Public Meetings - Miami Dade County, Florida

The Miami-Dade Zoning Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 9:30 AM in Commission Chambers was officially cancelled because a quorum could not be established. No business was conducted, and no votes were taken. Agenda Items Status - Item 1A (Z2022000148): A public hearing had been opened and closed at the earlier CDMP meeting; no action was taken at this Zoning Board meeting due to the loss of quorum. - Items 1B, 1C, and 3A–3E: All were marked as "Meeting canceled due to lack of a quorum" and did not proceed. Key Outcomes - The meeting was cancelled before any proceedings could commence. - No public testimony was heard, and no decisions or referrals were made.

On March 21, 2024, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners held a Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) public hearing starting at 9:30 AM. The meeting focused primarily on small-scale amendment application CDMP20210013 (and related zoning item) for a proposed assisted living facility (ALF) at 122nd Street near the South Dade Transitway. After extensive public testimony and commissioner discussion, the board lost quorum before a final vote could be taken, forcing the item to be continued to a future meeting. Consent Calendar - Item 3A (Application CDMP20220008) and its supplements were deferred by the board with a vote of 8‑0 to no date certain with leave to amend, at the applicant’s request. Public Comments & Testimony - Opposition (majority): Dozens of residents spoke against the ALF, citing traffic congestion, incompatibility with the low‑density residential neighborhood, safety concerns for children walking to nearby schools, destruction of mature trees, and the fact that the same developer had agreed in a 2015 covenant to build 12 townhomes on the 1.59‑acre site. Many urged the board to “build what was approved” – the 12 duplex units – noting the proposed 216‑bed facility would add an estimated 789 daily vehicle trips, a tenfold increase over the approved plan’s 81 trips. A resident presented a map showing 400+ petitions in opposition. Several speakers highlighted that 18 ALFs already exist within 10 miles, all on major roadways, contrasting with the proposed location on a dead‑end street. - Support (minority): A smaller group spoke in favor, emphasizing the need for assisted living beds for an aging population and the humanitarian purpose of caring for elders. Some noted the site’s proximity to the transitway and that the applicant had reduced the building height from four to two/three stories and lowered capacity from 268 to 216 beds in response to community feedback. - Presentation by applicant’s attorney (Melissa Tapinez): Argued that the ALF is a residential use consistent with the Smart Plan, addresses a critical housing shortage for seniors (projecting a 70% increase in elderly population by 2040), and that no adverse traffic impacts were identified by county staff. She stated that all Centris homeowners (the 54‑unit community adjacent) signed a disclosure acknowledging the planned ALF before purchasing their homes. Discussion Items - Item 3B / 3B1 (CDMP20210013 – Treehouse ALF): The board conducted a single public hearing for both the CDMP amendment and the concurrent zoning application. After public testimony closed, the applicant made a 10‑minute presentation. Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins (district commissioner) expressed concerns about the 2015 covenant, the potential for further upzoning under the Live Local Act if the property were rezoned to a mixed‑use category, and the lack of a compelling argument to break the covenant. She moved to deny the application, seconded by Vice Chairman Rodriguez. Before a vote could be held, the board lost quorum (fewer than seven members present). Commissioner Keon Hardemon noted that even if denied, the land would likely not revert to the 12 townhomes but might see a different development. Commissioner Eileen Higgins argued that approving only 12 units on 1.6 acres near transit was insufficient to address the housing crisis and that the ALF would serve an urgent need. After a recess and consultation, the board determined that no further business could be conducted without a quorum. - Tribute to Departing Attorney Dennis: Commissioners and staff praised Dennis for his 22 years of service, legal acumen, and dedication. A brief ceremony took place during the recess. Key Outcomes - No final decision on Item 3B/3B1: The public hearing was closed, but due to loss of quorum, no vote was taken. The item will be re‑advertised for a future CDMP meeting (tentatively the April 16 or 18, 2024 BCC meeting). Residents were informed they will not be allowed to speak again because the public hearing has concluded; only board deliberation will occur. - Item 3A deferred (application CDMP20220008) to no date certain with leave to amend. - Other zoning items not heard due to loss of quorum will be re‑advertised for the April 18, 2024 BCC meeting.

The meeting began at 9:30 AM with special presentations and a citizen's presentation on the Status of Women report. The board then proceeded through consent items, public hearings, and discussion items. Key votes included passing the agricultural zoning ordinance (7B) with amendments, approving a new detainee communication contract (8P1), and directing termination of the ATMS contract (11A2). Several special taxing districts and plat approvals were also adopted. Special Presentations - Commissioner Hardemon honored Women's History Month with presentations to community leaders. - The Vilomah Awards were presented to two families: Santonio and Monica Carter, and Andres and Melissa Fernandez, for turning personal tragedy into community service. Citizen's Presentation - Dr. Maria Ilcheva from FIU presented the 2023 Status of Women report, highlighting wage gaps, health disparities, and rising violence against women. Commissioners discussed the data and called for action on child care, education, and health outcomes. Consent Calendar - All items on the consent calendar were approved by voice vote, including routine resolutions, budget reports, mayoral appointments, and departmental consent items. Notable: Appointment of interim Solid Waste Management director, approval of the FY2022-23 end-of-year budget adjustments, and numerous district discretionary fund allocations. Public Comments & Testimony - Several speakers opposed the termination of the ATMS contract (11A2), arguing that the current vendor (Yunex Traffic) was making progress and that termination would be a waste of taxpayer money. Engineers from HBC Engineering, a local subcontractor, spoke about their successful work on the project. - Marion Brown spoke in support of the beach renaming (5B) but raised questions about community impact. - Brian Paz Fernandez spoke on agricultural issues but was redirected to the correct agenda item. Discussion Items - Item 7B - Agricultural Zoning Amendment: After extensive debate, the board adopted an ordinance to allow agritourism structures on agriculturally zoned land, limited to 5% of the parcel or 2.5 acres, within the newly defined Miami Redland Agritourism District. The amendment passed 10-2, with Commissioners Cohen Higgins and Regalado voting no. - Item 8P1 - Detainee Electronic Communication Contract: The board approved a contract with Securus Technologies for a tablet-based communication system, including free phone calls, video visits, and educational content. Amendments were added: a reporting requirement on recidivism and GED completion, and a clause allowing future assignment to the sheriff's office. Passed 10-2. - Item 11A2 - ATMS Contract Termination: The board adopted a resolution directing the mayor to terminate the contract with Yunex Traffic for cause and to negotiate with Horsepower Electric, the second-ranked bidder, for a completion contract. Amendments added a timeline for termination (10 days after adoption) and a requirement for the contract to include benchmarks and fiscal impact analysis. Passed 10-2. - Item 11A3 - Golden Passport Program: The board approved a resolution for the mayor to create a plan allowing seniors to use a driver's license or ID to board transit fare-free, or an alternative accessible enrollment method. Passed 13-0. - Item 11A5 - Resolution Urging Restoration of Internet Access in Cuba: This resolution was approved unanimously. - MDEET Loan Program: Commissioner Hardeman moved to allocate $2 million from MDEET reserves to expand a home repair loan program. Motion passed after some discussion. - Piano Slam Funding: Chairman Gilbert requested $5,000 per commissioner for Piano Slam program; all agreed. Key Outcomes - 7B: Adopted with amendments (10-2). Creates Miami Redland Agritourism District with 5%/2.5-acre cap on structures. - 8P1: Adopted (10-2). Contract with Securus Technologies for detainee tablets, with reporting and assignment amendments. - 11A2: Adopted (10-2). Directs termination of Yunex Traffic contract and negotiation with Horsepower Electric. - 11A3: Adopted (13-0). Plan to simplify Golden Passport enrollment. - 11A5: Adopted (unanimous). Urges Biden administration to restore internet in Cuba. - MDEET: Motion approved to reallocate $2 million from reserves for home repair loans. - Piano Slam: Each commissioner pledged $2,000 (later raised to $5,000) from district funds. - All public hearing items (5A-K) approved, including street co-designation, beach renaming, and special taxing districts.

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners convened on March 5, 2024, at 9:30 AM in Commission Chambers. The meeting began with special presentations, including a performance by Piano Slam, and announcements recognizing International Women's Month, National Social Workers Month, and the crisis in Haiti. The board addressed a full agenda of consent items, first-reading ordinances, public hearings, second-reading ordinances, and departmental resolutions. Key debates centered on airport zoning changes, county facility development in incorporated areas, procurement processes, and mutual aid agreements with municipalities. Consent Calendar - Commissioner Consent Items (3A1-3A6): Resolutions approving FY 2023-24 discretionary reserve allocations from Districts 1, 5, 6, 9, 11, and 13, including arena naming rights fund waivers. All passed unanimously (11-0). - Departmental Consent Items (3B1 Substitute): Ratification of three federal grants totaling $7,360,000 for the Miami-Dade Police Department (hate crimes program, Operation Safe Ride, and COPS Technology and Equipment Program). Passed 11-0. - Reports and Other Items: Items 2B1 (National Agriculture Day report), 15B1 (public hearing dates), 15B2 (approval of minutes), 15B3 (gender composition of advisory boards), and 14A1 (co-designation of Omega Psi Phi Way in Miami Gardens) all passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified during the public hearing portions of the meeting. The public hearings for items 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5E were opened and closed with no speakers. Discussion Items - 7B – Airport Zoning Regulations (Outer Safety Zone): Prime Sponsor Commissioner Regalado introduced an ordinance to revise prohibited uses in the outer safety zone for Miami-Dade County airports, permitting certain residential uses for airport workers. A friendly amendment offered by Commissioner Gonzalez to exempt Miami Executive Airport for five years was accepted. The ordinance also requires an annual report on the number of airport employees accessing priority housing. Passed 11-0. - 7A – Development of County Facilities in Incorporated Areas: Prime Sponsor Senator Garcia presented an ordinance setting minimum standards for municipalities to review county-operated developments and providing an appeal process to the Board of County Commissioners if a municipality denies or imposes unacceptable conditions. Several commissioners expressed concerns about home rule and reciprocity. The item passed 7-4, with Commissioners Hardeman, McGee, Steinberg, and Bastien voting against. - Motion to Reconsider (Item 240249): Commissioner Hardeman moved to reconsider a previous allocation of General Obligation Bond funds from the February 21, 2024 meeting, seeking to exclude $2 million for the City of Miami Gardens' Center City project. The motion passed, and the item was amended to ensure those funds, if recaptured, would be reallocated per policy. Passed unanimously. - 8P1 – Procurement for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Discussion on rejecting all proposals and continuing negotiations with four proposers to avoid restarting the process. Commissioner Steinberg raised concerns about procurement inefficiencies. The resolution passed 11-0. - 8P3 – Green Waste Processing Services: Commissioner Bastien questioned the cost analysis and feasibility of in-house processing versus outsourcing. The resolution awarding a contract to Florida Wood Recycling, Inc. passed 10-1. - 8P4 – Building Efficiency 305 Challenge Training: Commissioner Gonzalez voted no, citing concerns. Passed 9-1. - 8P5 – IT Research & Advisory Services: Passed 10-0. - Miami Beach Spring Break Policing: Commissioner Hardeman raised concerns about the county's mutual aid agreement with Miami Beach, stating that the county bears the cost of policing spring break without reimbursement and that officers are used to enforce policies he deemed draconian. He requested a review of mutual aid agreements. Chairman Gilbert noted the agreements are already under review. No formal action was taken. Key Outcomes - Ordinances on First Reading (4A-4E, 14A2): All passed unanimously (11-0). These include sign zoning revisions, special taxing districts, community development district boundary amendments, conflict of interest revisions, and expansion of the Smart Corridor Subzone. - Public Hearings (5A, 5A1, 5B, 5B1, 5C, 5E): All adopted unanimously (10-0), including creation of special taxing districts and approval of affordable housing lease bifurcation at Brownsville Metrorail Station. - Aviation Contracts (8A1, 8P2): 8A1 (pre-conditioned air systems at MIA) passed 11-0; 8P2 (security equipment prequalification pool) passed 11-0. - Board Appointments: Dulak Edward Gurrier to the Construction Trade Qualifying Board and Alyssa Zapato to the Planning Advisory Board were approved. Senator Garcia was appointed to the Mental Health Advisory Board. - Allocation Extension: Motions to extend the approval period for legislative requests were adopted.

A special meeting of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners was held on March 5, 2024, primarily to receive and accept the Public Health Trust of Miami-Dade County’s annual external audit for fiscal year 2022-2023. No public comments were made, and the audit was presented by Jackson Health leadership, noting an unqualified opinion and the 13th consecutive year of profitability. The commission unanimously accepted the audit. Public Comments & Testimony - The public hearing (Reasonable Opportunity to be Heard) was opened and closed with no speakers. Discussion Items - Special Item No. 1: Public Health Trust Annual External Audit for FY 2022-2023 - Carlos Migoya, President and CEO of Jackson Health, presented the audit, accompanied by Chief Financial Officer Mark Knider. He reported that the audit received an unqualified opinion with no exceptions, and the Trust has been profitable for the 13th consecutive year. No questions were raised by commissioners. Key Outcomes - The commission voted unanimously (motion by Commissioner Bastion, seconded by Commissioner Regalado) to accept the audit. The meeting then adjourned, transitioning to the regular county commission meeting.

The Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) meeting began at 9:30 AM with eight commissioners present, later rising to nine upon Chairman Gilbert's arrival. The agenda consisted solely of two small-scale CDMP amendment applications, both of which were deferred at the request of the applicants. Discussion Items - Item 3A (Application CDMP20220008): Filed by RRPVI BBI BISCAYNE LLLP, this out-of-cycle amendment sought to modify land use designations on property west of Biscayne Boulevard, east of NE 14th Avenue, approximately 707 feet north of NE 111th Street and 205 feet south of NE 115th Street. Applicant attorney Tracy Slavin requested a deferral to March 21, 2024. The motion was made by Commissioner Cohen Higgins and seconded by Commissioner Regalado. The board voted unanimously (9-0) to defer. - Item 3B (Application CDMP20210013): Filed by SOUTH DIXIE AND 122 LLC, this amendment concerned property on the north side of SW 122nd Street adjacent to the west side of the South Dade Transitway. Applicant representative Melissa Tapenez requested a deferral to March 21, 2024, citing a request from homeowners. Attorney David Winker, representing homeowners, objected, stating the homeowners had not requested a deferral. Commissioner (District 8) noted a letter from over 30 homeowners requesting a delay until mid-March. The motion to defer, made by Commissioner Cohen Higgins and seconded by Commissioner Garcia, passed unanimously (9-0). Key Outcomes - All items related to Application CDMP20220008 (3A, 3A Supplement, 3A Supplement No. 2, and 3A1) were deferred to March 21, 2024. - All items related to Application CDMP20210013 (3B, 3B Supplement, 3B Supplement No. 2, and 3B1) were deferred to March 21, 2024. - Following the deferrals, the CDMP meeting was adjourned, and the board recessed to address the zoning agenda.

The Miami-Dade County Zoning Board met on Thursday, February 22, 2024, to hear and decide a variety of zoning applications, including charter schools, a construction and debris (C&D) landfill appeal, residential variances, and rezonings. Several items were deferred, and all votes taken were unanimous (9-0). Deferred Items - Item 1A (Z2022000148, South Dixie and 122, LLC – rezoning for group residential facility) was deferred to March 21, 2024. - Item 3A (Z2022000216, Miami Country Day School, Inc. – school expansion) was deferred to March 21, 2024. - Item 3B (Z2022000324, Garcia's Oasis, LLC – lot area and setback variances) was initially deferred but later reconsidered and heard (see Discussion Items). - Item 3D (Z2023000185, Masjid Ul Mumineen, Inc. – cemetery) was indefinitely deferred. - Item 3E (Z2023000233, RRPVII BBI Biscayne, LLLP – zoning public hearing) was deferred to March 21, 2024. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 1B (Charter Venture Eureka, LLC): One registered speaker, Dr. Mary Leto, indicated support but waived her speaking time. The applicant noted that the sole previous opponent (Grace Baptist Church) had withdrawn opposition after a meeting. - Item 1C (Atlantic Civil, LLC – C&D landfill appeal): The public hearing had been closed at the prior meeting; therefore, no additional public testimony was allowed, despite some attendees having signed up. - Item 3G (Richwood Farms, LLC – rezoning): A resident, Dunia Marquez, expressed concerns about speeding traffic and lack of sidewalks/lighting in the neighborhood. She requested speed bumps and improved lighting to mitigate safety hazards. The board directed staff to connect her with the appropriate department for a traffic study. Discussion Items - Item 1B – Charter Venture Eureka, LLC (Z2023000043): The applicant sought approval to convert a previously approved private school into a charter school for 1,200 students (PK-12), with modifications to UDB spacing and parking setbacks. After a prior deferral to address opposition, the applicant reported that the nearest neighbor (Grace Baptist Church) had withdrawn its opposition. Commissioner Higgins moved approval with staff conditions; motion carried 9-0. - Item 1C – Atlantic Civil, LLC (Z2023000452): This was a de novo appeal of the Planning Director’s determination that a C&D landfill on the property (in Florida City, outside the 10,000-foot airport restriction zone) was inconsistent with the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP). The applicant argued the facility is not a landfill but a C&D processing/recycling facility, that it is a public necessity given impending closure of the nearby Atlas facility and county-wide solid waste capacity issues, and that no suitable site exists outside the agricultural area. County staff did not identify specific CDMP inconsistencies but maintained the proposal was inconsistent. Commissioner Bell (District 9) moved to deny the appeal, sustaining the Planning Director’s finding. The motion carried 9-0, effectively blocking the landfill. - Item 3B – Garcia's Oasis, LLC (Z2022000324): After reconsideration of an earlier deferral, the board heard the applicant’s request for variances to allow a single-family home on a 1.53-acre lot zoned AU (agricultural, minimum 5-acre lots) and to permit an existing pond closer to the front property line. Staff recommended denial because the property was not abutted on three sides by legally parcelized lots under 5 acres (a CDMP rule). Applicant showed surrounding lots were similarly sized and many had homes, and all adjacent property owners except one (unreachable) had signed waivers. Commissioners discussed that strict application of the rule did not align with common sense, given the neighborhood’s character. Commissioner Cohen Higgins moved to approve inconsistent with staff recommendation, with conditions from the staff report; motion carried 9-0. - Item 3C – Iglesia Cristiana El Buen Samaritano, Inc. (Z2023000129): The applicant sought approval for a charter school for 1,500 students (K-12) with UDB spacing and parking encroachment variances. Over 500 signed support waivers were submitted; no opposition was registered. The district commissioner moved approval with staff conditions and a scrivener’s error correction (phasing schedule: 900 students phase one, 600 phase two). Motion carried 9-0. - Item 3H – Ivan Tupusov (Z2023000403): The applicant requested a variance for a lot with less area and frontage than required. The property is in an area with many similarly sized lots; 10 support waivers were received. Staff recommended denial on similar grounds as 3B. Commissioner McGee (District 9) moved to approve; motion carried 9-0. - Item 3F – Redland Investment, LLC (Z2023000276): A rezoning from AU to EU-S to allow more residential units on a lot in District 8. No protests or waivers. Staff recommended approval. Commissioner Regalado moved consistent with staff; motion carried 9-0. - Item 3G – Richwood Farms, LLC (Z2023000290): A rezoning from EU-1C to EU-M with a lot frontage variance. No protests, no waivers. Staff recommended approval. The district commissioner moved approval after hearing the resident’s traffic concerns. Motion carried 9-0. Key Outcomes - All seven items decided (1B, 1C, 3B, 3C, 3F, 3G, 3H) were approved or denied by votes of 9-0. The only denial was Item 1C (Atlantic Civil landfill appeal), sustaining the Planning Director’s finding of CDMP inconsistency. - Item 3B was approved despite staff’s denial recommendation, reflecting the board’s view that the “rule of three” should be applied with common sense in areas surrounded by similar residential uses. - For Item 3G, the board directed staff to follow up with the resident’s request for traffic calming measures. - Five items were deferred: 1A, 3A, 3D (indefinitely), 3E to March 21, 2024. Item 3D (cemetery) has no future hearing date set. - The meeting adjourned at the conclusion of the agenda.

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners met on February 21, 2024, at 9:30 AM local time (14:30 UTC) to consider a variety of legislative and administrative items. The meeting included public hearings on permit and plat approvals, second reading of two ordinances related to the Rapid Transit System Development Zone, a mayoral appointment, and several resolutions passed via consent and pull lists. One member of the public spoke during the reasonable opportunity to be heard. Public Comments & Testimony - Sharon Frazier Stevens (Miami, Florida) expressed concerns about homelessness and lack of shelter options in the Liberty City area. She described a personal observation of an elderly woman seeking shelter from the City of Miami Police without success and called for emergency housing in District 5 and District 3. Discussion Items - Mayoral Interim Appointment (Item 2B3): Mayor Daniella Levine Cava reappointed Melanie McLean as Interim Director of the Human Resources Department. McLean has served since August 2023, has over 20 years of executive HR experience, and holds an MBA from FIU. The appointment was accepted by the board for a maximum six-month term. - Pull List Items: - Item 2B1 (Report on funding sources for a sewer pump station on Bislot Property in Biscayne Shores): Pulled by Commissioner Steinberg to note errors in the memo, which were corrected. The item was then approved. - Item 11A3 (Resolution directing the Mayor to meet with Homestead-Miami Speedway and the City of Homestead regarding a rodeo, farmer's market, and farm show): Commissioner Cohen Higgins pulled the item, noting that the Homestead Rodeo Association (75-year operator) was not included in the directive and expressing concerns about moving a public event to a private entity. The item was deferred to no date certain by a vote of 10-0. - Public Hearings (Items 5A-5E): Heard en bloc and approved 10-0. These included: - 5A: Class I permit for bridge replacement in Ademar Canal. - 5B: Waiver of plat for JPLS Investment LLC. - 5C: Plat of Century Pointe by Century Homebuilders Group, LLC. - 5D: Plat of Century Oasis by Century Oasis, LLC. - 5E: Plat of West Lake Shopping Center. - Second Reading Ordinances (Items 7A and 7B): Approved 10-0. 7A (amended per supplemental information) allows additional signage in the Rapid Transit Corridor bicycle and pedestrian area. 7B expands the Metromover Subzone of the Rapid Transit Zone to include certain private property and road right-of-way. - Consent Agenda: The agenda was set with deferred items (14A2 deferred to no date certain) and approved by a single vote. Items 14A1 (funding for Orange Bowl and legacy projects at Rolling Oaks Park and Kendall Club) and 14A3 (interlocal agreement with City of Miami Gardens for Building Better Communities Bond funds) were approved 10-0 without being pulled. Key Outcomes - The board approved the agenda with modifications, including deferrals and pull list additions (item 11A3 pulled). - All five public hearing items (5A-5E) were adopted unanimously (10-0). - Second reading ordinances 7A (as amended) and 7B were adopted (10-0). - Item 11A3 (Homestead rodeo/farmer's market discussion) was deferred to no date certain (10-0). - Melanie McLean's reappointment as Interim Human Resources Director was accepted. - Commissioner Higgins' board appointment (Jacqueline Pena to the Commission for Women) was approved. - Several consent and departmental items were approved en bloc, including collective bargaining agreements, mutual aid agreements, and budget resolutions.

The Board of County Commissioners met on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 9:30 AM in Commission Chambers. The meeting included special presentations honoring Oscar J. Braynon and declaring Interfaith Harmony Week, the mayoral appointment of a new Juvenile Services Director, first and second readings of several ordinances, and extensive debate over a detainee communications contract. Most items passed unanimously, but key items were deferred or amended. Consent Calendar - Approved several mayoral reports: Aviation Capital Program reports (November 2023, December 2023, January 2024), Seaport Department quarterly report, updated report on job classifications not requiring a four-year degree, COVID-19 impact on transit employees report, 2023 Summer Youth Internship Program report, revised Community Based Organization report cards, Military Reservists Pay semi-annual report, and the mayoral appointment of a Director of Juvenile Services Department. All passed 12-0. - Adopted commissioner consent items (resolutions approving discretionary reserve allocations for Districts 2, 13, 1, 11, 3, 8, 9, 7, 10, a street co-designation, and a surplus vehicle donation). All passed 12-0. - Ratified departmental consent items: FDOT grant agreements for aviation projects, and a shore power interconnection agreement for PortMiami. Passed 12-0. - Approved numerous departmental items, including fire rescue MOA, lease amendments, CRA budgets, health department contract, behavioral health services contract, design services for Zoo Miami, joint-use agreement with Miami-Dade Public Schools, authority for pedestrian beacons, property conveyance, Rickenbacker Causeway bridge studies, interlocal agreements, bridge replacement change orders, wastewater injection well certifications, water treatment plant change orders, and various procurement contracts. Most passed 12-0 or 13-0. - Approved the FY 2024-28 update of the People’s Transportation Plan five-year implementation plan. Passed 12-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the “Reasonable Opportunity to be Heard” portion; the chair reported no speakers were recorded. - Public hearings were opened and closed collectively for items 5A-5L without any public testimony being offered. Discussion Items - Special Presentations: The Commission presented a proclamation declaring February 1-7, 2024 as “Interfaith Harmony Week” and recognized Oscar J. Braynon for his years of service on the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT). Remarks were made by Chairman Gilbert, Mayor Levine Cava, Commissioner Higgins, and CITT Chair Robert Wolfarth. The Florida Memorial University Chorale performed. - Mayoral Appointment: The Mayor introduced Ladwin Bess as the new Director of the Juvenile Services Department. Ms. Bess, a 20-year veteran of the department, outlined her commitment to a “no wrong door” approach and prevention programs. The appointment was confirmed unanimously. - First Reading Ordinances (Items 4A-4C): An ordinance to allow publication of legal ads on a county website (4A), an ordinance modifying transit fare/service change approval durations (4B), and an ordinance requiring a community benefits statement for certain housing projects (4C) were all adopted on first reading with unanimous 13-0 votes. Items 4D and 4D substitute (toy guns in parks) were deferred to no date certain. - Public Hearings (Items 5A-5L): All 12 plat approvals, street co-designations, right-of-way vacations, and community development district expansions were adopted with 13-0 votes. - Second Reading Ordinances (Items 7A-7K): Seven ordinances were adopted on second reading including: PACE program consumer protections (7A, amended to delay enforcement 45 days), zoning reconsideration procedures (7B), conflict of interest ethics amendments (7C), creation of a Behavioral Health Advisory Board (7D, amended to lower quorum threshold, passed 12-1), building code administration changes (7E, amended via supplement), hedge height zoning in unincorporated areas (7F), wall/fence heights for schools and child care (7G), for-hire vehicle solicitation penalties (7I, amended to retain imprisonment language), Addiction Services Board membership (7J), and solar facility zoning amendments (7K). Items 7H (RTZ signage) was deferred. Item 8P1 (detainee communications contract) was debated at length. - Debate on Detainee Communications Contract (Item 8P1): The contract with Securus Technologies, valued at up to $10 million over five years, was pulled for discussion. Commissioners debated whether the contract was truly “no-cost” to the county. The Commission Auditor’s Office estimated a net annual impact of $3.4 million due to lost commissions ($2.4M) and required monitoring services ($1M). The administration argued the optional services (monitoring, behavior rewards, premium content) were needed for safety and inmate management. Multiple commissioners expressed concern that the contract expanded beyond basic communication (phone, video visits, emails) to include streaming music and movies, and that the county would bear costs not initially anticipated. Commissioner Hardemon, Higgins, Bastien, and Cohen Higgins argued for humane treatment and rehabilitation benefits. Commissioner Steinberg, Cabrera, and Garcia opposed the cost and optional services described as “not optional.” After extensive discussion, Commissioner McGee successfully moved to defer the item to the March 19, 2024 meeting to allow for further clarification. - Other Pulled Items: - Items 8O3 and 8O4 (water/sewer change orders) were passed after commissioners urged better record-keeping of underground utilities. - Item 8P3 (dark fiber lease contract) was adopted 12-1. - Item 14A2 (human trafficking enforcement) was adopted unanimously. - Item 15D1 (Children’s Trust gubernatorial appointments) resulted in three nominees: Sylvia Castellanos, Tamara LaBruce, and a third nominee (vote counts provided). Names forwarded to the governor. Key Outcomes - Deferrals: Item 8P1 (detainee communications) deferred to March 19, 2024; items 4D/4D substitute (toy guns in parks) deferred to no date certain. - Adopted Unanimously: All consent items, first readings, public hearings, and most second readings passed with 12-0 or 13-0 votes. - Amendments: Ordinance 7A (PACE) amended to set 45-day enforcement delay; Ordinance 7D (Behavioral Health Advisory Board) amended to lower quorum requirement; Ordinance 7I (for-hire vehicles) amended to retain language on imprisonment. - Nominations: Three nominees for Children’s Trust forwarded to Governor DeSantis. - Vilomah Awards: Announced for March 19, 2024 meeting, honoring Andres and Melissa Fernandez. - Directives: The Commission approved a resolution directing a study of Educational Facilities Impact Fees and another to identify and allocate $85,600 for elder abuse prosecution support.