av650(Cc1) #2114
>>
>> good, good.
Well, this is the
presentation portion of
the agenda.
I am commissioner oliver
gilbert, our CHAIRMAN Is
rodriguez.
Mayor levine cava is on
her way down.
What we do in these
presentations as we
recognize extraordinary
people, extraordinary
organizations who have
done things that go above
and beyond.
Today, we have some
presentations.
First, I give the
microphone to your
CHAIRMAN, you all give him
applause, anthony
rodriguez.
[Dog barking]
>> dog barking for you.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
america, powerful read.
Good morning, good
morning.
We got all the puppies.
I love it.
I should've brought my
daughter to work with me
today if I would've known
you all would've brought
the dogs.
I probably didn't know
that and I still would
have bring her.
We're not going to start,
we are going to start with
some very important folks
that are here here today.
We have this morning some
very distinguished guests
and members of the
consulate court of canada,
right?
We have the counsel
general of canada, the
honorable sylvia
cesaratto. Cersaratto
more or less.
I'll let you correct me in
a minute.
And MISS Shannon
eisenhut. I think I said
thatt okay.
The us state department
regional director for the
office of foreign
missions.
So it is my privilege to
recognize two outstanding
leaders whose dedication
to diplomacy and
international
collaboration has
strengthened our global
partnerships.
And today we are honored
to present certificates
of appreciation to the
honorable sylvia
cesaratto and MISS
Shannon eisenhut, the
regional director of the
uss department of state
office of foreign
emissions.
And because I keep messing
up the name probably, I'm
going to let my olleague
continue to mess up the
name for me.
So.
[Laughter] And then of
course I imagine the mayor
is can I have some words
to say as well and we'll
let gerard if he has
something to say as well.
Commissioner?
>> thank you, MR.
CHAIRMAN.
I'll be really brief.
One thing that's special
about our interaction with
the world is our counselor
here is a very large
consulate court.
Its symbolic of the idea
that we are an
international city.
E
live -- international in
the sense that we are the
gateway to the americas
and to south and central
american and caribbean.
We're the first people
they see when they come to
the country, where the
last people they see if
they are in this part of
the hemisphere.
We have great working
relationships who not only
foster cultural
connections but business
connections and that
happens through our
wonderful partners in
canada and also the state
department has done an
excellent job at keeping
us connected to folks.
S
our honor and privilege to
actually honor you all
today and to recognize you
and recognize your public
service because people
will not actually see you
all.
They'll see the prime
minister and secretary,
they'll see the PRESIDENT,
ambassadors.
They don't see the people
that come every day and
sit down with business
leads and show them how to
make connections and help
people through their
immigration problems.
They y don't see those
people.
You're the people that do
that work on behalf of all
those people you serve,
all those businesses you
enable, miami-dade says
thank you.
They are?
>> any other commissioners
want to speak on --
>> Mayor Levine Cava:
general, you are a front.
Thank you so much for your
friendship and support.
As commissioner gilbert
said, I personally have
been working with the
consulate general of
canada, your predecessor,
your self.
it is amazing the kind of
work that you're doing
here.
So many canadians living
and working here.
I'm just grateful that I
can serve now in this role
as your commissioner to
help, you know, foster all
the great relationships
you have worked so hard to
do so.
So thank you.
>> I've gotta say ditto.
We've known each other,
prior counsel in.
I think I was one of the
first people that was
visited by you.
Thank you for the great
job you have done and
continue to do both of
you.
Obviously, ditto to my
colleague to the left.
>> well, I must say that
for me this is a personal
loss and I have seen too
many consular corps
members leave.
We normally have one of
the largest consular
courts, we have the best
in the country and we're
very proud of that and it
speaks to our global ties.
I will also say that I
lived in canada.
I lived in vancouver as a
child and so I feel very
attached to that at nation
and I vacationed in canada
in the wilds of canada and
we will not be charging
any tariffs to canada here
in miami-dade county, just
to make that very clear.
Am I right?
H, a policy
decision.
i'm gonna say it's a
business decision.
No tariffs for miami-dade
county.
We value your leadership,
we value your friendship.
You been here not just on
behalf of canada, you've
been here on behalf of the
globe and the country.
You've stood up on so many
issues.
So many our environment
issues.
You've been at the
forefront and we are very
proud and sad to lose you.
And to our state
department, you have not
just handled all the
logistics for people who
need help navigating, you
facilitated these men and
women from our team to go
to venezuela and I know
you're personally very
proud of that fact.
You joined us there and
greeting them and we're
very, very grateful for
your incredible dedication
and service.
With the best possible
role that state department
could serve is to provide
assistance to our
neighbors in need, so
we're very grateful and
this is well deserving.
Thank you.
>> all right, mayor.
Thank you so much.
Now commissioner bastien.
>> Marleine Bastien:
thank you very much..
Good morning, everyone.
Just want to join my
colleagues and mayor to
thank you for all of your
service.
often times, this job is
being unrecognized, yet
you have such an impact on
people's lives, so I want
to thank you for that and
also thank you for
reaching ut to my office
and coming to meet with me
often to give feedback on
the immigrant situation
not only for me but for
others.
Thank you so much.
Appreciate you.
>> all right.
Commissioners --
>> ditto.
Exactly.
>> thank you, MR.
CHAIRMAN.
Just want to say that
we're definitely going to
MISS Consular general.
I think she has done an
amazing job keeping
florida, keeping
miami-dade connected to
canada.
And to MISS Eisenhut, we
always call upon her on
everything when we have
foreign delegation.
He's
smiling right now.
I can tell you that she
knows.
We are going to MISS Both
of them tremendously, but
thank you very much.
[Applause]
>> would like you to say a
few words as well both of
you.
>> this is unscripted.
Firstly, thank you all so
very much for the sponsors
and all of you for your
kind words.
It's been a true privilege
for me to be in florida
and here in miami
representing canada these
last four years.
Firstly, let me thank you
for those wearing red.
It looks wonderful on you.
Canadian colors.
I have had five
international postings, so
my career is quickly
coming to an end sadly,
but I will take away very
fond memories of my time
here in miami because
everyone has been so
gracious in receiving us
and everyone has a good
story to tell about their
relationship with canada.
Despite what's happening
at the federal level and
in the media, at the end
of the day we remain
neighbors.
Canada isn't moving.
We are not going anywhere.
Friends and allies and the
strongest of friends and
allies.
We share the biggest
trading relationship
between any two countries
in the world.
We share the longest
border between any two
countries in the world
that is jointly managed.
We are completely
integrated economically,
but more than that we
share the same values for
peace and prosperity and
security.
Is been a real honor.
I have to tell you
everywhere I've been there
isn't an evening or even
somebody doesn't tell me
they've been to canada or
they have canadian roots
or good canadian friends
or even canadians in their
family and the reverse is
true.
All I can say is thank you
for the warm welcome, the
friendship, the
partnership.
I'm going back home.
I hope to see you there
one day, mayor,
congressman potentially.
All of you.
Vicki, we didn't get you
in your role, but maybe
from your new perch.
I just want to recognize
ger for his support and
his team.
So thank nk you.
>> good morning, everyone.
First of all, it's my
absolute pleasure to be
here as a florida native
and to be signed here in
miami back home, which is
really nice.
As sylvia said, after
many, many years, 20+ just
in government, but
actually 35 years being
international and
representing our nation,
it's so wonderful to
finally be back home and
to work with all of our
local, state, and federal
counterparts has been
incredible.
Unprecedented especially
this year as we know
concluding the world cup
and working with all of
our partners and leading
up to the g 20, which is
going to be just a perfect
way to cap off a very,
very exciting crazy year.
Also, I want to say thank
you to all my law
enforcement partners.
As a diplomatic agent, not
only did I serve -- very,
very precarious places.
I just want to say thank
you to all of your
service.
Really, I know what it
means to have that
dedication and to get up
there and work in some
really austere
environments, so I just
want to say thank you.
It's been my honor.
Not only do I get to work
with so many people in the
consular court, which is
the largest consular
court.
My office we cover puerto
rico to the virgin
islands.
The international
community that space here
is incredible and it's
growing.
So I'm glad that I get to
be here to support not
only all of our partners,
but the local community.
As I say, we need to
connect, create, and
contribute and definitely
get back to community.
Thank you so much.
It is my honor.
Also retiring.
I want to stay home in
florida for a little
while.
Thank you so much.
Really a pleasure.
[Dog barking] [Applause]
>> you see they are
excited as well, too.
We have a special
presentation and
certificate to present.
You want to help me with
one of these?
You want to hold on -- see
the other one.
So as commissioner and on
behalf of the mayor to my
left and the board of
county commissioners and
the residents of
miami-dade county, nearly
1.28 million + or minus, I
take great pleasure
imprisoning this
certificate of
appreciation to you in
recognition of your
valuable punch missions to
our community and wish you
the best as you mark your
tenor enor with the
miami-dade consular
courts.
S.
Shannon eisenhut.
Congratulations.
>> the search of get of
appreciation is presented
to the honorable sylvia
cersaratto, the counsel
general for canada in
miami.
Congratulations and thank
you for your service.
>> thank you so much.
[Applause]
>> thank you so much.
Yes.
Eventually, eventually.
Thank you for your work
it's been a pleasure.
My office is still there.
>> thank you.
>> yes.
>> all right.
Let's take the chatter to
the side.
Mayor.
All right, guys.
We have our second
presentation of the day.
I think our last, right?
all right, we have two
today.
So now for our second
presentation, we have our
-- why are you so bossy?
I was going to say
something mean.
I was gonna say something
mean regarding the dc.
This is the congress
slide.
These are already -- this
is actually always him.
So today, we proudly
recognize -- and we quiet
down, please.
Today we probably
recognize the
extraordinary courage,
professionalism, selfless
service of miami-dade fire
rescue urban search and
rescue team florida task
force one.
Thank you for being here.
[Applause] [Applause] I
want to first think all of
my colleagues for being
here this morning for this
special presentation.
Specifically those that
cosponsored it with me.
Commissioner bermudez,
lopez, and steinberg so
far.
Know there's more
coming, for joining me as
cosponsors for the special
presentation honoring the
brave members of florida's
task force one.
Following the devastating
earthquakes that struck
venezuela in JUNE, florida
task force one answered
the call to serve.
At the request of the us
apartment of state, the
team deployed in a 80
member task force, there's
not 80 here today, but
there's a lot.
Including six canine
search teams, medical
hazardous logistics and
structural engineering.
Are these some?
Did they all go?
Nice.
All six of them.
It was over eight days you
guys were there?
So over eight days they
worked alongside
conducting search and
rescue operations and
bringing hope to
communities affected by
this tragedy.
And their dedication and
compassion earned
recognition elmar national
recognition including the
venezuela metal in
gratitude for their
exemplary service.
Today, we proudly honor
chief brandon webb.
You can come on up with
us.
And every member of
florida task force one for
representing miami-dade
county with courage,
excellence, and an
unwavering commitment to
saving lives.
I'm going to call you guys
all up in a second, so
don't worry.
Stand next to me, man.
At this time, I'd like to
turn our attention to the
video being played by me
for a short clip on this
mission.
[Music]
[Pause]
>> all right.
[Applause]
>> I imagine the stories
andi hope you share some
of that with us when you
speak here in a few
minutes, chief web.
I imagine being over there
was probably the most
emotional portion of this,
but this last clip kind of
giving -- getting you guys
back home.
Glad to have you guys back
home.
I want my colleagues to
say a few words and have a
special presentation.
Commissioner lopez, you
want to lead?
> Vicki Lopez: thank
you, MR. CHAIRMAN.
Some of you know I was
the budget chair in the
florida house when it came
time to fund you and it
was touch and go to the
very last minute and I
never gave up because I
know the importance of
your work.
And so in the final
moments of that budget
conference, we were able
to get you $4.8 million to
do what you do best.
And it was the greatest
honor and privilege to be
able to have my hand and
fingerprints on that.
So just want to tell you
it's for that very reason
that we all support you.
And I am moved by saying
you in action because
often times, you know, we
are funding things we
don't know what we're
funding, we don't know
what you do.
You have proven your worth
and every penny and what
you do.
Thank you so much for your
service.
[Applause]
>> often times, we don't
think about the value, the
importance, and the
sacrifices that you have
to make to do this work.
And in watching the clips
and watching you get ready
to deport and knowing that
you are, you know,
fathers, mothers.
You're leaving everything
behind to help those in
need.
So we cannot thank you
enough because you are
ambassadors when you are
out there doing GOD's
work.
You are ambassadors.
It's enough for us to see.
Thank you.
Thank you for your
sacrifices, thank you for
your services.
Thank you.
[Applause]
>> I will reiterate what
my colleagues said.
Thank you so much, you and
your families, for the
sacrifices and also our
friends here.
Thank you very much.
You're the best
representation of
miami-dade county.
I know many of you have
been around the world.
It's not just venezuela.
Happen to represent a
district that has the most
-- in miami-dade county
and we are very thankful.
I know all the residents
are very thankful for
having miami-dade county
present.
Many times the elected
officials get pictures in
that, but you're probably
the best representation of
what this county is and as
my colleague said, you are
not only ambassadors, but
you are the representation
of the love this county
has for the rest of the
world whenever there is a
crisis.
In this case, it happened
in one of our sister
countries in this
hemisphere, which made it
an incredible time more
important than all.
And I know it means time
away from your families,
so that's why we have to
thank you our families and
loved ones because it's
not easy to be away for a
period of time.
You probably saw many
things that many of us
will never get to see you,
but I'm sure the people of
venezuela and the people
of this hemisphere and all
around the world, because
we can talk about the
places you've been, have
seen the best
representation of
miami-dade county, so
thank you again.
Od
bless.
[Applause]
>> all right.
So first and foremost,
thank you.
I know not too long ago we
were here also honoring
you in your courageous
acts elting in the call of
duty.
you run to it.
Unfortunately, we have
these horrible disasters.
Hope to not be
recognizing you last year
because every time we do
we know we put you out re
in the he most harrowing
circumstances.
We thank you so much.
There's not many words we
can say because what you
experience is something
that, it's like I said
last time, things of
nightmares.
I just want to make sure
that if you all need
anything, you let us know
as well because we want to
be here for you just like
you were there for
everybody else.
Thank you.
[Applause]
>> I'll reiterate what my
colleagues said.
Listen, you're what
american exceptionalism
actually looks like when
folks really need us.
When folks really need us,
you're in amber of hope, a
flicker of light to
someone who's trapped
under something, to
someone who just needs
something to hang onto,
something to pull them out
back into a world that
might not be perfect, but
it's a world to live in.
What you do is
exceptional.
You leave your homes and
your families.
You put yourselves at
risk.
Ou go into
situations that we could
never imagine and you do
it in the name of this
county, all of the great
residence, but you do it
in this country.
So to those folks that you
save and you help, you are
american and you represent
us well.
Thank you so much.
[Applause]
>> thank you.
Thank you, MR. Chair, for
sponsoring this very
important presentation.
There is no way to thank
you all.
What you do is selfless.
You deploy every single
day to serve our
community.
As they stay when folks
are running away from an
emergency and danger, you
all run towards it.
So there's no way to thank
you all for you do and to
thank you or families for
the sacrifices they do
every day to keep us safe.
So thank you for serving
in this way.
Thank you for going over
to venezuela during this
tragedy and thank you for
serving our community of
miami-dade county.
Thank you so much.
[Applause]
>> I want to thank the
chair for putting this
together.
Guys, we're recognizing
you today.
But I know that you don't
do it for the recognition.
Because you're built
different.
You represent the best
part of humanity.
after jesus is ascended
into heaven, the disciples
are left ear, right?
And then you have peter
and john that they are
walking towards pentecost.
They were walking and they
see a disabled beggar.
And the guy is literally
sitting in front of the
temple asking for money
and then peter looks at
him and he says money I
don't have to give you.
But I will give you
everything I have in the
name of my lord jesus
christ.
And he tells him get up
and walk and the guy jumps
up and he sprints into the
temple and he talks about
the great things that
peter through jesus -- why
do I bring up the story of
peter?
Because you guys give up
everything you have every
single day, and it's not
just you.
It's a talent that GOD
gave you.
It's hard to.
You're willing to lay down
every single day, and it
doesn't matter if it's for
folks in venezuela,
residents in miami-dade
county, new york, chicago,
you do it for humankind
because that's how you're
built and that's an
example you're always
setting, and for that we
will always thank you.
These are one of many
awards you'll probably get
in your career and your
life, but you have to
sometimes sit back and
accept those accolades
because we appreciate you
and love you so much.
Thank you.
MR. Chair?
[Applause]
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
hold it just a second.
We are going to hear fromm
our mayor then chief webb,
do a presentation, and
then call everybody up as
well.
MADAME Mayor?
>> Mayor Levine Cava:
thank you, MR. Chair, and
thank you for making the
time for this very
important tribute.
I was eight months into my
first term as mayor when I
saw you in the action.
A lesson I will never ever
forget.
That is when I realized
this is not a job, this is
a calling.
Being a firefighter, of
course, very respected.
So many want to join the
ranks.
On top of that, to be our
florida task force one and
to stand up and help
without cease when
disaster strikes.
That's who you are.
It's in your bones, it's
in your blood.
As I said then and I saw
it in venezuela in the
clips, we have to tear you
off the piles because
you're so motivated to do
everything in your power
to help with the rescue,
with recovery, with
providing hope to those
who are in a moment of
total despair.
i know this job is not
easy, but you wanted it.
You sought it.
We work together with our
state department to ensure
you could be the very
first to go on behalf of
our nation to help our
neighbors.
Ou do this
work not just for here at
home, but around the
world, as has been said.
This tragedy is beyond any
imaginable.
We're up to over 5000
identified as lost and
still so many missing.
And the, what do they say,
10,000 serve sites was a
quote that I saw.
So we know that it affects
you as well and we are
here for you.
I am proud that you have a
great chief who is not a
part of usar. He was, he
is.
Sorry about that.
Okay.
But he's not ot jumping
out of the planes anymore.
Ut he is leaving with
that same passion, that
same integrity, that same
dedication to never give
up while we need to fight
the fight.
And also for those of you
who served fighting the
fires in the everglades,
which I know is a good
number of you, that is
another good exhaust
disaster that you tackled
with the same success.
Thank you on behalf of all
of us and e going to give
it to our chief, task
force one florida.
[Laughter] [Applause]
>> good morning, ladies
and gentlemen.
Great crowd here.
First and foremost,
members of the great
commission, thank you for
the recognition of
miami-dade rescue search
team.
Commissioner, you said it
best.
One, we don't do this job
for the recognition, for
the accolades, but for
today, the 80 members, and
I know it's just a
fraction here today, but
the members of the florida
task force one and the six
canines that did respond,
another round of applause
because day in day out for
24 hours for eight days
they did respond search
and rescue operations.
Yes, MADAME Mayor, I
didn't get deployed on
this one.
There was this little
thing called fifa going on
that I had to stick around
and make sure.
Yeah.
Just a whole thing.
But what I do want to
mention is for 41 years
miami-dade fire and rescue
has been answering the
call for urban search and
rescue.
41 years we have been
responding to local,
state, nationally, and
international disasters
man-made and, of course,
you know, the natural
disasters.
This one is a special one
for us.
e requested to
go to venezuela because we
have so many venezuelan
members of this community
and we asked to get
deployed.
They gave us the green
light, and while the
members of florida task
force one were conducting
search and rescue
operations conducting
structural engineering of
the buildings that had
collapsed, rendering
medical care to those that
were injured, here while
they were abroad, here
locally we were assisting
with the warehouses with
the logistics and getting
the goods that were
necessary to get to
venezuela so with that, I
want to say a job well
done.
Keep your heads up high,
and to the members of our
great commission, MADAME
Mayor, thank you for
championing public safety,
but on behalf of
miami-dade fire and
rescue, thank you.
[Applause]
>> all right.
Thank you, chief, for
that.
Go ahead and present the
official proclamation for
chief webb.
All of us to you guys and
then chief, we want to
hear a couple of words.
I know you have a lot to
say.
I'm messing with you.
Be it resolved that on
behalf of the mayor,
levine cava, my -- myself
and miami-dade county and
plus or minus its
residents, we do hereby
proclaim JULY 21, 2026, as
miami-dade search and
rescue team florida task
force one day.
Congratulations, chief.
Use]
>> good morning.
So humbly I would describe
to you this group as
humble servants and myself
among them.
I am very humble and very
proud to represent all of
the folks that are here
today and we recognize
that a lot of people would
go out and do what we do
and many would not, but it
is a matter of pride and
privilege that we get to
go out and represent all
of you and the citizens of
the united states.
In trying to alleviate
human suffering wherever
we can, right, many times
we're asked why do we go
to other cities around the
us?
Why do we go outside the
country to assist other
people when our job is
here?
And the reason for that is
that we developed the
knowledge, skills,
ability, and the comfort
level at other people's
disasters that we bring
back to miami-dade county
and our challenge that if
we were to have a disaster
here that this group of
people have seen and done
things outside of the
community that we can
manage just about anything
here comfortably on behalf
of the citizens of
miami-dade county.
So with that, I want to
thank the chief, chief
palmer, MADAME Mayor, all
the elected officials for
continuing to allow us to
do what we do because
we're proud to represent
and we're proud to go out
and do it, so thank you
very much.
Chief?
[Applause]
>> all right.
We're going to do one
photo with the folks up
here and then I'd like to
get, I know there's a
couple of you, but would
like to get as many in the
photo as well.
With these folks, godfrey?
There you go.
Godfrey, from now on
you're in charge, so let
us know where to stand.
>> all right, can you
shuffle this way?
Please shuffle this way?
Yes, perfect.
Thank you.
All right.
Big smiles, big smiles.
Right here, big smiles.
One, two.
>> I'm sorry, if you can
step back.
Dogs in the front.
You have room in the back?
All right.
Let's go right here, let's
go right here.
Step back, step back, step
back.
Big smile, big smile, big
smile.
And one more.
macaroni and --
>> cheese.
[Laughter]
>> ready, everybody?
One, two, three.
>> thank you guys for
everything.
Family, any other family?
Can we have you go on this
side?
[Music]
>> MADAME Mayor?
MADAME Mayor?
Airport, cport, adrian.
[Laughter] All right,
let's take a seat, guys.
Let's get this show on the
road.
>> good morning.
All right.
Thank you all.
If we can please as
quietly as possible stand
for the invocation given
this morning by father
manwell of our lady of 11
nine maronite catholic
church of miami at the
invitation of commissioner
lopez followed by the
pledge of allegiance by
commissioner lopez.
>> MR. CHAIRMAN, board of
commissioners, thank you
for the invitation,
especially commissioner
lopez.
Et us pray.
Almighty GOD, source of
all wisdom and justice, we
thank you for the gift of
this day and for the
opportunity to serve our
community.
We ask you to bless the
members of this board with
wisdom in their
deliberations and
integrity in their
decisions, courage to
pursue what is right and
courage for every person
whose life is affected by
their work.
Help us to remember that
every person possesses
inherent dignity and
deserves to be treated
with respect and fairness.
MAY our differences become
opportunities for
dialogue, our challenges
become occasions for
cooperation, and our
shared responsibilities
lead to the flourishing of
all who call this county
home.
Grant these our neighbors
and neighborhoods.
Thanks to those who serve
the public, comfort to
those who suffer and hope
to all who seek a better
future.
And as everything said and
done today contribute to
the common good.
We bless you oh lord jesus
christ now and forever.
Amen.
>> I pledge allegiance to
the united states of
america and to the
republic for which it
stands, one nation under
GOD, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for
all.
>> all right.
You all MAY be seated.
All right.
Please find a seat if
you're in the back.
There should be no one
standing up in the back
unless you are media or
sergeant-at-arms or law
enforcement.
All right.
madame attorney.
Good morning, all.
We have what appears to be
a lengthy meeting today,
so let's keep that in mind
as we move the meeting
forward.
MADAME Attorney, in order
for me to move into
reasonable opportunity for
the public to be heard at
this time?
>> good morning.
Yes.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
I'm gonna been it up for
reasonable opportunity for
the public to be heard.
Id I do roll call
already?
I did not.
I'm that fast.
Let's do roll call.
>> good morning to all.
The clerk's office has
been notified that
commissioner hardemon
will be absent from
today's meeting.
Commissioner bastien.
>> Marleine Bastien:
here.
>> commissioner bermudez.
>> here.
>> senator garcia.
Commissioner gilbert.
>> Oliver Gilbert: here.
>> commissioner gonzalez.
>> Roberto Gonzalez:
here.
>> commissioner orbis.
Commissioner steinberg.
Vice-CHAIRMAN Mcghee.
CHAIRMAN Rodriguez.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
I'm here.
>> we have nine members
present.
We have a quorum.
>> so now reasonable
opportunity for the public
to be heard is open.
I will call your name.
Please state the item you
are speaking on and your
name and address and we
have a fairly long list of
speakers.
And we have -- all right.
We are trying to get
people.
Some of us are trying to
skip the line of
reasonable opportunity, we
are not going to do that
right now.
First up I have
commissioner tran back
here.
Please line up on the side
of the rows and approach
of the well.
I have sergeant kelly,
miles davis, mary atkins
durrant, peter marino,
eleanor quigley?
John elizabeth, laura
reynolds, fernando --
[Listing names]
Commissioner.
>> Public Speaker: good
morning, commissioners and
MADAME Mayor.
I represent district 4 in
the city of miami which
includes close to 1 mile
of lupton trail.
I'm here today to thank
commissioner orbis and
mayor levine cava for
sponsoring a selection for
design firm to get --
built.
This project is something
that's been a dream for
many people for many
years.
I'm excited to see this
moving forward at the
city.
We are doing our part.
We are approving second
reading, and item that
incentivizes developers
building within walking
distance of the trail and
other trails within the
cities to contribute
dollars for construction
and maintenance.
More importantly, today, I
am personally committing
on behalf of the city and
development community
within the trail corridor
area that we will match
your county, state, and
federal dollars to the
project with the city and
private dollars so we can
get it built.
I urge you to vote on 14 a
3. Let's get it done.
>> thank you,
commissioner.
And anyone that registered
to speak but doesn't
necessarily need to
anymore, feel free to just
wave in support or
whatnot.
Ir?
>> Public Speaker: yes,
sergeant kelly, west palm
beach.
I want to urge you guys to
vote against the kelly
tractor development in the
everglades, historical
everglades, function
everglades something that
protects thousands of
acres of everglades,
farmland.
There's homestead miami,
rural communities, crops,
all this stuff would be
threatened by allowing
kelly tractor to be one of
the initial ones to build
in the everglades.
It is a huge problem.
We know you guys have
gotten money for packs
related to kelly tractor.
We urge you to vote
against it.
There's plenty of land
within the urban
designation of miami and
homestead in this whole
area.
The gators, herons,
manatees, the wildlife of
the everglades should not
be impeded by another
development that has
further stressed the urban
boundary, which is
something that the voters
passed, that the people
support.
Obviously wild
florida supports it as
well and it should not be
impeded for the sake of
one company to begin a
tidal wave that will be
followed by other
companies either by direct
lawsuit or your
invitation.
Once again, please vote
against kelly tractor's
everglades development.
Thank you.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you, sir.
All right, john?
>> good morning, CHAIRMAN,
MADAME Meggers.
My name is john allemande
with jacobs.
I'm here on 14 b 1. Jacobs
of had the pleasure of
serving -- we have served
as your owners rep nd I'm
here today with
representatives of the
broader engineering,
construction, and small
business community that
helps deliver the critical
instructional program, and
I ask them to please
stand.
Thank you.
We appreciate that rate
decisions are difficult.
Every year this board
balances affordability
with the responsibility to
maintain critical systems
that residents,
businesses, senators, and
future development all
depend on.
Reliable water and
wastewater services you
know is essential to
protect public health,
protect the bay, housing,
growth, and the daily
quality of life for every
person in miami-dade
county.
Miami-dade is advancing
one of the largest water
and wastewater capital
programs in florida.
While that program does
support engineering,
construction, suppliers,
small businesses, and a
skilled workforce in
florida, more importantly,
it keeps projects --
before they become
emergencies.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you're done.
Sorry.
Sir?
>> good morning, my name
is peter and I represent
friends of loveland trail,
a group advocating for
linear park on the
abandoned railway
property.
The property is 100 feet
wide by 5.6 miles running
from miami international
airport.
We have the opportunity to
turn over 70 acres of the
fenced off green space
into an iconic linear
greenway in the heart of
miami.
I ask that you pass the
resolution approving the
contract for professional
services.
At first, I thought the
budget was very high for
this project, but then I
read the entire
resolution.
This five year
professional services
agreement covers design,
permitting, bidding
assistance, and
construction oversight.
This is a comprehensive
design through
construction
administration, contract
and substantial project
management duties.
Expectations are high and
friends of loveland trail
will keep the vendor
accountable.
This is a huge opportunity
for miami to get this
right.
The trail will connect
neighborhoods with five
schools, three parks
adjacent to the trail, and
terminates in the south
where it meets the north
metrorail station.
Once completed, the trail
will connect more than
34,000 residents that live
on or near the trail.
it will be a world-class
--
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you, sir.
Thank you.
Ma'am?
>> laura reynolds, 6820
sw. 64th court with the
hold the line coalition
and friends of biscay bay.
A lot of items to talk
about in just a minute,
but we applaud the effort
on 11 a 11.
Commissioner regalado
andnd anyone who has
cosponsored that item.
We have to close the text
amendment loophole because
we can't let developers
write their own rules.
Our cdm p is really
important and the task
force amendments that are
coming from the task force
will strengthen our cdmp.
We are still opposed to
the kelly tractorproject.
We are talking about the
largest proposed wetland
destruction in 30 years.
This can't be taken
lightly and frankly that
it's gotten this far is
concerning.
We should absolutely be
passing rules to
strengthen our wetlands,
to study our wetlands just
like we did for
agriculture to see how
many we need to perform
those ecosystem services
moving forward.
Now the watershed board
did look at this.
I urge you today to not
take this wetland
destruction lightly.
Vote no --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you.
Thank you..
>> Public Speaker: a 6%
increase.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
ma'am?
>> Public Speaker: good
morning.
My name is mary aikins and
I'm here behalf on quality
florida in support of
commissioner lopez motion
6b1 to sir clarification
on florida's
anti-diversity law.
His
law hasn't even taken
effect yet, but it's
already changing decisions
in city hall's and county
commissions across the
state.
Not because they've been
told those things must
end, but because they are
unsure what the law
actually requires.
We've already seen
proposed cuts affecting
organizations serving
black, hispanic, asian,
and lgbtq floridians
reversed after it became
clear that those codes
were not required by law.
That's why getting answers
now matters.
No community should lose
something valuable because
the law was unclear.
Miami-dade has the
opportunity to law was
unclear.
Miami-dade has the
opportunity to take a
step.
This will help local
leaders know what is
required, understand the
authority they still have,
and continue serving their
residence effectively.
Miami-dade has always been
strengthened by the many
communities that call this
county home.
Our cultural traditions,
community partnerships,
and local organizations
help make this one of the
most vibrant places in the
community.
Before partnerships and --
are changed, residents
deserve -- when the
consequences are real and
important legal questions
remain unanswered, seeking
clarity is responsible
leadership.
Miami-dade has the
opportunity to lead by
asking for that clarity
now.
We respectfully ask you to
support commissioner
lopez's motion.
Thank you.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you so much, sir?
>> Public Speaker: good
morning, chair and
commissioners.
I'm here to speak on item
6b 1. My name is miles
davis.
I serve in safe, south
florida legal organization
to projecting lgbtqia+
people.
I want to thank you for
bringing this forward for
discussion.
The senate bill creates
uncertainty about how
miami-dade MAY continue
operating partnerships,
advisory boards, and
public initiatives that
serve residents across
this county.
He county
should not rush to
eliminate lawful work
simply because the statute
is broad or unclear.
Doing so could disrupt
services, waste taxpayer
investments, and weakens
long-standing
partnerships.
We urge the commission to
instruct the attorney --
identify what can legally
be observed, and
communicate clearly what
affected organizations MAY
experience before any
changes are made.
The county should also
seek judicial
clarification so decisions
are based on the law's
actual requirements and
not fear or speculation.
A careful transparent
approach always protects
taxpayers and strengthens
local controls, and most
portly, will allow
miami-dade to continue
serving all residents
within the law.
We thank commissioner
lopez for bringing this
forward and we thank you
all for your service to
the community.
>> good morning.
I'm here to support item
14 b 1. Holding rights
black today MAY black
today MAY appear to help
residents, but the
unintended consequence
will be far higher cost
later shutting down the
projects is not free.
Regulatory penalties,
development moratoriums,
and facility services that
miami-dade family and
businesses depend on every
day.
Canceling projects,
claims, shutdown and
commission costs, stranded
assets and lost value from
works, the county has
already paid to advance.
Projects and designs that
are put on hold will cost
more in the future, not
just higher construction
costs, but added design
costs as verify or worse
if contracts expire and
new designers start from
scratch.
He real threat
to long-term affordability
is not this modest rate
adjustment.
It is a consequence of
underfunding the system
today.
We respectfully urge the
commission to approve the
rate adjustment and keep
this critical capital
program moving forward.
The investment today
protects the affordability
of water and sewer in the
future.
Thank you.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you.
Ma'am?
>> good morning.
Chair and commissioners.
My name is allie quickly.
To the commissioners today
and those that preceded
you, thank you to her
vision and dedication you
underlined making it a
reality.
You created a space that
brings people together
while creating a safe and
healthy way for people to
move through the city.
I hope that the trail will
receive the same attention
for the visitors of
miami-dade county.
The trail will be an
important transportation
affordable corridor
connecting people to best
routes at sunset, miller,
eighth street, flagler
while providing access to
the metrorail and the
underlying.
It will connect commuters,
students, shoppers,
workers, and visitors to
more safer and convenient
transportation options
prefer the trail will also
serve many important
community destinations at
every node including in
dadeland -- south miami
middle school magnet,
senior hi, barnes park for
the rescue park, robert
king park, miami --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you.
>> merchandise park.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you so much.
Ppreciate it.
Did eciate it.
Did william.
Fernando and then everyone
else] Fernando and then
everyone else that I'm
going to call is here for
the same item 14 b 1. It
also has four in favor.
If you want to waive, you
are welcome to.
I have.
Name] Michael perez.
Michael perez.
is that you coming down,
michael?
All right.
Sebastian alvarez.
Sebastian alder is?
All right, I got you
waving.
Joshua alvarez waiving.
Julian becker?
Julian?
Julian.
Valerie dennett?
Aneto fernandez?
Waiving. Damien jesus.
Joseph roga.
Joseph rocha.
Cardinal alfonso?
Cardinal difonzo?
Juan romez?
>> CHAIRMAN, a lot of
people are stuck
downstairs.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you for that,
though.
Appreciate the public
service announcement.
Juan romez? Juan romez?
Nicole lozano? Nicole
lozano? Luis suarez?
Evelyn rodriguez?
Maria molina?
Maria, thank you.
Arcturo? Okay, and again,
just to make sure all of
you guys are waiting in
support of the wasty
report.
Pedro?
All right.
Thank you.
And rick?
All right.
Those are all the public
speakers I have for
reasonable opportunity
registered.
Is there anyone that just
walked upstairs from
downstairs that signed up
to speak?
See a couple
of people walking in.
Is anyone registered to
speak in reasonable
opportunity?
I want to make sure I get
to you before I close out.
No?
All right.
There's a gentleman?
You can come up.
Come on up.
>> through the chair?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
MADAME Mayor?
>> Mayor Levine Cava:
apparently COUNCILMAN
Kevin burns is here that
wassigned up to speak, so
I just want to make sure
you are aware he is here.
> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
but as he signed up to
speak on public hearing or
reasonable opportunity?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: >>
Mayor Levine Cava:
reasonable opportunity.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
okay, then you can
approachh the podium as
well.
Approach the well.
You both can -- there's
two wells.
I mean, don't all rush at
the same time.
Go ahead, you're up.
>> Public Speaker: good
morning, MADAME Mayor and
commissioners.
It's great to see a lot of
you here today.
I don't very often come
down here.
My name is kevin burns,
COUNCILMAN With the city
of miami, former mayor.
i'm here today to support
commissioner lopez's
recommendation for a
judicial review of the
diversity bill, I'll just
say that item.
As somebody who spent four
or five weeks in
tallahassee going to the
hearings both in the house
and the senate and
listening to the makers of
this ordinance, this law
not be able to answer
questions of what it
actually meant, they could
not answer what they were
trying to accomplish by
this law and going from
the senate and over to the
house back and forth.
And you know if a bill has
24 cutouts that it's not
good.
You all add amendments to
some of your things, but
you've never done 24
amendments, so you know
something is wrong.
I've been in conference
calls with city attorneys,
county attorneys, all
different organizations
are going to be affected
by this.
Nobody can give a clear
answer of what you can do
and cannot do and I'll
tell you right now I don't
want to be a guinea pig as
an elected official
because I gave a
particular group a
proclamation supporting
their heritage, so please
support their item.
Hank
you.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
i got MR. Ron Mcgill if
he's -- ron Mcgill, you
are on the list.
Come on up, sir.
I knew you were retiring.
You see, it was a false
alarm.
All right, ma'am.
>> Public Speaker: hello,
my name is carol coombs.
I'm a resident in miami
beach.
I also worked for miami
beach pride as the
director of grants, so I'm
actually here today in
support of commissioner
vicki lopez.
I fall under district 5
and sb 3011 4 and I'm
asking the commission to
investigate a lot of do
not know what's going on
with this sb 11 34.
Oes
a proclamation count as
promoting di?
Does a rainbow flag going
up count as promoting di
or is that first
amendment?
I'm here today because
miami pride stands to lose
money and grant funding
even though its impact is
granting hundreds and
hundreds of jobs for small
businesses in miami beach.
So my ask is please
investigate, please
support vicki lopez's
district 5 recommendation.
And I will tell you we are
brave and resilient in the
lgbtq community, the 19th
addition of miami beach
pride is going to happen.
The family picnic is on
saturday, APRIL 3, the
pride weekend is APRIL 10
and 11th.
Lock your dates.
I'll see you in the
parade.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you so much.
MR. Mcgill.
>> Public Speaker: good
morning, MADAME Mayor.
Thank you for the
opportunity to be keer.
For years I thought the
flamingo wasn't a native
bird.
It wasn't until all the
hard work done by
conservationists that they
said yes, it's a native
bird.
Isten, I know I
got limited time, so
here's the deal.
He
american film ego is more
than just a beautiful
bird.
It's a symbol of
resilience after
persecution is a symbol of
hope.
After disappearance, it
represents everything that
florida is.
It represents how nature
can come back, can reclaim
itself when given the
opportunity.
I can think of no other
bird that better tells
florida's story.
If florida wants to
celebrate its great
natural heritage, I can
think of no better
ambassador than the
greater flamingo.
Okay, this bird is
amazing.
It's the only -- it's a
species found only in
florida as a native
species, nowhere else in
the country.
Is a bird that represents
the resilience of florida.
It's everything that --
it's just an amazing bird
that's come back.
The bottom line is this,
folks.
The flamingo has returned
home.
It's time for florida to
celebrate and recognize it
as one of its own.
Thank you very much.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you, rob.
Appreciate the enthusiasm.
[Applause] Mama?
>> Public Speaker:
probably not gonna be as
enthusiastic, but
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
we'll take it.
>> Public Speaker: my
address is -- and I'm
speaking today on behalf
of biscayne bay --
>> MR. CHAIRMAN, point of
order.
If we can just have the
chambers be quiet while
she's speaking.
I can barely hear her.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: go
ahead, ma'am.
>> Public Speaker: thank
you.
I'm here to represent
biscayne bay.
We recognize that an
increase in utilities
affect residents and
affordability is an
important consideration,
but this item is
ultimately about
protecting clean water and
public health in biscayne
bay.
The underinvestment in
water and wastewater
infrastructure contributed
to overflows,
environmental harm to
biscayne bay, violations
of the clean water act,
and ultimately the federal
consent agree.
Today, that consent agree
program is approximately
89% there.
We are almost there.
And it's really not the
time to slow down.
Delaying these investments
does not eliminate costs,
it increases the
likelihood of
infrastructure failures,
sewage bills, and even
larger costs in the
future.
For the average
residential customer, the
proposed adjustment is
approximately $0.12 per
day, which is a price to
pay for clean water.
It supports the completion
of critical wastewater
improvements.
I respectfully urge you to
support item 14 b 1.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you so much.
So we were able to get you
guys up from downstairs.
Know obviously
encourage you guys to
speak, but some of you
guys did waive in
support of an item.
Ou
have been bamboozled ling
me here a bit.
Go ahead, have at it.
>>MR. CHAIRMAN, as people
finished speaking, maybe
it would be wise for them
to leave --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
they are.
They are going to be taken
back downstairs after they
speak, yes.
Go ahead, sir.
>> Public Speaker: hello.
I live at 5256 nw. Third
avenue.
I came here to speak in
favor of this item, this
water bill 14 b. Studying
these water topics are a
correct and responsible
use of our tax funds.
I have seen improvements
in my city using tax
funds, so I have no doubt
that we will be able to
use these resources to
improve our water quality,
research them, make more
responsible decisions.
Water quality is paramount
to our health and wellness
current and future
generations.
It is a human right and
something so important.
No corporation or private
interest can thrive
without prioritizing the
genuine needs of human
rights, which is clean
water which comes first.
We all know that wetlands
provide our freshest water
source and natural
filtration for our
community and you as
reppert adding the highest
moral standards, making
the correct decisions for
our generations, so I hope
we can make the best
decision representing the
people.
So thank you.
thank you so much.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you, sir.
>> Public Speaker: good
morning.
I live at 869 sw. 149th
court.
I'm here in support of 14
b 1 because I believe
studies into our water
quality and filtration are
a good use of taxpayer
dollars.
Water is something
essential entirely to
life.
We should be doing
everything we can to
preserve and multiply,
especially in our coming
times of ai technology.
Improving and improving on
with so much more hunger
for our clean drinking
water, as times move on,
we lose more and more of
not only our drinking
water, but also naturally
occurring methods of
filtration like our
wetlands that act as a
part of natural water
management system they
slow and stormed
stormwater allowing to
migrate with
microorganisms before it
moves through surrounding
hydraulic systems like the
biscayne aquifer also
known as southwest florida
primary source of drinking
water.
Protecting the natural
ability of these lands to
store filter and recharge
water is especially
important to water quality
and quantity.
I strongly encourage we
move with 14 b 1.
>> Public Speaker: good
morning, commissioners.
My name is joshua reyes.
I live in burkle and I'd
like to voice I'm in favor
for motion 14 b 1. Stable
access to clean water
isn't a privilege, it's a
natural human right.
People come from all walks
of life to have a chance
to live here in our great
city, so the least we can
do is make sure our vital
source for living is
available to all, free
from michael prout sticks
and other pollutants.
Research will help --
prove that continued
building past the urban
development boundary would
be hazardous for the
growing future of miami.
Thank you and happy parks
and recreation month.
> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you.
Go ahead, sir.
>> Public Speaker: good
morning.
Hello, commissioners.
I'm here in support of
item 14 b 1. I believe
that studies on water
quality are very important
for the well-being of our
community and surrounding
wildlife.
Structures are being built
over acres of land
occupied by precious
wildlife and the
structures create
unnecessary pollutants
that normally affect the
wildlife, but our own
health.
That's why I'm here to ask
you for your support on
these issues that are
incredibly important to me
and my colleagues.
Thank you very much for
your time.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you.
Sir?
>> Public Speaker: good
morning, commissioners,
and a special good morning
to commissioner regalado.
I'm here to speak on
commissioner 14 b as well
as my friends here to
speak on water quality and
the importance of it.
And I'd also like to
mention it is a tuesday.
Sorry, not tuesday.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
name and address, please.
>> Public Speaker: name
is joseph welcome and I'm
in west kendall.
>> we need your actual
address.
>> Public Speaker: 1672
sw.
51st street.
The reason I bring up the
day of the week is it is
9:00 A.M. In the morning
and unlike many of the
people here I have a job
to attend to and have to
for the sake of my family
and everybody else here.
I say that because not
everybody who I know who
wanted to be here is here,
so know that we represent
a lot more people than
just the 15 brave souls or
so that you see here.
Again, I'm here to speak
on the fact that the water
quality as well as our
wetlands are incredibly
important to the
everglades and incredibly
important to the people of
miami and the young people
in miami who are a growing
population, a working
population, and smart
population that votes and
stays active in their
community, so please keep
that in mind.
Thank you.
> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you, sir.
>> Public Speaker: hello,
commissioners.
My name is damien.
I hope you are all well.
Me and my friends are here
today in support of this
item 14 b 1. Water is
life, therefore we must
preserve it.
Many ai data centers are
an attack on our resources
and many water needed to
run these centers is
harmful.
Developing on these lands
will also affect the water
quality.
So please vote yes on this
item and have the same
energy for the upcoming
ones to help preserve our
lands, animals, and more
importantly, our water and
our health for floridians.
Thank you for your time.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you, sir.
>> good morning,
commissioners and people
who represent today.
My name is.
[Name].
I live at 1150 sw. 14th
street.
I came here to comment in
favor of 14 b 1. I believe
this is a great use of
taxpayer money.
These studies -- just for
the sake of some money.
And going over important
laws that were placed
there for a reason such as
the clean water act and
they put in danger the
people by leaving the
company is the biscayne
aquifer, which is a
primary source of drinking
water to 5 million
floridians.
This doesn't only hurt the
people, but also cost
money to the state because
they have to replace the
water that are lost.
Thank you very much.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you, sir.
>> Public Speaker: hello,
commissioners.
My name is michael perez.
I live at 15330 sw. 155
court west kendall.
I'm here in support of 11
a 1 because water is
extremely important.
To all of us young people
who should appear today,
it's a key part of our
politics in florida.
This study is rather
important.
I think it's important
that our wastewater gets
studied, water quality
gets studied because it's
getting attacked from so
many sides across the
county.
There's so many data
centers that have been
approved in miami-dade
county which are not only
increasing electric costs,
but also using water
resources.
What happened to
protecting biscayne bay?
Halting saltwater
intrusion.
We have so much more to
say and many other items I
want to speak on today,
but this is where we are
putting our energy today.
Just think for future
generations, whenever land
gets paved, lands flood.
Mpervious surfaces
affect all of us,
especially those proximal
to krome avenue.
And as seas rise,
limestone will fill with
water, so every time we
have an impervious
surface, it's going to
flood a whole lot easier.
Thank you and have a
wonderful day.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you.
Ma'am?
>> Public Speaker: hello
and good morning.
My name is nicole speaking
on behalf of 14 b 1. I'm a
20-year-old student
majoring in sustainability
which is the primary goal
of sustaining the earth
for future generations
which this water study
greatly contributes
exactly to that.
Our wetlands in the
maintenance/tracking of
the water quality is
crucial to our lives.
The wetlands are a main
source of drinking water
and without studies such
as these we wouldn't be
able to keep up with our
livelihoods regarding
freshwater.
I and many others are in
favor of taxpayer money
going towards these water
studies for the overall
betterment of our beloved
everglades.
Hank you
very much.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you.
>> Public Speaker: hello,
commissioners and
CHAIRMAN.
My name is sophia myers
address -- today I wanted
to speak on item 5t on the
importance of affordable
housing.
Abitat for
miami is an organization
that helps the community
build affordable housing.
Big issue in miami is
how unaffordable
everything is, especially
housing.
Decent
one-bedroom apartment --
including increasing rents
after lease agreements.
Many residents face daily
struggles of skyrocketing
housing prices that our
salaries cannot afford.
There needs to be more
affordable options
available for family and
residents.
Miami should move towards
affordability in all
aspects of life, walk
ability, accessible
communities, quality of
life for our environment.
Samplings provide
freshwater, flood
protection, biodiversity,
and balance for all of us.
Developments for housing
such as kelly track that
deserved for the rights to
exist but not at the
expense and destruction of
wildlife and vital
habitat.
We need our environment
just as much as we need
affordable housing and
quality of life for all
residents.
This is not meant to be
slandered toward anyone
present today, but instead
accountability for
responsibility --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you so much, ma'am.
Hank you.
>> Public Speaker: hello,
my name is cardinal
alfonso.
I live at 14229 sw.
7th
terrace.
I'm here because I was
originally going to talk
about the kelly tractor,
but as expected, public
comment is closed.
I'm still here because I
care about our waters.
All of us speaking here, I
would like to mention that
we are not here to waste
your time.
We take time out of our
day to be here to tell you
how we all feel because we
truly care about this.
I believe funding this
study is a great use of
our taxpayer money instead
of building more ai data
centers, which takes our
water and damages our
ecosystems.
We should be using our
taxpayer money for
something that is
beneficial to all of us
and our nature.
As you all know, our water
quality is extremely
important not only for us
but our future
generations.
Funding the study of water
quality will ensure our
water is free of micro
plastics and other
pollutants that are
harmful to us all.
This is extremely
important and we urge you
to support the funding of
our water studies.
Thank you.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you.
Sir?
>> Public Speaker: oh,
it's my turn?
Good morning, my name is
jules.
I live in 13 506 ne. 24th
place.
I'm a north miami
resident.
Before anything, I want to
extend my thanks for all
of you guys for showing up
today.
We have a pretty good
turnout, as I see.
Yes, I want to speak about
the water quality
situation.
As a miami local, I've
seen firsthand how
important it is to protect
our environment.
With rising sea levels and
temperatures globally, I
think this is a very
important way of
contributing to our
environment as well as
using our resources
correctly.
i think just it's really
important that we take a
moment to think about how
this will affect our
future and how our city's
landscape will look 10,
20, 30 years from now.
So many young people care
so much about this because
it will land on us
effectively.
So yeah, I do hope you
take everything that
everyone said with --
sorry, ran out of time.
Okay.
Hank you.
I appreciate it.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
We are now officially
closed with a reasonable
opportunity.
And amount of attorney,
should we set the agenda
at this time?
>> yes, MR. Chair.
I have a number of
changes.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
imagine so.
Let's do it.
>> 2b5, add this item to
the pole list.
2b6, commissioner aneto
-- regalado adds this
item to the pole list.
Commissioner lopez and
commissioner cohen
higgins, add this item to
the pole list.
2b10, commissioner
regalado pulls the item.
To be 12, 3b2 and 3b5,
commissioner lopez adds
these three items to the
pool st.
MR. Chair, I do have some
request to furcate first
reading items, so I'll run
through them now and tell
you again when we're
there.
4b, senator garcia,
14a1, five, six, seven
commissioner regalado. I
requested bifurcate public
hearing items 5a,
commissioner bastien,
5f, 5g, 5h commissioner
regalado, five ella
commissioner bermudez --
senator garcia cia and 5u,
senator garcia.
I also have requested
bifurcate second reading.
7b is commissioner lopez
and 7d and 7e commissioner
regalado.
8f1 senator garcia adds
this item to the pool
list.
8f 2, commissioner
bermudez adding this item
to the pool list.
Eight g5, commissioner
orbis adds this item to
the pool list.
810 one, CHAIRMAN
Rodriguez adds this item
to the pool list.
MR. CHAIRMAN, item 8k2,
the this item will be red.
8k 4 and item 8 and seven
commissioner gilbert adds
these items to the pool
list.
Senator garcia adds this
item to the pool list.
Items 802, 803, and 804
are being ulled by
commissioner bermudez.
Nine a 5 also being pulled
by commissioner bermudez.
MR. Chair, items 1oa1 and
go she no longer wishes to
deferred these two items.
That's items 10a1 and
10a2. With the setting of
these agenda items, these
will be approved.
11a1, commissioner lopez
adds this item to the pool
list.
11a13 and its
supplements, commissioners
are adding this item to
the pool list.
And that was 11a13 and
its supplements and its
senators garcia, lopez, --
11 a capital 14,
commissioner steinberg
regalado pull this item.
11 a 16, commissioner
steinberg and commissioner
higgins are pulling this
em.
11a20, these are being
pulled.
11a24, commissioner
regalado is pulling this
item.
11a25, CHAIRMAN Rodriguez
adds this item to the pool
list.
14a2 and 14a3,
commissioner regalado are
pulling these items.
14a4, commissioner cohen
higgins. 14a1 -- I'm
sorry, commissioner
regalado is pulling 14a1
as well.
14b5, CHAIRMAN Rodriguez
and -- pulling this item
and 15 b 1 CHAIRMAN
Rodriguez and senator
garcia are pulling these
items.
I have additional request
for cosponsorship.
Item 7e, commissioner --
with the additions and
cribner rors in the items
I just mentioned.
The commission will
approve all these items by
single boats except items
2b1, item 2b2,
ordinances for first
reading public hearings
items 6a1 discussion
regarding the status of
the county electric fleet,
item 61 discussion item
regarding sb 1134 official
actions of local
governments, di ordinances
set for second reading.
Items which are your
commercial commercial
service lists are not on
your pool list and have to
be voted on separately and
the following items.
2b5, 2b6 -- 8f1, 8f2,
8n7, 802, 803, 804, 9a5,
11a14, 11a26, 11a20,
14a1, that's a first
reading item.
14a2, 14a5 and 14a8,
those items are first
readings.
14b1, motion to set the
agenda items.
>> vice-CHAIRMAN?
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN.
Can you please add to that
list 11a15 b
mike I'll
be pulling those.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
any additional pull items?
I'll entertain a motion to
set the da.
>> can you please repeat
those?
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
I got a point of -- I
know, but it's kind of
loud.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
I'm very uncomfortable in
ways, go ahead, vice
chair.
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
MADAME Attorney, the items
I referred to were 11a15,
8p9, and 14b1. Those
are the items I'll be
pulling.
>> the point of
discomfort.
I refuse to believe that
we pull this entire
agenda.
>> this is JULY.
This is the JULY meeting.
>> I refuse to believe
there are that many
controversial things on
the agenda.
>> we're politicians.
That's what it is.
>> we have nothing else to
do.
>> you all packed a lunch.
>> and we got a meeting
tonight.
>> MR. Chair?
I want to add to
commissioner gilbert's
8p8. I want to pool 8p8.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
8p8.
With that, I'll entertain
a motion to set the agenda
and all itss pulled items.
All in favor signify by
saying aye.
Everything that jerry
mentioned happens with the
sitting of the agenda.
Can we quiet down in the
back, please?
Before I get into first
readings, I'm going to
recognize the mayor for
two appointments.
We'll start with 2b1,
which is the mayoral
appointment to the
director of the cport
department.
We have jonathan daniels
serving as the new
executive director --
well, he was serving as
the director of M.P.A.
And the port of baltimore
and the 11th busiest
tonnage port in the united
states.
And I know that he's here
this morning.
Welcome and with his wife,
adrian.
So thank you for being
here, adrian and MR.
Daniels.
All right, MADAME Mayor,
do you want to do a brief
introduction of our
newport director?
>> Mayor Levine Cava:
yes, I do, but thank you
for leading it off.
That was wonderful.
We are very pleased that
we found MR. Daniels,
jonathan daniels.
Please if you would
approach the well here to
be our next director and
ceo of the port miami.
We all know that port
miami is one of the most
important economic
engines.
It supports jobs across
florida, $61 billion in
economic impact and so
strong leadership is
essential to its continued
success.
He brings more than three
decades of experience
leading some of the
nation's most significant
seaports.
He manages complex
logistics operations.
He's overseen
multibillion-dollar
capital investments.
He's built a reputation
and delivers results, and
by the way, he comes from
a longshoremen family,
father and grandfather.
Before that, he led right
here port everglades and
he advanced -- as port
miami continues to grow
and invest in critical
infrastructure,
strengthens its position
as the cruise capital of
the world and the cargo
gateway of the americas,
jonathan has the
experience, vision, and
city leadership to build
on that momentum.
We are really delighted
that he's chosen to be
with us.
Thank you and welcome to
jonathan.
[Applause]
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
anyone that takes this job
deserves a round of
applause.
And he brought his wife
with him.
That's like a double
whammy.
Go ahead, you got the
floor.
>> I am humbled and
honored to be standing
before you this morning.
When we talk about the
cargo gateway to the
americas, when we talk
about the cruise capital
of the world, they are
promises that we as a
port, as port miami, make
to the stakeholders.
Who are utilizing our
facilities and utilizing
port miami as their
gateway.
That 8.5 million passenger
moves that we engaged in
just last year is a solid
number, but we have put
ourselves in a position
where we stepped back a
little bit.
There is another port to
the north of us that shall
remain nameless right now
that has taken over that
position.
I am absolutely
enthusiastic about where
we stand right now with
the incredible staff that
we have.
I had the opportunity to
meet with the directors
yesterday.
One of the reasons why
this position was so
appealing because I've had
the opportunity to work
with many of them in the
past.
And the view and the
vision that they have to
be able to continue to
move the port forward
whether it's cruise or
cargo.
I sat down with them
yesterday for about an
hour, hour and 1/2.
After that meeting, all I
wanted to do was sit back
in the office and get to
work.
This is a team that is
prepared to move forward.
Yes, we have challenges in
front of us.
A report in america, every
port in the world has
challenges.
As the mayor had
mentioned, I have had the
opportunity to work
through challenges whether
it's rebuilding after
hurricane katrina, whether
it's taking on the third
largest cruise during the
pandemic or six months
after my arrival in
baltimore and getting the
call at the 1:30 in the
morning that the francis
key scott fridge has gone
into the river.
Are all of those issues
unexpected, all of those
issues allow us the
opportunity to be
creative, to utilize the
team approach, to utilize
a creative approach and
ultimately come out the
other side.
We have set records after
each of those instances
and that is the passion
and drive I want to bring
to this team.
Gain, I've
had the opportunity to
work with many of them,
work with many of them in
leadership, and to stand
before you now in
consideration of my
appointment, again, I am
honored and humbled to be
part of the miami-dade
family.
As many people have
pointed out to me, but
more importantly, to the
professional and team that
is at port miami that
leads with professionalism
and integrity like no
other port I've had the
opportunity to work with
and work for.
I've had the opportunity
to speak to a few of you
on this commission thus
far, but I would be happy
to answer any questions
you MAY have in
consideration of the
appointment.
>> and just through the
clipr to clarify, his
official first day was
AUGUST 10, so we wanted to
have an opportunity for
him to come here and meet.
>> thank you, MR. Chair
and thank you, MADAME
Mayor.
Welcome and
congratulations on the
appointment.
I just wanted to say a few
words of your role and the
size of it and magnitude
over the work you are not
going to do here for us in
the community not only
focusing on passenger
volume and those numbers,
but with a particular
emphasis on the amazing
community you are now a
key member of and the over
300,000 jobs that rely on
port miami every day to
feed their families.
I know you are equipped
and experienced.
We also look forward to
working with you and I
would be remiss if I
didn't say very
passionately that you have
very big shoes to fill.
Our former director was an
extraordinary member of
our team.
E MISS Her and
wish her well, but just
wanted to share welcoming
remarks, but also remarks
saying that the job is
huge.
We know you're going to do
a wonderful job.
Miami-dade is such a
unique and extraordinary
community.
we look forward to your
leadership here.
Once again,
congratulations and
welcome.
Thank you, MR. Chair.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
congratulations, MADAME
Mayor.
Congratulations and we
hold you to the fire.
>> absolutely.
Look forward to it.
>> commissioner, future
director.
Hold on.
Don't go so far.
We've got some more.
>> yes, I don't know
whether to say
congratulations or
condolences, but I hope
you stick around for our
conversation over the port
bond.
It will be interesting.
>> absolutely.
Yes.
That was it?
Gonzalez.
>> Roberto Gonzalez: I
think it's clear it's not
going to be an easy role,
but I have looked at some
of the things you've done
at port everglades and
port everglades is one of
the things we have done on
our heels.
Almost feels like the
miami heat right now and
I'm glad to have you on
this team.
>> thank you.
>> Roberto Gonzalez: it
won't be easy, but I know
you're up to the challenge
and I look forward to
working with you.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
items 2b2, your director
of the department of
cultural affairs.
We have ashley k thomas, a
miami native with deep
ties to the miami
community, a strong --
more than 25 years of
experience across the
arts, nonprofit
leadership, and public
administration.
Please intro our new
director of cultural
affairs.
> thank you, MR. Chair.
Once again, thank you for
being prepped.
Ashley thomas is a local
star.
Homegrown.
She has risen up through
the arts world.
She started her career in
liberty city and she
trained with MR. Marshall
at the african cultural
heritage center and where
she learned dance.
She went on to be a
professional dancer.
She went on to write her
own productions.
She traveled the world,
performed in los angeles,
produced in australia, and
came here to us in
miami-dade.
She has advanced through
the ranks.
She has actually advanced
productions at our own
arts center, so she has a
diverse set of experiences
in the arts and culture
and she has received rave
reviews from her cultural
arts partners.
So we did a national
search and it brought us
right back home.
I have to say that we
discovered we have a star
in our midst and we have
every confidence that
under ashley's leadership
that arts and culture will
continue not only to
thrive, but actually to
even ascend to higher
heights.
Very very excited to
introduce her to you if
you have not had a chance.
Just to under score a
couple of things she has
managed as interim
director.
Guess what?
Coconut grove playhouse.
We will have one.
Thank you, commissioner
regalado. She has been
instrumental in that.
She has also helped us to
get through some difficult
budget times here in the
county with our cultural
affairs, so I am very
confident that because of
her background, her
character, her
personality, her
knowledge, she will be the
leader that we all are
striving for, and I'm
delighted to present to
you ashley thomas as our
new director of cultural
affairs.
> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
welcome aboard.
[Applause] All right.
All right, ashley.
You're loved.
You got much less time
than the cport director.
He certainly went over his
time and abused his time,
but we're going to give it
to him.
Go ahead.
>> thank you, CHAIRMAN
Rodriguez and MADAME
Mayor.
Deputy mayor and to the
community for this
opportunity.
I am local, homegrown, and
I'll say that art is
essential to the soul and
we continue to celebrate
it and will continue to
represent the county to
its full level, so thank
you, thank you, thank you.
I'm honored to be here and
continue the work.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
that was short.
Two rounds of applause.
Stop, stop, you're talking
about long meetings.
>> that's the difference
she knew to say something
real quick answer down.
She knew exactly what to
do.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
cut my man jonathan some
slack.
I was giving him a hard
time because his wife is
in the room.
MADAME Attorney, can we do
the aviation items before
we go into first readings?
And I understand we have
some releases as well.
>> yes, MR. Chair.
I have one release.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: go
ahead, let's do the
release.
>> I have 8g5 is pulled.
She was the only pulling
commissioner.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
8g5, commissioner
gonzalez moves 8g5
seconded by commissioner
gilbert.
All in favor say aye
signify by saying aye.
All opposed, nay.
Passed.
>> we have seven, the
first item is eight a1.
>> Mayor Levine Cava:
seconded by gilbert.
All in favor signify by
saying aye.
All opposed, nay.
>> 8a2.
>> Mayor Levine Cava: all
in favor say aye five by
saying aye.
All opposed, nay.
>> 8a3.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
moved by cohen higgins,
seconded by gilbert.
All in favor say aye.
So it passed.
A4.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
moved bycohen higgins,
seconded by gilbert.
All in favor say aye aye.
Show it passed.
8a5.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
moved by same, seconded by
saying.
It passes.
>> 8p1.
>> Mayor Levine Cava:
moved by same, seconded by
same.
All in favor say aye five
by saying aye.
Show it passed.
All in favor say aye five
by saying aye.
Opposed, nay. And was not
the last one?
>> yes.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
We got the aviation items
out.
Ow MADAME Attorney,
can you please read the
first reading items
including the 14 letter
first readings as well?
> yes, MR. CHAIRMAN.
The first item is 4a in
the incorporated and
unincorporated areas
amending section of the
code providing approval of
nonrecorded institutional
controls with no further
action for conditions,
side closures in
conjunction with site
cleanups under certain
circumstances, making
technical and clarifying
changes and an effective
date.
4b is an ordinance
relating to hospital
payments amending article
4 chapter 18 of the code
revising definitions
authorizing electronic
signatures and electronic
delivery of documents
recognizing waivers
granted by the centers for
medicare and medicaid
services expanding the
scope of medicaid
supplemental programs
revising petition review
and notice positions
authorizing payment plans,
authorizing suspension or
termination of mandatory
payments by resolution,
making technical and
conforming changes and
providing severability of
the code and to an
effective date.
4c is relating to the
rapid transit development
zone.
amending the metro members
sums and other rapid
transit zones providing
severability, inclusion of
the code and an effective
date.
4d changing the boundaries
and amending the city
municipal charger to
provide for the annexation
of certain lands pursuant
to section 604b and
chapter 20 of the code of
miami-dade county florida
related to the
unincorporated area with
proximate outer boundaries
on the north by southwest
328 by southwest 1/92
avenue on the sxsw 344
street and 191 avenue
providing resolution
providing for county
retention of residential
garbage disposal requiring
payment of outstanding
debt service attributable
to the annexation area
providing for county
jurisdiction over certain
areas and facility of
countywide significance,
providing for contingent
effective date inclusion
in the code and an
effective date, 4e is an
ordinance advisory board
creating article 172 of
chapter 2 of the code
providing for the
composition and duties of
the board and other
related matters providing
severability inclusion in
the code and an effective
date.
4f district in the county
generally found in the
north by southwest on the
south by c102 canal and
known and described as
co-port west street
lighting special district
identifying services to be
provided authorizing and
directing the mayor
doesn't need to provide
for the installation of
streetlights approving a
streetlight agreement with
florida power and light
and authorizing the mayor
designee to execute the
agreement.
And providing for
exclusion from the code
and an effective date.
4g creating a special
district -- by theoretical
southwest 325 street on
the east sxsw and sxsw 328
street and on the west
sxsw richard road known
and described as harmony
homes multipurpose special
tax district identifying
services to be provided
authorizing and directing
the mayor designee to cost
improvements and to
provide for the
installation of
streetlights approving a
street vending agreement
with florida power and
light and authorizing the
mayor designee to execute
the agreement resolution
and providing exclusion
from the code and an
effective date.
4h is an environment
protection amending
sections 425-18 of the
code revising a definition
authorizing administrative
approval of emergency
generators for healthcare
facilities and food stores
within a protection area
subject to certain
conditions providing
severability conclusion in
the code and an effective
date relating to
environmental utility
service fee amending
section 24-34 of the code
establishing loan program
for purposes of
environmental remediation
the means of existing
requirements.
Without changing some
requirements.
Creating requirements and
procedures for said loan
program, providing
severability and an
effective date.
14 a 1 is relating to the
operation and delivery
services of mobile
carriers and that
incorporated and
unincorporated areas of
the county providing
regulations for safe
delivery devices and
carriers providing
legislative applicability
-- providing for
enforcement of civil
penalty providing
severability in the code
and an effective date.
14 a 5 is relating to
county procurement
multiple recommendations
from the final report of
the special task force to
reduce inefficiencies and
procurement relating to
bid protest amending
section of the code
relating to protest
procedures amending
implementing order 3-21
directing the mayor
designee to create an
automated online portal
for use in the protest
process and coordination
with the clerk of the
board requiring a report
and exclusion from the
code and an effective
date.
14 a 6 is an ordinance
relating to county
procurement multiple
recommendations from the
final report of this
special task force
amending section 2-11.1 of
the code relating to the
cone of silence or
presentations and
procurements consistent
with an exemption of
florida law and permitting
orders 3-34 and 3-39
establishing requirements
for competitive
composition scoring
training and conflict
tracks creating large
local employer category
relating to evaluation
scoring and acquisition of
professional services
agreements limiting use of
technology and oral
presentations and
providing severability and
exclusion from the code
and an effective date.
14 a 7 relating in part
multiple recommendations
from the final report of
the special task force to
reduce inefficiencies and
procurement relating to
small business and local
preference requirements
amending sections
2-10.4.01, two-8.1.1.1.1,
two-8.1.1.1.2 and 2-5 of
the code relating to small
business architecture and
engineering program
requirements, small
business enterprise small
business enterprise local
headquartered -- small
business remedies and
related procurement
policies.
Directing and authorizing
the mayor to make
conforming changes to and
permitting orders and
providing severability
inclusion and exclusion
from the code and an
effective date.
14 a as an ordinance
relating in part multiple
recommendations from the
final report of the
special task force to
reduce procurement.
Relating to the conflict
of interest and code of
ethics ordinance section 2
point -- section
2-8.1.1.1.1 of the code
relating to the small
business enterprise
services program.
Section 2-8.1.1.1.2 of the
code relating to the small
enterprise code program.
Relating to related
parties and bid inclusion.
And section 10-330 to 1 of
the code relating to bids
precluded from related
parties repealing
resolution r6314 requiring
certain due diligence
affidavits providing
severability, exclusion
and inclusion and an
effective date and
requiring a report.
Hose
are your first reading
items.
>> attorney, we have some
bifurcations.
We have 4b and 14 a 5-14 a
8.
>> and 14 a 1 as well.
>> MR. Chair?
Who was that, commissioner
regalado?
>> Raquel Regalado: I
pulled the procurement
ones.
I guess 14 a 5.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
and 14 a 8.
>> Raquel Regalado: I'm
happy to release those.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
14 a 5 and 14 a 8
released.
And you need to pull
something?
Show commissioner cohen
higgins pullingng motion
4d.
Can I have a motion on the
first reading items?
>> MR. Chair, I had
commissioner regalado
notice also pulling 14 a
1. It appears she did not.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: 14
a 1 is part of the motion
now.
Commissioner -- seconded
by commissioner lopez.
Adame clerk, please call
the roll.
>> Clerk: commissioner
bastien.
>> Marleine Bastien: yes.
>> Clerk: commissioner
cohen higgins. Senator
garcia.
Commissioner gilbert.
Commissioner gonzalez.
>> Public Speaker: for.
>> Clerk: commissioner
regalado.
>> Raquel Regalado: yes.
>> Clerk: vice CHAIRMAN
Meek Mcghee.
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
yes.
>> Clerk: chairmann
rodriquez.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
vote yes.
Senator garcia on 4b,are
you trying to waive it or?
>> this is the house bill
funding bill done previous
times because of proper
constraint time, so want
to make sure it's on the
agenda for the next.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
what meeting exactly did
you wanted to go on?
>> the SEPTEMBER 2
meeting.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
SEPTEMBER 2.
>> if we can do 15 d 1,
that would be great.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
you will move 4b for the
second meeting with all
proper notices.
MADAME Attorney?
>> we can do that as a
procedural motion.
4b needs to be approved
first.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
senator garcia moves 4b.
Seconded by senator
regalado. Clerk, please
call the roll.
>> Clerk: commissioner
bermudez. Commissioner
gilbert.
Commissioner gonzalez.
>> Roberto Gonzalez: for.
>> Clerk: commissioner
regalado.
>> Raquel Regalado: yes.
>> Clerk: commissioner
steinberg? Vice CHAIRMAN
Mcghee.
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
yes.
>> Clerk: motion passes
unanimously.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you want to make a motion
at this time to waive the
rules or whatnot?
>> so moved to SEPTEMBER 1
meeting.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
moved by senator garcia.
Jerry, go ahead?
>> can we go ahead and
read that motion?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: go
ahead.
>> senator garcia moves to
want to suspend the rules
and waive committee review
as to item 4b to amend
item 15 b 1 to set second
reading on item 4b at the
SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 board of
commissioners meeting, to
redirect set appropriate
notices and clerk of the
board publish all
necessary notices.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: we
have a motion by senator
garcia, seconded by
commissioner lopez, all in
favor signify by saying
aye.
All opposed nay. Show it
passed.
Can you read my motion
along the same lines as
well?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriguez
moves to want to suspend
procedures and waive to
amend item 15 b 1 to
suspend public hearing and
second readings for these
items at the SEPTEMBER 1,
2026 board meeting and
direct the clerk of the
board to post all
necessary items delmer
notices related to these
items.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
seconded by commissioner
steinberg. All those in
favor signify by saying
aye.
All opposed, nay.
Commissioner Mcghee moves
4d.
Seconded y commissioner.
And I know you bifurcated,
but you can't speak on it.
Clerk, please call the
roll.
>> Clerk: mission or
cohen higgins.
>> Danielle Cohen Higgins:
no.
>> Clerk: senator garcia.
Commissioner gilbert.
I'm sorry?
Commissioner gonzalez.
>> Roberto Gonzalez: for.
>> Clerk: commissioner
lopez.
Ommissioner
orbis. Commissioner
regalado.
>> Raquel Regalado: yes.
>> Clerk: commissioner
bastien.
>> Marleine Bastien: yes.
>> Clerk: vice CHAIRMAN
Mcghee.
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
yes.
>> Clerk:: CHAIRMAN
Rodriquez.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
yes.
Thank you very much.
That concludes our first
reading items.
MADAME Attorney..
I will recognize first --
I'm gonna go ahead and
recognize commissioner
gilbert for a motion.
I was gonna start
somewhere else, but we'll
start there.
Commissioner gilbert, you
are recognized to make a
motion.
>> Oliver Gilbert: thank
you, MR. CHAIRMAN.
I have a motion to
reconsider on the port
item that we determined we
decided at our last
meeting there's some
technical changes that
came to light after we
engaged the consultant
expert that we need to
make, so I'm going to make
a motion to consider.
>> second.
>> it's been moved to
reconsider seconded by
commissioner regalado.
Seconded by commissioner
cohen higgins. It's a
little -- they sound
alike.
I thought it was a good
day.
Not today.
>> I mean not today,
satan.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all in favor say aye the
reconsideration signify by
saying aye.
Opposed, nay. Show it
reconsidered.
>> I moved item as
amended.
We have some technical
things --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: if
the attorneys could read
the amendment.
>> they are going to read
it to us.
>> commissioner regalado.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
just asked him to read it.
I literally heard that
before I heard you say
your self on the
microphone.
Go ahead and read the
amendment.
>> to replace exhibits a
and b with new exhibits
that have been filed with
the clerk on page mdc 0122
-- three incorporate the
amendments and authorize
the mayor mayor designee
to correct -- alter the
property interest to be
acquired.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
We have a motion and
second.
>> the reason for us is
because we are amending
the legalal description.
We are amending the legal
description again.
Is is this making it
smaller or bigger?
Because we have a few
easements on here.
There's a different
description, but does this
increase of the footprint
that we have from the
prior item or decrease it?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
the attorneys are
recognized to answer the
question.
>> it's the same easement.
>> so it's just ownership?
>> no.
There is a discrepancy
between the he easement
that should be clarified.
For our benefit really
during the litigation, but
the intention is not to
change the easement that's
been used, so it's the
same as what's been used
all along.
>> so in terms of the size
of the parcel, we're still
staying within the
existing footprint of what
t we need for the fuel
facility, which was the
prior amendment?
>> that is correct.
>> thank you.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
with that, all in favorite
of the motion signify by
saying aye.
All imposed, nay.
Show that item passed with
two no votes.
All right.
Now I will take up 7d,
the calorie -- tractor
application.
MADAME Attorney, let's go
ahead and take that item.
>> yes, MR. Chair.
I need to read this item.
One second.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you got your time.
>> 7d is an ordinance
relating to miami-dade
comprehensive development
master plan providing
disposition of application
number cdm p 23 13 located
west of northwest 1/37
avenue and sr836 filed by
kelly tractor company in
the MAY 2023 cycle to
amend the county
comprehensivefilament
master plan providing
severability exclusion
from the phot delmer code
and exclusion
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
was that the supplement
and second supplement as
well?
>> that's witht's with
three supplements.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
i have the item before us,
public hearing has been
had on this item already.
>> I'll move it.
>> commissioner bermudez
moves the item seconded by
commissioner gonzalez.
Commissioner you are
recognized.
>> thank you.
I just want to walk
through the changes.
I know that we discussed
this item a lot and I 't
want to belabor the point,
but I think the changes
made to date have really
changed dramatically this
item and I hope that the
board will consider these
requirements in the future
because I think that it's
a way for us to change the
conversation in terms of
preservation.
First and foremost, I
filed that item to change
the text amendment, so I
think many were concerned
the tax amendment would be
abused, so I hope this is
the last one we see that
chooses the vehicle
without the parameters.
That being said, as part
of this application we
added a lot of those
parameters even though the
tax amendment did not
require them, and I want
to thank the applicant for
walking through that with
us.
For those of you that have
had the opportunity to
read the final memo by
staff, we do have staff in
favor of a lot of the
changes that we've made.
First and foremost, i
think one of the lessons
learned from this
application is that land
that is coveted can later
many years later after it
is preserved there could
be a request to move that
company and one of the
things this application is
doing is we are asking for
ownership by the county
specifically heal for
those properties.
And I think that that is
the best path forward.
I think if we truly
believe that these lands
are important, we are
asking a developer to
preserve and restore them,
we should have ownership
and one of the things this
application does is not
only grant ownership to
the county should the
county want it because
there could be a world in
which the county does not
want to preserve land, but
it also has a maintenance
fee baked into the
agreement.
So if we could just have a
clarification from the
applicant as to how that
would work because as many
of you know our program is
desperately underfunded.
This would go under the
yule portfolio and we want
to make sure that neil has
the ability to maintain it
properly.
>> sure, commissioner.
Hrough the chair, if I
MAY, I just wanted to
clarify.
We have two options.
We can maintain it
ourselves to alleviate
some of the burden on
yule, otherwise we would
preserve some funding
mechanism to make sure it
is taken care of
perpetually, but the
applicant is open to doing
maintenance on it
themselves on that land.
>> so we're assaying the
application now says if
the county has the ability
to reject ownership if the
county decides not to do
it, then you have the
obligation to preserve it,
but I really want the
county to own it.
I really think that's the
best path forward to us.
N page 12 of the
declaration of
restrictions, and for
those that are watching I
just want to say this
information is in the
actual covenant.
It's on page 13.
But on page 12 number
seven for the preservation
area, so we're talking
about two different
parcels, right?
We're talking about the
existing preservation area
and number seven says if
the owner wishes to convey
the reservation area the
owner shall convey the
reservation area at no
cost to the county and
provide a mechanism that
maintains the preservation
area, correct?
That's what you have on
12?
>> that is correct.
>> I would like it to be
that in verse just as it
is in the next page.
the next page has the
owner shall dedicate and
convey these additional
off-site wetland
preservation areas to
miami-dade county eel
program at no cost to
miami-dade county and in
natural freestate of
vegetation.
In seven, I would like the
same.
I don't want the owner to
decide if they're going to
give the presentation to
evil.
I want neil to have the
first right of refusal.
If yule doesn't want them
than the owner would
maintain them and preserve
them.
So could we have that same
language that we have on
page 13 on page 12?
>> yes, that's fine.
> wonderful.
Thank you.
On page 14 we also added
if there is a need for a
pump station that is
required for water and
sewer agreement on the
request property, the
owner shall install a
public sanitary pump
station at the owner's
expense to provide service
to propose development
subject to any applicable
our er and we have the
pump session should we
need it.
Later, the one issue
that's not on here that I
think is important --
well, let me get to
another easy one.
On page 1611 community
education and training
program, I want to thank
you.
It's very robust.
It reflects a lot of the
meetings we had in terms
of how we want to use this
site for economic
development specifically
for training, but I take
issue with one word.
In the third sentence we
say the first owner agrees
to participate in
educational training
program available to
postsecondary and high
school students in
miami-dade county which
MAY include but shall not
be limited neuro-
divergent people?
Can we make that MAY a
must?
Because that's what we
talked about.
Thank you.
Now going back o page 15.
One of the reasons that
this application is so
different from everything
else that this board has
seen is because of kelly's
involvement in our
emergency response at all
levels.
On page 15 paragraph 10 we
speak about the county
emergency management.
Is it possible to give
miami-dade county
government a priority in
terms of access to kelly
equipment should there be
an emergency?
Because I know you guys
get a draw from everyone.
Is that something we can
bake in?
I know obviously it would
be, as long as we're not
violating existing
contracts.
>> that's okay.
>> okay, and this is
important, folks, because
whenever we have a
hurricane, everyone draws
we are going to be talking
about trash and trash
pickup later, but I want
our county response teams
to have first priority
when it comes to kelly and
access to the
infrastructure that is so
necessary during emergency
response.
The wetland mitigation
program I think is very
good.
I really want to thank you
all for spending the time
with us to work through
how to include the
wildlife and a wildlife
corridor.
I really believe this is
something that others
should consider when we
look at these types of
plans.
And then finally, I know
we had some back and forth
and I want to thank staff
for also requiring it.
We are not double dipping
here on mitigation, right?
It's separate and apart.
You are going to use other
land for your stormwater.
To the board, in terms of
your presentation area and
mitigation we're
requiring, I want to read
a part to you because it
was important when we were
negotiating it and I think
it's something we should
consider moving forward
when we talk about
replicating these
requirements in other
applications.
On page 13, the owner
shall dedicate and convey
these additional off-site
wetland preservation areas
to miami-dade eagle county
in the natural free
vegetation, we talked
about that, but this is
the part I think is
important.
The owner agrees to
provide a funding
mechanism -- everybody
okay over here?
The owner agrees to
provide a funding
mechanism that fully funds
the maintenance of the
off-site wetland
preservation areas in
perpetuity and any other
obligation of such
off-site wetland
preservation area.
Should the county and its
discretion elect not to
accept such -- restrictive
covenant.
And the other thing that
was required here that we
talked about, I think it
was in the second time
this application came to
us is that the mitigation
weather provided and land
to the county or by
mitigation credits will be
in miami-dade county.
This is not mitigation
land that's going to occur
in orlando or north
florida.
This is the first time
that we're keeping
everything in miami-dade
county.
So to my colleagues, this
is a very different
application from what was
presented to us.
I think that kelly is
unique.
I think it's a text
amendment.
I think we cleared up the
issues of a text
amendment.
We are not moving in the
line.
Currently, this land, as
has been mentioned, what
is preserved we're
preserving, but there is
an entire area out there
that has not been
restored, is not being
preserved, and will be
preserved because of this.
This when we own it,
there's a dramatic change
in our ability to do
bccer. The county can go
to the federal government
and ask to start working
on this basin.
So with that, I would like
to move as amended.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
We have a -- well, we had
a motion, right?
To move it by bermudez
seconded by gilbert and
now there's an amendment?
>> they made amendment, so
just as long as the motion
says as amended.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
the motion as amended.
Are you good with that?
O -- go ahead.
>> MR. Chair, if I can
just confirm the original
motion, it would be a
motion to adopt per staff
recommendation with the
various changes that have
been outlined in staff's
memorandums.
With the acceptance of the
proffer covenant and with
the 10 calendar days, the
10 day commission to
provide and executed
sufficient covenant
opinion and title.
My understanding is
there's -- well, there
were amendments in
addition to that.
> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
So are we good?
I'm sorry, attorney is
whispering in my ear, so
did you say something that
needed my attention?
I apologize.
>> no, MR. Chair.
I was just restating the
motion for the record.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
that said, I have no
further discussion on
item.
T is moved as
amended with all the
different motions and good
stuff.
We have second by
commissioner gilbert.
Commissioner steinberg,
are you wanting to be
recognized?
>> Micky Steinberg:
briefly.
I will remain a no.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
clerk, please call the
roll.
>> if we can have a
clarification of the
acreage that the county
could potentially own just
so that we can have it on
the record.
To the applicant.
>> to the acreage that's
in the paragraph -- one
second.
That's in paragraph five,
the off-site wetland
preservation area is a
total at least 20 acres.
And then mitigation.
>> and then mitigation we
don't know.
>> we do not know at this
point, yes.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
So, MADAME Attorney,
because I'm just doing a
quorum count of sorts.
I don't think we have the
sufficient members in the
chamber at this time to
take a vote based on
requirements.
I know that we need nine
votes for this in general
and I can see it based on
the history of this.
So can I -- I don't know
if officially say table
it, but can I move on to
the rest of the agenda and
come back at this time?
Because I know we have a
very long agenda and some
folks do need to leave.
If we don't get this item
today, doesn't
automatically roll over to
my next agenda?
>> yes, MR. Chair.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
want to try to get it
today, but just in case we
run out of time.
That said, I know we had a
lot of good conversation,
commissioner regalado.
Thank you for all of that.
The motion still stands
and all of that, but we
are going to move on to
the rest of our agenda
just because I don't have
enough members.
I can see it.
Commissioner gilbert,
you're recognized.
>> Oliver Gilbert: I just
want to commend
commissioner regalado on
the work she put into
this.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you very much.
>> that so cute.
Is that a new congressman
type of behavior?
> Oliver Gilbert: no,
no, not at all.
>> Raquel Regalado: he
knows that if he doesn't
thank me I get upset early
.
>> Oliver Gilbert:
positive reinforcements.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
get upset now, get upset
later.
Let's move to public
hearing, MR. Attorney.
If you can read all of the
public hearing items and
once you do I'll go ahead
and open up public hearing
for the public.
>> yes, MR. Chair.
Five a is a resolution
naming the library and its
supplement.
5b and c are deferred.
Operation of micro
mobility devices electric
vehicles and motorized
scooters in the
incorporated and
unincorporated areas
re-incorporating section
of the code providing
regulations for operation
micro mobility devices,
electric vehicles, and
motorized scooters on
rights-of-way providing
for applicability and
definitions providing
mechanism for municipal
enforcement regulations
providing for enforcement
by civil penalty providing
severability and inclusion
in the code and an
effective date and
supplement authorizing
issuance not to exceed
$350 million miami-dade
county florida transit
system bonds pursuant to
section 208 ordinance
number 0548 as amended for
pain cost of certain
transportation transit
projects providing that
details, terms, and other
matters related to such
bonds as drawdown bonds
under a drawdown bond
program be determined in
subsequent resolutions
authorizing undertaking of
transportation and
transportation projects of
peoples transportation
plan authorizing and
directing agents to take
all actions necessary to
effectuate the purposes of
this ordinance and
ordinance number 0548 as
amended and providing
severability exclusion
from the code line an
effective date.
Issuance of miami-dade
county capital asset
acquisition special
obligation bonds from time
to time in a more serious
aggregate amount for
purpose of renovating
and/or equipping certain
capital assets and
projects providing details
of said bond be determined
in one or more serious
resolution providing for
exclusion from the code
and an effective date.
5g is an authorization --
not to exceed $350 million
for purpose of paying
certain capital project
cost and pain cost of
bonds pursuant to certain
terms and conditions
finding necessity for and
authorizing negotiated
sales bonds.
58 is a resolution
authorizing not to exceed
miami-dade county florida
public facilities revenue
bonds jackson hill system
in one or more serious for
pain cost of certain
series funding debt series
reserve fund's if
necessary authorizing sale
by competitive public bid
not to exceed $700 million
aggregate principal amount
of miami-dade county
florida seaport revenue
bonds in one or more
series on a senior basis
to pay cost of certain
improvements and capital
expenditures and to refund
all or portion of
commercial paper notes.
5j is a resolution
authorizing acquisition
special obligation fund
and aggregate principal
amount not to exceed $480
million providing that
bonds should be payable
solely from revenues at
the county covenant to
budget appropriately
annually.
5l is an ordinance
approving adopting and
ratifying assessment
rules, rates, and
assessments for 219
certain streetfighting
special taxing districts
for the fiscal year
commencing OCTOBER 1, 2026
and ending SEPTEMBER 30,
2027 and providing
exclusion -- ordinance
granting petition of
establishment of a
community district
generally -- tennessee
road southeast 12th avenue
on the sxsw 328 street
lucy street and on the
west sxsw sixth avenue
creating and establishing
community district
providing for land duties
providing description
boundaries providing board
of supervisors accepting
proper covenant
restrictions providing
exclusion from the code
and adopting and ratifying
non-ad valorem rates and
assessments for the solid
waste collection service
area of miami-dade county
florida providing
severability exclusion by
vote approving the waiver
of plat 6301 sw. 27th
street llc approving --
approving the plat of q rt
northwest residences filed
by miami-dade county.
5r approving -- 5s is a
resolution approving the
plat of -- resolution
approving the plat of
habitat for humanity of
greater miami inc.
Approving the waiver of
plat approving the plat of
habitat for humanity of
greater miami inc.
Approving the waiver of
plat 82105b is approving
issuance of industrial
development authority of
revenue bonds in an amount
not to exceed $40 million
for the benefit of true
north academy inc. Those
are your public hearing
items and at the
appropriate time I do have
some requests to
bifurcate.
>> thank you to the
attorney.
At this time we are going
to open public hearing on
all five items on our
agenda.
[Name] If you could
approach, cornell whites,
please approach, sophia
amaya please approach.
I don't see anyone
approaching.
Public hearing is now open
on our five numbered items
on our agenda.
To the clerk, we have a
quasijudicial item.
T we
have a speaker.
At the appropriate time,
please swear in this
sophia amaya.
Is sophia amaya present?
I don't see sophia amaya.
To those I called present,
please approach the well.
>> good morning,
commission.
My name is tangela
dorsett.
Good morning again.
I'm the daughter of
commissioner doran, the
late commissioner.
On behalf of the entire
family, my sister is here,
evette and my brother
damon, he couldn't make
it.
We are extremely thankful
and honored.
My dad enjoyed his tenure
and service of the
community.
He was a leader and he was
passionate about his work.
We look forward to the
dedication of the ceremony
of the library, and in the
words of the late
commissioner role,
commission, you've done
good.
>> you done good.
[Applause]
>> my name is carnell
white miami, florida and I
am so pleased that proud
to be able to stay here
today and stand in front
of everybody that
commissioner road was my
dear friend, my brother,
my friends, my colleague.
We go back to the first
time I saw him in 1966 at
florida a&m university
campus.
I appreciate you and thank
you for doing this, for
honoring an honorable man.
Commissioner bastien, my
commissioner, have you
know I am yours.
You are my commissioner.
Position he served in for
many, many years and I
thank you for sponsoring
this.
I watch you from afar and
sometimes closer than you
know.
When you are doing things
with the most vulnerable
of our citizens, thank you
so very much.
>> thank you, MR. White.
Thank you so much.
MR. Dewey knight, you are
recognized.
>> Roberto Gonzalez:
thank you very much.
I am grateful to be here
today to celebrate.
We thank commissioner
bastien. It takes me back
to when the gop bond was
passed and he was
successful in lobbying the
commission to make this a
priority.
The library and the police
station because people in
that community had a
digital divide.
They didn't have wi-fi.
Those poor kids were
trying to go to school and
didn't have access.
Commissioner road brought
so much safety to that
community.
A lot of commission was
mad because he got his
done first.
So we are grateful that
you would honor him today
and remember the good work
that he did.
Thank you.
>> thank you, MR. Knight.
Last call for MISS Sophia
amaya.
Public hearing is now
closed.
To the attorneys, what
items are being
bifurcated?
>> yes, we have come MR.
Bastien on five a. And I
have on 5l, commissioner
-- senator garcia.
And I also have some
requests to cosponsor five
a from commissioners ert
and hardemon.
>> I'll entertain a motion
on the fives that were not
bifurcated.
>> I'd like to add 5d for
a quick friendly
amendment.
>> 5d is also bifurcated.
It's been moved.
It's been moved, it's been
seconded.
Clerk, please call the
roll.
>> senator garcia.
>> aye.
>> commissioner gilbert?
>> I vote yes.
>> commissioner gonzalez?
>> for.
>> commissioner gonzalez.
Commissioner regalado?
Commissioner steinberg.
Commissioner bastien.
>> Marleine Bastien: yes.
>> commissioner bermudez.
Commissioner cohen
higgins.
>> Danielle Cohen Higgins:
for.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
vice-CHAIRMAN Mcghee.
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
yes.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
yes.
All right.
MADAME Attorney, on the
bifurcated items, isn't
five a the first one?
>> yes.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
that's bifurcated by
bermudez.
>> commissioner bastien,
I think, was bifurcating
item 5 a.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you're recognized.
>> thank you, MR. Chair.
As most of you know, the
late commissioner road was
a commissioner for
district 2 for 12 long
years.
Like myself, he was a
mental health professional
and a social worker, so
before he was even elected
to the miami-dade
commission, he has been
providing lifeline,
lifesaving services to his
community.
Through the organizations
that provided wraparound
services for the residents
of district.
He served for 12 years, as
I indicated.
As a result of his latest
-- the library was
approved in 2008.
So I'm honored to really
support this legislation
and I pulled the item for
very brief amendment -- so
please read the motion.
>> commissioner bastien
moves to assert the word
branch so that the new
library would be the --
library.
>> thank you.
And I'd like to share that
the families here, you
heard them.
Commissioner role was
cherished by many members,
so I hope that you support
this, and thank you to
those who sponsor.
>> CHAIRMAN, I'll sponsor.
>> vice chair, when you're
recognized.
>> I wanted to briefly say
because the family is here
from district 12, thank I
think this is a great day.
Commissioner road was
always very respectful to
me.
The governor was always
very kind to what became
of the city of durell.
Was always very caring and
listening to my argument,
so I'm very supportive of
this item and its
well-deserved.
>> vice-CHAIRMAN.
>> thank you, MR.
CHAIRMAN.
I, too, echo the
sentiments by my
colleagues.
I'd also like to be listed
as a cosponsor.
Let me say this to the
family.
Thank you for loaning to
this great county the guv.
He stood for great things
for us.
The idea that we now will
have his name top of the
library, everyone can see
that remind every each and
last one of us that
knowledge and opportunity
are the two -- who came
through this community
looking for, you know,
understanding and
appreciation and things of
that nature.
To commissioner bastien,
hopefully, you know, we
get that invitation to the
ribbon-cutting.
Definitely want to be
there.
Just thank you so much for
leading the charge on
behalf of this great man
and great family.
>> Marleine Bastien:
thank you, vice chair.
Are you trying to speak?
Just keep in mind you all
should learn from him,
what he used to say.
Talk long, talk wrong.
[Laughter] Commissioner
gilbert.
>> Oliver Gilbert: he
used to say he was also
going to take a skinny
minute.
I just want to thank
commissioner bastien for
bringing this item.
Knew the governor, I knew
him.
He was a good man.
He loved to this
community, he loved this
county.
I think this is overdue.
It's fitting and it's
overdue.
Thank you very much for
doing this.
Thank you, commissioner
bastien.
>> thank you, MR.
CHAIRMAN, and thank you
commissioner gilbert for
reminding us about the
governor.
When I was in legislator I
worked with him on a
couple of different issues
and there's no doubt he
really did care about his
community, loves his
people, and fought
tirelessly for them every
single day.
Whether you agreed with
him or not, one thing you
could be certain of is he
really did love his
people.
Commissioner gilbert,
thank you so much for
bringing this forward to
us.
>> please add me.
> we can cosponsor all
the way around.
All right.
Okay.
So with that, clerk,
please we have a motion
and a second.
With that, clerk, please
call the roll.
>> commissioner gilbert.
Commissioner gonzalez.
[Roll call]
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
5d, steinberg told that
bifurcated.
Go ahead, commissioner
steinberg on 5d.
>> Micky Steinberg:
listen, I support the
ordinance.
I know it's a great
ordinance and it's broadly
written enough, but it
really is a narrow
ordinance and really
impacts, my question and
what I would like to
proffer is the ability for
other municipalities to
opt in to this ordinance
should they want to be
interlocal and being that
the title is broad enough,
I would ask the county
attorney to let me know
that would be an
opportunity again not
mandating anything, not
doing anything other than
if another city wants to
opt in, give them the
ability to do so because
we are giving them the
regulations to do so and
this is the model for what
we are doing.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
commissioner regalado.
>> Raquel Regalado: I
have been requesting this.
This ordinance is a lot of
work and as many of you
know, we were waiting for
the state to really
regulate it.
This was done as a
placeholder as the state
regulated and
unfortunately the governor
vetoed.
We had over a dozen
meetings to make sure that
everybody understood this.
The reason for this
ordinance because many of
you know I'm a big
supporter of microbe
mobility.
But on FEBRUARY 14, 2024
we had -- died.
She was killed by a
12-year-old on in the e
bike.
Killed by a 14-year-old on
an e bike picker this is a
big issue for east
biscayne.
I don't want to amend
this.
I would tell you all to
bring your own items but
to have your own public
meetings so you can inform
everyone on the breadth of
this.
We landed on this in
collaboration with key
biscayne and this is an
extension of what has
already been existing.
I don't want to add other
cities without them kind
of going through the work
of it.
>> if I MAY clarify.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you absolutely MAY, yes.
>> it's just giving a
mechanism for another city
to enter into a local with
the county so that they
can also avail themselves
of the good work that's
been done on this
ordinance.
This is nothing to do with
changing the ordinance
were -- by the way,
cities, some of them have
adopted their own
regulations.
To the extent they can.
Just you know, maybe the
attorney can explain a
little further so it
doesn't touch the
ordinance and the essence
of it.
>> this is about the
rickenbacker, which is
unique as a street.
So the speed and
everything are very, very
different from other
county owned streets.
So I would say it would be
better to do something
separately for other
county owned streets
because the rickenbacker
is a highway and this is
about the rickenbacker.
That's what I said it's
very particular to what it
was created for.
>> I did pass legislation
in the state that allowed
local governments to
regulate micro mobility
devices and that is in
statute now.
Any municipality that
wishes to do so can.
Its specific.
O
commissioner steinberg's
question, any municipality
today under state statute
can actually pass a
statute.
What commissioner
regalado is saying, she
and I both worked very
hard because the village
of key biscayne is banned.
The one she's referring to
is the crandon boulevard.
This is so specific to key
biscayne.
Mission or steinberg, and
a municipalities, mission
or steinberg and I share
miami beach and they are
looking to expand the
state statute in this
coming session, so
hopefully that will be
something that we can work
towards, but currently any
municipality in the state
of florida can regulate
micro mobility devices.
>> and I appreciate that.
This is just an
opportunity because it
does say county roads.
While it doesn't reference
the areas in key biscayne,
because it's broad enough
in the title but it's
specific enough to what
you were doing.
I know how contentious
these things can be, but
in light of what's been
happening, the regulatory
framework is here and it's
just giving them the
option if they want to opt
into something like this.
It MAY not be what they
want.
It MAY go further than
what they want to do.
I would just ask the
attorneys is there a way
to do this where it
doesn't touch the item or
keeps the essence?
Because she did bring up a
good point about it being
specific to the type of
road, the causeway.
>> the only thing I would
add, and I'm happy to work
with you on the item.
I think you need to
establish parameters.
And I would say a certain
number of public meetings,
outreach.
I did all those things
before this, you know,
this has been working for
a long time and has been
an extension of this
happening.
I'm happy to work on an
item that creates a way
for them to request that
we extend their
limitations to county
roads, but I think there
has to be a very
compelling reason.
So I would be happy to
work with you on a
paradigm.
>> in order for a city to
opt in, they would have to
pass a resolution which
would then be a public
hearing at the city.
I thought it was an
opportunity so that we
don't all have to bring
items forward and it would
be more streamlined.
Opportunistic moments
where we are doing this
legislation, why not give
them the ability to opt in
if they want to.
This was just an
opportunity to say listen,
we have this framework, we
want to opt in.
These are the steps you
would have to do to
actually formally opt in.
You can't just say here
you go.
That's fine.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
it's been moved and
seconded.
>> is there a code that is
not specific to key
biscayne or is this the
only ordinance in
miami-dade county that
specifically speaks to
micro mobility devices,
electric by hopecles, and
motorized scooters?
>> yes, commissioner.
This is the only ordinance
currently in the code that
speaks specifically to
micro mobility devices.
>> how many municipalities
do we have in miami-dade
county?
32, 34?
If any of the 32 or 34
municipalities within
miami-dade avail
themselves of this
ordinance that we just
spoke to, we have deaths,
GOD forbid, any other
municipality suffers the
way key biscayne has, we
are not able to create
some sort of agreement to
help them opt into this
more easily?
I'm confused as to the
position that's currently
being taken by the board.
Hy wouldn't we allow our
municipalities to avail
themselves to an ordinance
that saves lives, that
have a ton of work and
that we all applaud?
I do not understand that.
>> if I can respond to
that.
What I'm saying is there
is a lot of public meeting
and input to come to this
ordinance.
It has very rickenbacker
specific penalties and it
doesn't speak to all the
meetings everything that
came before the ordinance.
What I'm saying is I'm
happy to draft an
ordinance for cities to
opt in, but it needs to
have a lot of the things
that are not in the
ordinance because the
ordinance came after two
years of working with key
biscayne.
I'm happy to work with
commissioner steinberg or
whoever wants to do it to
amend this ordinance and
another item that gives
the municipality and put,
speaks to the hearings and
everyone so that it can
opt in.
>> thank you for that.
O
the attorneys, what would
be the difficulty of
allowing the
municipalities to opt in
or whatever the proper
language is a way that
commissioner steinberg
just requested?
>> commissioner, that
would require an amendment
to section 2a as it is
currently written.
It is narrow to the
crandon park boulevard.
That section would need to
be amended to expand.
>> okay, it would need to
be amended to expand
applicability countywide
or.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
the opportunity for
existing municipalities to
adopt and should they be
able to do so?
I'm not trying to expand
it countywide.
That wasn't the question.
The question was to what
commissioner steinberg
referenced multiple times
very clearly.
>> it would be amended to
apply countywide with opt
in language.
>> so it wouldn't apply
countywide unless
municipalities elected to
enter into some sort of
interlocal agreement
opting in, correct?
>> I understand that to be
the request that this
board or commissioner
steinberg was requesting
for an amendment to have
it apply countywide but
allow the municipalities
to opt in.
So it wouldn't apply as a
matter of right, as a
matter of law.
Each municipality would
have to take an
affirmative step to opt in
after, you know, after
reviewing the ordinance.
>> MR. Chair?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
hold on.
You still have the floor.
Are you done?
>> I'm watching
commissioner steinberg and
it doesn't seem that
reflects what she was
trying to accomplish.
I'm trying to understand
if there was a vehicle to
reflect what the
commissioner specifically
stated.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
commissioner steinberg.
>> right.
My intent wasn't
necessarily to have this
blanket countywide
language.
It was more the ability to
have municipalities opt in
or districts opt in where
now we are thinking about
it with maybe the
unincorporated areas MAY
want to have some of this
regulation as well, but
ultimately was specific
and minor to allow for an
opt in motion, but maybe
at this time I'm happy and
I appreciate the line of
questioning, commissioner
higgins.
I think I'm happy to bring
-- by the way, does
anybody have a hold on
this?
I want to make sure if I
bring something forward
that I'll actually be able
to bring it forward
because can the attorneys
maybe draft something and
we have something today?
>> to the attorneys --
well, go ahead and answer
that question.
The same way you were
saying we could amend it
to say this applies
countywide with an opt in,
we can amend it by saying
not apply countywide and
we would have, you know,
basically interlocal's
allowing for
municipalities to opt in
to the attorneys, so my
question is specific.
I'm asking you whether the
inverse of what you
proposed is possible.
Instead of saying we want
this to apply countywide,
we want to instead give
municipalities by local
interest we represent a
lot of municipalities that
MAY want to opt in.
S
that language a
possibility?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you're recognized to the
attorneys.
> commissioner, I want
to be clear I understand
your question.
Can I kindly ask you to
repeat that?
>> absolutely.
You proposed having the
ordinance amended to apply
countywide with an opt in
by the municipalities.
The commissioner that made
the original request,
instead what I was
requesting his language
allowing specific
municipalities to opt in
should they desire to do
so.
It's taking the proposal
you made and creating the
inverse of that proposal.
My question is a simple
one.
Is that possible?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
yes, commissioner.
>> it is possible, so what
is the downside then of
including that language in
the ordinance considering
the lives that it saves,
the work it's done
applauding the work.
I represent -- what if
they want to be included?
I don't understand why we
would want to wait months
and months for a simple
item that essentially
could be accomplished here
via a simple amendment,
which is what I wanted to
clarify through the
attorneys whether that
amendment was possible.
>> if I could clarify,
commissioner, this
amendment only applies to
county roads.
>> we understand that.
I don't think anybody is
confused.
>> for the entire road
network within the
municipality, just wanted
to be clear.
>> thank you.
To respond to that
question, my concern is
notice and litigation.
As we work through this,
we dealt with a lot of
individuals that did not
agree with this ordinance,
but we had a series of
public meetings and we
worked through it to
ensure that the county
would not enter into
litigation as a result.
There is a reason the
governor vetoed it.
There is a group of humans
who did not want this type
of limitation to micro
mobility, and while this
gives some notice to the
municipalities, it does
not give them notice that
an item speaking
countywide would give.
Also, if you amended it
this way, you're focusing,
it's rickenbacker focused.
There's different county
roads with different
speeds and different
modalities and the
ordinance speaks to the
rickenbacker and crandon,
which is a different road
than a lot of county owned
roads.
Inally, we then
have to deal with the
issue of what we would do
in terms of -- for cities
for this prohibition on
county roads, then we need
a vehicle for this board
in terms of our county
roads.
Unincorporated is mainly
all county roads.
So that's why the
rickenbacker is different
because of the speeds.
It is the highway.
That's what I would
caution you, and I'm happy
to work on a comprehensive
item that really covers
this, but you need to
cover the speed, the size,
the cost.
This is very particular to
the rickenbacker and you
need to have public
meetings and bake that
into the process.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
hold on.
Commissioner gilbert,
you're recognized.
>> Oliver Gilbert: at the
risk of agreeing with
commissioner regalado
twice, I think she's
likely right on this.
And I think that it
actually came through
transportation.
And so the reason why it
passed through the
transportation committee
was because like it did
was because of its limited
nature.
This board can broaden it
if you'd like, but let's
be clear we do have a
committee process for a
reason.
This broad of an item
would have been treated
differently in committee.
So listen, I think that
the notice requirement is
a significant thing.
There are people who don't
agree with this.
While I do and
commissioner steinberg,
there are residents who
might have chosen to be
heard on this item in
committee had it -- it was
postured like this.
I would caution us about
changing something so
substantially at the board
level on an item that has
gone through committee,
MR. CHAIRMAN.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
okay.
Senator garcia.
>> Rene Garcia: I agree
with everything that's
being said, but the
request is an opt in
provision.
It's opting into the rules
that are being established
by the municipalities.
I get it's specific to the
road.
I get that it went through
the committee process, but
at the end of the day we
are representatives of the
people.
Think it's incumbent on
the municipality itself
that wants to opt in to do
what they need to do for
their municipality, but I
don't see a problem with
having municipalities opt
in.
We are not even pushing
anything on anyone.
E
created this law, you
understand?
There's some limitations
to it, but you can use the
parameters to apply it to
ur constituency.
I am perfectly fine with
seconding the amendment
and trying to get this
moving forward.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
sub itself, but as
amended, but hold on.
I have commissioner -- I
have gonzalez in the queue
and I will go to lopez.
>> Roberto Gonzalez:
thank you, MR. Chair.
I do appreciate
commissioner regalado's
explanation of the
complexity of how this was
brought forward.
I think it's something
that was very much needed.
However, there is
something the county
attorney said really
caught my attention and
that was that this was
only applicable to county
roads.
And so from what I
understand, commissioner
steinberg was requesting
that the amendment apply
if, and correct me if I'm
wrong, commissioner
steinberg, if it passes
through the municipality.
I think of it went through
a municipality, logically,
and a municipality had
noticed hearings and a
municipality voted to have
municipal roads engaged in
something similar, I think
that what you were trying
to do is, since those
municipal roads within the
municipality that had
those public hearings have
adopted it for the
municipality, perhaps they
can just opt in so that
the county roads are
applicable as well.
I think that that would
solve the issue with
public notice along with
the issues of speed and
the discrepancies as to
whether the notice had to
be heard here.
I don't know if you want
to continue, but I think I
would be supportive of an
amendment.
>> MR. Chair?
>> Vicki Lopez: thank
you, MR. CHAIRMAN.
I just -- I have a quick
question.
I have been dealing with
this as a state rep, but I
have a question.
In the case of key
biscayne, it banned all
micro mobility devices on
their own streets.
The only one that runs
through the village is
crandon boulevard.
It is a county road.
So despite whatever a
municipality MAY or MAY
not do with their roads, I
believe the question here
is about what to do with a
county road that runs
through a municipality,
whether they do anything
or they don't, right?
i don't know, and this is
a question to commissioner
regalado, if her item --
because I know this item
was introduced two years
ago.
It was sunset.
So the question is are the
regulations, are the rules
governing the right of
ways and speed limits and
all of that, is that
specific to key biscayne?
Because if it is, I don't
know how you would allow
another municipality to
opt in because you would
be asking every
municipality to comply
with what key biscayne
decided.
Is that true?
>> yes, it is specific to
key biscayne as are the
penalty amounts and the
understanding of the speed
based on the roads.
That's what I was saying
if we are going to do
something that is broader
than this, I'm happy to
draft something, but it
would have to have
different categories for
different types of roads
that have different
speeds, different
sidewalks, and you would
have to have different
pricing for the
violations.
His is built
specifically for
rickenbacker and crandon.
>> if I MAY, I think I
have an idea.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
yes, but one second.
Commissioner cohen
higgins, you're
recognized.
>> Danielle Cohen Higgins:
to the sponsor of the
item, section 5 of the
item says enforcement by
municipalities.
A municipality MAY upon
approval of the board of
county commissioners as it
relates to roads within
the boundaries of said
municipality.
The agenda item approving
such agreement shall be
sponsored by a district
commissioner in whose
district any portion of
such municipality lies.
So it's already in the
ordinance.
We're talking about this
being rickenbacker and key
biscayne specifically, but
there's section 5, section
6 enforcement talks about
municipality.
Ection 6d,
a municipality entering
into a local agreement as
provided in this section
MAY provide for
enforcement in accordance
with its own procedures.
And then section 7
entirely speaks to
specific language.
I don't know how the
question that the
commissioner really baked
into the ordinance, which
is why many of us found it
extremely difficult to
understand how this
ordinance could not have
an opt in so much so that
is already built into the
ordinance.
>> MR. Chair, if I can
respond to that.
>> is that accurate?
>> commissioner, section 2
a identifies the
applicability of the code
provision itself.
It says that this section
shall be applicable to
crandon boulevard between
the village of key
biscayne to accomplish
what commissioner cohen
higgins is suggesting
would just require either
a deletion or modification
of 2 a to broaden that
definition.
>> MR. Chair, if I can
explain?
Several times I've brought
items and we've had
questions about the
language of the ordinance
and that's because time
and time again our county
attorneys tell us that we
cannot draft something
that is hyper specific to
an area, that it must
further back to the entire
code and then get specific
in the body.
I am not doing anything
that everyone doesn't do
in a single item.
In fact, when we suspended
the cra that we are going
to visit tonight, it had
language that applied to
everyone and specified
that this is only for --
because this is what the
county attorneys tell us
we need to do so as not to
create anomalies inside
the code.
I have to bring an item
that complies with the
entire code of miami-dade
county.
That's why it refers back
to those pieces.
i cannot create a vehicle
for the acceptance of an
interlocal that is
different from the general
rules of how an interlocal
is accepted for any other
modality or purpose in
miami-dade county.
So no, the item is not in
conflict with itself, but
it is specific to key
biscayne as are the
penalties that were
negotiated with the
residents of key biscayne
and the village.
And again, I'm happy to
add to this ordinance with
a separate item.
I would ask that it had
meetings and discussions.
I don't think that we
should amend this so that
a municipality passes
something and all the
sudden there's a county
road that prohibits this
type of modality because
it is really far-reaching
and what it will do is go
in the other direction and
get as preempted when it
comes to these types of
regulations.
>> to the attorneys
because now I want
clarification because both
are making a good
argument.
It's not even an argument.
One is making an argument,
one is reading straight
out of the item, which is
very clear to me.
So which is it?
Can it be done today per
the item already or is it
specific only and
exclusively to key
biscayne and the
rickenbacker and all that
stuff?
Which one is it?
>> the item could be
amended today if it's the
will of the board.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
okay, but that doesn't
answer my question.
>> let me just bring it in
because I brought this up.
>> I'm sorry, I didn't get
that part because the item
is written in the
applicability section.
The applicability section
is narrowed to key
boulevard in key biscayne.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
it's not open to everyone
even though it reads that
it is, but it's tricky and
you guys figure it out.
Ommissioner steinberg,
you're recognized.
>> Micky Steinberg: I
just want to back it up.
Y intention was to back
it up and give it the
ability.
I want to thank my
colleagues because
obviously the section you
read is what prompted the
whole initiation of
wanting to have other
cities because it said it
there I'm not an attorney.
I spoke to the attorney
yesterday.
He said yes,
we can broaden it.
I didn't think it would
have a broader impact in
that way.
I was trying to do
something to help
municipalities regulate on
their county road.
Having said that, being
that commissioner lopez
did bring up the type of
speed limit that could
potentially be slightly
different, I would ask my
colleagues for the support
to waive the rules and let
me at least have the
ability to work on almost
an amendment to this item
so that we can bring
something forward that MAY
also want to help the
unincorporated areas, I
don't know.
That way I'm not going to
be blocked from bringing
something because someone
MAY have a hold on them.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
okay, so let's do this.
That works for me, too, so
let's take a vote on this
item 1st and if there's no
further discussion on it
and I'll entertain the
motion from commissioner
steinberg on if it exists.
There MAY not be a hold on
it, but if there is, waive
the rules to --
>> shall it.
>> Raquel Regalado: it's
been moved by commissioner
regalado, seconded by the
vice chair.
Clerk, please call the
roll.
>> commissioner gonzalez.
>> for.
[Roll call]
>> I thought it was gonna
be a skinny minute, but
the answer was yes.
>> chairmann rodriguez.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
vote yes.
>> Mayor Levine Cava: now
commissioner steinberg
moves in the event
necessary, but moves to --
jerry?
>> CHAIRMAN, point of
order.
If she just brought an
item, and then if there
was a hold, her bringing
in item would've
eliminated the hold.
Somebody else might have a
hold.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
jerry, is there --
>> we don't know if there
is a hold, but all she is
saying she would like to
work on an item amending
this one, so to the extent
the board waives the rules
to allow her to work on
that item.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
it's been moved, it's been
seconded.
Ll in favor
say aye say aye.
>> aye.
>> so we just placed
steinberg in first place
now?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: we
did on that one item, so
congrats to steinberg.
Vice chair, do you want to
take a point of privilege
to recognize some of your
interns?
>> thank you, MR.
CHAIRMAN.
Today we have the future
of america sitting here in
the chambers and I'm going
to ask those young lady
and young men who have
been interning in my
office to stand up and be
recognized.
Ladies and gentlemen,
these are the future
interns.
[Applause]
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
MR. CHAIRMAN, I have the
honor and privilege of
actually representing
these young individuals,
but they represent the
community and there are a
total of 21 of them
working out of our office.
Each year we have at least
20 interns, so each year
we try to show the force
of what the future is
going to look like by way
of these individuals, so
thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you all for being
here today and being
interns for the vice
chair.
Ll right, moving
on with our list.
I've got is 5f next?
>> yes.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
I'll entertain nationain a
motion.
Seconded by commissioner
lopez and then
commissioner regalado?
>> Raquel Regalado: point
of privilege, I just want
to make sure that the
attorneys had that vote
for also 11 a 24.
The two of them went
together.
Don't know if
they read it they said
that.
That's why we pooled it so
it could go together.
>> we did not, but I mean,
we could do it now at the
chairs discretion.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
we'll take it in a second
because I already have a
motion and second on 5f.
You are recognized,
regalado.
>> Raquel Regalado: go to
5f and come back.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
already have a motion and
a second, so.
>> Raquel Regalado: so on
5f, I just want to mention
something to the board
just to give you some
numbers.
We have a lot of bond
items that were added to
this agenda and I want to
speak a little bit later
specifically about the
ports one, but just to
give you an idea on the
number, if you combine all
these items, you get in
this agenda alone we're
drawing down or
authorizing $1.7 billion.
We have 5p that is the
transit for 35 million.
We have 5f, 38 million for
capital that we're
discussing now.
We have 5g 35 million for
general obligation.
We have public facilities
and 5h, 275 million.
We have 5I, which is the
one I'm most interested
in, 700 million.
We have 5j, 480 million.
And the total is 2.1
billion, but then you back
out what we are paying
down for debt that we
already issued.
This particular one, it's
a little concerning
because this is the one
that functions a little
bit like a credit card,
and I just want everyone
to understand that a,
we're drawing down at a
time where interest rates
are very high.
B, we can continue to the
way we've been doing it
with the short-term
financing.
We don't know what's going
to happen with property
taxes and all of this
impacts our debt
financing, so debt
financing goes up.
This is a lot of drawdown.
You know, everybody wants
to be a fiscal
conservative.
I'm not against some of
these, but it is a lot of
money that we're drawing
down.
Looked at the
programming.
Some of it is good, some
of it when we talk about
the ports, I disagree with
you given everything
that's happening there,
but I think we should all
be very mindful of the
impact that this amount of
drawdown is going to have
on next year's budget
specifically on the debt
financing aspect and what
we're paying.
We are pushing this out 30
years and in many cases we
are paying over a 6%.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
MADAME Mayor?
>> Mayor Levine Cava:
yes.
Thank you, MR. Chair.
I just want to say I
utilize my prerogative
under the charter to put
in item on the agenda
today that actually
addresses this very issue,
but because it wasn't
pooled by any
commissioner, it's not on
any of your discussion
sections.
I would like to highlight
for you what we've been
able to do with our credit
rating and bonds in the
county.
Since I've become mayor.
I'm extremely proud of
this fact and that's why I
put together the report
for you and it underscores
our strong financial
decision, policy
effectiveness, and
transparent governance
profile.
N fact, we have
saved as of the last count
$800 million of taxpayer
money because we have been
able to renegotiate 13
credit rating upgrades and
we have consistently
strong across multiple
credits from the national
rating agency.
Obviously, when they give
us those ratings and we
are able to negotiate our
bonds favorably, that's
because they look at our
policies and they feel
confident.
I just wanted to let you
know that yes, of course
we have to be mindful of
how much money we borrow.
We also know that if tax
reform passes that will
compromise our ability, so
that is something to be
mindful of looking ahead,
but we have one of the
strongest ratings anywhere
in the country, so I think
we should be very proud of
that and because it has
not been an official
regular report to the
board, I commend to you
item 2b 14.
Please look at it.
We have our bond leader,
alyssa would, with us
here.
She has won the national
bond, I don't want to call
her council, the counsel
of the year and went to
washington, dc to receive
that prize last year.
We have very strong fiscal
-- in the county.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
we're good.
Clerk, these call the
roll.
>> commissioner lopez.
>> yes.
> commissioner
regalado.
>> Raquel Regalado: no on
this one.
>> commissioner steinberg.
Commissioner bastien.
Commissioner bermudez.
Commissioner cohen
higgins.
>> Danielle Cohen Higgins:
for.
>> commissioner gilbert.
>> Oliver Gilbert: yes on
this one.
>> commissioner gonzalez..
Vice-CHAIRMAN Mcghee.
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
yes, not to this one.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
vote yes.
All right.
5g and 5h, commissioner
regalado, you bifurcated
both of them.
I don't know if you want
to speak on them
separately.
I think it was you.
First I'll entertain a
motion on 5g and 5h.
Commissioner regalado,
you're recognized.
>> I'm fine.
I mean, I think the ad
valorem is the bigger
issue because of the
impact it has on the debt
service.
I think we're paying down
some of it and we are
still pulling down a lot,
but I looked over the list
and it's not agree just.
So happy to move it.
> it's been moved, it's
been seconded.
Clerk, please call the
roll on 5g and h.
>> commissioner
steinberg.
Commissioner bastien.
>> Marleine Bastien: yes.
>> commissioner cohen
higgins.
>> Danielle Cohen Higgins:
for.
>> senator garcia.
Commissioner gilbert.
Commissioner gonzalez.
>> Roberto Gonzalez: for.
>> commissioner lopez.
>> Vicki Lopez: yes.
CHAIRMAN Rodriquez.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
vote yes.
I'll entertain a motion on
5l moved by commissioner
bastien seconded by
commissioner gilbert.
I have commissioners
bastien and orbis
bifurcating the item just
to vote no.
Clerk, please call the
roll.
>>.
[Roll call] Motion passes
7-5.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
I'll entertain a motion on
5I.
You want to bifurcate?
>> 5I was bifurcated.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
okay.
I didn't have it on my
list, but 5I.
We also need to go back
and take that other one?
Let's take that vote that
goes with what's the other
one?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: 11
a 24.
>> so it's been moved by
commissioner regalado,
seconded by commissioner
gilbert.
Is that a roll call?
No, right?
That's a voice vote.
All in favor say aye five
by saying aye.
All opposed, was 5I
bifurcated?
It was not bifurcated.
It already past.
>> I do not show it as
bifurcated, but the board
can discuss.
>> I'm going to vote no
and discuss it.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
the thing is already past,
so we need to reconsider
the whole.
We can discuss it, I think
you can change your vote
with the clerk, right?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
okay, so it is a public
hearing item.
If the board wishes to
reconsider it, it would
have to be notice.
we are past that item.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
we are not doing that.
Can you change your vote
with the clerk?
>> she can change her
vote.
What I would suggest
though is because we have
moved on we would have to
waive the rules to allow
her to change her vote and
record it as a no.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
we could do that.
Are we okay with that for
purposes of the vote?
>> I want to discuss it.
I pulled it.
I don't know what
happened.
T's on my
list.
I even mentioned itt with
the port director that it
was on here, so I don't
know where the disconnect
is, but.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
I'm not doubting it.
I'm just not opening
public hearing because
some folks MAY have left
already.
>> but we don't have to
open public hearing --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
she can still discuss it
without me opening up
public hearing?
>> yes.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you want to do a motion on
five a so you can record
your no vote?
All in favorite of that
signify by saying aye.
All opposed, nay. Now do
I need the item again?
Now you can discuss 5I.
>> all right.
5I, I just want to mention
a few things on 5I that I
find concerning.
I understand we are
retiring the outstanding.
I have no issue with the
200 million for that.
This is a common vehicle
and the interest rate is
fine.
My concern with this item,
which is 700 in total, is
the 380 million for a
series of projects.
The projects, unlike many
of the other items, do not
have the amounts.
If you go through the item
in exhibit a in particular
you can figure out what
they are.
Some of them we've heard
about before.
For example, the new birth
and 10 terminal t
expansion.
Rail and gate expansion,
the gantry cranes, which
we've been asking for a
very long time.
What is the cost of those?
There is no enumeration on
that.
A lot of these items when
I went and I compared it
to the capital plan and
the other report items,
there were numbers.
I think the reason why
there's no numbers in this
item is because this item
also includes the fuel
facility property.
So in this item, we are
drawing down for that
purchase.
We are currently in
litigation for a taking on
that and I don't
understand why we're
drawing down without
specificity because we
cannot put a number on
that.
I think that given the
litigation and everything
that's happening at the
port, we should continue
financing with commercial
paper and wait for us to
have an actual number
before we draw down.
Specifically in terms of
the current market
conditions, you know,
right now muniz have
flooded.
While I agree with the
mayor that we have been
able to save by
restructuring our debt as
in the case of the transit
item, I do not believe
that this is the case with
this item.
This item is being done
this way so that the
county has access to
funding that this board
then has to approve and I
think that we should wait
for this board to approve
that because we are
putting the cart in front
of the horse.
E have a
litigation.
We haven't decided on a
price and now we are
drawing down money just to
have it there at a very
high cost to the county.
And the fact that the port
is an enterprise fund
doesn't remediate the
issue that we're approving
a bond that does not have
numbers attached to these
projects.
it is very fungible.
And I don't understand why
we are doing this at this
moment.
This can wait.
We can continue having
commercial paper.
The port leadership is
currently in position.
Today, we hired a new
director, so why are we
doing this without waiting
for that director to
determine what exactly
needs to be done at the
port?
I think part of the
problem here is we
continue to run port miami
as if there's no problems
even though there's a
million problems.
Ne
last issue I want to point
out here is included in
this list of issues of
projects that we're going
to fund is the connection
to, you know, the
connection that we did at
the port, the shore power
and I want some
information from our
attorneys regarding short
power.
I don't understand why we
are still talking about
short power.
Brian -- we now have to
look at everything that
has to do with green
energy.
Shore power was way more
expensive than what we
were originally told.
Now we are drawing down
money to extend a program
that I think we're going
to be prohibited from
doing at the port because
of its high cost.
Short power has ended up
being more expensive to
the cruise lines than the
other alternatives and I
don't think that we should
draw down for short power.
We need actual numbers on
what short power has cost.
If this was electric
buses, everyone would be
hair on fire.
Short power is no
different.
So you know, we can't keep
making the same mistake.
The only thing I asked the
administration is to make
different mistakes.
On this particular one we
know that short power is
problematic, so why is it
on here?
If the attorneys could
speak a little bit as two
short power and if we've
made a determination as to
its applicability given
the state law that
recently asked us to
scrutinize these projects
in terms of their return
on investment.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you.
All right.
5o.
>> he has to respond.
We are waiting for the
response there.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
what was the question?
> county attorney?
On short power?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you can respond and then,
yeah.
Speed as to the net than
that zero legislation is
actions of the county
government or state
governments are
problematic if it's solely
in advance of the net zero
policy.
If there are other reasons
or considerations, even
reasons that does not make
the actions or the
policies --
>> what about the
requirement of return on
investments in terms of
the cost?
>> we'll get back to you
on that.
>> thank you.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
I'll entertain a motion on
5 capital zero?
It's been motioned by
cohen higgins seconded by
garcia.
>> it's in my district.
I wanted to state
something on the record.
I had deferred at this
item twice and I
understand is
quasijudicial, but that's
because it's an
administrative item, as I
understand.
I just wanted to ensure
that the residents that
live adjacent to this
property or parcel were
aware of what was coming
to their neighborhood and
that they had an
opportunity to express
their concerns.
I understand that the
administration has reached
out and notified them
because it's very
important for me to let
the constituents know when
a change like this is
coming to their
neighborhood.
Ith that,
thank you, MR. Chair.
I have no further comments
on this.
> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
thank you, commissioner.
And commissioner garcia.
No?
Clerk, please -- are you
supportive, commissioner
orbis?
>> Natalie Milian Orbis:
I'm not really, but from
what I understand it's
quasijudicial, so we can't
-- I'm okay with it.
I'll be a no.
That's okay.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
,please call the roll.
>> commissioner steinberg.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
it's been moved and
seconded, yes.
>>.
[Roll call].
[Roll call] Motion fails
I'll entertain a motion on
5u.
Senator garcia, you are --
okay, clerk, please call
the roll.
>>.
[Roll call]Motion passes
11-1.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
MR. MADAME attorney, is
that it for the public
hearing items?
>> yes.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
before we get into second
reading items, I'm going
to pull some from the item
reading list.
As I understand, some
folks are here for this.
I'm going to pull 11 a 14,
15, 16, 17, and 20, which
are the charter review
ballots.
And I have some pooling
commissioners.
I'm going to go ahead and
take them up one by one.
Regalado?
>> Raquel Regalado:
flipping through.
By the way, I have an
airport item.
I hope we can take it up.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
we are going to get to all
of them.
E are going to
get to kelly tractor even.
I promise.
>> Raquel Regalado: okay.
So this was 11 a 14.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
yes, it's a charter
review.
Ballot recommendations
from the task force.
>> Raquel Regalado: they
were added late, so it's
not on this one.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: 11
a 15, commissioner vice
CHAIRMAN, you are the one
pulling commissioner on 11
a 15.
You're recognized.
>> thank you, MR.
CHAIRMAN.
Just wanted to hear from
the sponsor what this item
seeks to do.
>> what this item seeks
to do.
No?
You go ahead.
>> MR. Vice chair, this is
one of the
recommendations.
Currently, the charter
provides that an
individual who wants to
run for district
commission seat has to
reside within the district
for at least six months
prior to the election.
This would increase the
requirement so an
individual would have to
reside within the district
for at least a year before
being eligible to run for
office.
>> vice CHAIRMAN?
>> thank you to the county
attorney for the answer.
My follow-up question is
is it the same in broward
county and palm beach or
do they have six months or
do they have a year and
how are we looking to the
south of us in monroe
county?
>> vice chair, I do not
have the answer to that
question.
I would have to do some
research, and I can do
that now while the
commission deliberates.
>> my next question is
also to will there be a
financial impact to the
county as it relates to
this particular item?
>> I'll leave it to the
administration to answer.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: it
seems like they are
nodding their heads.
To you guys want to
actually acknowledge and
say no?
>> I know there was
substantial discussion
about all of this.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
come on up.
You're up.
We always love to have you
in our chamber.
Questions specific.
Shall this charter review
recommendation have a
fiscal impact on the
county?
>> I'm sorry, this is
about the qualifying
period?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
this is the qualifying
period.
>> yes, we did not
specifically discuss that
at the charter review
process, but I don't
believe it would.
There's no additional
money to be spent whether
someone made this six
months or years before.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you're still an attorney,
managed to
>> by the way for the
record, dennis here as the
chair of the charter of
the task force.
If I could just take a
second to thank of course
the mayor and all of you
for your support
throughout the process and
the sponsor commissioner
cohen higgins.
>> dennis, the next
question is do we know
what's happening to the
north of us, to the south
of us, and to the west?
Are other counties doing
this exact same thing?
Is it six months, is it a
year?
Where are we?
>> during our
deliberations, I don't
think we had information
specifically looking the
other counties to see what
they were doing.
This was an item brought
by one of the task force
members and we briefly
discussed the concept of
it being good to be in the
district for longer.
But there were other items
that had a comparison
where staff had done
research, this was not
one.
>> I'm just asking a
question because it's
going from six months to a
year.
And I'm sure it's a state
law or something, but I'm
just trying to figure out
why now?
Specifically, why this?
What happened?
Something triggered this.
>> there wasn't a specific
event.
It was a discussion from
one of the members.
I believe it was mayor
lauzon or that would be
required in the minutes,
but I wouldn't have that
memorized.
That's since we were
looking at the charter and
making changes and making
qualifying and other
municipal election and
issues.
That was one of the ideas
that was brought up.
>> on 11 k 14, I know --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all in favor say aye five
by saying aye.
All opposed, nay.
>> no.
>> I want to thank
everyone who participated
in the charter review.
And I know that one of the
things that was mentioned
was either increase the
time or the pay and I wish
we would have chosen
increase the time and the
reason for that is anepa
takes 10 years and eight
years is not enough for
someone to finalize a
large-scale project.
What's happening to us
time and time again is
that whenever you're at
the end of something
someone hits the reset
button.
I think that the salary on
the ballot when not going
to be in support of this.
I don't think this is the
right time for anyone to
raise their salaries
including the board of
county commissioners.
I think we all need to
tighten our belts.
I think it's going to be
poorly received and we
need to do everything we
can to reflect that we are
conscious of the
tremendous need there is
in our community, so I
made no on his.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
I'm gonna not say what I
wanted to say.
>> I'm gonna say what I
want to say.
Laughter]
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
that's a great talking
point, but we get paid
$6000 a year.
I'm happy to exempt myself
from it moving forward,
but what's right is right
and this is supposed to be
a part-time job and it's
full-time over time and
all the times.
So I don't know, it's
great for campaign and all
of that, but it's not
realistic.
Where the largest county
in the state of florida.
We have a 16, of florida.
We have a 16, 17,017
billion-dollar budget.
We get paid $6000 a year.
Commissioner cohen
higgins, I'm gonna
recognize you first
because you are the
sponsoring commissioner,
but we got a list of folks
who want to speak.
>> regarding the timeframe
for commissioners, you all
recommended that you bring
that when?
>> we recommended that
that come in the next
election cycle, 2028.
>> that's reflected in the
report that's on the
agenda today?
That's coming in the
future.
I want to be clear
regarding the salary
commission that was
recommended by the charter
review task force, it's
entirely possible that the
commission can recommend a
lower salary, is that
correct?
>> that is correct.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
commissioner bermudez,
you're recognized.
16 I thank you very much
for taking the time to do
public service and come up
with this.
We are not approving a
salary increase here.
We are putting it to the
voters.
The CHAIRMAN Correctly
pointed out that most
other counties including
the one directly to the
north which has part-time
commissioners uses
population to pay
themselves and I'm not
going to talk about what
they get because they get
a **** a lot more, but
the problem is the fact
that this was created when
we became a charter
county, it's a great
political talking point.
Nobody wants to give
politicians more salary
because nobody likes
lawyers and politicians.
Having said that, I have
won elections because I've
been very straightforward
and it's a lot better to
give it to a commission to
determine whether it has
as commissioner cohen
higgins said, maybe less,
maybe more.
I don't know.
Be careful what you wish
for.
The main thing I want to
point out is I did not
have a chance because I
actually have to work and
that is one of the things
that the public needs to
understand.
This is a very, as the
CHAIRMAN Said, it is a
very difficult job.
Besides the constituent
services, it takes a lot
of time.
Later this afternoon I'm
going to be in -- with
some of my colleagues.
Yes, I will be there at
6:00.
I will be there because we
will be sitting as the cra
for that community and a
lot of times in this
county it's always what
sounds good as a
soundbite.
Trust me, there's a lot of
county commissioners that
I maybe didn't like in the
past, but I always felt
that they certainly it
wasn't fair.
As commissioner moss once
said, you know, all those
years and the amount that
he technically got every
year was a minimal amount.
So I want to thank you
guys for the work.
I'm going to support it
because it's -- if the
voters decide no, then
they will decide know as
they have in the past,
which is their true
democracy, which is the
way it should be, okay?
And that is fine.
Probably half the people
here move to broward --
no, I'm just kidding.
But the bottom line is it
is not, you know, whether
it's three terms or two
terms.
A lot of these things will
never get done in our
time.
One of the reasons we
haven't been able to pass
some transportation, some
of the things on
transportation we need to
pass is because, guess
what?
As I said ad nausea him in
2003, there was a smart
plan, everybody liked it.
we sit here today and 2026
and we are still talking
about the same thing.
So I don't know if two
terms or three terms will
make a difference, but I
will tell you this.
Do
think this group of
people, and I served on it
in 2012 where senator
garcia was the vice chair
and we proposed anything
to the county commission
including many ethical
reforms that did not pass,
but there were certain
things that did pass
including term limits.
One of the things that is
important is to allow the
voters in miami-dade
county to decide.
The chances of it passing
are probably almost as
good as cape verde
actually winning the world
cup, but the fact is it's
up to the voters and I
don't want anybody quoting
us saying that voting for
this is an increase in
salaries because it's not.
It is a vote to put it in
front of the voters.
By the way, most of us
including me probably
won't be around to see the
benefits of it.
The point is, if there are
any, the bottom line is
thank you for your
service.
I served on the prior
charter review committee
within senator -- I guess
I still got to call him
senator.
I thank you for your time
because I know it takes a
lot of time and a lot of
effort and I know you guys
were well thought-out and
went through a very let's
call it difficult process
and it's not easy to
submit these things to the
county commission and it's
not easy for this body to
take a vote putting it to
the voters, but it's
probably our obligation to
do it.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
and on that note before I
recognize commissioner
gilbert, thank you dennis
for leaving this charter
task force and the vice
chair.
Speaker designate for the
house.
You all gave your time in
addition to the other
charter task force members
that participated, so
thank you all for your
time on this.
This is something that we
do every several years and
it's very important for
our county, so appreciate
that.
Commissioner gilbert?
>> Oliver Gilbert: thank
you, MR. CHAIRMAN.
It's my understanding this
is going valid in 2028?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
the ones we are discussing
are now.
Here was a
question about term limits
being extended and that
will be in the ballot on
2028.
All of these are going to
be on the ballot this
year.
>> Oliver Gilbert: mr.
chairman, I don't have any
objection to letting the
voters decide.
What we did in miami
gardens in my city is our
charter was actually
modeled after the county's
charter on salaries and
put salaries in the
charter.
On my way out I actually
sponsored the item so that
it would affect them not
because I needed more
money but I needed to
structurally make
leadership and public
service more available to
more people.
We have this conversation
because we have in the
context of the people who
are here, and we are all
politicians, we are all
elected officials right
now.
I was thinking when I left
miami gardens in terms of
the people who could
serve, so realistically
could folks who aren't
professional and have
independent source of
income before to serve,
could teachers really just
really afford to serve on
this council?
Could some blue-collar
workers?
These are things that I
ask myself.
So when we look at the
type of public servants
that we have, it's in
large part it's dictated
by the framework of public
service that we create.
And so I wanted to give
the voters of miami
gardens an opportunity to
actually have their say on
it.
Independently have their
say.
In the interim, what I did
was I went out with a
camera and I asked people
questions.
I said how much do you
think the mayor makes?
And we got all these
wonderful answers.
It was like $300,000 and
$400,000.
You would say back then it
was $42,000 and they were
all completely shocked.
Nd I say how much do you
think a city counsel
person makes?
And they would say
$100,000 and then when you
told them it was $1000 a
month, they were all
shocked.
That was the entirety of
the campaign.
I didn't ask them to vote
for anything.
I just simply took
campaign money and
educated them.
This is what actually
happens, this is what they
actually make.
I don't know what the
voters will do if we put
this before them.
I do know that somewhere,
somehow we have to make
public service more
accessible to people who
aren't professional or
independently wealthy or
entrepreneurs who can take
the time off.
We have to make this
full-time job have a
full-time compensation so
that the vast majority of
the residents of
miami-dade county, it
actually becomes
accessible to them.
O
right now I don't feel
like it is and you know,
we'll sit here and we talk
-- we pass union contracts
all the time.
Ask yourself could allot
of the members of unite
here actually afford to be
a county commissioner with
the time that it takes and
the money that it pays and
their obligations still to
their families.
Those are the questions I
ask myself when I consider
these.
When I did it in miami
gardens, I did it on my
way out so it won't affect
me.
This won't affect me
either.
I'm very comfortable
putting this to the
voters.
Hank you,
commissioner.
>> thank you, MR.
CHAIRMAN.
I have a question for
dennis.
What was the denison in
this item?
I'm just curious.
>> one of the topics we
had set out in the
beginning to discuss was
commission salaries.
For exactly the reasons as
commissioner gilbert and
commissioner bermudez
articulated and the chair.
The concern about making
sure it was possible for
people to serve, a broad
variety.
So the question has become
how to achieve that.
We know that having the
number in the charter was
a problem, but replacing a
number with a number was a
problem.
We looked at formulas and
commissioner moss was
actually the one who was
the genesis of this idea
of let's create a process
and that got the consensus
among the task force
members that this, if we
replace the number with a
process, that MAY be more
palatable with the voters
especially given the
composition of the voters
>> so it was in keeping
with what commissioner
gilbert said?
>> yes.
>> there was concern that
not just anyone could
serve as a commissioner
because of the $6000
annual salary.
>> yes.
>> interesting.
Was there consensus on the
commission?
>> I believe it passed
unanimously once we
coalesced around the idea
of salary commission.
>> was there public input
regarding this particular
issue?
>> we had numerous public
meetings.
Every meeting was public
and we occasionally had
speakers.
I don't specifically
remember that.
>> do you recall anyone
opposing the idea of the
salary commission?
>> no.
>> thank you, MR.
CHAIRMAN.
I don't doubt anything
that commissioner gilbert
said.
I think you're absolutely
right, if you want to have
more people interested in
running, then I think we
need to make sure they are
compensated appropriately.
However, when we decided
to brun, this board
decided to run, we knew
what the compensation
package was.
I think I have no problem
for it going to the
voters.
However, it should be
something that should not
be self serving.
For me, when would this go
into effect?
>> this one as drafted
would go into effect
immediately upon being
drafted.
>> the only way I would
support this is it does
not go into effect until
after the current board is
here.
I find it a little
self-serving for us to
vote for something.
It goes to the voters, I
get it.
But it needs to be
something that should not
affect me or anyone on
this board because when we
ran for office, we ran
with the understanding
that we were being
compensated for.
That's my only objection
to the item.
and I hate to vote against
an item because it does go
to the voters and we
should never take the
voters rights away, but it
should not be something
self serving.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
commissioner or the vice
chair?
No?
Commissioner regalado.
>> Raquel Regalado: I
have a question, dennis.
You have the two issues
and the reason that you
all suggested that the
term limits should go
later is so that it
wouldn't apply to us.
So I'm glad that was one
of the conversations was
the applicability.
I maintain that we should
consider putting term
limits and then having it
applied to the next round
of humans.
I think we can still do
that and I agree with
senator garcia that it's
interesting that the logic
that was used on the term
limits was the board of
county commissioners shall
not put something on the
ballot that would extend
their time on the board of
county commissioners, but
yet when it came to the
salary, because you
created another entity
that would in theory make
the decision, then it was
perfectly fine for us to
put something on the
ballot that would adhere
to our benefit.
I don't think that either
of them should adhere to
our benefit.
I think that really does
change the very nature of
charter reform.
I think that anything that
we change should be moving
forward, and to the
senator's point, we all
ran with a clear
understanding of the
benefits and timing was.
In terms of the term
limits, why did you all
make the recommendation to
have that during the
presidential?
The other thing here is
what questions are going
to go in a gubernatorial
and what questions are
going to go in a
presidential?
>> we weren't thinking of
it as a discussion on
gubernatorial or
presidential.
It was which one should go
first and which one we
think should go second.
We were just certain they
should not both be on the
same ballot.
>> Raquel Regalado: okay.
>> if I could add a little
context on the difference
of why one wouldn't apply
right away and this one
would.
When we first started this
discussion before we
coherent around the salary
discussion, the
conversation had been it
shouldn't apply to anyone
who is currently sitting.
We had some discussions.
But when it became a
process with independent
-- with independent board
members or commissioners
who could also take into
account what your current
packages are and deciding
what the salaries should
be, we didn't think it was
as significantly knowing
that it would ultimately
be up to this board
whether you thought it was
significant to say it will
apply to immediately or
should be deferred to a
later effective date, but
that was part of the
discussion.
>> Raquel Regalado: thank
you.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
I want to call a vote, but
here's -- here's the
problem.
O commissioner
bermudez's point about
soundbites.
Unfortunately, those that
report the soundbites
often don't do due
diligence.
They don't put in the
work.
For lack of better terms,
they are often lazy.
You know, it's easy --
yeah, he's one of the ones
I'm talking about.
Here's the thing.
It's easy to say that,
that this shouldn't apply
to me.
I would support it.
But the reality is that
before my time on the
board four years or so
ago, there was an item on
this board that passed to
increase benefits to
commissioners and some
that are still sitting on
this board voted no on it,
but took the benefits.
you could -- you could opt
out of them.
So the same thing applies
to this very charter.
If you don't want it to
apply to your self, opt
out, but don't just give a
soundbite because that's
what's going to be tweeted
about were written about
and you could go say I
didn't support it.
No, you did support it
because you took the
money.
Ome of us might
not actually take the
money because we have
other businesses, we don't
need it.
But if you took it and
there is no difference.
So I understand the
so I understand the soundbites
from some of my colleagues.
Some of them were on this board
at that time four b
five years
ago. It was right before I got
on the board. And voted no and
still took it. So I appreciate
it but I'm with bermuda on
this. Let the voters decide
and gilbert let the voters
decide what they want to do
with our compensation and then
it doesn't end there. Then it
goes to another task force or
another committee that is
non-interested parties to
decide what is the most fair
compensation package for the
elected officials that
represent over 2.8 million
residents. The largest county
in the state of florida with
the lowest salary. That
doesn't -- does a lot of things
that were not talking about on
this dais. It is a devises
elected officials to have side
gigs, it is sent divide is
there -- incentivizes show they
have a reasonable, appropriate
salary, they MAY stick to what
they are doing. And focus on
that. Feel passionate about
this because I am with gilbert.
I think we need to open up the
pool of candidates to be able
to qualify and be able to take
on a roll of this magnitude to
the very same workers and
caliber of folks that he just
brought up. The blue color,
the teachers a lot of very well
educated folks that otherwise
cannot afford to sit on this
dais. Not own businesses like
myself, not all have other jobs
like others here and they
cannot afford it if it is not
for that. I understand this is
not on one particular person or
the other. The reality is if
you do not agree with it, if
you do not agree with the
voters, I mean it is almost
hypocritical. Let the voters
decide. And you're right
commissioner, it MAY not pass.
It just MAY not pass. The
rhetoric is going to be here
are the commissioners trying to
give themselves a raise. But
if someone took the time or the
effort or the investment to do
the campaign that commissioner
gilbert did and folks realize
that we do not get paid $1000
per month we get paid $500 a
month. Managing the largest
local budget in the entire
state of florida and larger
than 22 different states. We
have a larger budget then 20
something different states in
the entire country. I think
they would think differently
about that rhetoric of the
commissioners or the
politicians are trying to give
themselves a raise. I disagree
with those folks that spoke
against it. It is leaving it
up to the voters to decide.
Commissioner and then
steinberg.
>> I was listening to you guys
and I have news for you. Very
few people believe that we are
only make $6000 a year. Very
few. I agree with commissioner
gilbert on this because not
only that we need to make sure
we opened the doors for other
folks and commissioner gilbert
mentioned teachers, organizers
and all that we forgot the
young leaders. Look at the
young leaders sitting here. We
would like to create a space
where they would decide to
become a commissioner. We need
young voices, we need to open
up spaces for young voices. I
am comfortable with the fact
that the voters will decide.
But I believe also that there
has to be some real education
because I am telling you and I
am serious. Commissioner, you
are making all of this money
and they really believe that.
We are making a lot of money
like $100,000 a year. So there
has to be some kind of
education and to make sure that
the voters go to vote they know
what they are voting for.
Right now most of the people
when I tell them what I make
they do not believe me. $6000
a year, that is not true. They
don't believe it. I'm
comfortable with the fact that
the voters will decide that
they have to be educated. They
have to be informed. Out reach
would play an important role.
thank you so much.
>> thank you commissioner.
>> I want clarity to put it
into posture, this is not about
any sort of salary. This is
just about taking the ability
and the charting today for the
people to vote on whatever
salary would be. I am putting
it in a separate commission.
None of this other stuff I just
want to make clear is that
correct?
>> it is correct.
>> thank you.
>> anyone else? Seeing none
all in for in favor signify the
same aye. All opposed say nay.
Show the item passes. You got
them? 11 a 16. I have
commissioner from district 4
and from district 8. You
recognize that mike recognized.
>> I would like to defer to
the commissioner who sponsored
and then I will make my remark.
>> thank you MR. Chair and
thank you commissioner
steinberg. I do have a brief
amendment to the item hopefully
we will address potentially
commissioner steinberg. With
the attorney please read
amendment.
>> commissioner cohen higgins
to amend the proposed changes
to 6.08 of the homeroom charter
attachment eight will take
effect on JUNE 1, 2027 rather
than immediately following the
2026 general election. The
county attorney is hereby
directly to make conforming
change, ballot language and
legally for the effective date.
>> it came from the league of
cities indicating that
apparently certain dates had
already been published for
their upcoming municipal
elections. We wanted to amend
it to allow a later start date
so they would not have to
republish those election dates.
Thank you MR. Chair and I move
11 816.
>> it has been moved and
seconded as amended. And
commissioner steinberg you are
recognized.
>> we are dealing with I think
one of the most important
questions because this is going
to come up more often as we
have term limits. This is a
great items I want to commend
dennis and everybody worked on
the board on the task force for
the charter review committee.
Our charter is the most
important thing and you will
see, I pulled a lot of this
items because I feel like it
required a time. Only because
this is the most important
document that we have. The
chart is very important and the
only way to change a charter is
by a vote of the people. We
need to make sure we are really
being thoughtful what we put
forward. And in this case, I
think this is a really great
example of giving the
commission flexibility to
actually allow for a feeling of
a vacancy with an election.
Right? This is a wonderful
piece of item to put forward.
Having said that, I wanted to
get a little clarity because I
love the amendment that you
made commissioner cohen
higgins. There are other
cities that get caught in this.
This is really the spirit of
debris -- to run for the state.
To make the determination at
the right time that we can't
piggyback an election as
opposed to it coming up at some
other time and then we are left
with less option. This gives
us flexibility. We can still
appoint if we want to but it
does give us the ability to
have an election. But because
you have municipalities that
also have elections in odd
years which really I think this
would cover I was wondering if
you all would be amenable to
striking the language of the
qualifying mayor cava update so
it truly align so we are not
tied into changing 30 other
municipal charters who MAY have
their qualifying date to
change. So is still states
with the. -- spirit of the
item. Without having
unintended consequences of the
charters of municipalities that
MAY have not been thought of.
Would you commissioner cohen
higgins be amenable? It
doesn't change any of the items
except it strikes out the
conforming of the 70 b
84.
What is the language again?
>> your proposed amendment
4-1-1 a 16 to eliminate the
minimal municipal and remove
the qualifying changes to 6.08
of the homeroom charter shown
in section a.
>> the reason I say this is
because my only concern is that
we are still going to have a
situation. I will use one of
the cities I represent. They
have elections in NOVEMBER
cities I represent. They have
elections in NOVEMBER 2027.
The qualifying isn't until
SEPTEMBER. This will move them
to an AUGUST qualifying. Okay?
What happens if the
commissioner wants or anybody
or maybe we had a situation
with miami recently. There is
a qualifying from when they
submit the note. That will
make it so that now they are
qualifying is going to be in
AUGUST. If you have a NOVEMBER
election based on our
guidelines, we would have to
force them to have their
qualifying in AUGUST which MAY
work for some. But then we are
going to have to have a special
meeting in AUGUST which I am
happy to do. I want everybody
to know what the domino effect
of that could be. When make it
easier for us to be able to
fill with an election but I
want to make sure we do it with
that in our forefront.
>> all right so.
>> I am totally confused.
This is totally confusing.
Listen, if I MAY MR. Chair? My
question is because now I'm
very confused. Is it our job
if someone wants to run for one
of these position is protected?
I don't think so with respect
to the league of cities. I
don't think it is our job
personally. Number two, I am
going to support the memo
because there seems to be a
reason the league has spoken to
commissioner. This is
basically saying and you know
unfortunately or fortunately
some of you have been here that
have been appointed. Some of
you have not and some of us
have not and that is the way
goes. In the long run this
will lead to this body saying
okay there's going to be in an
election in a certain time
period. How does this bring
into is somebody in the cities
that want to run? In there is
any of you leaving so I can be
with you? Truthfully because
it is really confusing to me.
I don't understand how we got
into this municipal aspect of
it?
>> no, I think the impetus is
that there were many different
items that they found over the
years that they have been able
to fix in terms of feeling of
vacancy. One thing that was
overlooked was feeling a
vacancy and I do not want to
speak with the sponsor for the
board and maybe dennis you want
to give us some of the
background? It is to give us
before when you submitted your
your -- dear revocable letter
of resignation, we were not
able to call a timely election
to piggyback on what was
happening. Okay? This gives
us the flexibility to be able
to do that. This is a good
piece of an amendment having
said that taking a closer look
at the maybe perhaps we want to
take away another impediment of
windows qualifying dates or
others will be? If we fill the
vacancy here it is just to fill
the vacancy here. It is fine
if you want to keep it with the
effective date. Maybe dennis
you can give us some clarity?
>> yes commissioner. So this
sleight of amendments was
actually occasioned by an
occurrence during our
deliberation which was the city
of miami elections and
appointment on this site. The
work discussions about how to
handle that for the future to
make sure that there was time
for the county commission
should it want to hold an
election rather than
appointment to have time to
line up with the election that
was going rather than have to
doing it at a special day.
This was a reaction to an
occurrence. By the way do
credit to iris who was the one
who led these amendments.
Since I'm giving credit to
other task force members. This
was a package. These two
worked together to make sure
that this board has the ability
to call an election that is
aligned with the already
scheduled general election.
Which was unable to be done
with the city of miami. I know
other supervisor counsel is
here if you have question that
you want to direct them, they
have more technical input on
it. That was the genesis of it
so it was very much a package
deal.
>> okay all right commissioner
bermudez.
>> cities have their own
charters and I just want to be
clear. If anybody in a
municipality, it is not ours
possibility to change their
charter. It is the citizens of
those cities as they did in
miami gardens and they changed
the charter after the fact that
they show choose. Just one
last thing commissioner
steinberg the most important
part of our charters the bill
of rights. Being one of the
few lawyers that sued over the
bill of rights I think that is
the most important part of this
charter. It gives citizens 10
points that they are very clear
that the user charter when
asked the question that the
weight is body on the mayor
operates. To me that is the
most horton part of the
charter.
>> all right so we have it
moved by commissioner cohen
higgins as amended and we have
a second by, you amended it?
>> she amended it to change
the effective date.
> all right moved by you
but amended and seconded by
commissioner bermudez. Are we
good? All in favor signify by
saying aye.
>> aye.
>> all opposed say nay. Show
it pass. We have steinberg
commissioner regalado and
garcia.
>> and by the way I will say
they are both important
documents, I agree. Which one
is this one?
>> annexations.
>> yes, okay. So that's when
I thought was very interesting.
I can support it in a form to
place in the charter for a few
reasons. One is that we have
currently have a planning and
zoning board that deal with
these issues already. Now we
are going to create another
board to deal with this? And
then is going to happen every
three years. Sometimes I feel
like some of these things come
up before three year cycles and
we want to have these
discussions. And then there is
another issue that I feel that
now we are also giving weight
to MAY be some property owners
that by the way should have a
stake in this. But we are
taking away more of the
resident voice. By putting it
in this manner. I don't know I
can support something that is
going to in my mind we can some
of the residential voices on
whether or not they want
annexations. And by the way
today we do it by ordinance.
This goes into the charter. If
you ever want to change this
again had to go back out to the
people to change it. We don't
have that flexibility to see
where we want to go in terms of
these issues. For those
reasons, I can't support it in
this form. Thank you.
>> commissioner from district
7, you are recognized.
>> I think to mickey! The
situation with the annexation
is already complicated enough.
I feel like we are doing
another thing. I said it
before if we want to do a
moratorium let's do a
moratorium. If you want to
change the roach -- rules,
change the rules. Another
thing that will accommodate the
situation, again we had these
issues term limits where
lingers for years and years.
It seems to be another way to
further complicate the
situation. I am a no on this
one.
>> senator.
>> thank you MR. Commissioner
for the same reasons I think
that when we look at annexation
think the process is obligated
enough. We have safeguards in
place and it is adding more
hurdles and making it more
difficult for municipalities to
annex I think this is an
overreach to put that in the
charter and it will make it
more difficult for
municipalities to try to create
annexations. So I too will be
a no on this one.
> thank you senator I will
have commissioner from district
6. Next thank you MR. Chair. I
have a question for dennis.
What was the rationale from the
task force from removing it
from the planning advisory
board and creating a separate
boundary commission?
>> the planning board already
have a lot of responsibilities.
The idea was have one body that
is charged with giving a
comprehensive review of
whatever is pending. We went
through different iterations of
how long the cycle should be.
The idea was to have one body
that is experienced with the
boundary change procedures and
the incorporation procedures
and issues to look at it
countywide to be able to say
maybe it makes sense to move
here maybe not here want to
balance it out. And that
should be done on a three-year
cycle so this board can get a
comprehensive report of
everything that is pending.
>> thank you.
>> I have commissioner from
district 12. And I am going to
one and then vice chair.
>> MR. Chair, thank you. I
was going into this but
commissioner steinberg has
convinced me to go to the other
direction. With her points.
And let me tell you and why
replacing the plan advisory
board? When I was the plan
advisory board they voted 6/1
to incorporate or to move
forward and collect the two
cities to get out in the county
and then give the owners an
opportunity to add least weigh
in. I would appreciate
commissioner regalado who came
up with an ordinance subsequent
to that to at least take a
non-binding pole of the
business owners. At that point
the city of sweetwater which is
growing by more than double in
size took over the largest
commercial area that the money
went directly to his county.
Dennis, you have a great
committee. I agreed with
probably everything else. But
this one the more I think about
it and the more I hear my
colleagues, I got to be honest
with you. I think that this
body when you were here as an
attorney on many occasions
going back as far as 2002 had
looked at full incorporation of
the county. But to have
municipalities cherry pick
their remainder of the parts of
the county that provides blue
lagoon for example. It is not
in my district. The largest
corporate park that we have.
And the city of miami did try
one point to make it a part of
the city of miami. I think
that pab can handle it.
They're not that busy. They
don't appear to be a visit.
Abby remembers and she is back
there somewhere. They weren't
that busy to make decisions on
other things. I think that the
real frank discussion we should
have at one point is what type
of county do we want to be? Is
it half unincorporated and half
incorporated? And by the way
this whole vote in NOVEMBER MAY
give us or MAY eliminate
cities. We MAY have to take
them over. The reverse MAY
happen. They MAY actually
cease to exist because they
cannot function and provide for
the security of the people in
that area. And you know who's
going to be responsible? It is
going to be us. I am going to
agree with my colleagues and be
a no on this one. Just because
if we ever talk about
annexations and incorporation
in all of this wonderful thing,
we need to have a real frank
discussion. And I want to say
what nobody ever wants to say.
The biggest city that is not a
city is kendall. And if
kendall ever incorporate the
gig is over. This county is
going to have to really deal
with issues.
>> not going to happen.
>> I have heard it is not
going to happen. What I am
trying to say that is the
reality. Sometimes we sit here
because I mean really it brings
headaches to all of us to a
certain extent. I agreed with
what now ambassador cabrera
said. The bigger his
ambassadors always say and they
don't -- [Indiscernible]. The
millage rate goes up higher
than other municipalities. I
represent sweetwater so I am
happy for them and GOD blessed
them. But okay when we make
these decisions, it impacts
people who own businesses and
most that live in this county.
Just because they are business
owners small, intermediate and
large is not make it right to
disregard their point of view.
The last time when the example
I gave you happened it was
disregarded and the pab was
disregarded because the
CHAIRMAN. It wasn't one of my
mayors and wanted sweetwater.
That is all that happened.
There was nothing else and
sorry abby I had to bring bad
memories for you. The bottom
line is let's be frank when we
talk about these things. I am
going to be a no because I
think if we want to talk about
annexation and incorporation
let's sit down and talk about
what type of county do we want?
Are we going to be like other
counties like broward that has
full incorporation?
Practically 99.9%. Or are we
going to be like we are which
is the exception to the rule.
It MAY have been hit in the
1960s but it is now. The
bottom line is to me and by the
way the rest of the state and
you can correct me commissioner
lopez since you were there the
rest of the state doesn't go
through incorporation through
its commission. That is not
the way it works. We are the
only county that ever created
mitigation. Yes, I remember I
haven't forgot dennis. I like
you but I haven't forgotten.
Mitigation, we have created all
of these of the rules and I
think that, I think it is
important when we talk about an
issue like annexations and
incorporation that there is not
a confusion. I'm going to tell
you what the citizens of some
of the cities of hard to say.
They're going to use it
politically at some of these
mayors of the cities. We want
that part. We want the
wonderful area that they
represent that is the largest
corporate park that the county
has remaining offices. What
are you going to say to the
citizens of miami? Coral
gables?
>> you can't have it.
>> you don't need those
headaches because it is an
unfair analysis of the issue.
because nobody is asking what
about the survival of the
county that provides the
service to all of the residents
of miami-dade county? I am
going to vote no. Maybe you
can convince me but the
citizens bill of rights is
still important.
>> MR. CHAIRMAN?
>> yes.
>> I'm going to add you to the
list commissioner. I'm going
to have district one, vice
chair.
>> MR. CHAIRMAN I am doing
some rough, first of all the
people to my left could stop
talking that is the airport
people your airport items are
gone. If you cannot be quiet
in the chambers leave the
chambers. Can we do that? MR.
Chair a rough count would be a
lot of no on this kind. If we
let the dead horse die?
>> I'm good with that. Vice
chair everybody that is
pending? It has been moved by
senator garcia and seconded by
commissioner lopez for a vote
purpose. Are you good with
that vice chair? All in favor
signify the same aye. It is
not to kill it, it is a vote.
You cool kill it. Right now it
is to pass it. If you are in
favor signify by saying aye.
All opposed, nay. This charter
review task force item does not
exist. It cannot move forward.
>> just as a point of personal
privilege on this, I think that
we should all consider some of
the things that were mentioned
here. Because for example and
we have talked about this
before jc gets triggered when
we talk about this issue. We
have talked about how the
applications should speak to
the broader issue and not just
the area and the fiscal impact.
And I can tell you when south
miami came with an application
that they wanted to take dave,
I said no. I think we need to
take some of these ideas and
maybe incorporate them into our
process.
>> I think that is fair.
>> thank you dennis.
>> thank you dennis for that,
I appreciate it. 11 a 20. I
will take a motion on 11 a 20.
I have him motion and seconded.
You are recognized on b7.
>> I have a friendly amendment
that might help. In my prior
life as a school board member,
I worked on advertising at our
schools. One of the biggest
complaints that miami-dade
county public schools received
and I still receive as a county
commissioner are the horrible
banners that the school
district puts around the
schools. Everybody hates them
and I was against them. I
tried to limit them when I was
there. It is a constant issue.
I appreciate that we are going
to do some advertising in our
parks because we want to
increase revenue. But I do not
want to have those banners
around the parks that we see at
our school district. So it
doesn't speak to it, it is very
broad. So I wonder if there's
something that we can amend to
ensure that it doesn't happen.
>> I agree. I can't stand it.
I don't know if it is an
unincorporated thing or it
happens everywhere but it is
ridiculous. That is something
that I discussed with the
attorneys to add in here.
purposely left it out to have
it as a matter of policy for
this board if it gets approved
by the voters. As a matter of
policy this board, this is just
to open up so that the
advertisement can exist.
Really the intent is digital.
It is not banners and I do not
want banners because it irks
me. I wanted to be a matter of
policy of this for what is
allowed and what is not. Maybe
we can limit sizes. We don't
want us completely say you can
put a small banner somewhere.
It makes sense. I appreciate
that. I think people will vote
against this is that is not
clarified. So many people hate
the banners around the schools
that I think when they see
parks and advertising that is
going to come up. I appreciate
that we do the policy
afterwards I think it is going
to hurt its ability to pass.
>> it was part of something I
discussed with attorneys and we
opted to take it out. I am not
entirely opposed to it. I do
not want to limit something, I
want to limit 1000 banners on
the fence. That I do want to
limit. I don't want to limit
the potential of one banner or
two banners at a baseball field
if they are sponsoring a game
or something like that. By
putting it in the charter I
think it prohibits us from the
type of policy. I am with you
on the intent of what you are
saying. I don't know if we
want to tie the hands of
potential income.
>> my friendly amendment would
be too speak to the fencing and
maybe a percentage.
>> do you have something
drafted?
>> no. If there's fencing you
can't cover more than 25% of
the fence and that way you can
put a banner. You can't wrap a
park. The issue is the wrap a
park.
>> I am fine with that. That
would be a friendly amendment.
I do not want banners at all.
I was still like, I guess
here's the question if we do
that, can we still as a matter
of policy of this board come
back later and say, we don't
want any banners offenses at
all? Can we go stricter than
the charter amendment?
>> you absolutely can.
>> I am okay with the language
of no banner advertisement to
exceed 25% of linear footage.
>> it is the fence. The issue
is the fence. I think you have
to specifically speak to the
fence because that is what the
voters are going to think
about. They are going to think
about the school district in
the fence.
>> exterior fence. So no
advertisement shall be in the
form of fence banners
encompassing over 25% of
exterior fencing. Some version
of that. Do you want to clean
that up?
>> MR. Chair would be possible
since it relates to the ballot
question and changes need to be
made if we can move on to
another item we can work on
drafting language presented to
you and we can come back to
this item?
>> absolutely. Let me get
input from the rest of the
commissioners in case they want
to add stuff to it. I am open
to it.
>> this is the last item.
>> is it though?
>> are we still on the last
item MR. Chair?
>> yes, we are still on item.
>> when I have a chance I want
to add something.
>> first of all I want to say
that I appreciate the intent of
creating new funding
opportunities for our parks so
thank you CHAIRMAN. But I do
believe we need to proceed with
caution and establish clear
guardrails before we move
forward. In its form today I
will not be supporting this
item. Because I think that we
need the legal framework first
before we put it out to -- I
know you can do it after. I
understand that. I think there
are too many concerns that I
have that maybe others will
share. I think we need to
think beyond today's
intentions. With this policy
look like in five years? 10
years? 15 years? I do not
doubt -- want to see
consequences. The community
that bears the impact should
receive the benefit. Which is
I know something that maybe is
not in this. If history is an
indication of how the county
negotiated things in the past,
I don't really have a lot of
real sense of what that is
going to look like in the
future. So let me just go to
my points really quickly.
Because the parks were going to
have advertisement so they are
going to shoulder that burden.
But then I don't know what kind
of commercial activity or
visual impact it is going to
be? What does that look like?
So they should see directly
investment if they are going to
have to shoulder the burden. I
also think that we haven't
fully explored all of a sudden
I was told by the parks
department and by the county
attorney's office that
sponsorship opportunities are
now no longer running afoul
with the charter with article 7
such as capital improvement
sponsorship, philanthropic
donations. Those we had to
explore, what does that look
like? So I am concerned about
opening up the door. You just
talk about banners, I had not
thought about banners. I was
thinking are we going to allow
digital? Are we are going to
loud -- allow billboards? Can
this lead to advertising
associated with other things?
I have so many questions
because the park is also a
beach, what does that mean?
Can we exempt maybe waterfront
parks because those have unique
issues? They are going to bear
a lot of this and what does
that look like? So I support
and I and wearing green and I
support parks and you can adopt
two trees at various locations
throughout the county. We want
to support our parks. As we
are going for new revenue
streams I don't want have
consequences that permanently
change the parks or dictate
what belongs in our public
spaces and the people's public
spaces. What I don't want to
see is all over turn into
nascar venue. By the way being
consistent on advertisement.
Anybody who knows me I have
concerns about advertisement.
I just wanted to put that out
there. I appreciate where this
is coming from but that is why
I can't support it. I don't
know if their ideas to make it
so that we tighten it even
further. Those are my thoughts
at this time. Thank you so
much.
>> I respect that
commissioner. This is very
simple for me. I am trying and
I thought of this to come up
with revenue sources when
property taxes are being
reformed. It is the talk of
the town. It is one of the
highest most impacted
departments in our county and
it is important to our
community. It's funny you said
that because one of the points
you said because I actually the
original form and I amended it
in committee. The original
form of this item had so
wherever the advertisement took
place the funds remained in
that park. Working with the
parks department director we
actually amended that out so
because there's a lot of
community parks that MAY be
some folks MAY not want to
advertise. We don't want them
to be left out. I did however
place a hold to come back to
the board and maybe create
regions. Not necessarily that
the money stays in a particular
park but create regions. The
regions are not going to be
districts, commission districts
it could be the south, central
and north region. It's still
encompasses most of it and
everyone gets their fair share.
I agree with your mindset of
they should stay in the park.
I understand parks concerned
with it and the administration
concern with it. And it is a
real one by the way. I was
amenable to amending that out.
I do have a hold on policy to
implement some sort of
framework to maintain it. I
could earn your support on it
because it is one way to
generate revenue for our parks
department in a time when we
need it. I understand of
course and respect your
position.
>> I don't have county parks
in my district unfortunately.
I want to caution I have had a
lot of issues in my district
with digital signs. And the
way to residential communities
view them. You MAY want to
consider should this past
during the implementation of
this to potentially exclude
digital signs. A lot of our
county parks are in residential
areas. You just have to see
what that looks like at night.
With the lights, you will have
the same problem I had in my
district with digital signage
in the urban area and how was
impacting my residence. Would
it be digital etc. And I
realize I have been struggling
with digital signs of my
district and it does impact
residential. I am supportive
of this item because I do
believe we are going to need to
have some revenue stream for
parks especially since they are
so important to our county.
Thank you MR. Chair.
>> it is not the issue that
you're having, it is not the
big billboards at all. It is
more like the kiosk that you
see in coral gables small kiosk
throughout the park that served
multi-purposes. It is not just
an advertisement mechanism, it
has access to dial 9-1-1
emergency services if your
phone run out and he could
charge her phone. It is
telling that you are standing
here and this is what is around
the park. These are the
restaurants nearby. It is not
billboards it is more of a
kiosk. It can generate
revenue. I haven't forgot you
mme. Mayor. I'm going to you
in a second. Just one second.
The idea is to have digital
signs and not have the banners
that do make it at times ugly
throughout the park. I want to
say once again a lot of the
concerns brought up or
something that would be
discussed as a matter of policy
of this board shall this past
by the voters. And so we will
be having this discussion at
some point shall it pass. Go
ahead thank you MR. Chair. And
to commissioner lopez this
point the city of miami opted
out of ladybird. It is a very
different situation. We do not
have an opt out of ladybird.
Irrespective of this, we cannot
do the things that the city of
miami does. We talk about
digital signing, it is very
different conversation to the
chair! It is about finding
similar to what we approved
that the underlying that
provides people with
information and some
advertising. Our rules are a
lot different from the city of
miami. We say digital signage,
it is very different from when
the city of miami say digital
signage. They opted out of
ladybird. That is a federal
issue and has nothing to do
with us. We cannot go as far
as they have gone without an
opt out which would be very
complex.
>> mme. Mayor? Let me finish
with the board that is okay?
Do you want to input on some of
the stuff?
>> yes of course.
>> I do think it is important
for you to hear from the parks
department.
>> we are not stopping the
conversation until we hear from
you all. Let me finish with
the board.
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN.
I do have, I appreciate what
you're trying to do. I get
this. We are in a time where
we are having financial
constraints and it becomes more
difficult and we need to raise
money and I get that. That is
admirable. One of the issues
that I do have is that we can
put up banners and so forth for
sponsorships. It is the
advertisement. We live in a
world where it is hyper
advertisement. Everywhere we
go everywhere we look somebody
is showing something out his.
I find that our parks should be
our sanctuaries. Our parks
should be somewhere we can go
and get away from the crazy and
the noise that we face every
day. I look at what happens at
the park and I think about what
we have in creating these trees
to make sure that we have a
place that people can feel
comfortable and walk on the
walkways and be one with
themselves and the creator and
GOD. And we are going to open
social where we have
advertisement thrown their way.
I think this was put in the
charter for a reason. Unless
we can find a way to modify
some of this, just don't know.
MR. CHAIRMAN I hate to do this
but I don't know if I can
support this at this time. I
think it is just or cumbersome
and I appreciate what you're
trying to do. I don't know if
I can do this at this time.
Thank you.
>> I understand, senator I do
understand what you're saying
and I agree. Some of the
concerns is what commissioner
regalado was speaking to of the
banners and keeping it as a
sanctuary. The difficulty is,
I don't think it is that per
se, I think it is more
regulated thing. I understand.
And I am not calling out the
atomic bomb but the reality is
some of these parks and
certainly the programs can
cease to exist if we don't
start to monetize the different
options. That is not me saying
babies are going to die, that
is just a reality. That is not
me doing fear tactics, it is
reality. I don't see shutting
down parks but programs can
suffer as a result of funding
issues. Look, I understand it
is not ideal but it is also the
idea is that if you have a nice
kiosk that is a wayfinder that
allows you to call. It
circulates a couple nearby
restaurants that are across the
street from the park or
something like that I think it
is very amenable and doable. I
respect what you're saying.
Vice chair?
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN.
First of all let me just
publicly say thank you for
allowing the modification of
the original language. The
modification that you made
allow for the funding that is
captured now to be used in our
parks throughout the county.
So I take my hat off to you on
that. Secondly, I am not quite
sure if we will have the same
number of interest in certain
districts in this county to
advertise a certain parks. The
demographics are different.
The impact on the revenue would
be different. But more than
anything there are a majority
not the majority but there are
quite a few parks that are
currently not receiving any
attention as we speak. The
programs, the parks, they are
deplorable. And asking us to
take the sanctuary and turn it
it to an advertisement
situation where people can
actually promote to certain
people certain products and
certain items, I do believe
certain communities will be
left out. This is not
something I am just saying just
to say it. But if you
currently look at areas now
where there are a majority of
parks, you will see the huge
difference between parks and
parks and municipalities. You
will also see where people are
willing to spend their money.
I doubt if I get the same
advertisers to come to district
9 and advertise in district 9
parks. Because district 9
parks still have buildings that
were built in the 1940s and
1950s and we haven't seen any
major updates to actually
invite people into the
neighborhood to discuss
advertisement opportunities.
Lastly let me just say this, I
am totally in support of
finding another way to generate
revenue for our parks. But I
think the equity argument has
to be at the forefront.
Currently it is not at the
forefront and currently where
you find dilapidated parks, you
also see a correlation of
crime. Not just crime but
higher crime. And not just
higher crime, grotesque crimes.
And not those grotesque crimes
but you also find trauma
induced behaviors because there
aren't places where people who
are already struggling to
survive and make it in this
county that they can just go
and find solitude. It is
impossible to do that where you
have communities that have been
begging for parks to be
modified to fit today's
environment. And unfortunately
we add on the idea that
property taxes modifying that
area of revenue MAY have a huge
impact on parks. The fact of
the matter is if it has a huge
impact on parks in coral
gables, it is going to destroy
those parks that are already in
dilapidated communities where
communities have shown no love
for their parks. If you're
really talking about generating
revenue, we need to talk about
allowing for there to be a
sliding scale. And that
sliding scale should begin with
if we make money in one part of
e-town that has more
opportunities to get greater
investors into these
advertisement apparatuses then
we should begin with the parks
that are already struggling to
keep its doors open along with
the programs and those monies
should go there first. I do
not believe that this
particular moment that we have
arrived to that position that I
have just announced. For those
reasons I do believe today I
will be a know until we
actually get a formula in place
that would allow for equity to
be had across the board and
particularly in the communities
where the median income and
where the majority of the folks
traveling to find a place to
have that quiet moment that
can't afford to go to places
like a sky zone or a bigger
park where they can take the
kids on go carts. Until those
things happen I will have to be
a no on this. I trust you and
I believe you but I do not
believe that the end result
will meet the expectations that
you are seeking when you're
pushing this piece of
legislation.
>> thank you vice chair.
Mcnamara?
>> thank you MR. Chair. So I
briefly want to say of course
we want to raise revenue.
There were some changes made
that was appreciative. Our
parks director want to speak
briefly on concerns about being
too specific at this point and
as much as possible mean more
to and implementing order
should it pass public scrutiny.
It would address some of the
details of what signage is more
aesthetically appropriate us as
well as -- [Indiscernible].
With that if we could allow her
to say a few words please?
>> sure christina. As you do
the attorneys have come to tell
me they have an amendment
prepared based on commissioner
regalado concerns. It is in
the middle of what commissioner
regalado said and what you are
about to say. So I think it
MAY cover what you are about to
say. Go ahead and say it
anyway we will hear the final
verdict of the lawyers on what
they recommend.
>> good afternoon MR. Chair
and commissioners. Christina
white director I am
appreciative of this
conversation. Because of
course as parks director I am
very thankful to hear there are
some regulation that MAY be we
are talking about doing and
seeing. But we also understand
that the economic times are
what they are and all ideas for
revenues are welcome. As the
mayor said, I just wanted to
put my concerns on the record
about being too specific in the
charter. The charter as
everybody knows is very
difficult to change in the
future. We don't know what
will happen in five, 10, 15
years from now. To be specific
of what we are going to allow
could end up locking us or
boxing us in these restrictions
in the future. Not just from
the revenue perspective but
also practical concerns. Such
as tournaments that goes on
right now, soccer, football,
baseball that do exist. We do
allow banners to go up during
those. If we start restricting
how much can go up then we're
going to start having problems
with what we allow within our
parks. What I wanted to
suggest if the board was going
to move forward with this item
is to have it be general
however you see fit. And we do
come back as we have been
talking about a committee and
otherwise with follow-up
legislation and internal
procedures to put in those
additional restrictions that
you all see fit.
>> thank you director. If the
attorneys can bring up the
amendment that they have I
think it will give you ease to
commissioner regalado concern.
Go ahead.
>> chair moved to amend 11 820
that all advertising must be
consistent with standards
established by ordinance of the
board. And that will be added
to the charter and to the
ballot language we would figure
out how to put the ballot
language to include that. This
would essentially not allow the
advertising to occur until you
establish standards by
ordinance.
>> it doesn't say the fencing
on the charter so it is still
the same issue of the voters
MAY not be too clear on it. It
clearly states that we can't do
anything until this board
adopts. It is not that it is
going to happen automatically.
When it passes we have to take
action and adopt an ordinance
surrounding that before they
can go out and advertise.
>> I appreciate that. My
issue is that my residents
absolutely hate the ads on the
fences. And to christina! --
christina's point. I don't
think that would impact that.
I can't support it with that.
I don't think it will pass
without speaking to this issue
because the advertising on
school sites is so hated by so
many residents. I want it to
past which is why I think we
need to deal with this issue.
Every resident that I have
spoken to about advertising in
our parks the first question
has been, are you going to do
with the school district does
and if so, no. I think given
what the school district has
done this is our biggest hurdle
in order to get support. We
have so many parks that are
directly adjacent to
single-family homes. And just
like the schools, they hate
seeing all of those ants.
>> -- ads.
>> I am open to it. What I'm
hearing is it is too specific.
I am okay with what
commissioner regalado is
saying. I understand it is
restrictive so if it doesn't
pass and the owners don't see
the benefit of private revenue
to offset a shortfall of
taxpayer dollars we can only
take the horse to the lake. If
you don't want to drink the
water we can't force them to.
I am comfortable with that
amendment. Gilbert, I would
like to call a vote on it.
>> MR. CHAIRMAN thank you. On
just a couple of points and
your voters MAY not be okay
with that. I don't know if I
have heard that complaint. We
have had advertisements around
parks and schools around miami
gardens and we haven't had the
complaint. Everything has to
be relative to the other thing.
We are going to have no money
for parks. Are they okay with
hiring to vent -- higher rental
fees? In an ideal world we
would do it. We are not in an
ideal world. We are going to a
less ideal world. And with
regards to vice CHAIRMAN, i
agree with him but I don't
think the answer is not putting
the item before the voters.
When it comes back to this
board making sure that the
money is distributed in a way
that helps everyone. The
reason why we changed it in
committee and you change in a
committee was because, we have
invested our general dollars
our general fund dollars and
parks. It has been everybody's
money was been infected --
invested in the parks. It
would be fair to actually take
the profit and keep it in that
area. We understood that and
that is why the item was
amended. I think this item
should go forward and I think
we should be able to advertise
to the greatest extent possible
that is not completely
offensive. We have to be
serious about finding ways to
offset the looming budget hold
that already exist in parks. I
moved this item.
>> commissioner regalado you
are still a no? We will remove
the memory. All in favor
signify by saying aye.
>> aye.
>> all opposed say nay. See
the item pass. Back on two
reading items. MR. Or turning?
>> MR. Chair if I MAY? I was
advised by the county attorney
that I had to risk it --
reconsider 5.0.
>> show 5.0 and seconded by
commissioner gonzales. Signify
by saying aye. Show it
reconsider. Mdm. Attorney?
>> this item to be
re-advertising it will come
back in the SEPTEMBER 1 agenda
to be voted on to either
approve or deny.
>> is there any action I need
to be taken by the commission?
>> no MR. Chair.
>> we are onto the second
reading.
>> with the airport item if we
could do a real quick? If I
can have the attorneys read the
airport motion?
>> you can read it go ahead.
Aviation item.
>> one second, we will get
that.
>> MR. CHAIRMAN can I
recognize my interns?
>> yes.
>> are these separate?
>> they are leaving and they
have to go back to the district
to get some work done. Text
this is separate from the youth
engagement program?
>> yes. We would like to
recognize and thank allison
reyes, alan sanchez for their
help and support in our office
and internship program. They
are right back here.
[Applause]
I like it. It is worth it.
>> are the youth engagement
program students can you all
stand up? All right.
[Applause]
You can stay standing up for a
second. This is the second
year that we have the youth
engagement program ran by our
intergovernmental affairs team.
I see if -- a new. We cannot
keep up. We had over 50
applications this year. I told
him this one I went to speak to
them last week. You are
fortunate and should be honored
to know that you were selected
among several others about
double the amount that made the
cut. Congratulation. This
particular class and last
year's class was great. It
will be a class that I remember
it was the inaugural class.
This class is extremely,
extremely smart, educated,
polished. They asked all the
right questions. I was
surprised to hear as many
questions. I understand there
is one particular student who
is leading the way with others
and has encouraged others to
start podcasts. Because she
has one of her own and folks
are trying to ask parents to
buy them recording equipment
and broadcast equipment. So
congratulations. But honestly
all of you have led the way. I
would've never thought in a
million the years to do what
you guys are doing so
congratulations.
>> I actually want to thank
you for putting this program
together. You have the
foresight to do so to help
shape the next generation of
leaders. I know last year and
this year both of the
appointments that were for
district 4 found it
immeasurably interested in
everything that we are doing.
Before it wasn't on the radar.
I want to thank you for putting
this forward.
>> thank you commissioner.
>> congratulations. This is a
great deal and it gets these
kids involved in government and
understand what they can do if
they actually speak up. And
from district 13 and it is the
best one. Josc garcia, are you
there? Thank you so much.
Congratulations.
>> they are all wonderful. I
democrats I question district
13 is the best one.
>> they are all good.
>> it is not all true. Not
everybody is the same. Some
parents will tell you that but
not everybody is the same.
Everyone is love and care for
but different. Yeah, I know
right. Senator garcia has
experienced in the legislator
such as lopez and vice chair
mcghee. This is something that
the state legislature does as a
program. All my kids all
through my kids have done the
program for several years in
the state legislature. The
amount of information they have
learned and gathered from it
has been very very helpful. In
fact they have learned things
there that they did not learn
from their own dad. And their
dad is in government. I think
it will take a lot out of this
and make sure you soak it all
up. Congratulations.
[Applause]
Mme. Attorney are we ready with
the motion by commissioner
regalado?
>> commissioner regalado moves
to amend r 1234 b
25 which
approved the purchase of
certain real property rights
pursuant to the proposed
amended lease agreement between
miami-dade county and miami llc
for airport property to offer
as a county mayor to eliminate
the provision draft amended
agreement requiring the lessee
to pay additional monthly --
[Indiscernible]. Rental will
be paid.
>> it has been moved by
commissioner regalado and
seconded by commissioner lopez.
Any discussion on the motion?
Seeing none all in favor
signify by saying aye. Show
that motion passes.
Congratulations. We already
had the reconsideration and
emotion so now onto second
reading items. Do I have does
the attorney need to read all
of the items?
>> yes. I will read them
quickly. Amending sections
amending sections 30 3c b
two.
And 3.3 of the code expanding
the smart sub zone of the --
[Indiscernible]. Southwest.
27th avenue and southwest. 28th
ln. Located within a
quarter-mile of a public
transit station dividing
inclusion in the code and an
effective date. Ordinance
relating to the rapid transit
system section 30 3c of the
code amending the metro sub
zone of the rapid transient
zone providing inclusion in the
cone and an effective date.
7d, we are going to get back
to. And and 7d, requiring the
county mayor doesn't need to
develop and implement same-day
permitting program for certain
permit applications for certain
residential products. Provide
reports every six months
providing severability
inclusion in the code in an
effective date. I have a
request to bifurcate 7b by
lopez and by commissioner
regalado.
>> can I have a motion on the
remainder of the items? Moved
by commissioner gonzalez and
seconded by commissioner and
clerk please call the role.
>> senator garcia.
>> commissioner gilbert?
>> commissioner lopez.
>> yes.
>> commissioner regalado, yes.
>> commissioner steinberg, yes
.
>> vice chair mcghee, yes.
>> chair rodriguez, yes.
>> you are recognize on d.
>> -- [Indiscernible].
Correct the map graphical
depictions property on 6th
street. It is not within the
rtc but erroneously on the map.
>> MR. CHAIRMAN I would like
to put my comments on the
record. Don't know if everyone
has been following in the urban
area we have very little green
space. These two parcels that
I am removing from the rtc zone
is because they are the
traditional allen morris park.
There was a contention around
what would be happening to
those to -- two parcels. They
have been considered a park
over the years. This will
return it back and I am not
accepting them into the rtc.
It will go to miami permitting
process. I think the real
issue was the trees. What
happened to all of the trees on
the property? The city of
miami has a huge issue with
tree permits. Some are
residents expressed a lot of
concerns about him moving into
the rtc where there wouldn't be
the same protections for the
trees. I have agreed to remove
them from the rtc.
>> it has been moved the
second and, all in favor of
that item is a minute signify
the same aye.
>> aye.
>> please call the role.
>> commissioner.
>> senator garcia? X
commissioner gilbert.
>> commissioner gonzalez?
>> commissioner lopez, yes.
>> commissioner regalado?
>> commissioner steinberg,
yes.
>> vice CHAIRMAN.
>> chair rodriguez, yes.
>> a motion on 7e. Seconded
by commissioner lopez from
districts avenue are
recognized.
>> I have a question for her
on this. I remember we did
some of this already and the
city of miami actually is now
copying what we did. So I
think this is codifying some of
the things that already exist.
What is new here? So we can
put it on the record?
>> it is codifying a lot of
things that we do already so it
can't be changed.
>> when I read it we actually
do this already.
>> we do most of it, yes.
Codifying all of it and maybe
adding a couple of little
things. But yes they are
currently implementing some of
it. I don't know the actually
keep it to one day. Sometimes
it goes two b
four days. We
are making restricted 24 hours.
>> that is fine. I am happy
to support.
>> we have a motion in the
second all in favor signify the
same aye.
>> aye.
>> all oppose -- please call
the role.
>> senator garcia.
>> commissioner gilbert?
>> commissioner gonzalez?
>> commissioner lopez, yes.
>> commissioner, yes.
>> commissioner regalado, yes.
>> commissioner steinberg,
yes.
>> commissioner?
>> commissioner bermudez, yes.
>> commissioner?
>> vice chair mcghee.
>> chair rodriguez, yes.
>> mme. Attorney bypassing the
discussion items can we move
into the pool list? Then we
will go back to discussion
items afterwards.
>> would you like to go in
order?
>> are there any releases at
all?
>> we have one release. There
MAY be others.
>> we have 3700 pulled items.
>> senator garcia is the only
pulling commissioner for
commissioner for 8f1 he is
releasing that item.
>> eight f1 lightspeed. And I
will release 11, eight, 25. I
was going to add some stuff to
it. Do I have an amendment
prepared? I will release it
with a cosponsorship. 11,
eight, 25. Senator garcia is
reading eight f1 and then eight
and eight.
>> 95. I would like to
cosponsor it because that is
something that came about with
a combination of something in
my district and her district.
>> if that -- is that okay for
him to cosponsor it?
>> absolutely not. [Laughter]
>> it has been released and
cope arms. We will entertain a
motion on eight f1, 985, 11 825
and there was another one,
jerry?
>> eight and eight.
>> eight and eight. It has
been moved by lopez and
seconded by gonzales. All in
favor signify the same aye.
All opposed, nay. So the item
the four past. 2b5
commissioner from districts
five you are recognized.
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN. I
just wanted to say I am
grateful for the information
that was given to us but it was
not what I was looking for at
all. Here's what I was looking
for when it comes to cbo
funding. I was looking for the
name of the organization, how
much money they receive
federally, state, and locally?
And how many years they have
been receiving funding? I
think that this was a good
start but it is missing so much
information that I would like
to work with the
administration. I think at
least how I read the resolution
that was passed that generated
this report there was a lot
more that we requested didn't
get sent to us. So I would and
I looked here, this was a good
overall picture of some of the
cbo's. I am just curious when
we will have a much more deeper
dive into every single cbo that
refund? That is a question for
the administration.
>> through the chair I would
like to recognize ray baker.
There are two reports and I
think he can help clarify.
>> director baker you are
recognized for a response.
>> good afternoon. There are
two reports. Two b5 is a
report card that will required
to submit. 14 b2 would be the
one that is the response to the
resolutions that you are
referring to.
>> does that item show me
complete details and the number
of years we have been funding
them? Where they get their
funding? That is what I am
looking for.
>> I don't believe that was
called for the request but we
can certainly provide that to
you.
>> I guess to help us during
the budget even though I know
the mayor has kept the cbo's
held harmless, I still think
that we have to understand,
what are our priorities as a
commission? What do we want to
fund? In order to make those
decisions, we need to
understand every single cbo
that is funded and where they
are getting their money? How
much do they get the from the
federal government? How much
do they get from the state
government? How many years we
have we been funding them? How
many people do they serve? I
know this is a big item of
discussion last budget cycle
but I can't imagine me being
able to make any decisions
based on cbo funding without
all of that information. I am
hopeful within the next month,
I will be able to review that.
Because I think certainly the
committee that commissioner and
I chair would be very
interested in drilling down to
the absolute detail. Because
they are matching funds as well
and I would like to know how
much? This is the process at
the state level. We ask how
much matching funds do you have
from anyone? Who is that? Is
it a private foundation? Is it
a private organization? Is it
federal grants? Is it state
grants? We get a lot of
request at the state level to
fund projects. We call through
them specifically every single
request. And we make decisions
based on the kind of
information and that data. I
was hoping that we would be
able to get that for every
single cbo that has been
included in the budget this
year.
>> through the chair? I want
to indicate in addition to ray
we have dan wall. Dan wall has
been leading on the nonprofits
for 30 years or something like
that. I actually had a large
role to play and having him
hired by a predecessor.
Because we needed to have
somebody to help us maximize
federal and state dollars and
dan was hired for that purpose.
If he doesn't know the answer,
he will get it. If you would
allow him to say --
>> the information you
reference on the information
that was required in the
legislation is in that at all
report 14 b2.
>> I appreciate that.
Remember when we fund things
like I have had cbo say to me,
if you do not fund me that I
will lose the matching funds
from the federal grant that we
have. Those are important
decisions to make because
obviously we are able to
maximize funding from other
sources to be able to fund. I
still look at a lot of this
asked, what are the priorities
that we want to be funding?
What areas? Is it vulnerable
populations? Is it elderly and
young children? For me to make
the decisions, it is very
difficult based on what I have.
I will get that item and if I
have for the request, I will
make sure to pass those on to
you. Thank you so much.
>> we are going to meet with
all of you shortly. Within a
couple of weeks or three weeks
to go through in more detail of
the questions that have been
raised at the various
committees this past week and
make sure you have all the
information you need to make
informed choices.
>> I am going to take up item
14 b2.
>> and give us a chair and to
the commissions who requested
this report. To allow to see
what the cbo dollars are going
and how they are being spent.
On on on 2b5 there are number
cbo*color coded with both
yellow and red indicating five
or more instances of
noncompliance and receiving a
suspension that has since been
resolved are any number of
instances of noncompliance or
payment suspension. Are those
yellow and red coated cbo's
included in the upcoming
proposed budget?
>> you are recognized.
>> office of management and
budget. Yes, commissioner the
yellow coded had a number of
findings as per I/o three b
15
required a yellow rating. They
have subsequently submitted a
corrective action plan that
have all been clear. There
were three with a red
designation. One of them was
able to successfully clear
their corrective action plan.
One, the contract was
terminated for lack of
performance. And the third one
, they declined the funding
this year. The current year
monitoring because this is
looking back a year, the
current year monitoring is
happening right now. I am
pleased to report knock on wood
that we have no suspensions to
date so far.
>> thank you. I'm glad you're
pleased to report that. I
however am looking at this
report carefully for those that
are noncompliant in any way
especially when funding is as
tight as it is. I would find
it where there are instances
higher than five. I will be
taking a closer look at those
as we move into our budget.
Thank you for the acclimation
regarding but we have been
including in our proposed
annual budget moving forward.
Nothing for -- further MR.
Chair.
>> commissioner?
>> thank you MR. Chair. I am
going to report -- refer to
2b5. What constitutes a
violation for these
organizations? Why is the
threshold five? That they are
allowed to do five violations
before they get action taken
against corrective action?
>> to your first question,
what constitutes a violation?
They are not in compliance with
one of the many terms and
conditions in the contract. It
could be from, they lack
programmatic records. They
lack financial records. Or it
could be something small like
they failed to submit their
continuity of operations plan
on an annual basis. It is any
instance of noncompliance with
the contract. And the numbers
that were determined by the
board are outlined in a bowl
three b
15.
>> okay, is it per fiscal
year?
>> yes.
>> violations could be five
violations in a year? Is it
every time they apply? How do
you keep track of that?
>> it is an annual monitoring.
They can submit a corrective
action plan. They clear that
or not. And next year we go
out a fresh set of eyes and
look again. There could be
anywhere from zero b
one. Two
commissioner cohen higgins some
of these organizations are
smaller cbo's that lack
capacity. So there's a lot of
work that goes on with a
separate team working in
conjunction with their
contracts officer to provide
capacity building technical
assistance on an ongoing basis.
>> the corrective action is
complying with what they were
missing? What is the
corrective actions?
>> it can be all of those
things. You didn't do this and
explain why? Give us your plan
for correction. By when are
you going to do it? Or you
failed to provide me this
document, provide the document
now. It is the combination of
those things.
>> is there a certain point
where you say this organization
has noncompliant and we are no
longer going to recommend
funding for them? Or are they
continue having violations and
correcting them over and over
and continue receiving funding
from the county?
>> the answer to your
question, no they are not
allowed to continue.
>> is a three strikes and
you're out?
> we submit a monitoring
report to them. We give them
an opportunity to submit a
corrective action plan. We
reviewed that, we MAY negotiate
back and forth with that. We
MAY say it is not sufficient
and you need to provide more
documentation. But no as I
indicated previously one of the
three red was not able to
submit a corrective action
plan. And so we terminated the
agreement for lack of
performance. That was based on
the one year. Looking back at
the agency, they had a track
record of difficulty leading up
to that. It was technically
within that one year. And
another way of doing it is, we
will not execute a current year
contract until they have
submitted that corrective
action plan for the prior year
and it has been approved by the
county.
>> okay so that continuing the
example of that organization, I
don't know which one it is.
Would they be allowed to
reapply in the next fiscal
year? Are they done receiving,
do they have to start over?
How does it work?
>> if there was a new
solicitation, they will be
eligible to apply. They would
have to speak to their track
record in their proposal. But
if it is continuation funding,
we will not continue. Even if
the board has them on the list
because at the time the list is
generated they MAY be working
through corrective action plan.
If they do not successfully
clear that corrective action
plan with the county, we would
not execute the subsequent year
agreement.
>> okay. I think it would be
helpful as commissioner lopez
said to have some of that
information as we go into the
budget season. To have that
included in the report or the
information we are considering
looking at the cbo's.
>> commissioner from district
7?
>> thank you. And look I
appreciate what we were
provided. I have two
recommendations very similar to
what other folks are
mentioning. First, I think we
should have a distinction for
noncompliance. So if it is
noncompliance for not providing
financials, that is very
different from noncompliance
for not sending a form or
sending a form late. So I
would appreciate if we broke
the noncompliance into
actionable. That would give us
a little bit more information.
I am more concerned with a
nonprofit that is not providing
financial information or
programming information or
attendance information. Then
someone who sent a document in
late. To your point they are
new to this and some have been
doing this for a long time.
Some have staff, some don't.
So I think we need to break
down the noncompliance. I
would like the yellow and the
red. I think that works.
Within the noncompliance, I
would like a type a and a type
b of noncompliance. Number
two, I think I understand it is
annual. But one of the things
we try to get people to
understand here is, it is okay
to make a mistake. Just make
the same mistakes over and over
again. If someone is making
the same mistakes over and over
I would like to know. And so
while you are providing this
with annual information, I
think it would be beneficial
for the board to see in an
exhibit 5 years back. And flag
anyone that has committed the
same mistake. Again, okay with
new mistakes but it is the same
mistakes. If you have not
submitted your financials in a
timely fashion for two or three
years, I think that is
important. Even that got you a
yellow because it shows a much
bigger issue. That I think the
board needs to consider when
providing funding. Those would
be my two recommendations.
Thank you.
>> vice-CHAIRMAN?
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN.
Thank you MR. Wall for
everything you have done and
continue doing the great work
you do. Just a quick question
as it relates to the report?
What does it mean in terms of
the color coding that we are
seeing here? Are we saying
that many of the legacy cbo's
that you engaged with are in
compliance, noncompliance or is
there a mixture? X is a
mixture. --
>> it is a mixture. Greenwood
state they are in good
standing. Yellow there are a
number of findings as per 803 b
15 requiring is possible
suspension or hold placed on
their payments until they
resolve their corrective action
plan and read this is serious
violent -- violations where was
it resolved. This report card
you have 117 organizations of
which 114 received -- I'm
sorry. 104 received a green
rating. 100 and 4/17. 19 were
yellow and three were red. Of
the three cents the time this
report was issued one has
resolved it and converted from
red to yellow. One has the
contract has been terminated
and one declined funding.
>> thank you so much. I asked
that question because in
reviewing this memo, it is
almost as if this is a
vindication from the cbo's who
was pretty much tarnished with
the perception that they were
not being in compliance with
the counties requirements. But
it is also a great indicator
that not only should we
continue the funding and
continue watching over these
cbo's to ensure that they do
the right thing. But it is the
very reason I stated before and
I will say it again that cbo's
in miami-dade county should
have their own trust fund that
would allow for them to receive
funding that they do not have
to compete with other buckets
and pots of money within
miami-dade county. When this
proposal was first made, I
sought to get clarification
because of the rumor mill that
consuming the air that cbo's in
miami-dade county didn't
deserve the money or they
should go out and raise their
own funds. Or they ship pulled
themselves up by their own
bootstraps. In my humbling
opinion is a form of
vindication that should say to
the cbo's not only have you
been vindicated by the counties
research, not only have you
vindicated by the counties in
depth research, but you have
been vindicated because you
have been doing the right
thing. And I am going to
continuously push and I hope
that one day this item becomes
part of the law in miami-dade
county. That cbo's should be
allowed to have its own trust
fund to fund it. I think this
is a great starting point so we
can have that discussion. And
thirdly, let me publicly's --
publicly say it. She has been
one of the greatest advocates
for ceos. And I thank you for
hearing us and ensuring part of
the budget that they are
restored and what you did and I
can tell you by the meetings we
have had with the cbo's they
are truly thankful to you and
for you for doing this. But at
the same time I also understand
that with the cbo's lack a
clear line as it relates to
receiving funding, it creates
havoc with not only their
funders but whether or not they
are going to be able to carry
forth the programs that they
are doing now into the near
future. So I say with this
report did and said what I
figured it would say. That
these cbo's are doing well and
the legacy cbo's and lastly I
do not believe that this
particular point farm share
should be included into the
legacy cbo's. I think farm
share should be a separate
item. That allow for us to
fund it like we fund other
items separately where they do
not have to compete for
funding. I can never
understand why is it that we
are asking an organization like
farm share that feeds the
majority of the people were
struggling to survive in
miami-dade county, where
pitting them up against other
cbo's for funding. If we are
going to fund and take care of
the people who are least lost
and sometimes left out because
a policy, not because of their
own volition but because of
policy. We should at least
identify the fact that farm
share should not be competing
for funding. Farm share should
be a source of income that will
always be there each and every
year so they know exactly how
many more people they would
need to feed in order to make
those people whole again as it
relates to their ability to
provide a quality of life for
themselves. So publicly MR.
Wall I want to publicly say,
thank you. You have always
been there every time I have
called. Your work is
impeccable and I just hope this
becomes the foundational point
when discussions are going to
be had that really goes to the
quality of life for people in
our community. That is it.
>> all right so we've got
commissioner?
>> I like to make sure that I
agree with commissioner lopez
1000%. Whatever you give her
an commissioner from the
committee that you provide. I
do not have a problem with
cbo's. I do think we have a
whole department which is
amazing to me. Yet to monitor
them and make sure they are
doing what they're supposed to.
As commissioner lopez said, we
have to see are there getting
federal and state grants where
is the money coming from?
They're good cbo's and bad
cbo's like there is good people
and bad people. I think we
have an obligation to look at
that annually actually. I
would like whatever numbers you
provide to the commissioner
lopez that you could provide it
to the rest of us?
>> through the chair at the
report we are referencing this
agenda item 14 b2. It is about
60 pages so we are happy to
supplement and we are taking
copious notes of the
recommendations and
suggestions. Thank you.
>> I am going to continue a
motion on 2b5. It has been
moved by the vice chair and
signified by st. Aye. All
opposed, nay. Show 2b5 and 14
b past. I am going to take a
item 8k1 for a floor amendment
if the county attorney can
read
it?? 8k1.
>> amend item 8 k1 on page 031
exhibit c reduced 273,000 b
$300,000. The recapture
community develop block grant
from district 10. From
miami-dade county housing and
community development for
economic development
activities. On page mdc 035
exhibit d for the recommended
amount of reallocated community
development block grant commits
tradition funds from district
10 miami-dade county community
services department for the
district 10 housing
beautification rehabilitation
program. On page mdc zero 25
exhibit a remove the
recommendation to award
$126,570 of community
development block grant.
Commission district community
services department for housing
beautification rehabilitation
services in district 10. On
page mdc zero 18 exhibit a
increase from $408,000 b
$508,000 the funding
recommendation for county
housing community development
service. On page mdc zero 18
exhibit a increase from zero 18
exhibit a increase from
$171,990 b
$198,501 the funding
recommendation for miami-dade
county community development
economic development housing
public facilities and capital
improvements. And a conforming
changes to resolution and
title.
>> I will entertain a motion.
Vice chair moves it and
seconded by commissioner
gonzales. All in favor signify
by st. Aye. All opposed, not
nay. -- all opposed, nay. I
have eating commissioners. I
am going to skip and let's go
to and let's go to and let's go
to 2b8. Commissioner from
district 5 are you here?
Commissioner from district 8?
>> I can take mine which one
do you have?
>> let's take up 2b6.
>> it is really quick. We
talked about this at transit
committee. I just wanted to
mention it again. I appreciate
the report on the electric
buses. I really think that we
need an update of what is
happening with the litigation
and the bankruptcy and all of
that. I am happy to move it.
>> moved by commissioner
regalado and seconded by vice
chair. All in favor signify by
st. Aye. All opposed nay.
Show it passes. 2b 10
commissioner from district 7.
>> 2b 10. I appreciate the
report. Only thing I think we
should reconsider when we do
this report is also evaluating
our lobbyist. We changed the
way that we hired our lobbyist
this last time around. There
were a lot of expectations and
I know that it was a difficult
session but we have had two
difficult sessions. So I think
moving forward we should have a
postmortem and really look at
how people did so we can use
that to inform our decisions
when we choose our lobbying
team for the next year. I am
happy to move it.
>> it has been moved by
commissioner regalado and
seconded by vice chair. All in
favor signify by st. Aye. All
opposed, nay. Charlotte
passed. 2b8.
>> thank you so much MR.
Terman. I have a quick
question. I noted we have $525
million in outstanding county
debt as of last year. So my
question is a couple of things
and if you don't have it, you
can certainly get it to me.
How long has this debt been
outstanding? It is almost and
a half $1 billion.
>> through the chair the
director of internal
compliance.
>> I'm director of internal
compliance. The current
collection division falls under
me. Actually the county with
the team we collect accounts
that are older than four years
old usually and up to probably
30 years old. So it is a very
long outstanding debt that we
collect on behalf of not just
county departments but also
jackson health system.
>> okay as a follow-up
question so I know that
commissioner cohen higgins
passed a resolution to see if a
third party could do better
than we are doing. I noted
that you said that only 8% you
thought were eligible for sale
to third-party collection
agencies. Then you went on to
say this was based on legal
risks, data validation
challenges and impacts to
constituent services. I don't
understand that only because
there is lots of doctor offices
that have lots of confidential
information and always send the
receivables out to a third
party. Can you expand as to
why only 8% to be sent to a
third party for collection?
>> great question. So this
report the way it was directed
to the administration was to
not include jackson health.
This does not include the
physicians or the hospital
bills. This balances for
county departments. With the
county departments there is
compliance. It is not just the
collection we do, we will work
closely with the county
departments to have to
effectuate compliance along
with this outstanding amount.
>> so the $525 million
includes jackson or does not
include?
>> does not.
>> do you have what jackson's
that is?
>> about $2 billion.
>> 2 billion?
>> yes.
>> you can imagine why I am
somewhat stunned by these
numbers especially when we are
struggling to find revenue
streams. What is jackson doing
to collect its $2 billion? Do
you have any idea?
>> we are not in close contact
with jackson. We are actually
their tertiary collector. So
they have an in-house
collector. They also have
another set of outside
collectors along with us as a
tertiary collector for them.
So they do have some efforts to
collect their own debt.
>> so at what point do we
write off bad debt? You're
telling me 30 years at some
juncture and I am an accountant
by trade, I do not understand
any of this.
>> we are in conversation with
them because they are where it
limits us for collect up to
three years. We are working to
understand them better. They
do recall accounts often from
us when they are not deemed
collectible. So we work
closely with them.
>> can you provide me with the
amounts that are four years or
five years?
>> we can provide that to you
separately.
> separate them from
jackson and county. I would
urge my colleagues --
>> can we have silence while
the commissioners speaking?
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN. I
think these are very large
numbers. Clearly, $2 billion
from jackson and happy billion
for the county departments. At
some juncture we either have to
collect this or we have to
write it off. But we can't
continue to carry this kind of
huge collectibles. They are
receivables are they are not
receivables. At this point I
don't know anymore. Thank you
so much MR. CHAIRMAN.
>> thank you commissioner.
Commissioner cohen higgins?
>> thank you commissioner
lopez for your line of
questioning. When these
numbers were brought to my
attention when I asked for this
report sometimes ago, I don't
remember of the date of the
report. It was quite some time
ago. I was to -- surprised by
the numbers. Jackson was
excluded because you all
advised me that jackson
essentially needed to be
excluded that you were the
absolute final stop for
jackson. For whatever reason
selling jackson's debt was
nothing there not -- not
feasible for you to do. You
also mean jackson had to be
excluded and so just to clarify
regarding the line of
questioning with commissioner
lopez so let's remove the $2
billion not saying that we
should but assuming that the
guidance that I was given is
accurate and there's tons of of
supporting information as to
why we would need to exclude $2
billion. We had $500 million
that is old to miami-dade
county. This report says as
you already reticulated
commissioner lopez only of
fractional percentage is
somehow valid or viable to be
sold to a third party. I know
it has been a long time since
we have engaged with or
solicited or entertain the idea
of utilizing a third-party
service. But it has also been
a long time since we have been
in a financial position in
miami-dade county. If you
represent in this report a $40
million is viable or legit to
potentially be sold on the
third market, I will take it.
Let's start there. If we can
sell $40 million of old age
debt for 10 or $20 million, I
will take it. I will take it.
And so I would like an to the
attorneys and assuming
obviously I want to hear from
my colleagues if they are
supportive of this? This is
simply report and you all do
not take the next step two out
and find a third-party to try
and sell a very fraction is the
debt that we can sell. I want
you to take it further. We
need the money. What do I need
to do assuming the support of
my colleagues to actually
trigger you all going out and
making the effort to sell that
debt? And again we are just
talking about a universe of $40
million.
>> just some clarification.
There was $41 million in the
market our understanding is
that the return is a penny to
five cents on the dollar. So
the return in the market could
be around $410,000 b
$2 million
for that $41 million. The
county with our collectors that
we have in-house, I will give
you an example to date we have
collected about $21 million
gross. That represents the
referred amount to us from the
referred department. I want to
clarify those are not our
receivables. It started at
departments and we don't carry
receivables from my department.
it is on behalf of someone
else. I will give you an
example. Today we have
collected $21 million of gross.
We distribute 70% of money
directly to departments and
jackson. The original amount
was about $42 million. So that
represents that we are
collecting 51% of this money
that has been outstanding. So
that is why we caution instead
of selling it to a third party,
we believe that our department
can do much better. We can
also provide the direct service
to our constituents. Instead
of a third-party trying to
collect this money from the
residence. The other factor
for the departments in the
county, it is not just
collecting money, it is also
making sure that they are in
compliance with whatever it is
that initiated a fee or a code
compliance that was issued to
the resident or the business.
>> thank you for that
explanation. I am perplexed.
You are representing your
department has a 50% collection
rate of all debts that you all
collect for?
>> as jackson as an amount and
I'm referring to this fiscal
year what we have done to date.
>> you are collecting $20
million not on $40 million over
your collecting $20 million on
what aggregate number?
>> that represents about $41
million. As the accounts come
in they get referred to our
collectors and the collectors
handle them as files on the
desk. That is what we do
internally.
>> what is the number of the
$2 billion and the 500 million?
what is it that your collecting
on $2 billion in the $500
million?
>> that is collected all of
the files are brought into our
system that we manage in-house
and we allocate the collected
amounts to our collectors and
that is what they do on a daily
basis. The reach out and we
also send letters.
>> this is not particularly
complex at all. You
represented that your
collection rate is at 50% and
that you have collected $21
million to date. What is being
eliminated is the other very
important number. I'm just
trying to get with that number
is. You're presented that
there's $2 billion in
outstanding debt service for
jackson alone and $500 million
countywide. I don't understand
how you represent the $21
million as a 50% collection
rate. I'm trying to understand
the math is not working.
>> let me try to explain it a
different way. Let's say we
get referred on a daily basis
on 1000 accounts. On a daily
basis we get 1000 accounts with
an amount attached to it.
Those accounts come into our
system that we hold in-house
and we allocate it to our
collectors. They are allocated
as files and that is what they
have to collect. They go to
the files on their system and
they can have 5000 files at a
time. They act on those
collections. But our inventory
is the big dollars that you
see. We are actively trying to
collect on that inventory.
That is sitting in our system.
So it is in the aggregate.
>> so here's the thing. I am
going to yield the floor to my
colleagues. The vice CHAIRMAN
Has a gavel. I'm going to
yield the floor because I see a
lot of -- I'm not sure the
question that I asked has been
answered. And again I think
michael has been crystal clear
on this for the 6 and a half or
eight and nine wants to --
months that we have been
working on this. Resale of the
time the mayor is the ceo of a
$17 billion corporation. We
use that analogy frequently.
If we have this much debt on
our books and the director of
the department charged with
collecting the debt is making a
public representation on the
record that your collection
rate is 50% and that is $21
million annually, two things
can -- can't be true at the
same time. It will be $40
million and I am not math
inclined I am a lawyer.
Numbers don't necessarily make
sense to me. This at the most
basic level does. I asked you
a number of different times
essentially the same thing what
is I believe is a simple
question. I'm not sure why I
am not getting a response to
what I think is a simple
question. To me it yields what
I think is an even greater need
to consider using third parties
to collect our debt. Thank you
MR. Chair.
>> we understand there is
confusing information we are
trying to make it clear.
Because obviously by mentioning
half a million she is confusing
what the total amount of
payments versus what is not
collected. We just need to
clarify that. If paul can take
a second to clarify?
>> go ahead and clarify that
and commissioner gilbert is
going to come in on that one
after that.
>> I think director was saying
of the $42 million that they
were collecting, they were able
to collect $21 million.
>> one second. Listen
everyone we are going to do
this in order. I know this is
an exciting topic, please come
back quickly. Clear up the air
and then we will give the
microphone over to commissioner
gilbert.
>> the total outstanding debt
for the county is over $500
million. Or $400 million. Of
the 41 of the $41 million that
the staff was collecting and
issuing the letters they were
able to collect $21 million.
That is why she is saying --
>> just stop please.
>> no no no listen guys we are
going to do this in order.
We're going to get there.
Please come back to the podium.
I apologize. You are going to
be fine trust me on this one.
If you can repeat what you
stated and then I am going to
refer to commissioner gilbert
for questioning and then we
will go down the line for other
question. But I want to give
you that respect. Let's try
that again. Repeat the numbers
and then if someone has
questions, we will get those
questions answered.
>> of the $42 million staff
was able to get $21 million.
So approximately 50% that is
what the director was saying.
>> excuse me, I do have
clarification.
>> mme. Mayor give me one
second. Let me go around the
board. It is getting away from
us.
>> I have one number to give
you. She is only talking about
the parts that are in active
collection. The rest of the
money yes of course we are
still billing. But the active
collection she is saying when
they assign a case for active
collection they are receiving
50% back.
>> thank you mme. Mayor. I am
going to say this like not an
accountant. This $500 million
that is owed to us. Out of the
500 million there is only
working on around this year
they're working on $42 million
of it. Because they do not
have enough people to work on
all $500 million at the same
time. So what they are working
on is $42 million of the $500
million. Of the $42 million
they have assigned, they have
collected $21 million. Thus
the 50% of collections recovery
of what they're actually
working on when they finish and
they clear a new file then they
add another file to it because
they are working within the
confines of their personnel.
And so they do not have 1000
people to collect the debt.
They have a very specific
number. That is how you are
getting to the 50%. That is
how you get there without
sounding like that.
>> thank you commissioner,
give me one second. District 5
you are next. It sounds like
if you are going at this rate
they are going to hit $250
million in collection --
collections which is a great
number at 50%. Commissioner
lopez?
>> I guess I would argue if
you have $525 million that is
outstanding. And you only have
so much personnel to do $41
million right now. Here's the
question, is the receivable
amount actually real back
because if it is 30 years old I
am going to argue, you're
probably not going to get it.
Which is why I asked for the
aging. As an accountant that
is what we do. We look at
receivables and we look at
aging. We say, that is
probably now going to be a bad
debt. You write it off as
uncollectible. I don't know
that $525 million is actually
receivables. I get what
commissioner gilbert said, it
is a great clarification of
what they are doing. Until I
get an aging, I as an
accountant can't make sentence
of this number. And that is
all I have asked for. Now I
recognize that we haven't even
touched jackson and I don't
know why we haven't touched
jackson. That is another story
to be discovered further on
down the line. Currently, I
want to know the aging of the
$525 million and how it came to
be that only 8% were decided
that those were the ones.
Hopefully those are the ones
that are current that you think
you might get it. Obviously
with 50% of success MAY be so.
I am still not convinced it is
$525 million.
>> thank you commissioner. To
the administration why hasn't
she received the aging request
that she made? That is a
simple question.
>> through the vice chair. My
understanding the request was
just made. If you look at the
table that is in the memo we
actually do list the average
age with the active balances.
And then we give a percentage
or proportion of what is
actually collectible based on
the benchmarks in the industry.
And so our team is actually
exceeding the benchmarks for
collections of their age. I do
agree I think commissioner
gilbert said it very well and
eloquently. We are working at
capacity. Greater capacity
give you greater opportunity.
However, there is a variable in
their which is the age and
likelihood of collecting. Just
adding people don't necessarily
result in the quality of that
product being delivered. And
so we have maximized our
potential. We are exceeding
benchmarks in the area of
collections. Financially if
there were more resources
available at an earlier point
in time than some of these
things MAY not get to age. To
the point of jackson, jackson
actually comes to us as their
last resort. So they try to do
everything they can to collect
the debt. And then as opposed
to just saying nevermind it is
bad debt, they say can your
team take one last try? As of
today I believe we have
collected about $2 million for
jackson. And so that is bad
debt that they probably would
not have gotten because they
had exhausted their other
resources and have seen the
capacity of our team to collect
with compassion within our
values and to help families who
might be out of compliance or
in a bad spot to find
resources. That is the
difference between us and a
collection agency.
>> thank you so much.
Commissioner gonzales?
>> thank you so much MR.
Chair. I will -- I think we
should probably put forward a
motion to deem her and
commissioner gilbert our
official accounting
translators. That was
fantastic. However, to
commissioner lopez and
commissioner regalado's point
this is what we are trying to
get to. To the chief point
there is some debt that perhaps
can be deemed uncollectible.
The director made a good
analysis because I have seen
debt collection in the past
through the legal field.
Sometimes you can only sell it
on pennies to the dollar.
Perhaps an analysis can be made
to that debt that we deem
uncollectible. We don't have
to expend resources on people
that could be collecting
collectible debt and rather we
might be able to commissioner
regalado's point to sell the
collectible that even if it is
pennies on the dollar. Because
we are going to get something.
The new debt that is coming in
if we are getting a 50%
turnaround on that then we need
to expand all resources on the
new debt analyzed the debt and
sell that. I do not want to
speak for commissioner lopez
but that is why we are trying
to go with this. It would be a
great idea to get something.
Thank you MR. Chair.
>> thank you.
>> my original point I was
going to make on the debt is
just a couple of things to the
folks. We can do on this body
and we vote. Some of the
statuses on what people
actually need. When they use
humane collection, what we are
saying that some of our debt
like people who water gets
turned off for a lack of
payment. People need water to
live. Sometimes people don't
have money to pay for water.
And so I think that let's just
be mindful we go forward
assigning these things to
collection agencies. That we
are collecting some of these
collections are against our
residents. For stuff that they
actually need and they might
not be able to pay for by no
fault of their own. I just
want us to be mindful of that.
And also we got on the road of
bringing someone to collect on
that, I would prefer them not
collect or us not assigned gets
to them where we have a lever
to push. What is a good --
what is a good example.
Ultimately if you are still
living in a place we have
something we can do to you to
actually compel you to pay.
That debt is a lot more
recoverable. Let's not sell
that or sign that out to a debt
collection agency. I just want
us to be careful because we do
need money but remember these
debts a lot of them could be
against a group of people who
we all acknowledge don't have a
lot of money to give.
>> thank you. Commissioner
regalado?
>> I was going to say almost
exactly that. The only thing i
was going to add is that unlike
debt collectors and some of
these debts, we have the
opportunity to collect more
even though it is over a long
period time when the individual
comes back to open an account
to get a permit to have service
at jackson. That is a
different situation if we sell
it and get pennies on the
dollar. It does not harm us to
hold that debt for a long
period of time if what we are
going to receive is so much
larger than the sale minus the
profit that a company is going
to make. I understand how on
paper it MAY look very
attractive but you should
consider that as a county we
actually win in some cases by
holding it longer. Because
when they come in, they have to
pay all of it in order to
continue the process with us.
I think some of that have been
lost in the translation here.
And to commissioner gilbert
point these are human beings
and these services are
necessary services. That being
said I think the administration
has clearly heard of what the
board believes. What I would
recommend is an exercise for
the establishment of what is
uncollectible debt? That is
really what we are talking
about. Separate and apart from
the sale and what you MAY or
MAY not think is the value of
the debt. Should we have a
vehicle where at some point we
determine it uncollectible and
then it can go somewhere. As
opposed to us making that
determination without the data.
I would recommend that the
administration go back and kind
of bring us some parameters for
a determination of
uncollectible. That will make
everyone feel a lot better and
address some of the concerns.
Thank you.
>> commissioner bermudez?
>> I will be brief. I agree
with commissioner lopez that
this huge debt is obviously
something and I agree with
commissioner gilbert that the
administration statement of
collecting with compassion is
fair. There's nothing wrong
with combining two things. The
work we have from the
department MAY be some
collection getting something
back 10% of something is better
than 0%. I don't think that
every collection agency and I
don't have one and I'm not
involved in one necessarily is
not compassionate. I just
think there's nothing wrong I
just want administration to
know there's nothing wrong with
a mix between one and the
other. I think that is what
some of my colleagues was
saying. Let's look at what we
can get back even if we don't
have to add additional staff.
Then it will be a cost. That
is it and that is all I have to
say. I hope we can and that
doesn't mean we still can't be
compassionate even if it is
outsourced to somebody else.
>> thank you commissioner.
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN.
Thank you chief for pointing
out the chart. I will give you
a perfect example. There are
10 accounts under public works.
It totals $64 million and it
has been 30 years. It is 10
accounts. I'm pretty sure that
we can probably say I'm should
administration can tell us the
number of hours they have spent
trying to collect them over the
30 years? This is a perfect
example of the kind of thing
you would send to a third
party. Because either they get
pennies to the dollar and we
get something because so far 10
accounts have been outstanding
to the tune of $64 million for
30 years. That is only point I
was trying to make as an
accountant. That you have to
make a decision whether or not
after all of your efforts for
30 years you have not been able
to collect it. Maybe somebody
can get his pennies on the
dollar. That is what you do.
That doesn't mean you're not
being compassionate. That
means that for 30 years 10
accounts have decided not to
pay us. And if you take it to
a third party and they can't
collect any of it, it is
written off as a bad debt.
Although I would tell you that
no accountant would allow you
to carry this receivable on
their books for 30 years.
There is not an accounting --
accountant that would allow
that. I'm looking at the next
level lx accounts in our er
totaling 15 million has been
outstanding for 21 years.
Again, if you have tried to
collect it and you have done
all you could for 21 years
there are 60 accounts that
someone can get his pennies to
the dollar. That is only point
I was trying to make. Because
the aging tells the story.
That alone should tell us
something.
>> thank you commissioner. Do
we have a motion to move this
report? One moment.
>> thank you to my colleagues
on the conversations. What are
we doing? Are we going to get
another report just to be clear
to the administration are we
going to get a subsequent
report?
>> we will provide the aging
report as requested. I think
we will clarifying some of this
discussion because clearly when
it was presented it wasn't
clear as it could have been.
We want make sure we have that
correct information. We will
give you the aging information
and will also make a
recommendation as to how long
we should carry that debt
versus selling it for pennies
on the dollar. Absolutely.
>> the conversations in the
comments that have been made
these are the conversations we
have to make. Because as we
enter budget season number of
us have communicated our
intentioned but we can keep
saying we need to make tough
decisions while simultaneously
saying that we are not willing
to collect on $2.5 billion
worth of debt. Something has
to give at some point. I
believe there is a universe
where we can use an agency that
engages with the compassion
that we require. That we can
collect as much of this money
in addition to what the
department is doing and is
doing a great job. I'm looking
to complement not to replace.
I want to make a very very
clear. If your capacity is
only giving you the ability to
work on $40 million at a time
when we have $2.5 billion
clearly help is necessary. And
help is necessary in that
department help is necessary
without budget issues. I'm
looking forward to with the
subsequent report and hopefully
we can get greater percentages
of the dollars collected.
>> thank you MR. Chair. Just
to add on what everybody said,
I know you are going to include
the aging and the memo and the
report that is coming back.
Can we get the categories of
the type of debt? And the
likelihood of collection. I
know that is in your
recommendation. Historically,
what have you seen that you
have been able to collect?
Over the last 20 or 30 years if
we have that data? If we could
also get the type of debt that
would be great?
>> yes.
>> okay, thank you.
Commissioner gonzales?
>> I would like to piggyback
of what the commissioner said.
I do appreciate the mayor's
comments. They are diligently
taking notes on this
conversation but perhaps it
would be good for the county
attorney's office to give us
more of a narrow instruction so
that there is no confusion. By
the time the administration
comes back with a report, they
are not left with coming up
short. I love the fact that
you said we should have
categories. I definitely think
we should have categories. I
want to hear from commissioner
lopez and commissioner cohen
higgins. We definitely want
categories in one identify how
long the debt has been
uncollected? Perhaps it would
be a good idea to include how
many attempts have been made so
that we can then decide hey, we
are spending x amount of money
and this is where we should
stop. I would like to get the
administration's recommendation
on debt they deem this is
uncollectible. This is not
something that we are probably
ever going to collect. So if
anything this is debt that you
should probably consider
selling. Those are my two
cents. I don't know if my
colleagues want to add anything
else? That way we can narrow
the scope of what is going to
come back to us and we can all
be happy with the results.
>> thank you commissioner. It
has been moved by commissioner
lopez all in favor moving the
report?
>> can we get the
clarification before we vote
though?
>> give me one second.
Commissioner gonzales asked for
clarification. Were they taken
down?
>> thank you. We have
summarized that information in
the report that you have but we
will also detail and we are
absolutely in agreement that we
should look at the debt and
getting it into the market. We
also believe that the debt that
is not marketable, we can
continue what we are doing.
Which is being the last mile
and trying to collect it. We
are exceptionally good at
collecting the last mile debts
that no one else wants. But we
absolutely agree with the
sponsoring commissioner of the
item yourself that the debt
that somebody can do a better
job than as we should explore
that.
>> chief, I would like to add
because I have seen debt
collection through the legal
field in the past. There some
third-party companies that will
probably purchase a marketable
debt just to be able to say
that they are collecting debt
from miami-dade county. I'm
just going to throw that out
there.
>> thank you commissioner.
Did that satisfy your request?
All in favor of the item? All
against? Item passes. Next up
2b 12.
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN.
This has been the item that I
have been following since I was
in the house. As you all know
we appropriate funds to begin
in the fiscal year beginning
JULY 1. I am always in awe
over the fact that we don't
sign contracts for six months
with the recipient of funds.
So now I am finding this item
that we still have outstanding
items from 2024 legislative
session as well as 2025. I
guess I would like to know, I
want to be helpful. In making
sure the monies that are
appropriated to the county
actually come to the county so
that we can do the work that we
have requested the legislature
to fund it. I am beginning to
wonder how much of this is our
fault? Because when I talked
to state agencies they will say
they didn't provide the right
information. Other times it is
because the state agency hasn't
done its job in getting the
contracts to the recipient in
time. I just want to make sure
that we don't wait to bring
these things to the commission.
if there is an item for
instance there has been
appropriations done in 2026
session. We are now in JULY.
So all of those appropriations
took effect on JULY 1. I would
like to get a report because I
am already seeing this report.
Which brings me great
discomfort. Because we are
expecting to get those funds
and somehow the state agency
isn't doing its job or we are
not doing our job. I do not
want to look back although I am
going to take this to the
appropriations staff in the
house. And tell them exactly
so I would like lots of detail
here so I can tell the
appropriations staff this is
not yet been, it was
appropriated but it has not
been contractual with the
county. So sometimes they can
help move the agency along if
it is the agency's problem. In
the future I would like very
much to know of all of our
appropriations currently. It
took place on JULY 1, how long
is it taking? Let's not wait
until the end of the year to
tell me that. Tell me now as
we move along how many
contracts are coming along from
the agencies and how many are
not? So I will make the calls.
I think it is outrageous that
we make a request for
legislature appropriates it and
then executive agency doesn't
enter into the contract as the
recipient of those funds. That
is my only point and I will
move the item.
>> we have a second? Second
by commissioner bermudez.
>> I had a brief comment is
the vice chair. I want to
thank commissioner because I
have been involved in some of
those negotiations which have
been extremely difficult with
executive agencies. Sometimes
there is blame on our side but
there's also a lot of
challenge. I would very much
welcome the opportunity to work
with you. Thank you.
>> all against? Item passes.
Next, we have 3b2. It looks
like you again commissioner
lopez?
>> I have a quick question on
3b2. We entered into a
contract with microsoft
licensing the nonprofit
licensing because there was an
emergency situation. I'm
curious why we would enter into
one for three years as opposed
to a shorter period of time to
address the emergency? That is
the only question I have of the
administration.
> we wanted to make sure we
locked in pricing and that is
where we landed with microsoft
and to ensure we did have a
massive escalation of pricing
as we continue to explore
different options.
>> thank you. I will move the
item.
>> do we have a second? A
second by commissioner
gonzales. All in favor? Hold
on. Discussion?
>> actually have a question on
actually have a question on
3b2. I know we have had many
issues with microsoft having to
work with us on the issues that
are specific to what we need
for the libraries. What is the
plan moving forward? Right now
this is an emergency contract.
If they are not willing to
adhere to the conditions that
are just not as it is state law
what happens?
>> you are recognized.
>> that is an excellent
question. When your colleague
commissioner gilbert as many
times the staff has been
directed to start looking for
plan b. We have found that
microsoft has been difficult at
best particularly around this
issue. It was not unique to
miami-dade county. This was a
policy they put in place
nationally that change the
definition of a nonprofit.
That impacted our libraries.
So staff has been directed to
look at what we would do in the
future. Three years gives us
time. As you all know we have
been using microsoft for very
very long time. I will not be
a smoother easy transition if
we are unable to negotiate with
them. And have defined a
different resource.
>> so it has been moved by
commissioner lopez and seconded
by commissioner gilbert.
Signify the same aye. All
opposed nay. We still have a
very long pool list. Unless
you want to come into our
backup meeting which is an
AUGUST. I suggest we start
getting through this. I am
good for the AUGUST meeting.
3b5. Commissioner from
district 5 year recognized on
the miami foundation.
>> a question to the
administration with regards to
getting grant funding from the
miami foundation or any other
organization to fund the
operations and activities of
the department of cultural
affairs. Is this something
that happened before? Is this
a pattern where we get grant
money to pay for operations?
>> through the chair? Last
year when we weren't looking at
ways that we could come in with
a balanced budget, we look at
how we could reduce possibly
through some general fund
reduction in arts and culture.
At the time the art community
art donors stepped forward and
wanted to be helpful. From
that comes this grant.
>> thank you I will move the
item.
>> and has been moved and
seconded by commissioner all in
favor signify the same aye.
All opposed nay. Commissioner
bermudez retake up 7d.
>> 70 I made a motion.
However, since commissioner is
not here and I would like a
full body we need a full body
to make a decision on this. I
do not believe as attorneys
clarified because it impacts
emp we have an ability to defer
it to the full body is here to
move it along for another
deferral until the full body is
here SEPTEMBER 1.
>> show it defer to SEPTEMBER
1. All opposed nay. Show it
for SEPTEMBER 1. Commissioner
from district 12 you are
recognized. Super sisters?
>> I think this one is the one
that I have an amendment. I
don't know if the attorneys
want to read it?
>> substitute the landlord's
name in the mayor's memorandum.
The title and section one of
the resolution to reflect the
current property owner as 4106
in place of three super sisters
corporation. And to substitute
the least -- lease agreement
with a similar lease executed
by 4106. The air by reflecting
the new landlord's name.
>> is basically a technicality
MR. Chair. As much as I love
the super sisters because I
have three daughters the
reality is the property where
we are actually leasing the
owners is now 4106 llc. It is
the corrected technicality. In
between the time period I guess
it started.
>> seconded by commissioner
gilbert. All in favor signify
by saying aye. Show the item
passes amended. 8k for an
eight in -- n7.
>> ak for my question was why
the ta need folks social
security numbers? I know why
we need it and sending
information but I don't know
why they need it? I didn't
really I wasn't providing on
that portion of it.
>> attorneys, is there a
reason?
>> I believe the property
appraiser is here. They are
supposed to be here to answer
the question.
>> somebody from the property
appraiser's office in the
chamber?
>> he is in the building if
you can give him a few minutes?
>> we can come back to it if
necessary. Eight and seven
commissioner from district 1.
>> we all know, we do not have
to guess about this. I just
want to say I am going to come
I don't know what you all would
say give me credit. Give me
credit for putting this on the
agenda. Transportation and
getting it out of committee.
To stacy miller, I am -- and
able director and they both did
their tedious early morning
calls lobbying for this item.
It is before the board so you
all can pass it. I am going to
vote no on this. I understand
why needs to pass.
Fundamentally understand what
we are doing. We are giving
money to complete an asset that
we are going to build that is
going to be managed by someone
else was going to use those
resources. When he took public
money to build it up for people
in this specific place. That
is what is going to happen.
That is what happens in the
underlying and substantially
different. It is substantially
different and how it operates.
I just want to put that out
there because sometimes we
wonder why we have areas of the
haves and have-nots. They have
and have-nots happen in votes
just like this one we allocate
no extra money. The money is
within the contingency of the
contract. I had the problem
with the original contract. I
obviously have a problem now.
With exercising contingency.
Thank you.
>> seconded by commissioner.
You are recognized.
>> thank you MR. Chair. What
department does this money come
out of?
>> yes, direct of
transportation.
>> this come out of the
department of transportation
and public works?
>> stacy miller director and
ceo of the department of
transportation and public
works. Yes.
>> the total contract value
you are extending this is $8.2
million?
>> for the cei inspection
services.
>> I guess a newer section?
>> it is an x police active
section that is currently under
construction.
>> this is to complete the
construction that is already
underway?
>> correct.
>> how much is in your budget
aside from this item to
complete the underlying whether
it is under construction or
not?
>> 'sit is $8 million how much
is in your budget to complete
the underlying whether under
construction or not?
>> we have an available budget
of $2.7 million.
>> 2.7 that is all that is
left in order to allocate to
the underlying to finish the
construction?
>> we have already come to you
with our last extension for
construction and this is our
last extension request for the
cei which is in concert with
the approved construction
extension. We anticipate no
further request.
>> the on this one and the 2
million that you just
discussed?
>> yes, ma'am.
>> we need a second. We need
a second by commissioner lopez.
All opposed, nay. Show the
item past reflecting two no.
Commissioner from district 12 I
am going to call up and you are
the pulling commission on all
three items. You MAY speak on
them all together. 82, 83, 84.
>> I want to make comments
about the change orders. It is
a bad policy and sometimes it
is warranted. This always cost
us more money. If it is
estimated mistakes then we
should know. I think one of
these things has 112 trees or
something. But we really need
to evaluate these contracts. I
am going to vote for them all
three. MR. CHAIRMAN I have to
come in on all three. It is
bad policy to have change
orders constantly.
>> I have a quick question.
>> I need a motion. You are
recognized for a question.
>> I have a question on 804
because the work was completed
in 2025. But the payment
wasn't issued. We are seeing
the change order dated MARCH
2026. Was there a reason why
we have over a year from when
the work was completed?
>> j was the director. When
the work is complete they are
still closed out. There's not
on negotiation --
[Indiscernible]. It takes a
matter of months to get on the
agenda to hear for the vote. I
don't have answers to the exact
timeline on the delay but I do
know it takes time.
>> I appreciate that but a
year and three months is a
little bit more in than what we
usually see here in terms of
closeout. But yes, I am happy
to support it. I think we
should be mindful of the time.
I know it takes a while to get
on the agenda. I think a year
and a few months is a long
time.
>> all signify the same aye.
All opposed, nay. Say 802803
and 84 passed by this boat. --
vote.
>> I am going to support it
again but I'm going to make
some comments. This reminds me
of the other agreement with the
airport people here. I still
have the answer from the first
agreement. Let me go through
MR. Redd and MR. Gold and I
know you are watching. And the
lobbyists and I'm sure there
are watching and one of them
was here. I think it is bad
policy and this better be a
clear transparent process for
the contract at the airport
because it wasn't last time. I
have a problem with it. I am
going to be watching like a
hawk and like white on rice I
am going to be on you guys. I
want to know that the process
is fair to the businesses of
miami-dade county and across
the country and it is a
national vendor. It is not
particularly for anybody in
particular so that is my
comment. I am going to support
it because the sponsor laid it
out well. I do want to make
sure that this gets done the
right way with clear
transparency for all of us.
>> moved by commissioner cohen
higgins and seconded by
commissioner lopez.
>> thank you MR. Chair and
commissioner bermudez. I share
those concerns and I wanted to
eliminate the fact that this
award and the airport can
correct me if I am wrong. It
is an entirely new company that
has never been in our airport
before. So talk about allowing
new opportunity and not having
the same cabal continue to come
back to us to occupy spaces. I
am with you and this is the
first time we have offered
concession opportunities in a
very long time in his county to
an entirely new company. So I
echo your sentiments. Thank
you MR. Chair.
>> all in favor signify by
saying aye. All opposed nay.
Show that item passing. Vice
chair on ap nine you are
recognized.
>> I'll be withdrawing my
pool.
>> seconded by commissioner
gilbert. Signify the same aye.
All opposed nay. Show it
passing. I've got 95 was
released or no? 95 was
released in the past that
already? I have 11 a one.
>> thank you very much MR.
CHAIRMAN. I just wanted to
congratulate commissioner, she
is the chair of the housing
committee. She has done an
amazing job on median income.
I'm grateful to see this item
come before us. I will say
that even within my commission
district and I think it is
important that we know that the
report calls for them to do ami
by commission district. I
would almost say you have to
drill down even further. So
brickle and little havana or
contiguous communities. The
ami and brickle is not the same
as the ami in little havana.
As you move around my district
and I'm sure that the same goes
for your districts. My
district is incredibly diverse
and the ami within my district
is really something that I have
been struggling with. And so
hopefully as we drove down for
this item by commission
district that maybe we will get
census tracts or zip codes.
Honestly it has been incredibly
hard to say that the ami is the
same. It is not. I look
forward working with
commissioner and she can just
there continues her work
leading the discussion on ami.
>> MAY I be added as a sponsor
please?
>> yes. Show as a sponsor.
We have a motion and a second.
A motion by commissioner lopez
and second by gilbert. All in
favor signify by saying aye.
All opposed nay. Show it
passed.
>> there's someone here from
the pa's office.
>> made the person from the pa
office approach on ak four.
That would be you. Please say
her name. And title. And we
have a question for you on ak
four. Commissioner gilbert you
are recognized for q&a clicks
--
>> we are going to be sharing
social security numbers with
you. I am told that you need
that to do what?
>> first of all good
afternoon. Thank you for
waiting for us. We were on our
way down. Typically we do have
social security number. The
reason why we are requesting
this is because we need to
match what we have in existence
in our records with what they
can give us. Basically
determine if they are in
compliance or not in
compliance. This already we
had in the past this agreement
with pa cd. It was in 2013
when our office became
constitutional. We need a
memorandum or agreement
basically that is why we are
here. Was already approved and
the solution is there but we
were basically expanding a
little bit more to include a
couple of extra items.
>> I am not sure that actually
answered the question why you
need social security numbers.
Because you always had them.
>> we have on our records the
social security numbers of
every individual requesting and
receiving exemption benefits.
The subsection provides voucher
program and all of that and
provides landlords and tenants
--
>> guys can we lower the
chatter in the back from staff?
Even us on the dais cannot hit
the gentleman. Continue
please.
>> and then we get this
information from pa cd and we
can verify the landlords are
claiming homestead exemption
present that my pretending they
are homestead when they are
renting it out to the program.
The only way to identify the
individuals and situations is
through the social security
numbers. We already have the
social security numbers and
besides it is required by law
by statute.
>> that is not the only way.
I can think of one way almost
immediately if someone list a
homestead with an address and
that address is also listed on
a voucher, you know there is an
inconsistency and you could do
it without a social security
number. You do not need a
social security number for
that.
>> it is in the statute 196 11
the department of revenue
implemented this in 2001 so we
collect the social security
numbers. This one of the ways
exactly as you are saying.
However, we could risk finding
someone improperly because
there is mistakes, the name
sometimes it could be a mistake
with the names. Or something
like that. The homes said is
individual not necessarily in
the property could be multiple
individuals in the homestead
exemption could belong to one
of them and not the whole
household. Therefore we need
to know who is the one
violating if that is the case.
And the best identifier is a
social security number which by
the way I mentioned before we
already have this with pa cd.
The only reason why we are here
every --
>> I appreciate that you have
always gotten this and now it
is before us and I am reviewing
it and I've no if you actually
need it to do what you're
saying you do what you need to
do. If you're giving them who
has vouchers for housing and
you want to check it versus
someone who is claiming
homestead almost directly line
from point a to point b is
actual address. And so I get
what you are saying. Are you
telling us the statute require
us to give you a social
security number?
>> it requires it?
>> it requires it.
>> if it doesn't require it
and I'm going to call the
attorneys and their going to
tell me if it requires us to
give the social security
number?
>> what I said is the statute
requires that the property
appraiser's office collect the
social security numbers before
giving an exemption to anybody
else. So what I'm saying is
that is the best identifier for
us to determine who is in
violation. Because the
property by the address could
be in violation but many
household members we don't know
the social security number
associated with the exemption.
>> moved to different and
second. All in favor of a
deferral please signify by
saying aye. All opposed nay.
Show ak four is for the next
bcc meeting. I've got 11 h 13
supplement. I am going to
start with senator garcia is
not just the pulling
commissioner but the sponsor of
the item. Senator garcia?
>> MR. CHAIRMAN I think we
have seen this item before. It
was to address some of the
concerns that were brought up
at the last county
commissioner. It has to do
with the truck parking. I know
commissioner bermudez has
serious reservations for it
because it is in his district.
We are making the amendment to
ensure that we don't violate
the law but give flexibility to
the administration to ensure
that we use the connection of
different parcels to meet the
letter of the law as it relates
to the 10 acres. When we look
back in history, we look at the
study that was conducted some
years ago where they said where
the administration said they
need a number of acreage to
satisfy parking would have been
2 acres. Obviously, we went up
to 10 acres from minimum
parking. The reality is
members is that we had a back
and forth and I see this really
as a battle between david and
goliath. This is the issue
that we have before you and
this is why you see this
substitute amendment that is
before you. It is to vote up
or down and I'm sure
commissioner bermudez is going
to have something on this.
>> I have a lot to say MR.
Chair. Thank you senator, I
have a lot to say. Let's
begin. Let's begin by this.
These are the records from the
court cases that this county
has had reference to the
particular group that has led
to this item. So the narrative
you MAY have heard is that this
is about helping small truck
parking because they are
operating illegally because
they did not meet the 10 acre
requirement. By the way I was
not here when the take10 acre
requirement was voted. I know
that we want to paint it as
david versus goliath. Small
acreage versus large acreage
operators. If this was only
issue, I would not be so
opposed respectfully. It goes
far beyond that. First this is
an issue that primarily impacts
my district is item clearly
states it seeks to allow
commercial vehicles to storage
of the turnpike by aggregating
parcels that is at least 40
acres in size. Second, we
would be directing staff to
file an application on behalf
of a group of private
individuals who are engaging
not only in illegal truck
parking operations but who have
numerous egregious
environmental violations
spanning decades some as early
as 2007. Where are you
reynolds? The majority of
these operations are under
multiple degrees -- decrees
such as unpermitted underground
base for performing on trucks.
It has electable service, and
proper disposal of hazardous
materials in liquid waste such
as motor all, antifreeze, and
holding tanks filled with an
identified look will attached
to mobile homes, paving with
apartments and best of all this
has been done and truly
environmental sensitive wetland
areas. Not like some where we
approve applicants that have
appeared in front of us. So
why is there no outreach? In
essence where directing staff
to file ac dmp application that
will be a text amendment
outside the you to be
legalizing these illegal
operators who have been blaming
engaging in violating all land
use zoning and environmental
relations. This is not about
equity. If it was about
fairness I would be in favor of
this. But it is not, it is not
about fairness or equity. It
not only enables bad actors, it
legitimizes them. We are
sending a clear message to them
keep doing what you're doing.
We don't care. We changed the
rules for you. That appears to
be with her attorney said
before I get into what the
judge said. Do you think this
is going to encourage somebody
who hasn't taken care of these
issues since the year 2019 at a
minimum? To do anything? No.
We are going to instruct staff
even the legal proceedings that
I am going to get to in a
second. So we are telling the
people and of this county those
that don't follow our rules
hey, don't follow the rules.
And those that invest and
follow the rules hey, it
doesn't pay to follow the
rules. After all all you have
to do is go to the board of
county commissioners and we
will figure out a way to
satisfy it. I would expect the
mayor to veto this. I want to
touch upon something that is
really really important. I
have given you a copy of the
hon. Judge jason demetri's
most recent hearing. I am
going to start by the fact on
his ruling. Instead she is
interested for political favors
to allow her to continue
destroying the environment and
violating clear requirements.
Okay and we had our attorneys
at the hearing. So because her
attorney and his or her utmost
knowledge the board of county
commissioners they are going to
take care of it. And this is a
quote from the hon. George
jason demetri's. This is a
case of a defining conducting
unpermitted activity from the
beginning and continually
promising to work towards
compliance. But instead
containing doing to further
violate with virtually no
apparent effort to remedy the
situation. It is clear to the
court that the defendant has no
interest or had no interest in
remedying the situation except
to violating and accepting rent
for the trucks and violating
the counties requirements and
her own agreement. From 2019
by the way which is the time
and 2021 entered an agreement
still do not comply. Again
quoting the judge that the
defendant cannot take money to
illegal activity and simply
collecting the money while
continuing violations and claim
the defense in his is a
difficult situation and is in
compliance. I am not going to
get into the numbers that were
found because there was no
difficult situation for
payment. Except to say that
she seeks to continue contact
the collecting money so she has
no entry -- interest to follow
the rules. She denied the
county inspectors access in
AUGUST 2025 required that they
take pictures through a fence.
This is after numerous
violations. That does not
suggest someone who is
attempting to come into
compliance. That is suggesting
someone who is doing their part
to avoid compliance. She
failed to send a check for 5000
by JUNE 2025. She failed to
send a check for $1000 by JUNE
20 25. She failed to send a
$10,000 check to our er. She
allowed asphalt to be used as
unclean filled against wetland
requirements. All of these
violations into tightly are
clearly all of these are bio
relations in totality are
obviously made willfully. She
has the money and resources and
she showed no effort. She so
no interest in obstructing the
counties ability to investigate
and proceed. She has done
everything she could do to
delay as soon as possible. Of
course. The court assumes that
was to get this to the county
commission meeting where she
can make an attempt to do a run
around and that has now failed.
So this is not about david
versus goliath with all due
respect to my colleagues
senator garcia. This is about
people who have violated for
over seven years. Over seven
years. I wish laura reynolds
was here because she has not
talked about this young he has
talked about other projects.
In sensitive areas and laughed
at us and says no I'm not going
to do what you say. I'm not
going to let the inspectors in.
We spent hours and hours and
our attorneys have had to go to
try to make them comply. But
this is about, I'm sorry this
is about changing the rules.
This is not about equity. It
is not about justice. It was
it would be a different story.
The quality of life of the
people in this county was one
of and I was not here when some
of these changes were made. I
believe it was 10 acres. And
the bottom line is whether it
was 10 acres or four or 15
whatever number it is there is
no way in this world that some
of you would stay silent and
said okay this is a great
runaround on our rules and
laws. Because this is what it
is. This is what it is so
everybody is going to come
around and say, at this point
if we are going to amend this,
I'm not going to get into the
fact that it is in my district.
I am the one impacted. The
easiest thing for me is to be
is to go along to get along.
Like I said the other day when
commissioner gilbert we were
saying the early goodbye to him
when we honored him the other
day. I don't go along to get
along. I don't go along to get
along. Because this is not
about fairness and justice.
Think of the message you guys
will be sending. Think of the
message, he looks good on that
one. The bottom line is if you
want to -- listen. We're going
to end up on whatever that is.
I'm going to tell you right now
if we do this, we are sending
the wrong message to the people
of this county. Break the
rules, break the laws and you
can get away with it. Again, I
hope and I guess they are all
gone because after all, guess
they're all gone. The wetlands
is apparently I don't know
maybe I will have to find out
what the everglades foundation
defined as wetlands. You have
somebody who is violating our
wetlands and violating the
rules taken our attorneys time.
Denying our code compliance,
our officers from going in and
taking the pictures. And we're
going to say, okay, yes. There
was a movie maybe before some
of your time but it is about
vietnam called apocalypse now.
The guy says oh the horror.
When I said, the horror. In my
district with all due respect
somebody comes in and says this
is going to be it is about
equity and david versus
goliath. It is not about david
versus goliath, it is about the
right and wrong thing. What is
right is right and what is
wrong is wrong. If you guys
want to change that is fine.
But I am voting no, no and
double no. You will forever
make sure that the attorneys to
represent us will never be able
to enforce some of these
things. Because the excuse is
always going to be the same.
I'm just going to figure out a
way around it. Through changes
of the county commissions. And
that to me is not the reason I
was elected. Again, if it was
fairness and equity I will be
more than happy to say yes.
But it is not. It just doesn't
make any sense and on this one
--
>> commissioner steinberg was
wondering if you were a yes, or
a no on this one. [Laughter]
What did you say? It is
getting late it is going to be
almost 4:00 pm. I understand
and I'm going to recognize my
colleagues to speak of course.
I'm sure senator garcia want to
speak at the end. First of all
I understand what you're saying
commissioner bermudez and I
agree with a lot of it. I
think I am not here to defend
senator garcia area we -- . I
think people circumventing and
coming to us they're never
going to stop that. That is
what the body is here for her
to legislate. The district
thing, can see that and I can
also see the argument of this
is a countywide issue or some
dialogue should have happened.
The wetlands and all that good
stuff so let's go to
commissioner regalado.
>> thank you MR. Chair. I'm
going to echo some of my
colleagues points. I
appreciate persistence and you
brought this items many many
times. The last time he came
before us we brought up the
point that this particular that
this was being moved by
particular actor. And that
this actor had a series of
violations. Since then we have
a lot more information. This
is a particularly egregious
case. The county commission
spent a lot of time with staff
stamps in the room and that
rule establishes a particular
acreage. And also other rules
that have to be followed.
People have paid a lot of money
and going through a very
complex process in order to
have truck parking. Now we
have this one particular bad
actor and my favorite quote
from the judge is, that in this
case the defendant is
attempting to change the law
instead of her conduct. I
really think that is what this
is about. This is a bad actor
who has time and time and time
again violated our wetland
rules. When we talk about
wetlands I will say this, it is
important because it impacts
the OCTOBER water line. It is
important because this type of
complete and total blatant
disregard for what should be
happening in that area, it
hurts our water. I understand
they MAY not agree with the
decision that was made. But a
lot of people are complying.
Why can't this person comply?
What we are doing here is not
only giving a bad actor a
windfall, we are changing this
for no reason. Because we have
yet to determine other than
this particular person is short
and acre. What the reason is
for changing the rules? In
fact the rules were established
because of the turning radius
and the importance of having a
particular size in order for
those trucks to be able to get
in and out. It wasn't an
arbitrary decision. It was a
decision that was bought out
and made with the industry.
And of course when that
decision was made there were
people left out. And that
always happens. So while i
understand the chairs point
people are coming to change the
rules there's always got to be
someone that is left out of a
regulation. And in this case
it is not just one left out of
a regulation and they want to
artificially do their property
value this is a bad actor.
Just on that point I hope that
this is the last time we get
this item. Because it is
absurd. There are other people
that are doing a better job.
Durham works very hard and so
does our er. The fact that we
keep bringing this up in trying
to allow this person to
monetize their abuse of the
system it's always going to be
a no for me on this one.
>> if I MAY? Appreciate the
comments and concerns and
commissioner bermudez you are
not far off. In your district
absolutely there is a lot of
illegal parking. There is a
lot of agree -- you have
trucking and parking that is
out there. You have the rock
miners that are out there.
With so when we talk about
wetlands, you can't talk about
picking and choosing what
wetlands are good and what
wetlands are not. These are
between two properties. Two
properties that are designated
but they have not been able to
meet the 10 acreage lot. The
whole thing the whole genesis
of this is not just about one
individual. I like how we try
to make this about one
individuals. They are the ones
that brought this to me
absolutely. But it is not just
because of their failure to
comply. The reality is that we
have a report before us that
says we need more truck
parking. We brought the
resolution and I brought an
item before us and we
bifurcated and commissioner
rodriguez made a motion to
separate both items because we
do need more truck parking area
and now what I have been able
to do based on suggestions --
we are good and you win. The
realities is that we need more
truck parking in his community.
We do need it. The truck
parking just make sure we have
the people that live in my
district. The people that live
in your district and the people
that live in our district to
make sure they can afford truck
parking. We have truck parking
that are huge. It is going to
cost more money to park their
trucks. I do agree with you
that he should have come into
compliance and that is why did
look into it. They have
removed the asphalt and they
have removed the trucks. They
are doing a water retention.
That is one parcel. The
reality is that we need more.
What we look at the study and
when we look at some of the
comments that were made, we
don't need them anymore. You
know why we don't need any more
truck parking because it is the
big guys that are out there.
All these big facilities that
are investing the money and
they do not want to do it over
here. All of us every single
one of us has been lobbied by
one side. Because they have
the money. They have the
lobbyist. That is what they
have. But the reality is when
we look at the study when we
look and by the way the people
that are lobbying are my
friends too. But is trying to
figure out how do we make this
happen? How do we make it
work? The reality is this
study right here the result in
truck parking can accommodate 2
acres per site. It has been,
all you need is 2 acres. It is
facilitated folks. I get the
arguments that you're making
but the reality is that this is
a david against goliath. When
we look at the arguments that
have been made, we don't need
to do this. We are giving
someone special protection. We
do it all the time and we bring
a variance to the board. Every
time we bring a variance to
board we are giving somebody a
favor or doing a favor for
someone. That is exactly what
it is. I know we have been
lobbied on this. I get it. I
get the issue. But it is a
conscious decision we have to
make on this. It is whether or
not to we go ahead and try to
help? Bermudez is absolutely
right. They have come back and
they brought compliance to the
property. And just remember
the people that we have out
there, we have one to the left
and maybe we have rock miners
to write. It is simple as
that. So to use the
environment to issues when we
see all these things that are
happening out there it is a red
herring. MR. CHAIRMAN I ask
for your consideration and your
indulgence. I am bringing this
item before this board and at
the end of the day we do need
and want to reiterate the part
about the truck parking. We
need more truck parking as
simple as that. If we can help
this group come into compliance
and we can help them with this
for this legislation it would
increase and it is not changing
the law about the 10 acres.
All we are doing is asking. We
are bringing this one person
into it but the reality what we
are doing with this is saying
it is 10 acres. Let's give the
administration sums flexibility
as to how we meet the 10 acres.
At least one parcel has to be
at least 4 acres. MR. CHAIRMAN
I asked for the vote.
>> I have a question but that
is fine. All in favor signify
by saying aye. All oppose nay.
Can I get a roll call vote? I
have a question but I refrained
from asking. Do you really
want to ask because then I want
to ask? Roll call please? I'm
sorry? Can you just do the
roll call?
>> commissioner gilbert, no.
>> commissioner gonzales, no.
>> commissioner lopez, no.
>> commissioner, no.
>> commissioner bermudez,
note.
>> commissioner cohen higgins,
no bikes senator --
>> senator garcia, no but I
need a second to reconsider.
>> no, that is what you should
do.
>> I am going to vote yes.
>> MR. CHAIRMAN, I do not want
him to be alone. I can vote
yes.
>> I am going to support him
just to not leave him alone.
Don't give me the mean mug face
commissioner bermudez. I am
going to support my colleague
so he will not be the only yes.
>> vice chair mcghee.
>> you vote yes, sir no i
don't take it personal. It is
just the same what is happening
here but it is what it is.
>> you can record me as, yes.
I will tell you why, I don't
necessarily agree with you.
Renc
your argument that a
variance is basically doing a
favor for someone that deviates
from the rule I never thought
about it like that. That is
true you all. Every time we
grant a variance we are
allowing someone an exception
to the rule. Rule that we have
established is the best policy
for the county. And so I don't
necessarily agree with this
project and I don't agree with
you doing it in his district.
I don't agree with that. That
was probably the best argument
you have ever made in support
of something. [Laughter]
That was amazing. It was
amazing. Like it was amazing,
senator it was amazing. It was
really good. It was profound
and it was true. When I was
going to ask question I was
actually going to talk about
the comments that you were
making.
>> they can't go through
variance because in a variance
you are following the law. You
are asking us after you follow
the law and you pay and you
come to a hearing that is what
you do.
>> after-the-fact permitting.
We do after-the-fact permitting
so my point is that it is not
something. First of all I
think this is a bad actor so we
should not reward this level of
bad acting. As a effect that
is horrible. This isn't
something that is beyond the
scope of something that we have
done previously. So I do not
want it to seem like we have
never done anything like that
before. Oh yes we have. Yes,
we have. I am comfortable with
the results. Very good
argument though. Hold on. I
don't remember anything I said
before, yes we have.
[Laughter]
>> I am going to look that up
because we have to go back to
2019 to see how many people
broken rule.
>> please continue with the
roll call. Please record is a
yes.
>> motion fails 4/8. You
mentioned that you were a yes.
>> you are on it, clerk. The
office is on it. I am going to
call him let him know his
office is on it. Motion fails
but you got more yea than you
thought. Congratulations or
whatever. Commissioner from
district h? Commissioner from
district 8 on 8 on 1484.
Housing.
>> I think this is an
extension, no? To the
attorneys did we just passed an
item on limiting the extensions
back this seems to be in direct
contradiction to the ordinance
that we just past regarding
extensions on the housing
program. I think the original
allocation on this was 2019. I
could be wrong that is why am
asking the attorneys.
>> while she looks it up I
will say commissioner, yes I
believe it is as it pertained
to the ordinance we passed.
This was already in process
submitted to the system. It
was a whole system that we use.
This was in the process so that
is why I put it on the agenda.
Go ahead and ask and you can
answer.
>> yes, commissioner this was
originally submitted from the
mars committee. The ordinance
the past allows two extensions.
One year each. This particular
item would be the second
extension. But the first
extension was for two years and
this extension is for two
years.
>> when was the first
extension awarded on this
particular group of parcels?
>> the first extension for
this parcel was was JUNE 21,
2023 and expired in was JUNE
21, 2023 and expired in MARCH
27 of this year. And they
submitted the request prior to
that termination of that
extension.
> they submitted for the
second extension prior to the
first extension?
>> it wasn't due to expire
until MARCH?
>> it wasn't due to expire
until MARCH 2026 and they
submitted the request in
OCTOBER 2025.
>> thank you.
>> I have a motion by
commissioner, vice chair and
second by commissioner.
Signify by saying aye. All
opposed nay. District 7 I have
you on 14 82. In a separate
item I will call of the next
one. 14 82. ---- 14 a2.
>> I am happy to move it.
>> seconded by commissioner.
All in favor signify by saying
aye. All opposed nay. Show it
passed.
>> I wanted to say something.
I want to thank the
commissioner for bringing the
item. I know the friends of
leiden have been working hard
on this. I am glad to see
there is a path forward. The
only thing I would say it is
also in my district. I
appreciate that we are moving
it forward. I hope that we can
figure out a way to do it
together. I am little
concerned about parks doing it
and the timing. The hopefully
this will get it done. We have
been waiting for it for a long
time. One of the things that I
mentioned to the groups that I
met with is the underlying team
is going to be done in OCTOBER.
It would make a lot of sense to
take that team to help. Given
their expertise. If we decided
to keep it in parks so be it.
But there is a group of people
that have been dealing with a
lot of these issues inside
public works. I hope that we
take some of the lessons
learned from fdot and the
underlying so we can expedite
it.
>> commissioner gilbert?
>> me saying take the
underlying team do you mean
take the team or the concept?
What do you mean?
>> I am talking about irene
and the folks that have been
working on the underlying. The
underline is done in OCTOBER.
They have a particular
expertise that would be helpful
to in israel.
>> it is telling us one thing
and charging and I do not want
them to do that again. Thank
you.
>> we have a motion by
commissioner and a second by
commissioner cohen higgins.
All in favor signify by saying
aye. All opposed nay. Show it
passed. I got 14.
>> Chair Rodriguez: -- . Mdm.
Mayor you like to be
recognized?
>> I wanted to thank everybody
who came here today to speak on
it. I really appreciate the
community members that came
out. And for those who have
been working on it for many
years. I appreciate the great
showing that we have from our
constituents in our community.
Thank you so much.
>> thank you so much for that
comment. Thank you for
everyone who came out and
supported it. Mme. Mayor on
your report 14 mayor on your
report 14.
>> Chair Rodriguez: -- 14 b
number one.
>> I will summarize the
report.
>> deputy mayor?
>> roy works better.
>> dm, run dmc.
>> whatever you say will be
the rule.
>> you have a lights. I
really like you. I got your
back I don't care what they say
about you. [Laughter]
It doesn't matter what the
mayor says I have your back. I
got my coffee and extra whip
cream on the side. And also
the sugar and has a mocha and
we are good.
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN. In
summary of this item the bottom
line is about 30 years ago the
board of county commissioners
was sued by the federal
government and the state
government for violation of the
clean water act. As a result
of that sued the board entered
into a consent decree
committing to a list of
projects. They did not fund
those projects and the plan was
to fund them yearly as the
projects were being executed.
We are about two years away
from finishing the entire
consent order if were able to
continue on our path. We are
under federal oversight that
cost us money recently here
that we would like to see
ended. In addition to the
consent order in 2007 the state
passed legislation that called
the ocean outfall legislation
requiring us to reduce the use
of ocean outfalls of our
wastewater plants. The same
thing there the board was
required by the state to submit
a plan to dep which they did.
Committing to compliance again
without committing the money
saying we will raise it each
year as needed. The rate
increase that has been proposed
in the mayor's budget and has
been explained in this report
is the amount required to go to
the bond market to raise money
for this year's bills. It is a
6% rate increase that will
ultimately parlay into a bond
yield of $435 million. That is
100% for capital improvements
only no operations money. The
department has done an amazing
job through cutting positions.
>> can we quiet down to listen
to the deputy mayor? Staff?
Can we quiet down because I can
hear him myself. Thank you.
>> the water and sewer
department has done an
excellent job cutting costs
whether or not asking
operations so the money will be
for raising capital. In the
event the board chooses not to
approve the mayor's
recommendation we have provided
the report the list of projects
that cannot go forward. There
is a list of ocean outfall
projects, consent order
projects and other capital
improvement needs that simply
will have to be delayed or
canceled. We put that in the
report. We also have a letter
that was distributed to you
earlier today from our bond
engineer who has reported that
this is the minimum amount of
increase to support the capital
improvement needs. Our bond
engineering consultant is here
today if anyone wants to
question them of how they
helped us to determine that
information. We did this
report and we are happy to
return at a later date with the
resolution for your voting on
it or we are happy to deal with
it during the budget. We will
take your direction on that and
happy to answer any questions.
>> thank you for that deputy
mayor. Commissioner cohen
higgins on the point of order.
>> point of order that is
before us is the report. So I
am trying to understand
procedurally what is before us?
It is a report asking making a
recommendation for 6% increase
in fees. Is that accurate? It
is a report.
>> it is a report explaining
the necessity of 6% in fees.
It is not an official vote
request today. That is why we
would be more than happy to
return with the resolution or
in the project process.
>> I see. We are having a
discussion were not taking a
vote on this is that correct?
are you having someone move if
we move the report as listed it
is not an adoption of the
recommendation. I want to make
sure procedurally that is
accurate. This is for
discussion?
>> this is a report only
today. We will happily take
the direction to come back in a
resolution form or just to vote
on it during the budget private
-- process. Whatever the board
wants.
>> deputy mayor, my question
is we talked about how that
consent agreement impacted
small businesses and put in
particular small restaurants
through the fall aspect of it.
Month to get there -- months
ago at that point you indicated
if we needed to get the support
obviously of the state and the
federal government who I think
will be supportive and
particularly small businesses
because the restaurants are
having a very difficult time
still. When are we going to
get that report?
>> you have been provided a
report on fog. There has not
been a report when the feds
would consider changing the
realizations -- regulations.
We MAY finish the consent order
and have the consent order
retired quicker than we can get
the answers. We have people in
atlanta with epa that have told
us they would consider they
would respond to any fog
request that we have.
>> what is going to continue
to happen in this county is
somebody that does shakes is
going to have to pay $100,000
to be able to comply with what
they have to comply with. We
are basically going to go to
broward county. I suppose is
that is what you're telling us?
>> no, that is not exactly
what I am saying. Epa eight
has indicated they have an open
ear and will consider our ask
about changing the floor -- fog
portion of the consent order.
What I am saying is we make the
asking we don't get answers
very quickly. It will take
time for them to respond as to
what exactly we are asking for.
I am suggesting the most
important thing that we can do
is finish the consent order
projects and get the whole
order lifted because what you
are mentioning is one impact of
the consent order that has
everyone hands tied.
>> it is impacting the small
businesses in our community.
My question would be the
following, which one
consultants can we actually
talk 2 to see if anything could
happen with epa? It is great
that you think it is going to
be two years that is fantastic
but that doesn't solve the
problem now for the restaurants
trying to open up in miami
gardens for example. They MAY
have to come up with an
incredible amount of money and
is not going to be able to and
sometimes as been happening
with you so we had a hearing
even a gentleman from north
carolina was trying to open up
a restaurant. It is
practically impossible and I
MAY have to go to another
county in florida. I'm all for
complying but I think at least
I think we have a fighting
chance with the PRESIDENT Of
the epa. Number one and number
two nothing precludes us from
making because you can amend an
agreement. As long as the
parties agree to do so and
still continue with the rest of
the consent decree and a couple
of years on the road we can
hopefully lift it from the 30
year situation. I am not going
to belabor the point. I think
there's a way we can get this
done. It is really killing the
small businesses right now and
it is just not a good thing.
>> we agree with you
commissioner bermudez and they
have been leading a cost
department to reduce the cost
of the way the law is written
today. And also seeking relief
from the epa. So I can commit
to you that is active and going
on now. We can meet and give
you separate reports on all of
the things that he is doing in
that space. But it is a good
point to highlight that problem
isn't going to go away with epa
as long as we are under consent
orders.
>> through the chair I want to
add a point here. I am
checking whether a federal
lobbyists are working on this
case. Obviously, we support it
but we do not want to
compromise our ability to get
out from under this. But as
far as being more active and
promoting that change, we
certainly will look into that
and I would like to do that.
>> all right. Any further
discussion on the report?
>> I will move the report.
And I guess we will have this
back in SEPTEMBER? Is that
correct?
>> as you MAY direct
commissioner. It can be in
september as a resolution or in
the budget however you direct.
>> to clarify, we would need
action on the part of the board
to increase the fee. We also
want to note that solid waste
is today the deadline if you
were to increase solid waste.
I just put it out there.
>> can be in the budget?
>> apparently solid waste we
learned last night from the
county attorney, we can only
decrease we cannot increase it
if we held it flat which is the
current status and maybe we can
ask them to clarify. There
were any inclination to address
some of the concerns that have
been raised about having to cut
illegal dumping enforcement and
other items this would be the
date to do it.
>> can we first deal with the
water?
>> I think the water is
something that can come in the
budget right?
>> in the budget or separate
resolution however you direct.
>> is it okay for you to move
the item just to adopt the
report? In whatever
recommendation comes in a
budget is that fair?
>> I'm looking to the
administration to make sure we
don't jeopardize the dunns
creek.
>> we spoke earlier with the
chair about dealing with a lot
of these rate increases without
bogging down the budget. That
is why we brought these early
to you. We are happy to stay
on that path and bring it at
the next meeting a form of a
resolution or we can change if
you'd rather not having a
separate budget. We are trying
to keep it from being such a
time consumption and budget a.
>> to not tie your hands in
any direction today if we adopt
the report and don't direct in
the form of a resolution on the
budget is it at your discretion
how you would like to bring it?
>> how ever you want us to we
will.
>> let's discuss it.
>> it is reflected in the
proposed budget.
>> okay perfect. With that
there's a motion by
commissioner steinberg and
second by commissioner gilbert.
>> just be mindful if you
include this in the proposed
budget if you do decide to
adopt something that is not in
the proposed budget, we are
going to be forced to change it
on the fly during the
discussion. That is why the
resolution is probably
preferred so the resolution
then allows them to work and
what we have said into the
budget to a balanced budget. I
am not telling you all how to
do it but if we get into a
situation where they put it in
the proposed budget at 6% and
we decide to do 2% or 3% or 1%
or nothing then they are going
to force a recalculation of
that budget on the spot. And
so that is probably not in us
being efficient and doing stuff
expeditiously on budget time.
I would encourage us to do the
resolution at some point.
> you are right but for
every year that happens. On
different things. And then
they are going to be prepared
either way to make adjustments
that they. I hear you. Again,
by not doing anything they can
still bring a resolution. It
is not preventing you from
bringing a resolution and
placing it on the agenda.
Awesome, sounds good. Over
motion by commissioner
steinberg a second by gilbert.
Signify by saying aye. All
oppose nay. She'll the report
adopted. -- show the report
adopted. He doesn't want to
adopt the report that is his
prerogative. That is it for
the polis right?
>> do you want us on the solid
waste item or no? We had an
item today.
>> no, go ahead.
>> I think probably were not
able to clarify before now is
that because the solid waste if
we choose to increase the solid
waste fee -- [Indiscernible].
We can go lower or stay the
same but since it was
determined by this board that
we were not going to raise the
solid waste fee they have been
a number of people voiced
concerns about what cuts are
coming in solid waste area so
in full transparency we are
happy to go forward raising it
or not.
>> I will entertain a
conversation on it. Go ahead.
>> thank you. Everyone is
getting tired. On the solid
waste we really haven't had an
opportunity to work on the
budget. The reason I brought
the item as a flat item is
because I think that there are
certain changes to our solid
waste department that we can
bring in order to keep it flat.
I have been working with my
district about making some
changes. I think throughout
the budget process we can show
how we can do both things. We
would have to change some of
the things that we do in solid
waste but it would not impact
our ability to pick up solid
waste. So that is the reason
why I brought the item for
flat. Last year you know it
was all very -- we spent time
on the solid waste fee. It's
something that people feel
strongly about. This year it
will be the same but I am happy
to work on it like we did in
AUGUST. When I don't recommend
is for us to agree on raising
it and then to lower it.
Because the trim is where
people see. We had this issue
last year which is why this
year I brought it flat.
>> commissioner cohen higgins?
>> thank you MR. Chair.
Again, procedurally the item
past flat, correct? We are
discussing it because today
essentially is the deadline
you're basically sending us
caution, right? Today is the
deadline should there be a
discussion about entertaining a
potential increase in the solid
waste fees which is what you
all have recommended correct?
In that spirit and you all are
doing things differently now
and I have noticed it. You are
doing it on the water and
sewer. You did it all solid
waste. You did on waste to
energy. You're issuing these
memo saying this is what is
going to be cut should you not
adopt our recommendation.
Right? I would like for you to
go over what it is that you all
are representing will be cut
from solid waste as a result of
you all night getting the
recommended rate increase that
you all are requesting. I
think we need to understand and
digest what it is that you are
saying or what you all are
proposing will be lost as a
result of your recommendation
are being adopted by this
board?
>> while you pull that up I
think the same could be made
for water and sewer memo.
>> it is extraordinarily
detailed and again these are
projects. We are not confused
about the necessity of these
projects. You all are
messaging differently. I hear
you. I understand. If you're
asking us to essentially
reconsider what has already
been passed, a flat rate speak
to us of what will be affected
should the rate stay flat.
>> we issued a memo about $4.6
million in cost reductions that
we would have to achieve. 1.5
million of that was illegal
dumping and homeless encampment
program. A million for code
enforcement in several hundred
thousand litter pickup.
$900,000 in training,
accounting and $500,000 in
capital projects is what we
would not do this year at a
flat rate.
> and that is a result of
you still having funds in your
carryover account that can't
cover those costs? I want to
be clear.
>> I'm not sure the question.
We have reserves but our
reserves are low. There still
money reserves but we believe
our reserves need to be added
to considering the situation
with epa now and with fema over
any hurricanes we are expected
to have a higher portion of the
cost. We think we need to add
more to the reserve. We did
not consider taking money from
reserves to pay operating
costs.
>> was the percent increase
that passed last year for solid
waste?
>> I think it was about one.
I don't remember the exact
number. I think it was a 0.7.
>> this year you are
recommending what percent
increase?
>> we brought an item for 2%
because the board previously
directed us to bring an item to
you for cpi. We brought you an
item for 2% even though our
actual cost of operation
exceeded 2%. We found cost
savings and cuts to get it down
to the 2% cpi that the board
directed us to bring. So we
can meet all of our obligations
at 2% anything less there has
to be something cuts.
> the 2% represent the $4.6
million that you ran off the
list of items that would be
cut? But service like trash
collection and pickup would not
be impacted?
>> we will continue to pick up
trash it is the ancillary
service and enforcement.
>> the list you enumerated is
in consideration of what we
have talked about on previous
budget conversations I.E.
Salary staying flat going into
the next fiscal year? What's
that is correct. We have
accounted for zero increases in
salaries in our budget.
>> thank you MR. Chair.
>> commissioner gilbert? You
are recognized.
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN. We
struggled with this every year
and I understand why we
struggle with it every year.
It is not necessarily that
complicated especially when we
bring back recommendations and
the administration brings back
recommendations that ally with
the cpi. -- align with the
cpi. The gas goes up for the
trucks it cost more to operate
the trucks. It cost more to
pick up the garbage. If our
labor costs go up for the
people who operate the trucks
that the gas went up than the
cost to pick up trash goes up.
It is a fee driven system. I
do not want to pay more. But
what this board did that
addressed years of imbalance
was bring the rate back in
alignment. I think we did that
two years ago. It might seems
like a little bit now because
it is they are recommending 2%
and you want to keep it flat,
is no big deal it is just $4.6
million. It doesn't seem like
that but it probably did not
seem like that to prior
commissions when they did it
also. And the aggregate effect
of years of not doing that
placed our system in the rears.
And the future commission it
was his this time and it will
be someone else the next time
had to make a really big
increase. And so let me just
suggest that we are not being
when we do that. We are not
being fair the future rate
payers. Because they are going
to have to absorb the cost at
some point for the increase in
gas and labor this year. We're
going to have to make up the
money at some point. We will
trim some down and then we will
not be able to anymore. Then
we don't want to cut service
because people are used to two
pickups a week. People still
want illegal dumping picked up.
People still want code
enforcement and people still
want these things. And so at
some point you will have to
reduce the service or you will
have to make an adjustment to
align the service with the
feet. -- fee. We can do
whatever the board's pleasure
is. I am always intrigued by
commissioner regalado
proposition by I can find ways
to reduce and it is always
interesting how her and
demonstration get together and
it always comes back somewhere
like in between what they said
and what she said. But if you
set the rate today and you
can't go any higher than
whether the cpi ends of being,
we know the cpi something the
matter with the cut is. The
cpi has to be something. Even
though they are reduced in some
areas they are saying it is
already reduced. That is fine,
okay. So right now they are
asking for 2% even though it is
technically more than 2%.
Let's say she is a brilliant
cutter and making things
efficient and she could stand
in half, it is still 1% and you
have left the system and
balanced. And so I just want
us to appreciate the fact that
sometimes being fiscally
conservative means you actually
figure out what the actual cost
is and charge it. Because
there's a component of being
fiscally conservative and that
means you are being fiscally
responsible. So they really
want to be responsible -- so if
you really want to be
responsible and they cut the
fee, the residents if you
really want to do that and say
this is all we are willing for
this fee to be, what can you do
with this? They reduces
services and we go from there.
The problem is that is every
year they will have to reduce
the services more. That is
going to be the challenge so
this is more a philosophical
conversation that we probably
should and we did address when
we told them to bring us back
the recommendation of cpi. I
was going to say what we should
have this philosophical
conversation but we did have
this philosophical
conversation. And so now they
are bringing us back what we
told them to bring us back
after they cut and we are
saying we still won't do it.
And so that is the challenge
that puts the administration
and it puts us where we have
the exact same conversation
every year. I guess it might
not be insanity even though we
say it is.
>> commissioner, let's move
on. Here's what we can do. We
can move on or we can
reconsider what we approved
earlier on the flat rate. And
have it re-notice and we
discussed it on first --
SEPTEMBER 1. We can move on
with what we approved today
which is a five letter n. I
will encourage we make a
decision on what direction we
want to go in.
>> I get it and I appreciate
that commissioner gilbert. We
always have this conversation.
Last year we got the department
to make some cuts. I think
this year we have to get the
department to change the way it
does certain things and hasn't
done that. I brought a lot of
items asking this department to
make more revenue and it is
going to take something like
this to push them into that
uncomfortable space. The
reality is while we talk about
all the things that are want to
be cut, I was upset when I
found out that we ended up
paying for the city of miami's
fifa trash. We were not
obligated to do that. It was
over $300,000 that we are
paying. I think we should get
that back from the city of
miami. That is one of the
things that we need to discuss
because we approved this budget
and we are giving this
draconian list of things.
There are other things. There
are other revenues that we
talked about. There's many --
many dumps and changing the way
we do things. There is this
constant pushback on changing
the way that we do solid waste.
I think this year we hold them
flat and make the changes. 4.6
is not back -- not that big of
a deal. If we change some of
the ways we do this by
naturally curtail some of the
illegal dumping in some of the
things were spending money on.
I would tell you to hold it
this is different from water
and sewer and it is not a
federal issue and not a consent
issue. This is choices that we
are making a solid waste to do
certain things a certain way.
There are other options and we
could do better. We are not
being pushed to do better.
>> that said yes commissioner
steinberg?
>> I think there are benefits
in having this conversation. I
think it is important for us to
look at all sides of this. I
guess this is a question for
the administration or the
attorneys. If we were to
reconsider the item in
SEPTEMBER I think SEPTEMBER 1
that still gives us time
because the tram notices
SEPTEMBER 15 is the deadline
correct?
>> it is not the tram, the
statute that we travel to put
it on a tax bill and that
requires to adopt it on
SEPTEMBER 15.
>> it has been a long day with
cream or whatever he got. If
he were to reconsider to have
the discussion in full in
SEPTEMBER could be earmarked to
commissioner regalado! -- 14b1
-- 14b1 point and you mentioned
something about the reserves.
We don't have any reserves
right now. We could go to that
cpi and put a portion of that
into the reserves that they
cannot touch until we also
figure out about better policy
moving forward and that is
something we have a discussion
about. That is my thought
about maybe we stay flat. We
are not committing to anything
but I think that is one reason
that we can look at is to the
reconsideration.
>> I guess this is a question.
We are all on the same page and
understand and we have to pay
for it. It is fairly
disheartening when we hear
everything keeps on going up
but we keep everything flat and
still of cost to the residents
and still cause and we have to
bear it. There are times where
we need to see change and we
need to ensure they come back
with these changes. I agree
with you that we have asked
previous times to come up with
certain changes to the way that
we try to monetize and collect
trash. And we haven't seen a
lot of traction on that.
However, there has to be
somewhere to land his plane.
We do have to be honest with
our voters. Maybe if we can
get this administration to come
back with a different plan from
here to SEPTEMBER we can try to
monetize. I am with you
commissioner steinberg. Maybe
that is the path that we go
compressing the time and by
SEPTEMBER they should come up
with a plan for us and that
gives us flexibility to see
whether or not. I am okay with
going back to my taxpayers and
to the voters and asked for an
increase when there are changes
on our end. I would hate to go
back to the voters of hialeah
and asked for an increase
anywhere when we haven't done
any changes. We haven't made
any movement forward to make
sure that we are better
stewards of the money we
collect. To your point
commissioner, they MAY be a
happy medium and maybe you guys
can help me articulate that and
we could try to do that.
>> are we doing this?
>> just a quick comment. I
know our committee the one that
commissioner and I chair has
decided to take a deep dive
into all of the departments
including solid waste. Despite
the fact it is an enterprise
fund, we said that is the one
that gives us the most
heartburn. And so you're
committed MR. CHAIRMAN to doing
that in AUGUST. Remember we
said we wouldn't take a recess
because we really wanted to
look at all of the county
departments that touch general
revenue but also this one in
particular. We are excited to
do that work and I'm sure we
are going to find ways in which
things can change because we
agree things have to be done
differently. Unless we explore
that, we are not being faithful
to our fiduciary duty. I just
wanted to point out that is
what we will be doing in
AUGUST.
>> okay so here is what I
don't want to do. I do not
want to spend another two hours
in SEPTEMBER 1. What I will
suggest is let's take a
struggle if there's an appetite
to change. Reconsidering is
one thing and I think we have
the votes to reconsider. Is
there an appetite to actually
increase anything other than a
flat rate on solid waste? We
could do by raise of hands.
Who has an appetite to even
discuss the possibility?
You're not saying you are going
to increase it but the
possibility of increase in
anything over a flat rate for
solid waste? By show of hands
is there anyone that would like
to have a conversation? We
don't have a report but there's
no one that is inclined to hear
when out why discuss it for two
hours if at the end it is not
going to happen?
>> I said it clear in the
record I am willing to
entertain it as long as there
are changes from demonstration
it comes to the board.
>> that is what I'm saying.
You said it right. There some
that with the right
recommendations are not going
to entertain a rate increase.
I'm sure that gilbert might
entertain it because he said or
alluded to it. Senator garcia
you have alluded to it so that
is three. I see commissioner
regalado saying no. I don't
see it. It is not that I don't
want it, I don't see it. Let's
avoid a two hour conversation
on SEPTEMBER 1 and move on with
our life. That said, I have
some motions pending and then
we have discussion items.
Let's do the discussion items.
We will do motions after.
Let's do discussion items. 6a
one is an item I put on the
agenda to discuss the ev fleet.
We supported an item today and
we voted on an item today and
commissioner regalado spoke on
it for second and we had a
discussion item. If you wanted
to jump in it but I put this on
just because I think most of my
colleagues share the same
sentiment and the mayor shares
it to that it is frustrating to
have the experience of having
gone through what we are going
through with all of these
vehicles that are just parked
in a lot. What is it like 69?
Right? And maybe last time I
checked only three b
five of
them were operational out of
the 69? Deputy mayor and or
the mayor if you can give us a
brief kind of a summary as to
where we are? I MAY have
questions of the attorneys
thereafter but if you can give
us an update to where we are?
Ultimately, the underlying
sentiment on my end anyways is
just hurts to have all of this
money parked in a parking lot.
I know I am not alone in my
sentiment. What are our
options? What can we do? Can
we sell them for parts? Give
us the lay of the land of where
we are today? Some articles
have come up and there hasn't
been discussion publicly other
than the reporter. Can you
bring us up to speed?
>> yes MR. CHAIRMAN. Let me
provide historical facts that
are important for the
conversation. In 2018 the
board of county commissioners
directed the then mayor to
increase its electric bus
fleet. The following year in
2019 that then mayor
recommended to the commission
that approved purchasing these
buses. The bottom line is the
pro terra buses the company
went bankrupt because they were
failed technology. I will go
so far to say this is it
excellent example of how we
need to be more careful buying
technology. Clearly the mayor
at the time on a cutting edge
technology and it was bleeding
edge. The company went
bankrupt and the buses don't
run. We have a few still
running. Subsequent to that
the county did by 100 electric
buses from another manufacturer
and their performing
outstandingly. They're doing a
fine job. It is not the fact
that they are electric that
they are the problem the
problem is we bought buses from
an unproven company and they
failed miserably. Where we
stand today more to your
question a lot of the buses
were purchased with federal
dollars. The department
requested permission from the
federal government to dispose
of these in some way to give us
some benefits and we are
waiting on their answer. In
the meantime we have a handful
of buses running and we are
using the majority of them to
scavenge parts to keep running.
So yes the department and the
county attorney has filed suit
on our behalf. We are
chastened lawsuits to try to
recover money. It is a
bankrupt company so I don't
know how much we are going to
recover. We are chasing that
and looking for the feds to
lead us to pose -- dispose of
the buses.
>> the vast majority and I
don't know what the percentage
is was purchased with federal
dollars needless to say the
federal dollars could've been
implement elsewhere. We are
not responsible for paying the
federal dollars right?
>> not that I am aware.
>> it is wasted money we
could've invested elsewhere and
a lot of it. We do not have to
repay it right?
>> to be clear MR. Chair we
have made the application and
we have had some positive
responses. But it has not been
formally concluded. Bruce, do
you want to add to that?
>> MR. CHAIRMAN typically when
you get fta grant to buy buses,
you agree to utilize buses for
the use for life. That depends
on the type of bus 10 years b
12 years etc. We are in the
process and we have applied for
fta to allow us to retire these
buses that are not operating.
Prior to what would have
normally use of life without
penalty and without having to
reimburse fta we have not
received an official response
or approval yet.
>> this is a national problem
to the commission. We are not
the only city that experienced
this. We have been attempting
to repurposed parts and we
could give more detail about
that from our director. But
obviously we want to do
everything in our power. We
also sued the company as you
know when the company went
bankrupt there was a successor
company. We were working with
them and I -- they provide some
spare parts but eventually we
did a lawsuit.
>> one with -- when was that
to forgive the timeline and
allow us to dispose of that?
>> I attended a meeting a few
weeks ago but I don't know when
it was actually submitted.
>> it has been several months
we have been working through
the request to relinquish the
federal interest on the buses
that were funded through the
federal transit administration.
We have had successful meetings
but we are still waiting for
their final response. It has
been several months where we
have been interacting with fta
for them to release their
financial interest.
>> I don't know if my
colleagues have any questions
on this discussion. Up until
some resolution is given can we
receive to the administration
can we receive quarterly
reports? Is that fair?
Quarterly reports on the status
update? I think I know this
gets a little trickier but if
we can also receive some sort
of safeguard guardrails for
future purchases of this kind
so that we don't repeat
history? And of course that is
the policy the -- decision.
Can we have maybe a memo
establishing recommended
guardrails to when we make
these policy decisions and
directives up here, I know what
gilbert is thinking don't tell
us how to govern. But I think
we need some measures, right?
As soon not allow history to be
repeated. As we move forward
even things outside of
transportation and outside of
buses and things of that
nature. But we are coming up
not coming up we are here today
in a world where ai is ever
changing, technology and we are
going to be making these
decision of his investing in a
lot of new technology. We are
doing it already and we're
going to continue doing it. We
have to do it smartly and with
the right consultants and the
right expertise. If we can
have some sort of guardrail? I
know it is tricky because
everything is changing so
often. If that is feasible
matter mayor?
>> thank you MR. Chair.
Obviously, there's a lot of new
things in the market place. We
are always being asking in a
solid ways and many vendors
have new ideas. As was
mentioned by deputy mayor, we
want make sure there's a track
record. We do not want to be
the guinea pigs. In this
particular case going backwards
in time, I was a commissioner
at the time. The company was a
leader and batteries but not in
buses. So the company that
actually did the buses was
rejected and the company that
focused on batteries was
accepted. Under our
procurement we would always
have experience, track records,
performance data and that sort
of thing. But we can look at
those criteria and see how we
can beef them up to make sure
we don't make mistakes of this
sort.
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN. In
the spirit of guardrails, I
think probably an appropriate
standard would be making sure
some things is agnostic enough
it is not usable by the vendor
that we get it from. That is
probably how we need to look at
it because I appreciate the
mayor's position but we won't
always be in a position where
we can wait. That is not
realistic. It is cool to say
but from our perspective we
will have to be at some point
make some decisions where we
don't know their is enough.
There is 45 counties but if you
use technology that is agnostic
in a way but such that company
goes out of business, you can
still actually work with other
folks. And so I think about it
in terms of transit, rapid mass
transit. We don't know we
change the lpa for the north
corridor to be elevated fixed
guideway. We changed it
because he wanted to be open to
different technologies and not
elevated heavy rail. Heavy
rail is too expensive for us.
We change fixed guideway
technologies or new
technologies. How can we use
them. We use them by doing a
fixed guideway that allows for
other modes so that one doesn't
work we can still replace it.
I think that is how we need to
probably approach our
procurements when we are
looking at that and when we are
evaluating that. What it is
proposed and what it can be
used for. I think that is an
appropriate guardrail to look
at. MR. CHAIRMAN thank you.
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN I
think I am going to borrow a
quote from our colleague. I'm
not going to tell you I told
you so but I told you so.
Years ago when I was in
tallahassee I organized the
leaders to push against forcing
a mode of transportation
particularly the crt against
the wishes of the people. I
stood there at that podium and
we had all the research we
needed to convince the
commission then that going
opposite of what the people
want it was truly going to be a
disaster. We stood at that
podium and gave a reason why it
should have been the preferred
choice for the folks down
south. And also we told them
they should have used that
opportunity to connect the
north and the south bar rail.
We thought opportunity was
presenting itself at that
particular moment it was right.
We were told that we were wrong
that deals had already been
made in conversations that
already been had and the issue
was over and done with.
Subsequently I came back and I
said hey, I think we have more
problems with these companies
particularly with their
financial stability.
. We were
told no that is me overlooking
particular documents that I
should simply mind my own
business in so many words. The
correlation in south dade south
for both the north and the
sound but we ended up and was
told that electric buses that
have been sitting in this
graveyard and that is what we
should call it is a bus
graveyard. They were going to
be the answer to save the south
dade people from misery. I
then took a trip over to the
department of transportation
and had an opportunity to see
the buses. They were dead then
as they are dead now. So now
the question really begun what
do we go back and tell people
of the south dade community and
the people in north dade
community about whether or not
their choices were overlooked
due to other reasons that they
had no privy to? Why do I
bring all that up? I am sure
that there were deals that were
never made available to the
people. The deals they had
information about they would
have rallied against all of
this. They would have called
for resignations. They would
have called for investigations.
But we are here now. And I
have full faith in my mayor, I
have full faith in this
commission that we are going to
do the right thing. Because at
the end of the day let's be
absolutely clear, we still need
the rail down south. I am
telling you, have said bart was
the wrong choice then and I am
telling you it is still the
wrong choice and I'm telling
you simply by looking at what
is going on today by these
reports, it echoes exactly what
I have been saying. That it
was an inside job and it was
that inside hit on the great
people of south dade that
affect the people of north
dade. At some point we have to
come to realize that when we
were calling for the real to
the south bay community was
less than $1 billion. When we
called for it it was less than
$600 million. Now we are stuck
with the possibility and
looking for a rail to the now
we are stuck with the
possibility and looking for a
rail to the s. Somewhere way
beyond $3 billion. And now we
are dealing with this bus
fiasco. Buses that are found
at a graveyard that is taking
up space. That we can't get
our money back. Information we
had readily available at the
time we made the decision to
make this purchase. But again
I have full faith in my mayor,
I have full faith in our
commission that we are going to
do the right thing and not
allow this debacle to be the
face of our transportation
system. I do have a lot of
faith and our director who is
going to get us through it
because she has been on the
frontline doing the right
things. I just wanted to put
that on the record. Again I am
not going to say I told you so
but I told you so.
>> I have a question because
I'm a little bit for the
attorneys. Do we have to
reimburse the federal
government on this grant or
not?
>> currently, no.
>> it is yes or no?
>> you can get the consent
from fda to retire them early.
Dtw is not retarded them but is
asking fda concurrence to allow
us to retire them early. If we
get the concurrence we can
retire them and move them use
it for scrap metal. If we
don't either we reimburse the
federal government at a pro
rata portion or they would
either going to service or sit
there.
>> as it stands now keeping it
for the full life 10 b
15 they
are not working but we can keep
them. They could be sitting
where they sit right now
everybody can take pictures and
what a fiasco. If we do have
that agreement then we would be
able to do whatever we want
with them. We can sell them
for scrap metal, we can sell it
to the city of miami. I am
just getting. We can do
whatever we want with it
correct?
>> yes, depending on the terms
the fda would give. If they
allow us to retire or dispose
of them, we could do with it as
we please, yes. They would rig
-- relinquish it.
>> I do not want to impact the
litigation. It is our feeling
are understand that the entity
is no longer viable and they
have declared bankruptcy is
that correct?
>> the original manufacturer
who delivered the bus it --
buses -- [Indiscernible]. They
filed assume the contract so we
have terminated and filed suit
with them.
>> in that contract with the
original entity if there was an
amendment with phoenix was
there any clause for liquidated
damages if in fact they were
not able to provide the service
that they would able to
provide?
>> I have to look into it. I
do not want to give an answer
without having the contract in
front of me. The issue is not
the delivery of the buses. The
issue would have been on the
warranty. The buses were
delivered. So I need to look
and see if there was a specific
damage provision as it pertains
to warranty. And parts that
were not provided.
>> the final question is, do
you have a timeline on where
you would expect the federal
government to respond by?
>> I would defer to the
director on the issue.
>> we would hope they would
have already responded. They
came with a few more questions
that we are answering. So we
are anticipating within the
next awfully month or two we
can get resolution with fda
regarding their financial
interest.
>> when do they come back with
questions? When did they come
back with questions?
>> I believe it was last week
or the week before last. It
was within the last two weeks
that they requested additional
information and we have been
corresponding with them.
>> so essentially we are
hoping that after we answer the
questions we will get a final
response. But there's a
possibility they MAY ask more
questions correct?
>> there is. We had a very
productive meeting with them a
few weeks ago. We thought we
answered all of their questions
and we are waiting for their
final response. When they did
come backs -- come back with
additional questions. It is
possible that they can come
back with additional questions
it is their prerogative.
>> it MAY have been the chair
that said it, we need to be
updated periodically on this in
a shorter time period than a
longer one. It has been going
on for a while.
> I am -- we are happy to
do that.
>> quarterly are as new
information becomes available.
I have tried it.
>> to follow up with what
commissioner bermudez was
saying I think we should make a
motion to provide air support
to the department by tasking
our federal lobbyist to make
this their number one priority.
I think that is what we need to
do. GOD bless them their
calling in there doing their
thing that we have a federal
lobbying team. They could
help. I think every day that
we lose on this we lose an
opportunity to do something
with these buses. I think we
should make this a priority for
our federal lobbying team.
>> I don't think we need a
motion for that. Just direct
our federal lobbying team to
engage with transportation to
do that. That definitely
should be done for sure. In
collaboration with our
director.
>> in terms of the lawsuit i
just have some questions for
our attorneys. I think the
disposition from the fda is
important because then we have
the secondary conversation as
to what we do with those buses.
Right now without determination
from fda they are just sitting
there. They are sitting there
we are using the opportunity to
monetize them in terms of
selling them for parts scrap or
will fixing them. In terms of
the lawsuit obviously a lot of
people are involved and we
talked about that it is a
national issue. Have we looked
at doing anything with these
buses could impact that
lawsuit? My understanding is
that is not the cut -- case.
One thing is the fta allows us
to do another thing is the
buses?
>> it would be the fta impacts
the lawsuit either way.
>> in terms of the lawsuit
what are your timing
predictions for that? How long
? There are a lot of people
and involves and that is always
complicated.
>> litigation was initiated
recently and I believe their
response is due in the next two
b
three weeks. We are at the
front end of the litigation so
I can give you a timetable
because it will be a schedule
in order issued by the court.
I realistically can give you a
timetable at the time on when
the matter would be resolved.
>> okay. Alright I agree that
we should take some sort of
policy decision. Make
different mistakes and while I
understand what commissioner
gilbert is saying in terms of
swapping out parts, I think
there are two separate things
going on. Number one is how
long has technology been out
there? Was it demonstrated
somewhere? Is the technology
one where we could swap out
parts?
>> thank you MR. Chair. I am
listening diligently to all of
my colleagues. In
acknowledging this report there
are two things that are
happening here. So the first
one is past mistakes. I think
it is important to put on a
record that the protector issue
is an issue that affected the
entire united states.
Attorneys are not saying this
it is almost a defraud men that
happen not only on miami dade
county but many counties
throughout florida, texas,
washington north carolina,
michigan and wyoming. I like
the course of action we have
taken with the lawsuit and
consulting with the federal
government to make sure that we
are able to recoup some of
these funds and able to move
forward doing something that
works. But number two we don't
make this mistake again. And
that we go after this company
and all of these bad actors
with the furthest extent of the
law and all options available
from what I understand
administration is already in
that course and I do appreciate
that. The second thing we have
to contemplate is what we are
going to do in the future. I
think the CHAIRMAN Was already
alluding to that. We do need
guardrails and I am currently
working on legislation that I'm
putting together to put some of
these guardrails in place so
that in the future we don't
purchase any of these
technologies without
understanding what the return
on investment is. One thing
that I did take from the report
is that even now so the pro
tara issue is different. These
are buses that are actually
working. These buses did see
the report said it is too early
to determine the new flyer
fleets overall return on
investment. Before we continue
to go down this route, I am not
saying this is not going to
work but we do need to
understand what that return on
investment is before we
purchased more of these
electric buses. That is my two
cents and I am working on
legislation to put a pause on
this so that we can understand
that it does in fact produce a
return on investment before we
move forward. Thank you MR.
Chair.
>> thank you MR. Chair and to
my colleagues for working on
legislation regarding these
guardrails that clearly we
need. This was voted in
octoberfor working on
legislation regarding these
guardrails that clearly we
need. This was voted in
OCTOBER 2019 if I am not
mistaken. Now we are in 2026.
To the attorneys of
administration has there been
any policy implemented by this
board finding out that this pro
tara catastrophe took place?
Has there been any policy
speaking to this issue
regarding new technologies? To
my memory I have not seen any
legislation. Do you know of
any legislation that we have
advanced?
>> I am not aware of any
legislation. What I can tell
you is the administration has
this issue front of mind.
Every time a new technology
comes to the svd and evaluating
it in the department directors,
we all say this is not another
pro tara is it? We have taking
a beaten we promise there's a
way this will work. If you can
show where it works somewhere
else we are not interested.
>> I am happy to hear that.
We get lobbied obviously
frequently as well. We are too
big of a county to be a guinea
pig for any company. Yes, we
want to implement new
technologies but we can only
afford to implement proven
technologies. And so I know
there are red flag policies in
place that commissioner sosa
has brought before. If you're
working on the legislation
whether red flag type of
warnings and procurement would
be appropriate here? Where
there is some sort of a
disconnect between what the
company is proposing and their
actual track record and with
the actual spend that is being
proposed here. So something to
consider because I think a red
flag during the program and
progress -- process would've
been helpful. In 2019 this was
competitively procured right?
There were other companies that
bid on this and somehow this
company advanced to the top and
received a recommendation from
the administration and passed
at the bcc. So my question is
have we since finding out about
this done an internal look at
either the selection committee,
internal procurement
department? I am perplexed as
to how a spend as high as $70
million went through a full
procurement and we have not
looked at ourselves to say,
what have we done here to allow
this much money? How do we get
the file? If it happens in
other products of the country
how to a county as large as we
are allow for defrauding to
take place in the tune of $70
million? If the question is we
have not looked at ourselves
internally my ask is a simple
one. How is it that something
like this advanced at that
time? What is even more
concerning since 2019 there is
no policy in place currently to
prevent it from happening
again. What is our strategic
procurement department doing
right now not just talking
points on a microphone or news
interviews and different
articles, what are we doing
right now to make sure that
this doesn't happen again
internally? I know it was big
and it was a lot simple
question, have we looked at
ourselves, the internal
department and what they did
toward this contract? Somebody
made a ton of money off of
this. I am not suggesting us.
There were lobbyists involved.
Somebody made a bag of money
and we are holding the bag.
Have we done an internal
investigation of ourselves?
>> I think it was the only
person on the dais who was here
at the time. I do remember
very well how heavily this was
lobbied. I do remember
difficulties in making a
decision. I think it is very
fair to say we should look back
at the tapes and the records to
just see exactly what happens.
Let's be clear, we have a very
active lobby core. They
represent clients and they come
to us with choices. I take
great pride and I have to tell
you in our strategic
procurement director who I
appointed. I also separate in
the procurement department. It
used to be a part of ist. I
wanted those decisions to go
more directly to my office.
Because there were decisions
that were made that were buried
inside internal services. I
wanted them to be more directly
reporting to the mayor. I
think you see the work of her
team and they are very
thorough. Changes have been
made, the CHAIRMAN Has just put
forward first reading items
that comes out of the script.
We spent our team spent a lot
of time that body provided a
lot of recommendations. Many
of the things that were adopted
by that group were things that
were already changes that have
been made by the procurement
department. Our procurement
department has won national
awards. I mean national
awards. I think we are really
progressing well and to the
work of strip some of the
bureaucratic delays and things
like that have been addressed
as well as the selection
committee issues. More to be
discussed but I do think it
would be worthwhile to go back
and look at that particular
procurement is exactly how we
went down that path.
> thank you for saying
that. I know improvements have
been made sense and I look
forward to the script committee
items as they move through the
legislative process. I will do
I will look into that also
because I just can't understand
how something this large got as
far as it did leaving us in
this position area and so I
look forward to working with
you on that matter mayor.
>> commissioner you are
recognized.
>> I have a quick question.
So when a car breaks down with
a mechanic. When these buses
break down do we have a
technician that works on them?
Do we report them broken and we
have to wait for someone like a
specialist to maintain them?
>> the challenge with the
buses have rendered in
operable. They have software
issues and it is for priority
issues and there's no one to
provide that to us which
renders them and operable. We
have software issues and even
the buses that we have all of
the buses are the exact same.
There is actually at least two
different types of programming
so one bus can break and parts
are not interchangeable in the
same group of buses. It is
just a complete terrible
situation that we don't have
the service available. We
don't have the software and the
technicians and it is not
offered by anybody.
>> the bus breaks down to get
hauled and stored away? Ask in
general of course we have the
maintenance department. The
new flyer buses are being
repaired it's needed by our
mechanics. These particular
buses are being repaired
initially but as across the
country these buses were
failing, it overwhelm the
company. It is reminding me
that the ceo passed away
suddenly in 2021 and was just
44 so the company had a major
challenge from that. There was
a lot of customization of the
buses. There were over there
beyond their capabilities
basically. We did the repair
during the time that they were
still in business when there
was a successor company. We
did get some help with the
repairs but eventually they
were not able to perform that
is why we filed the lawsuit.
>> do we have someone in house
that can repair these
currently? The old ones are
the new ones or do we need to
bring in someone from their
company to repair it?
>> through the chair. The pro
terra buses and I'm going to
speak to them. The blunderbuss
is we have maintenance staff
who were well prepared to deal
with our other parts of our
feet. Our new flyer fleet
which are under warranty are
being serviced as needed. In
the instance of our pro terra
fleet there were certain
components that started
breaking down that were under
warranty. Parts of those were
not things we could readily
repair. The batteries were not
things that we had the
opportunity to repair. There
were gears that needed to be
replaced every manufacturers
those are things that we can
repair. So with the part of
the fee that is still
functioning, we are actually
ourselves repairing the buses
and making sure that the small
number that do function that we
keep them in use. We are
pulling other items from the
buses that aren't functioning
to make sure we keep a few
buses running. But the main
components of the buses that
were failing were not things
that we can repair. They had
to physically be replaced.
>> do we have the expertise to
do those repairs the ones that
we are doing?
>> we are repairing them
ourselves.
>> okay, thank you.
>> that is that. We're going
to get the reports quarterly or
more often when it becomes
available. We are going to put
parameters and guardrails to
prevent this from occurring.
With that our next disc session
is 6b1. Commissioner lopez you
are the sponsor of the site.
>> thank you MR. CHAIRMAN and
thank you for placing this
discussion on the agenda. A
number of advocacy groups have
asked me about the implications
of senate bill 1134 which is
known as the di bill. The
impact on the county, it
doesn't take it into the effect
until JANUARY one of 2027 but
that falls within the fiscal
year of the 2026 27 budget that
were currently reviewing and
will take up in SEPTEMBER and
the 1st and second budget
hearings. The same advocacy
groups have expressed concerns
about the impacts have
expressed the desire for the
county to challenge or to seek
further clarification of senate
bill 1134. I can tell you it
is incredibly vague and the
consequences of being accused
of being either malfeasance of
removal office or sued by a
resident of miami-dade
. If you
think we MAY overcorrect or
under correct given the
vagueness of the bill. I know
I county attorney's office have
spent a considerable amount of
time on this issue. And
because of the nature of the
bill and the possibility of
legal action it is best that we
limit our discussions regarding
senate bill 1134. Those
discussions in public for that
reason. If you have any
questions such as I have been
working with the county
attorney's office for month
since the build -- the bill was
fine. I would ask that you all
consider a motion to direct the
county attorney to research the
counties ability.
> if you all can quiet down
in the back please?
>> I would move to direct the
county attorney's office to
research the counties ability
to challenge the validity of
senate bill 1134 or
alternatively ask the court to
clarify how it applies to the
county and brief each
commissioner individually
regarding the results of their
research. I continue to feel
very uncomfortable about the
law. I have read it so many
times as has the county
attorney's office and it
continues to give me lots of
reasons to be concerned.
Especially since the law is
specific on promoting directly
or indirectly any activity or
program that MAY fall within
this law. And so that goes for
not only us but our staff. I
think it is important that we
get some clarification and
often time the only way to do
so is to go to the courts.
>> I agree that we need to
find a way to challenge it.
I'm trying to figure out the
best way. I guess I have some
conversations and we need to
have questions about what we do
here. Are we asking for, you
are asking us to seek --
>> to have the county
attorneys to explore
declaratory challenge of sorts.
>> through the chair through
the attorney, is that a viable
path?
>> commissioner, we have been
reviewing this for quite some
time. We do think there MAY be
some challenges with that
approach. We will continue to
look at it if that is the
directive of this board. And
see what options are available.
Our preference would be to do
that and to brief each of you
individually so you can
understand the issues. Not
just any potential challenges
to the validity or seeking
clarification but also we would
like to brief you just on the
impact of this legislation on
the day-to-day matter. It is
our intention to reach out and
do that with each of you
individually and AUGUST before
the budget hearings as
possible.
>> so okay CHAIRMAN MAY I
continue? So how this works
with the community groups is
that we won't be able to fund
some people because of what
their name is or what they do?
The population they serve.
That group will then be
adversely affected. The reason
why we won't be able to do that
is because of the state law.
They should sue us. I think
that is probably -- no. I'm
saying the group should sue us
and the state would have to
intervene to defend their
statute. If they didn't
intervene to defend the statute
then we would settle.
>> let's not say on the record
that we want anybody to sue us.
It is not are doing here.
Obviously it was requested by
senator lopez. Let's be
mindful that this MAY go into
litigation at some point. Be
mindful of that. I think it is
important for you all to listen
to what jerry just very -- over
the next month and brief us
individually as to what
recourses we have. Because I
think you're right. For us to
do some sort of lawsuit to the
state of any capacity is not
risky but
>>
>> MR. CHAIRMAN, was going
on, I don't think we have
standing.
That's the llenge.
Somebody challenging us.
I think that's how we get
before the court.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
Vice chair perkins
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN.
I think it DR. King who
said an unjust law is no
law at all.
And this is one of the
most ridiculous pieces of
legislation that could
have easily passed the
legislators.
I think there should be a
lawsuit against miami-dade
county.
I think every that's going
to be impacted should come
together, hire one of the
greatest attorneys in
miami-dade county to
represent them and find
themselves a great firm
and sued the county and
force the state to
intervene similar to what
commissioner gilbert
stated.
But I also understand that
doing so is going to cost
some monies and I'm
prepared for it.
The fact of the matter is
there are going to be so
many organizations out
there who we are
responsible in part for
ensuring they have a voice
in this community that
once this, you
takes effect there's
possibilitiessome of you
will be removed from
office because of the
teeth that this piece of
legislation has.
So I simply say to the
voters out there listening
if you feel like you're in
a be impacted, if you feel
like you need assistance,
I think you should find
yourself an attorney, make
sure you're prepared to go
the long haul and sued the
county and force the state
to intervene.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
I might -- I might end up
cutting this short.
Think it is entirely
negligent for any of us up
here to encourage a
lawsuit against myself
because I am a taxpayer of
this county and that will
be me paying for that
lawsuit and anyone else
that's a property owner
paying property taxes.
So commissioner gilbert
and vice chair I think
it's entirely negligent to
encourage anyone to sue
this county whether it is
a philosophical
ideological, personal, or
not, whatever it is, you
just -- I think it's
completely -- senator
garcia, you're not one to
-- [Laughter] I mean, you
are not one to correct --
I mean, out of everyone up
here, that was -- I'm not
gonna say what the word
is, but look, I think as I
continue recognizing the
rest of you, be mindful
that we are not
encouraging anyone to sue
themselves if they are
property owners because
this is -- I mean, it's
just complete me negligent
to say that.
I understand the sentiment
behind it.
I understand that that
might be a recourse for us
to turn around and get the
state to intervene, but we
are not encouraging that
to be the case at all.
That is not a policy of
this board, that is not
where we are going with
this.
But, commissioner
regalado, you're
recognized.
>> Raquel Regalado: thank
you.
mission or lopez, I
appreciate that there's a
lot of organizations that
want a declaratory
judgment.
We would not have standing
or an injury.
We just t want because
there's a million reasons
why we would not put
someone in a budget.
How would you prove that
it is because of this?
O
it's a very complex thing
to throw us in the mix.
I think organizations that
receive government funding
should challenge this law
and request a declaratory
judgment or clarification.
I think that is -- is the
most viable path forward
to use us as a way to not
pay an attorney, but using
our attorneys is a whole
different thing, but we
would be kicked out
because of standing
because of an injury.
Now, if we were to fund
and then we were removed,
that would be a different
conversation, right?
But to date we have not
even established how we
are going to interpret
this statute.
So I agree with you.
We've all read it and we
have a million questions.
It was poorly drafted,
respectfully, for those of
you that were part of the
legislator, one of the
poorly drafted items that
come from tallahassee.
Tallahassee.
Port drafting seems to be
the norm, not the
exception.
That being said, it needs
to bear itself out and
there a lot of impacted
organizations that should
ask for clarification.
We are not the best suited
to do that.
Presently, we have to
evaluate it, take an
evaluation based on our
risk, and move forward on
our budget.
But even then, it's going
to be very difficult to
prove causation and our
injury and our standing
are very different from
their injury and they were
standing.
O I appreciate
that we want to help, but
for us it's a very, very
different situation than
for those that are
impacted.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
commissioner cohen
higgins.
>> Danielle Cohen Higgins:
thank you, MR. Chair.
The kind of echoed the
concerns, please don't sue
us.
I don't know if you saw
our county attorney space
when that message was
being advanced.
Please comment to be
clear, don't sue us.
But I think the message is
one that we need to
seriously consider.
We are the largest county
in miami-dade -- in the
state of florida.
We are a donor county, and
more important we are a
majority minority county.
And so it is not -- it is
right for our residents to
look for us for leadership
on this issue and they are
saying help us because
this is going to affect us
come JANUARY.
So I look forward to the
conversations we're going
to have.
Jerry, I am wondering,
because it is a discussion
item.
Are not as much interested
in speaking as a
litigation item.
I don't think that's the
path forward for a number
of reasons, but why can't
we as a board through
either our homely charter
powers, or own
policymaking decisions as
a body create something
that allows us to maneuver
around this the way that
we have in so many other
areas?
So they passed a poorly
worded statute that we can
draft our own ways around
potentially or can we add
something to our charter
that speaks to this?
I believe today is the
deadline to get something
on the ballot come
NOVEMBER.
Is there something we can
write into our charter
that speaks to this issue,
and if the answer is no, I
accept that as well, but I
think when the state
passes a law we are forced
to comply with that we
don't agree with that has
consequent is in it as
great as being removed
from office that we need
to get very creative as
the largest, most
powerful, most diverse
county in miami-dade -- in
the state, excuse me.
I keep saying miami-dade.
To put our heads together
and say essentially we
can't protect our
community because that's
essentially what our
community is asking us to
do here because there are
so many that rely on those
dollars.
That's a question to the
attorneys.
I don't know that you have
those answers crafted for
us as we sit here today,
but I have to believe
there's something we can
use the of the power of
our pen to craft something
to help serve our majority
minority massive county of
miami-dade.
And if you answer and say
actually, the answer is
no, then I'll accept that
as well and go back to the
drawing board, but I want
to be clear that I don't
support encouraging
anybody, community groups,
individuals, to sue us on
this.
Our resources are already
extremely thin in our
litigation and attorneys
office.
We do not want you to sue
us, but equally, we are
looking at this, we are
trying to figure this out,
we are our very diverse
community.
We haven't figured out a
path forward yet, but I
believe we are going to be
working with you all very
closely to achieve that.
So is there an opportunity
after all, and you MAY say
yes, generally, or you MAY
say no to either pin
something that in any way
allows us to, you know, to
circumvent this.
If the answer is no,
preemption is preemption.
Is there anything we can
put into a charter
potentially, any
litigation you all would
consider that you might be
able to advise us even if
it's generally and we'll
have specific
conversations come
SEPTEMBER or AUGUST.
>> commissioner, we do not
believe that the charter
is a vehicle for amending,
you know, or preempting
state law at this point in
time.
However, we do understand
the impact that this will
have on the county's
operations going forward
both from the promotion
standpoint as well as the
funding standpoint and on
the community and we have
been meeting I would say
at least three times
weekly some days three
times daily because the
breadth of this statute is
expensive and it will
touch many areas of this
county and the way we
operate in ways people
maybe have not even
considered as of yet and I
just want to pledge to you
that we've taken it
seriously and we
understand what this means
to the community and we
will stand ready to speak
with each of you about any
options that you all have
going forward hopefully
before the budget hearing
in SEPTEMBER.
>> and final question.
Ou mention the budget
hearing come SEPTEMBER
because what we adopt in
SEPTEMBER, I understand
this will not take effect
until JANUARY 1, but we're
gonna pass a budget in
SEPTEMBER that MAY or MAY
not include dollars that
MAY be ineligible come
JANUARY potentially.
So anyway, a lot of
questions I look forward
to working with you, but I
just want to make clear I
share the sentiment that I
feel like we have a moral
and potentially legal
obligation to stand up as
a county on this issue and
make our voices heard as
possible in our lack of
support.
Thank you very much, MR.
Chair.
>> thank you,
commissioner.
You hit the nail on the
head there.
It was a good segue.
So in addition, of course,
to the countless
conversations with the
county attorney's office
on this topic, the mayor
and myself has had several
conversations.
We've actually rolled up
our sleeves and I think
this is a good moment to
allow and to say to the
community that we are not
just taking what the state
passed and the governor
signed and blindly
implement thing it.
We are rolling up our
sleeves and we are seeing,
we are digging deeper and
seeing what other services
these organizations offer,
who they help in our
community, what larger
groups that are not just
one minority group.
We are not trying to
circumvent the law, we are
not trying to find a
loophole, but we are
trying to dig deeper and
see what broader service
do these organizations
help fund and support and
the entire community, not
just any minority portion
of it, in order to make
sure that we can maintain
some of these services.
The mayor has been an
advocate of that since
this was even a discussion
prior to being signed by
the governor.
And again, we had several
conversations where we've
actually discussed this.
Again, it is not something
that we are just blindly
implement thing something
that the state passed.
We are exploring all
options obviously jointly
with the county attorney's
office.
We want to make sure we
run no fowls here.
And we are in this
particular case, and some
MAY disagree with this one
word, but we need to be
conservative because there
are personal repercussions
that the state can take on
this body including I
believe removal is one of
them, right?
So we're making sure we
run no fowls, but that we
definitely explore all
options on this.
Guys, I'm not changing
subjects, we are not into
kindergarten.
I got you all.
But they are, if you want
to kind of address that
because it was a segue to
what we've been working
on.
>> Mayor Levine Cava:
thank you so much, MR.
Chair, and I completely
agree with how you've
characterized it.
We've been looking at
other counties, other
cities, other commissions,
other organizations and
what actions they are
taking.
A lot of people obviously
trying to figure out how
to proceed.
Will during
our budget briefings share
some ideas that I have not
only for nonprofits, but
for our own internal
operations, ways that we
can ensure that community
voices can still be heard.
Thank you, MR. Chair.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right, so I've got
commissioner from district
4. Commissioner.
>> okay, dislike and
recurring --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: is
either you or you lose
your spot.
>> all right.
So I want us to just take
a moment.
If you look around the
room, look around this
dais.
This bill affects every,
in some form, in some
capacity, effects
everyone of us, us, okay?
This is such an expansive
bill.
You MAY think oh, it's
some bill that won't
affect me, but it does.
But it does because it
affects every one of us up
here to some degree.
That's how broadly this
bill is written.
To that, I want to first
of all thank you,
commissioner lopez, for
bringing this forward.
I think it's important
that we have this
conversation, of course
mindful of the
conversation because we do
have our attorneys over
there, and we do want to
make sure we put ourselves
in the best posture
possible.
So I just want clarity in
exactly what you want us
to try to resolve today or
give direction with, but I
will say this.
We do need to be careful.
Mean, we can look at
this through many
different lenses and I for
one obviously because
there's so much ambiguity,
I would take advantage of
that ambiguity,
personally.
But as they look at me,
but I do think that, you
know, to have the
attorneys explore and come
back to us individually I
think is the smart first
step.
That way we get as much
clarity and we can have
these conversations
because if we do end up in
any sort of situation in
the future, I want to make
sure that we, again, put
ourselves in the best
posture forward.
CHAIRMAN, I do think if
that was a motion, just
rephrase it, I'm happy to
second that motion.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right, so is that the
motion?
>> it was.
I will rephrase it to
direct the county attorney
to research the county's
ability to challenge the
validity of senate bill 34
or alternatively asked the
court to clarify and brief
each commissioner
individually regarding the
results of their research.
>> MAY I?
>> its order, though.
It's either or.
>> just want them to
research it and get back
to us individually to let
us know what our options
are.
>> because let me tell you
one concern of the route
of just going straight to
the board is that -- well,
I don't know legally what
we can and can't do in
terms of standing, but
that's for them to figure
out.
You know, I don't want to
have them determine for
us, like, I'd rather us
create our positions.
What if they are looking
at other municipalities
and other counties and
they are also being
affected of this up and
down the coast of this
wonderful state.
So what's gonna happen is
some MAY have a more
liberal interpretation and
I don't want to then hurt
those municipalities or
counties because now we're
seeking some sort of
rendering from a court
that MAY look at it
through anymore, as the
term was used,
conservative lens, and we
MAY now hurt maybe some
other municipality in the
state.
So I don't know.
So I like the idea of
supporting the direction
to explore.
I need to know more about
it before, so maybe you
can restate that to say --
>> okay, then I'll restate
it to explore the options
available to us of the
impacts of senate bill
1134 and get back to us
individually.
Yes.
>> with options including
--
>> all options.
I would say all options.
>> I think all options
should be on the table.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: we
got a motion, we got a
second by commissioner
steinberg, and
commissioner gilbert,
you're still recognized.
I stripped you from the
conversation because you
were talking about
lawsuits and stuff.
>> Oliver Gilbert: it was
a comma and then it was
a period.
I don't want people to
come after us for money,
but if we createe an
application process for, I
don't know, our, you know,
community-based
organization funds, money
that we give out, and for
instance, some of the
groups that are affected,
they apply but we don't
accept their application
because we can't under the
new law, then they get to
seek declaratory judgment
against us.
That's how you get to
court.
Faster.
That's just how you get to
court faster.
We -- I appreciate we
can't -- it's gonna be
hard for us to sue you, so
if you want to get to
court before JANUARY, I
think that's -- and we
need somebody to tell us
how to interpret this
because, to your credit,
MR. CHAIRMAN, there's
peril here for elected
officials and public
officials who actually go
against this statute.
So it's dangerous.
I think we create a
process because they won't
be able to receive funds
under that process because
of the statute.
They look at it, I mean,
that's -- now, the other
route, I don't know if
this is possible.
We can also just give all
of our money for these
type of events to the
miami foundation and let
them administer it.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
well, I think it goes
further than just cbo's,
though.
Its departments.
Is everything.
>> Oliver Gilbert: we can
start by doing something
like that and see if it's
legal.
You never know.
We could start doing
something like that.
I think but those are
options.
I'm not advocating that
they sue us for money.
I'm advocating that we
need to actually get in
front of a judge and
that's probably the
quickest way for a judge
to tell us whether this
law is binding or not.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
commissioner from district
12.
>> I'll be brief.
I'm fine with the motion
because we need to get
their opinion, but I just
want to remind this AUGUST
body that during the
double taxation, triple
taxation days, mitigation,
some of you were here,
king george, you know who
he was, and the commission
that was a bill passed in
tallahassee eliminating
mitigation, not making it
a one county issue because
that was the issue they
had to get around, and the
county sued.
The county sued over that
state law.
Eventually, we reached an
agreement, king george and
I, and mitigation was
given up by the county
because legally this was
state law, but the county,
the county went into the
courts, first lost at the
beginning because it was
in tallahassee and then
brought it down to a local
judge here in miami-dade
county who had once been a
county attorney.
So all I'm telling you,
because I agree with our
CHAIRMAN That these are
different times in a
different world and I do
think that we have to be
very smart in the way that
we deal with the reality
of what's happening from
tallahassee, but the fact
that if the county has an
opinion on a certain law
that MAY impact the
county, the excuse that
that's not one -- MAY not
be the best option, MAY
not be the one you guys
recommend, but in the
past, you did sue over a
state law that was passed.
That supported
municipalities because I
was the one on the other
side that had to fight
you.
I can tell you that's not
impossible.
Now, whether that will
place you in the same
position as an
organization that is
impacted directly, that we
can debate.
but when you look at
these, when you look at
these cases, I'm gonna ask
you then why the ****
did you sue me back in
2006 because truthfully
that was a state law that
was passed bipartisan
signed by the governor.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
Vice CHAIRMAN About to
call a motion.
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN.
What I'm about to say is
probably not going to be
popular, but I am putting
the county attorney's
office on notice.
I'm also putting the state
on notice.
****, I'm putting
everybody on notice.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: as
a personal person, not as
a commissioner on this
body.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
correct.
If removal is what it's
gonna take, especially for
those in my districtwho
are going to be affected,
if removal is the option
of the state of the
governor, then removal
it's gonna have to be.
I intend to encourage my
residents and those who I
support to break this law.
I intend -- come on,
please.
Lease.
I intend, if possible, to
fund organizations that
support uplifting this
community.
And if that is making some
people uncomfortable,
well, I believe those in
tallahassee should have
thought it through because
now they are making us
feel uncomfortable and I
am not going back to my
district facing the people
who put me in office to
represent their voice and
their position and tell
them that they are
representative chose to
hold onto a seat as
opposed to fighting for
their position.
So I'm just putting
everyone on notice I
intend to encourage a
different result from many
up here, but I'm not going
to back down on this one.
This is the one where we
put the flag into the
ground.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
I got a motion, we got a
second.
All in favor signify by
saying aye.
All opposed, nay. Show it
passed.
Nonattorney or MR.
Attorney, there's a motion
that I have and then
we're them a go around the
room for motions, but will
you start with mine,
please?
I have two or three?
>> are we going to make it
to -- what's the plan?
>> vicki lopez to the
miami river commission.
> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
Commissioner gonzalez
moves that item for me,
seconded by commissioner
regalado. All in favor
say aye five by saying
aye.
All opposed, nay.
Show it passed.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriguez
moves to -- to cancel the
JULY 23, 2026 zoning
meeting.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
this is this thursday's
meeting.
We've got on it about,
like, three items.
We will just be sending it
to the very next zoning
meeting.
It's been moved by
commissioner gonzalez,
seconded by the vice
chair.
All in favors signify by
saying aye.
All opposed nay. Show
that meeting canceled and
the motion passed. Is
that all for me?
>> that's all I have for
you, MR. CHAIRMAN.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
commissioner bermudez,
you'ree recognized for a
motion?
>> Juan Carlos Bermudez:
yeah, I have three
motions.
You guys can read them?
>> I have two for you,
commissioner bermudez.
Would you like me to go
ahead and read the otion?
Commissioner bermudez
does move to direct the
county mayor doesn't need
to include the district 12
of the membership of the
new airport policy and
institutional advisory
committee reference in the
mayor's JUNE 20 memorandum
regarding the feasibility
of creating a new airport
capability of
accommodating general
passengers and general
aviation activity.
>> Juan Carlos Bermudez:
90% of the county's
commercial and 100% of
it's other activities, but
90% commercial probably is
coming out of the airport
to not have district 12 on
there when all of the
businesses are in the area
are directly impacted by
the airport.
Obviously, I think
district 12 should be
included.
There's a lot of
businesses in district 12.
Good part connected to the
airport.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
you move --
>> Marleine Bastien: in
yeah, it's just to be
included in what's it
called again?
Membership of the airport
advisory committee.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
missed it because I was
being spoken to.
What is the thing you want
to do?
>> Juan Carlos Bermudez:
the airport policy
committee which is
referenced in the JUNE 30,
2026 memorandum which
regards the feasibility of
creating a new airport
capable of of -- general
aviation activities, the
district most impacted by
the airport with all due
respect to districts six
which is also impacted
which is district 12, and
I think we should have a
position on that board or
whatever it is.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
this is which board?
The one I created?
The cares act or is this
the other one?
>> Juan Carlos Bermudez:
the new airport policy and
institutional advisory
committee.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
the that when she no
longer -- that one is
dismantled.
Oh, got that's okay.
So it's been moved, it's
been seconded by the vice
chair.
>> I'd like to piggyback
on that and get an
appointment as well.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
think that you are.
I think that you are on
it.
>> okay.
>> wait, hold on, hold on,
because I was being asked
about the range of
meetings and stuff in the
back and.
Hold on.
This is my item, right?
>> no multitasking after 5
pm.
This is my directive to
create, was this my thing
to create -- it was the
mayor's, but it was based
on my directive to explore
different airport matters,
right?
Okay yes, so and then
right now the way it
stands, the way we did
this is that each member
that has an airport has a
seat on it?
What's the current
structure today versus
what bermudez is trying
to add to it?
>> Danielle Cohen Higgins:
it did not have 12.
I don't know if six was on
there.
Six MAY be on there, but
the businesses in district
12 are deeply impacted by
this.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
okay.
Nothing is being done this
very second.
Can we table that motion
until it comes up like the
next meeting?
Because I think we still
need to discuss with the
mayor some details on it.
Let's just -- it doesn't
matter -- everyone can
have an input.
It's not that.
I don't want to have what
gonzalez just did, which
he is already on it.
He didn't even know he was
already on it.
It can't become like the
wild wild west here.
>> Juan Carlos Bermudez:
I'm gonna make it easy for
you.
I'm willing to wait out of
respect for you, but right
now thomistic --
commission district 7,
eight, nine my argument
would be six and 12 should
be on there.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
agree that six and 12
should be on there.
>> chair, through the
chair --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
yes, MADAM Mayor.
>> Mayor Levine Cava: I'm
very happy to accommodate
representation from
district 12.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
and six because six has --
>> Mayor Levine Cava:
sure, six and 12.
The airport in district 6.
Sorry, I didn't hear that.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
let's bring it back, let's
do it so we can see with
the right structure is,
but it's not a big deal.
It should be fine.
You have more, though.
>> what's the next one?
>> county mayor designate
to enter into a grant
agreement with nbc
universal or its
subsidiary or affiliate to
provide a grant of
$1,020,000 in legally
general funds originally
allocated for film
incentives for the
production of miami vice
85 provided the production
complies with the grant
agreement and further
moves to authorize the
county mayor designate to
execute the grant
agreement and exercise the
provisions therein
following approval by the
county attorney's office
for form and legal
sufficiency.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
this is miami vice movie,
okay, don't everybody get
excited.
And telemundo nbc would
bring production.
I think it's hundreds of
thousands of
.
The impact would be over
$35 million of of stuff
to miami-dade county.
>> second that.Cond that.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
moved by commissioner
bermudez --
>> if I MAY?
>> clarification.
>> Mayor Levine Cava:
[Indiscernible]
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: so
it's been moved, it's been
seconded.Nded.
Commissioner garcia, if
you're asking to have a
part in the movie, we're
gonna have to discuss
that.
>> it MAY be a part in the
movie where I have to kill
someone after.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you are the filmmaker,
though.
You are the film guy.
>> and this is what
happens when people don't
have
>> I'm starving.
I'm starving here.
MR. CHAIRMAN, this is part
of the film incentive
program that we've been
working -- that we worked
on.
Unfortunately, last year
we voted to scale back the
incentives and right now I
don't think this is an
appropriate time to move
forward with this and
clarify exactly how this
incentive oral work, so
I'm going to ask
commissioner bermudez if
he could withdraw it.
I've already spoken to him
and I think we could
sunshine it together, you
could get the part in the
movie because obviously
you are movie star looks
could get you a little
further, but the reality
is we need to do it
quickly because I don't
want to MISS The
opportunity to bring this
much work to miami-dade
county.
>> you won't MISS The
opportunity.
We've been having some
conversations and we'll
get this right back on
track.
>> I'm fine doing this and
getting it all together.
>> to me, my go to guy for
film is senator garcia,
right, as far as he has
made himself the film king
and actually advocated to
even move this under
office of the chair.
It was moved over without
proper funding, but it's
here and now we're getting
it, but I would.
And I see that because
they reach out to me as
well.
I'm sure they reached out
both of you.
That's why you're making
the motion and having
communication.
If someone wants to
approach the well, if
there's anyone here from
that's requesting this
funding --
>> I don't think they are
here today.
MR. Chair, just to be
clear, I'm saying it
probably came to me.
Not because I have the
movie star looks of
senator garcia.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: if
they are not here, they
are not here.
If you're both agreeing to
that, and I imagine you
know something I don't
know.
It's not like a timeframe
issue.
There's not a timeline
they were going to go
somewhere else.
It's not necessarily the
next meeting.
You guys can make the
motion at any time.
Have a little sunshine
about it.
>> we can sunshine it.
The next one I'll read.
>> MR. Chair?
>> Juan Carlos Bermudez:
I would move that the
board urged the united
states congress and donald
j trump to reinstate tps
for nationals of
venezuela, haiti,
honduras, and any other
caribbean or latin
american country from
which tps status was
revoked and direct the
court -- speaker of the us
house of representatives,
the PRESIDENT Pro tem of
the U.S. Senate and
members of the florida
congressional delegation
and direct the county
lobbyist to advocate for
the foregoing and direct
office of
intergovernmental affairs
to amend 2026 federal
legislative package to
include this item.
It's just in urging, but
listen, commissioner
cohen higgins said
correctly.
We are a minority majority
county.
Right now, in the
venezuelan community, the
haitian community is going
through one of the most
difficult, difficult
situation when it comes to
being able to work here.
I know the mayor and
commissioner bastien
will be having a
conversation because so
many people are employed
here.
I think if it moves this
commission to speak out in
no more than it's at least
important to us.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
okay, there's a motion and
second by commissioner
gilbert.
If there's cosponsor, add
me as cosponsor on that as
well.
Lopez as well, orbis as
well, tps.
Vice chair, dais.
Let's wrap it up, guys.
The whole what is it.
Give me a good model.
I don't want to mess up
the word again, senator.
The whole --
>> that's what I was
looking for.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
you see?
Thank you, orbis.
Someone had lunch around
here.
>> we packed our lunch,
people.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all in favor say aye five
by saying aye.
you got one.
Bermudez, you got one.
You're not batting very
well, but you got one.
>> Juan Carlos Bermudez:
I'm very honored to have a
sunshine with senator
garcia.
It's going to be
wonderful.
District 12 and 13 working
together.
> MR. Chair?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: do
we have any motions or
appointments?
>> I have a motion.
I will have the accounting
attorneys actually.
>> commissioner --
relating to the amendment
to the easement agreement
between miami-dade county
and the lion miami terrace
llc for a portion of
loveland trail adjacent to
southwest eighth street,
the easement agreement, to
authorize county mayor
mayor designate an
ordination revise the
easement agreement
regarding the county
default and rights
provided that the
provisions do not result
in any additional
obligations to the county.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez: I
like that.
Moved by commissioner
orbis, seconded by
commissioner lopez.
Ll
in favor signify by saying
aye.
All opposed, nay. Show
the motion carries.
Commissioner regalado,
you have any motions or
appointments?
>> Raquel Regalado: for
the sunshine meeting,
grand theft auto the next
one is going to be in
miami, through that --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
that's a real life movie.
>> Raquel Regalado: next
grand theft auto they are
picking sitess in miami
county.
Grand theft auto, pay
attention.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
what's this whole thing
people are doing like
netflix documentaries.
What's this whole
movement?
It's so cute.
Was yours about, like what
was the whole -- the yard
signs?
>> it's like when you were
issuing the little babies.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
just waiting to see my
documentary when they are
stealing my signs, so
yeah.
All right.
Commissioner gonzalez, any
motions or appointments?
Commissioner cohen
higgins? Steinberg?
>> Micky Steinberg: no, I
will say commissioner
bermudez, one year ago
tomorrow, we are so happy
you are with us and we do
like you, believe it or
not.
[Laughter]
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
what's the one year
anniversary tomorrow?
>> Micky Steinberg: it
was one year ago tomorrow
that he had his health
issue.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
it's funny you bring that
up, and we are all blessed
that you're here with us,
you really came back a
changed man and I love it.
You are the funniest
member of this dais and I
mean that.
You give zero cares, you
give zero cares and you
just say what's on your
mind and I love it.
I couldn't eat it up a
more.
Commissioner gilbert,
motions or appointments?
>> Oliver Gilbert: I have
a motion and an
appointment if they can go
ahead and read them from
eight.
>> with respect to the
following developers that
have been conveyed certain
properties through the
miami-dade initiative
program, commissioner
gilbert moves consistent
with ordinance 21-80 to
increase the maximum sales
price from the 205,000 to
the current maximum sales
price pursuant to
ordinance 21-80 through in
accordance with the
housing program further
listed in the motion that
was distributed by the
clerk it is on file -- and
reflects the portfolios
for 34 ways foundation and
11 folios for palmetto
homes.
Commissioner gilbert moves
pursuant to section 125.11
florida statutes the
developer identified
herein for the properties
identified herein
following approval by the
county attorney's office
in order to effectuate the
sales price increase to
authorize the -- exercise
any and all rights set
forth in the deeds
including but not limited
to after conducting all
due diligence title
searches and environments
will review and three
direct the county mayor
mayor designate to provide
copies of the amended
deeds to the property
appraiser record amended
deeds and provide copies
of amended deeds to the
clerk of the board.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right, we have a
motion by commissioner
gilbert, a second by
commissioner bermudez.
All in favor signify by
saying aye.
All opposed, nay.
>> yes, I'd like to
appoint john williams to
the commission on
disability issues.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
MR. Williams to the
disability commission.
Seconded by senator
garcia.
All in favor signify by
saying aye.
All opposed, nay.
And senator -- hold on.
Just one statement.
And I'm kind of, like,
bunning my business to
something that's not our
business but sort of my
business.
We have a cra meeting that
starts in five minutes.
none of us are going make
it in five minutes.
I don't think it's fair to
have residents waiting for
us 40 minutes, 50 minutes
to get down south.
If the two cochairs --
it's more probably close
to an hour.
I don't know if this
meeting can be canceled.
It's a whole different
body.
Of course the cochairs,
vice chair Mcghee and
cochair cohen higgins.
Isn't something we can
cancel from this dais or
reschedule?
I'm using the wrong,
surprised senator garcia
did not correct my
terminology.
>> it's just one.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
but I don't think we can
do it as this body, but
the cochairs are present.
By the way, I'm butting
into something that's not
my -- but we're just not
gonna make it.
We're ot gonna start a
meeting at 7-7:30 P.M. To
the attorneys, you want to
respond at least to my
concerns?
>> MR. Chair, if you know
you won't have a quorum at
the meeting and quorum
requirement for that, I
believe it's five members.
Then the meeting can be
canceled.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
okay.
All right.
Again, I don't think
anybody is going to make
it.
it's an hour and and a
half if you just check
mapquest or whatever the
new map system is these
days.
>> it's called google.
You should have lunch.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
waze.
Vice chair, do you want to
opine since it's your
meeting?
>> Vice CHAIRMAN McGhee:
I don't want to
inconvenience anyone here,
but at the same time I do
know there are -- at the
same time, I do know there
are some individuals that
are there.
I guess my question is to
the county attorney to the
administration, do we have
to suspend this meeting
and then bring forth the
cre meeting right now in
order to reschedule?
When is the next tre
meeting scheduled?
>> it's up to the cochairs
of the cra to
reschedule.
>> but when is the next
rescheduled meeting?
>> we are not aware of
that.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right, so we're not --
okay, sounds good.
With that, commissioner
lopez, any appointments?
MR. Garcia, you are
recognized.
>> monica brown for the
black affairs advisory
board.
Bruce oros to the film
and entertainment board,
christine lamera to the
community citizens board,
and I do have a motion
that I would like to read.
>> senator garcia moves to
authorize the county mayor
county mayor's designee to
negotiate and execute an
interlocal agreement with
the children's trust
filing to provide real
estate services to the
trust in connection with
the trust potential
acquisition of real
property and furtherance
of its mission.
Services shall include but
not be limited to
performing services
necessary to evaluate the
property, negotiating a
purchase agreement and
shall be provided at the
same or similarly
negotiated rate or fee
schedule charged
accounting administered of
departments and/or the
public health trust.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all right.
It's been moved, seconded
by commissioner regalado.
>> Raquel Regalado: sure.
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
all in favor signify by
saying aye.
All opposed nay.
Show it passed. Was that
everything?
All right.
>> do we agree on
rescheduling of the cra?
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
they are going to figure
it out.
They are going reschedule.
>> hold on, hold on --
>> CHAIRMAN Rodriquez:
show us adjourned.
Show us adjourned, guys.