Public Meetings - Miami Dade County, Florida

The Miami-Dade Housing Committee met on June 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM (local time) in Commission Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and FY 2025 Action Plan, consideration of several resolutions, and a deferral request. The committee voted to approve most items and directed the administration to provide an updated public housing list to a resident. Public Comments & Testimony - Sharon Fraser Stevens (resident) requested an up-to-date list of public housing units, noting the last list she had was from 2009. She advocated for disabled seniors and asked the new housing director to provide a current list. - Paula Darrow (resident) asked about the timeline for redevelopment at Site 291, where she lives, and requested the information in writing. - Representative Roy Hardman (Model City Advisory Board Chair, Liberty City Democratic Club) spoke during the public hearing on Item 1G1. He opposed the Consolidated Plan, stating that it failed to address the needs of Black communities in urban areas like Liberty City and Brownville. He noted the closure of over 3,000 public housing units in Liberty City and criticized the use of FIU for community assessments. He urged the committee not to approve the plan without community input. Discussion Items - Deferral of Items 3B and 3C: The administration requested deferral of resolutions for the rejection of proposals for the redevelopment of Palmetto Gardens and Opa-Locka Elderly developments (Item 3B) and the Annie Coleman 16 development (Item 3C) to the July committee meeting, to align with other items from the same developer. Commissioner Higgins expressed concern about delays but supported the deferral on the condition the items return in July and are scheduled for full commission approval before the summer break. The committee voted 4-0 to defer. - Request for Updated Housing List: Commissioner Gonzalez directed the Housing Director to provide Sharon Fraser Stevens with an updated public housing list within 48 hours. The director agreed. - Item 2A (FPL Easement): Commissioner Higgins noted that these one-off easement approvals for utilities on affordable housing properties would be replaced by a comprehensive item in July granting authority for non-exclusive easements. The committee then voted to approve Item 2A and Item 3A (Older Adults Home Modification Grant) together. - Public Hearing – Item 1G1 (Consolidated Plan and Action Plan): After the public hearing, the committee approved the resolution for the FY 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, FY 2025 Action Plan, and related amendments. The vote was 4-0. Key Outcomes - Items 3B and 3C deferred to the July Housing Committee meeting, with a commitment to bring them to the full Board of County Commissioners in July before the recess. - Item 2A (FPL easement for Jose Marti Villas Phase One) approved 4-0. - Item 3A (Older Adults Home Modification Grant) approved 4-0. - Item 1G1 (Consolidated Plan and Action Plan) approved 4-0 after a public hearing. - The Housing Director committed to providing an updated public housing list to Ms. Fraser within 48 hours. Adjournment The meeting adjourned after all business was concluded.

The Miami-Dade Safety and Health Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM ET was canceled due to a lack of a quorum before it commenced. The official agenda notes this cancellation for every scheduled item. No proceedings, minutes, or transcript were produced. Scheduled Agenda Items (Not Acted Upon) The following items were placed on the agenda but were not acted upon due to the cancellation: - 1E1: Presentation of the Commission for Women’s CEDAW Recommendations Report (Prime Sponsor: Roberto J. Gonzalez). - 1F1: Discussion Item regarding the State Attorney Office’s Misdemeanor Diversion Services Program (Prime Sponsor: Roberto J. Gonzalez). - 1G1: Ordinance to amend Article XLIV of the Code, adding a sunset provision to the Addiction Services Board (ASB) and closing the Addiction Services Trust Fund (Prime Sponsor: Sen. Rene Garcia). This item had passed on first reading (12-0) on May 20, 2025, but the required second reading public hearing was canceled on June 10. - 2A: Resolution directing the County Mayor to collaborate on a 2025 "Get to Zero" Action Plan to address HIV infection rates in Miami-Dade County (Prime Sponsor: Sen. Rene Garcia; Co-Sponsors: Marleine Bastien, Micky Steinberg). - 2B: Resolution declaring surplus firefighting equipment and authorizing a donation to the Cuerpo de Bomberos Villa Trina in the Dominican Republic (Prime Sponsor: Roberto J. Gonzalez; Co-Sponsor: Sen. Rene Garcia). - 2C: Resolution authorizing the conveyance of a non-exclusive perpetual easement to Florida Power & Light on county-owned property at Jackson Memorial Hospital for $1.00 (Prime Sponsor: Keon Hardemon). - 2D: Resolution declaring surplus firefighting equipment and authorizing a donation to the Cuerpo de Bomberos Santo Domingo Oeste in the Dominican Republic (Prime Sponsor: Roberto J. Gonzalez; Co-Sponsor: Sen. Rene Garcia). - 2E: Resolution authorizing conveyance of two non-exclusive perpetual easements to the District Board of Trustees of Miami Dade College for $10.00 near Jackson Memorial Hospital (Prime Sponsor: Keon Hardemon). - 3A: Resolution retroactively approving an Emergency Medical Services Matching Grant of $42,463.40 from the Florida Department of Health for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, including a cash match of up to $14,154.47 (Prime Sponsor: Roberto J. Gonzalez; Co-Sponsor: Micky Steinberg). - 3B: Resolution approving a Memorandum of Agreement with the Florida Department of Health for quarterly ecological water sampling, totaling $23,250.00 for the first term (Prime Sponsor: Roberto J. Gonzalez). Key Outcomes - The meeting was formally canceled due to the lack of a quorum. - No votes were taken, no public testimony was heard, and no official business was conducted. - All scheduled agenda items remain pending and may be rescheduled for a future committee meeting.

The Recreation and Tourism Committee met on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Commission Chambers to consider five items from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Library Department, Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, and Regulatory and Economic Resources. The committee voted unanimously to forward all items to the full County Commission with favorable recommendations. No public comments were made. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the reasonable opportunity period, which was opened and closed with no cards submitted. Discussion Items - Item 3D – Fillabag Station on Hobie Beach: Commissioner Raquel Regalado presented a resolution authorizing a memorandum of agreement with Fillabag to install one station on Hobie Beach (Rickenbacker Causeway). She explained the program provides bags for visitors to pick up trash and leave bags for collection, encouraging stewardship without waiting for large clean-up events. Commissioner Micky Steinberg asked about expanding to other beaches, and Regalado expressed willingness to share logistics. Chairman Sen. Rene Garcia praised the initiative, emphasizing the need for better stewardship of natural assets and preventing trash from entering waterways. Regalado noted Crandon and Bill Baggs parks are closing early on weekends due to high usage and that the station helps manage overflowing trash cans. Consent Calendar All items were moved en bloc and approved unanimously without objection: - 3A – Resolution authorizing 30 grants totaling $875,000 for the Department of Cultural Affairs FY 2024-2025 Summer Arts & Science Camps for Kids Grants Program. - 3B – Resolution authorizing 25 grants totaling $140,000 for the Department of Cultural Affairs FY 2024-2025 Community Grants Program – Third Quarter. - 3C – Resolution approving a development agreement with Dulce Vida Apartments, LLC for 8,500 sq. ft. of ground-floor space at 1785 NW 35 Street for the Allapattah Branch Library, at an estimated cost of $4,921,000; a 30-year lease with two 30-year renewal options at $1 per year; and an interlocal agreement with the City of Miami. - 3D – Resolution authorizing a memorandum of agreement with Fillabag for one station on Hobie Beach. - 3E – Resolution appointing Salvatore Finocchiaro to the Agricultural Practices Advisory Board. Key Outcomes - All five agenda items (3A through 3E) were forwarded to the full Board of County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation by a vote of 3-0 (Commissioners Garcia, Steinberg, Regalado present; others absent). No roll call was requested. - The meeting adjourned after the vote. No next steps or future meeting dates were specified.

The Miami-Dade Policy Council meeting scheduled for June 9, 2025, was called to order at approximately 2:15 PM but was immediately canceled because a quorum was not present. The Chairman announced that all agenda items would be forwarded directly to the full Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting, where a public hearing opportunity will be provided. No business was conducted. Key Outcomes - Meeting Canceled: The meeting was canceled due to a lack of a quorum. All items on the agenda—including four ordinances (Items 1G1 through 1G4), two commissioner‑sponsored resolutions, and departmental reports—were sent to the next full BCC meeting. - Items Rescheduled: One commissioner (unidentified in the transcript) requested that their items, originally set for a June 26, 2025 meeting, be moved to the July 1, 2025 meeting, noting it is only three days later. The Chairman acknowledged the request. Note: The agenda listed a start time of 9:00 AM, but the meeting was actually convened and canceled at 2:15 PM. No minutes were available.

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners met on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, starting at 9:30 AM. The agenda included mayoral appointments, ceremonial proclamations, public hearings, numerous ordinances for first and second reading, and departmental resolutions. Several items ignited lengthy debates on fiscal prudence, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) compliance, auditing standards, and transparency. Consent Calendar - The Board unanimously confirmed Christina White as Director of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and Jay Fink as Director of the Water and Sewer Department. - Various district-level CBO discretionary reserve allocations were approved. - Routine departmental consent items were adopted. Public Comments & Testimony - Priscilla Schmidt (Fertile Earth Worm Farm) spoke against proposed solid waste tax increases, advocating for composting as an alternative to exporting waste. - Kayla Jones expressed support for using county land for affordable housing (Item 5A) but strongly criticized the county's eminent domain process on NE 159th Street, stating it threatens working-class families. - Bruce Lamberto criticized the noticing process for a related transportation project (Item 8N1), calling it "abysmal." - Nicoleta Acosta spoke about inadequate conditions at the county's Medley animal shelter facility. Discussion Items Solid Waste Assessment Ordinance (Item 4J) – Failed on First Reading (6-7) - The ordinance to ratify the non-ad valorem assessment rolls and rates for the solid waste collection service area failed on a vote of 6-7. - Commissioner Oliver Gilbert argued that failing to pass a fee that covers costs would repeat past fiscal mismanagement. - Commissioner Raquel Regalado opposed the uniform flat rate, arguing that pickup costs and recycling performance vary by area and should be considered. - The Mayor warned that re-noticing could cost an estimated $2 million. The County Attorney confirmed a new vehicle could be brought for first reading on June 26th. - A motion to reconsider failed 6-7. Financial Audits & Transparency Ordinance (Item 7C) – Passed (11-1) - An ordinance requiring annual independent financial audits for certain county boards was adopted on second reading. - Commissioner Eileen Higgins successfully moved to exclude Vizcaya Museum, noting its existing contractual obligations for outside audits. - Commissioner Gilbert added an amendment allowing organizations with existing audit obligations (by contract, bylaw, or federal law) to satisfy the ordinance with those audits, excluding them from the Mayor's "management watch" powers. - Sponsor Cohen Higgins accepted the amendment, aligning the ordinance with Florida Statute financial thresholds. - Commissioner Regalado dissented, citing procedural concerns over notice to impacted parties. Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Compliance - North Miami Beach CRA Budget (8G3): Commissioner Gilbert revealed the CRA spent funds before Board approval, violating its interlocal agreement. Commissioner Marleine Bastien requested immediate approval, committing to renegotiate the interlocal to require a county commissioner on the board. Gilbert accepted the commitment, warning of non-compliance enforcement if unmet. - Naranja Lakes CRA Budget (8G5): Commissioner Cohen Higgins questioned a $200,000 executive director contract. The executive director clarified the fee replaced a prior OMB service line and included support staff. The budget passed. Brickell Library (Item 2B3) - Commissioner Eileen Higgins moved to direct the Mayor to open a library in the Brickell area. The motion to identify a site and open a library within 30 months was approved, contingent upon quarterly reporting and funding identification in a future budget. County Commissioner Items - Leave Donation to Love Trust (11A7): Passed to allow county employees to donate accrued leave value to assist law enforcement families, contingent on standard county leave payout policies. - Overtown Business Grants (11A9): A $900,000 grant to Kamal Hospitality Group passed 11-2. Senator Rene Garcia voted no, stating public funds should not be used for a private food truck. - Utility Easements: Commissioner Gilbert passed a motion to convey utility easements for an affordable housing development, following an earlier policy discussion by Commissioner Regalado on the need for future sewer infrastructure access. Key Outcomes - Solid Waste Assessment (4J): Failed on first reading (6-7). - Financial Transparency (7C): Passed on second reading (11-1). - Surplus Property Conveyance (5A): Passed (12-1). - NMB CRA Budget (8G3): Passed with condition to renegotiate interlocal. - Overtown Business Grant (11A9): Passed (11-2). - Mobility Sourcing Program (8N5): Passed (7-1). - Various Special Taxing District assessments (4E, 4G, 4H, 4I): Passed on first reading with split votes (10-3, 11-2, 10-3, 10-3). - Brickell Library Motion (2B3): Approved. - Chair Anthony Rodriguez directed accessing a state contract for hurricane shelter services for special needs populations. - The Board extended the approval period for all eligible legislative requests from various commissioners. - Commissioner Milian Orbis secured a reappointment to the Cultural Affairs Council.

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners convened on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 9:30 AM in Commission Chambers. The meeting opened with special presentations recognizing the 2025 Solid Waste Management Art Poster Contest winners, Haitian entrepreneur Robinson Lovens (proclaimed Robinson Lovens Day), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for its community service, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Following public comment, the commission set the agenda, adopted ordinances on first reading, conducted public hearings on eight plats, and debated several policy items, including a major airport contract amendment and budget oversight. Key votes included approval of a $600.6 million design-build agreement for a new Concourse K at Miami International Airport and a contentious amendment to issue an additional airport ground handling permit. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved routine resolutions, including allocations from FY 2024-25 discretionary reserves for districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and several in-kind service authorizations. - Ratified eight Local Agency Program (LAP) agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation totaling $968,465 for Safe Routes to School and safety improvements. - Approved a state-funded grant of up to $6,737,000 for right-of-way acquisition along NW 25 Street from NW 87 Avenue to NW 117 Avenue. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Rosenberg addressed the commission on item 4B (the feral cat feeding ordinance), noting that the agenda listed the item as withdrawn overnight despite being present the previous day. He expressed frustration with the process and highlighted that authorized feeding could be a solution. He was given two minutes to speak. Discussion Items Homeowner Zoning Assistance Program (Item 2B2) – Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins requested the creation of a formal assistance program within the Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) department to help homesteaded homeowners navigate zoning applications, similar to the existing small business permitting assistance program. She noted the report showed many homeowners struggle with complex zoning laws and cannot afford attorneys. RER Director Lourdes Gomez confirmed the intent was to create such a program, clarifying that it would provide information on options, not legal or tax advice. Commissioner Raquel Regalado stressed the need to distinguish between administrative permitting advice and zoning guidance to avoid legal liability. The item was adopted. Property Conveyances Report Expansion (Item 2B5) – Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez moved to expand the quarterly report on property conveyances to also include leased county properties that are in non-compliance, to avoid surprise defaults. The motion passed. Contract Execution Report (Item 2B6) – Commissioner Cohen Higgins questioned why the $602 million Schindler elevator/escalator contract at Miami International Airport (MIA) showed "services not needed" in the first 60 days. Chief Procurement Officer Namida Uppal and Aviation Director Ralph Cutié explained the delay was due to employee badging and ramp-up time. They noted that since the contract, elevator operational performance rose from 85% to 95%, with 30 modernizations completed. The report was accepted. Airport Ground Handling Permits (Item 8P3) – The board considered awarding a seventh non-exclusive permit to AGI (Aviation Groundhandling, Inc.) after two existing permittees (Menzies and G2) announced a merger that would free up a slot. Commissioner Eileen Higgins raised concerns about worker treatment standards, noting that the top six bidders had voluntarily agreed to living wage, paid time off, and parking subsidies. AGI Vice President Sarah Andrews publicly committed to those same conditions. After extensive debate, Commissioner Oliver Gilbert proposed an amendment to award the permit to AGI contingent on the merger and to include a binding commitment to living wage, 40 hours of PTO, and parking assistance. The amendment and the item as amended passed with a majority vote (11–0 on voice vote). Budget Information Request – Commissioner Regalado moved to direct the administration to provide the Commission Auditor with detailed subline-item budget files and explanations for projected year-over-year revenue and expenditure changes, within seven days. She argued that with only two Appropriations Committee meetings before the July 16 millage setting, she needed granular data to analyze the projected deficit. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava countered that the budget is a work in progress and that providing detailed line items at this stage would be burdensome, but affirmed a commitment to share available information. Commissioner Cohen Higgins noted she had deferred a similar ordinance at the administration’s request and objected to the motion circumventing that process. The motion was four-day ruled (deferred to the next meeting) per the board's rules. Key Outcomes - Public Hearings (Plats): All eight plats were approved; La Primera Grocery 1 (Item 5B) and La Primera Grocery 2 (Item 5C) passed 11-1; the remaining six plats (5A, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G) passed unanimously. Item 5A (street co-designation) also passed 12-0. - Ordinances on First Reading: - Item 4A (Addiction Services Board sunset and trust fund closure) – adopted 12-0, tentatively set for public hearing June 10, 2025. - Item 4C (NW 7th Avenue Corridor CRA staffing authorization) – adopted 12-0, public hearing July 1, 2025. - Item 4D (NW 79th Street Corridor CRA staffing authorization) – adopted 12-0, public hearing July 1, 2025. - Item 4B (Feral cat feeding) was withdrawn. - Major Airport Contracts: - Professional services agreement with Bermello Ajamil & Partners for redevelopment of MIA Central Terminal (A24AV02): $39,852,190 for seven years – approved unanimously. - Design-build agreement with Lemartec-NV2A JV for expansion of South Terminal and new Concourse K (DB23AV01): $600,638,241 for 1,485 calendar days – approved unanimously. - Property purchase east of MIA (323,591 sq ft, $54 million) – approved 11-0. - Transportation & Public Works: Approved a new stevedore license at PortMiami, an interlocal agreement with City of Miami Beach for the Mount Sinai fixed-route link ($245,000/year for two years), a preliminary engineering agreement with CSX for a new at-grade crossing on SW 127 Avenue ($45,000), and amendment 14 for the Venetian Causeway bridge replacement project ($1,366,682.82 increase). - Water & Sewer: Awarded two construction contracts: West Little River pump station and sanitary sewer system (Magnum Construction, $20,172,150) and HTA Phase 2 sanitary sewer and water mains in Hialeah (Lead Engineering Contractors, $42,329,668). - Strategic Procurement: Approved additional expenditure authority for grounds maintenance/pest control ($9.85 million increase to $48.39 million) and plant material/tree services ($24 million increase to $66.41 million). - Commission Resolutions: - Recognized Cameron Anthony Ward for being selected first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft (passed 11-0). - Acknowledged May 20 as Cuban Independence Day and condemned human rights abuses in Cuba (passed 11-0). - Meeting Schedule Changes: The June 17 BCC meeting and June 18 CDMP meeting were canceled; a combined BCC/CDMP/Zoning meeting was set for June 26, 2025. - Library Lease Extension: Authorized a month-to-month extension of the temporary Doral Library lease at $17,574.44 per month until the new library is completed. - Community Allocations: Approved $2,500 each for North Miami Girls Basketball and Key Clubhouse student neurodiversity program (Commissioner Cohen Higgins), and $5,000 for South Florida PBA benefiting the Love Fund (Commissioner Regalado).

The Government Efficiency and Transparency Ad Hoc Committee met on May 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Commission Chambers. The committee, chaired by Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, reviewed multiple resolutions, heard departmental presentations on efficiency and transparency, and discussed IT service delivery. Key votes included forwarding resolutions on marketing expenditure review, local produce procurement, and public service aide usage, while deferring a payroll audit and a public feedback webpage. The committee also received presentations from the Internal Compliance Department, People and Internal Operations, and the Office of Management and Budget, and held a discussion on Information Technology Department efficiencies. Public Comments & Testimony - A member of the public spoke in support of developing a budget interactive tool, urging the committee to support a transparent, multilingual, and participatory budgeting process. The speaker noted that counties like Pinellas and Flagler, and municipalities like North Miami, have already implemented such tools with smaller budgets. The speaker requested an opportunity to meet with commissioners to move the initiative forward. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the agenda with a motion and second, after noting additions and deferrals. Items not bifurcated were moved en bloc and passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Item 2C (Payroll System Audit): A resolution directing an independent external audit of the county payroll system was deferred to no date certain at the request of the prime sponsor, Commissioner Gonzalez, to avoid duplication with the Clerk of the Court's efforts. Deferred 4-0. - Item 2F (Public Feedback Webpage/Email): At the request of the chairman, the item was deferred to the next committee meeting to ensure alignment with the county commission. The prime sponsor, Commissioner Bermudez, expressed strong support. Deferred 4-0. - Item 2D (Right-of-Way Vacation): Commissioner Bermudez bifurcated this item due to concerns about fiscal impact and property valuation. The committee voted to forward the resolution to the full Board of County Commissioners without a recommendation (4-0). Commissioner Cohen Higgins noted that such vacations are routine, but the chair expressed need for clearer answers. - Item 3A (Ratification of Vendor Additions to Open Pool Contracts): Commissioner Cohen Higgins questioned the process for adding vendors. Chief Procurement Officer Namira Upal explained that pools are open, criteria are published, and any qualified vendor meeting requirements is added without discretion. The committee ratified the additions and passed the item unanimously. - Item 1F1 (Discussion on IT Department Efficiencies): Commissioner Regalado led a discussion on ITD's centralized service model, expressing concerns about slow service, double-billing perceptions, and the need for faster response for enterprise departments. Yinka Major Kutomi from the Commission Auditor's office presented preliminary data showing ticket lifecycles ranging from 1 day to over 1,100 days. ITD Director Margaret Brisbane explained the consolidation rationale, ongoing modernization efforts, and willingness to provide more detail. The committee agreed to schedule a future presentation on ITD. Presentations - Internal Compliance Department (Ophelia Tamayo): The department focuses on operational efficiencies, revenue generation, compliance, and system optimization. Highlights include collecting over $20 million annually in gross collections (against $3 billion outstanding debt), administering over 120,000 code enforcement citations, and using AI for chatbots and automated callers. The department aims to streamline processes and generate dashboards for transparency. - People and Internal Operations (Raymond Hall & Alejandro Martinez Esteve): The newly integrated department combines HR and ISD. Key goals include reducing time-to-fill for critical positions from 115 to 60 days, standardizing work practices, leveraging technology, and improving labor relations. The Office of Real Estate and Development highlighted efficiency initiatives: reducing appraisal engagement time, standardizing real estate documents, and creating a property conveyance assessment team to monitor leases and defaults. The committee discussed lease payment tracking and the need for automated systems. - Office of Management and Budget (David Cluckfelder): OMB presented its role in budget preparation, performance improvement (Lean Six Sigma training for 1,800+ employees), grant coordination (securing $6 billion in federal funds since 2020), and bond management (saving $695 million since 2020). The county's bond ratings have been upgraded, with Moody's AA2, S&P AA, and Fitch AA+. Commissioner Regalado suggested separating enterprise and general fund budgets in future presentations. Key Outcomes - Item 2A (Marketing Expenditure Report): Forwarded to the full Board of County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation (4-0). - Item 2B (Local Produce Procurement Study): Forwarded to the full Board with a favorable recommendation (4-0). - Item 2C (Payroll Audit): Deferred to no date certain (4-0). - Item 2D (Right-of-Way Vacation): Forwarded to the full Board without a recommendation (4-0). - Item 2E (Public Service Aides for Roadway Projects): Forwarded to the full Board with a favorable recommendation (4-0). - Item 2F (Public Feedback Webpage/Email): Deferred to the next committee meeting (4-0). - Item 3A (Vendor Pool Ratification): Approved unanimously. - The committee agreed to hold a joint meeting with the Appropriations Committee to discuss the upcoming budget, including state and federal funding impacts. - ITD will provide a future presentation with more detailed information on service level agreements, ticketing, and budgeting processes.

The Miami-Dade Port and Resiliency Committee met on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM in Commission Chambers. Chairwoman Micky Steinberg was absent; Vice Chairman Keon Hardemon presided. Commissioners Juan Carlos Bermudez, Danielle Cohen Higgins, and Oliver G. Gilbert III were present (three members constituted a quorum). The meeting opened with an invocation by Commissioner Cohen Higgins and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was short, focusing on a public hearing for an environmental ordinance, a resolution on adaptive fishing piers, and routine approvals. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the reasonable opportunity for public comment, nor during the public hearing. Discussion Items - Item 2A: Adaptive Fishing Piers Resolution (Prime Sponsor: Sen. Rene Garcia) – Commissioner Cohen Higgins moved to adopt the same amendment previously approved at the Parks and Recreation Committee on May 12, 2025. The amendment (originally offered by Chairwoman Steinberg) broadens the resolution to allow for other adaptive devices (e.g., ramps, lifts) in addition to fishing piers and floating docks, to accommodate individuals using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. It also excludes parks where such features are already in operation or planned and are ADA-compliant. The motion carried unanimously (3–0). Public Hearing - Item 1G1: Ordinance Relating to Environmental Protection (Prime Sponsor: Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez) – This ordinance amends Sections 24-42.7 and 24-48.3 of the Miami-Dade County Code. It authorizes administrative approval of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems that do not meet certain minimum setback distances under specific circumstances, and allows administrative approval of boat slips in areas with a certain NOAA mean low water datum via Class I permits. Commissioner Bermudez explained that the changes streamline processes without reducing environmental protections, noting that cases often involve individual property owners. The ordinance had passed first reading on April 1, 2025. After the public hearing (no speakers), Commissioner Bermudez moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Hardemon. A roll call vote was taken due to it being an ordinance: Commissioners Bermudez (yes), Cohen Higgins (yes), and Hardemon (yes). The ordinance was forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation (3–0). Key Outcomes - Item 3A (Resolution 250670): Appointed Kimberly Hosang and Paul Wiggins to the Agricultural Practices Advisory Board. Recommended favorably (3–0). - Item 6A (Report 250408): Approved the Clerk’s Summary of Minutes for the January 15, 2025 and February 12, 2025 Port and Resiliency Committee meetings (3–0). - Item 2A: Amended and adopted as described. - Item 1G1: Public hearing held; ordinance approved and forwarded to the full commission. - The meeting adjourned after all business was completed.

The Miami-Dade Appropriations Committee met on May 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM under Chairwoman Raquel A. Regalado. The committee heard presentations on the FY 2025-2026 proposed county budget and constitutional office budgets, discussed a projected $387 million deficit (potentially rising to $473 million), debated ordinances on financial audits and CRA operations, and voted on numerous procurement and budget resolutions. Several items were deferred or amended. Public Comments & Testimony - Kenneth Brown (12300 NW 17th Avenue) expressed concerns about homelessness and development in Overtown, Liberty City, and Brownsville, alleging communities are being pushed out for developers. He urged inclusion of local residents in future projects and noted unmet needs for homeless women and home repairs. Presentations - 1E1 – County Budget Presentation: Chief Administrative Officer Carla Denise Edwards outlined three major fiscal headwinds: new constitutional office costs, revenue threats (including potential $65 million shortfall from tax collector transition into a fee officer), and market volatility. The FY 2025-2026 projected revenue is $3.2 billion, with expenses of $3.6 billion, leaving a $387 million deficit ($473 million if all constitutional requests are approved). The administration is using the WISE 305 plan with hiring freezes and department mergers, but no millage increase is recommended. - 1E2 – Constitutional Office Presentations: - Supervisor of Elections (Alina Garcia): Proposed operating budget of $52 million ($47.5 million from general fund), a slight decrease from the current year. Capital request of $4.1 million for voting tabulators and $1.7 million for voter check-in stations. Challenges include legislative impacts and poll worker recruitment. - Clerk of Court & Comptroller (Barbara Galvest): Budget growth of 4.5% (below the 6% benchmark), totaling $1.533 million increase from general fund. A revenue-neutral swap with IT funding model was noted. Banking contract expiring in September 2025 will require extension and new RFP. Office did not use mid-year reserve funds. Discussion Items - 1G1 – Annual Independent Audits Ordinance (Prime Sponsor: Cohen Higgins): Required annual independent financial audits for county boards handling county funds. An amendment was added to specify that audits are not at the discretion of the chair or mayor, and an exhibit will list boards already subject to audits and those newly covered. Funding sources were clarified as existing board budgets. Passed unanimously. - 1G3 – West Perrine CRA Staffing Ordinance (Prime Sponsor: McGhee): Authorizes the CRA to hire staff, agents, and legal counsel. Commissioner Orbis inquired about qualifications for outside counsel; sponsor confirmed Florida Bar membership required. Passed unanimously. - 2C – Overtown Trust Fund Grant (Prime Sponsor: Hardemon): $900,000 grant to Kamal Hospitality Group for Tanya Jo's Philly Cheesesteaks and Blossoms businesses and a food truck. Trust fund balance before allocation was $5.7 million. Commissioner Gonzalez asked about competitive process; sponsor noted no competitive process historically. Passed unanimously. - 3A – Military Pay Continuation (Prime Sponsor: Gonzalez): Continues supplemental pay for county employees on active military duty retroactive to November 1, 2024, and makes the program indefinite. Annual cost about $293,000. Chairwoman criticized need for annual renewal. Passed unanimously. - 3C – Naranja Lakes CRA Budget (Prime Sponsor: Cohen Higgins): FY 2024-2025 budget of $38,096,723. Commissioner Cohen Higgins voted no, objecting to expenditures. Passed 3-1. - 3I – Section 8 Housing Voucher Services Extension (Prime Sponsor: Bastien): Extended contract by one year with up to $37,650,877 ($135,181,867 total). Nathan Cogan (Housing) noted a national shortfall of $3.7 billion for Section 8 funding and urged federal advocacy. Commissioner Cohen Higgins requested district-level data on voucher locations. Passed unanimously. - 3K – eCitation Master Agreement (Prime Sponsor: Strategic Procurement): Renewal for ISD/Sheriff's Office with $433,373 additional ($683,373 total). Commissioner Cohen Higgins requested future items include budget line-item references. Passed unanimously. - 3N – Grounds Maintenance Pool (Prime Sponsor: Strategic Procurement): Additional $9,851,175 ($48,387,445 total). Chairwoman Regalado raised concerns about lane closures during peak traffic for roadside trimming. Maria (DTPW) agreed to review contractor timing. Passed unanimously. - 3Q – Mobility Sourcing Program (Prime Sponsor: Transportation & Public Works): Proposed $130 million over five years for non-competitive purchases of transit parts/services. Commissioner Orbis proposed a one-year pilot with $25-30 million due to OIG bribery concerns and lack of oversight. After discussion (actual FY23-24 spending $24.3 million average, annual projected $30 million), the item was amended to one-year $30 million limit with annual reporting and accountability from Chief Procurement Officer Alonzo Joseph. Chairwoman also raised Metro-mover replacement alternatives. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - 1G1 and 1G3 passed on public hearing, forwarded to full Board with favorable recommendations. - 2A-2E (CRA appointments and designations) all forwarded unanimously. - 3A-3R (multiple procurement and budget resolutions) mostly passed unanimously; single no vote on 3C. - 1G2 (budget line-item explanation ordinance) deferred to June 11, 2025 at sponsor's request. - 2B (payroll audit) deferred indefinitely after sponsor noted partnership with Clerk’s office for external audit. - Budget presentations highlighted a serious deficit; constitutional offices were urged to maintain fiscal restraint. Staff will provide list of boards and audit status for 1G1 and include budget line-item cross-references in future procurement items.