Public Meetings - Miami, Florida

The Miami Civil Service Board convened on May 12, 2026, at 3:30 PM UTC. The meeting included the adoption of the agenda and minutes, resolution of one disciplinary appeal, and extended deliberation on an unsatisfactory service rating hearing that was continued to a future date. Consent Calendar - Adoption of the agenda: Motion by Board Member Jimenez, seconded by Board Member Solomon, passed unanimously. - Approval of the minutes: Motion by Board Member Jimenez, seconded by Board Member Soleiman, passed unanimously. - A hearing on behalf of Shayla White, Crime Scene Investigator I (20‑hour suspension effective November 4, 2025) was removed from the docket after the city announced the discipline had been reduced to a reprimand, placing it outside the board’s purview. Ms. White thanked the board and the city attorney. Discussion Items - H1 – Unsatisfactory Service Rating Hearing – Tashara Elaine, Police Sergeant The hearing concerns Sergeant Elaine’s annual evaluation for the period ending September 19, 2023, under Civil Service Rule 13.2. The city’s attorney (Ms. Mana) requested that the board hold the hearing in abeyance because a related appeal is pending before the Miami‑Dade County Commission on Human Rights. She argued that judicial economy favors waiting for the county’s determination, noting that the board lacks jurisdiction to change the evaluation itself (only to remove, suspend, or reduce in grade). The employee’s attorney (from the South Florida Police Management Association) stated that Sergeant Elaine was ready to proceed and requested a definite hearing date, expressing concern about being denied a second forum if the county ruled first. Board Member Lanier initially moved to grant the abeyance as requested; the motion was seconded by Board Member Jimenez. During discussion, Board Chair (unnamed in transcript) advocated for setting a specific date, stating that the employee should not remain in an indefinite holding pattern. After Board Member Cabrera and Board Member Soliman expressed similar concerns, the motion was amended to include a continuation to September 1, 2026, with the understanding that if the Miami‑Dade appeal is resolved by then, the board may cancel the hearing; otherwise, the hearing will proceed on that date. The city attorney confirmed that the employee would still be entitled to a board hearing regardless of the county outcome. The amended motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - The hearing for Sergeant Tashara Elaine (H1) was continued to September 1, 2026, at 3:30 PM UTC. If the Miami‑Dade Commission on Human Rights appeal is resolved before that date, the hearing may be canceled; otherwise, the board will conduct the hearing as scheduled. - The appeal of Shayla White (H2) was dismissed as moot after the city reduced the discipline to a reprimand. - The next regular board meeting is June 9, 2026.

The Public Art Board met on May 11, 2026, but lacked a quorum, so the meeting was conducted as a workshop only; no votes or formal actions could be taken. The board reviewed several ongoing public art projects, heard public testimony, and discussed the need for updated program guidelines and board membership issues. Public Comments & Testimony - Keith Moore and Marie Henry, representing Profiles of Black Miami, spoke in support of the Bayfront Park Incorporators Monument. They stressed that the monument must include the names and races of the 344 residents who voted for city incorporation, stating that without that information the history would not be accurately depicted. - Sebastian Duncan Portuango, a stained glass artist and Coconut Grove native, presented his revised proposal for the Kennedy Park bathroom pavilion mural. He explained his use of abstract nature imagery and gold smalty, and noted his prior city work at Gold Star Family Memorial Park. He expressed strong interest in the project and gratitude for the opportunity. Discussion Items - Bayfront Park Incorporators Monument (Item 4): Staff reported that the open call received 102 applicants. The Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) recommended three additional shortlisted artists (MGA Sculpture Studio, Kaiser Corp, Gordon Huether and Partners). The original three shortlisted artists were already approved at a prior meeting. The board asked to see all six at a future meeting to select an alternate. The project budget is $200,000–$210,000 ($100,000 from Bayfront Trust, remainder from Parks Department). Several board members expressed concern that the budget was too low for a permanent bronze monument.<br - Kennedy Park Bathroom Pavilion Art: The previous selected artist (Aldo Coronel, based in Mexico) was unable to provide required documentation (LLC, insurance, vendor info) after multiple chances. Staff consulted legal/risk management and proceeded with the next finalist, Sebastian Duncan Portuango. The PAC was supportive of Portuango at both meetings. The budget for this project is $20,000. Board members welcomed the local artist and looked forward to a formal vote next meeting. - City Administration Building Art (Discussion Item 3): 336 artists applied to the open call. The project is split into six sites (e.g., Terrazzo flooring, suspended artwork, fences, bollards) with unified artistic goals. The PAC will now evaluate applications per site. The board requested to see the shortlist even though they cannot take action. Staff noted the project will also be integrated into the citywide public art master plan. Budget details are still being finalized with the contractor/architect.<br - Miami Freedom Park (MFP) Master Plan: Staff updated that the developer engaged VIA Partnership and Todd Bressy as public art consultants. A kickoff meeting was held; the next phase includes a steering committee and community outreach. Over $1 million has been collected into the public art trust fund, with a total current allocation of $6.2 million (1.5% of permitted building value so far). The total project is a $2 billion investment over a decade, which would generate over $20 million in public art. The master plan will set the process for selecting art; final artworks will come before the board for approval. A community meeting is required. The board asked about the steering committee composition (includes a board member) and was assured that at least one community outreach meeting will be held citywide. The master plan is expected to return to the board in October.<br - Varick Park: $79,000 in public art funds (70% for art) are available. Staff suggested a mosaic mural similar to a previous project. The district two commissioner has the option to use the funds at Varick or combine them with future park improvements for a larger budget. The board noted the low price point and that the commissioner had asked to pause pending additional projects at the park. - Board Membership: Two board members (O’Dallas and Nelson) have been absent. Staff was asked to again request their resignations and to push district one (Commissioner Gabella) to appoint a replacement for a vacant seat. A 30-day advertisement process had been paused; staff will run another notice if needed. The board noted that a commissioner can remove an absent appointee.</p Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were made due to lack of quorum. The board intends to take action on the Bayfront Park Incorporators Monument (selecting an alternate artist), the Kennedy Park bathroom pavilion art (formally approving Sebastian Duncan Portuango), and other items at the next meeting. - Staff will: bring all six shortlisted artists for the Bayfront monument to the next meeting; provide metrics on local versus international applicants for the City Administration Building; continue the MFP master plan process; and follow up on board membership vacancies. - The board reiterated the need to finalize program guidelines for developer-funded art projects (e.g., to require a proper call to artists) and to integrate them into the citywide public art master plan, which has an 18-month timeline.

The Miami Historic and Environmental Preservation Board convened at 8:00 PM on May 8, 2026, to act on a lengthy agenda including consent items, several special certificates of appropriateness, and three tree‑removal appeals. The meeting ran past 9:00 PM and adjourned after more than six hours. All members were present for most votes. Key actions included approving a redesigned Morningside residence, deferring a roof‑replacement request to pursue grant funding, and granting two of three tree appeals. Consent Calendar - Two staff‑recommended approvals to the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board for Miami 21 Code exceptions allowing re‑establishment of non‑conforming uses: (1) 6621 Biscayne Boulevard – office use in a building approximately 89 years old; (2) 45 NW 31st Street – commercial and storage use in a 1937 warehouse. Adopted 6‑0. Public Comments & Testimony - Tree preservation dominated public comments. Numerous residents spoke in favor of saving mature specimen trees, arguing that removal is irreversible, that mitigation trees cannot replace lost canopy, and that the city should prioritize existing trees over new construction. Several speakers described the practice of clear‑cutting building sites as a “scam.” - Design comments were also common: neighbors praised the redesigned Mediterranean‑revival style for 5810 North Bay Shore Drive and urged careful treatment of facades visible from side streets, especially regarding window patterns and tree placement. Discussion Items - HEP Item 3 – 536 NE 65th Street (Palm Grove Historic District): Applicant requested a special certificate of appropriateness to install an asphalt‑shingle roof on a contributing structure. Staff recommended denial because the historic material was flat tile. The board heard testimony about the owner’s limited income and a structural engineer’s report stating the roof could not support tile without major reinforcement. After discussion, the board deferred the item indefinitely (six months) to allow the applicant to pursue grant funding from a city commissioner. Vote 6‑0. - HEP Item 4 – 469 NE 69th Street (Palm Grove): Proposal for alterations to a non‑contributing structure, including window replacements and partial porch enclosure. Staff recommended approval with 14 conditions. The applicant objected to two conditions: requiring muntains on flanking windows and retaining an ornamental iron gate. The board granted the request, removing those conditions, and approved the SCOA 6‑0. - HEP Item 1 (moved from start) – 5810 North Bay Shore Drive (Morningside): New construction on a vacant lot. A completely redesigned Mediterranean‑revival style replaced a previously rejected modern design. Staff recommended approval. Public comment praised the revision but asked for attention to the south elevation and tree preservation. The board added conditions: (a) explore varied fenestration on the south facade, (b) explore relocating royal palms to the easement or other locations, and (c) examine a hipped garage roof. Approved 6‑0. - HEP Item 5 – 4400 NE 1st Avenue (Buena Vista East): Restoration and addition to a single‑family residence. Staff recommended approval with 14 conditions. Applicant contested the requirement for textured stucco and the redesign of the front entrance. After extensive board discussion, the board added several new conditions, including preserving an open porch, adding windows to a blank west facade, using terracotta tiles, replacing glass railings with historically appropriate materials, and differentiating the second‑floor addition. Approved 8‑0. - HEP Item 6 – 835 NW 7th Street (Spring Garden): Partial demolition, new construction, and a historic preservation waiver to allow two principal buildings on a single‑family lot. Staff recommended approval with 11 conditions. The board struck the “ghost structure” condition and allowed the applicant to use a metal roof (diamond‑shaped metal tiles) as an alternative to asphalt shingles. Other conditions required setting back the second‑floor addition to expose the parapet and adding windows. Approved 8‑0. - HEP Item 7 – 4141 North Miami Avenue (Buena Vista East): Alterations and waivers for a 1961 commercial building. Staff recommended approval with seven conditions. The board struck condition 3 (requiring retention of tile on the tuning‑fork elements) and added a condition for an acoustical study to minimize noise from the proposed rooftop café. Parking concerns were discussed but not codified. Approved 7‑1 (Robert Powers dissenting on parking). - HEP Item 8 – 2441 Swanson Avenue (Coconut Grove): Tree‑removal appeal. Neighbors opposed removal of two specimen trees (Royal Poinciana and Golden Shower) cited for “visibility triangle” and condition issues. Staff argued removal was necessary, but the board found insufficient justification. The board granted the appeal in part, allowing the two specimen trees to remain while permitting removal of the other trees. Vote 7‑0. - HEP Item 9 – 3834 El Prado Boulevard (Coconut Grove): Tree‑removal appeal. The appellant argued the applicant was removing too many trees, including a 28‑inch DBH avocado tree and a 41‑foot‑tall sapodilla, and that mitigation trees were concentrated in a narrow strip. The applicant countered that all large specimen trees (lychee, live oaks) were preserved and that mitigation planted 31 trees. After lengthy debate, the board voted to grant the appeal, effectively denying the tree‑removal permit. Vote 4‑2 (Powers, O’Dell, Prieto, Hopper in favor; Perez, Trachtenberg against). - HEP Item 10 – 3520 Grand Avenue (Coconut Grove): Tree‑removal appeal. The board first considered standing. The city attorney opined that the appellant, who lived two miles away, did not have standing under Florida law. The board agreed and dismissed the appeal on standing grounds without hearing the merits. Vote 6‑0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda both items approved 6‑0. - 536 NE 65th Street deferred indefinitely (6 months) to seek grant funding for a tile roof. - 469 NE 69th Street approved with conditions as amended (removed muntains and gate conditions). - 5810 North Bay Shore Drive approved with three additional conditions concerning windows, tree relocation, and garage roof. - 4400 NE 1st Avenue approved with multiple added conditions (open porch, windows, terracotta roof, no glass railings, differentiation of addition). - 835 NW 7th Street approved with conditions (ghost structure condition removed; metal roof allowed; addition set back). - 4141 North Miami Avenue approved with conditions as amended (struck condition 3; added acoustic study). - 2441 Swanson Avenue appeal granted in part – two specimen trees saved. - 3834 El Prado Boulevard appeal granted – tree‑removal permit denied. - 3520 Grand Avenue appeal denied for lack of standing.

The Miami Code Enforcement Board met on May 7, 2026, at 9:15 AM to hear a series of code violation cases, including mitigation requests and contested hearings. The board elected new officers and adjudicated multiple cases involving fines, permits, and property maintenance. Elections and Housekeeping - The board elected Keon Williams as Chair and Javier Rodriguez as Vice Chair for both the Code Enforcement and Nuisance Abatement boards. - Excused absences were granted for board members Juan Galan and Analfo Ramos. Mitigation Cases (Fine Reductions) - Tobacco Road Building (11 SW 7th St): Lien of $313,000 reduced to $15,000 (commercial minimum). The owner's tenant had caused the violation. - 1790 SW 15th St: Lien of $56,250 reduced to $5,000 (residential minimum). The property had been demolished; violation was from prior owner. - 3034 Oak Ave (condominium): Lien of $901,500 reduced to $15,000. New owners discovered the lien during closings. - 5851 NW 17th Ave (vocational school): Lien of $344,500 reduced to $0 (unanimous vote) as the property is a nonprofit educational use. - 1404 NW 60th St: Lien of $46,500 – case passed because of improper notice. The city attorney agreed to release the lien. - 3609 SW 24th St: Lien of $438,500 reduced to $10,000 (single-family home, no homestead). - 360 NE 55th St: Lien of $15,750 reduced to $3,150 (20% of lien). The owner had faced zoning issues delaying compliance. To-Be-Heard Cases (Contested Violations) - 1110 NW 50th St: Case closed as compliant before hearing. - 1900 NW 35th St: Found guilty for replacing a fence and carport without permits. Granted 120 days to comply with a fine of $150/day thereafter. - 170 NW 23rd St: Guilty – valet parking operation with debris. Granted 30 days with $250/day fine. - 1302 NW 54th St: Guilty for interior remodeling without permit. Granted 120 days with $250/day fine; owner had since obtained a permit. - 2940 South Federal Highway (three properties): Guilty – vacant, unsecured structures with trash, graffiti, and homeless activity. Neighbor William Lampole testified to problems since 2017. Board ordered 10 days to clean up and secure, with $250/day fine. Owner's representative cited health issues; board stressed immediate action. - 2784 NW 4th St: Guilty – illegal efficiencies. Granted 120 days with $150/day fine. - 3622 SW 13th Terrace: Guilty – windows/doors without permit. Granted 60 days with $250/day fine. - 1601 NW 33rd Ave: Guilty – addition without permit. Granted 60 days with $250/day fine. - 551 NW 60th St: Guilty – storage container and paving without permit. Owner cited furlough and family issues. Granted 120 days with $150/day fine. - 3640 SW 13th St: Guilty – rental property violations. Granted 90 days with $250/day fine. - 3199 SW 26th St: Guilty – carport without permit. Granted 120 days with $150/day fine. - 2054 SW 1st St: Guilty (in absentia) – failure to maintain facade and dumping. Granted 3 days with $250/day fine. - 5830 SW 2nd Terrace: Guilty (in absentia) – junk and illegal units. Granted 3 days with $250/day fine. - 820 NW 29th Ave: Guilty (in absentia) – failure to maintain and register vacant structure. Granted 3 days with $250/day fine. - 461 NW 32nd Pl: Guilty (in absentia) – work without permit, debris, no address. Granted 3 days with $250/day fine. - 801 NW 29th Ave: Guilty (in absentia) – failure to maintain vacant lot. Granted 3 days with $250/day fine. - 2058 NW Miami Ct: Guilty (in absentia) – operating without certificate of use (perfume store). Granted 3 days with $250/day fine. - 1130 NE 81st St: Rescheduled at owner's request (solid waste violation). - 3701 Battersea Rd: Guilty – keeping roosters and chickens. Granted 3 days to remove with $150/day fine. Key Outcomes - The board elected new leadership for the upcoming term. - Several liens were significantly reduced based on property type, compliance efforts, and hardship. - Multiple property owners were granted extensions of time to obtain permits and correct violations, with daily fines set to run if compliance is not achieved. - The board emphasized communication with inspectors and the availability of online extension requests. - One case was dismissed due to improper notice, and the city attorney agreed to release the lien.

The City of Miami Housing Commercial Loan Committee (HCLC) met on May 6, 2026, at 14:15 UTC to consider a full agenda including multiple affordable housing funding requests, modifications to existing projects, and old business items. The meeting featured presentations from developers, public testimony, and votes on several proposals. Key actions included approval of additional funding for the River Place project, approval of modifications for the Lofts at Carver Theater, and continuation of four home fund allocation proposals to the next meeting due to a quorum issue. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the March 25, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Barbara Gomez (speaking on behalf of Mabrook USA for the Aquamia project) explained the developer's need for a forward commitment of $4 million in HOME funds, noting the land was donated by the city and that the project must meet a reverter clause requiring construction to start within 18 months and finish within 30 months. - Miguel Alvarez (principal of JMR 1890 LLC for River Place) gave emotional testimony, stating he has been a small business owner for 30 years and that the project is shovel-ready with a permit held for over 1,000 days. He urged the committee to approve $497,000 in additional HOME funds, warning that without it the project would die. - Javier Fernandez (representing multiple applicants) provided supporting remarks for several projects. - Sean Cooper (Vice President) presented the Little Haiti Gateway request to terminate a rent regulatory agreement early to allow redevelopment with 75 new affordable units. Discussion Items - Item 6 – Aquamia (Mabrook USA): Request for $4 million in HOME funds for a 155-unit affordable housing project in Little Havana. Staff noted that the total cost per city-assisted unit would be $200,000. The developer indicated that funds are not needed immediately but a forward commitment is required to secure private financing. The item was continued to the next meeting. - Item 7 – River Place (JMR 1890 LLC): Request for an additional $497,002 in HOME funds (on top of a previous $1.13 million award) for a 9-unit infill project in Allapattah. The total cost per city-assisted unit would be approximately $181,000. The project has a building permit and is shovel-ready. After extensive debate and a motion to continue, the committee voted 3-2 to approve the additional funding, with Kevin Deeb, Bill Ramos, and Ben Fernandez in favor, and David Snow and Nancy Gagino opposed. - Item 2 – Lofts at Carver Theater (Carver Theater LTD): Request for $5.3 million in Affordable Housing Trust Fund modifications, including renaming the project to "The Residences at Carver Theater," reducing units from 84 to 71, eliminating a theater use in favor of retail space, and adjusting the unit mix. Total development cost is $50.3 million. The committee approved the modifications despite concerns about the high cost per unit ($720,000), with Nancy Gagino voting against. - Item 3 – SG Little Havana (Swordlow Group): Request for $4 million in HOME funds for a 300-unit senior affordable housing project. Ben Fernandez recused himself due to a conflict, leaving only four members present and thus no quorum to vote. The item was continued to the June 24 meeting. - Item 4 – Edison Towers 2 (TETSI Economic Development Corp): Request for $3.5 million in HOME funds for a 96-unit senior project. Staff noted the cost per city-assisted unit would be $140,000. The item was continued to June 24. - Item 5 – Unico (Invar Investments 15 LLC): Request for $4 million in HOME funds for a 116-unit mixed-income tower in Little Havana. Staff noted the total cost per city-assisted unit would be $222,222. The developer asked for a forward commitment if funds were not available now. The item was continued to June 24. - Old Business – Little Haiti Gateway: Request to forgive the remaining five years of affordability restrictions on an existing 80-unit project to allow demolition of 38 cottages and construction of 75 new affordable units (Notre Maison). The committee approved the request unanimously. - Old Business – 2901 Winwood (U29): Request to revise the unit mix for a 116-unit project (no additional funding). The committee approved the updated set-aside mix of 17 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom units at 60% AMI or below. - Old Business – Gallery at Loomis Park (Related Urban): Request to reallocate ARPA funds from $2 million pre-development/$1 million construction to all $3 million for pre-development to meet ARPA deadlines. The project is under construction. The committee approved the modification. Key Outcomes - River Place: Approved $497,002 in additional HOME funds (3-2 vote). The applicant also requested a 180-day extension to the de-obligation deadline, but after procedural confusion, the motion to extend was reconsidered and the funding motion passed instead. - Lofts at Carver Theater: Approved modifications and $5.3 million allocation (5-1 vote, Nancy Gagino opposed). - Little Haiti Gateway: Approved termination of affordability restrictions for five years to allow redevelopment (unanimous). - 2901 Winwood: Approved revised unit mix (unanimous). - Gallery at Loomis Park: Approved ARPA fund reallocation (unanimous). - HOME fund items (Aquamia, SG Little Havana, Edison Towers 2, Unico): Continued to the next HCLC meeting on June 24, 2026, to allow all five proposals to compete for the remaining $3.5 million in available HOME funds (after River Place allocation reduced the pool from $4 million).

The Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board (PZAB) met on May 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM to consider major projects including the long-stalled Coconut Grove Playhouse redevelopment and a smaller dock pier proposal. After a marathon session extending past midnight, the board denied the playhouse redevelopment due to community opposition, approved a boat lift project, and continued two city items. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The board unanimously approved minutes from the February 4, March 4, and April 1 meetings (9-0). - Deferrals & Withdrawals: Six applications (PZAB 3, 8-13) were granted six-month indefinite deferrals to December 2, 2026. Four items (PZAB 14-17) were withdrawn. The board highlighted a new practice of publishing deferral announcements via the city's Instagram earlier in the day. Public Comments & Testimony - Item PZAB 7 (Wiener Dog Brewery): Elvis Cruz (631 NE 57th St) spoke, confirming the applicant's representations about only five patrons, no outside music, and a security guard – remarking, "That's a remarkable business model." - Item PZAB 1 (Coconut Grove Playhouse): Dozens of residents from the historic West Coconut Grove neighborhood testified in opposition to the commercial scale of the proposed redevelopment. Key speakers: - Anthony Vinciguerra (3325 Charles Ave): Representing Preserve the West Grove, he listed five demands: a barrier (coral wall/trees) to protect the T3 residential community from commercial intrusion; a comprehensive traffic study; binding community benefits (hiring preferences, affordable rents for local businesses); discounted tickets and programs for local churches and youth; and integration of historic landmarks (e.g., Charles Avenue historic marker). - Courtney Barrian (3325 Charles Ave): Emphasized that the group is not anti-theater but wants a binding community benefits agreement to address traffic, noise, and gentrification concerns, stating, "Our own government is the developer… We are asking for a binding agreement." - Multiple speakers (residents within 300-500 ft): Cited concerns about traffic, noise, trash trucks, Uber drop-offs, safety, loss of green space, and the need for a study—calling the current plan "commercial intrusion" and "CocoWalk II." - Supporters: Mark Abrams (Vice Chair, Gable Stage) urged approval, emphasizing the theater's public benefit (15,000 children reached through educational programs) and the need to end 15 years of delays. Other supporters framed the project as essential for cultural revival and noted that the garage would alleviate neighborhood parking. Discussion Items - Item PZAB 7 (Wiener Dog Brewery, D2 district): Staff presented an exception for a tap room (5 seats, 205 sq ft) at 300 NE 75th St. Attorney David Friedman (2601 S Bayshore Dr) said the microbrewery serves a depressed area and noted the applicant (Alex Nicolaev) spent 2 years securing the exception. The board granted a motion to approve (9-0). - Item PZAB 1 (Coconut Grove Playhouse): The major item of the evening. The county (Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, Gable Stage, Architectonica) requested five exceptions and four waivers for the restoration of the historic playhouse (35,000 sq ft theater, 289 parking spaces, retail/office liners). Staff recommended approval. The applicant cited a previous approval that lapsed during litigation and a court-approved Certificate of Appropriateness from the City Commission (not HEP). - Item PZAB 2 (3100 Monroe Dr dock pier): Applicant sought a 10-ft extension of a dock pier into a waterway where 4 ft 7 in is the maximum. Opponent Joanne Case (within 150 ft) argued the lift location blocks her ability to access her dock with a 39.5-ft sailboat. The applicant stated the issue is a private dispute with the homeowners association and canal width. The board granted the exception (9-0). - Item PZAB 4 (8301 Biscayne Blvd): Applicant sought to maintain an existing legally built parking lot and a waiver for stairs encroaching into a setback for an immigration office. Staff noted the parking lot has been in continuous use since 1986. The board approved (9-0). Key Outcomes - Item PZAB 7 (Wiener Dog Brewery): Approved 9-0. Exceptions granted for tap room. - Item PZAB 1 (Coconut Grove Playhouse): Denied (failed to achieve supermajority). Two motions (deferral to May 20 and approval with conditions) both fell short of the required six votes. The decision is final unless appealed to the City Commission within 15 days. - Item PZAB 2 (Monroe Drive dock): Approved 9-0. Exception granted for dock pier extension. - Item PZAB 4 (8301 Biscayne Blvd): Approved 9-0. Exception and waiver granted for parking lot and stair encroachment. - City items (PZAB 5-6): Deferred to the next meeting (May 20, 2026) to avoid re-noticing. - Next steps: The board extended the meeting until midnight to complete the remaining private application. The playhouse denial leaves the County (leaseholder) to determine next steps, with residents calling for further dialogue and a binding community benefits agreement.

The City of Miami Civil Service Board met on May 5, 2026. The meeting included adoption of the agenda, approval of minutes, approval of military leaves of absence, discussion of a request for a hearing by an employee due to a missed deadline caused by an incorrect email address from HR, approval of findings of fact for a police sergeant, and a hearing that was resolved by agreement. Consent Calendar - The agenda was adopted and minutes approved by voice vote. - Military leaves of absence were approved: C1 – Jimmy L. Rodriguez, police sergeant, request for 365 days unpaid military leave beginning February 8, 2026. C2 – Vanessa Moreno, police officer, request for 211 days unpaid military leave beginning January 17, 2026. Both approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Jose Mena Hearing Request: José Osvaldo Mena, a heavy equipment mechanic for GSA, requested a hearing regarding his termination. Mena's representative explained that Mena's daughter contacted HR Director Angela Roberts for the Civil Service Board email address, but Roberts provided the wrong email (CBS instead of CSB), causing Mena's appeal request to be untimely. The board viewed the emails demonstrating the error. The city objected, arguing that Mena's termination letter included appeal instructions, that his email to HR was a rebuttal not a request for appeal, and that the 15-day deadline was missed. Board members discussed that HR should guide employees and that the mistake was the city's. The board voted to grant Mena a hearing. The city later requested the hearing be scheduled for August 4, 2026, which Mena agreed to. - Linda Bremer Findings of Fact: E2 concerned findings of fact for Police Sergeant Linda Bremer's 10-hour suspension. Attorney Gibbons indicated no objection, and the city had no objection. The board approved the findings. - Daniel Crocker Hearing: H1 was an appeal hearing for Police Officer Daniel Crocker regarding a 10-hour suspension. The board took a two-minute recess at the request of the city, after which the city announced it would rescind the suspension and replace it with a reprimand. The board approved the resolution by motion. Key Outcomes - Military leave requests approved unanimously. - Jose Mena granted a hearing for his termination; hearing scheduled for August 4, 2026. - Findings of fact for Linda Bremer approved. - Daniel Crocker's 10-hour suspension rescinded to a reprimand, with agreement from all parties.

The meeting, presided by Special Magistrate Darcy Siegel, addressed multiple code enforcement cases in Miami, Florida. The hearing began with the Pledge of Allegiance and swearing in of participants. Respondents pleaded guilty or not guilty to violations such as work without permits, illegal units, failure to maintain property, and others. The Magistrate issued orders granting extensions of time and setting compliance deadlines and daily fines. Extensions of Time - Page 97 – 853 NW 3rd St: Attorney Lucilo Ramos represented 853 Properties LLC. Violations for no certificate of use, business tax receipt, and failure to maintain lot. Extension of 120 days granted. - Page 107 – 3311 SW 21st St: Juan Felipe Peralta sought extension for work without a permit. City recommended 120 days; granted 120 days. - Page 101 – 350 SW 15th Rd: Representative Andrea Diotarlevi with valid power of attorney. Extension of 120 days granted for work without permit and work in right-of-way. Violation Hearings (Guilty Pleas) - Page 19 – 500 NE 68th St: Nancy Escobar (via son) pleaded guilty to work without a finalized permit and failure to have a certificate of appropriateness. Granted 120 days to comply; failure results in $150/day fine. - Page 10 – 1326 NW 45th St: Jose Ale Gonzalez pleaded guilty to maintaining structure encroaching in setbacks and work without permit. 120 days, $150/day. - Page 12 – 1431 NW 43rd St: Rolf Peron for New Line Management Inc. pleaded guilty to work without a finalized permit (commercial renovation). 120 days, $250/day fine. - Page 21 – 528 NE 62nd St: Javier Payet for Payette Investment Group LLC pleaded guilty to tree removal without permit. 120 days, $250/day. Noted that permit is part of master construction permit; may need separate tree permit. - Page 58 – 1853 NW 15th St: Juan Guzman pleaded guilty to work without permit and illegal units. 120 days, $150/day. - Page 31 – 5450 SW 5th St: Ariel Rodriguez pleaded guilty to work without permit for driveway and fence. 120 days, $150/day. - Page 14 – 1774 NW 42nd St: Federico Fernando Crespo pleaded guilty to work without permit. 120 days, $150/day. Some subpermits still in process. - Page 5 – 1042 NW 50th St: Derek Blake pleaded guilty to work without permit. 120 days, $250/day. Also has pending unsafe structures hearing; Magistrate provided contact for reset. - Page 29 – 1522 NW 41st St: Gino Valeta for Valetta Group LLC pleaded guilty to work without permit. 120 days, $250/day. Absentia Hearings (Respondent Not Present) - Page 69 – 1845 NW 49th St: Violations for failure to maintain facade, register structure, and blighted. Inspector Bondur testified. Found guilty; 7 days to comply, $250/day fine. - Page 71 – 4500 NW 16th Ave: Violation for failure to register the lot. Inspector Hedgebird testified. Found guilty; 7 days to comply, $250/day. - Page 80 – 1920 NW 21st Terr: Multiple violations including illegal units, work without permits, improper storage, parking on unimproved surfaces, etc. Inspector Gibbons testified. Found guilty; 7 days to comply, $250/day. - Page 83 – 701 SW 45th Ave: Violations for failure to maintain and improper parking (inoperable vehicles). Inspector Morales testified. Found guilty; 7 days to comply, $250/day. Property had prior lien. Resets and Other Actions - Page 60 – 743 NW 7th St Rd: Charles Hand’s case reset due to missing file; not heard. - Page 27 – 259 NE 57th St: Inspector Lubin case reset. - Page 94 – 5555 NW 17th Ave: Solid waste violation for improper dumping; reset due to incorrect registered agent address. - Extension of time requests for absent respondents were denied. Key Outcomes - All respondents who appeared and pleaded guilty received compliance deadlines of 120 days (except absentia cases which received 7 days). - Daily fines set at $150 for residential homestead properties and $250 for non-residential or non-homestead properties, or as recommended by the city. - Respondents were informed they could request further extensions online before the deadline. - Several cases were reset for future hearings due to procedural issues.

The Climate Resilience Committee (CRC) convened at 10:45 AM on April 30, 2026, to hear three presentations—Canopy Park, Bay Shore Park, and the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival—along with updates on the composting pilot, heat season preparations, and the newly forming Tree Advisory Committee. The committee also began discussions on budget recommendations for the coming fiscal year and received public comment. Approval of Minutes - Motion to approve the minutes from the April 6, 2026 meeting – Moved, seconded, and passed unanimously (all ayes, no opposition or abstentions). Presentations Canopy Park (Miami Beach) – Presented by Ben Hutchins, Architectonica Geo - Described a public-private partnership between the City of Miami Beach and Terra Group, resulting in a 5‑acre park on donated developer land in exchange for increased building height on a smaller footprint. - Stormwater features include city wells, a 25,000‑gallon cistern for irrigation, and a perimeter swale that serves as a last line of defense for the 30‑acre watershed. - Speaker positions – Chairperson praised the incentive‑based resilience model (similar to the “Flora” proposal from 2025) and noted the park’s relevance to sponge‐park concepts. Committee members asked about best practices and the “first layer” paving requirement in Miami 21 zoning; Hutchins agreed that requiring impervious paving up to building facades hinders percolation and suggested revisiting that code. Bay Shore Park (Miami Beach) – Presented by Adriana Savino, Barry Miller, Kelly Hitsing, and Patty Matamoris (Savino Miller Design Studio) - Detailed a 20‑acre former golf course transformed into a stormwater sponge park. The project captures 85‑acre watershed runoff, provides 65 acre‑feet of storage, and can hold its own 100‑year, 1‑day storm plus the 10‑year, 1‑day storm from the neighborhood. - Key features: a lake dug to manage arsenic‑contaminated soil (balanced cut‑and‑fill), a levee path that doubles as a fire lane, permeable parking, 91 preserved mature trees, native planting, and a tidal basin. - Speaker positions – Committee members commended the project as a model for low‑lying, flood‑prone areas. Questions addressed the difficulty of reversing water flow, interaction with DERM (soil contamination), groundwater monitoring, and cost/benefit of green vs. gray infrastructure. FIFA World Cup Fan Festival – Presented by Chief Grant Musser (Emergency Manager) and Sonia Brewbaker (Chief Resilience Officer) - Fan festival will be held at Bayfront Park from June 13 to July 5, 2026 (23 days), expecting about 30,000 visitors per day. Free admission, three screens, food vendors, live performances. - Preparedness includes tabletop exercises on complex coordinated terrorist attacks, cybersecurity, and a family reception center at the James L. Knight Center. Cooling centers and a heat‑response plan are in place (heat season runs May 1 – Oct 31). - Sustainability – Plastic‑free measures (single‑use plastics banned), reusable bottle campaign (“Kick the Cup”), and stormwater protection protocols. - Speaker positions – Committee members expressed appreciation for the extensive planning and asked about interagency coordination, volunteer CERT involvement, pollution prevention, and stormwater protections. Chief Musser noted that the city’s IT department was rated best‑prepared in cybersecurity exercises. Old Business Update on Tree Advisory Committee - Chairperson read an email from Melissa Fernandez Steers: The City has engaged Florida State University’s Consensus Center; initial outreach and stakeholder interviews are complete. Appointments from Districts 2, 4, 5 are ready; Districts 1 and 3 are still submitting names. A formal establishment item is expected at the City Commission in May, with the first committee meeting likely in June or July. - Speaker positions – A motion to recommend a specific D1 appointee was ruled out of order by the City Attorney (not within the committee’s powers). Members agreed to consolidate public comments from prior CRC meetings and share them with the Consensus Center. Miriam was asked to compile those comments and circulate them to CRC members. Office of Resilience & Sustainability Updates - FPL Evolution sites – Groundbreaking for first site at Gibson Park scheduled for May 13, 2026 (curbside charging). About a dozen sites planned, most in parks. - Composting pilot – Three‑month pilot with five locations (Shenandoah Park, Charles Hadley Park, Morningside Park, Miami River Center, and City Hall). Bins are locked; instructions available via QR code. - Extreme heat season – Starts May 1. Cooling centers at 11 city parks; Alert Miami (text 888‑777) for notifications. - Fertilizer prohibition – May 15 through October 31 to reduce runoff into Biscayne Bay. Discussion Items Budget Recommendations for FY2026-2027 - Allison presented four draft recommendations based on existing city plans: 1. Complete a Stormwater Design Standards Manual (referenced in 2021 Stormwater Master Plan). 2. Update stormwater modeling to incorporate latest NOAA Atlas 14 data and other science‑based data as it becomes available. 3. Accelerate municipal fleet electrification (from Miami Forever Carbon Neutral Plan). 4. Obtain a conceptual Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) to streamline permitting for individual stormwater projects. - Speaker positions – Committee members debated budget impact versus administrative feasibility. Several members suggested first inquiring with staff to determine whether items could be done in‑house or already underway. There was consensus that efficiency and cost‑saving framing would strengthen recommendations. A workshop to finalize budget recommendations was originally set for May 6 but may be rescheduled due to member availability. Future Agenda Topics & Meeting Format - Plans for June and July meetings: Sponge‑park presentations from Robert Cologne (County) and Tom Klein (UM), plus a presentation from NYC Parks Department on tree management. The chair proposed extending the June meeting to three hours to accommodate multiple items. - Speaker positions – Some members supported longer meetings occasionally for concentrated work; others urged caution on staff time. It was tentatively agreed to plan a three‑hour June meeting. - Tree workshop discussions: Several members felt that since a separate Tree Advisory Committee is being formed, the CRC should avoid duplicating efforts but could share information and align recommendations. The committee agreed to add a recurring agenda item for updates from Avra (CRC member also on the tree committee). Public Comments & Testimony - Kyle Lockridge (District 2 resident) – Expressed strong support for protecting large trees and criticized development practices that clear‑cut lots. Praised the “Flora” incentive concept and urged the committee to prioritize tree preservation in resilience efforts. - Albert Gomez (District 2 resident, developer) – Asserted that trees remain integral to the CRC’s mission and urged the committee to continue tracking tree‑permit data. Requested that the city provide specific tree‑removal permit information that was previously requested but not fully delivered. Suggested that the CRC could recommend improved record‑keeping if data is not currently accessible. - Imara Bella – Celebrated the composting pilot and suggested adding non‑QR‑code signage to make instructions accessible to all users. Encouraged submitting feedback to the city and vendor. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from April 6, 2026, unanimously. - Directed staff (Miriam) to compile public comments on trees from prior CRC meetings and share them with the Consensus Center and the Tree Advisory Committee; also to circulate to CRC members. - Budget workshop for recommendations will be rescheduled (likely mid‑May) to accommodate more members. - The June 2026 meeting may be extended to three hours to accommodate presentations on sponge parks and NYC tree program, plus continuing budget discussion. - A recurring agenda item will be added for tree committee updates from Avra. - The committee did not take formal action on the request for additional tree‑permit data but will follow up with staff to determine availability and may consider a budget recommendation for improved data tracking. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 PM.