Miramar City Commission Regular Meeting – November 17, 2025

The City of Miramar Commission held a regular meeting on November 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, consent agenda approvals, public participation, resolutions, first and second readings of ordinances, a quasi-judicial public hearing, and reports. Key actions included the approval of legal services to oppose waste-to-energy facilities, endorsement of affordable housing incentive strategies, adoption of the comprehensive plan amendments, and rejection of an appeal against a four-story residential development in Historic Miramar.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (4-0) the following items after pulling #8 (Goldstein Environmental Law Firm) and #11 (Baptist Health recreational agreement) for separate votes:
  • Minutes from September 29, 2025, October 15, 2025, and November 5, 2025 meetings.
  • Reso. #R8539: Award of concrete repair contract at Wastewater Reclamation Facility ($358,600).
  • Reso. #R8533: First-year renewal of copier equipment/services with Acordis International ($204,000).
  • Reso. #R8534: Renewal of cyber security services/licenses from vTechio ($267,615) and Pellera Technologies ($101,400) for FY2026.
  • Reso. #R8555: Purchase of cyber security services from United Data Technologies ($137,592) via NCPA contract.
  • Reso. #R8544: Acceptance of bill of sale/easement from Stonebrook Hotel for water system improvements; release of surety letter of credit ($136,295.34) and acceptance of maintenance bond ($19,512.08).
  • Reso. #R8548: Amendment #2 for design services on Pembroke Road Expansion project (Kimley Horn, $103,272).
  • Reso. #R8553: Procurement of legal/environmental services from Goldstein Environmental Law Firm ($240,000) – pulled and voted separately.
  • Reso. #R8560: Purchase of utility bill printing/mailing services from Enco Utility Services (up to $380,000 for FY2026).
  • Reso. #R8508: Recreational agreement with Overtown Youth Center (Honey Shine Program) for FY2026.
  • Reso. #R8569: Recreational agreement with Baptist Health for FY2026 – pulled and voted separately.
  • Reso. #R8562: Second renewal of building permitting/inspection services with C.A.P. Government (Feb 2026–Feb 2027).
  • Reso. #R8567: Additional services from Community Revitalization Affiliates for ParcView Purchase Assistance Program ($287,066.51).
  • Reso. #R8570: Procurement of insurance brokerage/benefits consulting services from Gelin Benefits Group (commission-based, up to $150,000).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Yarelis Mendez Zamora (Policy Coordinator, American Friends Service Committee Florida) urged the city to address conditions at the Miramar ICE Check-in Center, citing reports of detentions over 24 hours, lack of food/sleeping accommodations, and parking/towing issues. Requests: clear information, fair parking/tow rules, and protection of families.
• Maria Bilbao (North Miami Beach resident) echoed concerns about ICE practices, including lack of clear rules, towing without warning, and families being pushed to sign papers without legal counsel. Asked for city intervention.
• London McNeil, Nakoy McNeil, and Jordan McNeil (Miramar residents) expressed gratitude for city events and mentoring programs, specifically the "Role Models of Today, Creating Leaders of Tomorrow" event.
• Natha Kennedy (Miramar resident) thanked the commission and staff for the mentoring program, noting its positive impact on youth.
• Matthew Porsche (Miramar High School staff) thanked the city for supporting the mentoring event, highlighting the importance of community involvement.
• Samaya Wade (Miramar resident) raised concerns about towing and parking at the ICE checkpoint, pointing to confusing signage and removal of portable restrooms on weekends. She asked the city to seek solutions.
• Quasi-Judicial Hearing: Two residents spoke against the Najibe Gardens West development:
  • Leslie Rayburn (2420 SW 63rd Terrace, adjacent property owner, resident since 1985) objected to the fourth story, increased density, parking overflow, and precedent for taller buildings in Historic Miramar. He requested denial of the appeal.
  • Marlene Stewart (6308 SW 25th Street, resident since 1996) opposed the 18-unit four-story building, citing negative impacts on the single-family neighborhood character and quality of life.

Discussion Items

• Item #8 – Legal Services for Waste-to-Energy Opposition (Reso. #R8553): Deputy City Manager Kelvin Baker presented. The city seeks to continue efforts at the state level to prevent development of waste-to-energy facilities near Miramar's borders. $240,000 covers legal services ($175,000) and a lobbyist ($65,000), partly funded by $58,366 in donations from Pembroke Pines and Southwest Ranches and remaining FY2026 advocacy funds. Commissioner Chambers expressed skepticism about past spending and likelihood of success given state political climate, but ultimately voted yes. The resolution passed 4-0.
• Item #11 – Baptist Health Recreational Agreement (Reso. #R8569): Parks Assistant Director Holly Hicks presented. Renewal of partnership providing free weekly Zumba classes at Town Center Plaza since 2018. Baptist Health reimburses 80% of instructor cost ($80/class); city allocates up to $5,200/year. Commissioner Chambers praised the program. Unanimously approved 4-0.
• Item #24 – Quasi-Judicial Appeal: Najibe Gardens West (Reso. #R8540): Senior Planner Deyman Rodriguez presented. The property at 6340 SW 25th Street (0.37 acres) is zoned Transit-Oriented Corridor Residential Multifamily, which allows three stories. The applicant, Almir Real Estate Holdings LLC, sought a site plan for an 18-unit four-story building and a height deviation for a fourth-story gym (1,296 sq ft). Staff approved administratively on August 4, 2025; resident Marlene Stewart filed a timely appeal. The applicant's attorney Dwayne Dickerson argued the project is consistent with code, phase one (two buildings, 30 units) is fully occupied and well-regarded, and the fourth story is a small amenity (gym) that adds only 4 feet above the 35-ft single-family limit (total ~39 ft). He noted a petition of support from nearby neighbors. Residents objected to scale, density, traffic, parking overflow, and setting a precedent. Staff confirmed the deviation criteria were met and that each application is reviewed case-by-case. After discussion, the commission voted 4-0 to reject the appeal, thereby upholding staff approval.
• Item #17 – Tax Collector Agreement (Reso. #R8563): Budget Director Rafael Sanmiguel presented. The Broward County Tax Collector now requires a formal agreement for collecting non-ad valorem assessments (fire protection, stormwater, and soon solid waste). The tax collector may retain up to 2% of proceeds, though actual cost is expected to be ~1% or less. Assistant City Manager Sean Gale noted the agreement is pending non-monetary amendments from other cities, but urgency requires signing now; changes will be brought in January 2026. Commissioner Chambers questioned the double fee to Property Appraiser and Tax Collector; staff clarified it's a new separate charge. After discussion, passed 4-0.
• Item #15 – Affordable Housing Incentive Strategies (Reso. #R8531): Chief Housing Administrator Carolyn Francis-Royer presented the 2025 report from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). No changes to existing strategies; one new incentive, the Moderate Income Mortgage Assistance (MIMA) program, provides up to $30,000 for down payment/closing costs. The program was piloted in March 2025; AHAC recommended continuation and increased funding. Commissioner Sherizard (committee member) noted the transition from lottery to first-come, first-served for efficiency. Unanimously approved.
• Item #16 – CAPER Report (Reso. #R8528): Carolyn Francis-Royer reported $2,071,932 in CDBG expenditures for FY2024, assisting 16 homeowners with repairs, 54 rental assistance recipients, and 944 home buyer workshop participants. No public comments received. Approved 4-0.
• Item #18 – NAPA Parts Store Services (Reso. #R8505): COO Shana Combs presented a three-year agreement with NAPA for on-site parts store at the fleet maintenance facility, total $2,115,000 (annual not to exceed $705,000) covering parts and operating costs (salaries, software, etc.). Commissioner Chambers asked about electric vehicles; city has 20, with plans to expand. Approved 4-0.
• Item #19 & #20 – First Reading of Pension Ordinance Changes: HR Assistant Director Heather Dailey presented two ordinances: O1859 (Consolidated Retirement Plan) and O1858 (Police Officers' Retirement Plan) introducing post-retirement option plans, joint annuitant substitution, COLA purchase, DROP loan program, and part-time service credit. Both passed unanimously on first reading; second readings scheduled January 21, 2026.
• Item #21 – Second Reading: Comprehensive Plan Amendments (O1844): Frensky Magny presented changes from first reading, including intensity standards for non-residential land uses and capital improvement schedule exhibit. Adopted 4-0.
• Item #22 – Second Reading: FY2025 Final Budget Amendment (O1854): Assistant Budget Director Yenevin Capote detailed adjustments including $8 million in capital lease proceeds moved to fund balance, $1.2 million fire rescue overtime, and allocations for amphitheater noise reduction and utility projects. Adopted 4-0.
• Item #23 – Second Reading: Firefighters' Pension Plan (O1856): No changes from first reading; approved 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (4-0): Legal services from Goldstein Environmental Law Firm ($240,000) for state-level advocacy against waste-to-energy facilities.
• Approved (4-0): Recreational agreement with Baptist Health for Zumba classes.
• Rejected appeal (4-0): Quasi-judicial appeal against administrative approval of Najibe Gardens West (four-story, 18-unit multifamily development). The commission upheld staff's approval.
• Approved (4-0): Resolution adopting 2025 Local Housing Incentive Strategies and CAPER report.
• Approved (4-0): Agreement with Broward County Tax Collector for collection of non-ad valorem assessments (with possible amendments in January 2026).
• Approved (4-0): Three-year contract with NAPA for parts store services ($2,115,000).
• Passed first reading (4-0): Two pension ordinances (O1859 and O1858) introducing post-retirement option plans and other enhancements.
• Adopted on second reading (4-0): Comprehensive plan amendments (O1844), FY2025 budget amendment (O1854), and firefighters' pension amendment (O1856).
• Directions: Staff to investigate RV regulations and vape shop oversight; continue accepting donations for Jamaica hurricane relief at fire stations and police headquarters; report back on ICE checkpoint issues.
• Next regular meeting: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM.