Public Meetings - Miami, Florida

The Virginia Key Beach Park Trust met on October 8, 2026, to consider a resolution appointing Connor Green to the Virginia Key Advisory Board, approve prior meeting minutes, and discuss the status of the executive director. The meeting included no public comments. The chair proposed immediate termination of the executive director over alleged unauthorized salary increases. Consent Calendar - A resolution was presented to appoint Connor Green, subject to confirmation by the City of Miami City Commission, as a member of the Virginia Key Advisory Board for a designated term. The board clarified the vacancy is filled by the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, not the Virginia Key Advisory Board. - A motion was made and seconded to approve the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust meeting minutes for July 9th [year unspecified in transcript]. The motion carried by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on any item. The chair closed the public comment period twice: once before the consent items and once before the executive director discussion. Discussion Items - Executive Director's Quarterly Update: The board acknowledged receiving the quarterly update; no further discussion occurred. - Status of the Executive Director: The chair reported that, upon reviewing the past three years' budgets, the executive director had given herself salary increases without the chair's knowledge: approximately $30,000 in the first year, $13,999 in the second year, and almost $10,000 in the third year. The chair stated the executive director had requested a certain salary at hiring, but the chair could not offer it due to board constraints. The chair claimed there was no subsequent discussion or written authorization for the increases and characterized the $30,000 raise as equivalent to stealing. The chair said she offered the executive director two weeks' severance if she resigned, but the executive director refused and maintains the chair agreed to the increase. The chair asked the board to support immediate termination for cause. A board member recommended that all further communications on this matter be directed to retained counsel. Key Outcomes - The board passed the resolution appointing Connor Green to the Virginia Key Advisory Board. - The board approved the July 9th meeting minutes. - The chair formally proposed the immediate termination of the executive director, citing unauthorized salary increases and unmet milestones. A motion for termination was requested, but the transcript does not record a vote tally or a clear outcome. The board member's counsel recommendation was noted, and the meeting was adjourned without further action being explicitly announced.

The Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) met on October 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The board considered six agenda items presented by Executive Director James D. McQueen and read into the record by Attorney Brown. All items were approved unanimously without discussion. Consent Calendar - Resolution ratifying the executive director’s recommendation to award a grant not to exceed $25,000 in support of the Urban Film Festival (required four-fifths vote). - Resolution authorizing the executive director to negotiate and execute a license agreement with Tammy Overtown LLC and Allied Demolition for access to CRA property at 345 Northwest 10th Street. - Resolution authorizing the executive director to negotiate an interlocal agreement with the Miami Parking Authority for development of a public garage, with a fee not to exceed 2.5% or $400,000. - Resolution authorizing program funding for FY 2026–27 in an amount not to exceed $2,415,000. - Resolution accepting the committee’s recommendation of Acre Communities LLC as the top-ranked proposer for RFP 25-10 for a multifamily affordable housing unit with a fire station at the base. - Resolution authorizing the executive director to negotiate a development agreement with Mount Zion Development Associates LLC for a mixed-use development in response to RFP 21-01, including conveyance of four parcels at 318 Northwest 10th Street for $1,043,263. Public Comments & Testimony - A representative from the City of Miami Black Police Precinct Courthouse Museum expressed appreciation for the recent renegotiation of funds supporting crime reduction. The speaker highlighted the impact of community partnerships on crime reduction and thanked CRA Director James D. McQueen and Commissioner Christine King for ensuring the allocated funds remain accessible to the museum. Key Outcomes - All six consent calendar items were passed unanimously by the board without discussion or amendment. The meeting adjourned after the vote.

The meeting on 2026-10-08 included two ceremonial proclamation presentations: one honoring a young Dominican American artist during Hispanic Heritage Month and another declaring October as National Fire Prevention Month, with a focus on community safety and fire prevention awareness. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were discussed in the provided excerpt. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation: Commissioner Gabella presented a proclamation to Elieza Soriano, a 17-year-old Dominican American visual artist, graphic designer, and photographer, recognizing his decade-long career in creative fields and his contributions to South Florida's arts community. Soriano, who works as a graphics media specialist at Miami State College, thanked God, his family, his grandmother (who bought him his first box of colored pencils), and his girlfriend. Multiple family members and supporters described as

The available transcription for this meeting was limited and appeared garbled. The following content was extracted: Announcements - An unidentified speaker reported on illegal activity, urging listeners to contact Crime Stoppers at a number that was garbled in the transcription (e.g., "205 461 44 37 600"). The speaker mentioned a dangerous substance that could be hidden undetected: "...scary that it can be put into anything we can't even see it or notice it." - A separate statement was made regarding hurricane preparedness: "Don't wait until the last moment to prepare for a hurricane. Go to Miami.gov slash hurricane and use our guide." Notes - The transcription quality was poor, and no further details about other agenda items, decisions, or votes were available.

The Miami Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board (PZAB) met on October 7, 2026, at 11:30 AM to consider several agenda items, including the creation of an entertainment district in Allapattah, amendments to the zoning code to allow multiple principal buildings per lot in T4 zones, and a pilot program for off-site advertising on construction fencing. The board deferred two items and voted on three major proposals, all of which were approved with additional recommendations. Public Comments & Testimony - Allapattah Entertainment District (Item 5): Three members of the public spoke in favor of the entertainment district. Steve Warnick, a resident, praised the planning department for targeting an industrial corridor along the rail and emphasized economic development and activation without spilling into residential neighborhoods. Liam May, a resident, voiced support for the restaurant industry's job creation and noted that staff had implemented tight controls for slow, steady growth. Zach Santini, a bartender in Miami, highlighted the collaborative effort of the commissioner and city staff to cut red tape and create jobs, emphasizing that Alapata is a working-class neighborhood where residents can fill these positions. Discussion Items - Allapattah Entertainment District (Item 5, File ID 19909): Staff presented a resolution to recommend approval of an ordinance establishing an entertainment district in Allapattah, generally bounded by NW 23rd Street, NW 13th Avenue, NW 21st Street, and NW 14th Avenue, extending to NW 12th Avenue as shown on the exhibit. The district would allow alcohol service establishments by right to operate until 5 a.m., with outdoor dining associated with such uses also allowed by right, subject to the city's noise ordinance. Establishments must be located at least 300 feet from religious facilities and schools, and operators must provide an operational plan and alcohol reservation letter. Board members discussed the boundaries (noting a discrepancy between the title and exhibit, with the exhibit being correct), the lack of noticing for property owners, and the alignment of by-right allowances with other districts. Chair Adam Gerston recused himself as a leaseholder in the area. A motion was made to approve with a recommendation for courtesy notice to property owners and a clarification of boundaries in the resolution. The item passed 8-0. - T4 Zone Multiple Buildings (Item 3, File ID 19907): Paul Genovazi, Chief of Urban Design, presented a resolution to amend Miami 21 to allow multiple principal buildings per lot within the T4 General Urban transect zone. The amendment aims to promote fee-simple home ownership, reduce curb cuts, allow more porches and green space, and enable contextually sensitive housing like cottage or townhouse courts. The code would also modify the separation distance between buildings from 10 feet to 5 feet. Board members asked about permeability limits and whether buildings must be detached, and staff confirmed that existing lot coverage and greenspace rules still apply and that buildings may be attached or detached. No public comments were made. The board voted unanimously (9-0) to approve. - Off-Site Advertising Pilot Program (Items 4 & 6, File IDs 19905 and 19916): Staff presented two related resolutions to establish a pilot program allowing off-site commercial advertising on construction-site fencing within the city's urban core (limited to T5, T6, CI, CD, D1, D2, and D3 transect zones, excluding Commission Districts 2 and 5). The program replaces an earlier sole-proprietor model with an open, competitive process. Signs are limited to 8 feet in height, must be made of graffiti-proof material, valid only for 180-day increments, and subject to permit fees and renewal fees. Board members discussed the fee structure, whether the city could share in advertising revenue, and the absence of a maximum time limit for signs (e.g., a cap of five years or based on construction duration). A motion was made to approve with a directive for staff to study the appropriateness of fees and to recommend time caps for the pilot program. Both items passed 8-0. Key Outcomes - Allapattah Entertainment District (Item 5): Recommended approval to the City Commission, with added recommendations to provide courtesy notice to property owners within the defined area and to clarify the boundaries in the resolution. Vote: 8-0. - T4 Multiple Buildings (Item 3): Recommended approval to the City Commission to amend Miami 21 to allow multiple principal buildings per lot in the T4 transect zone. Vote: 9-0. - Off-Site Advertising Pilot Program (Items 4 and 6): Recommended approval to the City Commission for both the Miami 21 and City Code amendments establishing the pilot program, with a directive for staff to study fee structures and time limits for sign permits. Votes: 8-0 each. - Deferrals (Items 1 and 2): Items 1 and 2 (File IDs 19688 and 19689), concerning flume and rezone changes for Northwest 36th Court, were deferred to the October 21, 2026 PZAB meeting.

The Miami Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEP) met on October 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM (originally scheduled for 8:00 PM but adjourned early). The board approved routine consent items, discussed procedural changes, and acted on five agenda items including tax exemptions, special certificates of appropriateness, and environmental preservation approvals. Key decisions included deferral of one item, approval of a historic tax exemption, and two special certificates with conditions, as well as updates on archaeological projects. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the July 7, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (motion by member, seconded, voice vote all in favor). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on any agenda item during the public comment periods. Discussion Items - Deferral Request: Item 1 was deferred to the regular meeting of November 3, 2026, at the applicant’s request. The board voted unanimously to defer. - Special Meeting in November: The board discussed whether to hold a special meeting in November for a single intended decision appeal. Staff recommended rolling the item into the regular November 3 meeting to avoid extra effort. After discussion, the board voted unanimously not to hold a special meeting (motion by member, seconded). Board members also discussed establishing criteria (e.g., minimum number of items) for future special meetings but did not codify a rule. - Procedural Amendment: A board member proposed reviving a 2019 draft amendment to board procedures that would automatically end the meeting at 9:00 PM unless extended by unanimous vote. The board agreed to place this as a discussion item for the next meeting (November 2026). - Item 2 – JT Weather’s Garage Tax Exemption (File ID 19826): Staff reported the property was designated in March 2026. Applicant Raphael Hillis confirmed progress. The board approved the ad valorem tax exemption (part one) by a vote of 10–0. - Item 3 – Morningside Historic District Special Certificate (File ID 19827): Applicant Michael Goldberg (on behalf of his daughter) requested enclosure of the front porch, a driveway gate, and a brick walkway. After extensive discussion about column preservation, glazing, and gate design, the board approved with amendments: (1) the porch enclosure must be structurally independent of the front columns; (2) the driveway gate shall be a double gate as shown in the columned rendering; (3) the walkway width is 5 feet; (4) condition 4 (60% opacity requirement) is removed; (5) staff shall approve final details, including engagement of window system with columns (must be at centerline of column diameter or behind, or not engage columns at all). Vote: 10–0. - Item 4 – Brickell Avenue Environmental Preservation District (File ID 19829): Applicant Dan Goldberg presented plans for site and landscape improvements, including pool, tree removal/relocation, and restoration of the Silver Bluff. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including a 25-foot setback of the pool. Applicant objected to the setback, citing conflict with a protected banyan tree. The board modified conditions: (1) Condition 2 (25-foot setback) is eliminated; instead, the pool may be placed as shown, but if excavation reveals any portion of the Silver Bluff, the pool design must be adjusted to preserve the bluff, as approved by staff; (2) Condition 3 is revised to require preservation of all exposed Silver Bluff (natural, unaltered sections) and that site improvements avoid disturbance; (3) New conditions require monitoring during excavation of man-made features, demarcation and protection fencing for the bluff, and updates to the board on findings. The board approved as amended, vote 10–0. - Item 5 – MIMO Biscayne Boulevard Historic District (File ID 19831): Applicant Amanda DeSetta requested partial demolition of later additions and new fenestration for a contributing structure (former hotel/restaurant). Staff recommended approval with conditions (clear glass, low-E coating, etc.). The board discussed window muntin patterns and entry door design. No public objections. Approved unanimously, 10–0. - Discussion Item 2 – Quarterly Archaeological Update: Preservation planner Adrian presented data on certificates to dig issued in the fourth quarter. Most were for public utilities and single-family homes. Board members asked about criteria and thanked staff. - Discussion Item 3 – Update on 77/99 Southeast 5th Street (File ID 19834): Carlos Diaz provided the 18-month update: the phase 3 archaeological report (final report) is expected February/March 2027; the exhibition space is under construction and will open with the building in mid-2028; the artifact repository is pending tribal and state review; artifacts remain stored onsite. Key Outcomes - Item 1 deferred to November 3, 2026. - No special meeting in November; single item to be heard at regular November 3 meeting. - Board will consider procedural amendment (9 PM cutoff) at next meeting. - Item 2 (tax exemption) approved 10–0. - Item 3 (Morningside) approved 10–0 with amended conditions. - Item 4 (Brickell environmental) approved 10–0 with amended conditions (pool setback removed; Silver Bluff protection; monitoring required). - Item 5 (MIMO Biscayne) approved 10–0 with staff conditions. - Archaeological updates noted; further updates expected as projects progress. - Board member raised intention to discuss amending scenic transport corridor protections for canopy trees at a future meeting.

The Miami Civil Service Board convened on October 6, 2026, at approximately 9:00 AM (local time) to address a full agenda including routine personnel actions, a lengthy line-by-line review of findings of fact in a termination appeal, and two requests for hearings. All board members were present. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of the agenda, which was amended to include the election of the board chair. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously adopted the agenda as amended and reappointed Chairman Cabrera by a 4-0 vote. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. - Probationary Extensions: The board approved a three-month extension for Police Officer Jessica Kennedy (due to military leave) and a three-month extension for Police Lieutenant Natalie Martinez (to complete probation), both with unanimous votes. - Reemployment List: Approved a request from Christopher Lemonte to be placed on the reemployment list for Human Resources Technician II (no objection, unanimous). - Seniority Credit for Promotional Exam: The board approved a request from Police Officer Brian Pino for previous seniority credit toward meeting the time-in-grade requirement for a promotional examination (no objection, unanimous; clarified that no additional seniority points would be granted). - Military Leave: Approved retroactive military leave without pay for Firefighter Kenneth Lopez (400 days) and reemployment for Police Officer Vanessa Moreno after honorable discharge (both unanimous). - Continuances for Appeal Hearings: Granted continuances for Shakita Johnson (E1), Calvin Holt (E2), and Lazaro Shapleton (E3) due to employee FMLA leave or attorney request, with no objection from the city (all unanimous). Discussion Items - Findings of Fact for Alfonso Davila's Appeal (Item E4): The board spent significant time reviewing the city's proposed edits to the board attorney's findings of fact concerning Davila's termination. Both sides presented objections line-by-line, with the board ruling on each edit. Key outcomes included: - The board accepted the city's edits to clarify that testimony (e.g., adding "Rionda testified that...") rather than stating facts as settled. - Several city-proposed additions were rejected as redundant or not supported by testimony (e.g., the city's request to add details about the leave approval chain was denied; the board kept the original language that Rionda admitted an employee can request leave without pay). - The board permitted inclusion of the phrase "the RFL was unilaterally modified" in finding number 8. - A line referencing Mr. Soleiman's comment about a "gross breach" was not added as it was not sworn testimony. - The board ultimately approved the findings of fact as finalized during the meeting (motion by Lanier, second by Jimenez, unanimous; Davila objected to certain deletions but board ruled against him). - Hearings Pending List (F1): The board discussed the hearings calendar. Next scheduled hearings were on November 17 (three hearings) and December 15 (two hearings). The board voted to cancel the October 27 and November 24 meetings (both had no hearings scheduled) to avoid unnecessary costs (motion by Lanier, second by Jimenez, unanimous). Key Outcomes - Approved Findings of Fact for Alfonso Davila: The board voted 4-0 to accept the findings of fact as amended during the meeting. These will be forwarded to the city manager. - Granted Rule 16.1 Investigation Hearing (G1): The board granted Alfonso Davila's request for a hearing under Civil Service Rule 16.1 regarding alleged abuse of power by Mardellas Puig. The motion passed 4-0 (Lanier motion, Cabrera second). No specific questions were pre-submitted to the department; the board will schedule the hearing. - Denied Rule 16.2 Request for Seniority Restoration (G2): The board denied Police Officer Brian Pino's request for a hearing to restore his full seniority date for bidding purposes, based on the clear language of Rule 12.4 limiting seniority credit to promotional exam eligibility only. Motion to deny by Cabrera, second by Jimenez, passed 4-0 (Lanier dissented, stating he would have granted the hearing). The city cited case law (Carry v. City of Miami) and the voluntary resignation. - Meeting Cancellations: The board cancelled the October 27 and November 24, 2026 board meetings due to no hearings pending. The next meeting will be November 17, 2026. Note: The board also handled a tabled item (B4) later in the meeting for Officer Brian Pino, granting the time-in-grade credit as requested without objection.

The Art and Public Places Board of the City of Miami held a meeting on October 5, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The board addressed a waiver of public art requirements for an affordable housing development, selected a finalist artist for the Miami Incorporators Monument at Bayfront Park, received updates on the AIPP Master Plan, and discussed previous artist selection processes. Consent Calendar - Absent waivers were granted for members Christina Cuervo, Juan Validez, Jacqueline Roach, and Lisette Garcia Argente (motion passed 6-0). - Minutes of the last meeting were not available for approval. Public Comments & Testimony - Keith Moore (address: 27820 SW 128th Place, Homestead) and Anne Marie Henry (address: 720 NE 162nd Street) spoke on behalf of Profiles in Black Miami. They expressed strong support for artist George Rodriguez Gerada’s concept for the Incorporators Monument, stating it best represented the 344 men (black and white) who voted to incorporate Miami. They requested that the monument accurately list all names and races, correct the map to reflect the 1896 city boundaries, and change the wording from “qualified electors” to “voters present” for clarity. They asked to remain involved in the process to ensure historical accuracy. Discussion Items Item 1 – Election of Vice Chair for 2026 Term - Board member Nelson Delgado nominated Christina Cuervo, who was absent. After a point of order, the board voted and elected her Vice Chair (6-0). Item 2 – Waiver of Public Art Requirements for Affordable Housing Development at 1611 NW 3rd Ave (File ID 19928) - Project Description: The Southeast Overtown Park West CRA proposed a 100% affordable housing development with a total construction cost of $10 million. The public art fee requirement was $150,000 (1.5%). The project requested a full waiver of the public art requirement but expressed intent to include public art. - Staff Recommendation: Approval with two conditions: (1) artist selection and artwork must meet criteria in Section 62-6582 of the city code; (2) coordination with the Public Art Division and referral to the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) for feedback. - Board Positions: Several members, including Chair Olga Granda and Member Gary Feinberg, expressed a desire that any artwork installed be reviewed and approved by the board, not just the PAC. They noted that the waiver should cover only the financial requirement, not board oversight. After debate, the board amended condition two to require referral to both the PAC and/or the board for discussion and feedback, ensuring the board retains a role. The waiver was approved 6-0. Item 3 – Selection of Finalist Artist for Bayfront Park Incorporators Monument (File ID 19929) - Proposal Summary: Five site-specific proposals were reviewed by the PAC. The recommended finalist, George Rodriguez Gerada, proposed a bronze sculpture of hands reaching upward forming a flame, symbolizing collective effort. The piece would include engraved plaques with the 344 incorporators’ names, an 1896 map, and the city seal. PAC initially reconsidered and then recommended Gerada. - Public Testimony: Keith Moore and Anne Marie Henry reiterated support for Gerada’s concept and emphasized accuracy of names, race, and map. - Board Action: The board approved the resolution selecting George Rodriguez Gerada as finalist (6-0). The artist will continue design development with input from historians, community representatives, and city staff. Installation target is late 2027, pending fabrication and coordination with Bayfront Trust Management. Updates on AIPP Master Plan and Miami Freedom Park Master Plan - Indra (staff): The Miami Public Art Master Plan kicked off with consultants DPZ and ABC Art Builds Community. Initial research, stakeholder meetings, and artwork surveys are complete. Focus groups and steering committee meetings are being scheduled. A board member will be included. - Miami Freedom Park: The first steering committee met in summer 2026; the next is scheduled for the week of October 14, 2026, where a concept plan will be presented. - Installations: Upcoming installations include Plaza Azuca (approved last month), Silver Bluff Park (in two weeks), Dog Park, Manolo Reyes, Flagler Villas, Kennedy Park mosaic, and Joyce B.’s laser-cut passages. Staff will provide photos after installation. Follow-up on District 4 Plaza Artist Selection - Member Gary Feinberg raised the previous meeting’s selection of Alex Kaufman over Juan Jimenez (Conflux Art Projects), noting the awkwardness and the commissioner’s offer of future opportunities. The board recommended that staff include Jimenez for future projects in District 4, possibly through direct invitation. No formal motion was needed; staff will act on the recommendation. Key Outcomes - Vice Chair Election: Christina Cuervo elected Vice Chair for 2026 (6-0). - Waiver Approval (File ID 19928): Approved 6-0 with amended conditions requiring artwork to come before the board or PAC for discussion and feedback. - Finalist Selection (File ID 19929): George Rodriguez Gerada approved as finalist artist for the Bayfront Park Incorporators Monument (6-0). - Directive: Staff to include artist Juan Jimenez in consideration for future District 4 public art projects. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 9, 2026.

The City of Miami Code Enforcement Board convened on October 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM to adjudicate a docket of code violation cases. The meeting included granting extensions of time, mitigating fines, and holding initial hearings on new and existing violations. No agenda or minutes were available. Extensions of Time (EOTs) The board unanimously granted 120-day extensions to six property owners, including Felicia Mendez (2140 SW 19th Terrace), Lucillo Ramos (853 NW 3rd St), Michael Burrell (8600 NE 10th Ct), Alberto Sanguinet (3130 SW 8th St, two units), Maria Sargastaghi (1599 W Flagler St), and Mario Maecha (1855 NW 27th St). The city recommended the 120-day period in each case. Fine Mitigation Hearings - 1170 NW 26th St (Ocean Points LLC): Raul Perez requested mitigation of a $721,000 fine for generator transfer switch violations at an assisted living facility. The board treated the property as a single-family home and voted unanimously to reduce the fine to $5,000. - 2054 SW 5th St (2020 SW 5th St LLC): Attorney Scott Orth represented the post-foreclosure owner. The fine was reduced from $20,500 to the 20% minimum of $4,100. - 1600 SW 1st St: Attorney Alfredo Gonzalez represented the landlord of a commercial property. The fine was reduced from $29,000 to the 20% minimum of $5,800. First-Time Violation Hearings (To Be Heards) Owners pleaded guilty or not guilty to violations. The board imposed compliance deadlines and per diem fines. - Not Guilty Plea (1440 NW 34th St): Owner Martha Belo Rodriguez pleaded not guilty to failure to maintain a lot, presenting photos of periodic maintenance. The city presented evidence of ongoing trash. The board found the property guilty and granted 120 days with a $150/day per diem. - Other Guilty Cases: The board granted compliance time and set fines ($150 or $250 per day) for various properties, including an illegal food truck operation (2731 NE 2nd Ave), work without a permit (3323 NW 9th Ct, 425 SW 63rd Ct, 1525 SW 31st Ave, 840 SW 9th Ave), missing business tax receipts (5520 W Flagler St D, 177 NE 47th St, 1735 SW 8th St), and illegal tree removal (721 NW 21st Ct). Hearings In Absentia - 544 NE 78th St: The son of the owner appeared without power of attorney. The city proved the property had work done on a seawall and concrete without a permit. The board found the property guilty, granting 120 days with a $250/day per diem. - 5261 NW 4th St: A friend of the elderly owner appeared without power of attorney. The board reset the case for a future hearing. - 2190 SW 8th St (Public Storage): Regional Manager James Ernez appeared. The board found the property guilty of lacking a Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use, granting 120 days with a $250/day per diem. Key Outcomes - All board orders are appealable to the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida within 30 days. - An ethics refresher training session was scheduled for the end of the next board meeting. - A new board member was welcomed to the dais.