Reso. #R8384 – Selection of Vice Mayor for a one-year term. Commissioner Yvette Colbourne was nominated by Commissioner Edwards, seconded, and elected by a vote of 3-2 (Commissioners Chambers and Sherizard voted no; Colbourne, Edwards, and Mayor Messam voted yes). Commissioner Colbourne became Vice Mayor.
Discussion Items
- Item 9 (First Reading): Temp. Ord. #O1843 – Changing the BID program name from “Business, Inclusion & Diversity” to “Business Industry Development” and updating terminology in the advisory board name. Commissioner Sherizard raised concerns about removing “inclusion and diversity” in light of federal trends. Chief BID Administrator Karen Hollis explained the change is proactive, not mandated, and the program’s services and certifications (MBE, WBE, etc.) will continue unchanged. Commissioner Chambers voted no, stating he opposed following federal/state pressures. The other four commissioners voted yes. Passed 4-1. Second reading scheduled for May 7, 2025.
- Item 10 (First Reading): Temp. Ord. #O1842 – Correcting scrivener’s errors in the fire protection fees ordinance (definition of tax collector and hardship assistance from “payment” to “exemption”). Questions from Commissioner Sherizard about potential inconsistencies in the backup document were noted; staff and city attorney agreed to review and provide clarity before second reading. Commissioner Chambers inquired about condo eligibility. Passed unanimously. Second reading scheduled for April 16, 2025.
- Item 11 (Public Hearing): Temp. Reso. #R8370 – Approval of the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) for 2025-2028, required by the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. Commissioner Sherizard questioned whether the plan included recommendations beyond state mandates. Chief Housing Administrator Katherine Randall and consultant Andrew Azebokai clarified that the state mandates certain strategies, while other recommendations (e.g., fee waivers, impact fee reductions) come from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) and are included as part of the city’s incentive plan. Commissioner Sherizard voted no, citing concerns about the inclusion of discretionary items. Approved 4-1.
Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing
- Item 12: Temp. Reso. #R8371 – Considering Conditional Use, Variance, Site Plan, and Community Appearance Board applications for a proposed automatic car wash with self-service vacuum stations (El Car Wash II) located south of Miramar Parkway and west of Red Road. The site is 1.5 acres, currently vacant. The applicant presented detailed plans, including 27 on-site queuing spaces, a right-turn deceleration lane, water recycling (90% water reuse), biodegradable chemicals, and noise mitigation. Staff recommended approval. Commissioner Chambers raised concerns about cross-access easements potentially causing traffic conflicts with a daycare center to the east. The applicant noted that the cross-access is required by plat and benefits the entire shopping center. After discussion, the commission approved additional conditions: directional signage to encourage exit via the main driveway, and a requirement that the car wash close temporarily if queuing backs up onto Miramar Parkway. The public hearing included one resident opposed, stating the city does not need another car wash. All four applications (Conditional Use, Variance, Site Plan, CAB) were voted on individually and then the overall project. All votes were unanimous (5-0).
Other Business
- Item 13: Temp. Reso. #R8387 – Appointments to the Broward League of Cities Board of Directors. Director: Mayor Wayne M. Messam; First Alternate: Commissioner Avril Sherizard; Second Alternate: Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers. Approved unanimously.
- Item 14: Advisory Board Updates – Written reports only; no presentation. Commissioner Sherizard requested a report from the Senior Advisory Board; staff noted it can be arranged.
Key Outcomes
- Vice Mayor elected: Commissioner Yvette Colbourne (3-2 vote).
- BID name change (first reading): Approved 4-1 (Commissioner Chambers opposed).
- Fire fee ordinance corrections (first reading): Approved unanimously.
- Local Housing Assistance Plan 2025-2028: Approved 4-1 (Commissioner Sherizard opposed).
- El Car Wash II development: All four applications approved unanimously with additional conditions (directional signage and temporary closure if queue exceeds capacity onto Miramar Parkway).
- Broward League of Cities appointments: Approved unanimously.
- Next regular meeting: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Commission Reports
- Commissioner Sherizard raised a concern about statements made by the Mayor at a prior community meeting regarding a pending lawsuit on a Foxcroft development. The City Attorney advised all commissioners to refrain from discussing pending litigation.
- Commissioner Chambers requested improved permitting processes for residents and small businesses.
- Mayor Messam reported that the state bill regarding the incinerator passed its first Senate committee unanimously and encouraged residents to stay engaged.
- The City Manager acknowledged the appointment of Chief McFarlane as Fire Chief and noted that a fact sheet on fluoride in drinking water would be provided to the commission.
Meeting Transcript
Say that we are uh political friends. Um, I just think that there's the rush, the rush, the rush to solve an issue with this fire with this report. Um, there needed to be something communicated to Miami Bay County residents on an issue that has been kicked down the road for so many times. Like to ask everyone to start taking your seats. The time is now seven oh two. We do have a quorum, and we'll be starting the meeting momentarily. All right. 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 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. Excuse me, streamed live at Mirmar FL dot gov slash commission meeting and televised on Comcast Channel 78 and ATT Uverse Channels ninety-nine for all City of Myanmar subscribers. As of April second, twenty twenty-five at four thirty PM. The 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 at the appropriate time. At this time, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. And Alicia Aim from Procurement lost her mother. Let's keep our colleagues in our thoughts and our prayers as they have experienced loss in their families. And we will also recognize any other observances and condolences we're expressing in our community. Let's have a moment of silence. On to presentations and proclamations. Whereas Florida's bright bright future depends on the health development and well-being of its children. And whereas adverse childhood experiences, including the abuse and neglect of children, can have severe and long-lasting consequences for children, families, and society as a whole. And whereas every child has the right to a safe, healthy, and happy childhood, where they are supported in achieving their educational developmental milestones. And whereas research demonstrates that parents and caregivers who have strong support systems and access to resources are more resilient and better equipped to provide safe, nurturing environments for their children. And whereas it is essential for individuals, schools, community organizations, and local governments to prioritize children and take action to support their physical, social, emotional, and educational development. And whereas the Children's Services Council of Broward County is committed to supporting families by funding family support programs designed to reduce the incidence and impact of child abuse, neglect, and trauma. These programs stabilize families in crises, promote positive parenting strategies, prevent out-of-home placements, and reduce involvement in the dependency system. And whereas Browdaware, a countywide campaign led by the Children's Services Council and its partners, aims to raise awareness of child abuse prevention by promoting healthy child development, positive parenting practices, and community engagement. And whereas Child Abuse Prevention Month provides an important opportunity to encourage all Floridians to participate in activities that strengthen families and communities, creating environments where children can thrive. Now, therefore, I Wayne Messum, mayor of the city of Miramar, and on behalf of the City Commission, do hereby proclaim April twenty twenty-five as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Also, we'd like to recognize that the City Hall Plaza is lit up in blue in observance for child abuse prevention month as well as for the autism acceptance month observation in the month of April. Our next proclamation is an observance of Financial Literacy Month, and I invite Financial Services Director Kevin Adderley and his team to receive the proclamation. Good evening. Whereas in March 2024, the Senate passed Resolution 316 that officially recognized April as National Financial Services Month. And whereas National Financial Literacy Month is dedicated to improving financial literacy in an effort to ensure that all Americans have access to trustworthy financial services and products. And whereas financial literacy can help families establish and maintain healthy financial habits to improve their quality of life. And whereas 2025 is the City of Myanmar's sixth year participating in Financial Literacy Month, which creates public awareness designed to help residents and other consumers better manage their personal finances through collaboration and coordinated efforts across the city. And whereas the City of Myanmar encourages staff agencies, public and private institutions, regional agencies, and community organizations to provide instruction activities and initiatives that contribute to the development and enhancing financial literacy knowledge and skills to ensure economic success. And whereas when Myanmar citizens increase their personal finance knowledge and skills, the financial well-being of the individual and the city will improve. And whereas national research continues to highlight points of concern for how Americans manage personal debt, retirement savings, and daily budgetary challenges. And whereas the designation of Financial Literacy Month helps raise public awareness about the importance of financial education in Myanmar. And whereas the Financial Literacy Month, the City of Myanmar will host financial seminars at various locations throughout the city, where Myanmar employees and citizens will learn how to budget, increase their cash flow, investment strategies, and planning for their future. Now, therefore, I wane Mesa, Mayor of the City of Myanmar, and on behalf of the City Commission, do hereby proclaim April 2025 as Financial Literacy Month. We'd like to thank our amazing staff for all of the work that you do in terms of keeping our finances in order, as well as extending beyond the office and into the community, doing some amazing activities and educational programming for our community. Thank you so much. Whereas Florida's natural beauty, crystal blue waters, and white sandy beaches attract residents and visitors from around the world. And whereas every business, industry, school, and citizen can help by saving water and thus promote a healthy economy and community. And whereas the South Florida Water Management District is implementing a comprehensive water conservation program to instill a lasting culture of conservation in our communities. And whereas the City of Myanmar has partnered with Broward County's water conservation incentive program to encourage residents and businesses to adopt an enduring water conservation ethic that supports long-term water resource sustainability.
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