Public Meetings - Miami Dade County, Florida

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners met on October 22, 2026, to conduct public hearings and take action on deferred Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) and zoning applications in south Miami-Dade County. The board approved all applications before it, passed a standalone police-impact-fee directive, and adjusted a future meeting date. Agenda and Opening - The board set the agenda by voice vote. The zoning director stated that all items had been legally advertised, notices mailed, and properties posted; witnesses and interpreters were sworn. Public Comments & Testimony - Rosa Colaso and Augenel Jesus Colazo, residents at 15720 SW 272nd Street, said the proposed 185-unit community would back up against their yard. They cited traffic and safety concerns and requested a wall and landscaped buffer like one they said was granted behind Wildwood Groves, and asked that the project be reduced from 185 units to about 150 units, noting Wildwood Groves had 115 homes on 40 acres. - Abraham Rodriguez asked what kind of wall or buffer would protect his fruit grove and animals on the south and west sides of his property. - For item 7A, seven members of the public indicated support by raising hands or waving; no spoken opposition was presented. Item 3A / 3A1 / 8A3 – Lennar Homes / Dunagan's Fruit Groves - This application (CDMP20250021 and Z202500256, between SW 272nd and SW 278th Streets and SW 157th and SW 159th Avenues) had previously had a public hearing and had been deferred on September 24, 2026. The zoning director recorded five protests and 12 waves of support. - Applicant Hugo Arza said a new condition would be added to the declaration of restrictions and requested the standard 10-day period to re-execute the covenant. - Commissioner Cohen Higgins, the district commissioner, reported that after the last hearing staff updated the roadway analysis in a memo dated October 8, adding sections on SW 272nd and SW 278th Streets, all operating at an acceptable level of service. - She read a new safety and security covenant: the owner will provide street lighting and at least one security guard daily during evening hours, defined as sunset to sunrise, until written justification is accepted by the department, and will provide documentation within 90 days of any certificate of occupancy. The applicant confirmed agreement. - Commissioner Cohen Higgins also made two standalone motions regarding police impact fees. The first directed that police impact fees from this development be prioritized, to the extent feasible and legally permissible, for the future Eureka station, with a written report to the full board if that is not possible; it passed by voice vote. She withdrew the second motion, which would have directed the mayor to engage the sheriff's office on studying possible police impact fee changes, after Commissioner Regalado raised concerns about countywide scope and cost. - The applicant confirmed there will be a retaining wall and landscaping along the rear, and stated the project has no setback variances. The CDMP application passed unanimously as amended; companion zoning item 8A3 also passed unanimously. Item 8A2 – Homestead Office, LLC and Centerhome, LLC - For zoning application Z202500183, near the Leisure City Urban Center at SW 288th Street and SW 157th Avenue, the zoning director reported one protest and no waves of support. No public speakers were registered. - Applicant Alex Uriba requested rezoning the BU1 portion to Mixed Use Center, allowing 90 units per acre, and the RU1 portion to Residential Modified, allowing 45 units per acre, with a covenant limiting height to 11 stories and providing a 60-foot landscape buffer along the southern edge. He noted nearby urban center developments of 125 and 90 units per acre and an 11-story building under construction to the west. - Commissioner Garcia asked about parking; the applicant said surface parking would be internalized, likely in a podium near the intersection. Staff recommended approval. - The zoning application passed unanimously. Item 7A / 7A Supplement / 8A1 – GPC Miami Business Park / American Bankers Life Assurance Company - CDMP application CDMP20250007 and zoning application Z20250117, on the west side of the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike between SW 186th and SW 196th Streets, were presented for final adoption. The zoning director reported no protests and no waves of support. - Vice Chairman McGee, the district commissioner, described the application as fair, stated county departments agreed with it, and highlighted a community benefits agreement including roughly 75,000 square feet of office and entertainment space, hotel uses, and environmental mitigations. - Applicant representative Tracy Slavins said the community benefits include donations to Genesis Hopeful Haven, which helps foster children aging out of the system, and Gold's Optimist Club, plus a separate Assurant scholarship fund at Florida Memorial University. - The CDMP application and companion zoning item 8A1, including the 10-day covenant re-execution condition, both passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved the Lennar Homes CDMP application (item 3A) with the safety and security covenant, unanimously. - Approved companion zoning 8A3 (Dunagan's Fruit Groves), unanimously. - Approved zoning 8A2 (Homestead Office/Centerhome), unanimously. - Approved the GPC Miami Business Park CDMP application (item 7A), unanimously. - Approved companion zoning 8A1 (American Bankers Life), unanimously. - Passed a standalone motion prioritizing police impact fees from the Lennar project for the future Eureka station; the broader impact-fee study motion was withdrawn. - Voted to move the February CDMP and zoning meeting from the 18th to the 11th, by voice vote, before adjourning.

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners met on October 20, 2026, starting at approximately 10:45 AM EDT (14:45 UTC). Commissioner Oliver Gilbert served as temporary presiding officer. The meeting covered a mayoral veto, numerous public hearings, discussion items, and routine consent items. Key debates centered on the C-Quarium redevelopment, a bid waiver for Port of Miami berth 10, legislative priorities, and the county's stormwater and playground safety. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals of district office fund allocations (items 3A1–3A12) and departmental consent items were adopted en bloc. - First reading of ordinances (items 4A–4N, 14A6) was approved unanimously. - The 2027 BCC calendar (item 15B4) was amended to move the February 17 meeting to February 9. Public Comments & Testimony - On item 4M (C-Quarium CDMP amendment): Samantha Barquin, Valeria Donett, Sofia Bond, and Rachel Silverstein (Miami Waterkeeper) urged deferral, citing insufficient environmental review and lack of public outreach. They requested community workshops before advancing the small-scale amendment. Brian Adler (representing Resilient Aquarium LLC) responded that the vote was only to proceed to a future public hearing and that outreach would continue. - On item 10A2 (Magnolia Point housing): Julian Portes spoke in support of financing for affordable housing. - On item 11A2 (Dump Red Tape Act): Paulo Rosales and Sofia Saud urged support for reducing small business regulatory burdens. - On item 10A1 (Golden Lakes rehabilitation): Hope Yusufah and Chaplain Stanley Young supported the bond authorization, emphasizing the need for affordable housing. - On items 5B and 5G (South Miami CRA): Steven Pearson, Sally Phillips, and Manuel Menendez opposed, citing plans to demolish a historic building and Gene Willis Park, and questioned the CRA’s public benefit. - On item 5F (REDPAD acreage reduction): Valeria Donett and Gregory Frankel opposed, arguing it could enable the C-Quarium redevelopment without adequate scrutiny. Brian Adler countered that the amendment was consistent with prior county studies. - On item 11A5 (West Flagler affordable housing lease): Aliza Oxoy asked for public notice requirements; David Kordich supported fast-tracking. - On item 11A7 (Road.Space settlement): Tom Robertson requested deferral to allow other parties to settle. Mayoral Veto (Item 2A1) Mayor vetoed Resolution R-793-26, which directed halting spending on closure/demolition of the Resources Recovery Facility in Doral until negotiations with Doral concluded. The mayor argued the resolution was too restrictive and interfered with regulatory compliance. Commissioner Cohen Higgins moved to reconsider; the motion failed 2–7. A subsequent motion to override the veto lacked a second, so the veto was sustained. Discussion Items - Stormwater Plan (6B1): Commissioner Steinberg led a discussion on flooding, king tides, and the need for a comprehensive master plan. Department of Transportation Director Stacey Miller reported that the county now manages the stormwater program, has $108 million in projects (mostly grant-funded), and uses design criteria allowing 24-hour ponding dissipation. Green infrastructure and coordination with municipalities were highlighted. Commissioner Steinberg requested a report on maintenance efforts and funding priorities. - Playground Slide Safety (6B2): Commissioner Milian Orbis discussed the tragic death of a 13-year-old at a City of Miami park. Parks Director Christina White confirmed that all 290 slides (six enclosed) at county parks were inspected with no deficiencies found. A full report will be provided, including slide lifespan and potential warning signage. Key Outcomes - Veto sustained (2A1): The mayoral veto of Resolution R-793-26 was not overridden. - Public Hearings: - Item 5A (Coach Richard Stuart Boulevard designation) passed unanimously. - Item 5B (South Miami CRA Plan) was amended and passed (voice vote). - Item 5C (plat waiver for 6301 SW 27th Street) failed 4–7; deferred to next available meeting. - Items 5E (brownfield), 5F (REDPAD amendment), 5G (South Miami CRA trust fund), 5H (onsite sewage delegation), and 5I (procurement overhaul) all passed, with 5I amended to relocate cone of silence enforcement to the ethics commission. - Bid Waiver for Port of Miami (8J1): Approved (voice vote, with some nays) after extended debate. The interim agreement with Fincantieri for Berth 10 design is capped at $18.22 million; construction will require future board approval. Several commissioners expressed concern about waiving competition but cited contractual deadlines. - Emergency Streetlighting Contract (8N2): Approved. A motion directed the administration to negotiate a long-term contract with Horsepower Electric, Inc., the current emergency vendor, for ongoing maintenance. - Legislative Package (11A6): Approved as amended to add priorities on sargassum composting funding, DEI law reconsideration, short-term rental regulation, and termination-for-convenience clauses in Rockstar Games agreements. - Vizcaya Museum Master Plan (11A8): Approved as amended, delegating authority to the mayor. - West Flagler Property (11A5): Approved; motion passed to direct the administration to explore options to monetize the 9250 West Flagler building (e.g., condominium split). - Rockstar Games/Vice City: Senator Garcia’s motion to include termination-for-convenience protections in any agreement passed. A prior motion to require board ratification of all negotiations (regardless of amount) was withdrawn after debate. - Appointments: Two members appointed to the Military Affairs Board (Anthony Antonelli, Anarosa Guerrero), one to the Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Board (George M. Gonzalez), and three to various boards (Lauren Manzano-Azuso, Andrew Villanueva, Bruce Orzos). - Directives: The administration was directed to evaluate inclusion of portions of Ron Eamon Park in the Environmentally Endangered Lands program and to explore monetization of the 9250 West Flagler facility. - Stormwater and Playground Safety Reports: The administration will provide reports on stormwater maintenance, project prioritization, and playground slide safety within 120 days and as requested. Adjournment The meeting adjourned in the afternoon after completing all agenda items.

The Government Efficiency & Transparency Ad Hoc Committee met on October 16, 2026, with Chairman Juan Carlos Bermudez presiding. Due to a lack of quorum, no formal actions were taken; however, the committee proceeded with a scheduled presentation and discussion on improvements to the county's Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) control program. The meeting highlighted a multi-departmental effort to provide regulatory relief to small businesses while maintaining compliance with a 2013 consent decree and environmental standards. Public Comments & Testimony - Andrew Platt (representing over 8,000 GDO permit holders) expressed appreciation to DERM, RER, the County Mayor, Deputy Mayor Coley, and Manny Sid for their advocacy and collaborative approach. He characterized the effort as the beginning of a meaningful partnership between the county and the business community. Discussion Items - FOG Report Presentation: Lauren Parra, Director of DERM, and Rashida Stempoli, Deputy Director of DERM, presented a comprehensive report with eight key recommendations to improve the FOG control program. The program was initiated by a board directive from Commissioner Bermudez and aimed to balance environmental protection with practical relief for small businesses. - Breach Tanks: Establish a formal definition of a breached tank; allow repairs when certified by a licensed professional and subject to a building permit; provide up to one year for replacement instead of immediate action. - Expired Operating Permits: Extend the allowable lapse from 12 to 36 months; allow reopening businesses to use existing devices if no operational changes occurred and a conditional assessment confirms system integrity. - Hydromechanical Devices: Eliminate the 99% removal efficiency requirement for existing devices; allow continued use if properly sized and in good condition, avoiding costly replacements. - Sampling Point Requirements: Allow use of accessible outlet tees for sampling when representative; mandate dedicated sampling port only if outlet tee cannot provide proper sample. - Septic Tank Operations in Wellfield Protection Areas: Seek coordination with DEP to allow hydromechanical units under certain conditions for 37 businesses (13 currently compliant). - Annual Certifications: Transition to a risk-based model; high-risk facilities remain on annual cycle, while facilities in good standing move to a five-year cycle. - Use Exemptions: Allow exemptions for de minimis fog generators (office break rooms, candy/honey producers, small schools, etc.) pending DEP and EPA approval. - Financial Assistance: Explore grants, zero/low-interest loans, and fee reductions for compliant facilities. - Deputy Mayor Roy Coley reported that a meeting with the U.S. EPA had been facilitated; EPA was receptive to proposed changes and requested a formal presentation followed by a written request. An EPA representative acknowledged that the county had not experienced a grease-related overflow in recent memory, indicating improved program performance. - Chairman Bermudez emphasized the importance of timelines, noting that commercial realtor presentations are scheduled for November. He expressed impatience but appreciation for the administration's openness and the collaborative work of DERM, RER, WASD, and the public. He also reflected on broader committee achievements, including procurement reforms and airport hotel issues. Key Outcomes - No formal votes occurred due to lack of quorum. - Next steps include coordinating a presentation to EPA and FDEP in November 2026, receiving their feedback, submitting formal written requests, and then bringing recommended code changes back to the Board for approval. - The committee's work on FOG relief was recognized as a significant step toward improving efficiency and transparency for Miami-Dade County businesses.

Consent Calendar - The committee set the agenda and approved the consent calendar without objection after items 1F1, 2B, 3C, and 3D were bifurcated. Items 3C and 3D were advanced to the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public approached the podium to speak on any agenda items. Discussion Items Sewer Pump Station Expansion Policy (Item 2B) - Project Description: Commissioner Raquel Regalado presented a resolution to establish a county policy for infrastructure and pump-station expansion, directing the administration to allocate $5 million from the current FY 2026-2027 budget and all subsequent budgets. - Positions: Senator Rene Garcia, Commissioners Roberto Gonzalez, and Danielle Cohen Higgins all expressed support for the policy concept but strongly opposed the lack of an identified funding source. Vice Chairwoman Natalie Milian Orbis voiced concerns about the commitment of recurring funds. - Outcome: The item was deferred. Senator Garcia motioned to defer until after the November elections to understand budget impacts. Commissioner Cohen Higgins requested the administration identify a specific funding source and provide data on affected developers before the next meeting. Rejection of Bids for West Dade Government Center (Item 3C) - Project Description: A request to reject all bids received for the renovation of floors 1-4 at the West Dade Government Center and re-advertise the solicitation due to incomplete design drawings at the time of the RFP. - Positions: Commissioner Cohen Higgins criticized the initial procurement process as unfair to bidders but supported the transparent remedy and encouraged the original bidders to compete again. Commissioner Gonzalez criticized the lack of seriousness in the original process but commended Director Delgado’s leadership in correcting course. Senator Garcia noted improved management under the new director. - Outcome: The committee approved the rejection of bids and re-solicitation. Grant Amendment for Thriving Mind South Florida (Item 3D) - Project Description: An amendment to retroactively extend a grant agreement to pay $1,620,000 to Thriving Mind South Florida for completion of a mental health center, with work dating back over two years. - Positions: Commissioner Cohen Higgins expressed strong dissatisfaction with the late filing, the fact that over $800,000 of the request was still unverified, and the lack of vendor accountability. She could not support the item as presented. Senator Garcia recused himself from the vote but strongly criticized the financial management and lack of timely submissions. Commissioner Gonzalez echoed the lack of fiscal seriousness. - Outcome: The item was deferred. The committee insisted Thriving Mind be present at the next meeting and set a hard deadline for reconciling the unverified portion of the funds. DTPW Overtime Reduction Plan (Item 1F1) - Project Description: A presentation by DTPW Director Stacy on the department’s overtime reduction plan, detailing FY26 spend of $71 million and a target of 5% reduction on scheduled overtime (approx. $1.7M) starting in FY28 via the HOSTIS scheduling software. - Positions: Commissioner Gonzalez questioned the modest target and net savings after software costs. Commissioner Cohen Higgins asked for benchmarking against peer agencies and a breakdown of CBA-related overtime. Chairwoman Lopez requested regular quarterly reporting with granular breakdowns of overtime categories. - Outcome: No formal vote taken. The administration was directed to return in January 2027 with comprehensive benchmarks, detailed breakdowns, and a more aggressive plan. The committee emphasized the need for private-sector-level accountability. Key Outcomes - Deferrals: Items 2B (sewer pump stations) and 3D (Thriving Mind grant) were deferred to the next committee meeting pending identification of funding sources and vendor accountability, respectively. - Approval: Item 3C (rejection of bids) was approved. - Directives: The committee directed the administration to provide detailed breakdowns and benchmarks for the DTPW overtime plan, adhering to a new standard of fiscal accountability. Chairwoman Lopez declared a "new day" for the committee, warning that late-added items without clear justification and funding would not be approved.

The Miami-Dade County Housing Committee met on October 14, 2026, with Chairwoman Marleine Bastien presiding. The committee addressed several housing items, including public hearings on amendments to the Public Housing Agency Plan and the Consolidated Plan, and approved resolutions related to affordable housing development and homeless services. Consent Calendar - Transferred a previously conveyed property from Gouls BH to HIVE Residences LLC and granted an extension for obtaining certificates of occupancy (Item 2A, Resolution 261653). - Approved a second amendment to the master development agreement for the redevelopment of Culmer Place and Culmer Gardens public housing sites via the RAD program (Item 3B, Resolution 261698). - Approved a $250,000 Community Project Funding grant for improvements at MIA CASA (Item 3C, Resolution 261799). - Ratified the issuance of a request for applications for homeless prevention services and allocated $10 million in funding from Destination: Home and Food and Beverage Tax (Item 3D, Resolution 261800). - Ratified the application for and acceptance of an $11.9 million SAMHSA grant for substance abuse and mental health treatment (Item 3E, Resolution 261802), with co-sponsorships from multiple commissioners. - Approved the Clerk's Summary of Minutes from the September 9, 2026 meeting (Item 6A). Public Comments & Testimony - Daniela Pierre (President, NAACP) spoke during the public hearing on Item 1G2, expressing concerns about transparency in the amended plan for RAD and North Park, including a checked demolition box, designation of a lead continuum of care, deconcentration policy impacts, and outstanding maintenance issues. Chairwoman Bastien later noted these comments related primarily to Item 1G1. - John Waudrey (Director, Miami Day Digital Commission; owner, Vet Tech Ventures) offered resources and assistance for housing development, expressing support for the committee's efforts. Discussion Items - Item 1G1: Amendment to FY 2026-2027 Annual Public Housing Agency Plan – Chairwoman Bastien opened the public hearing, stating the amendment allows flexibility for preservation strategies but insisted existing residents' needs must remain a priority, with continued community engagement. A departmental amendment to include newspaper advertisements was added. The resolution passed unanimously (4-0). - Item 1G2: Amendment to FY 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan – Chairwoman Bastien emphasized the additional public hearing for the CAPER report to improve transparency and federal compliance. The resolution passed unanimously (4-0). - Item 3E: SAMHSA Grant for Safety Through Recovery Program – Vice Chairwoman Lopez spoke in support, citing her work on the Miami Beach RDA and the importance of wraparound services for homeless individuals placed with seniors. The item was bifurcated from the consent agenda and passed unanimously. - Response to Public Comments – Director of Housing and Community Development Nathan Cogan clarified that there is no redevelopment intent for the property in question; the RAD process aims to secure renovation funds and address management issues. He agreed to meet with Daniela Pierre. Key Outcomes - Item 3A (Development Agreement for Metrorail Right-of-Way Affordable Housing) was deferred to no date certain. - All other items on the agenda were approved unanimously. - Items 3C, 3D, and 3E were advanced to the next Board of County Commissioners meeting.

The committee met on October 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Chairman Sen. René García presided with Commissioners Marleine Bastien, Kionne L. McGhee, and Raquel A. Regalado present; Vice Chairwoman Micky Steinberg was absent. The meeting opened with an invocation by Commissioner Bastien and the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Regalado. The agenda was adopted with a deferral of item 1G1 and a scrivener's error correction on item 3E. No public testimony was offered. Discussion focused on item 3D and future park funding. All other consent items were approved unanimously. Consent Agenda - Item 1G1 (Ordinance on environmental protection) and its supplement were deferred to no date certain at the sponsor's request. - Item 3E (Resolution accepting six Environmentally Endangered Lands Covenants) was corrected from seven to six conveyances; the resolution was approved unanimously and co-sponsored by Commissioner Regalado. - Items 3A, 3B, 3C, and the Clerk's summary of minutes (6A) were approved as part of the consent agenda. Discussion Items - Item 3D – Authorization for Appraisal Services: The committee considered a resolution authorizing up to $200,000 per year for 10 years for independent appraisal services for park land acquisition and projects. Chairman García raised concerns about park redevelopment, referencing a recent article about Crandon Park, and emphasized the need for transparency and preserving parks' pristine nature. Commissioner Regalado clarified that Crandon Park is protected by Article 7 and prior litigation, and any improvements would be a gift to the county, operated by the county. She affirmed no privatization is intended. The resolution was moved and adopted unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 1G1 deferred: The environmental protection ordinance was deferred to no date certain. - Item 3E approved: Resolution accepting six environmental covenants passed. - Item 3D approved: Appraisal services resolution passed. - Future park funding: Commissioner Regalado recommended a post-election committee review of future funding commitments and maintenance priorities for aging facilities. Chairman García agreed and directed the Parks director to prepare for that discussion.

The Miami-Dade County Transportation Committee met on October 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM (scheduled) with a quorum present: Commissioner Bastien, Commissioner Bermudez, Vice Chairwoman Regalado, and Chairman Gilbert. The committee held a public hearing and debated a substitute ordinance regulating personal delivery devices (delivery robots) in incorporated and unincorporated areas, then approved the remainder of the agenda in a single vote. Public Hearing & Discussion: Ordinance 1G1 Substitute (Personal Delivery Devices) - Prime Sponsor: Commissioner Micky Steinberg. - Proposal: Create Chapter 31, Article VIII of the County Code to regulate the safe operation of personal delivery devices and mobile carriers, including permitting, speed limits, idle time, advertising restrictions, and civil penalties. Municipalities may opt into county regulation or establish their own. - Public Comment: - Nicolas Pascual (Battered Partners, representing Serve Robotics) expressed support for the ordinance but requested two changes: allow advertising on the devices (important for revenue), and increase idle time from 20 minutes to 30 minutes to match other major cities. - Committee Discussion: - Commissioner Steinberg noted the substitute version already increased idle time from 10 to 20 minutes and defended the 20-minute limit to prevent loitering in right-of-ways. She stressed the ordinance is a proactive framework and will be reviewed in one year. - Commissioner Regalado shared that delivery robots are common in her district and restaurants often prefer them for temperature control and reliability. She raised concerns about where robots idle (e.g., congregating in swales) and suggested advertising revenue could help restaurants with delivery costs. She favored allowing advertising with a community benefit agreement tied to sidewalk repairs. - Chairman Gilbert questioned why the county should prohibit advertising, arguing the free market should handle it. He supported a 30-minute idle time and allowing advertising. - Commissioner Bastien agreed with allowing advertising to help businesses, and suggested designating specific “robot stops” similar to bus stops. - Discussion on permitting fees and fines: Commissioner Regalado asked if fines could be directed to sidewalk repair. County Attorney staff advised that permitting fees must relate to DTPW’s actual costs, but advertising fees (via separate agreements) could potentially be allocated to community benefits. - Amendments and Vote: - Commissioner Bastien moved to amend the ordinance to: (1) set idle time at 30 minutes instead of 20, (2) allow advertising on the devices, subject to separate agreements negotiated by the administration (with community benefits such as sidewalk repairs), and (3) have those advertising agreements come back to the Board for approval. Commissioner Regalado seconded. - The committee voted unanimously (4-0) to adopt the amended substitute ordinance and forward it to the full Board of County Commissioners for a public hearing. Other Agenda Items (Consent Calendar) - Items 1A-1F, 2, 3A-3H, 4, 5, 6A, 7, 8 were approved in a single roll call vote (moved by Commissioner Bermudez, seconded by Commissioner Bastien). Key non-controversial items included: - Resolutions declaring surplus property, vacating rights-of-way, approving agreements with FDOT and municipalities for road improvements, on-demand transportation, and the South Corridor Transitway project contract amendment ($387,681,818.42). - Approval of the September 9, 2026 committee meeting minutes. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 1G1 Substitute was amended and passed unanimously (4-0) out of committee, with changes to idle time (30 minutes) and advertising (allowed via separate agreements). The item will proceed to the full County Commission for final adoption. - The committee directed staff to prepare the advertising agreement framework and bring it back to the Board for approval within 30 days. - All remaining agenda items were adopted en bloc without discussion. - No other business was brought before the committee, and the meeting was adjourned.

The Miami-Dade County Safety and Health Committee met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. in Commission Chambers. Chairman Roberto J. Gonzalez presided, with Vice Chairman Sen. René García and Commissioners Marleine Bastien, Keon Hardemon (referred to as Hardeman in the transcript), and Vicki L. Lopez present. The committee recognized a national scholarship winner, adopted a behavioral health trust fund ordinance, approved routine consent items, and amended a legacy dispatch software contract before approval. Consent Calendar - The committee set the agenda with the addition of item 3C and the withdrawal of item 1F1, a discussion item regarding SBE compliance on inmate meal service contract EVN0000173. - A motion to approve all non-hearing items except pulled item 3C passed by voice vote. This included: - Resolution 260536 retroactively approving IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly agreements and a Miami-Dade VITA partnership with Branches, Inc., with a base payment between $4.50 and $5.50 per accepted return for the term December 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026. - Resolution 261666 approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida for fire rescue and emergency medical services, initial three-year term with automatic successive one-year renewals, estimated initial operating cost $5,432,940 for FY 2026-2027 shared equally by the county and the tribe. - Clerk's summary of minutes for the September 8, 2026 Safety and Health Committee meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No speaker cards were submitted. The committee opened and closed the reasonable opportunity to be heard with no public speakers. - The public hearing on ordinance item 1G1 was also opened and closed with no public comments. Special Presentation - Sen. René García presented a proclamation honoring Zahara Price, recipient of a 2026 NACo scholarship. - Price, a Miami Dade College North Campus student and daughter of county employee Shandra Price, was recognized for an essay on financial literacy and saving. - Greg Russell of Nationwide Retirement Solutions presented a $2,500 scholarship. Speakers noted Price was one of four recipients nationwide and declared October 13, 2026 as Sahara Price Day in Miami-Dade County. - Commissioner Bastien introduced students and Professor Perdell Frank from the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus civic engagement program; student Melinda Cardenas spoke briefly about the English for academic purposes program. Discussion Items - Item 1F1 was withdrawn during agenda setting at the request of Commissioner Lopez, so no discussion occurred on the inmate meal service SBE compliance item. - Item 3C: Resolution 261690, non-competitive legacy contract L-10680 with Medical Priority Consultants, Inc. dba Priority Dispatch Corp. for priority dispatch software maintenance and support, in the amount of $2,110,789 for an initial five-year term plus a two-year renewal option, was pulled by Commissioner Lopez for discussion. - Fire Chief Ray Jadala explained the software is used by 911 call takers for pre-arrival instructions and call triaging, and noted the current contract expires December 31. He said alternative replacement costs were estimated at $5 million to $6 million, and that maintaining the system is proprietary. - Commissioner Lopez expressed concern that the item arrived less than two months before expiration, leaving limited options. She stated she is drafting legislation to require two years' advance notice before legacy contracts expire. - Commissioner Hardeman criticized the non-competitive renewal for a vendor providing service since 1998 and proposed an amendment shortening the contract to two years with a one-year renewal option. - Commissioner Bastien called for deeper assessments, best practices research, and better preparation before bringing legacy contracts to the board. - Commissioner Garcia supported the amendment and noted the broader problem of legacy systems countywide, including integration costs. - The County Attorney noted that because the contract had already been negotiated and signed by the vendor, amendments would require vendor agreement. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 261454 was adopted unanimously, creating the Miami-Dade County Behavioral Health Advisory Board Trust Fund under Section 2-430.6 of the County Code; Commissioner Garcia described it as enabling the board to accept private donations. - The committee approved the amended item 3C: two-year contract with a one-year renewal option, instead of five years with a two-year option, subject to vendor agreement. The vote was by voice vote with all ayes. - The remaining consent items were approved. - The meeting adjourned after the special presentation and votes.

The Miami-Dade Aviation and Seaport Committee convened on October 13, 2026, with Chairwoman Danielle Cohen Higgins presiding and Vice Chairman Roberto J. Gonzalez, Commissioners Oliver G. Gilbert III, Keon Hardeman, and Natalie Milian Orbis present. Two add-on items, 3B and 3C, were announced at the outset. The committee discussed the county's reliance on proprietary software, considered the future of the Miami Heat/Airball Sports concession at Miami International Airport (MIA), and approved the balance of the agenda by voice vote. Consent Calendar - Approved the remainder of the agenda, including: - Resolution 261599: first amendment to the professional services agreement with GPI Geospatial, Inc., increasing the agreement by $5,954,850 to a new not-to-exceed amount of $14,253,043.75 for photogrammetric mapping, topographic, planimetric, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) services. - Resolution 261771: additional expenditure authority of $6,665,500 for Contract RFP-01258, Baggage Handling System Operation and Maintenance, modifying the contract amount to $100,904,735. - Approval of the Clerk's summary of minutes for the September 8, 2026, Aviation and Seaport Committee meeting; the October 2026 Aviation Capital Program Report; and the FIRST CARE-MIA Advisory Board report for July and August 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments are reflected in the transcript during the public comment opportunity. Discussion Items Item 3C - PropWorks System Software - Commissioner Gilbert questioned the county's pattern of purchasing proprietary software that locks the county into a single vendor, arguing these should be treated as lifetime contracts and should require steep upfront discounts or the use of agnostic/plug-and-play systems. He said he would support the item but wanted procurement decisions to build in the future cost of switching. - Commissioner Orbis asked when the county would receive information on full contract life costs and requested a countywide report on sole-source/proprietary contracts, including contract length, vendor performance, and replacement plans. Staff agreed to bring the data to the November committee cycle. - Commissioner Gonzalez said the county is “enslaved” to proprietary software, citing a district splash pad that was closed for four years because only a Canadian company could service it. He called for innovation and warned against a “Blockbuster mentality.” - Chairwoman Cohen Higgins asked whether legacy renewal items could include written due diligence showing alternatives were considered and why the existing vendor was recommended. Staff said that research was normally done and could be “beefed up” in future memos. - Commissioner Hardeman criticized the timing, saying the board was being forced to make a last-minute decision with only one vendor option. Staff said replacing PropWorks would cost an estimated $3.2 million and require an 18-month implementation cycle, making the requested extension with $420,091 in additional expenditure authority more fiscally responsible, for a total modified contract amount of $1,070,158. - The committee deferred item 3C to the November Aviation and Seaport Committee meeting, with a written report on the due diligence performed and evidence of competition. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Item 2A - Airball Sports II LLC / Miami Heat at MIA - Chairwoman Cohen Higgins sponsored Resolution 261773, which would have directed the county to stop negotiating a concession extension with Airball Sports II LLC and instead solicit open competitive proposals for the location at MIA. - Commissioner Gonzalez asked why the matter took two years and why the prime space was not addressed sooner through a competitive process. - George Lopez, representing Airball Sports/Miami Heat basketball properties, said the lease extension had previously been before the committee, that the required labor peace agreement took longer than expected, and that the agreement was now in place. Wendy Walsh, general vice president of Unite Here International Union, said the labor peace agreement with Airball Sports was executed the day before the meeting. The transcript contains a discrepancy: Lopez also suggested the companion affidavit had been executed for months. - Commissioner Hardeman strongly opposed ejecting the Miami Heat from MIA, saying the airport should have a prime retail space for hometown teams. Commissioner Gilbert agreed the Heat should remain, while stressing that labor peace is important and that business should move “at the speed of business.” - Chairwoman Cohen Higgins explained that the Airball/Miami Heat agreement expired on November 28, 2024, and that MIA sent multiple notices to stop negotiations for lack of response, leaving the vendor as a two-year holdover tenant. She said she learned of the execution only that morning. The newly executed agreements cleared the way for a lease renewal; MIA staff stated the new lease would be a 10-year agreement generating millions of dollars in revenue. - The committee voted to defer item 2A to no date certain so the completed lease extension/renewal could be brought back. Commissioner Orbis was the only recorded no vote. Key Outcomes - Item 3C deferred to the November committee cycle, contingent on a written due-diligence and competition report; no recorded opposition. - Item 2A deferred to no date certain; Commissioner Orbis recorded no. The pending resolution to solicit competitive proposals for the Airball Sports location was not adopted. - The administration agreed to provide a countywide report on sole-source/proprietary software contracts at the November committee cycle. - The remaining agenda items and reports were approved by voice vote.