Public Meetings - Miami Dade County, Florida

The Miami-Dade County Policy Council convened on October 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM with five members present (Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, Vice Chairman Kionne McGhee, Commissioners Danielle Cohen Higgins, Oliver Gilbert III, and Natalie Milian Orbis). The meeting included invocation, pledge, and setting of the agenda. All items on the consent calendar were approved unanimously except for Item 3B, which was bifurcated for separate discussion and vote. Consent Calendar - Item 2A: Resolution directing a report on county boards that have not met in three years (favorable recommendation). - Item 2B: Resolution directing real-time budget access for the Commission Auditor and a dashboard by February 28, 2026 (favorable recommendation). - Item 2C: Resolution reappointing six directors to the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board (favorable recommendation). - Item 2D: Resolution directing expedited collective bargaining negotiations for successor agreements (favorable recommendation). - Item 3A: Resolution authorizing a permitted use agreement for the County's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in Washington, D.C., with a total fiscal impact of $246,390.57 (favorable recommendation as corrected). - Item 3C: Resolution approving an interlocal agreement with the City of Miami regarding vehicular traffic in the Silver Bluff area (favorable recommendation). - Item 6A: Approval of Clerk's summary of minutes for February 10, 2025 (approved 5-0). - Item 6B: Approval of Clerk's summary of minutes for March 10, 2025 (approved 5-0). Discussion Items - Item 3B – Sargassum Removal Contract: Resolution to award a five-year contract not to exceed $16,202,500 to Beach Raker, LLC for collection, removal, and disposal of sargassum. Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis, the prime sponsor, moved to reject the recommendation and instead extend the current contract (expiring October 31, 2025) for 90 days, subject to the vendor's agreement, and direct the administration to solicit best and final offers (BAFO) from the top two responsive proposers (Beach Raker and SFM Services) with a report back to the Policy Council within 30 days. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins. Key Debate: - Commissioner Orbis cited potential cost savings of approximately $3 million based on the difference between the two bids. - Commissioner Oliver Gilbert criticized the procurement practice of only determining responsibility for the top-ranked firm, arguing that the top three should be fully evaluated to allow board discretion. - Commissioner Raquel Regalado (not a committee member but invited to speak) cautioned against switching to an inexperienced vendor, describing sargassum as highly regulated and similar to sludge, with risks of improper removal leading to beach renourishment costs (e.g., Bal Harbour's $11 million project), increased tipping fees, and environmental hazards from arsenic contamination. She recommended a pilot program for new vendors rather than a full contract. - Testimony from Christian Infante, president of SFM Services, stated his company has not previously removed sargassum but has experience with debris removal during Hurricane Irma and has commitments to purchase equipment. He affirmed ability to perform at the bid price without change orders. - Testimony from Chip Jones, president of Beach Raker, emphasized 50 years of experience, 22 municipalities serviced, and detailed expertise in drying processes, water treatment, and regulatory compliance. He noted the contract is already on its third extension and expressed uncertainty about further extensions. - Director Christina White of Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces highlighted that tipping fees are paid by the county and depend on proper drying to minimize weight; improper removal can also damage beaches. She confirmed that daily photographic documentation and weight monitoring are in place. Amendment and Vote: The motion passed unanimously (5 votes in favor). The current contract will be extended 90 days (subject to Beach Raker's agreement), and the administration must conduct a BAFO focusing on both pricing and qualifications, returning with a recommendation within 30 days. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - Item 3B amended and approved as described, directing a 90-day extension and BAFO process with a 30-day report back. - Meeting adjourned.

The Miami-Dade County Appropriations Committee convened on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM in Commission Chambers under Chairwoman Raquel A. Regalado. The meeting featured a special presentation on the history and funding process for Community Based Organizations (CBOs), discussions on CRA budgets and expansions, and the forwarding of multiple items to the full Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the setting of the agenda after pulling several items. Passed without additional dais discussion were resolutions regarding veteran employment qualifications (Item 2A), an agreement amendment with Mapton Holdings (Item 2B), surplus property sales (Items 3B and 3C), a construction equipment rental pool expansion (Item 3E), and an Oracle customer information system upgrade for the Water and Sewer Department (Item 3F). Minutes from the July 9, 2025 meeting were also approved (Item 6A). Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Lorna Schufer, representing the Little River Historical Culture and Economic Development Corp and a local dojo, requested financial support for a group seeking to travel to Japan for a competition. Committee members advised the group to formalize their request through a commissioner’s office. Discussion Items Item 2C – Naranja Lakes CRA FY 2025-2026 Budget - Prime Sponsor Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee presented the $41,861,108 budget for the Naranja Lakes Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which required a two-thirds vote to suspend Rule 5.06(A) for immediate consideration. - Vice Chairwoman Danielle Cohen Higgins questioned the time sensitivity of the budget and the suspension of the procedural rule, noting the previous year’s budget was approved less than six months ago. She stated she preferred to resolve legislative holds informally before they appeared on the dais. - Commissioner McGhee argued the suspension was needed to avoid stalling $40 million in redevelopment and infrastructure investments, and to prevent repetition of delays that occurred the previous year due to a legislative hold. - Outcome: Forwarded to the BCC with a favorable recommendation (5-0). Item 3A – NW 7th Avenue CRA Expansion / Slum and Blight Designation - Prime Sponsor Commissioner Marleine Bastien presented the resolution to expand the CRA boundaries to address slum and blight in District 2. - Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez cited a $700,000 fiscal impact on the UMSA budget, stating he could not support the item in its current form. - Chairwoman Raquel A. Regalado raised concerns about including FDOT and Golden Glades properties, arguing it could complicate transit negotiations. - Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis echoed fiscal concerns. Vice Chairwoman Cohen Higgins stated an ideological opposition to CRAs managed by unelected boards. - Commissioner Bastien accepted a friendly amendment to exclude the contested government properties. - Outcome: Deferred to the next committee meeting (5-0) to allow staff to prepare updated boundaries. Item 3D Substitute – MDC Thrive Future Ready Scholarship Program - Commissioners expressed significant frustration with the timing and process, as the $3,000,000 grant program for Miami Dade College began in 2023 but the formal grant agreement was only now being ratified. - Staff explained the delay occurred because the original item did not explicitly require the agreement to be brought back to the board for approval. MDC fronted the scholarship funds, and this resolution ratifies the contract to allow county reimbursement. - Outcome: Forwarded to the BCC with a favorable recommendation (5-0). FIFA World Cup Financial Reporting - Vice Chairwoman Cohen Higgins raised a question regarding the $21 million in FIFA World Cup event funding. She noted the executed grant agreement requires the recipient (GMSC) to provide detailed quarterly performance reports to the board starting October 31, 2025, and requested the administration place these reports on future committee agendas for transparency. The administration agreed to comply. Add-On Items (3G through 3L) - The committee processed six add-on resolutions as a block with brief staff presentations after concerns were raised by Commissioner Steinberg about the lateness of their submission. - 3G (Homeless Trust Funding): Ratified a three-year funding cycle ($21,149,082 annually) for homeless housing and services selected through an RFA process. - 3H (AT&T Telecom Contract): Authorized a non-competitive $35,500,000 contract for legacy telecommunication services critical to county operations, with a plan to transition off legacy systems. - 3I (Hazardous Material Removal Pool): Extended a prequalification pool for the Aviation Department for five years. - 3J (Transit Bus Parts Pool): Established a new $216,000,000, eight-year competitive pool for bus parts and services. - 3K (Conveyance Equipment Maintenance): Awarded $55,865,718 in contracts for elevator and escalator maintenance across multiple county departments. - 3L (Dadeland South Intermodal Station): Approved a $6.9 million supplemental agreement for design-build modifications, including bus charging stations, funded by the People’s Transportation Plan (PTP). - Outcome: All six items were forwarded to the BCC with favorable recommendations (5-0). A request was made for Items 2C, 3C, 3G, and 3H to be placed on the October 18, 2025 BCC agenda. Special Presentation: Community Based Organizations (CBOs) Process, Funding, and Historical Data - OMB staff David Cloudfelder and Dan Wall presented an extensive overview of CBO funding. The competitive “legacy” CBO pot managed by OMB totals approximately $15–16 million, while the total universe of county-funded CBO allocations reaches roughly $80.8 million across 2,172 allocations and various departments. - Staff detailed the recent canceled RFP process, which drew 401 applications requesting $124.6 million against $15.4 million available. A historical timeline was provided, covering the creation and dissolution of the Alliance for Human Services, multiple failed competitive processes, and repeated board rejection of recommended award lists. - Board members discussed reforming the process. Chairwoman Regalado advocated for breaking CBO funding into distinct programmatic buckets and cautioned against the historical pattern of rejecting competitive outcomes. Commissioner Gonzalez expressed support for a trust fund model and leveraging CBO expertise. Commissioner Milian Orbis announced a planned November committee report on the process and geographic reach of services. Vice Chairwoman Cohen Higgins stressed the need for accountability and questioned how the broader $80.8 million in allocations relate to existing performance report cards. - Next Steps: A legislative item and report on the CBO process is expected in November. Key Outcomes - Forwarded to BCC (5-0): Items 2A, 2B, 2C, 3B, 3C, 3D Substitute, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3I, 3J, 3K, 3L. - Deferred (5-0): Item 3A (NW 7th Ave CRA expansion, returned for boundary amendment). - Withdrawn/Deferred: Item 2D (Hammock Marine Lease). - BCC Request: Items 2C, 3C, 3G, and 3H were requested to be placed on the October 18, 2025 BCC meeting agenda. - Future Legislation & Reports: The administration will provide quarterly reports on FIFA World Cup funding expenditures to the board starting November 4, 2025. Discussions on CBO funding reform will continue, with a formal report on the process and metrics expected in November 2025.

The Miami-Dade Airport Committee met on October 16, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Commission Chambers. Chairwoman Danielle Cohen Higgins presided, with Vice Chairman Roberto J. Gonzalez and Commissioners Oliver G. Gilbert III and Natalie Milian Orbis present; Commissioner Keon Hardemon was absent. The meeting included public testimony, approval of several resolutions, and a discussion on the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown on Miami International Airport (MIA). Public Comments & Testimony - Aaron (affiliation not stated) spoke in support of developments at Opa-Locka Executive Airport by AA Acquisition (later clarified as a lessee-operator). He highlighted that AA, its subtenants, and assignees have developed over 220 acres, invested more than $200 million, and created hundreds of jobs, including projects such as Sky Harbor (200,000 sq ft hangar space), Skybridge (200,000 sq ft under construction), the Concourse Club (automotive country club), and Bridge Industrial (400,000 sq ft logistics space). He described AA as developing the largest aircraft maintenance facility in the U.S. - Carlos Gomez (address: 372 South Drive, Miami Springs) opposed the activities of AA Acquisition, alleging that the company secures leasing contracts from Miami-Dade County and then resells each lease for millions of dollars, effectively flipping property rather than developing it. He claimed small operators at Opa-Locka Airport have been eliminated. Mr. Gomez stated he filed an FAA Part 13 complaint against the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) and fixed-base operators (FBOs) and intends to file a Part 16 complaint regarding this matter. He urged Bunker Aviation and AA Acquisition to demonstrate compliance with federal airport assurances. Discussion Items - Government Shutdown Impact on MIA: Chairwoman Cohen Higgins asked Airport Director Thrash about any disruptions at MIA due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Director Thrash reported that as of that morning, MIA was not experiencing any impacts—FAA air traffic control staff were fully staffed, and TSA and CBP attendance was higher than pre-shutdown levels. However, he noted that federal employees had just received a partial paycheck and may stop showing up in the coming weeks if pay ceases. He warned that sick-outs at other airports (e.g., JFK, DFW) could cause cascading delays. The committee thanked federal workers for their service and directed the director to keep them informed of any changes. Key Outcomes - Agenda Setting: The committee approved the agenda by voice vote, with the addition of item 2A (resolution regarding direct flights to Tokyo, Asuncion, Riyadh, and Singapore) as noted by the clerk. - Consent Approval: All substantive items on the agenda were approved unanimously (3-0) and forwarded to the full Board of County Commissioners (BCC) with a favorable recommendation. These included: - Item 2A (Resolution 252061): Direct feasibility study and efforts for direct passenger/cargo flights from MIA to Tokyo, Asuncion, Riyadh, and Singapore; direction to negotiate sister city agreements. - Item 3A (Resolution 251872): Development lease with Bunker Aviation Partners, LLC for 324,000 sq ft at Opa-Locka Airport (35-year term, $15 million minimum investment, $15.5 million estimated rent/revenue). - Item 3A Supplement (Resolution 251999): Supplemental information from the Commission Auditor (added to the agenda). - Item 3B (Resolution 251782): Delegation of authority to update agreements with FAA provisions. - Item 3C (Resolution 251859): Additional $253,500 for Flight Explorer software support (total $695,175). - Item 3D (Resolution 251868): Ratification of emergency janitorial contract with N&K Enterprises ($32,205,099 over 5 years). - Item 3E (Resolution 251887): Vacation of right-of-way at Opa-Locka Airport. - Item 6A (Report 251907): Approval of minutes from the July 9, 2025 Airport Committee meeting. - Items 7A and 7B (Reports 251607 and 251684): Receipt of Aviation Capital Program reports for August and September 2025. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by voice vote.

The Miami-Dade Housing Committee met on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM in Commission Chambers. The meeting included a special presentation, a public hearing on a HOME ARP grant, discussion on surtax funding and infill housing, and significant public testimony from residents of public housing communities. All agenda items were forwarded to the full Board of County Commissioners with favorable recommendations, mostly by 5-0 votes. Special Presentation - Commissioner Eileen Higgins presented a token of appreciation to Alex Bolaños of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for his work transforming 16 troubled buildings that housed over 350 families, some of which were historic properties that the county acquired after a nonprofit faced bankruptcy. Public Comments & Testimony (Reasonable Opportunity for the Public to Be Heard) - Carolyn Yumobit (Liberty Square resident): Expressed frustration with lack of resident council communication, requested relocation due to unsuitable unit, and sought help to improve the neighborhood. - Sharon Fraser Stevens (Liberty Square resident): Alleged harassment by leasing office, stated that the tenant council was not operational despite being voted in, and called for a community meeting with PHCD and Chief Morales. - Paulette Darrow (Gwen Cherry resident, 15 years in public housing): Described unsafe conditions including dog attacks, trash, water leaks, and retaliation from site management; asked for commissioner assistance. - Roy Hardeman (Chair, Model City Advisory Board): Stated the Model City area (7.3 square miles) is “the worst of the worst” with lack of parks, recreation, and housing; demanded roundtable with Chief Morales, warning that “the pot is already boiled over.” - Renita Holmes (Executive Director, Wave of Women): Raised systemic issues including mold, lack of safety, retaliation against residents, and failure to uphold Section 3 and 24 CFR 924; requested an audit of HUD funds and a status check on protections for women, seniors, and persons with disabilities. - Theophilus Williams (former public housing resident): Criticized lack of resident involvement in development decisions, demanded district-specific Community Action Agencies (CARs), and highlighted safety and infrastructure issues. Public Hearing (Item 1G1 – HOME ARP Funds) - Renita Holmes: Requested an audit of the $26,578 HOME ARP grant, citing concerns about administrative spending, recaptured funds, and failure to benefit women, seniors, and disabled persons. - Sharon Frazier (Liberty Square): Supported the resolution but called for HUD and state oversight, alleging that millions in federal funds are misallocated while new developments have leaking roofs. - Carolyn Yumobit: Repeated concerns about lack of a functional resident council and poor communication from the leasing office. - Theophilus Williams: Alleged misuse of $40 million from Congress, called for investigation, and warned of retaliation against residents who speak out. - Paulette Darrow: Questioned where funding goes and claimed retaliation against community leaders. Discussion Items - Item 2A – Report on FY 2023 Surtax/SHIP/HOME Applications: Commissioner Raquel Regalado questioned the status of surtax funding and raised concerns about cost per unit disparity (e.g., $5 million for 39 units vs. $5 million for 270 units). She proposed a friendly amendment to also report on current-year applications and provide a breakdown by commission district. Commissioner Eileen Higgins supported adding cost-per-unit analysis. The amendment was accepted; the amended resolution passed unanimously (5-0). - Item 2C – Amended Deed for Elite Equity Development (Infill Housing): Commissioner Regalado suggested prioritizing county-owned infill properties for homeownership funding rather than letting funds go to other developers. Prime sponsor Commissioner Kionne McGhee declined to amend the current item but agreed to bring a future proposal to address the issue. The resolution passed 5-0. Key Outcomes - Item 1G1 (HOME ARP Funds): Approved 5-0 after public hearing. The resolution retroactively approves actions to apply for and expend $26,578 in additional FY2021 HOME ARP funds from HUD. - Item 2A (Report on 2023 Surtax Applications): Amended to require an update on current-year applications and breakdown by commission district; then passed 5-0. - Item 2B (Mapton Holdings/Mapleton Realty Exchange Agreement Third Amendment): Forwarded to BCC with favorable recommendation 5-0. Authorizes acceptance of $6,546,424 in lieu of construction of county facilities to be used for affordable housing. - Item 2C (Elite Equity Development Infill Housing): Forwarded to BCC with favorable recommendation 5-0. - Item 3A (Metro Grande II Loan): Forwarded to BCC 5-0 for a $300,000 surtax loan. - Item 3B (Rescind Cordova Estates loan, new Princeton Manor loan): Forwarded to BCC 5-0, reallocating $1,110,789 from Centennial Management to Princeton Manor. - Item 6A (Approval of Minutes): Approved 5-0 for meetings on June 10, July 8, and September 9, 2025. - Future Meeting Time: Chairwoman Bastien proposed moving the Housing Committee meeting start time from 2:00 PM to 1:00 PM; colleagues expressed support, and the change will be brought to the full Board Chair. - Community Meeting Commitment: Chairwoman Bastien and Chief Morales agreed to schedule a community meeting at Liberty Square following public testimony regarding retaliation and unsafe conditions.

The Miami-Dade Safety and Health Committee met on October 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM (agenda time; source timestamp: 2025-10-15 16:15:00+00:00) in Commission Chambers. The meeting included an invocation, pledge of allegiance, approval of a consent calendar, and extended discussion on a proposed inmate meal service contract (Item 3D). No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Item 3A: Resolution retroactively approving a $392,500.00 sustainment grant from the Florida Department of Financial Services for urban search and rescue and hazardous materials teams (forwarded with favorable recommendation 3–0). - Item 3B: Resolution approving an updated user agreement with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for fingerprint-based criminal history record access (forwarded with favorable recommendation 3–0). - Item 3C: Resolution approving a 10-year lease at nominal value ($10.00) with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice for a 3.80-acre property at the Kendall Complex; a supplemental report from the Commission Auditor was also noted (forwarded with favorable recommendation 3–0). - Item 6A: Approval of the Clerk’s summary of minutes for the July 8, 2025 Safety and Health Committee meeting (approved 3–0). All consent items were moved en bloc and approved by voice vote (all ayes). Discussion Items - Item 3D – Inmate Meal Service Contract (Resolution No. 251876): Prime sponsor Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez. The resolution approved a five-year contract (with two five-year renewal options) to CSS-Summit Premier Joint Venture in the amount of $327,946,224.00 for inmate meal services. - Chief Procurement Officer Namara Opal and Director Sharia Green of Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation (MDCR) presented details. - Commissioner Marleine Bastien raised several questions: market research included rates from Chicago, Oculus County, Williamson County, and Broward County Sheriff’s Office; the RFP established nutritional minimums including kosher and vegetarian meals; the alternate proposal from Trinity was rejected because it included a prohibited scaled-pricing model tied to inmate population; 32 current county employees will be retained as county employees with the vendor reimbursing the county for their salaries; a six-month transition plan will adjust roles (e.g., on-site vs. off-site meal preparation); training will be provided; the contract includes a performance bond equal to 25% of the annual amount; annual price adjustments are capped by living wage and CPI indices; any increase beyond those requires board approval. - Commissioner Eileen Higgins expressed strong support, noting the contract is expected to save $6–10 million annually compared to the current system, improve meal quality, comply with living wage requirements, and include sustainability commitments (compostable materials). She highlighted that the current model using sworn officers to supervise inmate food preparation drove up overtime and contraband risks. - Chairman Roberto J. Gonzalez echoed support, linking nutrition to safety and noting that freeing up 30 sworn officers from kitchen duties will enhance security in the jails, especially as the inmate population has increased by approximately 500 year-over-year. He acknowledged that the current practice had officers and inmates preparing meals, which created contraband risks. - Director Green confirmed that removing inmates from food preparation areas reduces access to utensils and contraband, a major focus since her recruitment in 2023. Key Outcomes - Item 3D was moved by Commissioner Higgins, seconded by Commissioner Bastien, and approved by voice vote (all ayes). - The meeting adjourned after the vote on 3D. Statistics: Contract value $327,946,224 over five years; 32 employees retained; estimated annual savings of $6–10 million; six-month transition period; 25% performance bond; annual CPI and living wage adjustments.

The Miami-Dade County Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Commission Chambers. Chairwoman Eileen Higgins presided. Commissioners present: Higgins, Regalado, Bastien. Commissioners Bermudez and García were absent. The committee recognized a volunteer transit ambassador, approved a resolution for property acquisition for the Sunshine Station/Golden Glades Multimodal Transportation Facility, approved a wrong-way driving countermeasures agreement with FDOT, and approved minutes from previous meetings. Special Presentation - The committee recognized Ms. Catheline Ahmed-Vargas as the CITT Ambassador of the Quarter for April–June 2025. She was presented with a plaque and awarded 5,000 additional points for her volunteer service. Since joining in December 2022, she accumulated 37,750 points in Q2 2025, making her the top performer for the quarter. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public submitted speaker cards or came forward to speak during the reasonable opportunity to be heard. Discussion Items - Item 3A – Resolution declaring the acquisition of Parcel 1 for the Sunshine Station/Golden Glades Multimodal Transportation Facility (GGMTF) kiss-and-ride and pedestrian bridge a public necessity, authorizing acquisition by negotiation or eminent domain, and allowing an incentive offer of up to 15% over appraised value. A scrivener’s error was corrected: the scope section now notes that part of the project is in District 2 (Commissioner Bastien). The item was forwarded to the full County Commission with a favorable recommendation. - Item 3B – Resolution approving an off-system construction and maintenance agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for wrong-way driving countermeasures at various locations in Miami-Dade County. Forwarded to the full County Commission with a favorable recommendation. - Item 6A – Approval of the Clerk’s Summary of Minutes for the Transportation Committee meetings held on July 8, 2025, and September 9, 2025. Approved. Key Outcomes - Item 3A (Parcel acquisition for GGMTF) forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation (vote 3-0). - Item 3B (Wrong-way driving countermeasures agreement) forwarded to the BCC with a favorable recommendation (vote 3-0). - Item 6A (Minutes) approved (vote 3-0). - The committee adjourned after the chairwoman noted this was her last transportation committee meeting and thanked members for their collaboration.

The Recreation and Tourism Committee of the Miami-Dade County Commission met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on a peafowl mitigation ordinance, deferrals of two items, and approval of several grant resolutions and administrative items. All votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered testimony during the reasonable opportunity to be heard or during the public hearing. Discussion Items - Item 1F1 – Park Update (Deferred): A discussion item titled "Park Update: Impact of Budget Reductions on Parks and an Update on Amelia Earhart Park" was deferred to the next committee meeting by a vote of 4-0 at the request of the prime sponsor. - Item 1G2 – Children’s Trust Ordinance (Deferred): An ordinance to revise membership and term limits of the Children’s Trust Governing Board (Chapter 2, Article CIII of the County Code) to conform to state law (Section 125.901, Florida Statutes) was deferred to the next committee meeting following a public hearing, by a vote of 4-0. Public Hearing – Peafowl Mitigation Ordinance (Item 1G1) - Sponsor: Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez (District 12), with Commissioner Raquel A. Regalado (District 7) as co-sponsor. - Overview: The ordinance amends Section 5-16 of the County Code to allow the county to opt out of peafowl regulations in designated unincorporated areas, and approves the District 12 Unincorporated Area Peafowl Mitigation Policy, funded entirely by district funds with no county cost. - Debate: Commissioner Bermudez described damage caused by peafowl (roof damage, property destruction) and the need for humane removal by a state-licensed wildlife control operator. Commissioner Regalado noted that while cities like Pinecrest, South Miami, and Coral Gables have ordinances, unincorporated areas lack relief, and that peafowl populations can reach 20–40 birds per property, causing territorial aggression. She requested a friendly amendment to also include District 7 in the policy, which Commissioner Bermudez accepted. - Amendment: The ordinance was amended to apply to both District 12 and District 7. - Vote: The ordinance was forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) with a favorable recommendation, following a public hearing, by a vote of 4-0. Consent Calendar - Items Approved Unanimously (4-0): - Item 3A: Resolution authorizing $141,000 in Cultural Affairs Community Grants for 23 entities (FY 2024-2025 Q4). - Item 3B: Resolution approving $269,250 in Tourist Development Council Grants (FY 2024-2025 Q3). - Item 3C: Resolution approving reappointments of William Perry III, T. Gene Prescott, Danielle M. Torres, and City of Miami Commissioner Christine King, and appointment of Robin Libby Jacobs to the Tourist Development Council. - Item 3D: Resolution approving $187,250 in Tourist Development Council Grants (FY 2024-2025 Q4). - Item 3E: Resolution approving an interlocal lease agreement with Sunny Isles Beach for continued library operations at $1/year plus pro rata operating costs (initial 5-year term with renewal options). - Item 3F: Resolution approving a lease for fleet storage for Animal Services at 3500 NW 79 Avenue, Doral (6-year estimated cost $1,784,223.73). - Item 6A: Approval of Clerk’s Summary of Minutes for meetings of March 10, May 12, June 9, and July 7, 2025. - The committee also voted to waive items 3A, 3B, 3D, and 3E to the next BCC meeting (a procedural step). Key Outcomes - Deferrals: Items 1F1 (Park Update) and 1G2 (Children’s Trust Ordinance) were deferred to the next committee meeting. - Passed: The Peafowl Mitigation Ordinance (as amended to include District 7) was forwarded to the full BCC with a favorable recommendation, 4-0. - Approved: All other agenda items were approved unanimously, forwarding grant funding, appointments, and leases to the BCC for final action. - Next Steps: The committee adjourned after completing its business.

The Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee met on October 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Commission Chambers. The committee considered several items, including a resolution on affordable housing and sewer access, interlocal agreements, and contract awards. All items were addressed with votes and recommendations. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public came forward during the reasonable opportunity to be heard. Discussion Items - Item 2A (Resolution 252042): Prime Sponsor Commissioner Marleine Bastien proposed a resolution to waive a moratorium on the conveyance of county-owned property without sanitary sewer access for certain affordable housing properties. Commissioner Regalado raised concerns about the necessity of connecting these properties to sewers, noting that septic tanks are expensive and complicated. She requested additional time for the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (Durham) to perform a feasible distance analysis and for the Water and Sewer Department (WASD) to obtain information from North Miami Beach regarding connectivity. She recommended that if properties can connect, they should, and that permitting could be tied to a tie-down period. The item was deferred to the next committee meeting by a vote of 5-0. Key Outcomes - Item 2A: Deferred to the next committee meeting (5-0). - Item 3A (Resolution 251783): Interlocal agreement with Town of Cutler Bay for stormwater bond payments – forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) with a favorable recommendation (5-0). - Item 3B (Original): Resolution on solid waste management interlocal agreement – withdrawn. - Item 3B Substitute (Resolution 251786): Same subject as 3B – forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation (5-0). - Item 3C (Resolution 251899): Contract for transmission force main replacement, total amount $10,838,698.44 – forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation (5-0). - Item 3D (Resolution 251905): Change order increasing contract for sanitary sewer rehabilitation by $1,000,000 (total $5,000,000) – forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation (5-0). - Item 6A (Report 252004): Approval of Clerk’s summary of minutes for July 7, 2025 meeting – approved (5-0). - The meeting was adjourned after all items were addressed.

A full-day meeting of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners on October 9, 2025, addressed a wide range of issues including special presentations, public hearings, and major policy discussions. The most significant debates centered on the Port Miami fuel supply crisis, a water surcharge ordinance affecting municipal utilities, and the rejection of bids for an airport operations center. Several ceremonial items were also approved, including renaming the North Dade Justice Center after Harvey Ruvin. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals and unanimous actions: The board approved numerous consent items, including street co-designations (e.g., "Officer Donald E. Mazzone Way", "Marianela Amador Way", "Chief Pedro W. Taylor, Jr. Street"), district funding allocations, reports on federal and state funding, mobility fees, and airport infrastructure investigations. Items 3A1 through 3A16 were adopted unanimously (13-0). - Item 3B1 (Project Santander) was deferred to October 21, 2025. Item 3B2 (Confidential Project Janus) was adopted (13-0). - Several departmental consent items (8A1-8A8, 8E1, 8F1-8F3, 8G1, 8J1, 8L1-8L2, 8N1-8N8, 8O1-8O3, 8P1-8P11, 10A1-10A2, 11A1-11A23) were adopted with broad support, often 13-0, except where noted. Public Comments & Testimony - Port Miami Fuel Supply (Items 6B2, 14B1): Multiple representatives from the cruise industry, cargo operators, labor unions, and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce spoke in strong support of acquiring the Fisher Island fuel facility to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply. They emphasized the economic impact of the port, with cruise passengers spending $22 billion in 2024 and the port sustaining 340,000 jobs. Speakers urged the board to authorize eminent domain if necessary. - Water Surcharge Ordinance (Item 7A): Residents of Miami Gardens and representatives from the City of North Miami Beach spoke on the issue. North Miami Beach Mayor Michael Joseph stated the city has interlocal agreements with other municipalities but not with Miami Gardens. Residents complained of water bills double the county average. - Harvey Ruvin Memorial (Items 5C, 11A18): David Friedman and Lisa Ruvin spoke in support of renaming the North Dade Justice Center and co-designating a street after Harvey Ruvin, highlighting his decades of public service. - Beach Erosion (Item 11A8): A representative from the Advocacy Network on Disabilities urged inclusion of rolling mats for accessibility. - Other: Several speakers addressed community funding allocations, including support for the Circle of Brotherhood program and the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides campaign. Discussion Items Port Miami Fuel Supply (Items 6B2, 14B1) - Mayor Daniella Levine Cava reported that the administration continues to pursue acquisition of the Fisher Island fuel facility and is also evaluating on-port options. A mediation with HRP (the new owner) is scheduled for October 20, 2025. The board discussed the need for a reliable fuel source to maintain the port’s competitiveness. - Commissioner Raquel Regalado argued for exploring on-port sites, citing historical studies and the need for long-term energy independence. She noted that the port’s master plan shows unencumbered land and that the Fisher Island facility is aging. - Commissioner Oliver Gilbert made a motion to authorize eminent domain proceedings automatically if the mediator declares an impasse after 60 days (from October 20) and require the administration to present at least three on-port options at mediation. The motion passed on a voice vote (with nays recorded as Commissioners Cohen Higgins, Higgins, and Steinberg). - The board also accepted the mayor’s report (14B1) on actions taken since September 18. Water and Sewer Ordinance (Item 7A) - Commissioner Oliver Gilbert sponsored an ordinance to require municipal utilities operating outside their boundaries to comply with Florida Statute 180.19, either by providing written agreements with the recipient municipality or by demonstrating that surcharge funds are used entirely for water system improvements. - Commissioner Marleine Bastien moved to defer the item for 30 days to allow negotiations between North Miami Beach and Miami Gardens. The deferral failed (nays had it). - The ordinance was then adopted on second reading with a 90-day implementation period for negotiation, passing 9-3 (Commissioners Bastien, Steinberg, and Regalado dissenting). Airport Operations Center Bid (Item 8A4) - The Aviation Department recommended rejecting all bids for the Airport Operations Center due to confusion over pricing after last-minute addenda. Two bidders, Allied Contractors and Lamar Tech, each claimed to be the lowest bidder. - Senator Rene Garcia moved to award the contract to Allied for $17.3 million, including all scope of work. The motion failed on a roll call vote (nays prevailed). - Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins then moved to accept the administration’s recommendation to reject all bids with an expedited procurement process, aiming to bring a new award to the board within 90 days. The motion passed. American Dream Miami Project (Item 11A19 Substitute) - Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez sponsored a resolution to modify Resolution R-629-18, which had prohibited certain county subsidies for the American Dream Miami project. The substitute removes restrictions on using impact fees and federal/state funds for infrastructure improvements in the area, while still requiring board approval for any negotiated use of impact fees. - The item passed 10-3 (Commissioners Steinberg and Higgins voting no; Commissioner Regalado also dissenting). Conflict of Interest Ordinance (Item 5F) - An ordinance amending conflict of interest provisions to allow voting on matters involving county-owned entities when there is unity of interest was adopted 9-4. Other Discussion Items - Transit Advertisements (Item 6B1): The administration briefed the board on negotiations with Pearl Media for advertising at Metromover stations. Code changes and FTA approvals are needed; a report is expected by October 21. - Sister Cities Agreement (Item 14A1): A resolution to negotiate a sister cities agreement with the Casablanca-Settat Region of Morocco was adopted 13-0. - Beach Erosion (Item 11A8): A resolution urging the Army Corps of Engineers to study beach erosion in the 69th Street segment of Miami Beach was adopted 13-0. - Coral Reef Restoration (Item 11A11): Adopted 13-0. - Military Leave (Item 11A12): Urging the Florida Legislature to expand paid leave for public employees in military reserve training, adopted 13-0. - Families on the Fly (Item 11A14): Urging TSA to implement the program at MIA, adopted 13-0. - Emergency Services Response Times (Item 11A15): Directed a countywide evaluation, adopted 13-0. - IT Decentralization (Item 11A16): Directed a feasibility study, adopted 13-0. - Transit Dynamic Pricing (Item 11A17): Directed a feasibility study for special events, adopted 13-0. - Harvey Ruvin Way (Item 11A18): Approved co-designation of West Flagler Street at NW 1st Avenue, adopted 13-0. - 2026 State Legislative Guiding Principles (Item 11A20): Adopted 13-0. - Scott Homes II (Item 11A21): Authorized disposition application for a logistics center, adopted 13-0. - First-and-Last Mile Transit (Item 11A22): Directed analysis and coordination with municipalities, adopted 13-0. - Ludlam Trail (Item 11A23): Urged state funding, adopted 13-0. Key Outcomes - Port Miami Fuel: The board passed a motion (by Commissioner Gilbert) that conditions eminent domain on a mediator’s impasse declaration after 60 days from October 20 and requires the administration to present at least three on-port options at mediation. The mayor’s report was accepted. - Water Surcharge Ordinance (7A): Adopted on second reading (9-3) with a 90-day negotiation period. Municipalities must provide agreements or financial records showing surcharge funds are used for water system improvements. - Airport Operations Center (8A4): All bids rejected; an expedited procurement process is to be completed within 90 days. - American Dream Miami (11A19 Substitute): Approved (10-3), allowing use of impact fees and federal/state funds for infrastructure in the area, subject to board approval. - Conflict of Interest (5F): Adopted (9-4). - Harvey Ruvin Justice Center (5C): Renamed unanimously. - Mayoral Appointment: Dr. Benjamin Mathis was confirmed as Director of the Medical Examiner Department. - Budget Allocations: Several district funding resolutions were approved, including $10,000 for breast cancer awareness and other allocations.