[1:02:27] please invest $20 million for
[1:02:28] fiscal year 2026 and 2027.
[1:02:32] Thank you.
[1:02:32] >> good evening.
[1:02:42] >> good evening. I am here to
[1:02:52] represent a trailer park. My
[1:02:53] address is 8050 northwest.
[1:02:54] Miami ct. My address is 8050
[1:02:57] northwest. Miami ct. Zip code
[1:03:13] 33150. With our representative
[1:03:22] from district 2. We have
[1:03:23] attended two budget hearings
[1:03:24] but we have not received an
[1:03:37] answer yet. The county knows
[1:03:39] we are here but our family
[1:03:39] remain at risk for
[1:03:47] displacement.
[1:03:51] >> we will not be calling out
[1:03:52] names. Please, thank you so
[1:03:54] much.
[1:04:03] >> we would like to have a
[1:04:04] meeting with some
[1:04:08] representatives. And the
[1:04:18] residents. We would also like
[1:04:24] to know if regulatory economic
[1:04:25] resources department and
[1:04:26] housing and community
[1:04:34] development department could
[1:04:35] name people who are responsible
[1:04:36] and present a clear plan to
[1:04:44] prevent displacement. We are
[1:04:45] not asking more for silence, we
[1:04:52] are asking for a specific date.
[1:04:53] And we would like an answer on
[1:04:54] our behalf. Thank you.
[1:04:55] >> thank you so much. As a
[1:04:58] matter fact someone is here and
[1:04:59] it will meet you in the back.
[1:05:00] To address that concern and I
[1:05:03] do believe others you made
[1:05:04] request to meet with. Staff
[1:05:05] will be in the back waiting for
[1:05:07] you. Thank you so much.
[1:05:18] Daniel, andy, sophia, maria,
[1:05:24] daniela, andrew, daniel,
[1:05:29] isabel, rachel, taylor, please
[1:05:42] come to the podium.
[1:05:43] >> good evening.
[1:05:44] >> good evening how are you?
[1:05:45] >> I'm doing great thank you
[1:05:53] so much. My name is andy
[1:05:54] allen. I am the state director
[1:05:54] for best study.
[1:05:55] > hold on andy, we have to
[1:05:56] make sure everybody is giving
[1:05:57] you their full attention.
[1:05:58] >> I love that. I will
[1:05:58] wait.
[1:06:03] >> thank you. Let's go.
[1:06:04] >> okay. Best buddies is
[1:06:05] located at 100 se. 2nd st. In
[1:06:07] miami. Best buddies is a
[1:06:15] 501(C)(3) Nonprofit that
[1:06:16] provides friendship, leadership
[1:06:17] development, and supported
[1:06:18] employment opportunities for
[1:06:19] individuals with intellectual
[1:06:21] and develop mental abilities.
[1:06:22] Through our partnership with
[1:06:22] miami-dade county, we serve
[1:06:25] more than 2000 county residents
[1:06:29] annually. Our cbo funding
[1:06:30] helps individuals with
[1:06:31] disabilities develop the social
[1:06:32] skills and workplace skills
[1:06:36] they need to obtain employment,
[1:06:38] be palm more independent and
[1:06:40] participate actively in their
[1:06:43] communities. We are grateful
[1:06:44] that cbo funding remains in the
[1:06:46] proposed budget and we
[1:06:53] respectfully ask the board of
[1:06:54] county commissioners to
[1:06:55] preserve this critical funding.
[1:06:56] I am joined by daniel of best
[1:07:00] buddies participant who will
[1:07:01] share what the program means to
[1:07:02] him.
[1:07:03] >> thank you so much. Daniel?
[1:07:08] >> greetings. My name is
[1:07:10] daniel and I live at 10951
[1:07:11] greetings. My name is daniel
[1:07:14] and I live at 10951 84th st.
[1:07:15] Greetings. My name is daniel
[1:07:16] and I live at 1095 184th st. In
[1:07:17] miami, fl. I was diagnosed
[1:07:17] with autism when I was three
[1:07:20] years old. Growing up I found
[1:07:21] it difficult to make friends
[1:07:27] and I was -- [Indiscernible].
[1:07:30] i believe that would never live
[1:07:31] independently or achieve my
[1:07:32] dreams. My friends used to
[1:07:36] tell me, don't say you can't do
[1:07:37] something just because you have
[1:07:45] autism. I search for answers
[1:07:45] until I found best buddies.
[1:07:46] Best buddies change my life
[1:07:47] forever. Through best buddies
[1:07:48] I have been able to build lots
[1:07:53] of friendship, work travel and
[1:07:54] advocate for inclusion for
[1:07:55] others as an ambassador I am
[1:07:58] proud of the community thanks
[1:07:59] to best buddies. I am asking
[1:08:00] you to retain the same level of
[1:08:06] funding for community-based
[1:08:07] organizations. Organizations
[1:08:08] like best buddies can continue
[1:08:10] to help people like me thrive.
[1:08:10] Thank you.
[1:08:20] >> thank you. So awesome.
[1:08:20] Yes, ma'am.
[1:08:21] >> my name is sophia. My
[1:08:22] address is 3235 southwest. 59th
[1:08:23] avenue, miami, fl 33155. I
[1:08:24] live in district 6. I am here
[1:08:28] to speak about funding septic
[1:08:28] to sewer conversions. My
[1:08:29] neighborhood shall be park is
[1:08:32] only one that was receiving
[1:08:32] funding this year. I urge you
[1:08:40] to increase funding for these
[1:08:41] conversions. We still have
[1:08:42] about 120,000 septic systems in
[1:08:46] the county. Many of them are
[1:08:47] vulnerable or touching ground
[1:08:48] water, yards flushing back into
[1:08:49] people's homes and biscayne
[1:08:50] bay. The county promised in
[1:08:51] the 1970s to phase out septic
[1:08:57] tanks. So please fulfill this
[1:08:58] promise. I'm also here to talk
[1:08:58] to you about urging you to
[1:08:59] allocate $20 million for the
[1:09:01] management restoration,
[1:09:07] acquisition, and maintenance of
[1:09:08] land. You mention parks as a
[1:09:08] priority this year so please
[1:09:10] uphold that for ill. Thank
[1:09:10] you.
[1:09:16] >> thank you.
[1:09:17] >> good afternoon my name is
[1:09:18] maria. My address is 1095
[1:09:22] raven avenue as they reside in
[1:09:23] district 6. I'm here today as a
[1:09:24] citizen to talk about the
[1:09:26] program. This program protect
[1:09:32] treat canopies, wildlife. This
[1:09:32] program protect all of our
[1:09:33] well-being since they protect
[1:09:36] sensitive lands that absorb
[1:09:37] floodwater. Scientists have
[1:09:43] warned us that money -- miami
[1:09:46] -- [Indiscernible]. It will
[1:09:47] cost us over $5 billion to come
[1:09:52] by flooding and long-term
[1:09:53] resiliency. In light of this
[1:10:01] we cannot mismanage lands that
[1:10:02] absorb this flooding. The
[1:10:03] continued investment in this
[1:10:04] program now is a concrete step
[1:10:05] the commissioners can take to
[1:10:06] protect us. While I am only
[1:10:06] mentioning flooding because
[1:10:07] over time the everglades, reefs
[1:10:08] and biscayne bay has benefits
[1:10:09] to the population.
[1:10:10] Contributing to the well
[1:10:18] billion -- being in many ways.
[1:10:21] >> thank you so much.
[1:10:31] >> district 5. As community
[1:10:32] liaison as transit alliance
[1:10:33] miami I along with my
[1:10:35] colleagues and volunteers spent
[1:10:36] AUGUST talking with 5:00 A.M.
[1:10:36] Bus riders. I invite you to
[1:10:37] join one of these rides to
[1:10:40] really understand just how
[1:10:44] packed these buses are while
[1:10:45] the rest of the county sleeps.
[1:10:48] It would be a tremendous and
[1:10:49] disrespectful disservice to cut
[1:10:55] early morning bus service.
[1:10:56] Riders are shocked and have no
[1:10:57] idea how they are supposed to
[1:10:58] get to work otherwise. Some
[1:10:59] reactions adventure with me
[1:11:01] since the county is taking a my
[1:11:14] way to work that is 1 and a
[1:11:14] half b
[1:11:14] two hours of wages each
[1:11:15] way. I don't feel safe walking
[1:11:16] in the dark for 30 minutes.
[1:11:17] The county functions on the
[1:11:18] surface of the 6868 workers.
[1:11:21] We owe them our respect, we owe
[1:11:22] them dignified and dependable
[1:11:23] transportation. Therefore, I
[1:11:25] urge you to restore the to
[1:11:30] restore the $12.4 million
[1:11:31] funding needed for early
[1:11:31] morning bus service. Thank
[1:11:32] you.
[1:11:32] >> thank you so much.
[1:11:47] >> hello my name is -- 22. --
[1:11:48] [Indiscernible]. Being from
[1:11:49] south florida mean the outdoors
[1:11:50] is a part of who you are. It
[1:11:51] is the reason people move here
[1:11:51] and reason those of us born
[1:11:52] here stay. But the natural
[1:11:55] spaces we love are not protect
[1:11:56] themselves. That is what the
[1:11:56] environment silly endangered
[1:11:58] land program is for. The lands
[1:12:02] absorb floodwater, they give
[1:12:05] space for wildlife to thrive.
[1:12:06] These lands are essential for
[1:12:10] miami-dade to thrive. If we do
[1:12:10] not leave room for our original
[1:12:14] lands to thrive how can we
[1:12:15] expect the environment around
[1:12:20] us to keep working for us? We
[1:12:21] are between two national parks.
[1:12:22] We have biscayne bay and the
[1:12:23] everglades. You cannot cut
[1:12:27] this program by the 54%. And
[1:12:28] expect our great spaces to
[1:12:28] survive. I'm asking you to
[1:12:30] fund the $20 million for the
[1:12:33] fiscal year 2026 b
[1:12:33] 2027.
[1:12:34] Protect the places that make us
[1:12:35] who we are. Thank you.
[1:12:42] >> thank you.
[1:12:47] >> good evening. I reside at
[1:12:55] 50 district 6. Between 5:56 am
[1:13:00] is for miami working people.
[1:13:01] The early shifts and nursing
[1:13:02] jobs, construction, school and
[1:13:07] daily life. Cutting them hurts
[1:13:08] riders and makes it harder to
[1:13:08] live and work in miami.
[1:13:09] Transit line spoke to hundreds
[1:13:10] of riders on these early
[1:13:14] morning buses and I don't know
[1:13:15] what I am going to do if this
[1:13:22] passes. I'm no other option.
[1:13:23] I spoke to an exhausted woman
[1:13:24] on her way home from her
[1:13:25] overnight shift at burger king.
[1:13:26] You should've seen her face
[1:13:26] when she heard this news at
[1:13:32] 5:30 A.M.. This is our only way
[1:13:33] home from work and she had to
[1:13:34] make ends meet. What does the
[1:13:34] county expect workers to do?
[1:13:35] Pay for an expensive rideshare
[1:13:36] to work every day to mac be in
[1:13:37] the dark on unprotected rows?
[1:13:39] Please restore the $12.4
[1:13:44] million to keep early morning
[1:13:45] service running. If you don't
[1:13:46] use the service your neighbor
[1:13:46] does. Thank you.
[1:13:47] >> thank you.
[1:13:51] >> hi commissioners matta
[1:13:55] mayor, CHAIRMAN, good evening.
[1:13:56] Thank you so much for having me
[1:14:02] here. My address is 2867
[1:14:03] southwest. 38th avenue, miami,
[1:14:11] fl 33134. My name is b
[1:14:12] I.[Indiscernible]. I think you
[1:14:13] are probably here on what I am
[1:14:14] going to talk about. I have a
[1:14:15] confession to make. I grew up
[1:14:15] here in miami. While I was
[1:14:17] there, I hated miami. I can
[1:14:19] wait to leave. And when I left
[1:14:22] , I realized that this place my
[1:14:24] hometown is the only place
[1:14:28] where you can go kayaking and
[1:14:28] mangroves, you can go on a
[1:14:31] swamp walk, and you can see
[1:14:32] dozens of wild flowers blooming
[1:14:35] in a pine rock all in one day.
[1:14:39] If you haven't done that, I'll
[1:14:40] invite you to come out with me.
[1:14:41] I will to take you out to do
[1:14:45] any of those things. Miami
[1:14:46] nature is what made me come
[1:14:56] back and why I'm here. What
[1:14:56] this is about is the
[1:14:57] environment silly endangered
[1:14:58] lands program. I'm asking you
[1:14:59] to please fund the program at
[1:15:00] $20 million. It is what allows
[1:15:01] the program to london -- run.
[1:15:05] Do all of the incredible
[1:15:06] services. Thank you.
[1:15:09] >> thank you so much. We
[1:15:10] almost made it. I saw it and
[1:15:14] it was coming.
[1:15:15] >> good evening commissioners
[1:15:16] my name is amanda. I'm the
[1:15:33] director of zero waste cultural
[1:15:34] change at the oceans. I reside
[1:15:35] at 11319 southwest. 248 terrace
[1:15:36] in district 8. Briefly ocean
[1:15:37] works to build the cultural and
[1:15:38] infrastructural capacity for
[1:15:38] transition from a linear to
[1:15:39] circular economy so that all
[1:15:40] can have access to clean water
[1:15:41] and healthy environments. We
[1:15:42] are asking you to fully fund
[1:15:43] the zero waste master plan in
[1:15:43] year 2026 b
[1:15:43] 2027 budget. We
[1:15:49] leave -- lead more than 150
[1:15:50] members who have helped shape
[1:15:51] this plan. Initiatives that
[1:15:52] are aligned in the plans are
[1:15:52] with the miami-dade community
[1:15:53] wants and we are eager for
[1:15:54] implementation to begin. I'm
[1:15:55] joined by my colleague isabella
[1:15:56] who will tell you why the plan
[1:15:58] is so awesome.
[1:16:11] >> resident --
[1:16:12] [Indiscernible]. Funding the
[1:16:19] master plan and create
[1:16:20] healthier communities for all.
[1:16:21] There were zero waste master
[1:16:22] plan will be more efficiently
[1:16:25] conserve natural resources
[1:16:25] lower greenhouse gas emission,
[1:16:28] reduce waste by attacking waste
[1:16:32] at its source. Fully
[1:16:33] implementing the plan allow us
[1:16:48] to increase the rate from its
[1:16:48] current 36% b
[1:16:49] 77%. This will
[1:16:49] reduce 1.7 million metric tons
[1:16:51] of co2 equivalent. Funding the
[1:16:51] zero waste master plan is
[1:16:52] integral to ensuring a more
[1:16:53] resilient and sustainable
[1:16:54] future for miami-dade county
[1:16:55] and our communities. Thank
[1:16:58] you.
[1:16:59] >> good evening MR. Vice
[1:17:00] CHAIRMAN, MR. CHAIRMAN, county
[1:17:00] commissioners and of course
[1:17:01] matta mayor. My name is --
[1:17:07] [Indiscernible]. My address is
[1:17:08] 5530 sunset DR., miami 33133.
[1:17:10] Like many of the others that
[1:17:11] are here today, I am here to
[1:17:15] talk about the land. I am here
[1:17:16] to emphasize a letter that was
[1:17:20] sent to all of you on behalf of
[1:17:21] several organizations from
[1:17:23] across our community urging the
[1:17:25] funding of $20 million to the
[1:17:25] environment silly endangered
[1:17:27] lands program. We recognize
[1:17:28] that this is a difficult budget
[1:17:31] cycle. But eo is more
[1:17:32] conservation. As many of the
[1:17:40] post before he has said, it is
[1:17:41] natural infrastructure. These
[1:17:42] lands reduce flooding in
[1:17:42] extreme heat, protect drinking
[1:17:44] water, preserve biodiversity
[1:17:44] and strengthen climate
[1:17:45] resilience. These benefits are
[1:17:48] exactly why the ill program was
[1:17:50] approved by miami-dade county
[1:17:51] voters in the 1990 referendum.
[1:17:54] The people want to protect the
[1:18:02] most environmentally sensitive
[1:18:03] lands for present and future
[1:18:03] generation. I urge you to
[1:18:04] honor that commitment and
[1:18:05] increase funding for ill.
[1:18:08] Delaying these acquisitions and
[1:18:09] management will only make them
[1:18:10] more expensive and increase
[1:18:11] risk of losing these lands
[1:18:12] forever. Thank you for your
[1:18:12] time.
[1:18:15] >> thank you so much.
[1:18:26] >> good afternoon. I come
[1:18:31] from miami workers center. My
[1:18:35] address is lotus house. 217
[1:18:41] northwest. 15th 217 northwest.
[1:18:58] 15th st., miami, fl 33136. My
[1:18:59] -- I'm a mother fighting for
[1:18:59] her son but a voice to be
[1:19:12] listened to. I am a single
[1:19:12] mother and my son shares this
[1:19:15] world with me. I am living at
[1:19:25] the lotus house. But today
[1:19:26] fear is reaching us again. We
[1:19:29] need to find more empathy for
[1:19:39] people with autism disorder.
[1:19:44] For someone in the autistic
[1:19:45] spectrum, the world is already
[1:19:50] very hard. Being unable to
[1:19:51] navigate the situation that
[1:19:51] most people don't have to
[1:19:59] navigate. Building a routine
[1:20:04] safe space and being able to
[1:20:05] have emotional development for
[1:20:18] me and my son. Having lost our
[1:20:21] home it is meant for us to
[1:20:38] break the stability and health.
[1:20:39] >> thank you so much. I
[1:20:50] appreciate it. Kathy, sharon
[1:21:07] frazier, paul, monica, patrice,
[1:21:08] please come forward to the
[1:21:14] podium. Thank you.
[1:21:15] >> good evening matta mayor
[1:21:20] and commissioners my name is
[1:21:21] marianna. 11 3180 core weight
[1:21:22] 33145. I am here tonight to
[1:21:24] ask you to rapidly fund the
[1:21:24] environment silly endangered
[1:21:26] lands program. With the full
[1:21:31] 20 million, he needs to
[1:21:32] properly upgrade. Endangered
[1:21:38] lands are not just pretty, they
[1:21:43] -- [Indiscernible]. The budget
[1:21:44] has dropped dramatically over
[1:21:45] the years. Land costs keep
[1:21:46] climbing. It is considering
[1:21:48] waiving the 10 million legal
[1:21:52] minimum fee that the management
[1:21:53] trust requires according to the
[1:21:54] code. There is currently
[1:21:59] 34,000 acres in the acquisition
[1:22:00] base. We defund this program
[1:22:05] every year we lose land forever
[1:22:06] an important ecosystem
[1:22:07] services. I respectfully ask
[1:22:07] you to fund ill at $20 million.
[1:22:08] Thank you.
[1:22:12] >> thank you so much.
[1:22:15] >> good afternoon my name is
[1:22:16] geraldine and 4298 geraldine
[1:22:20] and 4298 southwest ter.
[1:22:21] Geraldine and 4298 southwest
[1:22:22] ter., miami in district 6. I am
[1:22:23] here today to speak against the
[1:22:25] early bus and late -- I'm
[1:22:32] sorry. Last year I joined the
[1:22:33] transit alliance 24 hour
[1:22:34] transit marathon across the
[1:22:36] county. At 4:30 A.M. As we are
[1:22:37] standing in homestead one of
[1:22:39] the bus stops most of the
[1:22:50] people at that stop were from
[1:22:51] jackson, u health and other
[1:22:51] hospitals in miami. I was
[1:22:52] surprised to see that. And it
[1:22:53] also meant that those badges
[1:22:54] were deeply familiar to me
[1:22:55] because in 2017, I spent almost
[1:22:58] a month in icu at the trauma
[1:23:00] center cared by those very same
[1:23:09] essential workers. I saw them
[1:23:10] arriving at 6:00 am shift and
[1:23:11] leaving at 11:00 pm shift
[1:23:12] taking care of me day after
[1:23:16] day. These workers are there
[1:23:17] for us when we are most
[1:23:18] vulnerable. In many rely on
[1:23:19] these early and long distance
[1:23:19] buses. Please restore the
[1:23:24] $12.4 million that keep
[1:23:24] early-morning buses running.
[1:23:25] These routes are lifelines for
[1:23:26] the people who keep miami-dade
[1:23:27] running.
[1:23:30] >> thank you so much.
[1:23:49] >> -- [Indiscernible]. The
[1:23:49] taxpayer causing us $1.2
[1:23:58] million every day. Florida tax
[1:23:59] was.1 $0.2 million. We spent
[1:24:03] $5 million a year for mental
[1:24:04] health on 22nd which would cost
[1:24:11] the taxpayers 115. We spent
[1:24:15] and we just proved $21 million
[1:24:21] for performing arts center in
[1:24:22] miami gardens. That should
[1:24:23] have kept the workers on the
[1:24:24] job when you come to our
[1:24:27] community talking about laying
[1:24:28] off. You gave yourself a raise
[1:24:32] three years ago without the
[1:24:33] voters. You are changing the
[1:24:44] name -- [Indiscernible]. We
[1:24:45] never voted on this. The $21
[1:24:46] million can be helping
[1:24:46] employees that you're trying to
[1:24:47] put out. You all are taking
[1:24:53] money. I have your package.
[1:24:55] >> thank you so much.
[1:25:00] >> good evening. Monica, the
[1:25:01] ceo of greater miami 43 forgery
[1:25:10] flag that that turn into. --
[1:25:17] [Indiscernible]. With eviction
[1:25:18] diversion funding we have
[1:25:19] conducted dozens of outreach
[1:25:24] events across all 13 districts
[1:25:26] and provided legal assistance
[1:25:27] to more than 3000 households in
[1:25:27] the county. Not only providing
[1:25:28] greater stability to these
[1:25:29] families but in many cases
[1:25:30] saving critical county
[1:25:31] resources that would have
[1:25:32] otherwise been utilized in
[1:25:41] addressing the potential
[1:25:41] homelessness. We respectfully
[1:25:42] ask for your continued support
[1:25:43] and urge you to vote in favor
[1:25:44] of the proposed level funding
[1:25:45] for the program. Thank you.
[1:25:51] >> thank you. Go ahead, thank
[1:25:52] you.
[1:25:54] >> good afternoon.
[1:25:55] >> good evening, how are you?
[1:25:58] >> good evening vice chair,
[1:26:02] commissioners and mayor. I
[1:26:05] live at 6560 northwest. 12th
[1:26:10] avenue miami, fl 33150. In the
[1:26:11] complex of liberty square
[1:26:12] housing. As you guys can see
[1:26:13] I'm still in a wheelchair and I
[1:26:14] am in a walker because I fell
[1:26:20] in the complex. Number two, I
[1:26:21] am going to make it quick
[1:26:22] because I told the CHAIRMAN
[1:26:28] That I would be less than a
[1:26:29] minute. Mme. Mayor, please we
[1:26:29] need a roundtable.
[1:26:30] Commissioner, please tell the
[1:26:34] people stop intimidating me.
[1:26:35] Retaliation is happening at
[1:26:35] liberty square against me
[1:26:39] because I am the crime watch
[1:26:40] person. I need to talk to
[1:26:46] rosie. I need the roundtable
[1:26:48] mayor. Commissioner Mcgee told
[1:26:52] him with representative lopez
[1:26:56] and all the ones that sit. He
[1:26:58] said do not retaliate against
[1:27:01] your constituents. That is why
[1:27:02] you cannot get any volunteers.
[1:27:08] Because they target us
[1:27:08] commissioners.
[1:27:10] >> thank you and let's refrain
[1:27:11] from naming the commissioners
[1:27:17] at this time.
[1:27:21] >> matta mayor, I'm going to
[1:27:22] address two things. Can we get
[1:27:28] some want to speak to MRS.
[1:27:29] Frazier? And secondly if we
[1:27:30] have a cell phone go off my
[1:27:38] only request is the cbo's are
[1:27:39] in need of extra funding and we
[1:27:40] will pass around a hat that you
[1:27:41] can make a donation if you hear
[1:27:42] your cell phone go off. If you
[1:27:43] can do a huge favor for the
[1:27:47] next three seconds look at your
[1:27:49] phone to make sure it is on
[1:28:06] silent.
[1:28:07] >> there is at least $12.4
[1:28:15] missing from this budget. We
[1:28:16] need to keep 47 early bus
[1:28:17] routes running. This budget
[1:28:18] currently leaves behind almost
[1:28:23] 7000 daily riders who need the
[1:28:24] 6:00 am bus. They need it and
[1:28:25] the writers like MISS Rosa who
[1:28:25] ride the 37, seven and 103.
[1:28:26] have no alternative it is to
[1:28:31] get cuts. And would have to
[1:28:35] take a $25 over daily. Both
[1:28:36] her and her daughter rely on
[1:28:39] the tree to get to work and to
[1:28:40] get to school. This is not the
[1:28:51] full stack. This is their
[1:28:51] livelihood and we need them to
[1:28:52] get to work. Because not there
[1:28:53] miami runs on the work. These
[1:28:54] cuts mean that we will have
[1:28:55] delayed construction sites no
[1:28:56] housekeeping hotels and get
[1:28:59] into their shifts late. Is
[1:29:00] this the miami-dade that we are
[1:29:03] striving for? Stop the cuts.
[1:29:06] >> thank you kathy.
[1:29:09] >> it is an honor and
[1:29:13] privilege to come before the
[1:29:16] board. I come with no malice
[1:29:19] towards anyone. There is
[1:29:22] something going on --
[1:29:23] >> did you give me your
[1:29:25] address?
[1:29:26] >> 2100 northwest. 192nd?
[1:29:29] >> 2100 northwest. 192nd ter.
[1:29:30] Last year I came here with my
[1:29:36] boots on. This year I am here
[1:29:36] with my heart.
[1:29:37] >> did you give your name
[1:29:38] also?
[1:29:45] >> it is hebrew. I am here
[1:29:52] because of a nonprofit and the
[1:29:53] people I met today. I'm
[1:29:55] fascinated with the use but I
[1:29:57] am fascinated with what GOD
[1:30:00] told me to do. It is the
[1:30:06] museum and the afro american
[1:30:07] negro, collard or whatever you
[1:30:10] want to call us. It was 500
[1:30:12] years of slavery and I'm here
[1:30:16] to save my parents was a slave.
[1:30:24] >> is nexus to the budget? I
[1:30:25] appreciate you.
[1:30:27] >> $31,000 grant that I want
[1:30:30] you all to address. I died
[1:30:34] this year. I went into a coma.
[1:30:42] >> thank you.
[1:30:43] >> can I speak on behalf of my
[1:30:44] other half?
[1:30:44] >> that would kick off a wave
[1:30:45] of follow-up to do the same
[1:30:46] thing. Thank you so much. I
[1:30:50] appreciate you.
[1:31:08] >> I do not want to go.
[1:31:09] >> here's an update.
[1:31:09] Everything appeared and we do
[1:31:25] normally something we are
[1:31:26] seeing from you. The response
[1:31:27] is whatever you give us we give
[1:31:28] you back. The only thing we
[1:31:29] are asking for this particular
[1:31:30] moment is that each and every
[1:31:30] last one of you respect each
[1:31:31] other. Because what ends up
[1:31:32] happening is the longer you
[1:31:33] take at the podium, you're
[1:31:34] basically forcing someone else
[1:31:34] to wait behind you. That
[1:31:35] forces them to have to
[1:31:36] rearrange their calendar
[1:31:39] schedule to pick up their kids,
[1:31:40] go to work or do something that
[1:31:40] are very important to the
[1:31:41] quality of life. Someone asked
[1:31:42] that you respect one another by
[1:31:43] simply number understanding
[1:31:44] when you are -- going over your
[1:31:45] time, you are holding someone
[1:31:50] else up of things that they
[1:31:51] need to be doing. Thank you so
[1:31:59] much.
[1:32:00] >> good evening I will be as
[1:32:07] quick as possible. I am from
[1:32:10] 240 e. I am from 240 e. 1st
[1:32:11] avenue highly of florida. I'm
[1:32:14] here representing community
[1:32:15] coalition nonprofit
[1:32:17] organization. We support the
[1:32:18] elderly population. On behalf
[1:32:22] of of the organization I would
[1:32:23] like to sincerely thank you for
[1:32:25] your continued support of
[1:32:26] community-based organizations
[1:32:27] an important work that we do
[1:32:33] every day. We are especially
[1:32:33] grateful for you mme. Mayor for
[1:32:34] your commitment to including
[1:32:36] ceos in this budget. By
[1:32:37] providing these services at the
[1:32:38] community level, we save
[1:32:40] taxpayers money and making a
[1:32:42] meaningful difference in the
[1:32:46] lives of the people we serve.
[1:32:47] .
[1:32:48] We are proud to be a part of
[1:32:49] the collaborative working
[1:32:51] alongside our other community
[1:32:56] organizations to strengthen and
[1:32:57] service and maximize our
[1:33:15] impacts. I want to thank you
[1:33:16] for believing in our
[1:33:17] communities, listening to her
[1:33:18] needs and recognizing that
[1:33:18] investing in cbo's as an
[1:33:19] investment in a stronger and
[1:33:20] healthier miami-dade county.
[1:33:21] We appreciate your partnership
[1:33:22] and continued support. Thank
[1:33:22] you.
[1:33:24] >> thank you so much.
[1:33:26] >> good evening my name is
[1:33:26] beatrice. I am the director of
[1:33:27] advocacy of pro bono legal
[1:33:28] services located at 2400 s.
[1:33:30] Dixie hwy. On behalf of our
[1:33:30] team, thank you for your
[1:33:31] support in this year's budget
[1:33:32] including funding to the cbo
[1:33:33] grant program and support of
[1:33:39] our landlord-tenant eviction
[1:33:40] program. Our legal services b
[1:33:41] s transforms lives. It reaches
[1:33:45] survivors of human tracking --
[1:33:57] trafficking, children in foster
[1:33:58] care, tenants facing eviction
[1:33:58] and more. With the growing
[1:33:59] team of more than 40 employees
[1:34:01] including more than 20
[1:34:02] attorneys on staff, we provide
[1:34:03] free legal representation to
[1:34:04] more than 5000 clients every
[1:34:04] year. Thank you for standing
[1:34:05] with us in protecting children
[1:34:06] and families in miami-dade
[1:34:07] county.
[1:34:10] >> thank you.
[1:34:12] >> good afternoon. My name is
[1:34:16] paul. I represent the family
[1:34:21] with less charisma than the
[1:34:22] three young ladies use our
[1:34:23] earlier. Our address is 84
[1:34:26] street. 39 we are --
[1:34:33] [Indiscernible]. Families come
[1:34:34] to us with multiple challenges
[1:34:35] as one. Housing, food,
[1:34:45] employment, transportation and
[1:34:45] other basic needs. The case
[1:34:46] manager help consultative
[1:34:47] system and connect them to the
[1:34:48] right resources. Some time
[1:34:49] with family need is not another
[1:34:50] program someone who will sit
[1:34:51] with them and understand their
[1:34:52] situation. Can investment and
[1:34:58] case management allows
[1:34:59] organizations provide critical
[1:35:00] one-on-one support. We ask you
[1:35:01] to recognize case management as
[1:35:02] an essential part of miami-dade
[1:35:03] county safety net and continue
[1:35:03] funding services that help
[1:35:04] families move from b
[1:35:10] testability. These are crucial
[1:35:10] resources. We dedicate the
[1:35:13] last 10 seconds to the memory
[1:35:14] who fought for empowerment and
[1:35:23] opening
[1:35:26] entered.
[1:35:27] Would you like to have the
[1:35:28] podium at this time, sir?
[1:35:33] >> good evening sir.
[1:35:35] >> good evening.
[1:35:37] CHAIRMAN, commissioners, thank
[1:35:38] you so much.
[1:35:44] It is an honor to be here again
[1:35:44] in the budget process.
[1:35:48] As you know, we are really
[1:35:50] already sent our budget to the
[1:35:52] dor and it was approved.
[1:35:56] Wttw.Com/comments this year-
[1:36:07] >> hold on one 2nd, please.
[1:36:08] >> it wasn't me!
[1:36:11] [Laughter]
[1:36:12] >> I know it wasn't you go
[1:36:13] ahead.
[1:36:14] >> the budget for the coming
[1:36:16] year was approved by the dor.
[1:36:17] We had a great meeting with the
[1:36:18] mayor, several weeks ago.
[1:36:21] with our budget.
[1:36:23] And, we reduced it from the
[1:36:29] original proposal of $4
[1:36:29] million.
[1:36:31] So, we are a part of the whole
[1:36:36] reduction issue.
[1:36:36] In our county.
[1:36:39] So, I thank you so much.
[1:36:44] And, have a great, great
[1:36:44] meeting.
[1:36:44] Thank you.
[1:36:45] >> thank you so much.
[1:36:46] I do so para, veronica brown,
[1:36:51] angelina evans, rachel s
[1:36:55] aloneness, ebony felton, semi
[1:37:00] and wade, pasta.Cn, stephanie
[1:37:05] gomez, sarah marino, breanna
[1:37:11] joseph, katrina cvila, sharon
[1:37:14] springer, please approach the
[1:37:14] podium, the well.
[1:37:21] Thank you.
[1:37:22] >> hay.
[1:37:22] Who wants to go first?
[1:37:29] >> good evening my name is ida
[1:37:29] with cap upon a legal services
[1:37:31] at 2400 s. Dixie florida miami
[1:37:31] florida.
[1:37:32] I am here today regarding your
[1:37:34] investment in cbo's.
[1:37:35] More than half million children
[1:37:36] call our community home.
[1:37:39] Applying cc estimate that one
[1:37:39] in 6 children have a
[1:37:44] developmental disability and
[1:37:45] that means nearly 100,000
[1:37:46] children in our county with a
[1:37:48] developmental disability.
[1:37:51] Tiffany is one of them.
[1:37:52] As she approached adulthood,
[1:37:53] her family feared for her
[1:37:53] future.
[1:37:56] Through legal support made
[1:37:58] possible by your investment,
[1:38:01] tiffany found her voice and her
[1:38:02] family found the legal
[1:38:03] protection to honor it.
[1:38:04] Her mother told us simply, we
[1:38:09] really appreciate you being
[1:38:09] involved.
[1:38:12] On behalf of kappa pro bono
[1:38:13] legal services, I am here today
[1:38:14] to thank you for your
[1:38:15] consideration and the sears
[1:38:16] county budget.
[1:38:17] Because of your investment we
[1:38:23] are providing free legal
[1:38:24] assistance to children and
[1:38:24] family is in need.
[1:38:25] Thank you for making meaningful
[1:38:26] difference in the lives of the
[1:38:27] children and families that we
[1:38:28] serve.
[1:38:32] >> think you so much.
[1:38:33] >> good evening CHAIRMAN,
[1:38:36] vice-CHAIRMAN, commissioners,
[1:38:37] MADAM Mayor my name is angelina
[1:38:39] evans 1300 sw. 120th st.
[1:38:40] District 7. I am here on behalf
[1:38:47] of ywca south florida which has
[1:38:48] served miami-dade county for
[1:38:49] over 107 years.
[1:38:49] E think the
[1:38:50] mayor for proposing a budget
[1:38:51] that maintains funding for
[1:38:55] community-based organizations
[1:38:56] including ywca south florida's
[1:38:57] economic prosperity work.
[1:38:58] Every day we and our fellow
[1:38:59] studios work alongside mandated
[1:38:59] residents who are working,
[1:39:02] raising families and striving
[1:39:03] for financial stability and to
[1:39:04] thrive here in our beautiful
[1:39:07] community but we don't do it
[1:39:08] alone and we can't.
[1:39:08] S the
[1:39:10] strength of the entire network
[1:39:11] of ceos in partnership with
[1:39:20] your offices which supports
[1:39:21] residents and families with
[1:39:21] services like financial
[1:39:22] coaching, education and youth
[1:39:23] services, entrepreneurship,
[1:39:24] health, transportation and
[1:39:25] other resources.
[1:39:32] Investment in cbo isn't just
[1:39:33] supporting individuals, it
[1:39:34] strengthens families,
[1:39:35] neighborhoods and our local
[1:39:35] economy.
[1:39:36] we recognize the difficult
[1:39:37] choices involved in balancing
[1:39:38] this year's budget and my ask
[1:39:39] is that you preserve the
[1:39:40] proposed full investment in cbo
[1:39:42] so organizations like all of
[1:39:43] ours can continue delivering
[1:39:44] results for your miami-dade
[1:39:44] residence.
[1:39:45] >> thank you so much.
[1:39:48] >> good evening mayor in
[1:39:49] distinguished members of the
[1:39:50] county commission my name is
[1:39:52] rachel representing family
[1:39:55] action network movement on
[1:39:56] 184th street.
[1:40:00] Fund is a larger part of
[1:40:01] community based organization
[1:40:02] serving miami-dade residence
[1:40:02] everyday.
[1:40:14] Our message today is simple.
[1:40:15] Please continue investing in
[1:40:16] the community organizations
[1:40:16] that residence trust and depend
[1:40:17] on.
[1:40:17] Whether a family needs food,
[1:40:18] childcare, transportation,
[1:40:19] housing assistance, case
[1:40:20] management, work or support or
[1:40:25] help navigating a difficult
[1:40:26] system community organizations
[1:40:27] are often the first door they
[1:40:27] knock on.
[1:40:28] Ee the challenges
[1:40:30] our residents face but we also
[1:40:31] see the resilience.
[1:40:31] Ith the
[1:40:32] right resource and support
[1:40:33] families can overcome barriers
[1:40:38] and build stronger futures.
[1:40:39] County funding allows us to
[1:40:40] meet people where they are and
[1:40:41] provide services before a
[1:40:42] crisis becomes an emergency.
[1:40:43] Thank you mayor and
[1:40:44] commissioners for your
[1:40:44] leadership and for recognizing
[1:40:46] that supporting community
[1:40:49] organizations is an investment
[1:40:50] in strength, stability and
[1:40:51] future of miami-dade county.
[1:40:51] Thank you.
[1:40:52] >> thank you.
[1:40:59] >> hello, my name is ebony
[1:40:59] felton my address is 7432
[1:41:05] northwest 3rd court miami
[1:41:05] florida.
[1:41:06] I reside in district 2 and my
[1:41:06] commissioner being marlene
[1:41:13] bessie yan and I am
[1:41:14] representing hd miami.
[1:41:15] I am here today to express my
[1:41:15] concerns about the eviction
[1:41:20] diversion program and the
[1:41:21] potential 50% cut that is
[1:41:22] outlined in the proposed
[1:41:22] budget.
[1:41:23] I see the struggles of trying
[1:41:23] to ensure you have a roof to
[1:41:24] sleep under every single month
[1:41:27] every and with assistance, if
[1:41:28] it is inadequate it does not
[1:41:29] offer relief as people are
[1:41:31] making sacrifices to make ends
[1:41:31] meet.
[1:41:32] This is important to me because
[1:41:34] I believe that housing is a
[1:41:35] right that everyone should have
[1:41:38] access to.
[1:41:40] Our-should have a place to
[1:41:41] rest and to see their kids and
[1:41:42] grandkids.
[1:41:48] Children should had not -- have
[1:41:53] to see them fight for basic
[1:41:54] roofs over their head.
[1:41:59] Even shelters and advocacy
[1:42:00] program shelters are full and
[1:42:01] have weightless and because of
[1:42:02] the increase of homelessness it
[1:42:05] continues to rise in miami.
[1:42:06] Sorry.
[1:42:06] >> don't be.
[1:42:07] Thank you so much.
[1:42:09] Great job.
[1:42:10] >> good evening MR. Chair,
[1:42:14] vice chair, commissioners and
[1:42:15] MADAM Mayor, my name is
[1:42:16] veronica brown I am the coo and
[1:42:16] interim coo of ywca south
[1:42:19] florida located at 351 nw. 5th
[1:42:23] st. Strict 3. For 107 years
[1:42:24] ywca has served miami-dade
[1:42:25] county families through
[1:42:28] programs like or care.
[1:42:29] Court care is a unique program
[1:42:34] our community safety net.
[1:42:35] For more than 25 years, ywca
[1:42:36] and the county have partnered
[1:42:38] to provide free, safe, trauma
[1:42:43] informed childcare inside our
[1:42:43] county courthouse is so
[1:42:44] children don't have to sit in
[1:42:47] court or be exposed to
[1:42:52] traumatic proceedings while
[1:42:53] there parents access to
[1:42:53] justice.
[1:42:54] Over the past year we've seen a
[1:42:55] 25% increase in the families we
[1:42:56] have served to that combination
[1:42:57] of child protection, family
[1:42:59] support and access to justice
[1:43:00] sets miami-dade county court
[1:43:03] care program apart.
[1:43:03] We think the mayor for
[1:43:04] maintaining this funding in the
[1:43:07] proposed budget and
[1:43:09] respectfully urge the board to
[1:43:12] protect this critical
[1:43:13] investment as you adopt the
[1:43:13] county budget.
[1:43:15] Thank you for your partnership.
[1:43:16] >> thank you.
[1:43:18] >> hi.
[1:43:29] So maia wade 1-800, 10800
[1:43:30] biscayne blvd., district 3 keon
[1:43:30] hardeman and I am a member of
[1:43:31] engage miami.
[1:43:32] I am here to speak on our
[1:43:33] environmental resiliency
[1:43:33] programs.
[1:43:38] We faced 2 choices today and
[1:43:39] how we invest in our
[1:43:39] communities.
[1:43:39] O or do not.
[1:43:40] I stand here is a fifth
[1:43:41] generation floridian in
[1:43:43] solidarity with all that have
[1:43:44] called our stay home today and
[1:43:45] here thereafter.
[1:43:46] Every department in our county
[1:43:50] is worthy of adequate funding
[1:43:51] but unfortunately we have
[1:43:52] neglected the land that we
[1:43:52] stand on.
[1:43:53] Our region is in the worst
[1:43:54] drought we have seen in
[1:43:54] decades.
[1:43:55] This AUGUST we saw the hottest
[1:43:56] day recorded in miami since
[1:43:56] 1942.
[1:43:58] This year the counties decrease
[1:44:05] 54% of the programs funding
[1:44:05] compared to last fiscal year is
[1:44:06] it really unfortunate and we
[1:44:07] are just asking for 20 million
[1:44:08] in this year's proposed budget
[1:44:09] and the final budget which
[1:44:15] should be allocated to
[1:44:16] managing, restoring and the
[1:44:17] acquisition of land in our
[1:44:17] county.
[1:44:21] There's no guarantee that we
[1:44:22] can so into our everglades
[1:44:23] everything she has provided to
[1:44:24] us but a just effort can be
[1:44:28] made.
[1:44:29] They'll program deserves
[1:44:29] funding.
[1:44:29] Thank you so much.
[1:44:30] >> Chair: thank you and you do
[1:44:31] know that your commissioner is
[1:44:32] super happy for you now he is
[1:44:33] looking over there smiling at
[1:44:33] you.
[1:44:39] [Chuckle] We are ready.
[1:44:40] >> hello my name is sarah
[1:44:41] marino and my address is 1271
[1:44:42] ne. 159th st. North miami
[1:44:47] beach, fl 33162.
[1:44:48] I reside in district 2 and my
[1:44:48] commissioner is marlene
[1:44:51] bastian.
[1:44:51] I represent engage miami.
[1:44:52] I am here today to express my
[1:44:53] concern about the potential
[1:44:56] percent cut to the eviction
[1:44:57] diversion program.
[1:44:58] I recently experienced a
[1:44:59] difficult and stressful since
[1:45:01] the situation where my landlord
[1:45:01] projected to provide safe and
[1:45:05] sanitary living conditions
[1:45:06] despite regulations.
[1:45:07] Fortunately I was able to
[1:45:08] relocate within 2 weeks.
[1:45:11] However we know not everyone is
[1:45:12] as lucky in such situations are
[1:45:22] far too common.
[1:45:23] As a matter of fact we found
[1:45:24] 50% of miami is our renters.
[1:45:24] Miami-dade needs adequately
[1:45:25] funded and fully staffed
[1:45:26] housing programs to ensure
[1:45:27] residence against secure
[1:45:27] housing.
[1:45:29] I respect we urge you to vote
[1:45:30] against cuts to the program.
[1:45:31] Your decision will make a real
[1:45:32] difference to the people in
[1:45:32] miami-dade.
[1:45:34] The key for your time and
[1:45:34] decision.
[1:45:44] >> thank you.
[1:45:45] >> hi my name is stephanie and
[1:45:45] my address is 10800 biscayne
[1:45:46] blvd., miami, fl I reside in
[1:45:47] district 3 and my commissioner
[1:45:48] is keon hardeman and I
[1:45:51] represent engage miami.
[1:45:52] >> your last name?
[1:45:53] >> stephanie gomez.
[1:45:53] >> thank you.
[1:45:54] >> have a dear friend who was
[1:45:55] previously incarcerated.
[1:45:56] He is a hard worker a believer
[1:46:01] in democracy yet these spaces
[1:46:02] misrepresent him by only seeing
[1:46:03] him as a mistake he made a long
[1:46:03] long time ago.
[1:46:04] Reentry
[1:46:04] programs grant people like my
[1:46:07] friend a new beginning.
[1:46:08] This issue is important to me
[1:46:09] and my community because humans
[1:46:12] are deserving of 2nd chances.
[1:46:13] This impacts not only him but
[1:46:18] also his family and those who
[1:46:20] will soon reenter our society.
[1:46:21] Exploitation fractures the
[1:46:21] strength of our workforce.
[1:46:22] a dedicated effort must be made
[1:46:25] so we break the cycle of
[1:46:25] reincarnations.
[1:46:28] County investment and this can
[1:46:31] lead to family sustaining
[1:46:32] careers for formally
[1:46:33] incarcerated residents.
[1:46:34] I respectfully urge you to vote
[1:46:35] in favor of the reentry
[1:46:36] programs that will lead to
[1:46:36] economic stability.
[1:46:37] Hank you.
[1:46:46] >> Chair: thank you.
[1:46:46] >> good evening my name is
[1:46:47] rihanna joseph and my address
[1:46:52] is 1450 nw. 73rd st., miami, fl
[1:46:56] 33147 district 3. [Chuckle]
[1:47:00] When I was 8 years old my mom
[1:47:01] was working 2 jobs to make ends
[1:47:01] meet.
[1:47:04] I guess this one time the ants
[1:47:05] the
[1:47:11] ends just didn't eat.
[1:47:12] No, unfortunately as hard as
[1:47:13] she was trying she fell short
[1:47:13] in our family ended up having
[1:47:16] to live out of a motel for 2
[1:47:16] months.
[1:47:17] Remember being
[1:47:18] nervous and scared.
[1:47:20] And the room being dim, damp
[1:47:23] and moist.
[1:47:27] Most of all I was ashamed.
[1:47:28] Emotions an 8-year-old should
[1:47:29] never have to feel.
[1:47:34] Please do not cut the eviction
[1:47:35] diversion program.
[1:47:35] A program like that could have
[1:47:36] helped keep us in our apartment
[1:47:37] until my mom could get back up
[1:47:38] to her feet and help somebody
[1:47:39] families across our county.
[1:47:41] Around that same time and age I
[1:47:42] was learning about how
[1:47:43] different friends got to
[1:47:43] school.
[1:47:46] I was dropped off, someone took
[1:47:47] the school bus others took the
[1:47:47] county bus with the proposed
[1:47:51] transit cut students and the
[1:47:52] workforce that powers our
[1:47:54] county will suffer.
[1:47:55] Please do not cut or reduce the
[1:47:55] routes.
[1:47:56] Thank you.
[1:48:00] >> Chair: thank you so much.
[1:48:05] >> good evening commissioners
[1:48:06] name is katrina kabila I reside
[1:48:11] at 330 catalonia avenue 33134
[1:48:12] in district 7. I am a member of
[1:48:13] engage miami.
[1:48:14] There's a bus route three
[1:48:15] minutes to my front door route
[1:48:15] 32.
[1:48:18] I really read it because I've
[1:48:19] never been able to count on it.
[1:48:22] This budgets answer isn't to
[1:48:23] fix that, it is to illuminate
[1:48:24] the route along with 11 others
[1:48:25] while draining from the
[1:48:26] transportation infrastructure
[1:48:32] improvement district the
[1:48:33] reserve fund meant to build the
[1:48:34] future transit corridors.
[1:48:35] My best friend lives in liberty
[1:48:36] city now seeing her use a card
[1:48:37] or rideshare I can imagine what
[1:48:41] it would look like if we
[1:48:42] actually build up our corridors
[1:48:43] the way we say were going to.
[1:48:44] Where is that happening when
[1:48:45] this budget is cutting what we
[1:48:46] already have before our final
[1:48:49] vote, protect the reserve and
[1:48:50] fix these routes instead of
[1:48:51] cutting them.
[1:48:51] Thank you.
[1:48:54] >> thank you.
[1:48:55] >> good evening everyone my
[1:48:59] name is.
[1:49:00] [Name] I reside in 529 sw. 10th
[1:49:04] st., miami, fl district 3.
[1:49:05] I am here today to speak about
[1:49:05] the proposed funding cuts to
[1:49:08] the miami-dade public library
[1:49:09] system and I understand the
[1:49:10] county is facing a significant
[1:49:11] budget cut and difficult
[1:49:12] decisions do have to be made
[1:49:13] but I grew up in a family with
[1:49:16] 6 siblings under one income.
[1:49:18] So obviously couldn't afford
[1:49:24] internet access or computers
[1:49:24] and I relied on public
[1:49:25] libraries which I imagine many
[1:49:26] of us did when we were younger.
[1:49:31] The libraries that we count on
[1:49:38] not only was it free but a safe
[1:49:38] space for children.
[1:49:38] Was able
[1:49:39] to focus on education, do my
[1:49:40] homework and finish projects.
[1:49:41] When I hear about potentially
[1:49:50] cutting funding for our
[1:49:50] libraries I can't help but
[1:49:51] think about families who are in
[1:49:52] the same position I was in when
[1:49:53] I was younger.
[1:49:53] Ith the cost
[1:49:54] of living especially with the
[1:49:55] economy we are in now I respect
[1:49:56] we urge you to reject any
[1:49:57] rejections to miami-dade public
[1:49:57] library operating hours,
[1:49:58] staffing ordinance and to
[1:49:59] protect the funding needed to
[1:50:00] keep the services available to
[1:50:00] our residents.
[1:50:01] Thank you so much for your
[1:50:01] time.
[1:50:02] >> thank you so much.
[1:50:04] Vivian pacheco, sheila womble,
[1:50:10] alexa cuvc
[1:50:11] jules schwartz,
[1:50:15] miriam singer, doctor helen
[1:50:20] chassis, amanda altman, is
[1:50:23] this natalie girl, tara kit,
[1:50:27] olga tomasello.
[1:50:29] You can get me at the podium
[1:50:32] for butchering your name.
[1:50:35] Gladys, margaret ledford,
[1:50:42] please come to the podium.
[1:50:43] Not everybody at once, walked
[1:50:43] down.
[1:50:44] Come on, we've got it, almost
[1:50:44] there.
[1:50:45] Thank you.
[1:50:52] >> hi, good evening my name is
[1:50:53] sheila womble my address is
[1:50:54] 1635 sw. 18th ave., miami, fl,
[1:50:54] 33145.
[1:50:58] I am the executive director of
[1:50:58] arts miami where every day we
[1:51:06] build brilliance by turning our
[1:51:07] neighborhood to creative
[1:51:07] studios for our children and
[1:51:08] youth.
[1:51:09] We serve more than 5000
[1:51:09] children youth and hire more
[1:51:10] than 70 professional teaching
[1:51:11] artist to make sure those
[1:51:12] children have a chance to
[1:51:12] create.
[1:51:13] In addition where the county's
[1:51:14] leading partner for the all
[1:51:15] kids included program and also
[1:51:16] a proud founding member of
[1:51:23] access miami and incredible
[1:51:23] collaboration among arts
[1:51:24] education organizations
[1:51:25] dedicated to ensuring all of
[1:51:26] mandy's children have access to
[1:51:27] the power of learning in the
[1:51:27] arts.
[1:51:28] I know all of you have
[1:51:31] supported the arts in the past.
[1:51:32] I has to date you please
[1:51:33] consider making sure the arts
[1:51:34] remain intact for this budget
[1:51:35] year and I think the mayor for
[1:51:35] putting that forth in the
[1:51:36] proposed budget.
[1:51:39] Thank you.
[1:51:39] >> thank you.
[1:51:47] >> alexa cuba coral way cables
[1:51:47] 33134.
[1:51:49] MADAM Mayor's, commissioners
[1:51:52] imagine cassandra the greek
[1:51:53] prophetess imagined her at the
[1:51:59] father of fiction here strongly
[1:52:00] to tell her tragedy in a
[1:52:01] foreign language imagine carlos
[1:52:04] cuba's national award winner
[1:52:04] reading us the story of a woman
[1:52:10] in a square waiting for the
[1:52:11] husband who commanded her to
[1:52:12] become a famous writer.
[1:52:13] Imagine death of a salesman in
[1:52:19] spanish directed by mila lutes
[1:52:20] pulitzer prize winner sharing
[1:52:21] one stage all of this and much
[1:52:26] more has happened right here in
[1:52:28] miami at the cultural arts
[1:52:28] center and thanks to the
[1:52:29] department of cultural affairs
[1:52:33] in miami at they come to you
[1:52:34] commissioners and to you MADAM
[1:52:34] Mayor.
[1:52:37] This was only part of the
[1:52:38] season.
[1:52:39] Hank you and please
[1:52:43] allow us to continue bringing
[1:52:44] first-class theater to our city
[1:52:45] and protect our venues.
[1:52:46] Hank
[1:52:46] you.
[1:52:48] >> Chair: thank you.
[1:52:53] >> good evening I am george
[1:52:54] schultz miami beach 33140.
[1:52:57] Good evening MADAM Mayor and
[1:52:58] members of the board.
[1:53:03] I am a volunteer board director
[1:53:04] at jewish community services of
[1:53:05] south florida.
[1:53:08] Thank you MADAM Mayor for
[1:53:09] recommending full funding for
[1:53:11] miami-dade county's community
[1:53:13] based organizations, cvo's.
[1:53:16] 107 years jcs has been a
[1:53:20] trusted partner helping older
[1:53:25] adults age safely and
[1:53:25] independently through
[1:53:26] nutritious meals case
[1:53:28] management and critical support
[1:53:29] services.
[1:53:34] Today, these services are more
[1:53:35] important than ever as seniors
[1:53:36] on a fixed income face growing
[1:53:37] food insecurity and isolation.
[1:53:38] As a proud member of the
[1:53:41] advocacy collective, we ask
[1:53:46] that you continue investing in
[1:53:47] cvo's.
[1:53:48] Ollectively our
[1:53:49] organizations leverage money.
[1:53:55] The average more than one but
[1:53:56] 15.2 million in additional
[1:53:58] funding from federal, state and
[1:54:00] private organizations.
[1:54:01] Thank you.
[1:54:01] >> thank you so much.
[1:54:10] Thank you.
[1:54:11] >> good evening MADAM Mayor,
[1:54:12] commissioners and everyone
[1:54:13] present my name is natalia earl
[1:54:14] with urban partnerships at 1800
[1:54:15] sw. 1st ave., miami 33139 where
[1:54:17] community health nonprofit.
[1:54:18] I serve as a program manager
[1:54:22] for the miami-dade county
[1:54:23] initiative and we thank you for
[1:54:25] supporting including funding in
[1:54:25] the budget for this
[1:54:26] collaborative effort to create
[1:54:30] committees where older adults
[1:54:31] can remain active, engaged and
[1:54:35] age with dignity.
[1:54:36] Nearly one in 4 miami-dade
[1:54:37] residents is age 60 and older
[1:54:38] and that population will
[1:54:40] continue to grow and are among
[1:54:41] our most vulnerable.
[1:54:42] Since 2012 the initiative has
[1:54:44] brought local government,
[1:54:45] community organizations and
[1:54:46] residents together to make
[1:54:53] miami-dade more accessible,
[1:54:53] supportive and livable for
[1:54:54] people as they age while
[1:54:55] improving quality of life for
[1:54:56] residents of all ages.
[1:54:59] As you finalize the budget, we
[1:55:00] ask that you continue to
[1:55:00] maintain the county's
[1:55:03] investment in this important
[1:55:03] work.
[1:55:04] And on behalf of urban health
[1:55:05] partnerships and our partners
[1:55:07] we thank you for your continued
[1:55:07] support.
[1:55:08] >> thank you.
[1:55:13] >> helen tassel 21845 e.
[1:55:16] Country club drive.
[1:55:19] >> I thought it was doctor?
[1:55:19] All right.
[1:55:20] Let's try that again.
[1:55:23] >> doctor helen chappell.
[1:55:24] >> there you go that sounds
[1:55:24] much better.
[1:55:27] >> good evening MADAM Mayor
[1:55:28] and members of the board, my
[1:55:33] name is doctor helen chassis
[1:55:34] and I am proud to serve on the
[1:55:35] board of jewish committee south
[1:55:35] florida.
[1:55:38] I want to share one client
[1:55:39] story that shares how county
[1:55:41] government and county
[1:55:42] investment and community-based
[1:55:42] organizations matter.
[1:55:43] Our client 13-year-old daughter
[1:55:45] became paraplegic following
[1:55:49] spinal surgery in 2003.
[1:55:54] Most recently the family spent
[1:55:55] 2 weeks at hope's children's
[1:55:56] hospital while their daughter
[1:55:57] underwent another surgery to
[1:55:57] help regain greater
[1:55:58] independence.
[1:55:59] During this difficult time jcs
[1:56:00] helped with their electric bill
[1:56:04] and provided public cards for
[1:56:04] groceries.
[1:56:05] Our client told us this
[1:56:07] assistance came when her family
[1:56:14] direly needed the help.
[1:56:14] It was her breathing room.
[1:56:15] It lifted a burden and reminded
[1:56:16] her that someone was there to
[1:56:17] help.
[1:56:17] That is what county investment
[1:56:18] makes possible.
[1:56:19] These continue fully funding
[1:56:22] the-
[1:56:26] >> thanks so much doctor.
[1:56:26] Thank you.
[1:56:27] >> good evening MADAM Mayor
[1:56:28] and commissioners my name is
[1:56:31] tara load out and I worked at
[1:56:32] urban health partnership 1800
[1:56:36] sw. 1st avenue miami, fl 33139.
[1:56:40] I serve as a community liaison
[1:56:40] with the miami-dade county
[1:56:45] initiative and I'm sorry I am
[1:56:46] there-I am here tonight to ask
[1:56:47] for your continued support for
[1:56:51] the initiative in the year's
[1:56:51] budget.
[1:56:54] Miami-dade is home to nearly
[1:56:55] half familiar adults 65 and
[1:56:57] older and that number is
[1:57:01] growing older and face real
[1:57:04] challenges with things like
[1:57:05] transportation, social
[1:57:09] isolation and the rising cost
[1:57:10] of labor the initiative gives
[1:57:12] older adults like myself a
[1:57:13] voice and a decisions that
[1:57:14] affect our daily lives and
[1:57:15] helps to make sure communities
[1:57:18] are connected, accessible and
[1:57:19] responsive to their needs as
[1:57:19] they age.
[1:57:21] We ask that you maintain the
[1:57:24] current funding amount for the
[1:57:25] initiative in the budget.
[1:57:26] We are grateful for the
[1:57:30] county's continued support of
[1:57:30] older adults to do this work.
[1:57:31] Thank you.
[1:57:32] > thank you.
[1:57:36] >> good evening.
[1:57:37] My name is miriam singer and I
[1:57:42] serve as PRESIDENT Seo jewish
[1:57:43] community services of south
[1:57:44] florida.
[1:57:44] I live in district 6
[1:57:48] represented by commissioner
[1:57:51] natalie and MR. Vice chair and
[1:57:53] distinguished members who
[1:57:54] really appreciate your support
[1:57:58] and championing cvo services in
[1:57:58] our community.
[1:58:00] Thank you MADAM Mayor for your
[1:58:01] leadership for the monthly
[1:58:03] meetings, for your investment
[1:58:05] throughout the year in
[1:58:07] supporting cbo's and addressing
[1:58:07] our issues.
[1:58:14] We are hopeful that this
[1:58:15] commissioner will try to
[1:58:16] continue to fund
[1:58:17] community-based organizations.
[1:58:19] There are 66 safety net service
[1:58:20] providers that serve frail and
[1:58:22] vulnerable members of our
[1:58:22] community.
[1:58:27] Thank you for engagement and
[1:58:28] for your leadership.
[1:58:28] We are the bridge to
[1:58:29] self-sufficiency and improved
[1:58:31] quality of life from residents
[1:58:38] throughout every zip code in
[1:58:39] every district in our community
[1:58:40] we are proud to be of service
[1:58:40] to you.
[1:58:41] Thank you for your
[1:58:42] consideration and if there's
[1:58:43] any opportunity or an increase
[1:58:44] of 3% we would really
[1:58:44] appreciate it.
[1:58:46] Thank you.
[1:58:47] >> thank you meriam can you
[1:58:48] place your address on the
[1:58:49] record, please?
[1:58:50] >> the address is 12000
[1:58:51] biscayne blvd.
[1:58:53] Miami florida.
[1:58:54] >> thank you so much.
[1:58:58] >> good evening MADAM Mayor
[1:59:01] and commissioners my name is
[1:59:02] olga tomasello with urban
[1:59:03] partnerships located at 1800
[1:59:07] sw. 1st avenue miami 33139.
[1:59:11] Support the miami-dade age
[1:59:12] friendly initiative and I'm
[1:59:13] here to ask for your continued
[1:59:14] support of age friendly work in
[1:59:15] this year's budget.
[1:59:16] Our growing older adult
[1:59:20] population is significant.
[1:59:21] One in 5 live in poverty nearly
[1:59:22] 100,000 live alone and many
[1:59:25] live with disabilities that can
[1:59:26] make it harder to access
[1:59:28] services and support.
[1:59:29] Initiative helps address these
[1:59:31] needs by supporting older
[1:59:32] adults to age in place, stay
[1:59:33] connected and remain active in
[1:59:35] their communities.
[1:59:36] Through this work miami-dade
[1:59:39] has become a leader in age
[1:59:40] friendly efforts in a model
[1:59:42] within the age from the
[1:59:43] network.
[1:59:46] We are gratefully fully
[1:59:46] grateful for your continued
[1:59:48] support we ask for funding for
[1:59:49] this initiative as its current
[1:59:56] level.
[1:59:57] Additionally accessible
[1:59:58] transportation is also in each
[1:59:59] family priority.
[2:00:00] We urge you to restore the 12.4
[2:00:00] billion for early-morning
[2:00:01] transit services and protect
[2:00:02] the routes proposed reduction
[2:00:03] many residents depend on these
[2:00:03] routes.
[2:00:05] Thank you.
[2:00:06] >> thank you.
[2:00:06] Hey.
[2:00:08] >> good evening my name is
[2:00:10] amanda altman and I'm the ceo
[2:00:14] of christie house miami
[2:00:14] florida, 33136.
[2:00:20] Christie house is a nationally
[2:00:21] accredited children's advocacy
[2:00:22] center serving all of
[2:00:22] miami-dade county.
[2:00:24] We are a member of the cvo
[2:00:24] collaborative we are grateful
[2:00:25] to have been included in the
[2:00:26] mayor's proposed budget and we
[2:00:28] ask for the sports continued
[2:00:28] support.
[2:00:33] On monday fernando cristiano
[2:00:34] received a life sentence for
[2:00:46] heinous crimes he committed
[2:00:47] against children.
[2:00:48] Thankfully he will never again
[2:00:48] have the opportunity to hurt a
[2:00:49] child in our community.
[2:00:50] That outcome was achieved
[2:00:51] because of a coordinated
[2:00:51] approach by a
[2:00:52] multi-disciplinary team of
[2:00:53] agencies led by christie house.
[2:00:54] Christie house facilitates that
[2:00:55] coordinated approach bringing
[2:00:56] together partners every week to
[2:00:57] ensure children and families
[2:00:58] get the services and support
[2:01:01] they need to heal and to pursue
[2:01:01] justice.
[2:01:02] So as you work towards adopting
[2:01:05] a budget that makes public
[2:01:06] safety the top priority i
[2:01:07] encourage you to continue
[2:01:11] funding for cbo's who work
[2:01:11] hand-in-hand with law
[2:01:12] enforcement and each other
[2:01:13] every day.
[2:01:13] ;-).
[2:01:14] >> thank you.
[2:01:16] >> good evening my name is
[2:01:18] gladys ramirez 3558 magellan
[2:01:20] circle 33180 district 4.
[2:01:23] Thank you mayor for keeping
[2:01:24] arts funding intact and
[2:01:27] appointing ashley thomas to
[2:01:27] lead cultural affairs.
[2:01:29] Last year's arts nonprofit
[2:01:32] survived cut through a
[2:01:33] last-minute scramble.
[2:01:35] This year we are buoyed by the
[2:01:37] mayor's budget but that is not
[2:01:38] a plan.
[2:01:40] Arts nonprofits employ your
[2:01:40] constituents.
[2:01:43] They bring arts to public
[2:01:47] schools in your districts.
[2:01:48] They fill our county's
[2:01:49] facilities, generate revenue
[2:01:50] and create the culture that
[2:01:50] bring the world here.
[2:01:54] A plan for sustainability
[2:01:55] funding for cultural affairs
[2:02:00] has to come from you.
[2:02:00] Unfortunately, most of you
[2:02:01] haven't met with us despite
[2:02:02] requests from arts
[2:02:03] organizations in your district.
[2:02:03] The cultural facilities the
[2:02:05] county owns are either
[2:02:09] underfunded or under
[2:02:09] construction.
[2:02:10] And not one of you has proposed
[2:02:11] a permanent dedicated source
[2:02:13] for arts funding.
[2:02:13] Work with us on that.
[2:02:16] Many with the arts sector funds
[2:02:17] the facilities and spots are a
[2:02:19] permanent plan for miami
[2:02:20] cultural affairs.
[2:02:20] Thank you.
[2:02:21] >> thank you.
[2:02:25] >> good evening everyone.
[2:02:27] i'm name is margaret ledford
[2:02:28] lee 351 sw.
[2:02:30] District 5.
[2:02:38] Thank you MADAM Mayor.
[2:02:39] Representing a budget that
[2:02:40] maintains the same level of
[2:02:41] funding as last year for arts
[2:02:42] and culture and obviously my
[2:02:43] request commissioners is for
[2:02:44] you to also maintain this
[2:02:45] funding for arts and culture.
[2:02:46] As you know every dollar you
[2:02:48] invest in the cultural grants
[2:02:48] program returns $42-$43 back to
[2:02:52] the community and economic
[2:02:54] value to the tune of $2
[2:02:55] billion.
[2:02:58] Think how much more we could do
[2:02:59] we could return to our
[2:03:02] community if you invested more.
[2:03:06] Imagine if you could identify a
[2:03:07] steady, sustainable stream of
[2:03:13] funding for cultural
[2:03:14] institutions.
[2:03:14] I hazard to guess you encounter
[2:03:15] arts and culture in your daily
[2:03:16] life, today even.
[2:03:17] A piece of music, a book a
[2:03:19] painting on your wall heck, we
[2:03:28] also partner with the theater
[2:03:29] where they all stood up on cue.
[2:03:29] These visionary leaders that
[2:03:30] cement a sustainable ecosystem
[2:03:31] for the arts and artists.
[2:03:32] >> thank you so much.
[2:03:37] That was a lot of great energy.
[2:03:38] [Chuckle] Louisiana martinez,
[2:03:43] jane doe.
[2:03:46] Yes, jane doe number 61 kelsey
[2:03:50] dixon, barry bogle, heather
[2:03:53] jones, rosea hayes, renee
[2:03:58] smith, stanley young, nicholas
[2:04:00] osterman, elizabeth estrada,
[2:04:07] valerie rea doughnut, catherine
[2:04:10] lebo, deborah webb, please
[2:04:16] approach the well.
[2:04:21] >> good evening.
[2:04:22] MADAM Mayor, CHAIRMAN,
[2:04:26] commissioners, my name is lisa
[2:04:28] salazar martin is my address is
[2:04:32] 1 42nd ter., miami, fl
[2:04:33] representing young stations
[2:04:34] tonight.
[2:04:36] Picture a child walking into a
[2:04:39] classroom for the first time to
[2:04:42] learn music.
[2:04:45] Quiet, uncertain, unsure of he
[2:04:48] is and what he is good at.
[2:04:50] Then they receive an instrument
[2:04:53] and they find the rhythm they
[2:04:54] are confidence and eventually
[2:04:55] their voice.
[2:04:57] That transformation happens
[2:05:00] every day through young
[2:05:03] stations unite free music
[2:05:07] programs serving more than
[2:05:08] 60,000 children across 106
[2:05:12] schools in miami-dade county.
[2:05:13] But that opportunity doesn't
[2:05:13] happen without investment.
[2:05:15] Cvo funding helps organizations
[2:05:18] like ours bring life-changing
[2:05:22] programs directly to the
[2:05:23] children and families who need
[2:05:23] them the most.
[2:05:26] We thank you for your
[2:05:27] leadership in prioritizing and
[2:05:28] strengthening cvo funds.
[2:05:28] Thank you.
[2:05:31] >> Chair: thank you.
[2:05:34] >> hi.
[2:05:41] My name is kelsey dixon and I
[2:05:42] am here on behalf of hope and
[2:05:43] relief food bank located at
[2:05:43] 6025 nw. 6th ct., miami, fl
[2:05:44] 33127.
[2:05:46] First I want to say thank you,
[2:05:47] thank you MADAM Mayor and
[2:05:48] commissioners for your
[2:05:49] continued support of our senior
[2:05:52] program.
[2:05:56] Currently we are a 501(C)(3)
[2:05:57] Nonprofit based in the heart of
[2:05:57] liberty city with a very simple
[2:06:02] mission to feed hungry and 2
[2:06:03] ways awareness without
[2:06:03] judgment.
[2:06:04] I am here today because our low
[2:06:05] income seniors are in crisis
[2:06:07] every day in our program I have
[2:06:10] seniors on fixed income who are
[2:06:10] forced to make the impossible
[2:06:11] choice whether to eat or
[2:06:12] whether to pay their bills.
[2:06:18] Find medicine.
[2:06:21] Groceries.
[2:06:24] Tonight we are respectfully
[2:06:26] requesting additional funds to
[2:06:28] aid and to continue our
[2:06:29] program.
[2:06:33] Thank you.
[2:06:34] >> thank you.
[2:06:35] >> good evening my name is
[2:06:39] barry bogle and I represent
[2:06:40] easter field south florida 1475
[2:06:43] northwest 14th avenue miami
[2:06:48] florida 331 through 5. MR. Vice
[2:06:49] chair, commissioners, MADAM
[2:06:50] Mayor, thank you very much for
[2:06:51] having us here today.
[2:06:55] I am also part of the advocacy
[2:06:56] collaborative.
[2:06:56] Mayor, I would like to thank
[2:06:59] you for including continued
[2:07:01] funding for the community-based
[2:07:05] organizations in the proposed
[2:07:06] budget.
[2:07:06] I would encourage all of the
[2:07:07] members of the commission to
[2:07:08] continue to support that.
[2:07:09] Easter seals provides services
[2:07:10] for people with disabilities
[2:07:12] for the last 85 years in
[2:07:15] miami-dade county ranging from
[2:07:17] 3 months of age all the way to
[2:07:17] 105.
[2:07:20] The services that we are able
[2:07:21] to provide because of the
[2:07:22] funding we get through these
[2:07:25] grants allows us to enhance and
[2:07:33] extend the service day for
[2:07:33] these clients which allows
[2:07:34] their caregivers, their loved
[2:07:35] ones, to continue to work and
[2:07:36] contribute to the community and
[2:07:40] live a full and productive
[2:07:40] life.
[2:07:41] If there is additional funds
[2:07:42] available like you have heard
[2:07:44] from some of our colleagues, we
[2:07:45] would appreciate an increase as
[2:07:45] well.
[2:07:47] Thank you.
[2:07:47] >> thank you.
[2:07:49] >> thank you good evening my
[2:07:51] name is kathy left and I'm here
[2:07:52] on bigger complex 561 ne. 30
[2:07:55] seconds st. District 3 thank
[2:07:57] you commissioner hardeman.
[2:08:01] I would like to thank you for
[2:08:03] supporting the cultural
[2:08:03] institutions of the past years.
[2:08:06] And also thank the mayor for
[2:08:07] continuing to maintain us on
[2:08:11] the proposed budget this year.
[2:08:13] I know you all appreciate how
[2:08:15] must artist and cultural
[2:08:15] institutions, they create the
[2:08:17] conditions to make
[2:08:21] neighborhoods desirable,
[2:08:22] attract towns, and generate
[2:08:23] long-term value.
[2:08:25] Some of the things that are and
[2:08:26] cultural generally aren't
[2:08:29] measured by certain kept on
[2:08:33] impact on jobs, tourism but we
[2:08:35] failed to measure the ink pack
[2:08:36] that art and culture has played
[2:08:39] in the real estate appreciation
[2:08:42] and tax base that we all enjoy.
[2:08:43] I want to thank you for
[2:08:48] reinvesting part of that tax
[2:08:48] base back into arts and culture
[2:08:49] so we continue to grow and be
[2:08:50] productive members of the
[2:08:50] community.
[2:08:52] Thank you.
[2:08:55] >> good afternoon.
[2:08:56] Good evening.
[2:08:58] To everybody here.
[2:09:00] My name is jane doe.
[2:09:05] My address 2818 nw. 22nd avenue
[2:09:06] miami, fl 33142.
[2:09:11] I am with the career of loving
[2:09:12] you from the heart.
[2:09:16] I am here on behalf of the
[2:09:20] homelessness, what's going on,
[2:09:20] I defend the homelessness.
[2:09:23] I almost went to jail to defend
[2:09:26] to homelessness so they won't
[2:09:27] go to jail because that is
[2:09:31] something that they want to put
[2:09:32] 3 days in jail and then look
[2:09:36] for shelter.
[2:09:37] With that going on, that is why
[2:09:38] I'm here to see if we can give
[2:09:40] some help with the
[2:09:41] homelessness.
[2:09:42] It's not the proper way of
[2:09:44] putting people in jail.
[2:09:46] So that is my offer.
[2:09:51] Thank you.
[2:09:54] >> good evening.
[2:09:55] While it is getting closer to
[2:09:59] my bedtime, good evening
[2:10:01] commissioners, chair, vice
[2:10:04] chair, commissioners, staff and
[2:10:09] those who are coming out to the
[2:10:09] budget hearing.
[2:10:10] I want to thank you personally
[2:10:18] my district to who went above
[2:10:22] and above.
[2:10:23] The chaplain jail ministry 500
[2:10:24] nw.
[2:10:25] 2nd avenue.
[2:10:30] >> can we get your name and
[2:10:30] address, please?
[2:10:35] >> I want to let you know that
[2:10:35] freedom ministry is there to
[2:10:36] help and assist inmates who are
[2:10:37] coming out of prisons and jails
[2:10:43] to let them know that there is
[2:10:43] hope.
[2:10:43] There is new direction.
[2:10:44] There are some new things that
[2:10:49] they can do and produce in our
[2:10:49] community.
[2:10:50] We been doing it for 6 years
[2:10:50] and we love it.
[2:10:58] I want to support the
[2:10:59] miami-dade 's epo fund.
[2:11:00] Let's support it, let's keep it
[2:11:00] going.
[2:11:01] Let's develop it.
[2:11:02] Thank you and GOD bless.
[2:11:02] >> thank you.
[2:11:04] >> good evening MS. Ea 1637
[2:11:09] south st. Thank you mayor, for
[2:11:13] proposing a budget that
[2:11:14] supports arts and culture
[2:11:15] funding for previous years as
[2:11:16] to before you all talking about
[2:11:17] emphasizing the economic impact
[2:11:18] of the art talking about the
[2:11:20] $2.1 billion impact of the art
[2:11:21] here in miami and how every
[2:11:28] dollar invested bring back $41
[2:11:29] invested into the economy.
[2:11:30] The numbers are important but
[2:11:31] today I want to talk about
[2:11:31] what's harder to measure and
[2:11:32] that is what makes miami miami.
[2:11:34] Miami doesn't stand out because
[2:11:35] were the only town with beaches
[2:11:38] skylines and skyscrapers.
[2:11:45] Our community above artists and
[2:11:46] organizations is given miami
[2:11:47] the language entirely of its
[2:11:47] own.
[2:11:48] This is one that the rest of
[2:11:51] the world recognizes and
[2:11:51] celebrates.
[2:11:52] As we continue to grow into a
[2:11:53] cultural capital we need to
[2:11:57] continue to grow our arts and
[2:11:57] culture.
[2:11:58] This is continuing investment
[2:11:59] in the very identity and
[2:12:00] community that has made the
[2:12:01] world look our way in the first
[2:12:01] place.
[2:12:02] Commissioners I urge you
[2:12:03] please, please commissioners I
[2:12:04] urge you to approve this budget
[2:12:05] and ensure the miami we love
[2:12:07] today will be here tomorrow.
[2:12:12] Thank you.
[2:12:13] >> my name is nicholas
[2:12:14] ahlstrom address is 31 6 north
[2:12:16] 42nd st. And I reside in
[2:12:20] commissioner hardeman's
[2:12:21] district that evening
[2:12:22] commissioners I am here because
[2:12:22] I am scared.
[2:12:23] I am scared that a budget
[2:12:24] decision made in this room can
[2:12:24] cost me my job.
[2:12:28] I take route 32 every morning
[2:12:32] at 6 A.M. To get to work.
[2:12:34] It's not a convenience it's my
[2:12:35] lifeline.
[2:12:39] If that first bus is cut I have
[2:12:47] no backup plan.
[2:12:48] Right share isn't an option I
[2:12:48] can afford.
[2:12:49] That money would come straight
[2:12:50] out of my rent, medication and
[2:12:50] my groceries.
[2:12:51] I am already stretched thin.
[2:12:52] I am one of the 14,000 working
[2:12:53] residents who will be pushed to
[2:12:55] the edge by these cuts.
[2:13:00] People go to work, to doctor
[2:13:01] appointments, to school every
[2:13:02] single day because they have
[2:13:02] to.
[2:13:05] Because we don't have a choice.
[2:13:08] Please, I am asking you as
[2:13:09] someone whose livelihood is
[2:13:10] directly on the line.
[2:13:13] Vote against these bus cuts.
[2:13:14] Thank you.
[2:13:20] >> heaven jones 1637 sw. 8th
[2:13:21] st. 33135.
[2:13:23] Thank you members of the
[2:13:28] commission and mayor cava for
[2:13:29] giving me the opportunity to
[2:13:30] speak once again on behalf of
[2:13:31] our olson culture community.
[2:13:35] The arts in miami-dade are more
[2:13:36] than cultural institutions.
[2:13:37] They create jobs and give our
[2:13:38] communities something to lean
[2:13:41] on beyond basic needs.
[2:13:42] These same organizations rely
[2:13:43] on public funding to provide
[2:13:48] free and low-cost programs that
[2:13:49] educate, uplift and engage our
[2:13:49] diverse communities.
[2:13:50] I am a product of the arts and
[2:13:51] culture.
[2:13:52] A young girl from
[2:13:56] unincorporated miami-dade who
[2:13:57] spent summers at the african
[2:13:58] cultural arts center is now an
[2:14:00] arts administer, artist and
[2:14:01] artist featuring.
[2:14:02] The introduction into arts and
[2:14:09] culture completely influence my
[2:14:10] life and that's why I'm here
[2:14:11] today.
[2:14:11] Keeping full funding of arts
[2:14:12] and culture budget is an
[2:14:13] investment in miami-dade's
[2:14:14] future and identity.
[2:14:14] Without we are excluding the
[2:14:15] very things that make our
[2:14:16] counties thrive.
[2:14:17] We are economic drivers and
[2:14:17] community builders.
[2:14:19] Thank you mayor cava and the
[2:14:19] commission.
[2:14:19] Thank you.
[2:14:20] >> thank you.
[2:14:23] >> good evening I'm a member
[2:14:25] of catalyst miami at 3550
[2:14:28] southwest ave., miami.
[2:14:30] I am here today to express my
[2:14:31] concern about the proposed cuts
[2:14:33] to the public library system.
[2:14:36] As an emergency management
[2:14:37] practitioner I see libraries as
[2:14:38] a trusted community resource
[2:14:41] that supports residents during
[2:14:41] emergencies.
[2:14:47] As extreme heat becomes a
[2:14:48] chronic public health challenge
[2:14:49] many of our libraries serve as
[2:14:50] cooling centers providing
[2:14:53] access to ac for residents
[2:14:59] seeking relief from dangerous
[2:14:59] temperatures and for those who
[2:15:00] might not have adequate cooling
[2:15:01] a home.
[2:15:02] For older adults and other
[2:15:03] vulnerable populations these
[2:15:05] spaces can help prevent heat
[2:15:05] related illness.
[2:15:09] Reducing library hours or
[2:15:10] services would limit access to
[2:15:11] a resource that residents
[2:15:12] increasingly rely on during
[2:15:13] extreme heat events.
[2:15:14] I respectfully urge you to
[2:15:19] prohibit reductions to library
[2:15:20] hours, staffing and maintenance
[2:15:20] funding.
[2:15:21] Thank you for your time and
[2:15:22] consideration.
[2:15:24] >> yes?
[2:15:25] >> hello.
[2:15:34] Renee pesci smith 1637 sw. 83
[2:15:35] 3135.
[2:15:35] I am here is the executive
[2:15:36] director of arts and business
[2:15:37] council but today I'm also
[2:15:38] speaking as a mother supporting
[2:15:40] the arts.
[2:15:41] When my daughter was very young
[2:15:43] her father passed away and
[2:15:54] theater and dance became her
[2:15:54] lifeline.
[2:15:55] Looking for a safe space to
[2:15:55] belong, mentors who believed in
[2:15:56] her inner way to express grief
[2:15:57] when she didn't have the words
[2:15:58] and yes they helped keep her
[2:15:59] out of a lot of trouble.
[2:16:00] As an adult she is building a
[2:16:01] career in the arts when we talk
[2:16:02] about the arts and culture
[2:16:03] grant not just talking about
[2:16:04] numbers and a budget.
[2:16:05] We are talking about children,
[2:16:07] families, jobs and lives
[2:16:07] changed forever.
[2:16:08] Somewhere in miami-dade there's
[2:16:10] another child who needs what
[2:16:11] the arts gave to my daughter
[2:16:14] and that child, please give
[2:16:14] them the same chance my
[2:16:20] daughter had.
[2:16:21] Dq mayor for proposing full
[2:16:22] funding for the arts and
[2:16:23] culture grants and this budget
[2:16:24] and we urge all of you
[2:16:25] commissioners to please vote to
[2:16:26] fully fund arts and culture
[2:16:28] grants in the fy 27 budget and
[2:16:29] please help us work on long
[2:16:30] term sustainable funding for
[2:16:30] the arts.
[2:16:32] Thank you very much.
[2:16:34] >> good evening numbers of the
[2:16:35] commission MADAM Mayor my name
[2:16:41] is gloria and my address is sw.
[2:16:42] 67th avenue and today I am
[2:16:45] speaking on behalf of friends
[2:16:46] of biscayne bay are slickly
[2:16:52] asked the commission to name 2
[2:16:53] successful investments in
[2:16:53] miami-dade's future.
[2:16:54] First the proposed 6% increase
[2:16:55] in rate adjustment we cannot
[2:16:57] protect biscayne bay without
[2:16:59] -while underfunding the system
[2:17:01] that sewage out of the public
[2:17:01] waterways.
[2:17:05] For the average customer it is
[2:17:06] approximately $0.12 per day and
[2:17:08] the adjustment is necessary for
[2:17:09] the infrastructure to reduce
[2:17:11] sewage spills and complete
[2:17:12] utterly mandated improvements.
[2:17:14] During this work it will not
[2:17:17] eliminate the cost but instead
[2:17:18] reduce the likelihood of system
[2:17:21] failures and more expensive
[2:17:22] projects in the future 2nd
[2:17:26] replaced 20 million for the
[2:17:27] meal program the proposed
[2:17:30] budget provides 6.5 million for
[2:17:32] roughly 3500 acres these are
[2:17:37] not simply underdeveloped
[2:17:39] parcels, these are GOD-given
[2:17:42] natural infrastructure that
[2:17:43] protects our drinking water
[2:17:47] supply, and dangerous feces and
[2:17:47] protects floodwaters.
[2:17:48] Thank you.
[2:17:49] >> thank you.
[2:17:49] Thank you county commissioners
[2:17:51] and thank you mayor, for all of
[2:17:55] your support and including
[2:17:56] critical funding for the cvo
[2:17:56] for miami-dade.
[2:18:00] I am deborah webb the ceo of
[2:18:01] key clubhouse south florida
[2:18:07] located northside 301 nw.
[2:18:08] 27th avenue and now in west
[2:18:10] kendall at 9000 sw. 137th
[2:18:11] avenue I believe district 2 and
[2:18:15] district 11 but I do live in
[2:18:16] aventura the beautiful
[2:18:16] aventura.
[2:18:19] We are an international
[2:18:24] accredited program operating a
[2:18:25] proven recovery through work
[2:18:25] model serving adults living
[2:18:30] with serious persistent mental
[2:18:30] illness.
[2:18:31] In the last 2 years between r b2
[2:18:36] 2 locations we placed 90 people
[2:18:37] with mental illness back to
[2:18:38] work and 25 went back to
[2:18:39] school.
[2:18:42] Every day I hear families like
[2:18:43] you must also that are
[2:18:45] desperate for help for loved
[2:18:47] ones living with mental
[2:18:47] illness.
[2:18:48] Our outcome?
[2:18:51] 90% report that overall quality
[2:18:54] of life has improved and they
[2:18:55] are more positive about the
[2:18:57] future, not contemplating
[2:18:58] ending it all.
[2:19:02] 94% report needing fewer or no
[2:19:03] hospitalizations.
[2:19:07] Thank you so much.
[2:19:08] >> all right will the
[2:19:09] following residents please come
[2:19:12] up.
[2:19:13] I apologize ahead of time if I
[2:19:16] mispronounce your name.
[2:19:19] Deborah cox robert ryle natalie
[2:19:21] herod don, pedro deas, don
[2:19:25] david harrison, richard lemond
[2:19:28] and, or rate should money and
[2:19:30] camille munguia.
[2:19:31] Yes.
[2:19:36] Thank you.
[2:19:37] >> alice malin 6240 sw. 33rd
[2:19:45] st. Miami, fl 33155.
[2:19:46] I am the executive director of
[2:19:46] adults mankind organization and
[2:19:47] first I would like to thank
[2:19:48] MADAM Mayor for your support
[2:19:49] and leadership this year and
[2:19:53] for working hard to include us
[2:19:54] in the budget.
[2:19:55] I hope the rest of the
[2:19:56] commission will also support
[2:19:57] these programs because
[2:20:00] investing in our safety net
[2:20:05] organization has a significant
[2:20:05] impact.
[2:20:06] Not only on the lives of our
[2:20:08] residents but also on our local
[2:20:09] economy.
[2:20:09] we provide workforce
[2:20:10] development services focusing
[2:20:13] on work readiness skills and
[2:20:13] employment assistance.
[2:20:18] We help residents develop the
[2:20:19] skills and confidence they need
[2:20:20] to secure and maintain
[2:20:21] employment so they become
[2:20:26] productive members of the
[2:20:27] workforce.
[2:20:27] And I know you like data.
[2:20:27] O
[2:20:28] let me tell you.
[2:20:29] This year we served over 329
[2:20:31] miami-dade residents from all
[2:20:34] 13 districts.
[2:20:35] We placed 125 in subsidized
[2:20:37] employment and that, if you use
[2:20:39] a conservative estimate at $14
[2:20:43] per hour, $35 per week that is
[2:20:45] 2.45 that is back in the
[2:20:45] economy.
[2:20:49] So much.
[2:20:51] >> good evening I am fernanda
[2:20:52] jorgensen I am the director of
[2:20:56] philanthropy miami biscayne
[2:20:57] boulevard.
[2:20:59] First I would like to extend my
[2:21:00] gratitude to mayor cava and
[2:21:02] county commissioners for your
[2:21:03] commitment throughout this past
[2:21:07] year to work alongside our
[2:21:07] cpus.
[2:21:08] Philanthropy miami strongly
[2:21:14] supports this budget and they
[2:21:15] continued investment in these
[2:21:16] organizations.
[2:21:17] It's a smart investment and now
[2:21:18] have the data to back it up.
[2:21:18] Independent study recently
[2:21:19] conducted by the health council
[2:21:20] of south florida showed that
[2:21:21] for every dollar the county
[2:21:22] invest in cbo's save $10 from
[2:21:25] expenditures from hired systems
[2:21:29] of care.
[2:21:30] See po's are more than just
[2:21:35] recipients of county funds they
[2:21:36] are essential infrastructure
[2:21:36] and community partners and
[2:21:37] philanthropy miami stands ready
[2:21:38] to work with our nonprofit
[2:21:40] partners, our philanthropic
[2:21:40] community and government to
[2:21:42] make sure that these investment
[2:21:44] remain beneficial to our
[2:21:44] community.
[2:21:45] Thank you very much.
[2:21:48] >> thank you.
[2:21:49] >> good evening MADAM Mayor
[2:21:50] commissioners debbie cox
[2:21:53] christie house nw. 12th ave.,
[2:21:55] miami, fl.
[2:21:58] First, thank you MADAM Mayor
[2:21:59] for keeping the nonprofit
[2:22:01] community in your heart and
[2:22:02] budget.
[2:22:03] We very much appreciate that.
[2:22:07] Your support recognizes that
[2:22:10] strong public systems depend on
[2:22:12] strong committee centers
[2:22:13] christie house provides hope
[2:22:18] and justice for people
[2:22:19] subjected to sexual abuse,
[2:22:20] human trafficking and sexual
[2:22:21] trauma every day our team
[2:22:25] brings together child
[2:22:26] protection professionals, child
[2:22:27] support, medical providers,
[2:22:30] therapist and advocate so the
[2:22:30] child can tell their story once
[2:22:31] in a safe and supportive
[2:22:32] environment rather than relive
[2:22:35] that trauma over and over
[2:22:35] again.
[2:22:37] Behind every budget line there
[2:22:39] is a child who can begin to
[2:22:44] feel safe, a caregiver who can
[2:22:48] receive support had a family.
[2:22:50] Your investment helps make this
[2:22:51] all possible.
[2:22:53] You for your leadership thank
[2:22:56] you all for your partnership
[2:22:56] and your commitment to
[2:23:02] miami-dade 's children.
[2:23:04] >> good evening at noon.
[2:23:11] My name is estella velasquez I
[2:23:12] am 15 years old and remember
[2:23:13] had the honor of singing the
[2:23:13] national anthem for all of you
[2:23:14] at the board of county
[2:23:15] commissioners inauguration 2
[2:23:16] years ago and I am here today
[2:23:23] because I found young musicians
[2:23:24] tonight when I was 6 years old
[2:23:25] and I found a group of talented
[2:23:29] rock stars and I was like wow!
[2:23:30] I want to be like that when I
[2:23:30] grow up.
[2:23:31] And I am proud to say that
[2:23:32] almost a decade later I am a
[2:23:33] recording artist thanks to
[2:23:35] young musicians unite.
[2:23:42] Free songwriting program at
[2:23:42] ymca studio and I was able to
[2:23:43] join my first ever band called
[2:23:44] the lounge band where I with
[2:23:48] hundreds if not thousands of
[2:23:49] students were able to perform
[2:23:51] at venues across miami-dade
[2:23:52] county and meet amazing people.
[2:23:53] Young musicians unite is not
[2:23:58] just a place where you can
[2:23:59] learn to play music, it is a
[2:24:00] voice, a community where you
[2:24:01] can achieve what you thought
[2:24:02] was once impossible.
[2:24:06] Fund the arts and fund these
[2:24:07] organizations that are helping
[2:24:08] us shape the minds of the
[2:24:09] future of miami-dade county!
[2:24:09] Thank you.
[2:24:12] >> thank you.
[2:24:14] [Applause]
[2:24:18] >> tough act to follow.
[2:24:18] >> yes.
[2:24:22] >> good evening mattmadam
[2:24:23] mayor and members of the board
[2:24:28] my name is natalie herod and
[2:24:29] 12000 biscayne blvd.
[2:24:30] I have the privilege of serving
[2:24:31] our community through jewish
[2:24:33] committee services of south
[2:24:33] florida.
[2:24:34] Thank you mayor cava for
[2:24:35] recommending full funding for
[2:24:36] our cbo.
[2:24:45] For 107 years jcs is help
[2:24:45] seniors age with dignity
[2:24:46] through meals, case management
[2:24:47] and critical support.
[2:24:48] Today as seniors face raising
[2:24:49] costs, food insecurity and
[2:24:49] isolation, these services
[2:24:50] matter more than ever.
[2:24:56] As a proud member of the
[2:24:57] advocacy collectively urge you
[2:24:57] to fully fund the cbo.
[2:24:58] Together we leverage more than
[2:24:59] 15 million in additional
[2:25:03] federal and state private
[2:25:03] funding as evinced by the
[2:25:04] health council pro bono study
[2:25:05] previously shared your
[2:25:06] investment strengthens our
[2:25:08] entire committee and project
[2:25:09] services for our most
[2:25:11] vulnerable neighbors and what
[2:25:12] they depend on.
[2:25:13] Thank you.
[2:25:16] >> good evening MADAM Mayor
[2:25:17] MR. Vice chair, commissioners
[2:25:20] my name is pedro deas 6251 n.
[2:25:23] Waterway doctor.
[2:25:25] I stand here today not only
[2:25:31] representing young students
[2:25:31] unite as her chief officer but
[2:25:32] as a father and someone who
[2:25:33] benefited from arts education
[2:25:34] and as a fierce advocate for
[2:25:35] investing in the arts.
[2:25:36] Because I have seen what the
[2:25:43] arts can do, they give young
[2:25:44] people a voice, they create
[2:25:45] community, they build
[2:25:48] confidence, discipline and most
[2:25:48] importantly a sense of
[2:25:49] belonging.
[2:25:49] The arts are the expression of
[2:25:51] what we are.
[2:25:52] They tell our stories, carry
[2:25:54] our culture and connect one
[2:25:57] generation to the next.
[2:26:00] When we invest in the arts and
[2:26:01] culture we are not just
[2:26:03] investing in musicians, dancers
[2:26:04] or artists, we are investing in
[2:26:09] human beings.
[2:26:10] We are investing in our
[2:26:10] communities.
[2:26:11] we are investing in our future.
[2:26:12] Arts change lives.
[2:26:15] Arts save lives.
[2:26:20] Arts need your support please
[2:26:21] get back to the funding for the
[2:26:22] miami-dade cultural.
[2:26:22] Thank you.
[2:26:24] >> hi good evening MADAM Mayor
[2:26:28] and members of the board of
[2:26:29] county commissioners, my name
[2:26:35] is rachel -- south florida
[2:26:42] 12000 biscayne blvd., miami
[2:26:43] 33181 thank you for your
[2:26:44] continued commitment for the
[2:26:44] healthy one being of our
[2:26:45] community and recognizing the
[2:26:49] essential role of nonprofit
[2:26:49] partners.
[2:26:50] Today I am speaking not only on
[2:26:51] behalf of jewish community
[2:26:52] services of south florida but
[2:26:56] as part of the advocacy
[2:26:56] collective of more than 60
[2:26:57] social service agencies that
[2:26:58] depend on county cbo funding.
[2:27:00] If the camera wants to zoom in
[2:27:03] on this all the people in the
[2:27:09] community here that support the
[2:27:09] miami-dade county residents.
[2:27:10] We are the safety net for the
[2:27:10] community.
[2:27:12] We feed families and seniors.
[2:27:13] People struggling with mental
[2:27:15] health and vulnerable
[2:27:19] individuals facing
[2:27:19] circumstances they never
[2:27:20] imagine what happened.
[2:27:22] The county funding is not
[2:27:23] simply a line in the budget it
[2:27:27] keeps doors open and services
[2:27:28] available and keeping people
[2:27:30] fall from the cracks.
[2:27:36] Please gas to keep the cbo's
[2:27:37] funding thank you for your
[2:27:37] partnership and investment in
[2:27:38] our community.
[2:27:40] Thank you.
[2:27:42] >> thank you.
[2:27:47] Good evening CHAIRMAN And
[2:27:47] members MADAM Mayor I am jd
[2:27:52] harrison 176 25th st. Miami
[2:27:52] florida.
[2:27:55] Jake was program MAY manager
[2:27:57] for the outgoing legislation
[2:27:59] program jacob served laws be as
[2:28:04] program manager since 2014.
[2:28:05] And from this perspective we
[2:28:05] have seen tremendous progress
[2:28:09] made in reducing ocean
[2:28:10] discharges, expanding water
[2:28:12] reuse and improving treatment
[2:28:15] capacity and strengthening the
[2:28:19] reliability and resiliency of
[2:28:20] wastewater.
[2:28:20] The county is now very close to
[2:28:21] completing this important work.
[2:28:25] 6 active construction projects
[2:28:26] valuing approximately 840
[2:28:28] million are underway with 4
[2:28:31] additional projects in design
[2:28:32] for 450 million.
[2:28:37] Slowing down and stopping no
[2:28:38] would not eliminate the need
[2:28:39] for these projects, it would
[2:28:40] cause escalations, contractor
[2:28:41] claims, regulatory risks,
[2:28:44] jeopardize ability to the
[2:28:45] statutory commitments and delay
[2:28:50] critical improvements and
[2:28:50] supporting alliance.
[2:28:52] 6% adjustment is necessary and
[2:28:55] responsible investment.
[2:28:56] Jacob respectfully urges
[2:28:56] approval.
[2:28:56] Thank you.
[2:28:57] >> thank you.
[2:28:58] >> good evening mayor and
[2:29:07] commissioners my name is --
[2:29:08] thank you mayor for restoring
[2:29:08] the 2 million for the
[2:29:13] enrichment diversion program.
[2:29:14] Commissioners, municipalities
[2:29:16] that have eviction levers
[2:29:17] program see a drop of 98% in
[2:29:19] legal addictions.
[2:29:20] It's really crucial you
[2:29:22] continue supporting this
[2:29:22] program.
[2:29:25] Also the office of housing
[2:29:26] efficacy needs added staff to
[2:29:30] track and monitor residents who
[2:29:31] are being displaced from county
[2:29:32] housing.
[2:29:38] You all remember the mess that
[2:29:38] the house of lies revealed.
[2:29:39] We could have a similar
[2:29:40] situation if we don't keep
[2:29:41] track of residents who are
[2:29:42] given vouchers and are not able
[2:29:48] to return once the project has
[2:29:51] been rebuilt or renovated.
[2:29:54] Also I remember when I was in
[2:29:58] university I had to go away to
[2:29:59] sunny tables I would not be
[2:30:01] able to make it on time if not
[2:30:02] for the early morning service.
[2:30:04] Later on in life I worked at
[2:30:07] the casino in hollywood.
[2:30:08] I lived in north miami and I
[2:30:10] had to take a bus from there
[2:30:10] also.
[2:30:11] It's really crucial that you
[2:30:12] keep the service going.
[2:30:14] Thank you.
[2:30:22] >> miami florida 33233.
[2:30:22] Good evening MADAM Mayor
[2:30:23] commissioners and county staff
[2:30:28] my name is richard lemond and I
[2:30:28] am a business owner and father
[2:30:29] in miami-dade and also I will
[2:30:30] be your next state senator and
[2:30:31] district 38.
[2:30:32] Throughout the campaign I've
[2:30:33] heard from thousands across our
[2:30:35] community and tonight I speak
[2:30:36] for them.
[2:30:37] Our seniors and workers depend
[2:30:39] on bus routes.
[2:30:40] Our kids to learn to read in
[2:30:42] our libraries and enjoy our
[2:30:42] parks.
[2:30:43] Small business owners drowning
[2:30:46] in costs they can't control.
[2:30:47] The young people who did
[2:30:48] everything right and still
[2:30:49] can't afford to stay in the
[2:30:50] firefighters, police and nurses
[2:30:50] wondering if this budget will
[2:30:53] have their back.
[2:30:57] A budget of what we find is
[2:30:58] what we believe in but right
[2:30:59] now tallahassee is stripping
[2:31:01] our local government of their
[2:31:02] tools that we need to serve.
[2:31:04] Preemption from 500 miles away
[2:31:07] and decision after decision has
[2:31:10] resulted in this community and
[2:31:11] budget being smaller than it
[2:31:12] should be.
[2:31:16] Miami-dade deserves a center
[2:31:20] who resources home and protects
[2:31:21] your authority to govern and I
[2:31:22] will do that as your next
[2:31:22] senator and I will say thank
[2:31:23] you and good luck.
[2:31:26] >> all right.
[2:31:26] Yes?
[2:31:31] >> my name is catherine leyba
[2:31:32] and I am the executive director
[2:31:33] of engage miami located at
[2:31:33] 108000 biscayne blvd.
[2:31:34] I reside in district 3 and
[2:31:38] appointed to the miami-dade
[2:31:39] county commission for women.
[2:31:40] I am here today to speak
[2:31:45] against the proposed removal of
[2:31:46] the early morning bus service I
[2:31:47] was able to attend my high
[2:31:48] school because of the
[2:31:49] long-standing partnership that
[2:31:51] miami-dade transit and mcps
[2:31:56] have to allow the students get
[2:31:56] to school by the first bell.
[2:31:57] I am the leader I am today
[2:32:01] because of my education but
[2:32:02] first I actually had to get to
[2:32:02] school.
[2:32:03] School of choice has made miami
[2:32:04] home to the largest public
[2:32:05] magnet school district in the
[2:32:08] nation and ending early service
[2:32:09] would disconnect students from
[2:32:10] schools that sit on routes
[2:32:10] including miami northwestern
[2:32:16] miami central miami senior,
[2:32:17] southwest mamie senior, kylie a
[2:32:18] lakes american senior high,
[2:32:19] coral gables, booker t and
[2:32:23] miami-dade senior just to name
[2:32:24] a few.
[2:32:24] these routes make school of
[2:32:25] choice possible and fuels our
[2:32:33] future in this county.
[2:32:33] My ask is simple please
[2:32:34] preserve the early morning bus
[2:32:35] services so our students can
[2:32:36] actually get the education they
[2:32:37] want and deserve.
[2:32:37] Thank you.
[2:32:38] >> thank you will the
[2:32:39] following residents please get
[2:32:40] in the queue you are up next.
[2:32:43] Joseph delia, fred christian,
[2:32:48] devorah siegelman, vivian
[2:32:53] esther gonzalez, anna ruth so
[2:32:54] lush and apologize if I
[2:32:55] mispronounce of his name.
[2:33:01] Jamie lee parris ceuta, mila
[2:33:02] cabrera mercedes cabrera susan
[2:33:11] holtzman laura nicholson.
[2:33:12] >> good evening I am deborah
[2:33:13] spiegelman ceo of the miami
[2:33:14] children's museum 980 macarthur
[2:33:18] parkway good evening mayor and
[2:33:19] members of the county
[2:33:20] commission thank you for your
[2:33:24] continuing support of the
[2:33:25] cultural arts in miami.
[2:33:26] Mamie welcomes 400,000 visitors
[2:33:26] each year.
[2:33:29] E serve over 600
[2:33:32] children every afternoon in the
[2:33:32] community through our
[2:33:36] afterschool programs in our 8
[2:33:37] partner schools.
[2:33:42] Many in underserved immunities.
[2:33:43] In a time of a growing mental
[2:33:44] health crisis these programs
[2:33:48] fred children with state
[2:33:49] consisted nurturing
[2:33:49] environments where they can
[2:33:50] learn, express themselves and
[2:33:51] thrive.
[2:33:53] The cost is sustaining this
[2:33:58] work continues to rise.
[2:33:59] Our security cost become one of
[2:34:01] the most critical and costly
[2:34:01] responsibilities.
[2:34:02] Yet, it is essential to protect
[2:34:04] the children and families and
[2:34:05] staff who serve.
[2:34:07] As the final adjustment are
[2:34:09] made if at all possible the
[2:34:11] aspr funding to help us
[2:34:13] maintain these vital programs,
[2:34:17] meet critical security cost.
[2:34:18] >> thank you so much.
[2:34:18] >> I'm sorry thank you so
[2:34:19] much.
[2:34:26] >> good evening commissioners,
[2:34:27] MADAM Mayor, staff, my name is
[2:34:28] joseph delia 6355 nw. 36th st.,
[2:34:30] virginia gardens 33136 I am the
[2:34:33] PRESIDENT Of transfer union 391
[2:34:34] representing more than 2500
[2:34:39] miami-dade transit workers and
[2:34:44] working people who use public
[2:34:44] transit.
[2:34:45] These cuts will eliminate 12
[2:34:46] routes and 4 million rides per
[2:34:49] year including early morning
[2:34:50] and what every speaker hasn't
[2:34:51] mentioned is late-night service
[2:34:52] that working people depend on.
[2:34:53] Every commissioner sitting here
[2:34:57] has constituent will be hurt.
[2:34:58] Worker schedules and life don't
[2:34:59] change because of bus route was
[2:34:59] cut.
[2:35:00] Before cutting routes essential
[2:35:04] to citizens and the ministries
[2:35:04] they serve maybe start looking
[2:35:08] at consultants and other
[2:35:08] unnecessary spending.
[2:35:09] Instead we look at how
[2:35:10] top-heavy the department is.
[2:35:11] There's plenty of areas where
[2:35:12] you can trim the budget,
[2:35:15] transit routes are not it.
[2:35:15] County dollars should serve
[2:35:19] county residents.
[2:35:19] Transit is just an essential
[2:35:23] service as every constitutional
[2:35:23] office.
[2:35:25] For some citizens transit is
[2:35:26] the only means of
[2:35:27] transportation and it is there
[2:35:28] most important service you
[2:35:29] provide.
[2:35:30] Commissioners these writers are
[2:35:31] your constituents and work
[2:35:31] horse.
[2:35:34] >> thank you.
[2:35:38] >> should I go?
[2:35:39] Hi I am vivian gonzalez my
[2:35:40] address is 6601 sw.
[2:35:44] 16th ct., apt. 108.
[2:35:46] I'm the executive director of
[2:35:50] grader at mama symphony and we
[2:35:51] serve the students of
[2:35:53] miami-dade county from public,
[2:35:56] charter and homeschools and
[2:35:57] from every commissioners
[2:35:57] district.
[2:36:00] Our students have gone on to
[2:36:01] prestigious universities
[2:36:02] throughout the nation, state
[2:36:07] and internationally.
[2:36:07] Our alumni include grammy
[2:36:08] winners esteemed residence
[2:36:09] throughout miami-dade county
[2:36:10] thank you for your support, for
[2:36:13] continued full arts funding and
[2:36:14] for your efforts to ensure
[2:36:15] funding well into the future as
[2:36:17] arts especially music is
[2:36:18] fundamental to the human
[2:36:18] experience.
[2:36:20] Thank you.
[2:36:22] >> cuda from north county
[2:36:25] commissioners my name is fred
[2:36:27] christian address 20733 nw.
[2:36:33] Miami gardens florida and here
[2:36:34] representing my organization #
[2:36:36] impact/at mpeg media ink and on
[2:36:37] behalf of my friends at calyx
[2:36:40] miami and support what you said
[2:36:40] today.
[2:36:43] As a person who advocate who is
[2:36:43] disabled and advocates for
[2:36:45] those with disabilities and the
[2:36:47] elderly unmasking new to please
[2:36:51] retain funding at current
[2:36:52] levels.
[2:36:52] Where I live is a senior
[2:36:53] community which is able be the
[2:36:56] fire department to respond on
[2:36:57] time we need the police
[2:36:58] department and we commend you
[2:36:59] for the great responses you do
[2:37:00] for the miami gardens police
[2:37:01] department for what they do.
[2:37:04] We ask you also to please,
[2:37:05] maintain the evictions
[2:37:06] diversion program to seniors
[2:37:08] and the disabled do not deserve
[2:37:09] to lose their homes.
[2:37:12] Please do this.
[2:37:13] Finally, please keep the bus
[2:37:14] routes because seniors and
[2:37:16] disabled depend on them at the
[2:37:17] same time do not eliminate
[2:37:18] anything to not change
[2:37:20] anything.
[2:37:24] Please find a way keep the
[2:37:28] disabled services and for the
[2:37:29] hospital, too. Thank you.
[2:37:31] >> I am mercedes call vieira.
[2:37:36] [Address] Good evening
[2:37:37] commissioners and mayor as a
[2:37:38] survivor of domestic violence
[2:37:39] of stocking and getting a
[2:37:40] restraining order was not the
[2:37:40] end of my nightmare.
[2:37:42] It was just the beginning.
[2:37:44] While my stocker is currently
[2:37:45] in custody a cycle of abuse
[2:37:47] does not stop with a piece of
[2:37:47] paper.
[2:37:55] For my family the abuse has
[2:37:55] persisted.
[2:37:56] When abusers and enablers are
[2:37:58] not held accountable they are
[2:37:59] emboldened to continue their
[2:38:00] torment.
[2:38:04] Right now the system most
[2:38:07] crucial resource is equal
[2:38:08] representation survivors are
[2:38:11] left alone to navigate in this
[2:38:11] court battles, safety
[2:38:14] violations against dangerous
[2:38:15] abusers with zero counsel.
[2:38:16] I urge this board to allocate a
[2:38:19] look funding for legal
[2:38:19] representation to support
[2:38:23] survivors beyond the initial
[2:38:23] order.
[2:38:25] Survivors need safety not just
[2:38:26] a temporary fix.
[2:38:29] Thank you.
[2:38:30] >> thank you.
[2:38:30] >> hi good evening
[2:38:33] commissioners my name is
[2:38:34] andrea's latte and I live at
[2:38:36] 776 ne.
[2:38:42] Tranny unmasking the county to
[2:38:43] restore 12.4 million in funding
[2:38:43] for early-morning transit
[2:38:44] service.
[2:38:45] These routes are not just
[2:38:45] numbers on a budget they are
[2:38:50] the lifeline for more than 6000
[2:38:51] workers and families every
[2:38:52] single week including nurses,
[2:38:53] construction workers and school
[2:38:54] staff who depend on reliable
[2:38:55] transportation to get to work.
[2:38:58] 11% reduction in transit
[2:38:59] service means cutting
[2:39:00] approximately 31.5 million in
[2:39:03] services and eliminating 12
[2:39:04] routes while reducing service
[2:39:06] on dozen more.
[2:39:09] We would be making these cuts
[2:39:13] to most cost effective transit
[2:39:15] services which costs around
[2:39:15] $6.30 per ride.
[2:39:26] Saving.
[2:39:26] Saving money I cutting routes
[2:39:27] that working families rely on
[2:39:28] to get to work is not okay.
[2:39:29] I urge the county to restore
[2:39:30] the full 12.4 million and
[2:39:31] protect early-morning transit
[2:39:31] service.
[2:39:31] Thank you.
[2:39:32] >> thank you.
[2:39:32] Yes.
[2:39:32] Thank you.
[2:39:33] >> my turn?
[2:39:33] Okay.
[2:39:34] Hello my name is alana
[2:39:36] scarborough is a local resident
[2:39:36] affected by the proposed
[2:39:38] transit changes I strongly urge
[2:39:40] you to reject the proposed
[2:39:42] elimination of prop 57.
[2:39:46] Residence along this quarter
[2:39:46] bus 57 is not an option it is
[2:39:54] our soul lifeline.
[2:39:55] removing the service creates a
[2:39:55] total transit desert.
[2:39:56] Cutting off residence while
[2:39:57] access to private vehicles from
[2:39:58] jobs, school, healthcare and
[2:40:01] essential services.
[2:40:02] This route is double impacted
[2:40:03] as changes from the federal bus
[2:40:05] network increase wait times to
[2:40:08] 90 minutes and reduce eating
[2:40:13] opacity to a 16 seat tiny bus
[2:40:13] with broken pass counters.
[2:40:17] Public transportation is a
[2:40:18] fundamental public good and we
[2:40:21] cannot leave an entire quarter
[2:40:23] completely unserved.
[2:40:25] Residents who receive safe
[2:40:25] reliable transmission.
[2:40:32] Thank you.
[2:40:33] >> thank you good evening
[2:40:34] commissioners MADAM Mayor and
[2:40:34] fellow residents of miami-dade
[2:40:35] county thank you all for being
[2:40:39] here tonight and for this
[2:40:40] opportunity to speak my name is
[2:40:41] susan holtzman and I reside at
[2:40:41] 9 055.
[2:40:54] [Address] I represent the
[2:40:55] miami-dade affiliate for the
[2:40:55] national alliance of mental
[2:40:56] illness I am the PRESIDENT And
[2:40:57] ceo and we want to commend the
[2:41:00] mayor on funding cbo and urge
[2:41:01] you to continue to fund the
[2:41:05] work we are at nami providing
[2:41:05] education support and advocacy
[2:41:07] to people who live with mental
[2:41:07] health conditions and their
[2:41:10] loved ones.
[2:41:10] In the past year we have
[2:41:11] reached thousands of residents
[2:41:13] and hundreds of thousand of
[2:41:17] county employees through the
[2:41:19] mayors stigma free workplace
[2:41:20] initiative giving that one in 4
[2:41:21] people live with a mental
[2:41:25] health that's nearly 700,000
[2:41:26] people in miami-dade county so
[2:41:27] if it isn't you, it is someone
[2:41:27] that you care for.
[2:41:31] the work is great and nami is
[2:41:34] the voice of those people.
[2:41:35] We are making a big difference.
[2:41:39] Our participants report
[2:41:40] increase awareness of mental
[2:41:41] health conditions and the
[2:41:42] resources available to address
[2:41:42] those conditions.
[2:41:43] >> thank you so much.
[2:41:46] Thank you.
[2:41:47] >> while.
[2:41:48] >> good evening my name is
[2:41:53] jamie set up, [Address].
[2:41:56] I am the founder and executive
[2:41:57] director of local youth miami
[2:41:59] an organization that raises
[2:42:02] empathic and creative leaders
[2:42:02] through vocal music.
[2:42:09] I am also here representing
[2:42:10] arch access mammy a collective
[2:42:11] organization that last year
[2:42:12] served more than 12,000 student
[2:42:12] across 57 locations providing
[2:42:17] 30,000 are of arts instruction.
[2:42:18] I see the young people behind
[2:42:20] those numbers.
[2:42:21] It's a child who wants to come
[2:42:23] to school because they have
[2:42:25] choir, a teenager who finds
[2:42:28] their people, a student who
[2:42:29] once could not imagine
[2:42:30] themselves on a major stage
[2:42:34] performing at carnegie hall.
[2:42:35] That's what investments in the
[2:42:36] arts makes possible and why am
[2:42:39] so grateful for your support of
[2:42:40] the arts and culture in this
[2:42:41] proposed budget and I ask you
[2:42:42] to please protect this
[2:42:43] investment as you finalize it.
[2:42:45] Thank you.
[2:42:47] >> my name is laura nicholson
[2:42:54] my address is 2212.
[2:42:54] [Address]
[2:42:57] >> residing district 6 with
[2:43:01] commissioner natalie orbison I
[2:43:06] am with miami water keepers.
[2:43:07] I know we were talking about
[2:43:07] the eel program but I'm going
[2:43:09] to run it back and talk about
[2:43:12] an ecosystem that they help
[2:43:13] protect which is mangroves.
[2:43:15] Mangroves are nature but also
[2:43:18] the best infrastructure against
[2:43:20] our homes flooding.
[2:43:20] Right?
[2:43:23] I mean, thank you mangroves but
[2:43:24] they also don't send an invoice
[2:43:26] to us a while our efforts go
[2:43:29] pretty invisible to us when we
[2:43:31] stop funding the organizations
[2:43:34] that manage to restore them
[2:43:37] that's when we risk losing that
[2:43:40] flood buffer for our homes.
[2:43:41] Every dollar we don't spend
[2:43:42] protecting the lands now is the
[2:43:47] dollar we will have to spend
[2:43:54] tenfold right, recovering from
[2:43:54] the flood damage later.
[2:43:56] I urge you commissioners to
[2:43:57] restore the eel program because
[2:43:57] this money will be spent either
[2:43:59] way whether it's prevention or
[2:43:59] damage recovery.
[2:44:01] Thank you.
[2:44:02] >> thank you so much with the
[2:44:03] following residence please line
[2:44:10] uphelen quinn cynthia brown,
[2:44:15] freddie of ia, claudia carr
[2:44:16] marco, andy arthur, emily
[2:44:20] cardenas, elaine lynn, michael
[2:44:27] rosenberg and rachel presse
[2:44:28] kpeenu.
[2:44:29] I apologize if I didn't
[2:44:32] pronounce your name correctly.
[2:44:32] Thank you.
[2:44:39] >> good evening.
[2:44:40] I am emily cardenas executive
[2:44:49] director of cqo infusion.
[2:44:50] [Address] Our offices are in
[2:44:52] district 11.
[2:44:53] But we represents concerts from
[2:44:58] aventura to palmetto bay and
[2:44:58] our piano slam arts education
[2:45:01] program that many of you
[2:45:02] continue to support service
[2:45:04] more than 1000 public school
[2:45:10] students annually from miami
[2:45:11] gardens to homestead.
[2:45:15] As parts of the arts action
[2:45:16] alliance I want to thank you,
[2:45:18] thank you, thank you for
[2:45:21] recognizing our value and what
[2:45:23] we collectively represent in
[2:45:25] this community.
[2:45:27] Economically and culturally as
[2:45:30] the heart and soul of the
[2:45:31] people.
[2:45:32] So please, pass this thoughtful
[2:45:37] and balanced budget that
[2:45:39] supports arts and culture.
[2:45:41] Together with our cherished
[2:45:42] department of cultural affairs
[2:45:48] and arts council please know we
[2:45:49] are looking for an alternative
[2:45:51] to a dependency of the general
[2:45:51] fund.
[2:45:52] It is however a slow and
[2:45:52] grinding process.
[2:45:55] We support us.
[2:45:56] >> thank you very much.
[2:45:59] >> hello good evening I am
[2:46:02] here as a county employee bus
[2:46:02] driver.
[2:46:04] I feel like you all need to
[2:46:05] hear what the bus driver seat
[2:46:11] every day.
[2:46:12] We've got the best in our
[2:46:12] transit system.
[2:46:14] The residence of miami-dade
[2:46:16] county and I ask you all to
[2:46:19] reconsider the reasonable fair.
[2:46:26] The fair bus we have and do not
[2:46:27] take those calls.
[2:46:28] We need to update the box.
[2:46:32] I think the gas tax adding
[2:46:33] $0.02 to the gas tax that will
[2:46:34] help us out a lot and mainly
[2:46:38] y'all need to go back to the
[2:46:39] revision of healthcare.
[2:46:40] I don't know how you do it but
[2:46:42] you need to revisit it and make
[2:46:43] it a full penny and I think you
[2:46:46] will double your income that we
[2:46:47] have coming into miami-dade
[2:46:47] county.
[2:46:49] Thank you.
[2:46:50] >> thank you.
[2:46:51] >> good evening I name is
[2:46:53] freddie by 8
[2:46:59] .
[2:47:00] [Address] I am representing
[2:47:01] silver court trailer park and
[2:47:04] its residents here for the last
[2:47:05] 6 months we've been facing an
[2:47:06] eviction forcing hundreds of
[2:47:07] residents out of the home and
[2:47:08] many teetering on the verge of
[2:47:09] homelessness.
[2:47:13] I speak for the elderly in my
[2:47:14] community who live on a fixed
[2:47:15] income and cannot afford the
[2:47:19] ever increased income raising
[2:47:19] housing prices.
[2:47:20] I am here for my mother who
[2:47:29] works multiple jobs who survive
[2:47:29] on my support for rent as rent
[2:47:30] prices continue to balloon many
[2:47:31] miami communities are being
[2:47:33] displaced to make room for
[2:47:33] luxury apartments and luxury
[2:47:34] condos here the reason silver
[2:47:35] court has a fighting chance is
[2:47:39] because the help of e arp and
[2:47:40] eviction services and attorneys
[2:47:41] that have been funded to
[2:47:42] represent us and keep us a
[2:47:42] flow.
[2:47:43] I'm asking you continue to
[2:47:46] fully fund these programs in
[2:47:46] order to protect hard work,
[2:47:49] working miami resident facing
[2:47:49] eviction.
[2:47:49] Thank you so much.
[2:47:53] Good night.
[2:47:54] >> thank you, next?
[2:47:55] >> hello my name is andy
[2:47:56] arthur.
[2:48:02] [Address] District 7. Thank you
[2:48:03] for continuing to fund the
[2:48:04] department of cultural affairs.
[2:48:06] I am speaking as a playwright
[2:48:07] in arts and minister and
[2:48:07] teacher at new world school of
[2:48:08] the arts.
[2:48:11] The art are a vital part of our
[2:48:12] economic ecosystem in the
[2:48:13] department and organizations of
[2:48:14] artists that it fun are a large
[2:48:19] part of what make miami's
[2:48:25] magnificent city.
[2:48:26] Fosters emotional resilience
[2:48:27] and protects people through all
[2:48:27] types of differences.
[2:48:28] I know those very many were the
[2:48:29] programs that deserve your
[2:48:31] support but please keep funding
[2:48:33] the department of cultural
[2:48:36] affairs and widen the community
[2:48:36] vibe.
[2:48:45] Thank you so much.
[2:48:56] >>
[2:48:56] .
[2:48:56] [Speaking spanish]
[2:48:59] >> good evening everybody.
[2:49:06] My name is javess the 70 and.
[2:49:06] [Address]
[2:49:07] >>
[2:49:07] .
[2:49:11] [Speaking spanish]
[2:49:13] >> I have lived in silver
[2:49:17] court for 7 years and on MARCH
[2:49:18] 11th 2026 we received an
[2:49:19] unexpected eviction notice that
[2:49:22] we had to vacate our homes.
[2:49:24] >>
[2:49:24] .
[2:49:30] [Speaking spanish]
[2:49:36] >> since then my neighbors and
[2:49:37] myself we have been fighting
[2:49:39] against this eviction notice.
[2:49:40] >>
[2:49:40] .
[2:49:47] [Speaking spanish]
[2:49:50] >> for the situation, the
[2:49:51] eviction wouldn't situation
[2:49:53] that we are living, I encourage
[2:50:02] our mayor trauba and the
[2:50:07] commissioner.
[2:50:08] >> to assign 1.5 million of
[2:50:12] public funds to increase the
[2:50:13] production of renters in
[2:50:14] miami-dade county.
[2:50:15] >>
[2:50:15] .
[2:50:22] [Speaking spanish]
[2:50:31] >> through the program e arp
[2:50:32] and the eviction diversion
[2:50:32] programs because thanks to
[2:50:35] these programs we are being
[2:50:35] benefited.
[2:50:35] >>
[2:50:35] .
[2:50:42] [Speaking spanish]
[2:50:43] >> I appreciate ahead of time
[2:50:46] your time and I trust that our
[2:50:49] voice has been heard.
[2:50:59] >> good evening I am rachel
[2:51:00] presse kpeenu I am here today
[2:51:01] with catalyst miami at 3250 sw.
[2:51:02] 3rd avenue I hold in my hand
[2:51:03] very crumpled copy of the
[2:51:10] analysis from our bus drivers
[2:51:10] union.
[2:51:11] Of the cuts and the effects
[2:51:11] from each of your districts and
[2:51:12] you haven't taken a look at
[2:51:13] this.
[2:51:14] Please take a look.
[2:51:14] Think it
[2:51:19] is notable that the most cuts
[2:51:20] in terms of weekday ridership
[2:51:21] are from districts 2 and 3.
[2:51:22] It is unfortunate to see when
[2:51:23] there is this much of a
[2:51:26] distortion it aspect from
[2:51:30] historically black districts.
[2:51:30] Please take a look at it
[2:51:31] because it affects your
[2:51:32] district and your workers that
[2:51:36] are writing every single day.
[2:51:37] I also want to shout out the
[2:51:40] office of the housing advocate.
[2:51:41] Of course for the eviction
[2:51:42] diversion program which you
[2:51:43] have heard about tonight but
[2:51:43] also the resident relocation as
[2:51:46] we privatize public housing all
[2:51:48] those resident have the right
[2:51:48] to return but the right really
[2:51:52] only works when the staff get
[2:51:53] to contact them and help
[2:51:54] relocate them.
[2:51:55] There are some severely
[2:51:55] underfunded.
[2:51:58] Please support the funding of
[2:51:59] the office of the housing
[2:51:59] advocate.
[2:52:02] Thank you so much.
[2:52:02] >> hi.
[2:52:08] michael rosenberg.
[2:52:08] [Address] When amendment 3
[2:52:10] passes the county loses nearly
[2:52:15] $400 million in property tax
[2:52:16] revenue but I have a solution,
[2:52:17] it is called GOD.
[2:52:18] Government on-demand.
[2:52:22] You pay for what the user needs
[2:52:23] to call the police $100 burglar
[2:52:24] inside this 250.
[2:52:28] Each one is $2000 per hour
[2:52:33] house is on fire that's $300
[2:52:33] county parks $15 admission you
[2:52:35] go down the slide at $3, 3
[2:52:42] slides for 5. Mosquito
[2:52:42] complaints 125 and each
[2:52:46] mosquito that you kill is $25
[2:52:46] each.
[2:52:47] If you want to complain to your
[2:52:49] commissioners $25 for the first
[2:52:52] minute for $5 a 2nd minute
[2:52:52] commissioners I have the
[2:52:56] complete GOD fee schedule and
[2:52:57] when this passes you call you
[2:52:59] paid to the service but don't
[2:52:59] worry your property taxes will
[2:53:02] be lower.
[2:53:03] When 3 passes it's okay because
[2:53:05] in GOD we trust.
[2:53:07] Coming soon to a county near
[2:53:07] you.
[2:53:09] >> Chair: thank you thank you
[2:53:10] MR. Rosenberg.
[2:53:13] I'm calling the next list of
[2:53:18] names maria claudia schubert z
[2:53:20] shyster, mercedes acosta,
[2:53:23] daniela said casey, joe 5th
[2:53:27] from madera, leah list tovar,
[2:53:30] john dixon, elvin, giovanni
[2:53:35] martinez, nicole hayes, carlos
[2:53:36] and stephanie brown.
[2:53:43] >> what happened to
[2:53:44] commissioner steinberg?
[2:53:44] She was doing so well.
[2:53:45] >> she was doing amazing she
[2:53:46] went to grab something to eat.
[2:53:47] >> she does not want to chair
[2:53:47] anymore?
[2:53:50] >> please say your name.
[2:53:51] You will have one minute and
[2:53:56] when the speaker finishes
[2:53:56] please proceed to begin
[2:53:57] speaking immediately
[2:53:57] thereafter.
[2:53:58] >> good evening my name is
[2:54:00] maria claudia I reside at.
[2:54:01] [Address].
[2:54:02] I'm here today with catalyst
[2:54:04] miami and I wanted to share a
[2:54:09] story I'd joint climate
[2:54:10] alliance and we rode on a bus
[2:54:17] at 5 A.M. We rode 107 tubercle
[2:54:18] throughout my ride I spoke with
[2:54:19] construction workers, nurses,
[2:54:19] domestic workers, small
[2:54:23] business owners and high school
[2:54:23] students.
[2:54:24] One woman I spoke with works as
[2:54:27] an at home health aide.
[2:54:28] She wakes up at 4 him every
[2:54:29] single morning to make
[2:54:31] breakfast for her family and
[2:54:31] then she walks or stop along
[2:54:34] 82nd and 8th street.
[2:54:35] She needs to arrive tubercle
[2:54:37] before the family she works for
[2:54:38] lease to their workplaces.
[2:54:40] During our conversation she
[2:54:42] said this cut will cost her job
[2:54:45] because she does not make a
[2:54:49] afford to take a rideshare
[2:54:49] everyday.
[2:54:50] And over at 5 A.M. Cost $35 and
[2:54:53] that 6 P.M. When she is getting
[2:54:54] out of work around $45-$60.
[2:55:00] For working-class miami and's
[2:55:01] spending $75 for transit is
[2:55:01] beyond attainable.
[2:55:03] We are asking the county to
[2:55:04] stop cuts for nighttime and
[2:55:05] early-morning transit.
[2:55:10] >> d spicer, [Address].
[2:55:14] For the folks behind me please
[2:55:15] raise your hand if the extreme
[2:55:21] heat affected your summer?
[2:55:22] Yeah, right, superhot.
[2:55:23] Now raise your hand if you
[2:55:23] think the county is doing
[2:55:24] enough to protect us from
[2:55:25] extreme heat.
[2:55:26] that's what I thought.
[2:55:27] It MAY feel impossible but I
[2:55:29] think you all can manage a
[2:55:30] budget that reflects the
[2:55:31] priorities of the public and
[2:55:32] not those with the biggest
[2:55:33] wallets and weapons.
[2:55:37] Budget the best of everyday it
[2:55:38] might not be $14 million but we
[2:55:40] know ends meet is difficult.
[2:55:42] All we ask is that you put
[2:55:43] people's first when deciding
[2:55:46] where our money goes or finally
[2:55:47] pivot to troop which is of the
[2:55:51] tory budget paid we need more
[2:55:52] bus lines and more bus
[2:55:54] frequency not less.
[2:55:55] The extreme heat marketing
[2:55:57] initiative should never have
[2:55:58] been defended last year and our
[2:56:01] library should never be in
[2:56:01] danger.
[2:56:05] Truly, truly, truly take some
[2:56:06] time and think about how this
[2:56:06] budget reflects you and how you
[2:56:07] want it to reflect the
[2:56:10] priorities of our community and
[2:56:11] public.
[2:56:12] At this moment it definitely
[2:56:12] does not.
[2:56:13] Thank you.
[2:56:18] >> good evening MADAM Mayor
[2:56:19] and commissioners my name is
[2:56:20] mercedes acosta and I am
[2:56:26] attending miami-dade county,
[2:56:33] [Address] This is district 7 in
[2:56:34] my commissioner, thank you for
[2:56:40] your continued work supporting
[2:56:44] the eviction project.
[2:56:45] It is an honor to be in front
[2:56:49] of the people who make these
[2:56:49] projects.
[2:56:50] It is so important because of
[2:56:51] the eviction diversion project
[2:56:52] my daughter and I are able to
[2:56:54] stay housed.
[2:56:55] In 2024 and officer from the
[2:56:57] program came to knock on my
[2:56:57] door.
[2:56:59] It felt right.
[2:57:01] it felt like an angel came.
[2:57:02] I was disoriented.
[2:57:04] I was facing a problem to have
[2:57:09] a roof over my head.
[2:57:11] We respectfully urge you to
[2:57:15] increase the funds for the
[2:57:15] eviction diversion project.
[2:57:16] As part of a community of
[2:57:19] miami-dade, thank you MADAM
[2:57:19] Mayor for the support.
[2:57:21] Thank you all.
[2:57:25] [Speaking spanish]
[2:57:26] >> good evening my name is
[2:57:31] john dixon and tonight rings
[2:57:38] back sorry, [Address] Tonight
[2:57:39] brings back memories as a
[2:57:40] retired department director of
[2:57:43] miami-dade county, thank GOD I
[2:57:45] don't have to do this again.
[2:57:47] But I appreciate the
[2:57:48] opportunity to speak.
[2:57:51] My current life I'm a jazz dj
[2:57:57] with w dna and I hope you are
[2:57:57] listening in.
[2:58:01] I'm also a board member.
[2:58:02] For jazz manny.
[2:58:02] You guys need to listen.
[2:58:03] If you don't, w dna is a
[2:58:06] community of radio station we
[2:58:11] play main street jazz and
[2:58:11] creole jazz on behalf of our
[2:58:14] board of directors and general
[2:58:15] manager I want to thank you
[2:58:16] guys for your past funding for
[2:58:21] w dna and the funding comes
[2:58:22] from the cultural affairs
[2:58:22] department.
[2:58:23] We encourage you to continue
[2:58:27] that funding to enrich the
[2:58:28] culture here in miami to enjoy
[2:58:28] music and keep listening.
[2:58:29] Thank you very much.
[2:58:31] >> I move to cut the funding
[2:58:33] [Laughter]
[2:58:34] >> go ahead you are
[2:58:35] recognized.
[2:58:36] >> my name is joseph madera
[2:58:46] and my address is.
[2:58:47] [Address] I reside in district
[2:58:54] 7 and my commissioner is raquel
[2:58:54] rogge lotto.
[2:58:57] Am a member and
[2:58:57] PRESIDENT Of the silver park
[2:58:58] hoa.
[2:59:00] I am here to speak about the
[2:59:03] eviction diversion program and
[2:59:04] to express my support for the
[2:59:06] eviction diversion program and
[2:59:09] its absolute necessity.
[2:59:12] We, the remaining residents of
[2:59:14] the park are in a legal battle
[2:59:19] with the owner,
[2:59:24] and as a result the eviction
[2:59:25] diversion program is a
[2:59:29] frontline necessity for us.
[2:59:30] This issue is important to me
[2:59:32] and my community because the
[2:59:36] future MAY depend on these
[2:59:38] programs such as the eviction
[2:59:39] diversion program.
[2:59:40] I respectfully urge you to
[2:59:42] support the eviction diversion
[2:59:43] program, thank you.
[3:00:04] >> beuna noches.
[3:00:09] [Speaking spanish]
[3:00:17] >> I reside at silver court
[3:00:19] trailer park, 3170 southwest.
[3:00:20] Eighth street.
[3:00:21] >>.
[3:00:25] [Speaking spanish]
[3:00:27] >>translator: we received an
[3:00:33] advection notice MARCH 11no
[3:00:38] mercy, no previous notice,
[3:00:38] nothing.
[3:00:42] We are facing this situation,
[3:00:47] we have no place to go.
[3:00:49] We are working low income
[3:00:49] people.
[3:00:56] We are hoping for some kind of
[3:00:57] assistance.
[3:01:02] And we are here advocating for
[3:01:03] you not to cut the eviction
[3:01:06] diversion program.
[3:01:12] We are hoping for your help.
[3:01:16] And congratulations to all you
[3:01:21] brave women and men like me,
[3:01:52] thank you very much.
[3:01:53] >>.
[3:01:56] [Speaking spanish]
[3:01:58] >>translator: good evening
[3:02:00] commissioners and mayor.
[3:02:19] My name is.
[3:02:20] Name] And I live at 175 ne.
[3:02:32] 55th street, zip code 33137.
[3:02:34] >> I forget what I'm speaking
[3:02:35] in.
[3:02:36] [Speaking spanish]
[3:02:37] >>translator: I am representing
[3:02:41] the miami worker center.
[3:02:48] I am here to express my
[3:02:51] concerns regarding the proposed
[3:02:53] budget cuts to our essential
[3:02:57] public services.
[3:02:59] As an activist, I've been out
[3:03:03] in the streets importing the
[3:03:05] majority of you and knocking on
[3:03:08] doors face-to-face.
[3:03:10] I am here to ask you for
[3:03:21] something simple.
[3:03:23] Don't speak values but
[3:03:29] demonstrate those values.
[3:03:36] >> thank you so much.
[3:03:36] >>.
[3:03:41] [Speaking spanish]
[3:03:43] >>translator: good evening all,
[3:03:44] commissioners and good evening
[3:03:50] MADAME Mayor.
[3:03:52] My name is on martinez, 76 00
[3:04:02] northwest. 27th avenue.
[3:04:02] 33917.
[3:04:04] And I am from district 2, for
[3:04:13] marlene bastien.
[3:04:17] As a member of miami workers
[3:04:18] center and my community we
[3:04:20] thank you for the eviction
[3:04:26] diversion program.
[3:04:29] But I want to remind you our
[3:04:33] community needs that program.
[3:04:35] So that many families do not
[3:04:39] end up on the street.
[3:04:42] That's why I'm asking you to
[3:04:51] allocate to this program.
[3:05:00] $3 million, so I request those
[3:05:02] of us who MAY lose our homes
[3:05:04] tomorrow will not end up on the
[3:05:06] street.
[3:05:08] So I am asking for help for a
[3:05:12] family relocation program.
[3:05:18] For trailer parks.
[3:05:23] I thank you in advance for your
[3:05:27] help commissioners and MADAME
[3:05:27] Mayor.
[3:05:29] Because this way we won't feel
[3:05:31] abandoned, thank you very much.
[3:05:36] >> thank you.
[3:05:40] >> good afternoon all.
[3:05:45] My name is nicole hayes, 20138
[3:05:47] northwest. 36th avenue miami
[3:05:53] gardens florida 33169.
[3:05:55] I am speaking on behalf of
[3:05:57] county employees.
[3:06:04] I've been a county employee 20+
[3:06:04] years.
[3:06:06] I was born and raised in miami
[3:06:06] dade county.
[3:06:08] I've spent the majority of my
[3:06:10] year as a county employee in
[3:06:11] one impacts us the most is
[3:06:13] balancing a budget on the back
[3:06:14] of county employees I don't
[3:06:15] think is the answer.
[3:06:17] I've seen budgets go out and
[3:06:18] I've seen them come crumbling
[3:06:20] down know I ask you that we
[3:06:26] please find a solution, a
[3:06:27] positive solution that we all
[3:06:29] can benefit from, thank you.
[3:06:33] >> thank you nicole.
[3:06:35] >> my name is stephanie brown,
[3:06:38] 853 northwest. 35th street.
[3:06:40] Good evening not a mayor, vice
[3:06:50] chair and commissioners, I'm
[3:06:51] once again my name is stephanie
[3:06:53] brown and I'm vice PRESIDENT Of
[3:06:55] local 3292 speaking on behalf
[3:06:57] of the dedicated employees of
[3:06:59] miami-dade county solid waste
[3:07:00] management.
[3:07:01] Eliminating this position they
[3:07:03] look like a cost-saving measure
[3:07:05] on paper but the reality is it
[3:07:06] could create a major
[3:07:08] interruption to the services
[3:07:10] miami-dade residents depend on.
[3:07:11] Our employees are the backbone
[3:07:14] of this operation, they collect
[3:07:15] garbage operate heavy equipment
[3:07:18] and keep our communities clean
[3:07:18] and safe.
[3:07:20] When you eliminate the
[3:07:26] workforce responsible for
[3:07:27] providing these essential
[3:07:29] services you don't eliminate
[3:07:30] the need for the work.
[3:07:32] You simply shift the burden
[3:07:34] somewhere else potentially at a
[3:07:35] higher cost to the county and
[3:07:36] its residents.
[3:07:38] Our members and employees MAY
[3:07:40] not wear bulletproof vests but
[3:07:42] they perform an equally
[3:07:43] essential service to our
[3:07:44] community.
[3:07:46] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[3:07:47] so much, heard you loud and
[3:07:48] clear.
[3:08:31] William buie, [Reading names]
[3:08:33] Please line up in the process
[3:08:35] the podium, name and address.
[3:08:56] >> my name is william boyd.
[3:08:58] On coming up on local 3292
[3:08:59] PRESIDENT For solid waste.
[3:09:01] I come here to say sometimes
[3:09:03] people say sometimes you've got
[3:09:05] to let stuff fall for people to
[3:09:06] open their eyes and realize
[3:09:08] what solid waste stands for.
[3:09:09] I hear you every day talking
[3:09:11] about essential workers and not
[3:09:13] one time, not one time will I
[3:09:14] hear you say solid waste are
[3:09:15] essential workers.
[3:09:17] What needs to happen?
[3:09:18] The garbage go on the ground
[3:09:19] for a week or two.
[3:09:21] Let the garbage stay on the
[3:09:23] ground a week or two, it's a
[3:09:24] shame our director has to come
[3:09:26] up before you explain the
[3:09:28] importance of what the
[3:09:29] environment is really about.
[3:09:31] It's a shame we have to go
[3:09:33] through when she's coming up
[3:09:34] here asking for a flat rate
[3:09:36] when she should be asking for
[3:09:37] the same thing fire asks for,
[3:09:40] the same thing the police asked
[3:09:40] for.
[3:09:42] Because you all do not take
[3:09:43] solid waste serious until you
[3:09:45] see the garbage sitting in
[3:09:46] front of your house when you
[3:09:48] come home from work and it
[3:09:49] shouldn't be that way.
[3:09:51] Solid waste should be treated
[3:09:52] fair everybody else.
[3:09:54] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[3:09:55] so much.
[3:09:57] >> david diaz, 425 northwest.
[3:09:59] 128 street north miami.
[3:10:01] Iami-dade county solid waste
[3:10:02] employee employed now for 29
[3:10:05] years miami-dade county solid
[3:10:05] waste.
[3:10:07] I want to piggyback on
[3:10:08] something my vice PRESIDENT And
[3:10:23] the CHAIRMAN Said when he
[3:10:24] mentioned when you cut the lawn
[3:10:26] to make sure there is no
[3:10:27] illegal dumping someone has to
[3:10:29] pick up that illegal dumping.
[3:10:31] That's the men and women of
[3:10:33] miami-dade county solid waste
[3:10:34] but how can they do that if
[3:10:36] people are getting laid off?
[3:10:37] That's the threat hovering over
[3:10:38] our department.
[3:10:40] When our men and women at all
[3:10:42] times before during and after
[3:10:44] any type of hurricane, storm or
[3:10:46] any type of storm are there to
[3:10:48] service the community and it's
[3:10:53] not right.
[3:10:55] Once again I have to explain to
[3:10:57] all the commissioners
[3:10:58] miami-dade county solid waste
[3:11:00] is the only one that deals not
[3:11:02] just with collecting but
[3:11:03] disposing of our garbage and
[3:11:05] waste, thank you very much.
[3:11:07] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you.
[3:11:09] >> cc brown, PRESIDENT Of sp
[3:11:11] local 109 and I'm here to talk
[3:11:12] about the impact this budget
[3:11:14] has on the illegal services or
[3:11:17] illegal dumping folks in my
[3:11:17] unit.
[3:11:19] This budget is slated to
[3:11:21] eliminate nine illegal dumping
[3:11:22] positions, we are talking about
[3:11:24] nine families impacted in these
[3:11:42] hard economic times.
[3:11:44] The answer to finding solutions
[3:11:46] to financial problems should
[3:11:48] not be the answer of cutting
[3:11:49] employees or cutting services
[3:11:51] at our employees, the
[3:11:53] constituents depend on so much.
[3:11:54] Illegal dumping for each and
[3:11:56] every one of you is something
[3:11:57] you need, that you request,
[3:11:59] that you look to have done
[3:12:00] regularly in your districts and
[3:12:02] the folks that need it the most
[3:12:04] need these services and the
[3:12:05] people that provide them are
[3:12:07] essential and we shouldn't be
[3:12:08] taking away these functions or
[3:12:10] the people that perform the
[3:12:12] task are constituencies depend
[3:12:13] on, thank you.
[3:12:15] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you.
[3:12:17] >> good evening not a mayor and
[3:12:18] commissioners, thank you for
[3:12:20] the opportunity to speak as a
[3:12:22] partner in the budgetary
[3:12:23] process, I live at 10740
[3:12:25] southwest 1/24 street in
[3:12:26] kendall pines area represented
[3:12:27] in district 7.
[3:12:29] I'm on the board of directors
[3:12:31] for the south florida society
[3:12:33] for the prevention of cruelty
[3:12:35] to animals known as the south
[3:12:36] florida s cpa.
[3:12:37] The south florida scb a is
[3:12:38] miami's partner in caring for
[3:12:43] the counties abandoned horses
[3:12:45] and livestock and I'm here to
[3:12:46] express my gratitude to
[3:12:48] miami-dade county for its
[3:12:49] support of the south florida
[3:12:51] spca and the vital work it
[3:12:51] does.
[3:12:53] That partnership matters
[3:12:54] deeply, I'm here to
[3:12:55] respectfully request the
[3:12:57] correct level of support we
[3:12:58] maintain within the budget
[3:13:00] currently under discussion, the
[3:13:02] south florida spca depends on
[3:13:03] this partnership to continue
[3:13:05] providing critical care for
[3:13:06] miami-dade's large animals to
[3:13:08] benefit the south florida s cpa
[3:13:09] has been doing extraordinary
[3:13:11] work in care of animals that
[3:13:13] have nowhere to go lighting
[3:13:14] rescue response.
[3:13:14] Thank you.
[3:13:16] >> my name is anna and I reside
[3:13:27] at 9660 w. Bay harbor drive,
[3:13:29] bay harbor island 32194, thank
[3:13:31] you MADAM Mayor and county
[3:13:33] commissioners for recognizing
[3:13:35] the importance of the cultural
[3:13:35] sector.
[3:13:37] In my role as ceo of the miami
[3:13:38] music project and miami
[3:13:48] coalition I represent a
[3:13:49] collective of arts
[3:13:51] organizations, schools founders
[3:13:52] and community partners working
[3:13:54] to expand critical access to
[3:13:56] arts education across miami
[3:13:58] dade county and instead of
[3:13:59] reading the rest of my
[3:14:01] statement I want to read a text
[3:14:02] message I received and the
[3:14:03] timing is remarkable.
[3:14:05] Hi anna, it's sylvia, miami
[3:14:07] music project class of 2026
[3:14:08] alumni, how are you?
[3:14:10] I wanted to write a message to
[3:14:11] see how you are doing and thank
[3:14:13] you for the gift cards and
[3:14:15] everything you've done for me.
[3:14:16] Was able to use the gift
[3:14:18] cards to get the items I needed
[3:14:19] for my dorm at fsu.
[3:14:21] I need the program so much,
[3:14:22] thank you for everything you
[3:14:23] do.
[3:14:25] I am rooting am supporting the
[3:14:26] program from afar.
[3:14:44] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you.
[3:14:47] >> good evening not a mayor,
[3:14:48] commissioners, I'm teresa
[3:14:50] rhodes, 13350 southwest. 57th
[3:14:52] avenue district 7, a long-term
[3:14:54] volunteer with the south
[3:14:55] florida society for the
[3:14:56] prevention of cruelty to
[3:14:58] animals or spca who is
[3:15:00] miami-dade's partner to take
[3:15:02] care of miami-dade's abandoned
[3:15:04] and abused horses and livestock
[3:15:06] and I'm here to request
[3:15:07] miami-dade does not reduce the
[3:15:09] spca budget allocation.
[3:15:10] Miami-dade funding is a
[3:15:12] critical component to the spca
[3:15:14] financial operations regardless
[3:15:16] of mental intake levels the
[3:15:18] spca must cover its fixed cost
[3:15:20] for ranch operations, rain or
[3:15:22] shine eight or nine holiday or
[3:15:23] not sba staff will be there to
[3:15:25] answer the call.
[3:15:26] Miami-dade needs this service
[3:15:28] 365 days a year 25 days and
[3:15:30] seven days a week and spca
[3:15:31] delivers year after year and
[3:15:33] from my experience they been
[3:15:35] fiscally responsible with its
[3:15:35] funding.
[3:15:37] They use volunteers as much as
[3:15:39] possible to offset costs and we
[3:15:40] appreciate all the support and
[3:15:42] look forward to the
[3:15:43] partnership, thank you.
[3:15:45] >> good evening not a mayor and
[3:15:46] commissioners, hannah
[3:15:48] baumgartner, coag director of
[3:15:49] dance miami 900 bay drive miami
[3:15:52] beach florida.
[3:15:56] [Humming] We all know what that
[3:16:13] song is and I think we all know
[3:16:15] the value of arts and culture
[3:16:16] from the most destitute child
[3:16:18] to the wealthiest billionaire
[3:16:20] who lives in miami-dade county
[3:16:21] so I want to thank the mayor
[3:16:23] for her tremendous budget,
[3:16:25] maintaining arts and culture,
[3:16:26] thank the commissioners.
[3:16:28] We understand you have our
[3:16:30] backs and you support the arts
[3:16:31] and culture and every aspect of
[3:16:33] our lives in enriches.
[3:16:34] i want to leave you with a
[3:16:35] little time, see you next
[3:16:36] meeting?
[3:16:37] >> don't want to take up her
[3:16:39] time, my name is kevin
[3:16:41] representing captains clean
[3:16:43] water out of fort myers, thank
[3:16:44] you commissioners.
[3:16:46] >>vice chair mcghee: did you
[3:16:48] put your address on the record?
[3:16:50] >> 990 north olmsted boulevard
[3:16:51] homestead florida 33030.
[3:16:53] I'm working on some water
[3:16:55] quality projects reducing the
[3:17:02] microbial levels and increasing
[3:17:03] microbial levels of soil with
[3:17:05] the microbes and all the golf
[3:17:07] courses and plantations.
[3:17:08] It's a big project but the
[3:17:09] commissioners have to make sure
[3:17:12] we quit using insecticides and
[3:17:13] pesticides for our food and
[3:17:14] water, fruits and vegetables
[3:17:28] and everybody here we all come
[3:17:29] from GOD and we are made in his
[3:17:30] image.
[3:17:31] I'm here to restore paradise
[3:17:33] and make sure everybody knows
[3:17:35] there is a way and the solution
[3:17:37] to these insecticides and
[3:17:38] pesticides killing our fruits
[3:17:40] and vegetables that are hurting
[3:17:42] our children but we all have to
[3:17:44] make sure we are doing our part
[3:17:46] and the commissioners are
[3:17:47] making sure the money is going
[3:17:49] to the right spot, love never
[3:17:49] fails.
[3:17:51] >vice chair mcghee: never
[3:17:59] does, thank you.
[3:18:01] >> good evening not a mayor and
[3:18:03] county commissioners, my name
[3:18:05] is beth boone and I'm the
[3:18:06] artistic director of miami
[3:18:08] light project 9806 ne. Seventh
[3:18:10] avenue miami shores 33138
[3:18:11] district 3 is my address.
[3:18:13] As evidenced by my designer bag
[3:18:17] I am an arts voter.
[3:18:18] We are legion.
[3:18:19] make note.
[3:18:20] 'm here
[3:18:21] representing one of the 32,000
[3:18:23] people employed in the art and
[3:18:25] culture sector in miami-dade
[3:18:27] county delivering world-class
[3:18:29] programs every single day.
[3:18:31] Collectively we impact the
[3:18:32] lives of hundreds of thousands
[3:18:34] of county residents generating
[3:18:36] a $2.1 billion economic impact
[3:18:37] in our county.
[3:18:39] Miami has staked its reputation
[3:18:41] on being a world-class cultural
[3:18:43] capital to attract new
[3:18:45] residents and businesses to
[3:18:45] relocate.
[3:18:47] They do so because there is a
[3:18:49] vibrant and diverse cultural
[3:18:51] community and offerings in
[3:18:52] miami-dade.
[3:18:53] We are an essential service and
[3:18:55] vital public benefit, we merit
[3:18:57] a robust budgetary investment
[3:18:59] in thank you for maintaining
[3:19:00] the department of cultural
[3:19:02] affairs, thank you a lot.
[3:19:04] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you.
[3:19:06] >> brenda betancourt, 4236
[3:19:07] southwest. 6th street.
[3:19:09] Today is a special day, all of
[3:19:12] you are here together listening
[3:19:13] to our concerns.
[3:19:19] And hopefully actually you are
[3:19:20] listening to us.
[3:19:25] Because sometimes you are
[3:19:27] wondering a lot around this
[3:19:28] dais and it feels like you guys
[3:19:30] aren't actually listening but
[3:19:32] remember elections always have
[3:19:34] consequences as I say.
[3:19:36] I want to make sure you guys
[3:19:41] understand we have the biggest
[3:19:46] port around the state of
[3:19:46] florida.
[3:19:48] How embarrassed is it to go to
[3:19:52] any crews and people who
[3:19:54] supposedly are directing the
[3:20:02] port are actually don't
[3:20:04] understand what it means like a
[3:20:06] resident like myself goes to a
[3:20:08] cruise and the nightmare to go
[3:20:09] in and out.
[3:20:11] I hope you have the answer,
[3:20:12] same way with the flamingos if
[3:20:14] the elevators are not working
[3:20:16] in the airport, thank you.
[3:20:18] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you.
[3:20:20] >> how are you doing, my name
[3:20:32] is eddie oh, 8255 northwest.
[3:20:34] 22nd avenue miami florida
[3:20:36] 33147, here on behalf of
[3:20:37] families carwash located in
[3:20:39] district 2. Me and my father
[3:20:40] have been going to deal with
[3:20:42] district 2 to get some help and
[3:20:44] also an official date when the
[3:21:03] rural construction will be
[3:21:04] finished so they can open up
[3:21:06] the main room which is the main
[3:21:08] entrance to my place of
[3:21:08] business.
[3:21:10] This rural construction project
[3:21:12] has been an ongoing problem.
[3:21:13] District to has been fixing
[3:21:15] this road on and off for the
[3:21:17] past three years without
[3:21:18] notifying us each time.
[3:21:20] When the road was open my
[3:21:21] business was doing well, the
[3:21:23] only thing I want district 2 to
[3:21:25] do is keep their promises and
[3:21:27] help us with the losses we've
[3:21:28] been dealing with on and off
[3:21:31] these past few years without
[3:21:31] notification.
[3:21:33] I don't want to put on a
[3:21:35] racecar because I'm more humble
[3:21:37] but we know what's going on
[3:21:38] with any type of neighborhoods,
[3:21:39] have a good day.
[3:21:41] >> my address is 8319
[3:21:43] northwest. 22nd avenue, I own a
[3:21:44] convenience store.
[3:21:46] Again, going to district 2, no
[3:21:46] help.
[3:21:48] I don't know who else to go to
[3:21:50] if I can't go to my own
[3:21:51] district but excuse me?
[3:21:53] I don't know who to go to.
[3:21:55] the traffic, my main source of
[3:21:56] income comes from the main
[3:22:01] street, 22nd avenue.
[3:22:03] It's been shut down for months
[3:22:03] and months.
[3:22:05] I tried to contact them, no
[3:22:07] answer, I go to the office two
[3:22:08] days ago and I can't get a
[3:22:10] phone call back, I don't know
[3:22:10] who to go to.
[3:22:12] >>vice chair mcghee: we have
[3:22:14] somebody in the back waiting to
[3:22:15] assist you.
[3:22:17] Just take a step back to your
[3:22:18] right and somebody will meet
[3:22:25] you back there, thank you so
[3:22:25] much.
[3:23:07] [Reading names] Please come to
[3:23:09] the well to the podium if you
[3:23:14] heard your name called.
[3:23:16] And if it's not the same can't
[3:23:18] name your parents gave you and
[3:23:19] I butchered it, I apologize.
[3:23:21] Let's go, I'm ready, good
[3:23:21] evening.
[3:23:31] Great, let's go.
[3:23:33] >> good afternoon sharon mehta
[3:23:35] mayor, I reside at west 7940
[3:23:36] northwest. Clerk miami gardens
[3:23:38] read 3055, I was born and
[3:23:39] raised here in miami-dade
[3:23:41] county and I love this place.
[3:23:43] One of the reasons why we are
[3:23:45] here, I'm sorry.
[3:23:47] I am employed by miami dade
[3:24:00] county as well for the last 23
[3:24:01] years.
[3:24:03] Can't forget that as a records
[3:24:04] specialist 2 and one of the
[3:24:06] reasons we are here is to let
[3:24:07] you guys know that what we do
[3:24:09] in the streets does matter.
[3:24:11] We are out in the streets
[3:24:11] getting it done.
[3:24:13] And basically, what we do
[3:24:15] matters and when we hear things
[3:24:17] like cutting our jobs as a
[3:24:18] quick fix for the budget you
[3:24:22] are creating a problem, I want
[3:24:24] to be explicit down the road.
[3:24:26] the services we provide are
[3:24:27] here to help people get by and
[3:24:39] help families.
[3:24:41] Survive in this world today and
[3:24:43] it's a very hard time for us.
[3:24:45] We are trying to ask for it so
[3:24:47] these services being caught the
[3:24:48] way they are we are creating a
[3:24:50] problem we MAY not be able to
[3:24:52] bounce back from korea.
[3:24:54] >>vice chair mcghee: you've got
[3:24:55] to open up the door to ask for
[3:24:57] one more thing and that's a
[3:25:00] bunch of things.
[3:25:02] >> my address is 260 ne. 169th
[3:25:03] street north miami beach 33162.
[3:25:05] Like the gentleman before me I
[3:25:07] was born and raised in
[3:25:08] miami-dade and I'm proud to
[3:25:09] call it home.
[3:25:11] Arts and culture is important
[3:25:20] to me, it's a personal passion
[3:25:22] as well as a professional one,
[3:25:23] I've been a staff member of the
[3:25:25] new world symphony for 18
[3:25:25] years.
[3:25:27] My colleagues join me in
[3:25:29] thanking mehta mayor for
[3:25:31] preserving arts funding at its
[3:25:33] previous level and we urge the
[3:25:36] commission through this funding
[3:25:38] read fact of the county support
[3:25:41] on the local arts ecosystem and
[3:25:43] impact of that ecosystem on our
[3:25:45] residents and visitors couldn't
[3:25:45] be overstated.
[3:25:47] To quote MADAME Mayor arts have
[3:25:49] an important economic and
[3:25:50] social impact on the lives of
[3:25:52] our residents reading more
[3:25:54] connected communities
[3:25:55] solidifying our status as a
[3:25:57] global center of culture, well
[3:25:57] said.
[3:25:59] I understand the counties
[3:26:01] department of cultural affairs
[3:26:02] will be working on the street
[3:26:04] you plan to assess the next
[3:26:05] five years and consider steps
[3:26:07] for securing long-term arts
[3:26:07] funding.
[3:26:09] I hope the department has the
[3:26:11] support of this community
[3:26:12] creating this plan and I look
[3:26:14] forward to hearing about it.
[3:26:16] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you.
[3:26:18] >> good evening commissioners,
[3:26:23] mayor, staff.
[3:26:23] Boy you have a tough job, thank
[3:26:23] you for your service.
[3:26:23] My name is augustine, a
[3:26:24] principal with a local
[3:26:26] headquarter engineering firm
[3:26:28] located at 1000 northwest. 57th
[3:26:29] court suite 100.
[3:26:30] I'm here to express our strong
[3:26:32] support for the proposed water
[3:26:34] wastewater rate adjustment
[3:26:37] coming up on the budget.
[3:26:39] Having had the privilege of
[3:26:40] working with w asd for 30 years
[3:26:43] we can say the proposed rate
[3:26:45] increase only addresses their
[3:26:48] immediate needs.
[3:26:50] And they will continue to play
[3:26:52] catch up on their aging
[3:26:53] infrastructure for years.
[3:26:58] No one welcomes a rate ncrease
[3:26:59] of water and wastewater
[3:27:01] infrastructure is not simply a
[3:27:03] consequence of growth, it's a
[3:27:05] prerequisite for growth and a
[3:27:11] critical service that most
[3:27:12] function in perpetuity.
[3:27:14] These investments are not
[3:27:15] optional, this is an investment
[3:27:17] in miami-dade counties future.
[3:27:19] I respectfully urge the board
[3:27:21] to approve the proposed
[3:27:23] adjustment for wasd rates.
[3:27:24] Thank you for your attention
[3:27:31] and consideration,.
[3:27:33] >> good evening, chanelle pugh,
[3:27:35] executive director of reading
[3:27:39] and math incorporated located
[3:27:41] at 7900 broke lane suite 400
[3:27:44] miami lakes florida 33036.
[3:27:46] On behalf of reading and math
[3:27:48] incorporated a community-based
[3:27:49] organization you for including
[3:27:51] our florida high-impact
[3:27:56] tutoring program in the fy 27
[3:27:58] budget and for your continued
[3:27:59] support of cbo's.
[3:28:15] I need remains urgent.
[3:28:17] In some classrooms we serve
[3:28:18] fewer than one in 10 children
[3:28:21] begin the year demonstrating
[3:28:23] kindergarten readiness skills.
[3:28:25] The counties investment allows
[3:28:27] our full-time tutors to provide
[3:28:28] evidence-based early
[3:28:30] intervention to 1600 of
[3:28:32] miami-dade's most vulnerable
[3:28:33] people vpk students helping
[3:28:35] them enter ready to learn and
[3:28:37] progress towards critical third
[3:28:38] grade reading milestones.
[3:28:40] Mehta mayor and commissioners
[3:28:43] to help community organizations
[3:28:44] sustain essential services and
[3:28:46] rising costs we ask you to
[3:28:48] provide a 3% funding increase
[3:28:50] for all cbo projects, thank you
[3:28:51] for investing in our
[3:28:53] organizations, children and
[3:28:55] miami-dade's future prosperity.
[3:28:57] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you.
[3:28:59] >> good evening commissioners,
[3:29:00] mayor, staff.
[3:29:01] My name is frank and I reside
[3:29:04] at 1501 pedro vista avenue, I'm
[3:29:05] PRESIDENT Of 300 engineering
[3:29:08] here today to respectfully urge
[3:29:09] you to approve the proposed 6%
[3:29:11] water and wastewater rate
[3:29:12] adjustment.
[3:29:14] Miami-dade needs reliable
[3:29:16] infrastructure to support new
[3:29:17] housing economic development,
[3:29:19] public health and our quality
[3:29:20] of life.
[3:29:22] As engineers we know the simple
[3:29:24] truth, that progress postponing
[3:29:29] becomes bigger, larger and more
[3:29:31] expensive in the future.
[3:29:38] Infrastructure is not just
[3:29:40] about a consequence of growth
[3:29:41] but it's a prerequisite of
[3:29:42] growth.
[3:29:44] infrastructure is the
[3:29:45] foundation of which
[3:29:46] miami-dade's future growth
[3:29:47] depends.
[3:29:48] This is not about spending
[3:29:50] more, it's about investing
[3:29:52] reasonably today so our
[3:29:53] residents don't pay
[3:29:56] considerably more tomorrow.
[3:29:58] The choice is not whether we
[3:30:00] pay for this infrastructure,
[3:30:02] the choice is whether we pay a
[3:30:04] little today or much more
[3:30:04] tomorrow.
[3:30:06] I respectfully urge you to
[3:30:07] approve the 6%.
[3:30:09] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[3:30:19] so much.
[3:30:21] >> my name is marcel, 1671
[3:30:23] southwest. 73rd street is my
[3:30:25] address, and everglades
[3:30:26] organizer with sierra club
[3:30:28] florida to speak against
[3:30:29] multiple proposed cuts in this
[3:30:31] year's budget including the $30
[3:30:33] million in cuts to the
[3:30:35] environmental endangered lands
[3:30:37] program which through the
[3:30:38] production of endangered
[3:30:40] habitats combats the severe
[3:30:41] heat and whether that impacts
[3:30:43] our community members,
[3:30:44] additionally the 21.1 million
[3:30:46] in cuts to our public library
[3:30:48] system which serves as free
[3:30:50] cooling centers during our
[3:30:52] intensifying and frequent heat
[3:30:53] advisories, we are seeing
[3:30:55] continued whittling away of our
[3:30:57] public transit system with 47
[3:30:58] routes oozing all service
[3:31:00] before 6:00 A.M. And seven
[3:31:01] oozing service after 10:00
[3:31:02] P.M..
[3:31:03] If we neglect our
[3:31:04] responsibility to our community
[3:31:06] and our environment what will
[3:31:07] we have left?
[3:31:09] We urge the county to allocate
[3:31:11] a minimum of 20 million to the
[3:31:12] e.E.L. Program, guarantee
[3:31:14] library staff will not be cut
[3:31:16] for community sake and restore
[3:31:17] the funding for nighttime
[3:31:19] transit service members of our
[3:31:21] working class depend on.
[3:31:23] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[3:31:23] marcel.
[3:31:25] >> my name is rick cruz, 9959
[3:31:27] water district drive and I'm
[3:31:29] PRESIDENT Of miami amd society
[3:31:31] which represents 80 firms or
[3:31:33] more and as you've heard and as
[3:31:35] we know if you delay any
[3:31:37] services such as for the
[3:31:40] infrastructure you will end up
[3:31:42] paying more later.
[3:31:46] I'm here to support the retail
[3:31:49] rate adjustment for miami-dade
[3:31:54] water and sewer department.
[3:31:56] >> good evening, how are you
[3:32:00] feeling tonight?
[3:32:01] Good.
[3:32:02] 6214 northwest. Broadway
[3:32:04] avenue, my name is broadway
[3:32:06] harewood and I'd like to thank
[3:32:09] my county commissioner kionne
[3:32:18] hardemon for the work he's been
[3:32:19] doing and I thank you for what
[3:32:21] you all are doing.
[3:32:22] Please continue to do the good
[3:32:24] work and MADAME Mayor we are
[3:32:25] going to have a good birthday
[3:32:27] this year.
[3:32:28] >>commissioner hardemon: give
[3:32:30] him another minute, I was
[3:32:35] thinking about another five.
[3:32:37] >> good evening mehta mayor and
[3:32:37] commissioners.
[3:32:40] My address is 1281 rupert
[3:32:49] avenue miami springs florida
[3:32:51] 33166 here today as a miami
[3:32:52] dade county resident and
[3:32:54] taxpayer but also as a
[3:32:55] professional working for hvc
[3:33:00] engineering who has worked in
[3:33:02] the water and wastewater field
[3:33:04] including working with wasd for
[3:33:04] about 20 years.
[3:33:05] Support the
[3:33:07] proposed 6% rate increase.
[3:33:09] I understand nobody wants to
[3:33:10] pay higher taxes but I know
[3:33:12] from experience postponing
[3:33:14] necessary investments in our
[3:33:16] water wastewater infrastructure
[3:33:25] does not save money.
[3:33:27] It only pushes the problem into
[3:33:28] the future.
[3:33:30] When repairs and improvements
[3:33:32] would cost significantly more.
[3:33:34] I have grandchildren growing up
[3:33:36] here in miami-dade county I do
[3:33:37] not want them to endure higher
[3:33:39] costs just because we were
[3:33:40] unwilling to make the necessary
[3:33:41] decisions today.
[3:33:43] They need is here now, the
[3:33:45] responsible thing to do is
[3:33:46] address it now.
[3:33:48] I respectfully ask you to
[3:33:52] support the 6% increase.
[3:33:53] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[3:33:55] broadway reminding us the
[3:33:56] mayor's birthday is on
[3:33:58] SEPTEMBER 14, her birthday is
[3:33:59] SEPTEMBER 14.
[3:34:01] We will be celebrating inside
[3:34:02] her backyard her birthday
[3:34:02] party.
[3:34:04] MADAME Mayor please put your
[3:34:05] address on the record, you have
[3:34:07] 2 minutes.
[3:34:09] You're going to bring the beer.
[3:34:17] Let's go.
[3:34:20] >> good evening mehta mayor,
[3:34:21] commissioners, I'm rick
[3:34:23] tavares, 8333 northwest. 53rd
[3:34:25] street, thank you for this
[3:34:27] opportunity to speak.
[3:34:29] Also thank you MADAME Mayor for
[3:34:30] the town halls you conducted
[3:34:32] prior to this first reading of
[3:34:33] the budget.
[3:34:35] It occurred to me we all can
[3:34:37] take a deep breath right now.
[3:34:45] We enjoy the sunshine of
[3:34:47] miami-dade county.
[3:34:48] Doesn't cost us anything but I
[3:34:49] realized ever since I came here
[3:34:51] in the early 90s from new york
[3:34:53] city which charges a lot more
[3:34:55] for water by the way, I never
[3:34:57] once questioned the quality of
[3:34:59] the water I used since the
[3:35:00] early 90s here and I want to
[3:35:02] thank the prior water sewer
[3:35:08] department leadership.
[3:35:10] I would imagine it took years
[3:35:12] of investment and planning to
[3:35:14] make sure the water I drink, my
[3:35:16] family drinks, like pets drink
[3:35:17] was healthy and secure so thank
[3:35:18] you.
[3:35:19] If you can move on the item.
[3:35:21] >>vice chair mcghee: appreciate
[3:35:24] you, thank you so much.
[3:35:32] >> I and eric h braswell, 1197
[3:35:33] southwest. 92nd lane since
[3:35:34] 203-3186 miami.
[3:35:36] Everyone's starting working on
[3:35:39] a budget in the private and
[3:35:41] public sector in dade county
[3:35:43] and the rest of the country.
[3:35:46] While we have a string of
[3:35:47] tariffs causing a severe
[3:35:49] economic and financial impact
[3:35:56] on dade county, the country and
[3:35:56] citizens.
[3:35:59] We the people should back your
[3:36:00] politicians, go to congress,
[3:36:01] tell them to pick up their
[3:36:02] balls and not the tariffs and
[3:36:04] reduce said tariffs to a saner
[3:36:06] equitable and affordable rate.
[3:36:08] Over the objection of an
[3:36:11] ignorant PRESIDENT, that's it.
[3:36:13] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[3:36:27] so much.
[3:36:28] >> you ready for me?
[3:36:30] >> I believe we are.
[3:36:31] >> my name is asher schaefer,
[3:36:32] thank you for that.
[3:36:43] 650 ne. Second avenue miami
[3:36:45] florida 33132, so tonight I
[3:36:46] come to you as a transit
[3:36:48] writer, photographer and
[3:36:50] hospitality worker and I worked
[3:36:51] professionally with other
[3:36:53] transit agencies including the
[3:36:55] metro in seattle on campaigns
[3:36:57] promoting transit ridership
[3:36:58] today I'm speaking from a
[3:37:00] personal experience as a
[3:37:02] warning to the proposed service
[3:37:03] cuts to morning and late night
[3:37:04] buses in miami.
[3:37:06] I recently had to leave my job
[3:37:08] the hotel because the transit
[3:37:09] schedule I depended on no
[3:37:11] longer made by community
[3:37:12] sustainable and the most
[3:37:14] frustrating part was I don't
[3:37:16] need a huge increase in
[3:37:18] service, I just need one extra
[3:37:19] morning trip, one extra
[3:37:21] late-night trip but that could
[3:37:23] not be provided so I could not
[3:37:24] continue working in that
[3:37:24] establishment.
[3:37:26] Hat's why am
[3:37:28] asking you to restore 12.4
[3:37:29] million and think carefully
[3:37:31] about the proposed service cuts
[3:37:32] to early and late metro
[3:37:32] service.
[3:37:34] Hose first and last
[3:37:36] trips MAY have lower ridership,
[3:37:37] thank you.
[3:37:39] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[3:37:39] so much.
[3:37:41] We are going to change up the
[3:37:42] program a tad bit.
[3:37:44] We have about 12 to 14 of you
[3:37:54] left we signed up to speak, I'm
[3:37:56] going to ask you you start
[3:37:57] making your way to my left and
[3:37:59] also your right and come to the
[3:38:01] well to begin speaking, we
[3:38:03] should be done depending how
[3:38:04] quickly you can speak and get
[3:38:06] this out of the way and put
[3:38:07] your positions on the record
[3:38:09] and in the meantime while
[3:38:11] you're positioning yourself I'd
[3:38:13] like to ask michael rowe to
[3:38:14] stand up, he's in the back.
[3:38:16] Mike, is that you back there?
[3:38:18] MADAME Mayor, I'm not quite
[3:38:20] sure but this man has already
[3:38:21] retired and you still have him
[3:38:23] on the clock?
[3:38:24] >>mayor cava: is an active
[3:38:33] citizen, your honor.
[3:38:35] >>vice chair mcghee: in that
[3:38:36] case we've got to get him to
[3:38:37] speak, line up.
[3:38:39] If everybody could recognize
[3:38:41] mike for the services is given
[3:38:43] to this county for over two
[3:38:45] decades, we greatly appreciate
[3:38:47] it.
[3:38:48] >>mayor cava: through the
[3:38:50] chair, he served 37 years in
[3:38:52] miami-dade county and he is the
[3:38:53] longest serving
[3:38:54] sergeant-at-arms in our
[3:39:01] history.
[3:39:02] [Applause]
[3:39:04] >>vice chair mcghee: I hear a
[3:39:05] plaque coming after this one,
[3:39:07] announce your name and address
[3:39:09] and we will be ready to go.
[3:39:11] >> my name is sierra burgos, I
[3:39:12] reside in little haiti and I
[3:39:17] have since 2013.
[3:39:19] Throughout these years I've
[3:39:21] seen the changes implemented to
[3:39:22] miami dade transit and how it
[3:39:24] affected the community.
[3:39:26] My local bus routes went from
[3:39:27] being five buses that ran
[3:39:29] frequently to now three, but
[3:39:37] one bus that runs twice every
[3:39:37] hour.
[3:39:39] This has greatly affected my
[3:39:40] ability to travel to certain
[3:39:42] jobs I've had, forcing me to
[3:39:49] pay 20 or $30 on rideshare and
[3:39:51] cutting even more routes or not
[3:39:53] beginning service until after
[3:39:54] 6:00 A.M. And stopping as early
[3:39:56] as 10:00 P.M. Will impact my
[3:40:00] community in a negative way.
[3:40:02] I know I'm not only speaking
[3:40:03] for myself when I say many of
[3:40:05] us need to be at work or school
[3:40:07] before 6:00 A.M. And many of us
[3:40:08] don't get off until after 10:00
[3:40:09] P.M..
[3:40:10] i have stood at many bus stops
[3:40:12] in different areas.
[3:40:12] Thank you.
[3:40:14] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[3:40:24] so much.
[3:40:24] >>.
[3:40:32] [Speaking spanish]
[3:40:37] >>translator: my name is philip
[3:40:37] morano.
[3:40:53] Good evening mayor and
[3:40:54] commissioners.
[3:40:54] >>.
[3:40:57] [Speaking spanish]
[3:40:59] >>translator: I have several
[3:41:06] concerns.
[3:41:06] >>.
[3:41:08] [Speaking spanish]
[3:41:11] >>translator: my address, phone
[3:41:18] number and email address.
[3:41:19] >>.
[3:41:22] [Speaking spanish]
[3:41:24] >>translator: I am disabled and
[3:41:32] am concerned.
[3:41:32] >>.
[3:41:45] [Speaking spanish]
[3:41:47] >>translator: I'm concerned
[3:41:48] because I sent out my resume
[3:41:51] and nothing has come out so I'm
[3:41:55] concerned.
[3:42:10] I am concerned about housing.
[3:42:12] There is a form where it can be
[3:42:41] viewed, my information.
[3:42:43] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you,
[3:42:45] can we put his address on the
[3:42:45] record?
[3:42:47] I have one for three southwest.
[3:42:49] Ninth street apartment 71130,
[3:42:50] is that what you have?
[3:42:59] I appreciate you.
[3:43:02] >> good evening commissioners
[3:43:03] and mayor, my name is mimi
[3:43:05] allen and I was born and raised
[3:43:15] in district 10 and quite
[3:43:17] possibly the greatest place on
[3:43:17] earth.
[3:43:19] My address is 4901 southwest.
[3:43:20] 37th avenue 33175.
[3:43:22] I'm here to advocate for the
[3:43:24] first bus continued funding for
[3:43:26] E.E.L. And our public library
[3:43:26] system.
[3:43:33] My love for the city and nature
[3:43:34] started at a library.
[3:43:36] Today I work at a local zoo
[3:43:38] part-time and collect tropical
[3:43:39] fruit trees on my spare time.
[3:43:41] Every morning I wake up at 4:30
[3:43:43] to experience my city by bike
[3:43:45] bus and metro at the beginning
[3:43:47] of route 40 and catching the
[3:43:48] sunrise over miami beach before
[3:43:50] work at 7:00 A.M.. I'm going to
[3:43:52] tell you this bus is not empty.
[3:43:54] I'm going to tell you a couple
[3:43:55] people who ride the bus every
[3:43:57] morning so we have to wilma,
[3:43:58] she drops off her child and
[3:44:00] goes to work at eight yet I
[3:44:02] have three public workers,
[3:44:04] janitors and people working on
[3:44:05] construction in downtown.
[3:44:07] Please advocate for florida,
[3:44:09] hurricane protection, lobster.
[3:44:11] >>vice chair mcghee: did you
[3:44:12] say lobsters?
[3:44:14] >> good evening commissioners,
[3:44:19] oscar and I'm a resident do 910
[3:44:21] southwest. 69th court miami
[3:44:25] florida 33196 speaking in
[3:44:26] opposition to the proposed cuts
[3:44:28] to early morning and late
[3:44:30] evening transit routes these
[3:44:40] hours are when restaurant
[3:44:42] employees and anyone without a
[3:44:43] car depend on to get to work
[3:44:44] safely.
[3:44:45] His proposal shifts
[3:44:47] the cost on to the people who
[3:44:48] can least afford it and comes
[3:44:51] as miami's cost of living keeps
[3:44:52] rising riven by an influx of
[3:44:54] newcomers reshaping our
[3:44:54] neighborhoods.
[3:44:56] The people who make this city
[3:44:58] run and make a place worth
[3:45:00] moving to are being priced out.
[3:45:02] Cutting transit pushes them out
[3:45:09] even further, right when we
[3:45:11] should be investing in
[3:45:13] infrastructure that's letting
[3:45:14] people stay.
[3:45:15] Transit exists to serve the
[3:45:17] public and the public to
[3:45:19] reserve the conversation about
[3:45:19] alternatives.
[3:45:21] I urge you to reject these cuts
[3:45:23] and send staff back to find
[3:45:23] another path.
[3:45:25] >> good evening MADAME Mayor
[3:45:27] and commissioners, my name is
[3:45:27] josc
[3:45:29] guzman, working for city
[3:45:31] smith at 4000 ponce de leon
[3:45:33] boulevard coral gables here to
[3:45:34] support motion each for the
[3:45:36] water sewer rate increase, we
[3:45:37] as an engineering firm are
[3:45:39] aware of the number of projects
[3:45:42] impacted if these rates were to
[3:45:43] be maintained.
[3:45:45] Dade county has always been a
[3:45:47] beacon for water quantity and
[3:45:48] quality, example in the state
[3:45:50] and nationwide and this
[3:45:51] requires us to sustain the
[3:45:53] level of investment so I urge
[3:45:56] you to increase that 6%.
[3:45:57] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you,
[3:46:03] good evening.
[3:46:05] >> I'm representing cv ac at
[3:46:06] dixie highway 33133.
[3:46:08] As a domestic violence
[3:46:09] survivor, tonight I urge you to
[3:46:14] expand the budget allocations
[3:46:16] for dade legal aid and miami
[3:46:23] bridge, I knew speaking as a
[3:46:24] mother forced into an
[3:46:26] unnecessarily drawn out family
[3:46:27] court battle.
[3:46:28] Initially I could afford a
[3:46:30] lawyer but had to use my
[3:46:32] newborn sons educational funds
[3:46:34] and they are completely
[3:46:34] depleted.
[3:46:36] Along my journey I've met so
[3:46:37] many parents struggling with
[3:46:40] the same battle we had to
[3:46:42] protect our children stay
[3:46:43] ability and futures we must
[3:46:45] fund dade legal aid while
[3:46:47] investing in pre-court
[3:46:50] stabilization like miami
[3:46:50] bridge.
[3:46:52] Everyone deserves an equal
[3:46:53] opportunity to justice
[3:46:55] regardless of the amount of
[3:46:56] money they have.
[3:46:57] My son and I are part of the
[3:46:59] world's most vulnerable
[3:47:00] population and we deserve a
[3:47:02] chance I believe I was brought
[3:47:03] into my circumstances to help
[3:47:05] others and if I was in your
[3:47:06] position I would help
[3:47:08] survivors, please help us
[3:47:09] re-it.
[3:47:10] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[3:47:11] so much.
[3:47:14] >> my name is amy, 110th lane
[3:47:16] miami florida and I'm here to
[3:47:20] advocate for the $20 million
[3:47:20] increase.
[3:47:22] >>vice chair mcghee: can we
[3:47:24] borrow your last name, I
[3:47:25] promise we will give it back.
[3:47:26] >> herrera.
[3:47:28] I'm here to advocate for the 20
[3:47:50] million increase in E.E.L.
[3:47:52] Funding because the environment
[3:47:55] is vital to our physical and
[3:47:56] medical help.
[3:47:57] There's research showing
[3:48:00] connection with nature produces
[3:48:02] significant reductions in
[3:48:03] anxiety, blood pressure
[3:48:05] cortisol and improved positive
[3:48:06] effect.
[3:48:07] Green spaces promote
[3:48:09] development in children and
[3:48:10] greenview was in your
[3:48:12] children's home promote
[3:48:14] self-control behaviors read the
[3:48:15] environment fuels creativity
[3:48:17] for the arts, provides shade
[3:48:18] for commuters and provides
[3:48:20] mental health walks rehab I
[3:48:21] want to point out the emblem in
[3:48:23] the back knowing what the
[3:48:25] miami-dade county emblem is
[3:48:27] showing a tree, some sort of
[3:48:28] transplant, the water, the sun
[3:48:30] but it is not showing kelly
[3:48:32] tractor development so let's
[3:48:34] support what we represent.
[3:48:36] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you.
[3:48:38] >> alberto gonzalez, 149th
[3:48:39] avenue here as a resident to
[3:48:41] urge you to prioritize the
[3:48:42] protection and preservation of
[3:48:45] our wetlands, glades, a and
[3:48:46] this place we call home.
[3:48:48] You can do that by approving
[3:48:50] the 6% water and sewer rate
[3:48:50] increase.
[3:48:52] By increasing funding for
[3:48:53] septic to sewer conversions, by
[3:48:55] increasing the budget for
[3:48:57] biscayne bay restoration, and
[3:48:58] especially most pertinent
[3:49:01] allocating 20 million for the
[3:49:03] E.E.L. Program especially after
[3:49:04] kelly tractor's decision and
[3:49:06] the decrease of the rookery.
[3:49:08] >>vice chair mcghee: good
[3:49:08] evening.
[3:49:10] >> good evening commissioners
[3:49:12] and mayor levine cava, I reside
[3:49:19] at 9731 southwest. Fifth street
[3:49:20] miami florida 33174.
[3:49:22] My commissioner is MR.
[3:49:22] Rodriguez.
[3:49:24] I'm here to express my sincere
[3:49:26] support for two equally
[3:49:27] important issues, the first is
[3:49:29] about the environmentally
[3:49:31] endangered lands program that
[3:49:32] protects sensitive lands that
[3:49:34] absorb floodwater, reduce
[3:49:36] extreme and provide habitat for
[3:49:38] wildlife, all of which protect
[3:49:39] our neighborhoods, the place we
[3:49:41] call home and wildlife.
[3:49:54] This year the county decreased
[3:49:56] a disappointing 54% of the
[3:49:58] programs funding compared to
[3:49:59] last fiscal year.
[3:50:01] Secondly the eviction diversion
[3:50:02] program is proposed at a
[3:50:04] million, a 50% reduction from
[3:50:06] previous years 2 million level.
[3:50:07] incredible.
[3:50:08] Reducing eviction mentioned
[3:50:12] during a housing crisis
[3:50:14] especially in miami can
[3:50:16] significantly worsen the crisis
[3:50:17] and it already has.
[3:50:17] Live by
[3:50:19] seawater and have witnessed the
[3:50:21] loss of a mobile home park.
[3:50:22] >>vice chair mcghee: thank
[3:50:35] you so much.
[3:50:38] >> good evening MADAME Mayor,
[3:50:40] commissioners, rob piper, 1401
[3:50:42] southwest. 17th terrace miami
[3:50:44] florida, I'm a candidate for
[3:50:45] commission district 5 but I am
[3:50:47] here as a resident and I need
[3:50:49] to ask my fellow residents, who
[3:50:50] here is not familiar with the
[3:50:52] process up to this point.
[3:50:54] >>vice chair mcghee: sir, good
[3:50:54] evening.
[3:50:56] With all due respect if you can
[3:50:57] address the body.
[3:50:59] >> if people are not familiar
[3:51:00] with the budget process up to
[3:51:02] this point I'll be happy to
[3:51:03] educate them but what I wanted
[3:51:05] to talk about was it was
[3:51:07] discussed that a budget is a
[3:51:08] reflection of what is valued.
[3:51:13] But also how we fund that
[3:51:13] budget.
[3:51:15] It's also a reflection of what
[3:51:17] we value, who we value, whose
[3:51:18] desire should be prioritized
[3:51:23] and in a county with 25
[3:51:25] billionaires and 180 sent to
[3:51:26] millionaires and a gdp of 260
[3:51:28] billion I have to ask why are
[3:51:30] we even entertaining putting
[3:51:32] garbage workers as well as
[3:51:36] cutting funding.
[3:51:37] >>vice chair mcghee: have a
[3:51:39] great evening, thank you.
[3:51:39] Yes, sir.
[3:51:51] >> good evening commissioners,
[3:51:53] I live at 711 southwest. 83rd
[3:51:54] place miami 33143.
[3:51:55] I'm speaking today in support
[3:51:57] of the proposed 6% water and
[3:51:58] sewer rate adjustment.
[3:52:01] As a professional engineer I've
[3:52:03] spent most of my career working
[3:52:04] on the water and sewer
[3:52:06] infrastructure projects in
[3:52:08] miami-dade county and I have
[3:52:17] seen firsthand the importance
[3:52:19] of maintaining and investing in
[3:52:21] at this critical water
[3:52:22] infrastructure before they
[3:52:24] become larger and more costly
[3:52:26] problems but more importantly
[3:52:27] today I'm speaking as a
[3:52:29] resident of miami dade county
[3:52:31] over the past 23 years and as a
[3:52:33] father with a family who calls
[3:52:34] his community home so the
[3:52:36] decision on the water rate
[3:52:38] adjustment will have a direct
[3:52:40] impact on the reliability and
[3:52:41] sustainability of the
[3:52:42] infrastructure future
[3:52:44] generations would inherit so
[3:52:45] investing in water
[3:52:46] infrastructure is not just
[3:52:49] about meeting today's needs but
[3:52:51] protecting the public health,
[3:52:53] preserving our environment and
[3:52:54] ensuring a small strong future.
[3:52:56] I respectfully urge you to
[3:52:57] consider.
[3:52:59] >>vice chair mcghee: I greatly
[3:53:00] appreciate you so much, good
[3:53:00] evening.
[3:53:02] >> I reside at 2401 anderson
[3:53:04] road coral gables 33134.
[3:53:09] Hasn't my colleague just said
[3:53:11] I'm here to support the rate
[3:53:13] adjustment for miami-dade water
[3:53:15] and sewer on the water and
[3:53:17] wastewater rates.
[3:53:21] This rate of 6% represents
[3:53:33] $3.77 per month for the, I'm
[3:53:36] sorry.
[3:53:51] So this is necessary for wasd
[3:53:53] for miami-dade water and sewer
[3:53:55] to fulfill the obligations on
[3:53:57] the consent decree to maintain
[3:53:58] compliance with regulatory
[3:54:00] agencies and protect the county
[3:54:02] infrastructure that is so
[3:54:03] important for all of us.
[3:54:05] I urge you to accept, approve
[3:54:09] this increase, thank you.
[3:54:11] >> good evening, jorge camacho,
[3:54:19] I live in apartment 402.
[3:54:20] I'm here to support the water
[3:54:22] and wastewater rate adjustment
[3:54:22] of 6%.
[3:54:23] Miami is my home.
[3:54:32] I don't want miami to go
[3:54:33] through the same situation my
[3:54:35] birth country of puerto rico is
[3:54:37] going through right now.
[3:54:39] Where poor planning and lack of
[3:54:40] investment is leaving thousands
[3:54:42] of residents without service of
[3:54:49] water for weeks and they are
[3:54:50] suffering, all my family there.
[3:54:52] We need to be prepared with the
[3:54:54] right infrastructure and for
[3:54:55] that we need that rate
[3:54:56] increase.
[3:54:57] O have ability for
[3:54:59] the future but that investment
[3:55:00] needs to start now.
[3:55:06] >> my name is kathy mack
[3:55:08] ireland, 2355 to casto grove,
[3:55:08] 33133.
[3:55:10] I'm speaking about the bus
[3:55:17] routes being cut.
[3:55:19] If you're on the bus at 5:00
[3:55:20] A.M. Heading to work your part
[3:55:22] of the hardest working
[3:55:23] residents of our county.
[3:55:25] These community members are the
[3:55:27] people that keep our society
[3:55:28] and cities running making a
[3:55:30] decision to cut funding for the
[3:55:31] early morning bus routes seems
[3:55:32] to be elitist.
[3:55:33] Thank you.
[3:55:35] >> first of all thank you for
[3:55:35] all you do.
[3:55:37] Your dedication, I'm john
[3:55:39] drake, this came boulevard, and
[3:55:49] first of all on SEPTEMBER 18
[3:55:50] reporting with the dda and
[3:55:52] we're putting together 200 of
[3:55:54] the world top cybersecurity
[3:55:56] professions to sit before civic
[3:55:57] cybersecurity in doing that at
[3:55:59] the newly renovated first
[3:56:01] church of miami so definitely a
[3:56:03] sincere invitation to everyone.
[3:56:08] Also we have a number of ways
[3:56:10] that our communities can bring
[3:56:11] in revenue.
[3:56:12] A lot of times just about
[3:56:14] wanting to, and not to cut but
[3:56:17] we have your back and we're
[3:56:18] here to explore all the options
[3:56:24] we have in technology but
[3:56:26] together as a community for the
[3:56:27] county.
[3:56:28] So once again SEPTEMBER 18 we
[3:56:29] are having our civics and
[3:56:31] security at first church miami,
[3:56:39] thank you guys.
[3:56:41] >> my name is james taurus,
[3:56:42] downtown neighbors alliance
[3:56:44] here to get some help on a
[3:56:45] couple things.
[3:56:46] Remember NOVEMBER 5, 1996 that
[3:56:48] is when the miami heat came to
[3:56:51] the city of miami yet we need
[3:56:52] your help, there is $2 million
[3:56:54] sitting in the budget to
[3:56:59] allocate for parcel be plaza.
[3:57:01] We like you guys to as your
[3:57:14] crunching numbers not to forget
[3:57:16] parcel b. The reason I say that
[3:57:18] is because far too long you're
[3:57:19] taking a bunch of timeouts,
[3:57:21] technical files and not
[3:57:22] bringing green space to life.
[3:57:24] And it is important we start
[3:57:25] addressing this.
[3:57:26] Commissioner hardemon has been
[3:57:28] a champion in trying to bring
[3:57:30] this forward but we are not at
[3:57:31] the finish line.
[3:57:33] So I'm finally asking the kind
[3:57:35] of maybe all come together as a
[3:57:36] team and move this forward.
[3:57:38] It is now going to be 31 years
[3:57:40] before that parcel is developed
[3:57:42] for everybody to enjoy not just
[3:57:42] downtown.
[3:57:44] i asked you to please look at
[3:57:45] that allocation, move forward
[3:57:47] and sit down with all the
[3:57:50] parties involved, thank you.
[3:57:52] >>vice chair mcghee: that's all
[3:57:54] our public speakers, is there
[3:57:56] anyone that did not get their
[3:57:57] name called?
[3:57:59] Anyone that did not get their
[3:58:08] name called.
[3:58:10] All right, we've gone through
[3:58:12] the whole list successfully.
[3:58:13] Congratulations to everybody.
[3:58:15] Public hearing has now
[3:58:16] concluded and is officially
[3:58:17] closed.
[3:58:18] MADAME Mayor, the moment you've
[3:58:19] been waiting for.
[3:58:23] The floor is all yours.
[3:58:25] >>chair: please quiet down in
[3:58:27] the chamber as the mayor makes
[3:58:31] her remarks.
[3:58:33] >>mayor cava: thank you to the
[3:58:35] CHAIRMAN, commissioners, all
[3:58:39] the residents that came tonight
[3:58:39] .
[3:58:41] Thank you to everyone who made
[3:58:42] your voices heard, we were
[3:58:44] listening and I want to begin
[3:58:46] with gratitude to everyone who
[3:58:47] brought us to this point which
[3:58:49] is our first professional
[3:58:50] budget hearing.
[3:58:53] The board, we've met with you
[3:58:54] multiple times, provided
[3:58:58] invaluable feedback as we
[3:59:00] prepare and submitted a
[3:59:01] proposed budget and I
[3:59:02] appreciate so much the
[3:59:04] priorities and input you shared
[3:59:05] on behalf of our community.
[3:59:11] To our constitutional offices,
[3:59:13] we've met multiple times with
[3:59:15] each of our constitutional
[3:59:17] offices, we've worked
[3:59:19] collaboratively towards this
[3:59:20] year's budget.
[3:59:21] We've had to navigate together
[3:59:23] because we all draw from the
[3:59:30] same pot of general fund and to
[3:59:33] our residents, throughout the
[3:59:34] summer we traveled around the
[3:59:35] county, we've had numerous in
[3:59:37] person and virtual town hall
[3:59:38] meetings.
[3:59:40] Active participation across the
[3:59:54] county and as always, we are
[3:59:55] shaping our budget based on
[3:59:57] your concerns and priorities
[3:59:59] and at since I started as mayor
[4:00:01] we've had 60 of these public
[4:00:02] forums to listen to our
[4:00:04] community and their priorities
[4:00:05] and that has shaped the budget
[4:00:07] and kept us focused on what
[4:00:08] matters most to the people we
[4:00:09] serve.
[4:00:11] Most importantly I'd like to
[4:00:13] recognize our county employees
[4:00:14] who do the work with hearts,
[4:00:17] they do it with dedication
[4:00:19] delivering excellence every day
[4:00:21] and to our office of management
[4:00:23] and budget was done the hard
[4:00:24] work crunching the numbers and
[4:00:26] the bringing in a balanced
[4:00:28] budget which we submitted in
[4:00:28] JULY.
[4:00:30] We know this year's budget
[4:00:31] comes at a time of real stress
[4:00:33] in the community, in
[4:00:34] everybody's lives.
[4:00:35] Our families are struggling,
[4:00:37] they have difficulty paying for
[4:00:39] basic needs for each of them
[4:00:41] and their households and as
[4:00:43] residents are watching every
[4:00:44] dollar so are we end so must
[4:00:45] we.
[4:00:46] This is a time when we must
[4:00:48] demonstrate our fiscal
[4:00:49] stewardship, our
[4:00:50] responsibility, our
[4:00:52] transparency and residents are
[4:00:53] watching and they want to know
[4:00:56] we are serving them as fiscally
[4:00:56] responsible.
[4:00:59] So these values have guided us
[4:01:00] throughout the budget process
[4:01:02] and over the past several years
[4:01:04] with your support we've reduced
[4:01:06] the millage rate two years in a
[4:01:07] row and we are at the lowest
[4:01:10] level since 1982 and this year
[4:01:12] we are not proposing to
[4:01:13] increase it, we are continuing
[4:01:16] to maintain that historically
[4:01:21] low property tax millage rate.
[4:01:23] At the same time we are facing
[4:01:24] difficult choices.
[4:01:25] This is not a year in which we
[4:01:27] have new revenues, this is a
[4:01:28] year in which revenue growth
[4:01:31] has slowed significantly and
[4:01:33] while costs continue to rise
[4:01:34] for everyone cost of inflation
[4:01:39] is higher than the cost of
[4:01:41] growth in our property values.
[4:01:42] That means along with
[4:01:44] reductions in state and federal
[4:01:45] funding that means we must
[4:01:47] reduce our costs and so reduce
[4:01:56] we did and we must continue.
[4:01:58] Balancing the budget meant we
[4:02:00] could not ask our taxpayers for
[4:02:02] more, we had to find it within
[4:02:04] our own means, we looked inward
[4:02:05] through our wise through l5
[4:02:07] initiatives and found $21
[4:02:07] million.
[4:02:09] And thank you to the staff, we
[4:02:11] went back to our departments
[4:02:13] three times to find that so we
[4:02:15] could include it in our budget
[4:02:15] this year.
[4:02:17] We eliminated more than 400
[4:02:18] general fund positions, we
[4:02:20] continue to streamline
[4:02:29] operations and find real cost
[4:02:30] reductions but at the same time
[4:02:32] we were able to protect almost
[4:02:34] all the basic services that
[4:02:36] matter so much to our community
[4:02:37] and public safety always comes
[4:02:39] first, no question about it,
[4:02:45] that's what our residents
[4:02:46] expect so even as departments
[4:02:48] were asked to keep their growth
[4:02:50] to minimum levels we've doubled
[4:02:52] the amount for our public
[4:02:54] safety department so general
[4:02:55] fund departments were asked to
[4:02:57] keep their budget within 3%
[4:02:58] even though costs were in the
[4:03:00] range of 8% growth and in our
[4:03:02] public safety departments we
[4:03:03] double that to 6% and that
[4:03:05] includes not just the sheriff
[4:03:07] but corrections county
[4:03:09] emergency management medical
[4:03:10] examiner, those are the basic
[4:03:12] public safety and fire, and our
[4:03:13] fire department.
[4:03:15] We were able with all this
[4:03:17] challenging budgeting to offer
[4:03:19] the sheriff's office in our
[4:03:20] proposed budget an additional
[4:03:22] $55 million and that brings
[4:03:24] with it approximately 200
[4:03:25] additional positions.
[4:03:27] And both funding and staffing
[4:03:29] to their highest levels in law
[4:03:31] enforcement in our counties
[4:03:38] history.
[4:03:39] And I want to be sure you
[4:03:41] understand the contrast is
[4:03:43] clear, 3% versus 6%, it's a
[4:03:45] significant difference and we
[4:03:46] did it because of the
[4:03:48] fundamental value of public
[4:03:48] safety.
[4:03:50] But we were also able to
[4:03:52] maintain our commitment to
[4:03:54] parks, we are not proposing
[4:03:56] reductions to parks, libraries,
[4:03:58] housing, arts and culture and
[4:04:00] community organizations in this
[4:04:00] year's budget.
[4:04:02] E in fact with
[4:04:03] transit which is mostly general
[4:04:05] fund supported only 12% of the
[4:04:08] budget for transit comes from
[4:04:10] passengers, the rest is general
[4:04:10] fund.
[4:04:12] It brings our contribution to
[4:04:15] 336 million, 66 million more
[4:04:16] than this past year.
[4:04:18] And so it's difficult choices
[4:04:19] that were made, unfortunately
[4:04:32] to reduce routes and hours as
[4:04:34] has been mentioned and we are
[4:04:35] regretting that financial
[4:04:37] reality has forced us to make
[4:04:38] those recommendations.
[4:04:40] I want to make sure you
[4:04:42] understand commissioners that
[4:04:44] every dollar in this budget is
[4:04:45] programmed and there are no
[4:04:46] other dollars.
[4:04:50] If additional programs are more
[4:04:52] for any particular program are
[4:04:53] in your proposal and we ask you
[4:04:58] to identify what we got.
[4:05:00] And this is not an argument
[4:05:02] against making changes, this is
[4:05:04] ultimately the budget you will
[4:05:09] pass, we recognize that you
[4:05:11] have opportunities to change
[4:05:13] the priorities that are made in
[4:05:15] my budget but it is required by
[4:05:17] charter that I present a
[4:05:18] balanced budget to you based on
[4:05:19] my best judgment of how we can
[4:05:27] spend our dollars balancing the
[4:05:29] many competing needs and
[4:05:30] priorities while also looking
[4:05:32] to the counties long-term
[4:05:34] financial stability so the
[4:05:35] responsibility now lies with
[4:05:37] you to review the proposal, to
[4:05:39] debate it and make the
[4:05:41] adjustments that you deem
[4:05:43] appropriate and I respect that
[4:05:44] response ability and we are
[4:05:45] ready to work with you.
[4:05:47] We are looking beyond a single
[4:05:48] budget year.
[4:05:53] We know that what we decide
[4:05:54] today prepares us for the
[4:05:55] long-term.
[4:05:57] We are facing possibility of a
[4:05:59] major decrease because of the
[4:06:00] property tax reform item on the
[4:06:02] ballot in NOVEMBER.
[4:06:04] Amended 3, we know should not
[4:06:05] pass we will be right back to
[4:06:07] the drawing board and we will
[4:06:09] have a lot of adjustments to
[4:06:09] make.
[4:06:12] We cannot wait till then to
[4:06:13] become even more disciplined so
[4:06:15] we are working every day to
[4:06:16] find savings.
[4:06:18] This is not a one time
[4:06:20] activity, we've been at it for
[4:06:21] several years and will continue
[4:06:23] all year long whether or not
[4:06:25] amendment three passes.
[4:06:27] Going to continue to find
[4:06:29] efficiencies, modernize
[4:06:30] government, are going to
[4:06:32] strengthen our reserves which
[4:06:33] is our priority for any funds
[4:06:35] that might become available
[4:06:38] where we MAY be underestimating
[4:06:39] some surplus that might come
[4:06:42] back from a constitutional
[4:06:44] office, our priority is
[4:06:46] reserves, our reserves are low
[4:06:47] and not sustainable.
[4:06:49] We strongly recommend to you
[4:06:51] utilizing additional dollars
[4:06:52] should they become available
[4:06:53] for reserves.
[4:06:55] So I'm proud of the budget we
[4:06:57] presented, we worked hard on it
[4:06:58] and it does protect taxpayers.
[4:07:00] It's a fiscally prudent
[4:07:01] responsible transparent budget.
[4:07:03] T prioritizes public safety
[4:07:05] and preserves essential
[4:07:06] services are residents depend
[4:07:18] on and begins to prepare our
[4:07:20] county for the financial
[4:07:21] challenges ahead.
[4:07:22] We MAY not agree with every
[4:07:24] choice and that's part of the
[4:07:25] process but we do share the
[4:07:27] same response ability to make
[4:07:29] these choices carefully
[4:07:31] responsibly and always with the
[4:07:32] best interests of the residents
[4:07:34] and businesses of miami-dade
[4:07:36] county so I look forward with
[4:07:38] working with all of you tonight
[4:07:40] and beyond to deliver the best
[4:07:41] budget possible for the
[4:07:43] residents of miami-dade county,
[4:07:44] thank you MR. Chair.
[4:07:46] >>chair: thank you for those
[4:07:47] remarks and I will now engage
[4:07:49] my colleagues in some debate
[4:07:50] and commentary.
[4:07:52] So I will go around the dais,
[4:07:54] I'm sure most if not all will
[4:07:55] have something to say.
[4:07:57] I'll go ahead and start with my
[4:07:59] friend and colleague
[4:08:00] commissioner bastien.
[4:08:02] I saw you raise your hand.
[4:08:07] You can kick it off for us
[4:08:08] commissioner.
[4:08:09] >>commissioner bastien:
[4:08:11] greetings MR. Chair, vice chair
[4:08:12] and colleagues.
[4:08:15] Excuse my voice.
[4:08:17] As most of you know I've been a
[4:08:23] bit under the weather so I want
[4:08:25] to thank you for all your good
[4:08:27] wishes, MADAME Mayor and staff.
[4:08:32] First and foremost, I'd like to
[4:08:33] thank mayor, and her
[4:08:34] administration.
[4:08:35] S well as our
[4:08:37] county staff.
[4:08:40] For the tremendous work that
[4:08:46] you've put in to preparing this
[4:08:46] budget.
[4:08:55] I can imagine this to be the
[4:08:57] most challenging not only for
[4:08:59] the mayor but for all of you, I
[4:09:00] can imagine that I know it for
[4:09:05] a fact because I know the mayor
[4:09:07] and we've met at least three
[4:09:08] times during the process.
[4:09:10] And as I note that she is met
[4:09:11] with most of you.
[4:09:15] So we recognize that this is a
[4:09:18] challenging budget.
[4:09:21] Especially now, last night I
[4:09:25] was thinking about tonight and
[4:09:26] I tried to put myself in the
[4:09:34] shoes of the residence of my
[4:09:34] district.
[4:09:36] And I realized how difficult it
[4:09:40] is, what the difficult time it
[4:09:51] is to work on this project.
[4:09:53] These choices are difficult
[4:09:55] choices and the conversations
[4:09:57] are also very difficult.
[4:09:59] i MAY not agree and as most of
[4:10:01] my colleagues with every
[4:10:06] decision that is before us with
[4:10:06] this budget.
[4:10:12] But met him mayor and staff, I
[4:10:14] assure you that I appreciate
[4:10:15] the hard work.
[4:10:16] I appreciate the long hours and
[4:10:21] the commitment that brought us
[4:10:22] here*.
[4:10:26] And it is a process but it is
[4:10:28] just the beginning.
[4:10:37] So I speak as a county
[4:10:39] commissioner for district 2.
[4:10:40] District 2 and for all the
[4:10:42] residents who are have waited
[4:10:45] for so long.
[4:10:47] They have paid into the system
[4:10:52] for too long.
[4:10:57] They've been asked too many
[4:10:58] times to accept less and I
[4:11:02] heard that most recently you
[4:11:03] won't believe how many times I
[4:11:04] heard it.
[4:11:09] During my recent campaign trip.
[4:11:14] The budget as we all know is
[4:11:16] more than numbers on a
[4:11:16] spreadsheet.
[4:11:21] It tells us what we value, who
[4:11:24] we prioritize and which
[4:11:28] communities we are willing and
[4:11:36] ready to invest in.
[4:11:36] Consistently.
[4:11:38] When I looked at the budget
[4:11:44] with staff, through the eyes of
[4:11:49] the district 2 residents, I see
[4:12:01] many unmet needs.
[4:12:03] Neglected words, families
[4:12:08] struggling with transportation
[4:12:08] issues.
[4:12:10] Small businesses fighting to
[4:12:10] survive.
[4:12:13] And at residence struggling to
[4:12:16] remain in affordable homes.
[4:12:18] I've heard it all, and I've
[4:12:22] seen it all firsthand.
[4:12:24] So I know tonight you're going
[4:12:29] to be looking at the cuts.
[4:12:36] That are in front of us but one
[4:12:38] thing we need to understand is
[4:12:44] every cut as a consequence.
[4:12:46] These are not abstract numbers.
[4:12:48] When we are thinking tonight
[4:12:51] about the cuts we need to
[4:12:54] understand these are all our
[4:12:56] seniors, these are our working
[4:12:57] families.
[4:13:04] Our children, people with
[4:13:05] disabilities.
[4:13:07] Small business owners and
[4:13:08] residents already struggling to
[4:13:09] make ends meet.
[4:13:19] I want to reiterate their cases
[4:13:21] of the seniors, especially
[4:13:22] those on fixed income.
[4:13:27] So tonight I want to focus on
[4:13:29] this infrastructure and roads.
[4:13:35] Illegal dumping, public safety,
[4:13:39] transportation, parks, economic
[4:13:42] development and affordable
[4:13:42] housing.
[4:13:45] Because as I know and my
[4:13:59] colleagues know, excuse me.
[4:14:01] Our responsibility tonight is
[4:14:03] not simply to balance the
[4:14:03] budget.
[4:14:06] It is to ensure the people of
[4:14:07] miami-dade county are not
[4:14:09] paying the highest price for
[4:14:10] the decisions that we make in
[4:14:14] this chamber.
[4:14:17] Since I became commissioner, I
[4:14:18] thought to ensure that district
[4:14:23] 2 residents have safe decent
[4:14:25] roads and infrastructure that
[4:14:28] they deserve and GOD knows
[4:14:31] they've been waiting a long
[4:14:31] time.
[4:14:34] District 2 as I say often has
[4:14:38] been under resourced and
[4:14:42] neglected for a long long time.
[4:14:46] Our residents should not have
[4:14:49] to keep asking for what other
[4:14:50] communities have had for years.
[4:14:54] Hey should not.
[4:14:58] They deserve the same quality
[4:15:00] roads, same level of
[4:15:02] investments and the same
[4:15:08] standard of infrastructure.
[4:15:12] District 2 is not asking for
[4:15:13] special treatment.
[4:15:21] We are asking for a fair share.
[4:15:30] I cannot accept identifying
[4:15:32] hundreds of millions of dollars
[4:15:34] for major government projects
[4:15:35] while residents are still
[4:15:37] asking for the roads and
[4:15:38] systems they depend on every
[4:15:38] day.
[4:15:48] Before we build monuments to
[4:15:49] government, we need to build
[4:15:51] trust with our residents and
[4:15:52] need to provide the services
[4:15:55] that our residents need.
[4:16:06] Got a little loyalty, excuse
[4:16:06] me.
[4:16:12] Let me get to illegal dumping
[4:16:15] and I know efforts are being
[4:16:36] made but I know it is a process
[4:16:38] and we need to get there, I
[4:16:39] know we need to get there.
[4:16:41] Illegal dumping remains a
[4:16:43] problem for district 2. Every
[4:16:45] resident deserves clean streets
[4:16:46] and neighborhoods.
[4:16:47] That is why cutting medical
[4:16:49] staff while my office continues
[4:16:51] receiving calls about illegal
[4:16:53] dumping is deeply concerning.
[4:16:55] Eliminating these positions
[4:16:57] does not eliminate the problem.
[4:16:58] I am prepared to explore every
[4:17:00] available budget option to
[4:17:08] restore the staffing we need.
[4:17:10] The commission auditor has
[4:17:12] identified a potential pathway
[4:17:13] to reallocate solid waste funds
[4:17:15] to make the illegal dumping and
[4:17:21] litter pickup units whole.
[4:17:23] I also call on the department
[4:17:25] of rer resources, through its
[4:17:27] consumer neighborhood
[4:17:29] protection divisions to also
[4:17:30] consider helping us fill the
[4:17:31] gaps where solid waste cannot.
[4:17:34] He illegal dumping problem is
[4:17:40] huge for us in district 2.
[4:17:47] Public safety, last year we
[4:17:48] approved a $1 billion budget
[4:17:51] for our sheriff's office.
[4:17:55] which I know is needed.
[4:17:59] I'm looking forward to having
[4:18:00] conversation with you next
[4:18:01] week.
[4:18:07] But I also want to bring this
[4:18:12] forth that with that level of
[4:18:13] investment comes
[4:18:14] accountability.
[4:18:16] And I'm looking forward to
[4:18:18] looking to some of our grave
[4:18:19] issues that district 2 is
[4:18:27] facing including when they call
[4:18:28] 9-1-1. Having to wait for 30
[4:18:36] minutes or more for a response.
[4:18:38] And as we know MADAME Chair and
[4:18:40] I know you know and you agree
[4:18:42] 30 minutes can be the
[4:18:43] difference between life and
[4:18:43] death.
[4:18:46] I do support the office and I'm
[4:18:48] looking forward to an in-depth
[4:18:49] conversation about some of the
[4:18:56] issues facing district 2
[4:18:58] because even our own staff have
[4:19:00] had to deal with that with this
[4:19:00] long wait.
[4:19:02] Among other issues I'm looking
[4:19:04] forward to discussing with you.
[4:19:06] Now, let's talk about the
[4:19:07] transportation issues.
[4:19:09] And I'd like to commend each
[4:19:11] and every one, each and every
[4:19:15] resident who came tonight.
[4:19:18] To share their ideas about the
[4:19:19] impact of what we are
[4:19:23] contemplating with this budget.
[4:19:27] Transportation is not a luxury.
[4:19:28] It is a necessity and a
[4:19:37] lifeline to so many in our
[4:19:38] community.
[4:19:39] It is a lifeline to many in my
[4:19:41] district, district 2. It is how
[4:19:43] most of them get to work, to
[4:19:45] the school, medical
[4:19:47] appointments, hospital, grocery
[4:19:48] stores and other essential
[4:19:49] services.
[4:19:50] Nd I think we've
[4:19:52] discussed that a bit during one
[4:19:53] of our meetings with madame
[4:20:00] mayor, many rely on public
[4:20:01] transportation to buy
[4:20:02] groceries.
[4:20:03] They rely on public
[4:20:05] transportation as a means of
[4:20:06] independence.
[4:20:10] For working families it can
[4:20:11] mean the difference between
[4:20:18] keeping a job and losing one.
[4:20:20] When we cut transportation
[4:20:22] routes we are not simply
[4:20:23] removing a line from a map, we
[4:20:28] are coming someone's connection
[4:20:29] to opportunity, we are cutting
[4:20:31] someone's connection to
[4:20:33] employment, healthcare and
[4:20:34] independence.
[4:20:44] So I respectfully urge us to
[4:20:45] restore bus routes 155, 203,
[4:20:46] 279 and 60.
[4:20:48] These routes are essential to
[4:20:50] residents who depend on public
[4:20:51] transportation every day.
[4:20:53] And it is about us too.
[4:21:03] Our economy is based on
[4:21:03] tourism.
[4:21:05] Who powers this job?
[4:21:07] The walkers and they need
[4:21:09] transportation, reliable
[4:21:10] transportation to get from
[4:21:16] point a to point b.
[4:21:18] So in addition the reduction in
[4:21:19] operation hours is creating
[4:21:21] even more hardships for people
[4:21:23] who have no other
[4:21:24] transportation options to gain,
[4:21:32] to make money to support their
[4:21:32] families.
[4:21:34] Many residents depend on these
[4:21:36] services to get to work like I
[4:21:37] said, to the hospital.
[4:21:44] Two essential destinations.
[4:21:46] When these operating hours are
[4:21:48] reduced these residents are the
[4:21:50] ones who pay the highest price.
[4:22:03] These workers are our best
[4:22:05] assets, they are miami-dade
[4:22:07] counties best assets.
[4:22:08] We cannot continue to ask
[4:22:10] people to rely on public
[4:22:12] transportation while at the
[4:22:14] same time reducing the services
[4:22:15] they depend on to get to work.
[4:22:17] To make a living.
[4:22:19] We cannot afford that so we
[4:22:20] need to find a way, and I'm
[4:22:22] looking forward to engage in
[4:22:24] this these conversations to
[4:22:26] find a way to keep these routes
[4:22:30] open, to get our workers
[4:22:30] moving.
[4:22:38] To get our economy moving.
[4:22:55] Now, our parks.
[4:22:57] District 2 parks, district 2
[4:22:58] residents have waited for years
[4:23:00] to see meaningful improvements
[4:23:02] to our parks and facilities and
[4:23:04] I wish they had something in
[4:23:06] common with our chair here.
[4:23:10] We are a big part of umpsa so
[4:23:13] we build a pool at little river
[4:23:14] park, improvements to the oak
[4:23:16] grove park bathrooms, something
[4:23:17] as simple as that.
[4:23:19] Martin luther king park
[4:23:20] beautification and the
[4:23:22] improvements at the alcoa lakes
[4:23:23] senior center.
[4:23:25] Our park and community centers
[4:23:30] are more than just facilities.
[4:23:31] They provide opportunities for
[4:23:38] a lot of our population, our
[4:23:40] residents, for education, for
[4:23:46] recreation, for health, for
[4:23:47] connection and it improves
[4:23:49] quality of life for residents
[4:23:50] of all ages, you should have
[4:23:52] seen their faces when we went
[4:23:55] to inaugurate a portion of the
[4:24:00] alcoa lakes senior center
[4:24:00] recently.
[4:24:02] Our parks and community centers
[4:24:04] are more than just a facility,
[4:24:07] they provide opportunities for
[4:24:08] all aspects of residence
[4:24:09] life's.
[4:24:13] They are places where children
[4:24:13] grow.
[4:24:23] Families come together.
[4:24:25] Seniors stay active, child care
[4:24:27] is expensive, a lot of families
[4:24:28] rely on these parks believe it
[4:24:30] or not and communities build
[4:24:32] strong connections there like I
[4:24:32] said.
[4:24:34] When we make commitments to our
[4:24:35] communities, we need to keep
[4:24:37] this commitment.
[4:24:40] The promise made should be a
[4:24:47] promise kept.
[4:24:49] A promise made is a promise
[4:24:49] kept.
[4:25:00] It should be a promise kept.
[4:25:01] District 2 residents deserve
[4:25:03] parks, safe and well maintained
[4:25:07] facilities, quality programs
[4:25:09] and confidence that the
[4:25:11] investments promised to our
[4:25:13] neighborhoods will absolutely
[4:25:15] be delivered.
[4:25:17] We should not have to wait year
[4:25:19] after year for improvements
[4:25:21] that have already been
[4:25:21] promised.
[4:25:22] We should not.
[4:25:25] Our residents deserve action,
[4:25:30] accountability and results.
[4:25:33] District 2 parks and community
[4:25:34] facilities should be a priority
[4:25:36] and ensure the promised
[4:25:45] improvements are fully funded,
[4:25:47] completed and delivered to the
[4:25:48] residents who've been waiting
[4:25:49] for them.
[4:25:50] They've been asking for them
[4:25:54] and they've been waiting and
[4:25:54] waiting.
[4:26:00] Economic development.
[4:26:02] We celebrate miami dade
[4:26:04] counties small business growth.
[4:26:07] But the businesses are here
[4:26:08] from every day in district 2
[4:26:11] are struggling.
[4:26:13] They do not need another speech
[4:26:15] about how important they are.
[4:26:23] Hey need real support.
[4:26:25] Especially the businesses along
[4:26:27] northwest 22nd avenue and
[4:26:29] throughout our underserved
[4:26:33] commercial corridors.
[4:26:35] our small businesses are
[4:26:37] working hard to survive rising
[4:26:38] costs.
[4:26:39] Construction impacts and
[4:26:41] limited access to capital.
[4:26:43] When county construction
[4:26:45] projects threaten the business
[4:26:46] ability to stay open we must
[4:26:50] make sure that those businesses
[4:26:51] are not left behind.
[4:26:53] We have to find ways to help
[4:26:53] them remain sustainable.
[4:27:00] The northwest 79th street cra
[4:27:01] has extending action, for
[4:27:03] example we recently gave
[4:27:07] $20,000 to a carwash and I was
[4:27:14] shocked to see their short
[4:27:15] memories a few minutes ago.
[4:27:17] They gave them $20,000 recently
[4:27:19] which was cashed and including
[4:27:21] the johnson and johnson
[4:27:22] learning center.
[4:27:26] So to those of you at home
[4:27:27] watching if your business is
[4:27:29] located within the 79th street
[4:27:31] cra boundary I encourage you to
[4:27:35] come forward and submit your
[4:27:36] application to them.
[4:27:38] We are here to support you.
[4:27:45] But we all also know many
[4:27:46] businesses outside the cra
[4:27:48] boundaries and that's why I'm
[4:27:49] raising this and it is
[4:27:51] important are struggling
[4:27:52] especially now.
[4:27:53] They do not have access to the
[4:27:54] same resources.
[4:28:00] That is why I'm asking for your
[4:28:02] support in the budget to
[4:28:04] provide meaningful assistance
[4:28:06] to small businesses throughout
[4:28:07] district 2 and I know we will
[4:28:09] need to look at this together
[4:28:11] and find them and I am all for
[4:28:11] it.
[4:28:11] It is a must.
[4:28:13] Small business loan
[4:28:17] applications tell the story.
[4:28:18] We had so many qualified
[4:28:20] businesses coming to apply in
[4:28:21] seeking assistance.
[4:28:29] More than we have funding
[4:28:29] available.
[4:28:31] These interpreters are ready to
[4:28:33] work, invest, create jobs in
[4:28:35] our county, in district 2 and
[4:28:35] grow.
[4:28:38] What they are missing is not
[4:28:39] determination, they have it.
[4:28:40] They have it.
[4:28:42] They just need our support and
[4:28:45] we ought to find a way.
[4:28:51] We will find a way.
[4:28:53] And as for affordable housing.
[4:28:57] We all know miami-dade is
[4:29:01] facing a crisis, and
[4:29:04] affordability crisis.
[4:29:06] We have to be honest about what
[4:29:10] affordable means.
[4:29:12] Affordable housing most be
[4:29:14] affordable for the people who
[4:29:15] actually live and work here,
[4:29:22] our seniors, our teachers.
[4:29:23] Our home health aides.
[4:29:26] Our public servants, our safety
[4:29:26] officers.
[4:29:34] Our surgeons, our working
[4:29:35] families.
[4:29:36] We cannot continue approving
[4:29:38] programs that look good on
[4:29:39] paper but failed to reach the
[4:29:41] people who need them the most.
[4:29:48] Residents do not need another
[4:29:50] brochure telling them where to
[4:29:52] apply, they need help staying
[4:29:53] in their homes.
[4:29:54] They need help now.
[4:29:56] They need help staying in their
[4:29:57] homes.
[4:29:59] When a families $500 short on
[4:30:01] rent, those $500 can determine
[4:30:07] whether they remain housed or
[4:30:09] end up in a shelter.
[4:30:10] When a senior must choose
[4:30:12] between rent and education that
[4:30:19] is not a budget mistake, that
[4:30:20] is someone's life.
[4:30:22] We need immediate assistance
[4:30:24] while continuing to build
[4:30:26] long-term affordable housing
[4:30:27] solutions and I'm proud that
[4:30:29] with your support we've been
[4:30:30] able to pass legislation to
[4:30:32] look at the way we assess the
[4:30:32] ami.
[4:30:36] In closing, how do we put
[4:30:38] people first?
[4:30:43] Our people, our residents, our
[4:30:45] best assets.
[4:30:49] Our county employees are our
[4:30:53] best assets.
[4:30:56] At the end of the day this
[4:31:00] budget comes down to
[4:31:01] priorities.
[4:31:03] I understand resources are
[4:31:03] limited.
[4:31:10] I know it.
[4:31:12] Discussed it, I know but
[4:31:13] limited resources do not mean
[4:31:17] limited responsibility.
[4:31:19] For me, the priority is clear.
[4:31:22] The people, the residence.
[4:31:24] The residence driving on a
[4:31:24] neglected road.
[4:31:28] The family whose streets flood
[4:31:36] and we saw that a year ago.
[4:31:37] The senior waiting for
[4:31:38] transportation, the small
[4:31:40] business owner fighting to stay
[4:31:42] open, the mother trying to keep
[4:31:47] a roof over her children's
[4:31:47] heads.
[4:31:49] These are the people behind the
[4:31:51] numbers and as we consider this
[4:31:52] budget, these are the people we
[4:31:54] need to think about when we
[4:31:56] welcome these numbers tonight.
[4:32:02] And in a couple of weeks.
[4:32:14] District 2 has waited long
[4:32:14] enough.
[4:32:16] Our residents have paid their
[4:32:18] taxes, raise their families,
[4:32:20] opened businesses and build our
[4:32:20] communities.
[4:32:22] Now it's time for this county
[4:32:23] to invest in them.
[4:32:25] We need accountability, we need
[4:32:26] investment and above all we
[4:32:28] need to put people first.
[4:32:33] That is a miami-dade county i
[4:32:35] am fighting for, that is the
[4:32:37] district 2 I am fighting for
[4:32:38] and that is the miami-dade
[4:32:40] county our residents reserve
[4:32:41] deserve.
[4:32:42] I'm looking forward to continue
[4:32:44] this conversation about how to
[4:32:50] our esidents, our people, our
[4:32:51] families first.
[4:32:56] MR. Chair, I thank you and
[4:32:59] MADAME Mayor and steph, thank
[4:33:00] you and I'm looking forward to
[4:33:04] our continued conversation.
[4:33:05] >>chair: thank you commissioner
[4:33:07] for that well-rounded
[4:33:08] commentary.
[4:33:10] Commissioner from district 1,
[4:33:24] you are recognized.
[4:33:26] >>commissioner gilbert: thank
[4:33:27] you MR. CHAIRMAN.
[4:33:29] Let me start by saying a couple
[4:33:29] of things.
[4:33:34] 've been homeless
[4:33:34] before.
[4:33:36] I've been homeless before, I've
[4:33:37] been hungry before.
[4:33:42] I've caught the 5:00 A.M. Bus
[4:33:42] before.
[4:33:44] I still remember walking down
[4:33:49] 175th street 17th avenue and
[4:33:51] catching the 27 age of the
[4:33:52] metrorail to get to law school.
[4:33:57] I still remember that.
[4:34:00] Look, I'm dependent on the
[4:34:05] kindness of strangers and a
[4:34:07] community before.
[4:34:09] I've been a prosecutor before.
[4:34:17] I've had to work to divide
[4:34:19] people because of the things
[4:34:21] they've did so I've been a part
[4:34:23] of keeping a community safe
[4:34:23] before.
[4:34:26] I'm a homeowner in this
[4:34:26] community.
[4:34:31] I'm a father and a husband, son
[4:34:34] and the brother and a friend.
[4:34:44] In this community.
[4:34:46] I say those things because I
[4:34:47] want you all to appreciate I
[4:34:49] understand and appreciate all
[4:34:51] the comments that were made by
[4:34:52] everybody who spoke up.
[4:34:54] I didn't hear anybody though
[4:34:55] say I want my taxes to be
[4:34:56] higher.
[4:34:58] You want a dedicated source for
[4:35:01] cultural affairs, I do too.
[4:35:05] I think that is actually is a
[4:35:07] benefit to the economy.
[4:35:13] I think it grows jobs and it
[4:35:15] makes us stronger, I believe
[4:35:16] that.
[4:35:21] You want more money for law
[4:35:23] enforcement, I believe that law
[4:35:26] enforcement is an indispensable
[4:35:41] part of any successful society,
[4:35:42] period, full stop.
[4:35:43] I believe first responders when
[4:35:45] we call you we need you to come
[4:35:47] quick because you're the
[4:35:48] difference between life and
[4:35:49] death.
[4:35:50] Cbo's taking care of the people
[4:35:52] who some of you step over in
[4:35:55] the street in the real world.
[4:35:57] Some of the people in this
[4:35:58] audience right now step over
[4:36:00] those people in the street.
[4:36:02] I get the severity of what we
[4:36:04] are doing.
[4:36:06] But I need everybody who spoke
[4:36:12] and I hope you're listening to
[4:36:13] understand the balance is real.
[4:36:24] We are not sitting up your same
[4:36:26] we wouldn't give you $2 million
[4:36:27] if you asked for it, that's not
[4:36:28] what we are saying.
[4:36:30] We are not saying we wouldn't
[4:36:37] fund every shelter, every cbo,
[4:36:39] every cultural arts program.
[4:36:41] Every economic development
[4:36:43] program, we are not saying any
[4:36:44] of those things.
[4:36:46] We are saying there's a finite
[4:36:47] amount of resources.
[4:36:49] And we are the 13 charged with
[4:36:53] architecting the balance.
[4:36:56] It's the balance that's tricky.
[4:37:04] As we go through this, I have
[4:37:05] questions for the
[4:37:07] administration and the
[4:37:08] constitution.
[4:37:11] About specific requests but I
[4:37:22] need you to grasp the concept
[4:37:23] of the balance.
[4:37:25] Because I understand wherever
[4:37:27] that harold is and channel 4,
[4:37:29] all those folks are there going
[4:37:31] to talk about what we didn't
[4:37:31] do.
[4:37:33] They won't talk about what we
[4:37:35] did do because every dollar we
[4:37:37] didn't give you was program for
[4:37:38] a kid or a senior.
[4:37:40] And it's complicated.
[4:37:42] And while we are all elected
[4:37:46] officials it's not easily
[4:37:54] discerned through public
[4:37:54] opinion.
[4:37:56] Because they are not really
[4:37:57] getting bad, they are just
[4:37:59] getting, they didn't get what
[4:38:01] they wanted, what they thought
[4:38:03] was important.
[4:38:05] Since I was a city COUNCILMAN
[4:38:06] In miami gardens as mayor of
[4:38:08] miami gardens, as a county
[4:38:10] commissioner and CHAIRMAN Here
[4:38:12] and hopefully GOD willing in
[4:38:13] congress, I will ignore that
[4:38:16] and always focus on the greater
[4:38:18] good for the greater number,
[4:38:20] the utilitarian.
[4:38:23] All to understand we are safer
[4:38:37] MADAME Chair on the sides that
[4:38:37] go down.
[4:38:40] I value law enforcement in ways
[4:38:41] you can never truly understand
[4:38:43] but I understand us being safer
[4:38:45] isn't just law enforcement,
[4:38:46] it's parks, it's also cbo's,
[4:38:48] the streets are going to eat
[4:38:50] and if people are hungry they
[4:38:51] commit crime.
[4:38:52] If people have no other
[4:38:54] recourse they do things that we
[4:38:57] think and we determine are
[4:38:57] unacceptable.
[4:39:02] It's so easy to make life and
[4:39:04] decisions linear.
[4:39:06] but they aren't.
[4:39:09] They aren't, and I won't
[4:39:12] pretend for any of you.
[4:39:18] My conversations in this last
[4:39:20] of my first budget hearings,
[4:39:34] I'm going to be real honest
[4:39:35] conversations.
[4:39:36] There are a bunch of needs that
[4:39:37] have to be met.
[4:39:39] There's some things I think are
[4:39:40] nonstarter's.
[4:39:41] Non-starters, we're going to
[4:39:43] have enough to make this
[4:39:44] community safe, we won't have
[4:39:46] enough to allow our employees
[4:39:48] to actually come to work and
[4:39:53] live in dignity in this county.
[4:39:54] We are going to do those
[4:39:56] things, we're going to have
[4:39:58] enough to ensure cbo's who are
[4:40:04] taking care of the least among
[4:40:04] us,
[4:40:06] christian value, that's my
[4:40:06] value.
[4:40:08] That which you do into the
[4:40:13] least of them you also do unto
[4:40:13] me.
[4:40:15] I don't spend a lot of time
[4:40:17] quoting bible verses but that's
[4:40:18] what I believe.
[4:40:24] We can't be people who say that
[4:40:28] we are good and we value and we
[4:40:31] care about everyone and then we
[4:40:41] dig deep on the programs who
[4:40:43] take care of the people who
[4:40:44] can't take care of themselves.
[4:40:46] That was my position when we
[4:40:47] voted.
[4:40:49] I appreciate all the requests,
[4:40:55] nobody said the pain word so
[4:40:57] you're telling us you want to
[4:40:58] strike a balance so be prepared
[4:41:01] to take a haircut.
[4:41:02] That's real.
[4:41:05] There are things that we don't
[4:41:13] say out loud because it's not
[4:41:15] popular among us to get elected
[4:41:16] when we're talking about it but
[4:41:18] in the real world we are not
[4:41:19] here and we haven't had a bus
[4:41:21] fare increase but gas kept
[4:41:21] going up.
[4:41:24] And labor kept going up.
[4:41:28] And insurance kept going up.
[4:41:31] We artificially suppressed that
[4:41:33] because we understand that
[4:41:36] people don't have a lot in
[4:41:37] their wages don't increase at
[4:41:41] the same rate that the cost of
[4:41:42] living does.
[4:41:45] So we suppress that and I'm not
[4:41:49] saying we shouldn't but I'm
[4:41:50] saying you should acknowledge
[4:41:52] that because when you talk
[4:41:54] about not cutting out that
[4:41:57] early bus route and I took,
[4:42:02] you're also saying it's okay
[4:42:04] that it's the exact same amount
[4:42:10] and gas is a full two dollars
[4:42:10] higher.
[4:42:16] We labor in the delusions of a
[4:42:16] lie.
[4:42:19] And because we all agree,
[4:42:23] because we all agree to it, it
[4:42:27] becomes a functional truth.
[4:42:35] But that doesn't make it
[4:42:35] physics.
[4:42:37] It just makes it an agreed upon
[4:42:37] lie.
[4:42:39] Unless we are willing to have
[4:42:41] conversations about the actual
[4:42:49] cost of things and what it
[4:42:50] actually costs to do things
[4:42:52] including pay our officers,
[4:42:53] including pay our firefighters,
[4:42:55] they are bus drivers because
[4:42:57] their salaries are built into
[4:42:58] those bus fares.
[4:43:00] We keep giving them
[4:43:02] cost-of-living increases but we
[4:43:04] don't increase the bus fare.
[4:43:07] The two basic ways you pay for
[4:43:07] things.
[4:43:08] And government.
[4:43:12] User fees, which means when you
[4:43:15] go to a park you pay the actual
[4:43:20] cost for something or taxes.
[4:43:23] Hich means we agree as a
[4:43:26] collective that this is so
[4:43:27] important that we will
[4:43:29] subsidize it.
[4:43:30] Those are the two basic ways
[4:43:35] you pay for things in
[4:43:35] government.
[4:43:38] We are literally saying we will
[4:43:41] do neither.
[4:43:46] That is not real.
[4:43:48] I will not lie to you, I will
[4:43:51] tell you the truth.
[4:44:03] User fee or tax.
[4:44:05] If you want us to come
[4:44:07] services, I want you all to
[4:44:08] understand what cutting
[4:44:09] services means.
[4:44:11] It means firing people.
[4:44:12] Cutting services is a nice way
[4:44:14] of saying MADAME Mayor that
[4:44:16] services attached to a person
[4:44:20] who has a house, a mortgage, a
[4:44:22] family, a car note, that
[4:44:23] services your neighbor.
[4:44:25] It's your cousin, it's your
[4:44:28] brother, that service is this
[4:44:28] community.
[4:44:33] If we could, if we could have
[4:44:35] an honest conversation about
[4:44:40] what we want relative to what
[4:44:44] we are willing to pay for, I
[4:44:48] would be cool with that.
[4:44:49] That's the conversation that
[4:44:50] best serves this community.
[4:44:55] That's the conversation that
[4:44:56] even when I am no longer a
[4:45:00] member of this body I value
[4:45:02] because you wall, I got my tax
[4:45:09] bill in the mail, where is the
[4:45:10] tax collector, I didn't like it
[4:45:11] at all.
[4:45:13] It was like $12,000 and my
[4:45:14] house is small.
[4:45:15] You know what I'm going to do?
[4:45:17] I'm going to pay it.
[4:45:26] I'm going to pay it because I
[4:45:27] understand what it pays for.
[4:45:29] My next-door neighbor had a
[4:45:31] fire, their house caught on
[4:45:32] fire two days ago literally.
[4:45:34] You came, you did a good job.
[4:45:36] There was a disturbance down
[4:45:37] the street.
[4:45:45] you all came, you did a good
[4:45:46] job.
[4:45:47] I caught the bus with you all,
[4:45:49] I understand what it provides
[4:45:50] and while not every person
[4:45:52] takes advantage of everything,
[4:45:53] I need us to get this.
[4:45:55] We are not, we are miami-dade,
[4:45:58] we are not monticello.
[4:46:00] We are not one of these small
[4:46:05] places where things, you can
[4:46:05] figure it out.
[4:46:08] We are sophisticated urbanized
[4:46:09] area that's trying to become
[4:46:13] the capital of a hemisphere.
[4:46:18] We need actual social services.
[4:46:20] If we don't have social
[4:46:26] services in two years, that
[4:46:28] will be not a billion but 2
[4:46:29] billion, we need a lot more
[4:46:30] police officers.
[4:46:33] That's the reality in which we
[4:46:34] live.
[4:46:37] We need to embrace that.
[4:46:43] Thank you MR. CHAIRMAN.
[4:46:45] >>chair: thank you, senator
[4:46:51] garcia.
[4:46:53] >>senator garcia: want to thank
[4:46:55] the commissioners, all the
[4:46:56] people who came to testify,
[4:46:58] it's hard to get to downtown
[4:47:00] and I appreciate you, looking
[4:47:02] out in the audience is amazing
[4:47:06] to see the shirts and everyone
[4:47:07] advocating for their positions
[4:47:09] and their organizations and the
[4:47:11] things they believe in, that's
[4:47:12] what democracy is about and
[4:47:14] it's awesome when democracy so
[4:47:16] many people around the world
[4:47:21] don't have this opportunity be
[4:47:23] mindful of how blessed we are
[4:47:25] to testify and have a voice and
[4:47:26] I want to thank you all very
[4:47:28] much but thank you our first
[4:47:30] responders, firefighters and
[4:47:32] all our first responders I
[4:47:34] think everyone in this county
[4:47:35] commission can say we are
[4:47:41] extremely proud of the caliber
[4:47:43] and personnel of folks that
[4:47:44] represent us on the street
[4:47:46] every day that do the work we
[4:47:48] don't want to do, that we
[4:47:50] sometimes complain when we get
[4:47:52] tickets, when we need you there
[4:47:54] you're always there, want to
[4:47:55] thank you on the response time
[4:47:57] that we have, we have an
[4:47:58] amazing incredible response
[4:48:00] time, wish we could do better
[4:48:03] but we call for an urban
[4:48:04] community and the size we are
[4:48:06] we are sure proud of our first
[4:48:08] responders thank you very much
[4:48:10] from the bottom of my heart,
[4:48:16] you guys always stand with us
[4:48:17] not only as elected officials
[4:48:19] bus stand with our community
[4:48:20] and with all our employees,
[4:48:22] thank you all of you who make
[4:48:23] us proud.
[4:48:34] Without you this community
[4:48:36] won't work and there's not one
[4:48:37] area that is less than the
[4:48:38] other.
[4:48:39] We are all equally important
[4:48:41] because we are part of that
[4:48:43] spokes and wheel system and we
[4:48:44] have to work together to get
[4:48:46] this community to move forward
[4:48:47] especially when we talk about
[4:48:48] solid waste.
[4:48:50] I appreciate the folks that
[4:48:52] came to talk about solid waste.
[4:48:54] For me it's a public health
[4:48:55] issue.
[4:48:56] Without you, this community
[4:48:57] will fall apart.
[4:48:59] And you don't have to go that
[4:48:59] far.
[4:49:01] Go to 90 miles away from us and
[4:49:02] you see what's happening in
[4:49:08] cuba, what's happening in
[4:49:09] havana when we are not
[4:49:10] collecting the garbage.
[4:49:12] It really is very sad what is
[4:49:14] happening over there because of
[4:49:15] the lack of solid waste
[4:49:15] personnel.
[4:49:17] i want to tell you I don't know
[4:49:19] how this community turned into
[4:49:21] that and I've been working with
[4:49:25] the administration to see what
[4:49:27] we need to do to ensure we
[4:49:29] don't get there but I do want
[4:49:31] to thank commissioner gilbert
[4:49:33] for sharing those remarks, it's
[4:49:35] great we get to learn about
[4:49:41] people every day more and more
[4:49:43] and I'm new that about
[4:49:44] commissioner gilbert being on
[4:49:46] the street and we talked about
[4:49:48] it, you were able to talk about
[4:49:56] it earlier and it really is
[4:49:57] impressive you can share such
[4:49:59] personal stories with us but
[4:50:00] not on mayor if I can I have a
[4:50:02] couple questions on the budget
[4:50:02] itself.
[4:50:04] I want to thank you for working
[4:50:05] with us.
[4:50:07] I want to thank you for the
[4:50:08] work you've done for this
[4:50:09] budget.
[4:50:11] It is a reflection of our
[4:50:13] priorities and I'm glad this
[4:50:15] budget has been implemented
[4:50:17] last year so I appreciate the
[4:50:19] work we've done but I have a
[4:50:21] couple questions not unfamiliar
[4:50:23] especially in transportation
[4:50:25] and I do want to talk about
[4:50:26] solid waste, I have a couple
[4:50:28] questions so MADAME Director,
[4:50:28] be ready.
[4:50:29] Hen we look at,
[4:50:30] when we talk about overtime,
[4:50:34] the operational procedures that
[4:50:36] you're planning on
[4:50:37] implementing, going to
[4:50:48] transportation first.
[4:50:50] Okay MADAME Mayor, let's do
[4:50:50] this.
[4:50:52] If there is a reduction in bus
[4:50:53] services explain why overtime
[4:50:55] has increased?
[4:50:57] >>vice chair mcghee: you are
[4:50:58] recognized MADAME Mayor.
[4:51:00] >>mayor cava: are deputy mayor
[4:51:01] will start.
[4:51:04] >>vice chair mcghee: you are
[4:51:15] recognized collects senator
[4:51:17] garcia what you'll notice in
[4:51:18] that budget is we've got
[4:51:20] escalating costs in both fuel
[4:51:22] expenses operation maintenance
[4:51:24] expenses, we have to overtime
[4:51:25] because we are continuously
[4:51:27] hiring bus drivers so those
[4:51:29] numbers are escalating but if
[4:51:30] we did not cut anything it
[4:51:35] would escalate much more.
[4:51:37] >>senator garcia: one of the
[4:51:39] things I noticed and it happens
[4:51:40] across different parts of the
[4:51:42] budget with the metrics, some
[4:51:44] of the metrics I see that were
[4:51:45] off or we are ignoring the
[4:51:47] metrics, can you explain why we
[4:51:48] are doing some of those metrics
[4:51:50] and a perfect example on page
[4:51:52] 64 you have a targeted 80% for
[4:51:53] facilities meeting state of
[4:51:55] good repair ranking number
[4:51:56] three.
[4:51:57] In previous years we've
[4:51:59] achieved 90% meeting that
[4:52:00] threshold, explain why we are
[4:52:02] reducing that threshold, can
[4:52:11] you explain, that's on page 64.
[4:52:15] On transportation.
[4:52:21] Volume 2.
[4:52:24] >>mayor cava: stacy miller our
[4:52:26] director.
[4:52:29] >> good evening MADAME Director
[4:52:30] .
[4:52:38] Can we raise her microphone
[4:52:38] please?
[4:52:44] Good evening.
[4:52:46] >> good evening, stacy miller,
[4:52:48] ceo department of
[4:52:52] transportation and public works
[4:52:52] .
[4:52:53] >>vice chair mcghee: the
[4:52:57] senator had a question.
[4:53:00] >> you mentioned metrics and in
[4:53:01] metrics you have a targeted 80%
[4:53:03] of cities expected fiscal year,
[4:53:11] during the fiscal year meeting
[4:53:13] state repair ranking greater
[4:53:15] than three, we've achieved 90%
[4:53:17] of facilities meeting that
[4:53:18] threshold, explain why we are
[4:53:22] reducing the metric.
[4:53:24] >> we've always achieved higher
[4:53:26] than the standard required so
[4:53:28] while we are reducing it our
[4:53:29] expectation is that we will
[4:53:31] continue to achieve a higher
[4:53:33] rate of that standard.
[4:53:35] Unfortunately though given the
[4:53:36] situation we are in and the
[4:53:38] volume of work we have and
[4:53:39] number of staff we have we want
[4:53:41] to adjust that but we still
[4:53:43] intend to achieve higher than
[4:53:49] an 80% review.
[4:53:54] >>senator garcia: when we see
[4:53:56] that we are going to decrease
[4:53:59] the wait time by 15% of budget,
[4:54:05] how are we reaching that 15%
[4:54:06] reduction in wait time when we
[4:54:10] are cutting bus routes?
[4:54:12] >> I'm sorry, what section is
[4:54:18] that in?
[4:54:20] >>senator garcia: I don't know
[4:54:22] where the section is.
[4:54:23] Performance of the metrics
[4:54:25] metro bus to 78 on time.
[4:54:27] >> 78% is our on-time
[4:54:34] performance metric.
[4:54:35] Our goal is to ensure we are
[4:54:37] getting as close to that metric
[4:54:39] as possible with the wraps that
[4:54:40] we retain.
[4:54:41] As part of the services we
[4:54:53] continue to perform.
[4:54:54] >>senator garcia: I'm not
[4:54:56] trying to be adversarial, I'm
[4:54:58] trying to point out there is
[4:55:00] discrepancies in some of these
[4:55:01] numbers and maybe we can work
[4:55:03] on these numbers in the budget
[4:55:04] process.
[4:55:05] Ecause we are
[4:55:06] starting to reduce some of
[4:55:07] these bus routes.
[4:55:09] I don't understand how we can
[4:55:11] then come back and say we are
[4:55:12] trying to reduce the wait time
[4:55:14] so that to me doesn't quite
[4:55:16] make sense but we will continue
[4:55:18] to do that and continue to have
[4:55:20] conversations from here as we
[4:55:22] move forward but just increase.
[4:55:23] The last thing I talked about
[4:55:24] in transportation we are
[4:55:26] talking about increasing fares
[4:55:28] and I'll tell you this I think
[4:55:32] we should have a conversation,
[4:55:34] commissioner gilbert was right
[4:55:40] about the fact we have not had
[4:55:42] any of these fair increases
[4:55:43] throughout 13 or 14 years and
[4:55:45] yet costs have gone up and I
[4:55:47] can have talk about fair
[4:55:49] increases as long as we are
[4:55:51] having a conversation we can
[4:55:57] use these dollars wisely
[4:55:59] because we just can't go to the
[4:56:01] public and say we're going to
[4:56:03] increase here and show them
[4:56:04] what we are doing with the
[4:56:06] dollars and say it's safe on
[4:56:08] the other side so I think it's
[4:56:10] important especially when we
[4:56:13] look at metrorail we look at
[4:56:15] metro mover, those are honest
[4:56:16] conversations we need to have
[4:56:17] as a board.
[4:56:19] Why are we continuously having
[4:56:23] metro mover and I understand
[4:56:25] we're going to have metrorail
[4:56:27] free or metro mover free but
[4:56:28] it's gotten to the point this
[4:56:30] is now a system that a lot of
[4:56:32] folks with money are using on a
[4:56:34] day-to-day basis and yet people
[4:56:36] that live in my district have
[4:56:38] to take the metrorail and still
[4:56:40] have to pay for it yet we are
[4:56:45] subsidizing the system for the
[4:56:46] wealthy.
[4:56:47] I'll go ahead and say that
[4:56:49] maybe as we move forward
[4:56:54] members we should explore some
[4:56:55] ideas and thoughts on what is
[4:56:59] and I get it mayor, we've had
[4:57:00] conversations and it will take
[4:57:02] time to ramp up and is not
[4:57:04] necessarily going to help this
[4:57:06] budget it's something that
[4:57:07] folks have to do something
[4:57:09] about because folks to the
[4:57:10] south have to pay and the folks
[4:57:15] to the north will have to pay,
[4:57:17] why doesn't downtown have to
[4:57:20] pay and that's the simple
[4:57:20] reality.
[4:57:22] MADAME Mayor I don't know if we
[4:57:24] could come up with planning on
[4:57:25] that and director miller if we
[4:57:33] could have some elasticity
[4:57:34] models when we look at these
[4:57:36] rate increases because I don't
[4:57:38] think necessarily because we
[4:57:42] increase our freight doesn't
[4:57:43] mean we will have decreased
[4:57:44] users.
[4:57:45] It's important to build that
[4:57:47] into some of the modeling we
[4:57:49] have so I would appreciate
[4:57:49] that.
[4:57:50] And I think for now department
[4:57:54] of transportation not on mayor.
[4:57:56] >>mayor cava: we did put some
[4:57:58] examples in the change memo but
[4:58:06] we could certainly do more
[4:58:07] modeling and there MAY be other
[4:58:09] ideas that emerge from the
[4:58:11] discussion and we can review
[4:58:12] individually as well as come
[4:58:16] back to the board for more
[4:58:17] details.
[4:58:19] >>senator garcia: thank you for
[4:58:20] working with our office, can we
[4:58:22] go to solid waste now?
[4:58:28] >>mayor cava: yes.
[4:58:30] >>senator garcia: help me out
[4:58:31] on the carry over and reserves,
[4:58:33] we anticipate a $322,000
[4:58:37] reserves or $322,000 reserves
[4:58:39] but carryover shows 383, there
[4:58:43] is the roughly 30,000 coming
[4:58:43] from?
[4:58:47] >>mayor cava: alicia daniels
[4:58:55] will answer the question.
[4:58:57] >> good evening, through the
[4:58:59] chair, could you repeat the
[4:59:08] question please.
[4:59:10] >>senator garcia: there is a
[4:59:11] discrepancy between carryover
[4:59:13] and reserves, you anticipate
[4:59:15] 332 million reserves but
[4:59:16] carryover shows 333 million.
[4:59:18] There is a discrepancy of 30
[4:59:34] million, can you go to the top?
[4:59:36] >> that's not a discrepancy.
[4:59:37] With the budget basically with
[4:59:40] the reserves the reserves is
[4:59:42] basically your balance but then
[4:59:42] your budget.
[4:59:44] So you see on 2526, you see
[4:59:46] your carryover of 348 million.
[4:59:48] For a total budget of the
[4:59:49] hundred 35 so in order to
[4:59:51] balance the budget you have to
[4:59:52] 322 million grid for a total
[4:59:54] budget and you have your
[4:59:55] carryover that grows into the
[4:59:56] next year.
[4:59:58] That number is not going to be
[4:59:59] the same.
[5:00:00] >>senator garcia: would
[5:00:01] normally be the same?
[5:00:03] Class not your reserves and
[5:00:04] carryover.
[5:00:05] >>senator garcia: in other
[5:00:07] parts of the budget we see that
[5:00:13] they are matching, not in the
[5:00:15] enterprise, maybe from the
[5:00:18] enterprise so what is that
[5:00:19] difference, what is that
[5:00:37] difference coming from?
[5:00:38] Right, let me get back to you.
[5:00:40] I'm looking at the numbers but
[5:00:42] I want to make sure I get the
[5:00:43] information but I'm looking at
[5:01:00] the numbers here.
[5:01:01] >>senator garcia: give me a
[5:01:03] second here, we also have
[5:01:04] targets here, percentage of
[5:01:06] complaints, respondents, new 2
[5:01:08] business days when action has
[5:01:10] been 100% but we are proposing
[5:01:12] 25%, why are we changing
[5:01:12] targets?
[5:01:13] >> when we are putting the
[5:01:14] budget together we are
[5:01:16] forecasting what our goals
[5:01:18] should be for the year so for
[5:01:20] contingency purposes because we
[5:01:22] have attrition we are looking
[5:01:24] at 95% but nonetheless in the
[5:01:25] past two years we've received
[5:01:27] 100% so we put in a goal with
[5:01:29] the anticipation we could reach
[5:01:31] 100 but this is based on making
[5:01:33] sure we could reach two days of
[5:01:34] enforcement then I'm not going
[5:01:39] to reach that.
[5:01:41] >>senator garcia: on fuel
[5:01:42] trending downward, why is that
[5:01:44] because fuel is going up across
[5:01:46] the boardrd because in
[5:01:47] transportation there was an
[5:01:49] issue with that as s well.
[5:01:50] Why is that?
[5:01:52] >> in my current year budget we
[5:01:53] budgeted $7.5 million for all
[5:02:00] our equipment.
[5:02:02] We are trending over $2 million
[5:02:04] in our end of year forecast for
[5:02:05] fuel based on inflation and
[5:02:06] cost of fuel.
[5:02:08] When we looked at the numbers
[5:02:30] based on the energy website,
[5:02:31] the war or things were expected
[5:02:33] to end in two months so based
[5:02:35] on the website it showed that
[5:02:37] number was going to taper out
[5:02:38] so when we looked at our
[5:02:40] forecast for the year we
[5:02:41] forecasted the number would
[5:02:43] take up but then going back
[5:02:45] outward flattening out to where
[5:02:46] it was.
[5:02:48] You'll see my forecast for fuel
[5:02:49] is somewhat in line with my
[5:02:51] current budget based on the
[5:02:52] fact we thought the number was
[5:02:54] going to go back down but we
[5:02:56] anticipate now that number MAY
[5:02:57] go higher.
[5:02:58] >>senator garcia: I appreciate
[5:03:01] your response and you have been
[5:03:02] accessible to us and we had
[5:03:04] great conversations with all of
[5:03:06] us I'm sure and I thank you for
[5:03:06] that.
[5:03:08] I was one that voted against
[5:03:09] the cpi, it's something even
[5:03:11] this county commission voted in
[5:03:12] favor of the previous years.
[5:03:15] Think it's important we try to
[5:03:16] revisit that at some point
[5:03:18] because my concern MADAME Mayor
[5:03:20] of what you did with the budget
[5:03:21] seeing some of the reductions
[5:03:23] in our waste collection
[5:03:26] especially illegal dumping.
[5:03:28] Is there a way we have any
[5:03:29] plans on trying to recoup that
[5:03:31] or fix that or what does that
[5:03:33] mean if we've got some of these
[5:03:34] illegal dumping programs,
[5:03:36] doesn't mean we cut the program
[5:03:39] completely or time to respond?
[5:03:41] >> it's based on the response
[5:03:43] time, we had 8 million for the
[5:03:45] county and the reduction of 4
[5:03:47] crews will reduce the response
[5:03:49] time by half so instead of it
[5:03:50] taking 4 days it could take up
[5:03:56] to eight days.
[5:03:58] >>senator garcia: it doesn't
[5:03:59] mean they're cutting the
[5:04:01] program completely, it will
[5:04:02] just take more time to respond.
[5:04:04] We share district boundaries
[5:04:05] and municipalities in ohio
[5:04:12] young gardens.
[5:04:14] We have an area that's
[5:04:16] constantly problematic for all
[5:04:18] of us with dumping and we had
[5:04:19] to work together to make sure
[5:04:21] we take care of that so we need
[5:04:23] to focus on as we move forward
[5:04:24] in the budget but I do think
[5:04:26] it's important that we
[5:04:28] recognize that we need to start
[5:04:30] taking serious consideration on
[5:04:32] some of the issues that
[5:04:33] commissioner gilbert mentions.
[5:04:35] But I think it's important if
[5:04:38] we are going to raise any fees
[5:04:41] we have to make sure we give
[5:04:42] back and show how we are
[5:04:44] spending those tax dollars and
[5:04:55] I can tell you we talked about
[5:04:56] metrorail and metro mover,
[5:04:58] sport issues we need to start
[5:04:59] considering if we can look at
[5:05:01] those numbers and bring them
[5:05:02] back I am all in ensuring that
[5:05:04] we do it in a responsible way
[5:05:06] and looking at how we become
[5:05:08] more innovative and I hate to
[5:05:21] use the word ai but using some
[5:05:23] of the technology available to
[5:05:25] ensure we try to streamline
[5:05:26] some of the processes we have
[5:05:28] but overall I want to thank you
[5:05:30] MADAME Mayor and your staff and
[5:05:31] your team for taking care of
[5:05:33] parks, parks are important for
[5:05:35] me and thank you CHAIRMAN For
[5:05:37] watching the parks early on and
[5:05:38] our cbo's.
[5:05:39] I do want to let the cbo's and
[5:05:41] messaging go out there that
[5:05:43] times are getting tougher.
[5:05:44] We need to figure out a way to
[5:05:46] do more with less and this
[5:05:48] budget right now we are fine
[5:05:49] but we have to understand times
[5:05:51] might get more difficult and
[5:05:53] this is where I look to this
[5:05:54] county commission a couple
[5:05:56] years back since we've done
[5:05:57] since I was elected we knew we
[5:05:59] were going to be these outline
[5:06:00] years where it would be more
[5:06:03] difficult and more challenging
[5:06:05] and this is why we are finding
[5:06:07] ourselves in the situation.
[5:06:08] I want to mention one issue
[5:06:10] we've talked about in private
[5:06:12] is the tid funding, something
[5:06:13] we've got to figure out where
[5:06:15] we are using, I don't blame her
[5:06:17] because we have to figure out
[5:06:18] how we balance this budget but
[5:06:20] the reality is one of the
[5:06:24] biggest problems we have is
[5:06:29] give me money for the cbo.
[5:06:31] It was her phone by the way not
[5:06:34] mine, where is gilbert?
[5:06:35] >>commissioner gilbert: she
[5:06:39] need to give up 3%.
[5:06:41] >>senator garcia: on the tid, I
[5:06:42] understand the use of it, I'm
[5:06:51] not happy with it because
[5:06:52] transportation is a big problem
[5:06:54] in our community and it scares
[5:06:56] me to use these dollars and not
[5:06:58] have these dollars to draw down
[5:06:59] some federal dollars.
[5:07:08] I think that's an area where we
[5:07:09] do have some concern and I
[5:07:11] appreciate in your change memo
[5:07:13] we talked about, something I
[5:07:14] talked about a couple years
[5:07:16] back is making sure we use the
[5:07:18] surplus dollars to put that
[5:07:19] into a reserve for a rainy day
[5:07:20] fund.
[5:07:21] That's something important and
[5:07:23] I'll be willing to make that
[5:07:24] motion later on because we
[5:07:26] tried to get that done and I
[5:07:27] tried to do it a couple years
[5:07:29] back, couldn't get the votes
[5:07:31] but now it's a critical time
[5:07:32] and it wasn't all of us but I
[5:07:34] think we have to figure out,
[5:07:35] make sure we put these dollars
[5:07:37] in our reserves so we can have
[5:07:38] them and make sure we balance
[5:07:40] our budget so thank you but I
[5:07:47] appreciate you and
[5:07:49] commissioners thank you all and
[5:07:50] appreciate you and everyone
[5:07:51] that came out to speak.
[5:07:53] We have a long road but we've
[5:07:55] started on good footing and
[5:07:56] it's just a matter of letting,
[5:08:00] writing this ship in a couple
[5:08:00] weeks.
[5:08:02] >>chair: thank you senator,
[5:08:08] bermudez, are you ready?
[5:08:10] I'm kind of bouncing back and
[5:08:11] forth and I will come this way
[5:08:16] but floor is yours.
[5:08:17] >>commissioner bermudez: I've
[5:08:19] got mostly questions, since
[5:08:21] this is a process we want to
[5:08:30] finish tonight.
[5:08:32] >>chair: to answer senator
[5:08:33] garcia's comment in question
[5:08:35] when we take up each item
[5:08:36] motions will be appropriate at
[5:08:38] that time for any of my
[5:08:39] colleagues, it's questions
[5:08:41] right now and as we take each
[5:08:43] one you can make your emotions.
[5:08:44] >>commissioner bermudez: I've
[5:08:46] got questions mostly of the
[5:08:47] administration, just going to
[5:08:49] make them brief but I want to
[5:08:51] thank everybody, the public for
[5:08:53] being here, it's difficult to
[5:08:55] be here as an elected official,
[5:08:57] I can't imagine how difficult
[5:08:59] it is for you so thank you to
[5:09:01] the employees not only in the
[5:09:03] sheriff's office but other
[5:09:04] constitutional offices.
[5:09:06] All our employees, I shared MR.
[5:09:08] CHAIRMAN along the lines of the
[5:09:10] priorities you mentioned in the
[5:09:12] sentence of this budget,
[5:09:13] obviously our commission
[5:09:15] auditor gave us documents today
[5:09:18] that require review between now
[5:09:24] and the final budget meeting.
[5:09:25] I agree with senator garcia on
[5:09:26] the metro mover.
[5:09:28] Absolutely.
[5:09:30] But you know, the reality about
[5:09:34] a budget and commissioner
[5:09:36] gilbert talked about his
[5:09:38] experience personally and most
[5:09:45] of us coming from immigrant
[5:09:47] families understand even when
[5:09:49] things got better things were
[5:09:49] not always great so.
[5:09:51] >>chair: can you get a little
[5:09:52] closer to the microphone.
[5:09:53] >>commissioner bermudez: all of
[5:09:55] us understand like a family or
[5:09:57] a business we have to make
[5:10:01] tough decisions and sometimes
[5:10:05] you have enough money to buy
[5:10:07] dairy milk, other times it got
[5:10:09] to get one that is good.
[5:10:10] But I've got a couple questions
[5:10:16] I want to ask.
[5:10:18] ask the administration, I don't
[5:10:20] know if you have answers or not
[5:10:21] and if you don't I understand
[5:10:23] but the countywide general fund
[5:10:27] moved from 8.514 million
[5:10:27] surplus.
[5:10:29] What it would be now I assume
[5:10:34] last year to a deficit of 123
[5:10:35] million in one year, tell me
[5:10:41] why such a disparity or change.
[5:10:43] I mean, that's a big change.
[5:10:45] I understand change but that's
[5:10:49] a big one.
[5:10:51] >> your first number, could you
[5:10:55] say it again.
[5:10:56] >>commissioner bermudez: I
[5:10:58] don't have the book in front of
[5:11:05] me but surplus of 8.514 million
[5:11:05] .
[5:11:07] Basically year 2026, 2027 but
[5:11:08] now as I understand it there is
[5:11:10] a deficit of 123 million or
[5:11:11] more.
[5:11:12] Once the primary reason and we
[5:11:15] know costs have gone up by
[5:11:20] certain things but from your
[5:11:20] perspective.
[5:11:22] >> first of all, ray baker
[5:11:23] budget director.
[5:11:25] If you're looking at the
[5:11:34] five-year plan.
[5:11:35] Five-year plan on the
[5:11:37] countywide and umpsa for the
[5:11:39] last few years has shown we are
[5:11:45] essentially projecting a
[5:11:47] shortfall each year as we go
[5:11:49] into it and what's driving that
[5:11:50] is exactly the things we've
[5:11:52] proposed in the budget, rising
[5:11:54] costs, lower revenues.
[5:11:56] We saw our property tax values
[5:11:57] go down from 12% just a few
[5:12:02] years ago on the countywide
[5:12:04] increase all the way down to
[5:12:05] 5.4% this year and we see
[5:12:07] things like transit shortfall
[5:12:07] we have.
[5:12:09] Trying to plug the gap on those
[5:12:11] as a recurring shortfall and we
[5:12:13] are trying to plug each year
[5:12:14] now.
[5:12:16] >>commissioner bermudez: maybe
[5:12:19] that's not something we can get
[5:12:21] an answer to tonight but we
[5:12:23] have to close the gap and I
[5:12:24] don't believe it can happen
[5:12:26] dimly during the budget season.
[5:12:28] There has to be real thought
[5:12:29] given to this if we are going
[5:12:31] to go out which we should.
[5:12:33] And anticipate what can or
[5:12:34] cannot change.
[5:12:38] So I just want to, I'd like to
[5:12:45] hear eventually how are we
[5:12:46] going to close this gap and
[5:12:48] have those discussions
[5:12:49] constantly instead of at the
[5:12:51] last moment because that's just
[5:12:54] a tremendous difference, such a
[5:12:56] big difference that things will
[5:12:58] unless something drastic
[5:13:03] changes, it's just not going to
[5:13:04] be good for anybody.
[5:13:06] The other thing I've got
[5:13:07] questions about the reserves,
[5:13:12] which is how much if any of the
[5:13:14] reserves are available to close
[5:13:34] the future operating budget.
[5:13:37] >> currently we have about nine
[5:13:38] days operating capital and
[5:13:40] reserves which we think is a
[5:13:41] very low amount.
[5:13:42] That's basically when you
[5:13:44] consider fema has changed its
[5:13:46] reimbursement rules during the
[5:13:47] hurricane emergency from what
[5:13:49] we used to expect 90%
[5:13:51] reimbursement down to 75 so we
[5:13:52] think that nine days reserves
[5:13:53] is low.
[5:13:55] And we think we should add to
[5:13:56] those reserves anyway we can
[5:13:58] versus using reserves to fill
[5:13:59] in the other holes.
[5:14:00] >>.
[5:14:02] >>commissioner bermudez: I
[5:14:03] understand that.
[5:14:05] And phenol we don't control,
[5:14:06] but at any funds been added or
[5:14:08] withdrawn from the countywide
[5:14:09] or reserves during the last
[5:14:10] five fiscal years?
[5:14:18] Did you have those numbers?
[5:14:20] >> we did add 11 million to our
[5:14:21] reserves as part of the
[5:14:23] proposed budget but we will
[5:14:25] double check if there were any
[5:14:30] in the past.
[5:14:32] >>commissioner bermudez: that
[5:14:34] growth of the reserves is it
[5:14:36] going to deliberate annual
[5:14:37] contributions or primarily
[5:14:39] through departmental vacancies,
[5:14:42] there could be delayed projects
[5:14:44] on appropriations or in some
[5:14:51] cases which I doubt higher than
[5:14:51] revenues?
[5:14:53] But if they maybe in some cases
[5:14:54] do you know which one?
[5:14:56] Have you analyzed how that's
[5:14:56] coming from.
[5:14:59] >> I'm not following your
[5:15:01] question.
[5:15:02] >>commissioner bermudez: was
[5:15:16] $11 million, how are we get in?
[5:15:18] >> the best answer is in the
[5:15:20] lines 305 initiative we've been
[5:15:22] working on our departments have
[5:15:24] saved $100 million from their
[5:15:25] projected budget expenditures
[5:15:27] so we carry that over into this
[5:15:28] year.
[5:15:29] And those are based on
[5:15:30] assumptions, the amount going
[5:15:32] into reserves is based on the
[5:15:34] assumption we finish the year
[5:15:35] on the trajectory we think we
[5:15:37] are and the constitutional
[5:15:38] return what we projected they
[5:15:39] return and if all that comes
[5:15:41] out to what our assumptions are
[5:15:43] we can add that much to the
[5:15:45] reserves, obviously if any of
[5:15:46] our assumptions are off either
[5:15:48] way amount will adjust.
[5:15:49] >>commissioner bermudez: we
[5:15:52] need to monitor that with the
[5:15:53] constitutionalist.
[5:15:54] If for some reason those
[5:15:55] reserves were used to close
[5:15:57] this countywide gaps, you know
[5:16:03] how much would remain in
[5:16:03] reserves?
[5:16:05] >> if we reduce the 11 million
[5:16:07] that we are proposing to put in
[5:16:08] this year I think you'd be
[5:16:11] right around 85 million read
[5:16:13] our goal has been to get
[5:16:16] reserves up to the $100 million
[5:16:16] level.
[5:16:25] And for the county of our size,
[5:16:27] generally the recommended level
[5:16:29] of reserves would be around 500
[5:16:30] million so we are significantly
[5:16:43] below where we should be.
[5:16:44] >>commissioner bermudez: I
[5:16:46] guess that question is in a
[5:16:47] sense nonsensical because
[5:16:49] there's no way it will cover
[5:16:50] the amount or what one assumes
[5:16:52] would be reserves but the gaps
[5:16:53] would still be a problem.
[5:16:55] In this five-year forecast, at
[5:16:57] any point is there any
[5:16:58] assumption that the reserves
[5:17:00] will be used to balance
[5:17:06] projected gap difference.
[5:17:08] Okay, the ceos, I don't want to
[5:17:12] get too much into state and I
[5:17:14] feel for the cbo's because they
[5:17:16] do a great job, I still think
[5:17:26] they need to be monitored.
[5:17:28] In many different ways.
[5:17:30] I know you've done a great job
[5:17:32] and I want to thank nana mayor
[5:17:34] and the administration for
[5:17:35] doing that but we do have to
[5:17:37] review them constantly.
[5:17:39] If we know that some of these
[5:17:40] issues MAY occur after JANUARY
[5:17:42] 1 are we making sure that those
[5:17:44] funds number one that they
[5:17:44] comply.
[5:17:46] If we keep on giving them money
[5:17:47] afterwards with the law.
[5:17:50] And number two, if for some
[5:17:58] reason some of those funds are
[5:17:59] not able to be used because of
[5:18:01] a change in the law that will
[5:18:03] be effective the beginning of
[5:18:04] this year are there plans to
[5:18:06] reallocate some of those funds
[5:18:07] back to cover some of the gaps
[5:18:08] we have.
[5:18:12] >> MR. CHAIRMAN.
[5:18:14] Absolutely and sb 1134 you're
[5:18:23] referring to the di bill and
[5:18:25] we've been working closely with
[5:18:27] the county attorney's office to
[5:18:29] understand application of that
[5:18:30] as we move forward.
[5:18:30] Nd wait
[5:18:32] on JANUARY 1, 2027 when the
[5:18:34] bill becomes effective.
[5:18:35] Yes, we will be monitoring
[5:18:37] those, making sure any that
[5:18:40] could not comply with the law
[5:18:42] would not receive funding from
[5:18:43] the county and that in turn
[5:18:45] would potentially allow those
[5:18:47] funds to be reallocated.
[5:18:48] >>commissioner bermudez: I
[5:18:53] wanted to be clear we have to
[5:18:55] follow in my opinion after
[5:18:56] follow-up whatever the state
[5:18:58] says, is not going to be a good
[5:19:00] thing for us and I want to be
[5:19:01] clear on this one I agree with
[5:19:04] the county attorney's office
[5:19:06] interpretation but on overtime
[5:19:08] questions there's significant
[5:19:09] overtime in fire and
[5:19:10] corrections.
[5:19:12] There's also overtime in some
[5:19:13] constitutionalist those three
[5:19:15] and even in the collective, do
[5:19:17] we have a clear number of the
[5:19:20] amount overtime and overtime
[5:19:22] number.
[5:19:23] And to give you a simple
[5:19:29] follow-up do we expect these
[5:19:45] overtime numbers to continue to
[5:19:45] grow?
[5:19:48] >> commissioner, I don't expect
[5:19:49] continued growth but one thing
[5:19:51] to understand, some of this
[5:19:53] overtime is built into our
[5:19:55] collective bargaining
[5:19:55] agreements.
[5:19:57] It cannot get to zero.
[5:19:57] here
[5:19:59] are many provisions in the
[5:20:00] agreement where they have a
[5:20:02] minimum number of hours if they
[5:20:04] do certain things and that's
[5:20:05] normal course of business and
[5:20:07] when you add to that we have a
[5:20:09] very significant shortage
[5:20:11] countywide of professional
[5:20:12] drivers, we have a constant
[5:20:14] training program where we are
[5:20:15] hiring drivers, training them
[5:20:17] to drive our bosses, all our
[5:20:19] heavy equipment and we are
[5:20:21] paying overtime because we are
[5:20:22] always short a driver so
[5:20:24] there's always currently a
[5:20:25] demand on the drivers we have
[5:20:28] so that pushes overtime
[5:20:29] excessively.
[5:20:30] >>mayor cava: I'd like to add
[5:20:32] for example in corrections
[5:20:34] where we saw a major problem a
[5:20:36] few years back adjusted
[5:20:36] salaries.
[5:20:38] Did an aggressive hiring effort
[5:20:40] and significantly reduced
[5:20:41] overtime.
[5:20:42] And.
[5:20:44] >>commissioner bermudez: one of
[5:20:45] the ways overtime could be
[5:20:47] reduced is by sometimes because
[5:20:49] you got to compare how much
[5:20:51] does it cost to fill the open
[5:20:53] position when I'm paying extra
[5:20:55] because I'm not filling this
[5:20:55] position.
[5:20:57] That's kind of the clarity I
[5:20:59] think from my perspective, I
[5:21:00] can't speak for my colleagues I
[5:21:02] think is beneficial that when
[5:21:05] we look at a budget,
[5:21:07] >>mayor cava: would you like us
[5:21:09] to get history on the
[5:21:10] departments that have
[5:21:12] particular overtime as to what
[5:21:14] we've done to address the
[5:21:15] overtime concerns.
[5:21:17] >>commissioner bermudez: you're
[5:21:19] right on point, hiring somebody
[5:21:20] sometimes is better than
[5:21:22] continuing to pay more overtime
[5:21:23] and better for morale.
[5:21:30] And I think it's you know,
[5:21:32] overtime reduction plan being
[5:21:36] something that is cost savings
[5:21:38] I would agree would be a
[5:21:39] wonderful thing but the proof
[5:21:40] is in the pudding.
[5:21:42] Even though next to
[5:21:44] commissioner gilbert you've got
[5:21:46] me a little pudding which is
[5:21:47] good.
[5:21:48] But the proof is in the pudding
[5:21:50] and I think that's something
[5:21:51] from my perspective I went to
[5:21:59] look at.
[5:22:01] And I guess maybe in particular
[5:22:03] in corrections because I know
[5:22:04] there's legally mandated
[5:22:05] staffing requirements.
[5:22:07] I'm assuming we are maintaining
[5:22:09] all those numbers.
[5:22:16] Do you have an exact amount if
[5:22:18] there's any, is there a magic
[5:22:21] number overtime to maintain the
[5:22:22] legally mandated staffing post
[5:22:24] and inmate supervision in
[5:22:25] corrections?
[5:22:26] >>mayor cava: we can get you
[5:22:29] more details but it would be
[5:22:31] good for us to provide you more
[5:22:33] information but I want you to
[5:22:39] remember we were under federal
[5:22:40] supervision and to solve that
[5:22:42] problem which some of it was as
[5:22:44] a result of being understaffed
[5:22:45] we had to look at our salaries,
[5:22:50] are hiring bonuses.
[5:22:52] We did extensive recruitment
[5:22:54] and we were able to bring
[5:22:55] additional staff and now we are
[5:22:57] not having such a problem
[5:22:58] hiring.
[5:22:59] Over time however in the
[5:23:00] corrections system is now the
[5:23:02] result of the very large
[5:23:02] population.
[5:23:06] We are at 5200 inmates which is
[5:23:12] really way beyond what we would
[5:23:13] prefer to manage.
[5:23:15] We are managing it but we have
[5:23:24] to work with our entire law
[5:23:25] enforcement and courts and
[5:23:27] public defender and estate
[5:23:29] attorneys to resolve some of
[5:23:30] those issues and we are
[5:23:32] planning to convene to discuss
[5:23:33] to see how we can resolve some
[5:23:35] of the bottlenecks.
[5:23:36] >>commissioner bermudez: I
[5:23:38] think we are all happy we are
[5:23:40] out of the federal mandate and
[5:23:41] you guys did a good job trying
[5:23:43] to get us out of there and did
[5:23:49] it actually, your whole team
[5:23:51] but I think it's an issue we
[5:23:52] need to look at.
[5:23:52] N the
[5:23:54] illegal dumping, I share,
[5:23:55] senator garcia and I know the
[5:23:57] pain we have in an area we
[5:24:02] share and commissioner bastien
[5:24:04] has a problem in her district
[5:24:06] and there's a number of others
[5:24:08] with problems in their district
[5:24:08] also.
[5:24:10] The only thing I'd like to get
[5:24:12] is, and I think the answer to
[5:24:13] one of my questions has been
[5:24:14] answered.
[5:24:15] There were eight illegal
[5:24:17] dumping cruise and we will
[5:24:18] reduce that to 4.
[5:24:19] We are tracking the complaints
[5:24:25] all along?
[5:24:26] One of the problems we have in
[5:24:28] our district one at least
[5:24:29] between senator garcia and
[5:24:31] mine, one of the problems is
[5:24:33] once you cite them for illegal
[5:24:38] dumping MAY come back again.
[5:24:40] And I think it's not even a
[5:24:41] matter of the time if it's a
[5:24:49] three day cleanup or a dumping
[5:24:50] as in tons collected.
[5:24:52] Are we reducing illegal
[5:24:52] dumping?
[5:24:54] In the end that has to be our
[5:24:54] goal.
[5:25:01] and I want to say the solid
[5:25:03] waste department, she's done a
[5:25:04] fantastic job.
[5:25:06] She knows I can sometimes be a
[5:25:14] harsh critic with tough
[5:25:15] questions but I give her a line
[5:25:18] of credit because she's been
[5:25:20] balancing and as I saw today to
[5:25:21] a certain extent I agree with
[5:25:23] some of the employees that
[5:25:24] spoke today and I think she has
[5:25:26] done, daniel has done a
[5:25:27] fantastic job but I would like
[5:25:29] moving forward if we could get
[5:25:31] this illegal dumping issue
[5:25:33] reported by district, showing
[5:25:35] complaints received, sites
[5:25:37] clean, you might have this
[5:25:37] already.
[5:25:39] I can give you a list of
[5:25:40] things, not for tonight because
[5:25:42] if not we will be here until
[5:25:44] whenever it's something I would
[5:25:45] like to note before the second
[5:25:51] budget hearing.
[5:25:53] Those are most of my questions
[5:25:54] and the other ones I will
[5:25:56] reserved for hopefully the
[5:25:57] meetings we have between now
[5:25:59] and the second real I will tell
[5:26:05] you look, and I know it's tough
[5:26:07] but we went to the
[5:26:08] constitutional officers.
[5:26:10] It makes it much more difficult
[5:26:12] because everybody's got their
[5:26:13] point of view.
[5:26:15] But to me, I do share the
[5:26:21] CHAIRMAN's concern on I believe
[5:26:22] that the security of the
[5:26:23] community is number one.
[5:26:25] That's something I feel very
[5:26:26] strongly about.
[5:26:34] I do believe the infrastructure
[5:26:35] is important.
[5:26:37] And I want to say something
[5:26:39] because today we will talk
[5:26:40] about our own districts which
[5:26:42] is fine and I have a couple
[5:26:44] things I will mention when we
[5:26:46] have motions to talk about the
[5:26:48] district but we've got to stop
[5:26:52] assuming that the impact in one
[5:26:53] district is not representative
[5:26:55] of how the community perceives
[5:26:57] the community as a whole
[5:26:59] somewhere else and very I've
[5:27:01] explained that because it's the
[5:27:02] case, nobody makes this
[5:27:03] distinction.
[5:27:09] When there isn't a real road
[5:27:10] fix in district 2 for example,
[5:27:12] it's still impacts me, but
[5:27:13] there's not one in district 12
[5:27:15] it impacts them, that's not the
[5:27:17] way people perceive it so I
[5:27:19] want to make sure as we move
[5:27:21] forward because this is a
[5:27:22] budget as a whole, we have our
[5:27:24] own interests but we have to
[5:27:26] remember we are in this
[5:27:27] together whether it's a
[5:27:29] district that has no cities
[5:27:37] like your district MR. CHAIRMAN
[5:27:39] or commissioner gonzales
[5:27:41] district or a district that is
[5:27:42] all cities like some
[5:27:44] individuals have here, not me
[5:27:45] because I have an
[5:27:47] unincorporated area but we are
[5:27:48] all in this together with I
[5:27:50] thank you, it's a tough time
[5:27:51] and I think you know, now I'm
[5:27:53] sad he's going to congress
[5:27:54] because he's right.
[5:27:55] E've got
[5:27:57] to look at these things, look
[5:27:58] in the mirror and say these are
[5:28:00] tough decisions to make.
[5:28:01] But that would happen to a
[5:28:02] family.
[5:28:04] It would have into a business
[5:28:06] trip it would happen even to
[5:28:07] some sports teams.
[5:28:09] And you have to look at it and
[5:28:10] say what are we going to do?
[5:28:17] There is a price, there is a
[5:28:17] price.
[5:28:18] For good government.
[5:28:20] There is a price for quality of
[5:28:21] life.
[5:28:23] the question that the 13 of us
[5:28:28] and administration have been
[5:28:30] tasked with is what is the best
[5:28:31] way to do that to rid the
[5:28:32] people that come here rightly
[5:28:34] so are advocating for their
[5:28:34] interests.
[5:28:38] I love culture.
[5:28:52] I love the fact that there was
[5:28:54] lilo cruised at a play in the
[5:28:55] westchester theater but the
[5:28:57] reality is we've got to figure
[5:28:58] out are these things making
[5:29:00] money or not making money, are
[5:29:02] we subsidizing it a certain
[5:29:04] amount or not subsidizing it.
[5:29:05] O we have to figure out
[5:29:06] another way to do it.
[5:29:08] I think there's a lot of work
[5:29:10] to be done between now and the
[5:29:11] second round, that is a good
[5:29:12] start really having said that I
[5:29:14] will tell you moving forward
[5:29:16] this is not an mayor for you
[5:29:18] and the administration, I think
[5:29:20] this is a full year tasked
[5:29:21] always with the numbers we've
[5:29:23] been presented the next 3 to 4
[5:29:25] years and it always should be
[5:29:26] too be honest yet you have
[5:29:28] budget amendments anyway,
[5:29:29] that's natural so I think we
[5:29:31] are going to have to if
[5:29:32] depending what happens with
[5:29:34] that electorate in NOVEMBER we
[5:29:36] are just going to be right back
[5:29:39] here, we are going to have to
[5:29:41] do what commissioner gilbert
[5:29:42] said.
[5:29:43] We're going to have to face
[5:29:45] ourselves and say somebody's
[5:29:49] got to pay the pied piper, no
[5:29:50] pun intended.
[5:29:59] So we have to really and I know
[5:30:00] commissioner lopez has seen
[5:30:02] this at the state, I know he
[5:30:04] talks about tallahassee,
[5:30:06] everybody has to face these and
[5:30:08] it just at local government
[5:30:10] where the rubber meets the road
[5:30:11] where they can yell at you
[5:30:16] about the public's, it becomes
[5:30:18] a little bit more difficult.
[5:30:19] O thank you for the work you
[5:30:30] put in, I hope we can get
[5:30:30] answers.
[5:30:32] I believe this is even no
[5:30:33] matter what votes we take I'm
[5:30:36] sure some will be definitely
[5:30:37] indicative of the report where
[5:30:38] we're going.
[5:30:40] I just want to be clear that
[5:30:41] from my perspective yes,
[5:30:43] security infrastructure and yes
[5:30:45] parks and quality of life are
[5:30:45] important.
[5:30:48] They are again commissioner
[5:30:49] gilbert, I don't know why I
[5:30:51] keep quoting him but he's been
[5:30:51] right.
[5:30:53] A visit to a park for a kid is
[5:30:55] almost as important that the
[5:30:57] fact that a firefighter could
[5:31:00] be there or in my case that
[5:31:02] the, our great firefighters and
[5:31:04] emergency team are there when
[5:31:04] it counts.
[5:31:06] And you can save lives.
[5:31:09] So truthfully and sometimes we
[5:31:19] don't realize that and I don't
[5:31:20] know if the general public
[5:31:22] because nobody wants higher
[5:31:23] taxes, very few people want
[5:31:24] higher taxes.
[5:31:26] It's like the deathknell for
[5:31:27] forget about any politician,
[5:31:30] you can't even, we're having a
[5:31:31] dispute and I'm going to say
[5:31:33] this because the sheriff is
[5:31:33] here.
[5:31:35] I don't have a problem with
[5:31:35] flock cameras.
[5:31:37] I have a problem with somebody
[5:31:43] abusing it and that's a process
[5:31:45] for the sheriff and her
[5:31:46] leadership to say you can't do
[5:31:47] that.
[5:31:50] But you know how many bad guys
[5:31:50] caught?
[5:31:50] A lot.
[5:31:52] i can tell you even when we
[5:31:55] started in doral which is a
[5:32:02] place where there's a lot of
[5:32:04] commercial, a lot of commercial
[5:32:05] thievery going on.
[5:32:06] The scammers helped.
[5:32:09] Now, it's become a midterm
[5:32:10] issue, everybody wants to make
[5:32:12] it a midterm issue, that's
[5:32:14] great for the national
[5:32:16] elections but truthfully I care
[5:32:17] more about security.
[5:32:19] And by the way as my chief of
[5:32:21] staff is want to say we've got
[5:32:22] cameras everywhere.
[5:32:22] Get some
[5:32:24] facets me all the time with
[5:32:25] this new thing we created by
[5:32:27] the schools there's not even a
[5:32:29] school site you get a ticket.
[5:32:32] And as she says there's a
[5:32:33] reason why the tag is on the
[5:32:35] outside of the car not the
[5:32:35] inside.
[5:32:40] So truthfully let's, I'm giving
[5:32:40] marsha credit.
[5:32:42] She is the one that came out
[5:32:43] and says it truthfully.
[5:32:46] And there's a reason why
[5:32:48] there's a bunch of guys on
[5:33:01] amazon trying to block them but
[5:33:03] the problem is we are losing
[5:33:05] common sense because we are
[5:33:06] making decisions based on what
[5:33:08] is the political whim of the
[5:33:10] moment and in this body I'd
[5:33:11] expect us to make decisions in
[5:33:12] the long run.
[5:33:14] Medium and long run not just
[5:33:15] the easy ones and we're
[5:33:17] partially on this problem
[5:33:19] today, not a problem, we are in
[5:33:20] this situation because
[5:33:24] decisions were made that maybe
[5:33:26] assumed, made assumptions, you
[5:33:27] said it so well.
[5:33:28] You said the word assumption
[5:33:30] and you know what happens when
[5:33:31] we assume.
[5:33:32] The bottom line is thank you
[5:33:34] but I have a lot more questions
[5:33:36] but I'll reserve some for
[5:33:38] speaking in private and with my
[5:33:44] colleagues MR. CHAIRMAN I tend
[5:33:46] to have those same 4 issues.
[5:33:48] Those four things as the
[5:33:49] primary concerns across the
[5:33:51] county by the way and I want to
[5:33:53] stress to all of you please
[5:33:53] nobody.
[5:33:55] I know when we are in an
[5:33:56] election it's important but
[5:34:03] after that, nobody knows.
[5:34:05] They don't distinguish between
[5:34:06] you know, there might be a
[5:34:08] neighbor that says I'm going to
[5:34:15] go to the beach but they see us
[5:34:16] collectively.
[5:34:18] They don't see us individually.
[5:34:20] Sometimes as politicians we get
[5:34:21] so excited because it's like
[5:34:23] inside baseball but please when
[5:34:25] we make these decisions let's
[5:34:26] take that into account.
[5:34:28] It's about the whole county.
[5:34:36] Not just one district.
[5:34:38] >>chair: I'm going to jump to
[5:34:39] commissioner from district 5,
[5:34:46] you are recognized.
[5:34:47] >>commissioner lopez: district
[5:34:49] 5 is unique because the only
[5:34:54] area of my district,
[5:35:00] >> wait a minute, move that to
[5:35:01] district 12, it's in a lawsuit,
[5:35:06] don't worry about it.
[5:35:08] >>commissioner lopez: I thought
[5:35:09] you would find that interesting
[5:35:11] so the vast majority of my
[5:35:12] district is divided between the
[5:35:14] city of miami and miami beach
[5:35:15] and it's important that you
[5:35:17] recognize because we've split
[5:35:18] the mainland from the beaches
[5:35:21] and it represents a community
[5:35:37] of very differing economic
[5:35:37] conditions.
[5:35:39] I have some of the poorest
[5:35:41] neighborhoods and some of the
[5:35:43] wealthiest neighborhoods and
[5:35:44] everything in between so
[5:35:46] striking a balance for me is
[5:35:47] looking at ways in which I have
[5:35:49] any jurisdiction in that
[5:35:50] district.
[5:35:52] I'll start out clearly by miami
[5:35:52] beach.
[5:35:54] We together my colleagues have
[5:35:55] jurisdiction over the beaches.
[5:35:57] And if you look at miami beach,
[5:35:59] one of the biggest issues today
[5:36:06] is the issue of sargassum and
[5:36:08] we have a contract for a vendor
[5:36:10] to pick up the sargassum at 4
[5:36:12] critical points that have been
[5:36:13] identified by dep and the rest
[5:36:15] of it that comes to the beaches
[5:36:18] is minced by our beach
[5:36:18] operations.
[5:36:22] And unfortunately we've had the
[5:36:29] largest, we had 9000 tons of
[5:36:31] sargassum in JULY and in AUGUST
[5:36:34] we had almost 7500 tons.
[5:36:36] The current beach operations is
[5:36:38] not cutting it and it's not
[5:36:40] only impacting the residents
[5:36:45] that live amongst the beaches
[5:36:47] in my district because they
[5:36:49] can't open their doors because
[5:36:54] of the smell.
[5:36:56] They can't enjoy the beach
[5:36:57] because it's not only in the
[5:36:59] water, it's also on the beach
[5:37:01] and it's complicated by the
[5:37:02] fact we have sea turtles during
[5:37:04] this time we can't be raking
[5:37:06] and mincing while they are
[5:37:07] doing what they need to be
[5:37:08] doing to harvest.
[5:37:11] So I think we have to look,
[5:37:13] sometimes it's difficult
[5:37:14] because if you're not
[5:37:16] experiencing this in your
[5:37:17] district you don't know about
[5:37:25] it but it's impacting our
[5:37:25] tourism.
[5:37:27] So I need to see in this
[5:37:28] budget, I met with beach
[5:37:30] operations and I was grateful
[5:37:31] they were able to tell me that
[5:37:34] if they had more equipment they
[5:37:35] could minced more so that means
[5:37:37] we would be able to get more of
[5:37:39] the sargassum off the beaches
[5:37:41] quickly and dispose of it
[5:37:41] properly.
[5:37:43] That's one of the biggest
[5:37:49] issues I'm facing on the beach
[5:37:51] and I know my colleague
[5:37:53] commissioner steinberg is
[5:37:54] facing the same situation so
[5:37:56] you MAY not be talking about
[5:37:57] that but that's all our
[5:37:58] residents on the beach are
[5:38:00] talking about particularly in
[5:38:01] mid beach where we have a
[5:38:03] critical crisis of this.
[5:38:05] I also have few single-family
[5:38:05] homes.
[5:38:07] I have 825 condo associations
[5:38:09] in my district and for them the
[5:38:17] recertification process usually
[5:38:19] brings very large special
[5:38:19] assessments.
[5:38:21] So I'm grateful the county has
[5:38:23] what is known as that condo
[5:38:24] special assessment program
[5:38:26] because it's permitted people
[5:38:28] who are facing very large
[5:38:29] assessments to be able to apply
[5:38:35] if they make up to 140% ami to
[5:38:37] be able to take out an interest
[5:38:38] free loan up to $50,000 which
[5:38:40] will help keep many of the
[5:38:41] people especially retirees in
[5:38:43] their unit while they complete
[5:38:44] the assessment process so
[5:38:46] that's been a huge issue for us
[5:38:48] and we hope we can increase
[5:38:50] that because that fund has been
[5:38:51] incredibly successful in
[5:38:53] keeping people in their homes.
[5:38:55] I also want to discuss, first
[5:38:57] of all I'd like to thank our
[5:38:59] police unions, the pba, fire
[5:39:00] unions more importantly in the
[5:39:02] last couple of days I've been
[5:39:11] working with the local 199 and
[5:39:12] 32 and they brought to my
[5:39:14] attention because it never
[5:39:15] ceases to amaze me how quickly
[5:39:24] we try to kind of fill a budget
[5:39:25] gap by getting rid of our
[5:39:27] workers, our essential workers
[5:39:29] and when I look at the role of
[5:39:30] government I think it's
[5:39:32] important we understand first
[5:39:34] priorities we have should be
[5:39:35] providing essential services,
[5:39:37] police, fire, water and sewer,
[5:39:39] solid waste, transportation so
[5:39:43] it doesn't make sense I want to
[5:39:45] add a time when so many of our
[5:39:47] residents are facing such an
[5:39:59] affordability crisis that the
[5:40:00] solution would be too put even
[5:40:02] more people out of work who
[5:40:03] have mortgages, who have
[5:40:05] families to support so I will
[5:40:07] urge the administration please
[5:40:09] to find ways in which we find
[5:40:10] savings somewhere else.
[5:40:12] Certainly the unions are
[5:40:14] concerned but management is
[5:40:15] making lots of money and they
[5:40:17] have expressed they need to see
[5:40:19] some parity so that their
[5:40:20] workers are not put out in the
[5:40:29] street but in fact I think can
[5:40:31] you well imagine what residents
[5:40:33] would do if there are solid
[5:40:34] waste is not picked up.
[5:40:36] Think of the anarchy in the
[5:40:37] streets so to me that's one of
[5:40:39] the most important things we
[5:40:48] can address and I know the
[5:40:50] mayor is committed to looking
[5:40:51] at ways in which to do so.
[5:40:53] The other thing that is
[5:40:54] important in my district, I
[5:40:56] have over 70 senior buildings
[5:40:57] and every time I go to visit
[5:40:59] the seniors their biggest
[5:41:00] complaint is the bus routes.
[5:41:01] It really is.
[5:41:03] If you think seniors have the
[5:41:04] ability to get around without a
[5:41:06] boss, you are sadly mistaken at
[5:41:08] least in district 5 unit they
[5:41:09] use it to go to the doctors,
[5:41:11] the store, they use it to visit
[5:41:13] their families and currently
[5:41:14] there are complaints who will
[5:41:16] imagine what will happen if in
[5:41:20] my district there are 33 bus
[5:41:21] routes, 2 are being eliminated,
[5:41:23] 25 are suffering reductions in
[5:41:25] five will remain the same and
[5:41:27] I'm so grateful to the mayor
[5:41:29] and her leadership team and
[5:41:34] director miller spent a great
[5:41:36] deal of time with me talking
[5:41:37] about this already.
[5:41:37] He's
[5:41:39] committed to going out into my
[5:41:40] district to talk to people who
[5:41:42] MAY not understand first of all
[5:41:43] the bus routes but also that
[5:42:02] they can share what they are
[5:42:04] experiencing currently with
[5:42:06] their bus routes and what would
[5:42:08] happen if they had any further
[5:42:09] reductions so we look forward
[5:42:11] to hosting town hall meetings
[5:42:13] in district 5 to discuss this
[5:42:15] issue that is important but
[5:42:17] it's not only important to
[5:42:17] seniors.
[5:42:19] I have people that work, people
[5:42:21] think district 5 is somehow
[5:42:21] immune.
[5:42:23] I want you to know how many
[5:42:25] people from your districts come
[5:42:27] to work in district 5. A
[5:42:28] financial district is located
[5:42:30] in district 5, parts of
[5:42:31] downtown are in district 5 and
[5:42:33] the entire hospitality district
[5:42:35] of miami beach is in district 5
[5:42:36] in south beach.
[5:42:38] They are using not only the bus
[5:42:40] routes to get to work, they're
[5:42:41] using the metrorail and metro
[5:42:42] mover.
[5:42:44] So it's not just being used by
[5:42:45] wealthy people, it's being used
[5:42:47] by everyday workers traveling
[5:42:49] from all of your districts to
[5:42:51] come into my district to work.
[5:42:54] So I think it's important as
[5:42:56] one of the largest complaints
[5:42:58] we get is the metro mover and
[5:43:00] metrorail and all its ancillary
[5:43:02] services like the elevators and
[5:43:04] escalators are often not
[5:43:05] functioning that is creating a
[5:43:07] problem for people who need to
[5:43:08] get to work on time, get to
[5:43:10] school on time and get to
[5:43:12] doctors appointments on time
[5:43:13] though I hope we will continue
[5:43:15] to invest in the metro mover
[5:43:16] because in my district is one
[5:43:19] of the most important forms of
[5:43:20] transportation that not only
[5:43:23] the residents of district 5 use
[5:43:24] but all your residents
[5:43:26] traveling and working in my
[5:43:27] district.
[5:43:36] I also have experienced for the
[5:43:38] first time I'm seeing elderly
[5:43:39] people on fixed incomes with
[5:43:40] food and securities.
[5:43:42] I am bringing food every time I
[5:43:44] go into a senior center, I'm
[5:43:51] doing more food distributions
[5:43:53] and I think the funding of ceos
[5:43:55] is such an important part of my
[5:43:55] district.
[5:43:57] I have one senior center in
[5:43:59] district 5 on miami beach and
[5:44:00] that is jewish community
[5:44:02] services who every day is
[5:44:04] feeding elderly people and
[5:44:06] providing entertainment they
[5:44:08] need and socialization so thank
[5:44:10] you for making sure they have
[5:44:12] what they need to continue to
[5:44:13] serve the elderly.
[5:44:14] I also want to talk a little
[5:44:16] bit about bde I bill, the
[5:44:17] famous senate bill 1134 and as
[5:44:19] you know I've somewhat taken a
[5:44:21] leadership on this commission
[5:44:22] to try to figure out ways in
[5:44:24] which we are going to address
[5:44:26] this we had it when I look at
[5:44:27] the cbo list I already can tell
[5:44:35] by glancing at it without going
[5:44:36] into much detail about each of
[5:44:38] the cbo programs and activities
[5:44:40] that some of them will run
[5:44:42] afoul to this particular bill.
[5:44:43] So I talked with the mayor
[5:44:45] about it, talked to the county
[5:44:47] attorney's office about it and
[5:44:50] it's incumbent upon us to be
[5:44:51] fair.
[5:44:52] When people see we are
[5:44:53] allocating funds to them they
[5:44:55] believe they are getting that
[5:44:57] funding for an entire fiscal
[5:44:58] year senate bill 1134 takes
[5:45:00] effect JANUARY 1 so I think the
[5:45:02] sooner we can identify those
[5:45:04] agencies that we know for sure
[5:45:07] will not be able to be funded,
[5:45:12] we should at least start
[5:45:14] telling them because what will
[5:45:15] happen is many organizations
[5:45:18] will hire people, they will
[5:45:19] have new programs and cometh
[5:45:25] JANUARY 1 you have to tell them
[5:45:27] you're not able to have this
[5:45:28] money thanks to senate bill
[5:45:30] 1134 so to be fair to those
[5:45:31] cbo's doing much of the work I
[5:45:33] think we have to get to work
[5:45:34] quickly because there will be
[5:45:38] those organizations that in
[5:45:39] fact are clear of this bill and
[5:45:41] then there will be those we
[5:45:42] know absolutely run afoul and
[5:45:50] those in the gray.
[5:45:52] We have to start making
[5:45:53] decisions because the cbo's
[5:45:55] have to make decisions as well
[5:45:57] as those who are serving our
[5:45:59] residents today if they will
[5:46:00] not be able to be funded then
[5:46:01] what?
[5:46:02] That's going to be something we
[5:46:04] will need to look at as we move
[5:46:05] forward.
[5:46:07] And lastly if there's one thing
[5:46:12] we are all facing it's an
[5:46:13] affordability crisis with
[5:46:15] housing and I'm so grateful to
[5:46:17] the leadership of commissioner
[5:46:26] bastien as our CHAIRMAN Of the
[5:46:27] housing community.
[5:46:29] she is leading this with her
[5:46:31] initiatives on ami but we know
[5:46:33] we have an affordable housing
[5:46:34] trust fund, I don't think we
[5:46:36] should be reading it to balance
[5:46:38] the budget, the affordable
[5:46:39] housing trust fund be
[5:46:40] increased.
[5:46:42] We need to find ways to provide
[5:46:44] safe sustainable and affordable
[5:46:45] housing for everyone that lives
[5:46:47] and works in this community and
[5:46:49] we have to look at solutions
[5:46:50] for that and lastly as
[5:46:52] commissioner bermudez said I
[5:46:54] have extraordinary experience
[5:46:56] in housing process which is 10
[5:46:58] times our budget, maybe 20 and
[5:46:59] the way this budget process
[5:47:02] works in my opinion probably
[5:47:03] should be improved.
[5:47:03] F in fact
[5:47:05] the constitutional amendment we
[5:47:12] are facing does in fact pass we
[5:47:14] will have to start budgeting
[5:47:16] much sooner rather than later
[5:47:18] and it's unfortunate because
[5:47:21] what commissioner gilbert said
[5:47:22] today is that we all enjoy a
[5:47:24] quality of life that is funded
[5:47:28] currently but what we collect
[5:47:29] in property taxes.
[5:47:31] If there's going to be such a
[5:47:33] severe reduction we will have
[5:47:35] to make some very hard choices
[5:47:37] here and I believe that will,
[5:47:42] that requires us to begin
[5:47:43] budgeting much sooner so that
[5:47:47] we know what we have to do and
[5:47:49] what services MAY or MAY not
[5:47:54] have to be eliminated but I
[5:47:55] believe it will be a good
[5:47:57] exercise for this commission to
[5:47:59] start setting priorities and I
[5:48:01] don't think we should wait
[5:48:03] until JULY to get the mayor's
[5:48:04] budget, we have to start sooner
[5:48:06] rather than later so thank you
[5:48:10] MR. CHAIRMAN.
[5:48:12] I'd like to thank the mayor or
[5:48:14] leadership team, constitutional
[5:48:16] officers and our public safety
[5:48:22] first responders, thank you so
[5:48:24] much and to the residents that
[5:48:25] came out tonight, if you know
[5:48:27] me you know every voice matters
[5:48:29] and for those of you that live
[5:48:30] in my district thank you so
[5:48:32] much, for those of you watching
[5:48:34] from home thank you.
[5:48:35] Our office is always available
[5:48:37] to hear what you think about
[5:48:39] this budget as we move forward
[5:48:41] into our final budget hearings.
[5:48:43] >>chair: commissioner from
[5:48:45] district 11 you are recognized.
[5:48:46] >>commissioner gonzalez: thank
[5:48:48] you MR. Chair. I'd like to
[5:48:49] start by saying I like the tone
[5:48:51] of this conversation because
[5:48:53] I've said in the past there are
[5:48:55] things that are necessary and
[5:48:56] then there's things that are
[5:48:57] nice to have.
[5:48:59] The primary function of
[5:49:00] government is essential
[5:49:06] services.
[5:49:06] And then some.
[5:49:08] So I submitted some questions
[5:49:10] to the administration so I
[5:49:20] won't ask them now for kionne's
[5:49:22] sake and all of her sake but
[5:49:24] the administration has already
[5:49:25] assured me they are working on
[5:49:27] the answers that I'll have them
[5:49:29] by the end of the week.
[5:49:30] >>mayor cava: through the
[5:49:32] chair, you will have those by
[5:49:35] the end of the evening, sir.
[5:49:37] >>commissioner gonzalez: I
[5:49:37] appreciate it.
[5:49:39] I was highly critical of last
[5:49:40] year's budget.
[5:49:41] Especially the process.
[5:49:48] This summer, when I met with
[5:49:50] the mayor for our first meeting
[5:49:52] and you said I could say this.
[5:49:59] You said I've become more of a
[5:50:01] fiscal conservative and I
[5:50:02] assure you that an mayor we are
[5:50:05] going to help you get there.
[5:50:11] Wise 305 is a good start.
[5:50:16] After last year's discussions
[5:50:17] the administration took
[5:50:20] vacancies and realized those
[5:50:20] savings.
[5:50:23] Ray, I see you.
[5:50:27] Carla denise, I know you're
[5:50:27] trying.
[5:50:30] I see the willingness.
[5:50:31] I see it.
[5:50:35] But we can together and we must
[5:50:38] do more.
[5:50:42] Very respectfully, as of now I
[5:50:44] have a philosophical
[5:50:51] disagreement with the direction
[5:50:53] of proposed budget is taking
[5:50:53] right now.
[5:50:55] Especially with the top three
[5:50:56] issues at I've heard today a
[5:50:57] lot of people care about and
[5:51:07] what I'm hearing on the
[5:51:07] streets.
[5:51:09] See, this is what folks are
[5:51:12] telling me when I go to publix
[5:51:15] or folks that call my office.
[5:51:17] They're saying the top three
[5:51:20] priorities now are public
[5:51:23] safety, endless traffic and the
[5:51:31] high cost of living.
[5:51:33] I'm worried about how this
[5:51:34] budget treats each and every
[5:51:36] one of these points so the
[5:51:38] first and highest duty of
[5:51:39] government as has been said by
[5:51:41] the chair and the mayor is
[5:51:51] public safety.
[5:51:53] Period, full stop.
[5:51:54] Everything else flows from
[5:51:55] there.
[5:51:56] When our children play in the
[5:51:58] streets and in our parks, when
[5:52:00] our spouses, parents, friends
[5:52:02] drive on our streets, and
[5:52:03] businesses are creating jobs,
[5:52:05] when our cbo's go out to help
[5:52:06] the community, when tourists
[5:52:08] visit our beaches and
[5:52:09] amenities, when we are proud to
[5:52:11] host major events, when
[5:52:12] investment flows into
[5:52:14] miami-dade county, it all
[5:52:19] happens because we are kept
[5:52:19] safe.
[5:52:21] The sheriff is asking for the
[5:52:23] resources that are needed to
[5:52:25] carry out this paramount
[5:52:29] mission that miami-dade county
[5:52:30] has for their residents.
[5:52:33] To recruit and retain deputies
[5:52:40] we are losing to better paying
[5:52:41] jurisdictions.
[5:52:42] Now, we've seen with
[5:52:44] corrections what happens when
[5:52:48] we don't have enough men and
[5:52:50] women that are willing to risk
[5:52:52] their lives to keep people
[5:52:52] safe.
[5:52:54] She's asking to improve
[5:52:57] facilities that many of us on
[5:53:01] this day us have seen are
[5:53:01] outdated.
[5:53:03] To bring resources closer to
[5:53:04] the communities that need them
[5:53:13] as commissioner regalado
[5:53:15] pointed out just this week.
[5:53:16] Ust now I learned one of our
[5:53:18] deputies was struck by
[5:53:19] lightning today.
[5:53:21] We are all praying for a speedy
[5:53:23] recovery and for his family but
[5:53:25] folks, when you were coming
[5:53:28] upstairs you saw black shirts.
[5:53:28] On stands.
[5:53:32] Hose black shirts
[5:53:33] downstairs, these aren't just
[5:53:36] empty reminders.
[5:53:38] Each one of those shirts
[5:53:39] represents a body, a soul that
[5:53:44] was lost defending all of us
[5:53:46] and keeping us safe.
[5:53:51] Just this past tuesday we named
[5:53:52] to streets after fallen
[5:53:52] officers.
[5:53:56] These men paid the ultimate
[5:53:57] price.
[5:54:02] And I'm willing to bet
[5:54:03] everything that the green
[5:54:05] shirted men and women you saw
[5:54:07] earlier and tanned shirted
[5:54:09] folks you see in the front and
[5:54:12] in the back, all of them would
[5:54:15] do the same thing.
[5:54:17] Because that's what being a
[5:54:30] sheriff's deputy is all about.
[5:54:32] We must do everything to make
[5:54:33] sure that these brave men and
[5:54:35] women who wear the badge have
[5:54:37] everything they need to face
[5:54:38] danger and keep us all safe.
[5:54:40] This is why I stress the
[5:54:41] sheriff must be fully funded.
[5:54:44] I know the administration is
[5:54:45] working with the sheriff, we
[5:54:47] are all going to roll up our
[5:54:49] sleeves and make sure we can
[5:54:50] get there and I expect the
[5:54:52] issue to be resolved by the
[5:54:58] next budget hearing.
[5:55:00] Let's talk about traffic.
[5:55:02] Raffic is especially bad in
[5:55:04] west kendall, in south dade
[5:55:05] county in the southwest but
[5:55:07] it's a countywide issue.
[5:55:09] In 2002 voters of this county
[5:55:11] taxed themselves to expand
[5:55:11] transit.
[5:55:15] These resources became part of
[5:55:17] the funding strategy for the
[5:55:18] smart plan.
[5:55:20] Yet we learned the smart plan
[5:55:27] is in jeopardy and I quote from
[5:55:28] a MAY memo from the
[5:55:29] administration, the remaining
[5:55:31] corridors of the smart program
[5:55:33] cannot be implemented under the
[5:55:36] current financial trajectory.
[5:55:37] That's a cold dose of reality,
[5:55:39] ladies and gentlemen.
[5:55:41] That is why I'm greatly worried
[5:55:43] this budget takes roughly 89
[5:55:52] million in tid funds, tid funds
[5:55:54] to plug the hole in the
[5:55:54] department.
[5:55:56] The herald called this the
[5:56:06] latest sign miami-dade leaders
[5:56:07] are moving away from efforts to
[5:56:09] build new transit projects as
[5:56:11] they scrambled to keep existing
[5:56:13] operations afloat, that's from
[5:56:14] the miami herald.
[5:56:17] I want to know how this effort
[5:56:19] is going to affect the north
[5:56:21] corridor, a longtime promise
[5:56:23] made to the residence of the
[5:56:25] northern part of the county or
[5:56:27] northeast corridor, the kendall
[5:56:29] corridor is the least advanced.
[5:56:31] Meanwhile there are efforts to
[5:56:33] intensify housing, density
[5:56:35] along kendall drive because
[5:56:37] it's supposed to be part of the
[5:56:40] smart corridor.
[5:56:42] We can't increase density
[5:56:44] without increasing mobility.
[5:56:46] It doesn't make sense, it's
[5:56:49] just not smart and we can't
[5:56:51] increase mobility when we have
[5:56:53] a department that's
[5:56:57] structurally unsound.
[5:56:59] As one of my colleagues so
[5:57:01] eloquently put it not too long
[5:57:11] ago there is a crash coming.
[5:57:12] Dtpw is broken.
[5:57:14] I cannot continue assuming that
[5:57:16] it's going to keep operating in
[5:57:22] the same way.
[5:57:24] Some tough decisions need to be
[5:57:26] made by this body.
[5:57:30] And it's not increasing the gas
[5:57:30] tax.
[5:57:32] This is going to require
[5:57:34] operational changes, folks and
[5:57:35] they are not going to be easy.
[5:57:46] Here's one example.
[5:57:48] Dtpw has a chief internal
[5:57:50] affairs officer supervising
[5:57:52] communications managers who
[5:57:53] supervise a graphic designer
[5:57:55] supervisor and a social media
[5:57:56] manager will also supervise
[5:57:57] others.
[5:57:59] Listen, marketing is important,
[5:58:07] communication is important and
[5:58:09] it's important to keep people
[5:58:11] into the process and keep them
[5:58:13] informed, I'm not saying
[5:58:14] eliminate it completely but
[5:58:16] what I'm saying is do we need
[5:58:18] so many managers and
[5:58:18] supervisors?
[5:58:20] It's just something we need to
[5:58:21] think about.
[5:58:23] We do have an independent
[5:58:25] communications department we
[5:58:31] should consider.
[5:58:33] Here's something else.
[5:58:35] We've seen what happens with
[5:58:36] electric buses and electric
[5:58:36] cars.
[5:58:38] The proposed budget includes
[5:58:40] the purchase of 70 vehicles at
[5:58:41] 8.29 million.
[5:58:43] That's a bit over 118,000 per
[5:58:45] vehicle on average and I
[5:58:46] understand these are not
[5:58:48] necessarily 70 ordinary
[5:58:49] passenger vehicles.
[5:58:49] Ut are
[5:58:51] there opportunities or savings?
[5:58:53] Just things we need to think
[5:58:56] about and work through.
[5:58:58] Additionally that same fleet
[5:58:59] replacement program was
[5:59:01] supposed to help reduce,
[5:59:06] supposed to help reduce
[5:59:07] overtime.
[5:59:08] The same language has been
[5:59:09] included in the past two
[5:59:10] budgets.
[5:59:13] But overtime costs continue to
[5:59:14] increase.
[5:59:16] 17.1 million according to the
[5:59:20] commission auditor, there's an
[5:59:22] overtime reduction plan.
[5:59:25] But the auditor states the plan
[5:59:29] has not been finalized and and
[5:59:31] the anticipated savings have
[5:59:42] not yet been determined.
[5:59:44] Finally, this department has a
[5:59:45] supervisor with 12 directory
[5:59:46] reports.
[5:59:47] It's got chief inflation at the
[5:59:48] top.
[5:59:49] Of the directors 12 direct
[5:59:51] reports, five are chief or
[6:00:00] advisory titles, each managing
[6:00:01] 1 to 3 people.
[6:00:03] Less than half the directors
[6:00:05] span is genuine operational
[6:00:06] management, the rest is staff
[6:00:08] and advisory.
[6:00:10] I'm not saying this is not
[6:00:11] necessary but what I am saying
[6:00:13] is we can look at it and maybe
[6:00:15] these roles can be
[6:00:15] consolidated.
[6:00:17] This brings me to housing.
[6:00:24] Last year I was very critical
[6:00:26] of the use of general funds to
[6:00:27] pay for various positions.
[6:00:29] This proposal will not have any
[6:00:31] funding from the general fund.
[6:00:32] I appreciate that.
[6:00:33] Hcd is doing better with
[6:00:35] section 8, especially with the
[6:00:36] new program manager.
[6:00:38] I don't know where nathan is
[6:00:40] but I appreciate you.
[6:00:42] Volume 2 page 81 in the budget
[6:00:51] book states existing county
[6:00:53] processes create delays that
[6:00:55] impede efficient day-to-day
[6:00:56] operations.
[6:00:58] Something we need to ponder, or
[6:01:00] other departments experiencing
[6:01:02] these delays from other
[6:01:02] processes?
[6:01:05] The narrative states there is
[6:01:09] insufficient and uncertain
[6:01:10] funding by hud to support
[6:01:13] existing programs and
[6:01:13] operations.
[6:01:15] But you are developing a public
[6:01:15] awareness strategy.
[6:01:19] When you have insufficient and
[6:01:23] uncertain funding, I'd like to
[6:01:27] better understand how a public
[6:01:32] awareness campaign leads to the
[6:01:33] construction of more housing
[6:01:38] units because at the end of the
[6:01:39] day I understand communication
[6:01:41] is necessary but like a lot of
[6:01:43] my colleagues on this day is
[6:01:45] have said in the past what we
[6:01:49] need is more housing.
[6:01:51] There is a proposal to spend 2
[6:01:52] million for the eviction
[6:01:54] diversion program, just like
[6:02:08] last year.
[6:02:10] there is no information about
[6:02:11] the organizations that receive
[6:02:13] funds from this program and how
[6:02:15] many clients are served.
[6:02:15] 'm
[6:02:17] not saying it's bad, I'm not
[6:02:18] saying it's good.
[6:02:19] What I'm saying is I want to
[6:02:21] make sure these funds go
[6:02:22] towards helping residents and
[6:02:24] not just outreach in the
[6:02:25] administration and my
[6:02:27] colleagues want to see the same
[6:02:29] thing and finally this
[6:02:31] department has a director and I
[6:02:32] appreciate you with a deputy
[6:02:34] director and five assistant
[6:02:34] directors.
[6:02:36] It could be top-heavy.
[6:02:36] His
[6:02:38] gets me to the larger
[6:02:39] structural issue.
[6:02:40] I've already said wise 305 is a
[6:02:41] good start.
[6:02:43] Last year we saw departmental
[6:02:43] mergers.
[6:02:44] It saved some money, maybe we
[6:02:46] can consolidate more.
[6:02:51] We should wherever that's
[6:02:52] possible.
[6:02:54] And I'm happy to help.
[6:02:55] Several departments have
[6:02:58] duplicated support functions.
[6:03:00] Can some of these be
[6:03:03] centralized, things we can ask.
[6:03:05] We switch healthcare providers
[6:03:07] and were promised 40+ million
[6:03:08] in savings.
[6:03:09] Here are these
[6:03:22] savings reflected?
[6:03:24] It's something we need to
[6:03:26] really really understand.
[6:03:28] Finally this government
[6:03:29] structure needs to change.
[6:03:31] P oid is 22% managerial with
[6:03:31] eight layers.
[6:03:33] Rer is 20% managerial with nine
[6:03:35] layers, wasd is 27% with 13
[6:03:35] layers.
[6:03:53] Structurally, there could be a
[6:03:54] tall hierarchy.
[6:03:55] It elevates costs through
[6:03:57] uneven managerial identity.
[6:03:59] This is why I will be working
[6:04:01] to have an independent firm
[6:04:03] conduct a comprehensive
[6:04:04] organizational efficiency
[6:04:05] review.
[6:04:06] And we're going to do it with
[6:04:07] the private sector.
[6:04:09] I will end with this.
[6:04:09] Here's
[6:04:12] not a single industry and
[6:04:13] commissioner garcia pointed
[6:04:15] this out earlier, not a single
[6:04:16] industry that has not been
[6:04:18] disrupted by innovation and ai.
[6:04:21] Lawyers, doctors, teachers,
[6:04:34] engineers, bankers, you name
[6:04:34] it.
[6:04:36] Everyone has had to embrace the
[6:04:37] change of ai.
[6:04:38] Government had remained in
[6:04:39] human.
[6:04:40] County government today looks
[6:04:42] pretty much the same as it did
[6:04:43] five, 10, 15 years ago.
[6:04:45] What other industry in the
[6:04:47] world can really say that?
[6:04:55] Aside from government.
[6:04:57] Regardless of what happens this
[6:04:59] NOVEMBER with amendment three
[6:05:00] because we have a lot of
[6:05:02] chatter about that, the status
[6:05:04] quo is not sustainable.
[6:05:05] Folks, tax relief for residents
[6:05:07] is going to come.
[6:05:12] It's coming.
[6:05:14] If it doesn't come in NOVEMBER
[6:05:15] it's going to come shortly
[6:05:16] after that.
[6:05:17] Shout out to congressman
[6:05:18] donald.
[6:05:20] But right now, it doesn't seem
[6:05:27] like we are ready for it.
[6:05:29] I do appreciate the strides
[6:05:31] we've made to try to get there
[6:05:32] and you have my commitment I
[6:05:34] will work with you so that we
[6:05:35] can make the tough decisions
[6:05:37] that need to be made so that we
[6:05:38] can be there.
[6:05:40] Thank you.
[6:05:43] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you,
[6:05:46] commissioner regalado, district
[6:05:51] 7, commissioner milian orbis.
[6:05:53] >>commissioner bermudez: she's
[6:05:55] still arriving, let me know
[6:06:02] start
[6:06:03] .
[6:06:04] >>commissioner milian orbis: I
[6:06:06] want to thank everyone who came
[6:06:07] out to speak.
[6:06:09] It was very moving to see the
[6:06:11] testimonies especially from the
[6:06:16] residents of district 6rict 6.
[6:06:18] I heard you at the microphone
[6:06:20] and in your neighborhoods, I
[6:06:21] knocked on doors through
[6:06:23] election season and through
[6:06:25] this process and the number one
[6:06:27] question we get is about taxes.
[6:06:28] Seniors who are afraid I can't
[6:06:30] stay in their homes and the
[6:06:31] homes they have worked a
[6:06:33] lifetime to keep and young
[6:06:34] families who want to stay where
[6:06:36] they were born and raised and
[6:06:38] raise their families here but
[6:06:40] cannot because the tax bill
[6:06:41] insurance has made it
[6:06:42] impossible and that is the lens
[6:06:45] I always bring to these budget
[6:06:46] questions, none mayor thank you
[6:06:48] and your team for working with
[6:06:50] my office, for holding the
[6:06:52] millage flat and that is the
[6:06:56] right starting point.
[6:06:58] Putting public safety first and
[6:07:00] putting real work into
[6:07:02] efficiencies matter, I
[6:07:04] appreciate that your job is to
[6:07:05] propose the budget and ours is
[6:07:10] to own it.
[6:07:12] Every month families across
[6:07:13] miami-dade county sits at the
[6:07:15] kitchen table and to make hard
[6:07:17] choices about what they can
[6:07:19] afford and can't afford and I
[6:07:20] believe county government
[6:07:22] should be held to the same
[6:07:22] standard.
[6:07:24] We owe taxpayers the hard work
[6:07:26] of finding savings, cutting
[6:07:29] waste and controlling spending.
[6:07:30] Protecting services their
[6:07:32] families depend on korean
[6:07:33] miami-dade families are not a
[6:07:35] checkbook and every dollar we
[6:07:36] collect belongs to them.
[6:07:38] So that's the test I apply to
[6:07:39] this $14.3 billion budget.
[6:07:41] This plan still leans on fee
[6:07:42] increases, one-time money and
[6:07:48] habits this board is
[6:07:49] continually warned cannot last
[6:07:51] and we are doing this two
[6:07:53] months before voters decide on
[6:07:53] amendment 3.
[6:07:55] If we want to protect our first
[6:07:56] responders still stand with
[6:07:58] people who pay the bills you
[6:07:59] have to run a tighter
[6:08:01] government now not after
[6:08:08] NOVEMBER, now is the time.
[6:08:10] We've heard everyone say this
[6:08:11] tonight, public safety is the
[6:08:13] first job of county government
[6:08:15] and I fully support our sheriff
[6:08:17] and the men and women out there
[6:08:26] protecting us every single day.
[6:08:28] And I fully believe we should
[6:08:29] fully fund our sheriff's
[6:08:30] office.
[6:08:32] If we can't keep our people
[6:08:33] safe then nothing else we do
[6:08:34] matters.
[6:08:35] I know it's going to take hard
[6:08:37] work to make that happen but
[6:08:39] I'm willing to do that work.
[6:08:40] Between now and SEPTEMBER 17 on
[6:08:43] how to work with this board and
[6:08:45] administration to identify the
[6:08:46] dollars to close the public
[6:08:48] safety gap that is still open.
[6:08:50] I also want the proposed cuts
[6:08:52] restored for the people who use
[6:08:57] those routes, our seniors,
[6:08:59] workers, students, our own
[6:09:01] county workers, airport
[6:09:01] workers.
[6:09:03] They should not lose service so
[6:09:08] we can pay for structural
[6:09:09] problems and I'm committed to
[6:09:11] making that happen.
[6:09:15] The way to do it is not a fair
[6:09:16] hike, it's not a gas tax, is
[6:09:18] not new parking fees, it's
[6:09:20] finding the offset inside our
[6:09:33] government first.
[6:09:35] Department by department so we
[6:09:36] can put those routes back
[6:09:38] without asking working families
[6:09:39] to pay more.
[6:09:41] I'm concerned about repeatedly
[6:09:43] dipping into the tid to cover
[6:09:44] transit operations.
[6:09:46] That fund exists we can cover
[6:09:48] future projects and the memo
[6:09:50] lists a gas tax increase and
[6:09:51] new parking fees as
[6:09:52] alternatives and I do not
[6:09:54] accept making driver's ed
[6:09:55] writers the first answer.
[6:09:57] We can support transit, restore
[6:09:59] service and still refused to
[6:10:00] read our future.
[6:10:01] What we need is a sustainable
[6:10:03] plan and as some of my
[6:10:04] colleagues have said to be
[6:10:06] honest about cuts, honest about
[6:10:08] ridership, honest how we pay
[6:10:15] for service without draining
[6:10:17] the tid or staffing costs on
[6:10:17] our families.
[6:10:19] We need to contain the parts
[6:10:21] that we have and finish what we
[6:10:23] started, for example in my
[6:10:24] district keep the improvements
[6:10:26] moving and finish the work we
[6:10:28] have promised our residents and
[6:10:30] that we are continually asked
[6:10:36] about in our community.
[6:10:38] Finally in the needs in water
[6:10:39] sewer and solid waste are real,
[6:10:41] our drainage collection and
[6:10:42] disposal are not optional.
[6:10:44] Our residents are struggling to
[6:10:46] make ends meet so before we
[6:10:48] raise costs we need to exhaust
[6:10:49] savings.
[6:10:51] The change memo states $121
[6:10:53] million in the-wise 305
[6:10:54] efficiencies.
[6:11:05] That's good.
[6:11:07] Now I would like for you to
[6:11:08] show us what is left on the
[6:11:10] table before another utility
[6:11:12] increase it's the same
[6:11:12] household.
[6:11:14] Let's review the contracts,
[6:11:16] rebid what can be refitted.
[6:11:19] Manage our projects better
[6:11:21] because our residents should
[6:11:23] never be the government's first
[6:11:25] answer when it needs more
[6:11:26] revenue and before this board
[6:11:28] approves another utility
[6:11:30] increase I want to know what
[6:11:31] savings were identified, what
[6:11:33] contracts we can rebid or
[6:11:35] renegotiate what would be the
[6:11:37] combined hit if water sewer
[6:11:38] solid waste all pull up in the
[6:11:39] same year.
[6:11:41] I've said this before every
[6:11:43] commission meeting is a budget
[6:11:44] meeting and this is how I treat
[6:11:45] this job.
[6:11:47] I have a few questions for our
[6:11:48] administration.
[6:11:58] The first the tax collector
[6:11:59] waived $13 million in school
[6:12:01] millage commissions and that is
[6:12:03] not in our budget today so I
[6:12:05] want to ask where is that money
[6:12:06] planned to be going because I
[6:12:08] believe at first and foremost
[6:12:10] it should be used to fund the
[6:12:11] sheriff's office or restore our
[6:12:12] bus services.
[6:12:14] >>vice chair mcghee: you are
[6:12:16] recognized director.
[6:12:18] >> in the second change memo we
[6:12:20] will come back with a full
[6:12:21] reconciliation of the tax
[6:12:27] collector a waiver.
[6:12:28] And our first recommendation
[6:12:30] will be too ensure it goes to
[6:12:32] reserves unless this board
[6:12:33] directs otherwise so that will
[6:12:41] be our plan.
[6:12:42] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[6:12:44] that goes to reserves?
[6:12:45] We should consider making sure
[6:12:47] our sheriff's office has what
[6:12:49] she needs to accomplish her
[6:12:49] goals.
[6:12:51] My second question is this
[6:12:52] budget cuts 303 bus operation
[6:12:57] positions and proposed route
[6:12:57] cuts.
[6:12:59] While the transit over time is
[6:13:00] budgeted at 75 million and up
[6:13:06] to 17 million.
[6:13:08] The department says it has been
[6:13:10] over time reduction plan in
[6:13:12] action but the auditor says
[6:13:14] that plan is not finalized and
[6:13:15] the savings are in the budget
[6:13:17] so why are we cutting the
[6:13:19] service before cutting overtime
[6:13:20] shows up in the budget?
[6:13:22] >>mayor cava: through the chair
[6:13:25] stacy miller will respond.
[6:13:30] >> stacy miller, department of
[6:13:31] public works, could you repeat
[6:13:35] your question.
[6:13:37] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[6:13:38] why are we cutting service
[6:13:41] before savings from overtime is
[6:13:42] accounted for?
[6:13:44] >> our primary proposal for
[6:13:48] cutting overtime is associated
[6:13:50] with our new scheduling system.
[6:13:54] That scheduling system is an in
[6:13:58] three different service ns,
[6:13:59] three lineups we do annually,
[6:14:04] the first is in vember, vember,
[6:14:06] that's already associated so
[6:14:08] all savings associated with
[6:14:09] that are included.
[6:14:11] The next is in is in spring,
[6:14:12] MARCH and the final is in
[6:14:12] summer.
[6:14:30] We don't believe our plan, or
[6:14:32] use of the scheduling tool will
[6:14:34] be fully available to us
[6:14:35] because we are still learning
[6:14:37] the process until next summer.
[6:14:39] unfortunately because we do
[6:14:41] these three lineups we haven't
[6:14:43] realized what those potential
[6:14:44] savings are for the MARCH
[6:14:46] lineup or summer lineup but
[6:14:48] what we can do is presuppose
[6:14:50] what those potential cost
[6:14:52] savings will be without
[6:14:53] scheduling software until we
[6:14:55] actually perform the lineup
[6:14:56] process.
[6:14:57] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[6:14:59] when did you say you would have
[6:15:00] that?
[6:15:01] >> by next summer we anticipate
[6:15:03] fully utilizing the service of
[6:15:04] our new software package.
[6:15:06] >commissioner milian orbis:
[6:15:07] thank you.
[6:15:09] Then I have a question about
[6:15:09] solid waste.
[6:15:11] I know solid waste released the
[6:15:13] scrap act and I wanted to ask
[6:15:14] how much is the marketing
[6:15:18] budget for the scrap act?
[6:15:20] >>mayor cava: excuse me,
[6:15:22] through the chair as I
[6:15:25] suspected, zero.
[6:15:27] We did some social media posts,
[6:15:28] we practiced it and pretty much
[6:15:31] that's how it went.
[6:15:33] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[6:15:34] it's zero?
[6:15:35] It says if you're working on a
[6:15:37] plan next year you launch an
[6:15:42] app, it says it here in the
[6:15:44] book, rolling out the scrap act
[6:15:45] through a targeted bilingual
[6:15:46] strategy.
[6:15:50] >>mayor cava: are lead on
[6:15:51] reducing waste overall is going
[6:15:56] to approach.
[6:16:00] >> I believe your name is at
[6:16:03] the podium at this time.
[6:16:05] >> would you mind repeating the
[6:16:10] question again commissioner?
[6:16:11] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[6:16:13] you launched the scrap act and
[6:16:19] in page 18 it says volume 3,
[6:16:20] that by MARCH 2027 the
[6:16:22] department through its
[6:16:27] marketing budget will
[6:16:29] facilitate the rollout of the
[6:16:30] scrap act through a targeted
[6:16:32] bilingual public education
[6:16:33] strategy etc. So there is
[6:16:35] mention of a marketing budget
[6:16:37] here so my question is what is
[6:16:40] the marketing budget?
[6:16:42] >> currently the marketing
[6:16:44] budget for the scrap act is
[6:16:46] zero dollars.
[6:16:47] Those, though scrap was
[6:16:48] something where piling through
[6:16:51] the innovation authority
[6:16:52] challenge, if we were to expand
[6:16:54] on that pilot we would use
[6:16:58] existing marketing dollars
[6:17:00] already in our existing budget,
[6:17:02] it would not cost additional
[6:17:04] dollars and its dependent on
[6:17:06] the impact and how effective
[6:17:11] the scrap act is so for example
[6:17:12] we currently have outreach
[6:17:14] dollars for other initiatives
[6:17:16] like metrorail ads, things like
[6:17:18] that to help us reduce our
[6:17:29] recycling contamination.
[6:17:31] If we are able to learn the app
[6:17:33] is more effective at reducing
[6:17:36] the recycling contamination we
[6:17:38] would propose moving the funds
[6:17:39] from the billboard ads and
[6:17:41] metrorail ads to help us reduce
[6:17:43] recycling more effectively
[6:17:44] through that type of outreach
[6:17:46] and engagement.
[6:17:47] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[6:17:49] how do you know if it's
[6:17:49] effective?
[6:17:51] >> we do an annual
[6:17:52] contamination study so what
[6:17:54] we're able to do is each route
[6:17:55] on an annual basis each MAY we
[6:17:57] have all the recycling trucks
[6:17:59] go to the vendor and then they
[6:18:00] take a sample and categorized
[6:18:02] the materials to determine
[6:18:04] what's in the trucks and most
[6:18:05] importantly if the residents
[6:18:07] are putting what should or
[6:18:08] shouldn't be in the car and
[6:18:10] that determines our
[6:18:12] contamination rate.
[6:18:14] With scrap because it's an act
[6:18:16] we are able to have essentially
[6:18:18] a gis to see where scrap has
[6:18:23] been deployed so we will be
[6:18:24] able to see okay, this is where
[6:18:32] scrap was most downloaded and
[6:18:35] to be able to crosscheck that
[6:18:36] with the routes contamination
[6:18:38] rate and that will help us
[6:18:40] determine whether it was
[6:18:42] effective in reducing recycling
[6:18:43] contamination.
[6:18:44] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[6:18:45] okay.
[6:18:46] Agree with the workers
[6:18:48] that came from solid waste,
[6:18:50] they matter tremendously.
[6:18:52] Lucky waste got matters
[6:18:53] tremendously and I definitely
[6:18:55] believe they are more important
[6:18:57] than an app so do you have
[6:19:03] staff dedicated to doing this
[6:19:05] or is it your existing social
[6:19:07] media staff, are you adding
[6:19:09] additional resources to make
[6:19:09] this happen?
[6:19:13] I don't know what that
[6:19:14] effectiveness, there MAY be
[6:19:16] other ways to educate folks and
[6:19:18] it says marketing budget so
[6:19:20] that's why I'm concerned about
[6:19:20] that.
[6:19:22] >>mayor cava: through the
[6:19:24] chair, commissioner, recycling
[6:19:25] as improved.
[6:19:27] Not contaminating has approved
[6:19:29] through enforcement and that's
[6:19:31] overall good because our
[6:19:34] landfill has limited space and
[6:19:46] recycling saves us space.
[6:19:48] Current recycling will be at
[6:19:49] capacity in a few years and
[6:19:51] anything we take out-of-town
[6:19:53] costs us more money so this is
[6:19:54] part of an overall approach to
[6:19:56] reducing waste, not only waste
[6:19:57] but our costs.
[6:19:58] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[6:20:00] thank you to the director as
[6:20:00] well.
[6:20:02] I look forward to continuing to
[6:20:04] work with my colleagues and
[6:20:05] administration to make sure
[6:20:07] this budget stands with the
[6:20:08] families of our community,
[6:20:10] thank you MR. Chair.
[6:20:12] >>vice chair mcghee:
[6:20:13] commissioner regalado you are
[6:20:15] up next.
[6:20:17] >>commissioner regalado: let's
[6:20:22] do it, so excited.
[6:20:24] So excited, okay.
[6:20:26] Just making sure I have all my
[6:20:27] motions ready to go here.
[6:20:45] I'm going to start with transit
[6:20:47] because that's just the easiest
[6:20:48] one I think.
[6:20:49] I'm so excited to hear
[6:20:50] commissioner garcia and
[6:20:52] commissioner bermudez with me
[6:20:54] on the mover so I will talk
[6:20:55] about the mover.
[6:20:57] You remember at last year in
[6:20:58] our budget meeting I talked
[6:21:00] about the mover and since then
[6:21:02] I've done research on a lot of
[6:21:03] the things we were told we
[6:21:05] first mentioned that the mover
[6:21:07] was, we will just say it's a
[6:21:07] bad idea.
[6:21:10] I wanted to start with the
[6:21:11] mover and an explanation of
[6:21:13] what we've been able to find
[6:21:15] and getting writing from our
[6:21:16] attorneys, metro mover was
[6:21:18] opened in 1986, currently its
[6:21:19] operation costs for the year
[6:21:24] 2025 was $38,873,953.
[6:21:26] The capital program for the
[6:21:30] mover is 52.682 million and it
[6:21:31] has an unfunded capital need of
[6:21:37] 4.45 million.
[6:21:39] It currently passengers
[6:21:41] boarding metro mover are
[6:21:42] estimated to be 7.3 million
[6:21:43] people.
[6:22:02] so there is a ptp, cit
[6:22:03] reimbursement.
[6:22:05] In year 20 it was 4081, then in
[6:22:07] 2022 we have 505, then 2023
[6:22:08] 605, 2024 605 and in this
[6:22:09] current budget we have a
[6:22:11] reimbursement of 3.2 million
[6:22:13] but there is a discrepancy see
[6:22:14] itt as to our formula.
[6:22:16] That money is not lost if we
[6:22:19] charge for the metro mover.
[6:22:21] It can be reallocated to
[6:22:22] capital for the metro mover and
[6:22:24] we have a $4.4 million unfunded
[6:23:06] mover plan.
[6:23:08] So what should we do with the
[6:23:08] mover?
[6:23:10] Many years ago when a prior
[6:23:12] commission tried to change the
[6:23:13] way we operate the mover,
[6:23:15] barbara jordan was told you
[6:23:16] couldn't operate, couldn't
[6:23:18] charge for the mover because
[6:23:19] the mover had to be free, that
[6:23:21] that was part of the
[6:23:22] half-penny. That is not true.
[6:23:24] The metro mover was added to
[6:23:26] the ordinance, the
[6:23:28] implementation ordinance
[6:23:30] miami-dade county did for the
[6:23:31] half-penny and that ordinance
[6:23:33] can be changed by this board
[6:23:35] and we have it in writing from
[6:23:36] our attorneys.
[6:23:37] If we change that ordinance we
[6:23:39] set the fair and can charge for
[6:23:41] the mover so if we charge let's
[6:23:43] say $1.50 so while we are
[6:23:45] talking about raising fares and
[6:23:46] commissioner gilbert is
[6:23:48] correct, something has to give,
[6:23:50] I've always said we need to
[6:23:51] start with the people not
[6:23:53] paying at all and receiving a
[6:23:55] service at the cost of everyone
[6:23:58] else because the people's
[6:23:59] transportation fund that should
[6:24:01] be funding the smart plan has
[6:24:03] been subsidizing the metro
[6:24:05] mover since 1986 and now that
[6:24:06] it is older and we are
[6:24:07] refurbishing it we are
[6:24:09] subsidizing it all over again
[6:24:11] and as for the comments made
[6:24:12] about our stations and our need
[6:24:14] to fix our stations, I
[6:24:15] personally have fixed my
[6:24:17] stations at grand park with
[6:24:18] developer money, I fixed grove
[6:24:20] central with developer money,
[6:24:22] not ptp, I fixed the link with
[6:24:23] developer money, not ptp.
[6:24:25] I'm fixing south miami with the
[6:24:27] vehicle we created for that
[6:24:28] development so I think this
[6:24:30] idea that we are not fixing our
[6:24:32] stations because we don't have
[6:24:33] more ptp is an issue, we need
[6:24:35] to deal with the zoning piece
[6:24:38] of that when we negotiate our
[6:24:38] tod's.
[6:24:40] That said, let's say we lose a
[6:24:42] million riders because we are
[6:24:43] charging $1.50, that's $9
[6:24:45] million a year we could be
[6:24:47] making from metro mover and you
[6:24:48] could allocate the money you're
[6:24:49] getting from cit currently
[6:24:51] which is 3.2 to fix some of
[6:24:53] those capital projects we have
[6:24:54] at the mover and as we continue
[6:24:56] to redevelop around the mover
[6:24:58] just be mindful we can also
[6:24:59] make it a priority to include
[6:25:01] that in a community benefits
[6:25:03] when we approve those
[6:25:04] developments which I've done in
[6:25:06] my district and we should all
[6:25:08] be doing every time we are
[6:25:10] developing around these
[6:25:10] stations.
[6:25:11] I will have a motion on that, I
[6:25:13] have been talking to a lot of
[6:25:15] folks in downtown and in
[6:25:16] brickell and a lot of people
[6:25:18] want us to charge for the mover
[6:25:20] because they're asking us to
[6:25:22] get our act together and fix
[6:25:23] the escalators and elevators.
[6:25:25] I think we should definitely
[6:25:27] fix the mover and then we can
[6:25:29] have a real conversation about
[6:25:31] the smart plan because the myth
[6:25:32] we cannot charge for the mover
[6:25:34] is just that, a myth and now we
[6:25:35] have it in writing.
[6:25:40] Moving onto different issues in
[6:25:41] transit we are talking about
[6:25:43] the buses, I agree we should
[6:25:45] not cancel the early buses or
[6:25:46] fire our employees but desire
[6:25:48] is a wish unless you have a
[6:25:49] plan so here's my plan.
[6:25:51] Currently if you remember we
[6:26:18] spent $32 million on metro
[6:26:19] connect for 4 years.
[6:26:21] Last year during the budget
[6:26:22] process we agreed we would no
[6:26:24] longer be completely
[6:26:25] subsidizing what was supposed
[6:26:27] to be a rideshare and ends up
[6:26:29] being an independent chauffeur
[6:26:31] for a small group of people.
[6:26:33] Here are the numbers on what's
[6:26:35] happened to metro connect since
[6:26:37] we made the decision last year
[6:26:38] to charge $3.75.
[6:26:39] Currently metro connect up to
[6:26:41] JUNE 2026 at 212,435 rides.
[6:26:43] That was only 8209 unique
[6:26:43] writers.
[6:26:45] At the cost of $3,965,124 and
[6:26:46] eight cents.
[6:26:48] That means the average metro
[6:26:49] connect) Miami-dade county is
[6:26:51] being subsidized at $483 a
[6:26:51] year.
[6:26:53] The bus routes we are currently
[6:26:55] talking about cutting is a
[6:26:57] subsidy of $103-$113 a rider so
[6:26:59] put that in perspective as to
[6:27:01] how much more we are paying for
[6:27:03] unique writers with the metro
[6:27:06] connect system.
[6:27:08] The current budget has metro
[6:27:20] connect at 5.5 million with an
[6:27:21] expected a million to be paid
[6:27:23] by the $3.75 being paid for the
[6:27:25] writers at a total cost to our
[6:27:27] transportation system coming
[6:27:28] straight out of the general
[6:27:30] fund in the amount of 4.5
[6:27:31] million.
[6:27:32] So what is the proposal?
[6:27:34] If I say we're going to cancel
[6:27:36] metro connect you're going to
[6:27:37] lose your minds and even though
[6:27:39] this is popular in my district
[6:27:41] so here's what I'm proposing.
[6:27:42] F we flip it, if we flip the
[6:27:43] dynamic and instead of the
[6:27:49] writer paying $3.75 and the
[6:27:50] county picking up the
[6:27:52] difference for the rest of the
[6:27:53] ride which in some cases is
[6:27:55] very long, do the opposite.
[6:28:02] The county provides a $3.75
[6:28:03] credit and then the writer pays
[6:28:05] the difference, they did this
[6:28:07] at tri-rail for two years,
[6:28:08] works very well.
[6:28:10] You just have to change the
[6:28:11] contract and get them to flip
[6:28:13] the switch and we had people
[6:28:16] using it and the people using
[6:28:18] it for the first and last mile
[6:28:19] that incentivizes them to use
[6:28:21] the technology to get to
[6:28:21] transit.
[6:28:23] We should not be paying for
[6:28:25] $20, $30 rides, that's not
[6:28:27] equitable and for people who
[6:28:28] need to get to a transit
[6:28:40] station at $3.75 is a workable
[6:28:40] incentive.
[6:28:42] That brings us down in terms of
[6:28:44] metro connect to $1 million.
[6:28:46] What does that do to the rest
[6:28:46] of the budget?
[6:28:48] It frees up 3.5 million we can
[6:28:56] then use for the 5 o'clock bus
[6:28:56] routes.
[6:28:58] And I think that's equitable
[6:29:00] because at that point when we
[6:29:02] flip it, what we are doing is
[6:29:03] subsidizing metro connect users
[6:29:05] at $121 per user and that means
[6:29:09] the bus drivers, the bus riders
[6:29:11] that we are cutting that we are
[6:29:13] now removing because we are
[6:29:14] saying paying 113 per writer is
[6:29:16] too much so there subsidy will
[6:29:23] still be less but that bus will
[6:29:24] be available and those folks
[6:29:26] couldn't even get a rideshare
[6:29:28] at five in the morning if they
[6:29:29] wanted to because it's not
[6:29:31] available and it's going to be
[6:29:33] too expensive so I'll have a
[6:29:34] motion for that but I ask you
[6:29:36] all to consider flipping the
[6:29:38] dynamic on metro connect so
[6:29:40] that we can help our bus riders
[6:29:41] and save our county employees
[6:29:45] and invest in our buses and
[6:29:47] speaking of investing in our
[6:29:47] buses.
[6:29:49] In the current plan we still
[6:29:57] have bay lake and we've reduced
[6:29:59] it and thank you stacy but bay
[6:30:00] link is showing up in the
[6:30:02] budget for $233,000 from the
[6:30:04] ptp capital expansion and
[6:30:12] reserve und.
[6:30:14] This is not a viable corridor.
[6:30:15] You were talking earlier about
[6:30:17] the smart corridor and how we
[6:30:19] need to have that conversation
[6:30:20] and I said this last year and
[6:30:22] the year before and I said it
[6:30:24] the year before that, we need
[6:30:26] to stop spending money on a
[6:30:27] corridor or nobody wants, miami
[6:30:29] beach doesn't want it, fdo t
[6:30:30] will not fund it yet we
[6:30:32] continue to plan a corridor or
[6:30:33] we are not going to build.
[6:30:35] I have a motion hopefully, we
[6:30:44] can do the right thing here and
[6:30:45] direct the mayor to take
[6:30:47] whatever is left when we cancel
[6:30:49] the contracts out of baylink of
[6:30:50] the 233,000 and use it for,
[6:30:52] here is an idea, a viable smart
[6:30:53] corridor.
[6:30:55] I think that would be smart for
[6:30:56] a not so smart plan.
[6:30:59] Next up.
[6:31:02] Solid waste.
[6:31:08] So solid waste we have to have
[6:31:10] a serious conversation about
[6:31:17] what we are spending our money
[6:31:18] on.
[6:31:19] I understand the easiest thing
[6:31:21] to do MADAME Mayor and I
[6:31:23] appreciate your candor in doing
[6:31:24] so is to cut the one thing most
[6:31:26] politicians care about and
[6:31:27] that's illegal dumping.
[6:31:29] That being said I think it's an
[6:31:31] opportunity for us to have a
[6:31:33] conversation about what exactly
[6:31:35] is coming out of the ratepayers
[6:31:35] pocket.
[6:31:47] The people who pay for a solid
[6:31:48] waste in the most part or
[6:31:50] people who have a green
[6:31:51] miami-dade county trashcan and
[6:31:53] the problem is we are using
[6:31:55] that money to do a lot of
[6:31:57] different things, not all tied
[6:31:58] to that trashcan.
[6:31:59] When I draw the item so we
[6:32:01] would leave it flat one of the
[6:32:03] things I told you all is
[6:32:04] miami-dade county solid waste
[6:32:06] had picked up the garbage at
[6:32:08] the city of miami, fi assay
[6:32:11] event at the doing of $350,000
[6:32:12] because the city of miami said
[6:32:13] they could not pay it.
[6:32:24] That is not okay.
[6:32:26] One of my motions is asking the
[6:32:28] mayor to send the city of miami
[6:32:28] the bill.
[6:32:30] I don't care if they paid
[6:32:32] through the bayfront trust or
[6:32:33] the dda, I don't care if they
[6:32:35] pay it from the general fund.
[6:32:37] Residents of miami-dade county
[6:32:38] that pay for their trash cans
[6:32:40] should not be paying for the
[6:32:42] city of miami, that is not fair
[6:32:44] because people from everywhere
[6:32:45] went to that and the city of
[6:32:47] miami was supposed to cover
[6:32:52] that and they called us because
[6:32:54] they couldn't do it and we
[6:32:55] picked it up and ate the bill
[6:32:57] and that is not fair so the
[6:32:58] city of miami has to pay
[6:33:00] $350,000 and that can go guess
[6:33:01] where, back to picking up
[6:33:02] illegal garbage.
[6:33:04] Which is where it should have
[6:33:05] been from the beginning.
[6:33:06] O
[6:33:07] continuing with solid waste,
[6:33:14] you all know I love zero waste,
[6:33:15] I am a huge proponent of
[6:33:20] recycling, a huge proponent of
[6:33:20] composting.
[6:33:22] I love some recycled stuff but
[6:33:26] if you go to page 17, of volume
[6:33:28] 3 you're going to find a
[6:33:36] problem and that is currently
[6:33:38] funding the zero waste master
[6:33:40] plan at the tune of $990,500
[6:33:42] out of operating revenue.
[6:33:43] Why is that wrong?
[6:33:48] First of all this operating
[6:33:50] revenue means we are paying it
[6:33:56] out of the trashcan again so
[6:33:58] even though the miami-dade
[6:34:00] county zero waste master plan
[6:34:02] will benefit every single
[6:34:06] resident of miami-dade county,
[6:34:08] not just the people who have a
[6:34:09] green trashcan, again the
[6:34:11] people who have the dream green
[6:34:13] trash cans are the ones paying
[6:34:14] for something that is a
[6:34:15] countywide benefit.
[6:34:17] Also, there was a bill passed
[6:34:24] by senator avila and it said we
[6:34:29] had to be careful spending
[6:34:30] money that had to do with net
[6:34:31] zero.
[6:34:36] So what do I think we should
[6:34:36] do?
[6:34:37] I think that we should fund
[6:34:39] part of this zero waste master
[6:34:41] plan but we should not fund it
[6:34:42] out of these revenues.
[6:34:47] I have an item that moves that
[6:34:49] and that we can take that
[6:34:55] $990,500 and apply it to
[6:34:57] picking up illegal trash.
[6:34:58] Because that makes more sense.
[6:35:09] That makes so much more sense.
[6:35:11] i have been talking to folks
[6:35:12] because obviously how do you
[6:35:14] pay for the zero waste master
[6:35:16] plan, you can apply for grants,
[6:35:18] that's going to take time but I
[6:35:19] did reach out to the goodwill
[6:35:21] so goodwill is having an issue
[6:35:23] finding sites because there's
[6:35:25] so much development and they
[6:35:27] pay $1000 per location month.
[6:35:28] That would be $12,000 so they
[6:35:34] are willing to partner with us
[6:35:36] because they want zero waste
[6:35:36] two.
[6:35:45] They want people to recycle
[6:35:46] clothing and to give things
[6:35:48] away instead of put it in a
[6:35:49] landfill so my proposal is we
[6:35:51] take five solid waste sites,
[6:35:53] partner with goodwill, they're
[6:35:54] willing to pay us $12,000 a
[6:35:56] site for five sites so that
[6:35:56] $60,000 right there.
[6:35:58] That we could put towards the
[6:36:05] zero waste master plan and we
[6:36:07] have someone at the solid waste
[6:36:09] sites where people can donate
[6:36:11] the stuff instead of putting it
[6:36:13] in the trash so guess what, get
[6:36:13] zero waste.
[6:36:15] And you made money instead of
[6:36:16] spending money.
[6:36:26] So keep going.
[6:36:28] I did want to mention something
[6:36:30] before we leave solid waste and
[6:36:36] that is what happened with the
[6:36:36] notice.
[6:36:38] At some point I don't know how
[6:36:39] many of you got the call, I got
[6:36:41] the call after this board
[6:36:43] unanimously approved leaving
[6:36:48] the rate flat.
[6:36:50] The administration decided to
[6:36:52] send out a notice, the cost is
[6:36:55] somewhere between 350,000 up to
[6:36:57] half a million, there's
[6:36:58] differing numbers but the fact
[6:37:00] this board took a position and
[6:37:02] that then the mayor sent a
[6:37:04] letter to everyone saying we
[6:37:05] were going to raise the solid
[6:37:09] waste fee and that cost us
[6:37:11] $350,000 on the low end, half a
[6:37:11] million on the high end that's
[6:37:13] money that could have gone to
[6:37:15] pick up the illegal waste.
[6:37:22] If every time we're going to
[6:37:23] have, we need to figure out
[6:37:25] when we send out these notices
[6:37:27] because we are wasting money,
[6:37:29] not raising the rate so we sent
[6:37:30] everyone that letter, sending
[6:37:41] the notice costs money and we
[6:37:43] sent it before so let's say we
[6:37:45] send 350 so we've spent
[6:37:46] $700,000 sending out letters
[6:37:48] about how much we will charge
[6:37:50] for solid waste when we could
[6:37:51] have, I don't know used that
[6:37:53] money for picking up illegal
[6:37:53] dumping.
[6:37:55] At some point the board needs
[6:37:58] to deal with when that gets
[6:37:58] triggered.
[6:38:00] That's not just because someone
[6:38:02] is thinking about it, it's
[6:38:03] because the board has something
[6:38:05] on the agenda or better yet
[6:38:07] there is consensus on what that
[6:38:09] would look like.
[6:38:11] A few of you talked about
[6:38:22] overtime in solid waste so I'm
[6:38:24] not going to belabor that.
[6:38:26] I will say in solid waste
[6:38:27] there's a travel and
[6:38:28] registration fee, that line
[6:38:29] item is $145,000.
[6:38:31] I get it, last year we got
[6:38:33] advertising, some of the other
[6:38:34] tithing is noticed but in this
[6:38:36] case I think if we are going to
[6:38:38] be talking about firing
[6:38:40] employees and not picking up
[6:38:42] trash you should probably cut
[6:38:45] our travel and registrations.
[6:38:50] In the terms of police, I want
[6:38:52] to thank the sheriff and her
[6:38:55] officers for being here.
[6:38:57] Listen, I am more than happy to
[6:38:58] leave it to the mayor to find
[6:39:01] the money I think one of the
[6:39:02] problems we have here is
[6:39:09] there's a lot of
[6:39:10] miscommunication.
[6:39:11] >chair: I think somebody has
[6:39:13] their mike on, might be
[6:39:14] breathing into it.
[6:39:15] We found the culprit, those are
[6:39:21] little signs.
[6:39:23] >>commissioner gilbert: I'm
[6:39:25] going to MISS You too, let me
[6:39:26] MISS You, be quiet.
[6:39:32] >>commissioner regalado: if we
[6:39:34] would have had a workshop, if
[6:39:43] we would have had a committee
[6:39:44] meeting, that's why we're here
[6:39:46] now, you don't have a workshop,
[6:39:48] don't have a committee, I
[6:39:50] brought my breakfast, this is
[6:39:50] what you get.
[6:39:52] We could have solved these
[6:39:52] problems before.
[6:39:54] I was more than happy to solve
[6:39:55] them before, you decided to do
[6:39:57] it at the last minute, here we
[6:39:57] are.
[6:39:59] This is what we get.
[6:40:00] >>commissioner gilbert: I want
[6:40:02] to hear all your suggestions
[6:40:04] without the editorializing.
[6:40:06] I didn't want to hear theirs
[6:40:08] either but just give me the
[6:40:09] suggestions please.
[6:40:10] >>commissioner regalado: I am
[6:40:22] here solving the problems.
[6:40:24] >>vice chair mcghee: point of
[6:40:25] order, she deserves to finish
[6:40:27] her questions, she's last or
[6:40:29] latest in the discussion, she
[6:40:31] is doing a good job, you didn't
[6:40:32] come up with the idea so let
[6:40:33] her do what she's doing.
[6:40:35] >commissioner regalado: I am
[6:40:38] the one with the solutions.
[6:40:40] Everyone else is making, I'm
[6:40:40] actually suggesting solutions.
[6:40:42] The time we spend here having
[6:40:44] this conversation as the last
[6:40:45] time we will spend at the
[6:40:48] second meeting so I think that
[6:40:50] it's worth the investment and I
[6:40:51] want to thank cleon for being
[6:40:52] such a gentleman.
[6:40:57] He's the best.
[6:40:57] Heart.
[6:41:12] It's a little heart.
[6:41:13] There's love there.
[6:41:15] So back to the sheriff.
[6:41:17] All right, so last year we
[6:41:18] decided to fund the sheriff
[6:41:20] with the rent speed money and
[6:41:29] took a portion of it for the
[6:41:31] bcc aptitude of 4.5 million.
[6:41:33] That's money is there, it's
[6:41:35] still hasn't been allocated to
[6:41:35] our offices.
[6:41:37] There is an interesting cost
[6:41:38] associated with red sea.
[6:41:40] That is about 700,000.
[6:41:45] Rated speed is administered by
[6:41:46] dtpw so what we should consider
[6:41:48] is giving rent speed completely
[6:41:57] to the sheriff.
[6:41:59] Giving the whole kit and
[6:42:00] caboodle, she can administrate
[6:42:02] it and you've got these people
[6:42:04] running around because they
[6:42:05] can't do flock, they can do
[6:42:07] rent speed and that gives us 9
[6:42:07] million.
[6:42:09] Ust $9 million we
[6:42:17] could give to the sheriff.
[6:42:19] So if that's what we want to do
[6:42:21] is support the sheriff absent 9
[6:42:22] million right there.
[6:42:24] That gets her a long way to
[6:42:25] solving some of these problems.
[6:42:27] I think instead of starting to
[6:42:29] pull strings if we really want
[6:42:31] to support the ground now
[6:42:35] instead of the green then I
[6:42:37] think we need to put some of
[6:42:38] our money in.
[6:42:39] All departments cut their
[6:42:41] budgets, we have not cut our
[6:42:43] budget, we have not cut the
[6:42:44] money coming to the board of
[6:42:46] county commissioners so giving
[6:42:48] the sheriff the red speed is
[6:42:50] the right thing to do.
[6:42:52] so happy to present an item
[6:42:59] doing that also.
[6:42:59] Okay.
[6:43:00] Okay, wasd.
[6:43:07] So much with wasd.
[6:43:09] We will get to wasd the rate
[6:43:10] increase but I want to mention
[6:43:12] one thing I've mentioned last
[6:43:14] year that I think needs to come
[6:43:15] up again.
[6:43:17] That is the what we paid to the
[6:43:17] ro.
[6:43:27] Right now we are looking at 3.2
[6:43:27] million.
[6:43:29] We've been talking about
[6:43:29] different options.
[6:43:34] And I think we need to be
[6:43:35] mindful.
[6:43:37] I know there's been
[6:43:40] conversations about having a
[6:43:43] joint meeting with hialeah and
[6:43:44] potentially either resolving it
[6:43:46] with them through dispute
[6:43:48] resolution or bringing a
[6:43:48] lawsuit.
[6:43:51] I think we need to change the
[6:44:09] line item and see about holding
[6:44:11] it, see if we can hold it in
[6:44:13] the courts registry, see what
[6:44:13] we can do.
[6:44:15] I don't think we continue with
[6:44:16] this contract in its current
[6:44:18] form so I have an item to deal
[6:44:20] with our own, we talked about
[6:44:22] it the year before and as we
[6:44:23] look at raising the water rates
[6:44:25] and a million here and a
[6:44:26] million there 3.2 million is a
[6:44:28] lot of money when you look at
[6:44:29] water so we need to look at
[6:44:31] every single contract, that's
[6:44:33] one of the contracts we need to
[6:44:34] look at.
[6:44:35] You move over here, you move
[6:44:36] over there.
[6:44:41] It doesn't bother me a bit.
[6:44:46] I don't, I think it's cute.
[6:44:48] >>commissioner gilbert: I've
[6:44:50] been called cute before.
[6:44:58] >>commissioner regalado: in
[6:45:00] terms of the water I will say a
[6:45:02] water rate I will say this, you
[6:45:04] know I love wasd, I support
[6:45:04] wasd.
[6:45:05] I think six is too high.
[6:45:07] We need to discuss our options
[6:45:16] before we go all the way to six
[6:45:18] and I'm the person that brought
[6:45:20] the item that would take us to
[6:45:21] six but our economic situation
[6:45:24] is different and we could still
[6:45:25] comply with a lot of it without
[6:45:27] going all the way to six.
[6:45:28] For the folks that came to
[6:45:30] speak on del, it's such an
[6:45:32] important program and one of
[6:45:33] the things I wanted to mention
[6:45:35] on E.E.L. Is after this budget
[6:45:37] we go to zero on E.E.L..
[6:45:51] That's why kelly was
[6:45:52] supportive, that's why we need
[6:45:54] to change the conversation in
[6:45:56] terms of how we protect
[6:45:57] endangered lands.
[6:45:59] We can't talk about wetlands,
[6:46:01] we need to have people donate
[6:46:03] the wetlands, pay for the
[6:46:04] restoration and have been paid
[6:46:06] in perpetuity through E.E.L..
[6:46:08] Kelly did that and that's a new
[6:46:09] model we need to start applying
[6:46:11] countywide because we do not
[6:46:13] have the funds to sustain this
[6:46:14] portfolio, I'm working with
[6:46:15] staff to find a recurring
[6:46:17] revenue stream but florida
[6:46:18] makes it difficult for us to
[6:46:20] have different permits, the
[6:46:26] impact fee thing is
[6:46:26] complicated.
[6:46:28] We have several funds that
[6:46:30] cover this and we've been using
[6:46:31] some of the tree trust money to
[6:46:33] do E.E.L. But we need a
[6:46:35] long-term solution for E.E.L.
[6:46:36] And I will continue working on
[6:46:36] it.
[6:46:38] We need to be mindful that when
[6:46:40] different projects come before
[6:46:42] us we also have to try to make
[6:46:43] the community benefit for
[6:46:45] E.E.L. So it's not as easy as
[6:46:47] slopping something on something
[6:46:48] else because the state has
[6:46:50] preempted us when it comes to
[6:46:51] this area and being able to
[6:46:53] raise funds.
[6:47:00] So parks, and direct.
[6:47:02] I want to thank the director
[6:47:07] and administration.
[6:47:09] All things considered you did a
[6:47:09] good job.
[6:47:18] I want to moving the special
[6:47:20] taxing districts out of parks
[6:47:22] and into rer is a smart move so
[6:47:23] I appreciate that.
[6:47:25] The folks doing that have
[6:47:26] always done a good job and one
[6:47:28] of the things that whenever we
[6:47:33] deal with special taxing
[6:47:35] districts they are very well
[6:47:37] administered by the county and
[6:47:39] very fair but I am concerned
[6:47:40] about the special taxing
[6:47:42] district that have cameras.
[6:47:43] There are some special taxing
[6:47:45] districts that have flock
[6:47:46] cameras and that have cameras
[6:47:48] in the reasons they have them
[6:47:50] is because they want the police
[6:48:03] to be able to access them.
[6:48:05] I think between now and the
[6:48:06] next budget we need to figure
[6:48:08] out how that will work because
[6:48:10] I have some in my district and
[6:48:11] there's concern as to what
[6:48:13] happens now with those cameras.
[6:48:15] F there's not going to be a
[6:48:17] monitoring, if we don't know
[6:48:19] where we are or we are putting
[6:48:20] a pin in it we need to notify
[6:48:21] those folks that have those
[6:48:23] special taxing districts, and
[6:48:25] either wind them down or figure
[6:48:26] it out because they shouldn't
[6:48:28] be paying for a service that
[6:48:30] they are not receiving and
[6:48:31] that's been a concern in
[6:48:35] several parts of my district.
[6:48:37] And let me see, I think that's
[6:48:38] mostly it.
[6:48:42] I could keep going but I've got
[6:48:47] more ideas but I know oliver
[6:48:55] wants to go home.
[6:48:57] >>commissioner gilbert: we can
[6:48:59] stay, I just want you to stop
[6:48:59] talking.
[6:49:01] I'm joking MR. CHAIRMAN.
[6:49:02] I'm joking.
[6:49:10] She can keep talking, I was
[6:49:10] joking.
[6:49:12] You made a good point about the
[6:49:14] flock cameras though, I don't
[6:49:15] know what we are doing with
[6:49:17] those, that was a very good
[6:49:19] point and we keep calling them
[6:49:20] flock cameras, it's a brand
[6:49:21] like tissues.
[6:49:23] What are we going to do with
[6:49:23] those?
[6:49:25] That was a very interesting
[6:49:26] thing and long term what
[6:49:28] happens because there is a
[6:49:32] personnel cost that can be
[6:49:33] assigned to the investigative
[6:49:43] stuff that goes with the
[6:49:44] technology.
[6:49:46] >>chair: thank you commissioner
[6:49:48] gilbert, commissioner from
[6:49:49] district 4, we want you to be
[6:49:51] quiet now, commissioner from
[6:49:53] district 4 you are recognized.
[6:49:55] >>commissioner steinberg: I
[6:49:56] apologize ahead of time.
[6:49:58] A couple of interesting things
[6:49:59] were said tonight so there are
[6:50:01] a few things I want to hone in
[6:50:01] on.
[6:50:03] The first is I guess
[6:50:05] commissioner regalado spoke and
[6:50:07] a lot of my thoughts are
[6:50:08] swimming around what you just
[6:50:09] said.
[6:50:16] N terms of transit it's
[6:50:16] interesting.
[6:50:18] There are many early bus routes
[6:50:20] being cut that will be
[6:50:21] detrimental for our workforce
[6:50:23] so obviously I don't think any
[6:50:26] of us support that
[6:50:26] conceptually.
[6:50:28] I want to know have we
[6:50:29] explored, we are talking about
[6:50:47] the fees for using these user
[6:50:48] fees, customers pay fees for
[6:50:50] whatever service they get and
[6:50:51] have you looked at how many of
[6:50:53] the people using some of our
[6:50:55] transit are not necessarily
[6:50:56] residents, maybe tourists,
[6:50:58] people coming to visit, do we
[6:51:00] have a different price point we
[6:51:01] could charge, have we explored
[6:51:03] how we could take advantage so
[6:51:05] we don't have to keep raising
[6:51:07] it on the residence but maybe
[6:51:08] other users who use these
[6:51:10] transit options we could look
[6:51:10] at.
[6:51:12] In terms of the, I don't know,
[6:51:14] is there an answer?
[6:51:16] >>commissioner regalado: can we
[6:51:17] jump in now?
[6:51:19] >>chair: I know you're the
[6:51:21] smartest person sitting on this
[6:51:22] dance, smarter than the mayor
[6:51:24] and her administration but
[6:51:25] we're not going to jump in and
[6:51:27] answer all that.
[6:51:28] >>mayor cava: if I can jump in
[6:51:30] nobody in dtpw is losing jobs
[6:51:35] as a result of this so I want
[6:51:37] to clarify that because several
[6:51:39] of you have mentioned it but
[6:51:41] the director will the issue you
[6:51:43] raised specifically.
[6:51:49] >>chair: you are recognized.
[6:51:50] >>commissioner steinberg: I
[6:51:52] know we are talking about some
[6:51:54] of the routes that might be
[6:51:56] eliminated in the morning hours
[6:51:57] and in my district alone we
[6:51:59] have impact of about $5 million
[6:52:01] cut from the transportation and
[6:52:03] I also know there are about a
[6:52:04] dozen routes that touch my
[6:52:06] district in some capacity in
[6:52:08] those early morning hours and
[6:52:14] some of them are truly
[6:52:15] important because they have
[6:52:17] tourism as a main hub and the
[6:52:19] route to get to met downtown is
[6:52:21] going to be cut in the morning
[6:52:22] so I was wondering if one of
[6:52:25] the costs maybe solutions to
[6:52:27] this issue is also trying to
[6:52:28] understand that end-user.
[6:52:30] How many are workforce that
[6:52:32] rely on this transportation to
[6:52:34] get to work and how much is not
[6:52:42] a workforce end-user, maybe a
[6:52:43] tourist and we can look at the
[6:52:45] pricing and make sure
[6:52:47] miami-dade residents get one
[6:52:48] price point and maybe visitors
[6:52:50] or tourists or other people
[6:52:52] necessarily be not full-time
[6:52:54] residents will pay a different
[6:52:54] price.
[6:52:56] >> thank you for that question.
[6:52:58] Because of the nature of how we
[6:53:00] charge we don't know the
[6:53:08] location of the individual so
[6:53:10] we don't know if they are a
[6:53:12] miami dade county resident, a
[6:53:13] tourist coming here to go to
[6:53:14] work.
[6:53:15] That's not incorporated in the
[6:53:17] purchase of a fair ticket.
[6:53:18] We only know that for
[6:53:20] individuals who receive either
[6:53:22] reduced fair or free fair but
[6:53:24] you tap and go so I don't know
[6:53:26] where you come from if you are
[6:53:30] tapping a credit ard, I don't
[6:53:32] know, I have no means of
[6:53:34] determining your address so
[6:53:36] unfortunately we would have to
[6:53:37] change our process to determine
[6:53:39] where you lived in conjunction
[6:53:41] with how much you paid, that's
[6:53:48] not part of our process today.
[6:53:50] >>commissioner steinberg: it's
[6:53:52] worth exploring to see if the
[6:53:54] technology could be updated to
[6:53:56] determine that because if
[6:53:58] you're using a credit card that
[6:54:00] could potentially be traced
[6:54:01] back to an address of sorts,
[6:54:03] it's something to explore claps
[6:54:05] our current software is not
[6:54:07] capable of doing that, it's
[6:54:08] something we could evaluate as
[6:54:10] we moved to a new fare
[6:54:11] collection system but I do need
[6:54:13] to be mindful of what kind of
[6:54:17] information we do collect
[6:54:19] regarding the use of that
[6:54:19] credit card.
[6:54:22] We have cash transactions as
[6:54:26] well but we could evaluate it.
[6:54:28] >>commissioner steinberg: it's
[6:54:29] frustrating because a few years
[6:54:31] ago everybody was told the
[6:54:33] better bus network would be
[6:54:34] more efficient and reduce
[6:54:36] costs, that's what I was told
[6:54:37] anyway, that's what a lot of
[6:54:39] our residents were told and
[6:54:40] that doesn't seem to be the
[6:54:42] case and I bring that up
[6:54:46] because I'm trying to find a
[6:54:46] solution.
[6:54:48] The reason we have metro
[6:54:50] connect or those other options
[6:54:51] were because we eliminated
[6:54:53] those bus routes to begin with
[6:54:54] realized there was a gap we
[6:54:56] needed to fill so then we
[6:55:06] started getting creative with
[6:55:07] 3d and other modes of
[6:55:09] transportation to make up for
[6:55:11] the routes we eliminated during
[6:55:13] that better bus network of
[6:55:14] transition because we found
[6:55:16] there were shortcomings and we
[6:55:18] found the residents were not
[6:55:19] necessarily better served in
[6:55:21] some capacity, maybe in some
[6:55:23] areas but overall we are in
[6:55:24] this position today so it's
[6:55:26] funny to me that it's almost
[6:55:28] costing us more now and we're
[6:55:29] trying to find a way to
[6:55:30] reconcile that so I wanted to
[6:55:32] say I think we need to do a
[6:55:34] little bit more fine tuning as
[6:55:35] it relates to that because I
[6:55:41] don't know that that's the
[6:55:41] solution.
[6:55:43] i also know as public safety,
[6:55:45] there are a lot of things we
[6:55:46] need to fund but we need to
[6:55:48] make the hard decisions if we
[6:55:49] are going to fund these, how
[6:55:51] are we going to do it, what are
[6:55:52] we willing to do?
[6:55:54] I'm ready, I love the idea
[6:55:56] maybe of the program
[6:55:58] commissioner regalado brought
[6:55:59] up, we could use those dollars
[6:56:01] as one avenue to make up for it
[6:56:03] and I agree, we are all in this
[6:56:04] together.
[6:56:06] In terms of the metro, not the
[6:56:07] metro connect, the metro mover
[6:56:10] you mentioned, what I was told
[6:56:11] when I brought that up was not
[6:56:13] so much that they couldn't
[6:56:15] charge or the infrastructure to
[6:56:17] put in the mechanism in order
[6:56:21] to charge maybe two cost
[6:56:22] prohibitive.
[6:56:23] I'm saying that's what I was
[6:56:25] told, obviously they are going
[6:56:35] to look at that.
[6:56:37] I don't necessarily agree
[6:56:38] moving dollars from any smart
[6:56:40] plan at this time because it
[6:56:42] doesn't necessarily tie you to
[6:56:43] a specific mode of
[6:56:44] transportation, it just talks
[6:56:46] about the fact those are main
[6:56:49] arteries that MAY need transit
[6:56:51] solutions to alleviate the
[6:56:53] traffic and anything we can do
[6:56:55] to alleviate traffic because
[6:56:56] that's a major concern should
[6:56:58] be a number one priority along
[6:57:00] with public safety and parks
[6:57:07] and infrastructure.
[6:57:09] I do have questions for our
[6:57:11] water and sewer department as
[6:57:13] relates to the ocean outfalls.
[6:57:14] That was brought up before,
[6:57:16] ocean outfalls, where are we
[6:57:18] with that, what's happening
[6:57:19] because that's not just part of
[6:57:21] our consent decree but part of
[6:57:23] state mandates and can you
[6:57:25] explain what that is and how we
[6:57:26] are going to be able to fund
[6:57:28] that because I know you brought
[6:57:30] forward a proposal in order to
[6:57:32] fund that but can you explain.
[6:57:34] >> the ocean outfalls
[6:57:35] legislation is a state
[6:57:37] legislation that brent and
[6:57:39] apart from our consent order.
[6:57:41] Florida set in statute in 2008
[6:57:43] directing miami-dade county
[6:57:45] through its ocean outfalls
[6:57:47] legislation to greatly reduce
[6:57:48] its usage of ocean outfall or
[6:57:50] treated wastewater effluent
[6:57:51] also directed us to reduce
[6:57:53] nutrients that go into our bay
[6:57:55] as well as directing us to
[6:57:56] reuse our drinking water.
[6:57:58] When mayor levine cava came in
[6:58:01] office the program was 13%
[6:58:01] complete.
[6:58:03] State law said it had to be
[6:58:04] finished by 2025.
[6:58:05] It is about 50% complete today.
[6:58:09] E meet with dep on a monthly
[6:58:11] basis and update them on the
[6:58:16] status of the work.
[6:58:18] They recognize we've done a
[6:58:20] tremendous amount of work in a
[6:58:21] few years after going a number
[6:58:25] of years without doing much
[6:58:26] work they've not proposed at
[6:58:28] least at this point penalizing
[6:58:30] us but if we signaled in any
[6:58:31] way we were not going to finish
[6:58:33] the work there would be
[6:58:41] consequences to that.
[6:58:43] I've gone to tallahassee myself
[6:58:44] and had senator say to me why
[6:58:46] would be fund anything in
[6:58:47] miami-dade if you're not going
[6:58:49] to comply with ocean outfall
[6:58:51] legislation so we are committed
[6:58:52] to finishing it but the
[6:58:53] challenge to pay for it when
[6:59:02] the previous board that
[6:59:04] submitted the workplan to the
[6:59:05] state for ocean outfall agreed
[6:59:07] to do the projects said they
[6:59:09] would raise the money along the
[6:59:11] way which means every year when
[6:59:12] you need money you have to
[6:59:14] raise it and that's what we are
[6:59:16] doing so we are complying with
[6:59:18] the work plan approved in 2013
[6:59:19] and that is to come to you
[6:59:21] every year and raise the money
[6:59:22] we need to pay and if you don't
[6:59:24] give us the money we will not
[6:59:26] do the work.
[6:59:28] >>commissioner steinberg: then
[6:59:28] what happens?
[6:59:30] >> the state has to decide how
[6:59:32] they penalize us so it's not in
[6:59:34] the legislation how we would be
[6:59:36] penalized, they would have to
[6:59:38] come back not complying, the
[6:59:40] greater consequence is it gives
[6:59:41] lawmakers an excuse not to do
[6:59:43] anything if we're going to
[6:59:44] refuse to follow the law.
[6:59:46] >>mayor cava: if I MAY add the
[6:59:48] funding we received to improve
[6:59:49] the bay, those dollars would be
[6:59:51] at risk if we are violating
[6:59:53] their directive to clean up.
[6:59:55] >> these are things we have to
[6:59:57] make hard decisions and the
[6:59:58] opportune time we need to have
[7:00:00] that conversation so we are not
[7:00:02] putting ourselves at further
[7:00:02] risk.
[7:00:04] It's interesting commissioner
[7:00:11] lopez you brought up sargassum,
[7:00:13] we need to be mindful looking
[7:00:15] at that which is why I passed
[7:00:17] this resolution but the loan
[7:00:19] assessment program that's not
[7:00:21] general tax dollars, that's
[7:00:25] surtax and I want you to know
[7:00:26] it actually is not open right
[7:00:26] now.
[7:00:28] T was only they paused
[7:00:28] that.
[7:00:30] It was open and they had to
[7:00:32] stop the program because they
[7:00:33] needed to make it more
[7:00:35] efficient and they did try to
[7:00:36] prioritize seniors.
[7:00:36] old on,
[7:00:40] it reopened.
[7:00:41] >>commissioner gilbert: could
[7:00:43] you on the back stop talking so
[7:00:45] much because the little bit or
[7:00:46] you could leave.
[7:01:00] But I actually want to hear the
[7:01:01] conversation.
[7:01:03] >>commissioner steinberg: it
[7:01:04] reopened JUNE 1, it was open
[7:01:06] for 30 days over the summer so
[7:01:16] that they could make sure there
[7:01:18] was a backlog, there were lots
[7:01:20] of, this is a great program and
[7:01:21] we know there's a real need
[7:01:23] adjusting the 30 days 518 total
[7:01:24] applications were submitted,
[7:01:26] 261 senior applications were
[7:01:28] submitted and so there's still
[7:01:30] 424 total applications in
[7:01:31] progress and of that 220 our
[7:01:33] senior applications in
[7:01:33] progress.
[7:01:35] So the truth is this is such an
[7:01:40] important lifeline for many
[7:01:41] people that I would like to see
[7:01:43] if there's any other
[7:01:44] opportunity mayor to perhaps
[7:01:49] continue funding that and it's
[7:01:50] surtax dollars, it's part of
[7:01:52] the housing program but to try
[7:01:54] to help fill that necessary gap
[7:02:02] so something to think about.
[7:02:04] And I'll save some of my final
[7:02:06] thoughts but we know our main
[7:02:07] priority are to keep our
[7:02:17] streets clean, to keep them
[7:02:19] safe, to make sure that we are
[7:02:21] doing what we can so through
[7:02:23] that local lens we work through
[7:02:25] so public safety or parks or
[7:02:26] infrastructure needs or roads
[7:02:29] or sidewalks for stormwater
[7:02:36] management, flood mitigation.
[7:02:38] Back to the basics, we need to
[7:02:40] make sure we are looking at the
[7:02:42] basics and making sure we are
[7:02:43] truly looking at the needs to
[7:02:45] have more so then nice to have
[7:02:47] so I'm open to hearing what
[7:02:49] everybody has to say, looking
[7:02:51] forward to hopefully not too
[7:02:52] long of a night but a lot of
[7:02:54] important things were said and
[7:02:56] the sentiment, we are all in
[7:02:57] agreement, it's a matter of how
[7:02:59] we get there and what that
[7:03:00] looks like.
[7:03:02] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[7:03:04] commissioner, next up we have
[7:03:05] commissioner kionne hardemon,
[7:03:07] would you like a few words at
[7:03:12] this moment?
[7:03:14] >> thank you to all the members
[7:03:16] of the public who came and
[7:03:17] spoke to us, there was one
[7:03:19] individual we stood out to me
[7:03:20] representing the organization
[7:03:22] but I thought he did a
[7:03:23] beautiful job so I applaud him
[7:03:26] for his bravery and to
[7:03:27] everybody who came down and
[7:03:29] spoke, to our mayor thank you
[7:03:30] for the work you've put into
[7:03:37] this budget.
[7:03:39] You have scaled back, listened
[7:03:41] to this board when we've said
[7:03:43] find ways to find deficiencies
[7:03:45] and that's reflected in this
[7:03:46] budget so thank you for your
[7:03:48] work and our new budget
[7:03:49] director has done an
[7:03:50] extraordinary job so thank you
[7:03:52] to you director baker, you've
[7:03:54] done great work and been a
[7:03:55] pleasure to work with.
[7:03:57] To all the directors that
[7:03:59] scaled their budgets back and
[7:04:00] did a modest 3% increase I
[7:04:02] think everybody in the
[7:04:04] administration, I thank you for
[7:04:10] recognizing the times we are in
[7:04:12] and I say the times we are in
[7:04:13] because it's an important
[7:04:14] caveat.
[7:04:15] Only in government does the
[7:04:22] budget grow by 450 not million
[7:04:23] dollars and I'll repeat that,
[7:04:25] only in government does a
[7:04:27] budget grow by $450 million and
[7:04:28] people are having a
[7:04:29] conversation about difficult
[7:04:30] times.
[7:04:32] This is not reflective of
[7:04:33] difficult times we had
[7:04:34] difficult times was 2008,
[7:04:36] difficult times is when you
[7:04:38] cannot fund the department
[7:04:39] because you don't have
[7:04:40] sufficient funds.
[7:04:42] Difficult times is not being
[7:04:44] experienced in miami-dade
[7:04:45] county government, our budget
[7:04:57] has grown substantially year
[7:04:59] over year, difficult times are
[7:05:00] being fought by our residents,
[7:05:02] by the taxpayers of miami dade
[7:05:04] county and I know that
[7:05:05] intimately because of the
[7:05:07] thousands of doors I finished
[7:05:08] knocking on and I heard
[7:05:10] colleagues mentioned the number
[7:05:12] one issue I heard of the doors
[7:05:13] in my district is I need some
[7:05:14] sort of relief.
[7:05:16] Gas is extremely expensive,
[7:05:18] milk is through the roof.
[7:05:20] This is the feedback I got
[7:05:22] repeatedly, how will you help
[7:05:23] us make ends meet.
[7:05:24] I think a lot of what my
[7:05:26] colleagues said regarding the
[7:05:28] reality of property tax relief
[7:05:28] is real.
[7:05:29] T whether it passes
[7:05:51] in NOVEMBER or not I think is
[7:05:53] completely inconsequential
[7:05:55] because if it doesn't pass come
[7:05:56] NOVEMBER 3 it is highly likely
[7:05:58] to be back on the legislative
[7:06:00] floor in the next legislative
[7:06:02] session in some form or another
[7:06:03] so we need to be prepared.
[7:06:05] We talk about being future
[7:06:07] ready, there's a lot of
[7:06:09] programs and initiatives that
[7:06:10] focus on future ready and as
[7:06:12] much as I appreciate the budget
[7:06:14] it concerns me we are not
[7:06:15] fiscally future ready.
[7:06:17] there is very little in our
[7:06:18] reserves we talked about
[7:06:19] earlier today if a storm hits
[7:06:21] our county we are going to find
[7:06:23] ourselves in a difficult
[7:06:24] financial position so knowing
[7:06:26] that we are likely to get hit
[7:06:28] with hundreds of millions of
[7:06:29] dollars in forced cutbacks in a
[7:06:31] very short amount of time, I
[7:06:33] think it would have been
[7:06:34] prudent for us to have that
[7:06:36] reflected in this current
[7:06:37] budget showing a messaging that
[7:06:39] we are not in difficult times
[7:06:41] now but we are preparing for
[7:06:43] what we know is likely to come
[7:06:45] and if it doesn't come we have
[7:06:46] a lot of money either in
[7:06:48] reserves or we can do different
[7:06:50] things with but if any
[7:06:51] household knows that hard
[7:06:53] financial times are coming they
[7:06:55] immediately come back in a very
[7:06:56] substantial way and I'm just
[7:06:58] not entirely sure this budget
[7:06:59] reflects that.
[7:07:01] So in addition to reserves and
[7:07:03] my concern whether or not this
[7:07:05] budget is future ready for the
[7:07:07] fiscal perspective I'm also
[7:07:09] very concerned regarding our
[7:07:11] roadways and the transportation
[7:07:12] budget and frankly the future
[7:07:15] it is heading in everybody
[7:07:17] recognizes our budget is not
[7:07:18] sustainable.
[7:07:19] It is at the cliff and we are
[7:07:21] standing over the edge of our
[7:07:23] transportation budget and
[7:07:24] whether it's reorganizing the
[7:07:26] entire organizational structure
[7:07:28] of that department, whether it
[7:07:29] is charging fees on services
[7:07:31] we've never charged before,
[7:07:33] whether it's a modest raise of
[7:07:35] fees to the users of that
[7:07:36] service I do firmly believe we
[7:07:38] have to look at ways to make
[7:07:40] sure our working-class people
[7:07:42] in miami-dade county which are
[7:07:44] the people catching the bus at
[7:07:46] four or 5 o'clock in the
[7:07:48] morning are not losing service.
[7:07:50] Because I talk about this all
[7:07:51] the time, yes we are a
[7:07:53] world-class community in
[7:07:54] miami-dade mayor always on the
[7:07:56] world stage but we have to be
[7:07:58] world-class not just for the
[7:07:59] wealthy for the working class
[7:08:01] and I want to pass a budget
[7:08:09] that reflects that so I look
[7:08:10] forward to working with our
[7:08:11] mayor.
[7:08:12] I don't have a punch list of
[7:08:13] ideas.
[7:08:15] I appreciate my colleagues do,
[7:08:16] that's the work we need to be
[7:08:18] doing and I look forward to
[7:08:19] working with our mayor and we
[7:08:21] will continue to have meetings
[7:08:27] moving into the future.
[7:08:29] Any and all of these ideas need
[7:08:31] at least seven votes I think in
[7:08:33] order to pass so I'm not sure
[7:08:34] what the procedure you plan to
[7:08:36] engage in is going to be.
[7:08:37] If we are throwing out motions
[7:08:39] without memos and the
[7:08:40] consequences being attached
[7:08:42] without being fully briefed
[7:08:43] memo placed in front of us
[7:08:45] showing us what the
[7:08:47] consequences of those decisions
[7:08:48] will be, I'm not sure how I
[7:08:50] will vote but I do know there
[7:08:52] is I think a lot of work that
[7:08:53] needs to be done between now
[7:08:55] and the final hearing regarding
[7:08:57] the priorities we have finding
[7:08:59] a landing place safe and square
[7:09:01] between now and the final
[7:09:03] budget and regarding public
[7:09:04] safety I've said it before and
[7:09:06] I'll say it again, I don't
[7:09:08] think there is a dollar our
[7:09:09] residents pay more thoughtfully
[7:09:11] in their taxes than to public
[7:09:12] safety.
[7:09:13] i've said it before, I'll say
[7:09:14] it again.
[7:09:16] That is the reflective and the
[7:09:18] values of this budget and thank
[7:09:19] you to the mayor for allowing a
[7:09:21] 6% increase versus 3% increase.
[7:09:24] I do think there needs to be a
[7:09:26] compromised position between
[7:09:27] our mayor and sheriff whether
[7:09:38] it that's funding at folder
[7:09:40] 10%, I hope a compromise can be
[7:09:41] reached between now and the
[7:09:43] final budget and I think that's
[7:09:45] a substantial difference
[7:09:47] between this year and last
[7:09:48] year, last year a compromise
[7:09:50] was reached, I'm not sure if it
[7:09:52] will be reached this year, I'm
[7:09:53] hopeful that is accomplished
[7:09:55] but for my district and for my
[7:09:57] priorities, I've said to the
[7:09:58] mayor and I'll say it for us,
[7:10:00] it's the roads in district 8,
[7:10:01] it's the roads in deep south
[7:10:03] dade where taxpayers find it
[7:10:05] difficult to understand how the
[7:10:07] $14.3 billion budget they are
[7:10:08] driving through roads where
[7:10:13] their meals are cracking
[7:10:15] because of how deep the
[7:10:16] potholes are in some of those
[7:10:18] areas so I've had those
[7:10:23] conversations with our mayor, I
[7:10:24] hope we can find creative ways
[7:10:26] to fund what I consider, we
[7:10:28] talk about essential services,
[7:10:30] to be one of the core functions
[7:10:32] of government in addition to
[7:10:34] public safety is providing safe
[7:10:36] roadways for our residents to
[7:10:36] traverse.
[7:10:40] So I think I thank everybody
[7:10:41] again for the work put into
[7:10:43] this budget, it reflects the
[7:10:45] values this board has echoed
[7:10:46] and I thank our mayor moving in
[7:10:48] the right direction.
[7:10:50] I personally would like to see
[7:10:52] greater funding for our roadway
[7:10:55] system in the south dade and i
[7:10:57] absolutely would like to see a
[7:10:59] compromised position reached
[7:11:04] without sheriff's office, thank
[7:11:04] you.
[7:11:06] >>chair: MR. Vice chair.
[7:11:08] >>vice chair mcghee: I will be
[7:11:10] brief, from the podium from the
[7:11:11] well we've heard so many
[7:11:19] different voices and I've
[7:11:20] stated voices do matter.
[7:11:22] Especially for those who come
[7:11:23] here and wait hour after hour,
[7:11:25] gave out opportunities to be
[7:11:27] with their families, spend
[7:11:28] hours on the road, gave up time
[7:11:30] to help with their quality of
[7:11:32] life so I want everyone we
[7:11:33] spoke this evening and earlier
[7:11:39] today to know your voices do
[7:11:41] matter and we actually heard
[7:11:41] them.
[7:11:43] Secondly I'll say to the mayor
[7:11:45] and administration thank you so
[7:11:46] much.
[7:11:47] You've done a great job, great
[7:11:58] starting point.
[7:12:00] Based on the conversations and
[7:12:01] meetings we've had with you in
[7:12:03] my office I want to personally
[7:12:05] and publicly commend you on a
[7:12:06] job well done.
[7:12:08] As relates to the department
[7:12:09] thank you so much.
[7:12:10] I know your work is not done at
[7:12:12] this particular stage, it's
[7:12:14] 12:13 and you're probably going
[7:12:16] to be up by 7:00 A.M. Working
[7:12:17] on these concerns and reality
[7:12:19] checks you've heard so thank
[7:12:21] you so much and I want to thank
[7:12:22] my colleagues were there hard
[7:12:23] work.
[7:12:24] Reading every page of this
[7:12:26] proposed budget ensuring it
[7:12:28] meets the requirements and
[7:12:29] expectation of the people of
[7:12:33] this great county.
[7:12:35] When I told you my remarks
[7:12:36] would be brief is because I
[7:12:38] realized my remarks will be
[7:12:39] found within two words and
[7:12:41] those two words are public
[7:12:41] safety.
[7:12:43] Often times we think public
[7:12:45] safety is just law enforcement
[7:12:47] and I want to make sure we
[7:12:51] correct the record.
[7:12:53] Public safety includes parks,
[7:12:55] public safety also includes
[7:12:56] potholes.
[7:12:58] Public safety includes those
[7:12:59] individuals who are taking care
[7:13:01] of our kids at daycare's.
[7:13:02] Those things and those places
[7:13:04] also should be considered
[7:13:05] public safety.
[7:13:16] I don't want us to lose sight,
[7:13:18] we love our law enforcement, we
[7:13:19] do and I don't want us to lose
[7:13:21] sight of the great men and
[7:13:23] women of our law enforcement
[7:13:24] department because they risk
[7:13:26] their lives each and every day
[7:13:28] for us and I don't think but I
[7:13:30] know we should do everything in
[7:13:32] our power to ensure our sheriff
[7:13:33] as all the resources she needs
[7:13:35] for her men and women to ensure
[7:13:37] we have a safe community.
[7:13:39] But I can't forget the reality
[7:13:42] of the parks.
[7:13:43] Parks in this staff they save a
[7:13:45] lot of lives and these are
[7:13:47] lives you're not going to see
[7:13:48] on a spreadsheet, you're not
[7:13:50] going to be able to count them
[7:13:51] as part of your status report
[7:14:02] but you can measure them and
[7:14:04] the impact they're having on
[7:14:05] future generations, I'm talking
[7:14:07] about kids who leave the school
[7:14:09] bus and find themselves at an
[7:14:10] afterschool event, am talking
[7:14:12] about where kids can go and use
[7:14:14] public wi-fi, on talking about
[7:14:16] where they learn how to swim
[7:14:17] and where they go to feel safe
[7:14:19] and their parents are at work
[7:14:21] so I never want anybody to feel
[7:14:23] when we are speaking about
[7:14:24] public safety that we are
[7:14:27] relegated simply to law
[7:14:28] enforcement.
[7:14:29] None mayor thank you so much
[7:14:31] because I understand your
[7:14:32] commitment to ensuring our
[7:14:34] parks will be recognized and
[7:14:35] are recognized within this
[7:14:37] budget based on the parameters
[7:14:38] we've seen.
[7:14:40] But also I have to tap into the
[7:14:41] reality that essential
[7:14:43] services, essential workers
[7:14:47] without a doubt are the
[7:14:48] backbone of this entire system
[7:14:50] and without them none of this
[7:14:51] stuff would work if we are
[7:14:55] honest with ourselves they need
[7:14:56] raises and not pay cuts.
[7:15:00] Essential workers need raises.
[7:15:01] And not pay cuts.
[7:15:06] The service providers, we think
[7:15:07] service providers are those who
[7:15:19] hold a telephone often and give
[7:15:21] us advice over a phone or
[7:15:22] through a computer.
[7:15:24] That's how we have to find
[7:15:25] service providers.
[7:15:26] But if you want to talk about
[7:15:28] service providers, look at the
[7:15:29] young men and young women who
[7:15:31] get up every morning, aboard a
[7:15:33] truck to come and ensure our
[7:15:35] trash is picked up.
[7:15:36] That's real service.
[7:15:38] Or the bus drivers who have to
[7:15:40] leave their homes at 3:00 A.M.
[7:15:41] In the morning to ensure a 5:00
[7:15:43] A.M. Bus route is active and
[7:15:45] where the bus drivers will
[7:15:50] greet these individuals,
[7:15:51] sometimes the first ones to say
[7:15:53] good morning to them which will
[7:15:58] set their day off in a great
[7:15:58] mood.
[7:16:00] But now I want to talk about
[7:16:01] the essential part of the
[7:16:02] system.
[7:16:03] Essential parts of the system
[7:16:18] are found with those
[7:16:20] community-based organizations.
[7:16:21] Those are the ones I always
[7:16:23] have said and I will stand by
[7:16:24] it, those are the ones always
[7:16:25] doing GOD's work.
[7:16:27] They don't complain, they don't
[7:16:29] make a lot of thoughts, a put
[7:16:31] their heads down and deliver
[7:16:32] results and I want us to
[7:16:34] understand when we are talking
[7:16:36] about essential parts we are
[7:16:38] talking about people who have
[7:16:39] gone to the private sector,
[7:16:41] provided the same services,
[7:16:42] made more money and received
[7:16:44] more accolades but they didn't.
[7:16:46] They chose to simply say GOD
[7:16:47] work needs to be done, we're
[7:16:49] going to substitute what the
[7:16:56] county cannot provide an given
[7:16:57] opportunity to kids who've
[7:16:59] either bed molested, those who
[7:17:00] have run into the criminal
[7:17:02] justice system, as part of a
[7:17:04] head start program, considered
[7:17:06] to be elderly at this moment,
[7:17:07] veterans we need a second
[7:17:09] chance and those young boys and
[7:17:11] young girls who feel left out
[7:17:11] of the system.
[7:17:13] Those are the essential parts
[7:17:15] we have to tap in each and
[7:17:17] every day and finally MR.
[7:17:19] CHAIRMAN, commissioner regalado
[7:17:21] has made some great
[7:17:22] recommendations as relates to
[7:17:24] the emotions I believe she's
[7:17:25] going to bring forth.
[7:17:27] And quite a few of them
[7:17:29] actually I found to be very
[7:17:30] fascinating.
[7:17:32] Fascinating in the sense that a
[7:17:38] few of them have given us real
[7:17:39] solutions to some real
[7:17:40] problems.
[7:17:40] Nd I look forward
[7:17:42] to hearing her motion because I
[7:17:44] do believe I will rush to the
[7:17:45] forefront to second quite a few
[7:17:47] of them because I understand
[7:17:49] that what she has proposed can
[7:17:51] actually work at this moment.
[7:17:53] And I do believe, I do believe
[7:17:55] transportation should not and
[7:18:04] cannot be on the table for cuts
[7:18:06] and the reason being is this.
[7:18:07] I represent the deep south.
[7:18:09] I represent all of florida
[7:18:09] city.
[7:18:11] Exit 1 all the way up and when
[7:18:13] I look at the list of bus
[7:18:14] service cuts I saw 4 bus
[7:18:16] numbers, each one of them
[7:18:28] provides real service to people
[7:18:29] who've been left out of the
[7:18:31] equation not just one time, not
[7:18:33] just 2 times but last time I
[7:18:34] checked it seems like every
[7:18:36] time we had it's difficult for
[7:18:38] me to sit here and agree with
[7:18:39] proposed cuts to bus 35.
[7:18:41] Bus 35 is the bus that takes
[7:18:43] workers out of florida city and
[7:18:46] takes them to the target on 216
[7:18:48] where they can get on the bart,
[7:18:53] transfer to the metrorail,
[7:18:54] transfer to the net over and
[7:18:56] take another bus to the beach
[7:18:59] to provide services to those
[7:19:01] who utilize our hotels.
[7:19:03] These people are not leaving
[7:19:04] their homes at 6:00 A.M.. These
[7:19:06] people are leaving at 4:00 A.M.
[7:19:08] Because if you live in the
[7:19:09] south to leave your home
[7:19:14] anytime after 6:00 A.M. You're
[7:19:16] dead on arrival, it's
[7:19:17] impossible for you to get
[7:19:19] through traffic past 6:00 A.M..
[7:19:22] Then I saw 287, 287 is a bus
[7:19:26] that runs east and west.
[7:19:27] It runs east and west because
[7:19:32] it runs up and down.
[7:19:34] And 152 for those of you who
[7:19:36] know connects country walked to
[7:19:41] the bart and why is that
[7:19:42] important?
[7:19:45] Because 287 takes richmond
[7:19:53] heights workers, bus drivers to
[7:19:54] give them opportunities to tap
[7:19:56] into the vein of our
[7:19:58] transportation system with the
[7:19:59] bart.
[7:20:00] And there was another one, bus
[7:20:01] 52.
[7:20:05] How is it bus 52 can be on this
[7:20:10] list when bus 52 runs down the
[7:20:12] vein of not just goose but it
[7:20:14] touches perrine, not only
[7:20:16] perrine but south miami heights
[7:20:20] not only south miami heights at
[7:20:22] the outer shores of cutler bay.
[7:20:23] Let's be clear, to cut the
[7:20:25] services on bus 52 is to say to
[7:20:36] a working community we don't
[7:20:38] see you and we don't recognize
[7:20:39] you.
[7:20:40] Some of which I would actually
[7:20:42] disagree with you and the
[7:20:44] cutting of the services for bus
[7:20:45] 52 but here's the thing I
[7:20:47] believe really sets everything
[7:20:55] in motion.
[7:20:56] Bus 152, bus 152 also touches
[7:20:58] zoo miami on the weekends.
[7:21:00] That's a bus that also runs
[7:21:02] east and west, it also touches
[7:21:02] country walk.
[7:21:04] When you put all those bus cuts
[7:21:08] together, you just alienated
[7:21:10] approximately 95% of the people
[7:21:14] in district 9 who take the bus
[7:21:16] to provide a quality of life
[7:21:17] for their families.
[7:21:19] That's what it means in terms
[7:21:22] of reality.
[7:21:23] Taken apart, this simply looks
[7:21:25] like you're cutting back two or
[7:21:30] three hours per bus per round
[7:21:32] but collectively when you put
[7:21:34] them altogether it seems like a
[7:21:36] direct attack on the great
[7:21:37] people of south dade, something
[7:21:50] I will not stand for the reason
[7:21:52] I won't stand for it is because
[7:21:53] these are the same people who I
[7:21:55] interact with on a daily basis,
[7:21:57] people I've represented since I
[7:21:59] was in the legislature, people
[7:22:01] I've represented since I was a
[7:22:03] minority leader and some of the
[7:22:04] people who were victims of
[7:22:11] crime when I serve as a
[7:22:12] prosecutor.
[7:22:14] So MR. CHAIRMAN I look forward
[7:22:16] to the discussion and debate,
[7:22:18] the presentations of motions,
[7:22:20] the appreciation of what the
[7:22:21] mayor's office has done and
[7:22:23] what our great men and women in
[7:22:25] uniform do and the great people
[7:22:27] who provide essential hearts to
[7:22:28] the great people in our
[7:22:30] community who need help but I
[7:22:32] don't want us to leave this
[7:22:33] meeting, we're not leaving in
[7:22:35] the evening, this morning, I
[7:22:37] don't want people to leave this
[7:22:39] morning and not appreciate that
[7:22:40] at the end of the day public
[7:22:42] safety has many many tentacles.
[7:22:44] They all include police, parks,
[7:22:46] people and the public servants
[7:22:48] so thank you MR. CHAIRMAN,
[7:22:49] thank you to my colleagues and
[7:22:51] let's get going with those
[7:22:52] motions because I am very
[7:22:54] interested in making sure at
[7:22:56] least we have an opportunity to
[7:22:58] discuss those because your
[7:23:00] emotions will do what I believe
[7:23:02] to be true and that is to give
[7:23:03] strength and power to the
[7:23:05] voices we heard earlier today
[7:23:06] from the well.
[7:23:06] Thank you.
[7:23:09] >>chair: thank you colleagues
[7:23:11] for your effusive and thorough
[7:23:12] remarks, to each and every one
[7:23:13] of you.
[7:23:15] I do think in this is something
[7:23:16] I did last year.
[7:23:18] We did last year and it worked
[7:23:21] out well and be not just asked
[7:23:25] and I remember saying this last
[7:23:27] year and I know commissioner
[7:23:33] regalado said it as well, she
[7:23:35] did it this year is we can't
[7:23:36] just asked for money from the
[7:23:38] administration but we have to
[7:23:38] find it.
[7:23:39] Nd I'm a believer in
[7:23:41] that so I recognize
[7:23:47] commissioner regalado has done.
[7:23:49] I will probably support a lot
[7:23:51] of those motions if I have the
[7:23:53] information of what those
[7:23:56] repercussions would be.
[7:23:58] I will be supporting those
[7:24:00] motions tonight because I need
[7:24:02] the information on unintended
[7:24:03] consequences, some of the
[7:24:05] numbers aren't accurate, for
[7:24:07] example the red speed money, is
[7:24:08] not the numbers that were
[7:24:10] projected, we are at a fraction
[7:24:11] of that.
[7:24:12] Projection for this year will
[7:24:14] be maybe 4 million, four and a
[7:24:16] half-million that comes to the
[7:24:17] county.
[7:24:18] Whereas it was projected much
[7:24:21] much more in a 52, $53 million
[7:24:22] deficit with the sheriff,
[7:24:24] that's a drop in the bucket so
[7:24:30] the numbers are not what was
[7:24:31] predicted to raise from that
[7:24:33] program is and what is coming
[7:24:34] in, real numbers.
[7:24:39] And then so on and so forth, if
[7:24:41] we talk about the metro mover
[7:24:43] and we're going to charge for
[7:24:44] that you said you have a motion
[7:24:46] for the natural mover.
[7:24:48] >>commissioner regalado: I'm
[7:24:51] passing them all out.
[7:24:53] >>chair: there's things we need
[7:24:55] to study before we vote on
[7:24:56] these things but I could get
[7:24:58] behind them a little, we just
[7:25:00] need all information but I'm
[7:25:01] not there without working with
[7:25:03] the administration but with
[7:25:05] that MADAM Attorney could you
[7:25:13] read the first item.
[7:25:15] >> yes MR. Chair, we are on
[7:25:17] item a, ordinance adopting and
[7:25:18] ratifying millage for the
[7:25:20] countywide general fund
[7:25:22] operating budget for the fiscal
[7:25:23] year commencing OCTOBER 1, 2026
[7:25:25] and then SEPTEMBER 30, 2027 and
[7:25:28] budget director as a statement.
[7:25:33] >>chair: you are recognized.
[7:25:40] >> good morning.
[7:25:42] The proposed countywide
[7:25:47] operating millage is 4.754
[7:25:48] mills, 5.63% above the rollback
[7:25:50] rate of 4.3301, proposed
[7:25:56] millage rate generates revenue
[7:25:58] to support services and
[7:26:00] programs provided by miami-dade
[7:26:02] county and constitutional
[7:26:03] offices included in the
[7:26:04] proposed budget.
[7:26:06] >>chair: I will entertain a
[7:26:07] motion on item a, moved by
[7:26:09] commissioner cohen higgins,
[7:26:10] seconded by vice chair.
[7:26:16] Clerk please call the roll.
[7:26:17] >>commissioner gilbert: what
[7:26:19] comes out of this budget?
[7:26:21] I just wanted to make sure.
[7:26:23] >>chair: please call the roll.
[7:26:27] >>commissioner bastien:
[7:26:29] >>commissioner bermudez:
[7:26:31] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[7:26:31] for.
[7:26:33] >>senator garcia:
[7:26:42] >>commissioner gilbert: no.
[7:26:45] >>commissioner gonzalez: no.
[7:26:47] >>commissioner hardemon:
[7:26:49] >>commissioner lopez: yes.
[7:26:52] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[7:26:56] >>commissioner regalado: yes.
[7:26:58] >>commissioner steinberg:
[7:27:00] >>vice chair mcghee: no.
[7:27:04] >>chair: I vote yes.
[7:27:15] >> motion passes 9 to 4.
[7:27:17] >>chair: read the next item.
[7:27:19] >> item b approves and ratifies
[7:27:21] millage for countywide bounded
[7:27:23] debt service for fiscal year
[7:27:24] commencing OCTOBER 1, 2026
[7:27:26] ending SEPTEMBER 30 27 and
[7:27:27] budget director has a
[7:27:28] statement.
[7:27:29] >> proposed countywide debt
[7:27:31] service millage is 3.937 mills,
[7:27:37] .3042 mills for countywide
[7:27:38] service including building
[7:27:40] better communities bond program
[7:27:42] and safe neighborhoods parks
[7:27:43] program and.0859 mills for the
[7:27:45] public health trust building
[7:27:46] bond program.
[7:27:48] >>chair: we have a motion to
[7:27:50] entertain at this time, second
[7:27:52] by commissioner bastien, any
[7:27:54] amendments or discussion,
[7:27:55] seeing none clerk called a
[7:27:56] role.
[7:27:58] >>commissioner bermudez:
[7:28:00] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[7:28:00] for.
[7:28:02] >>senator garcia:
[7:28:05] >>commissioner gilbert: yes.
[7:28:07] >>commissioner gonzalez: no.
[7:28:09] >>commissioner hardemon:
[7:28:11] >>commissioner lopez: yes.
[7:28:13] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[7:28:15] >>commissioner regalado:
[7:28:17] >>commissioner steinberg:
[7:28:19] >>commissioner bastien:
[7:28:21] >>vice chair mcghee: yes.
[7:28:24] >>chair: I vote yes.
[7:28:31] >> motion passes 12 one.
[7:28:32] >>chair: read the next item,
[7:28:34] some of my colleagues MAY have
[7:28:42] to bifurcate this item, item c.
[7:28:44] >> ordinance adopting the
[7:28:45] countywide general fund budget
[7:28:47] for fiscal year commencing
[7:28:49] OCTOBER 1, 2026 ending
[7:28:50] SEPTEMBER 30, 2027, this item
[7:28:52] will need to be approved as
[7:28:54] amended to incorporate the
[7:28:55] mayor's memorandum dating
[7:29:02] SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 titled
[7:29:04] information for first budget
[7:29:05] hearing fiscal year 2026 27
[7:29:07] proposed budget, I understand
[7:29:09] you will take up various
[7:29:10] motions later but for now we
[7:29:12] need to bifurcate for some
[7:29:13] potential conflicts.
[7:29:15] Both senator garcia and
[7:29:16] commissioner mcghee will need
[7:29:18] to bifurcate, I believe it's
[7:29:20] the non-legacy portion of the
[7:29:23] attachment to the first changes
[7:29:25] memo, the non-legacy cbo
[7:29:28] portion so senator garcia and
[7:29:30] commissioner mcghee each have a
[7:29:38] statement to be.
[7:29:40] >>senator garcia: I MAY have a
[7:29:42] conflict of interest regarding
[7:29:44] allegations of finding for the
[7:29:50] nonprofit legacy cbo and it
[7:29:52] should include attachment c of
[7:29:54] the mayor's memorandum dated
[7:29:55] SEPTEMBER 30, I sit on the
[7:29:57] board of directors of the
[7:29:59] behavioral health network a
[7:30:00] not-for-profit organization
[7:30:02] that is a beneficiary of
[7:30:04] funding and an abundance of
[7:30:05] caution I will abstain and
[7:30:07] remove myself from chambers
[7:30:10] while the matter is considered.
[7:30:12] >>vice chair mcghee: I MAY have
[7:30:14] a potential conflict of
[7:30:16] interest in the initiatives
[7:30:18] including the investment
[7:30:20] memorandum and a nonprofit
[7:30:22] organization and intended
[7:30:23] beneficiary of funding and I
[7:30:25] will be abstaining from voting
[7:30:28] on this matter and will remove
[7:30:30] myself from chambers, same item
[7:30:34] applies to h.
[7:30:36] >>chair: do I need to take a
[7:30:38] voice vote on by forgetting the
[7:30:39] cbo's?
[7:30:40] >> not for this conflict, all
[7:30:44] we need is for commissioner
[7:30:46] mcghee and garcia to step out
[7:30:47] and you can entertain a motion
[7:30:52] to approve.
[7:30:54] >>chair: I will entertain a
[7:30:55] motion to remove the cbo's,
[7:30:57] moved by commissioner regalado,
[7:30:59] second by commissioner lopez,
[7:31:02] voice vote for this?
[7:31:08] Clerk please call the roll.
[7:31:09] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[7:31:09] for.
[7:31:12] >>commissioner gilbert:
[7:31:15] >>commissioner gonzalez: no.
[7:31:17] >>commissioner hardemon:
[7:31:19] >>commissioner lopez: yes.
[7:31:21] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[7:31:24] >>commissioner regalado: yes.
[7:31:27] >>commissioner steinberg:
[7:31:29] >>commissioner bastien:
[7:31:32] >>commissioner bermudez:
[7:31:36] >>chair: I vote yes.
[7:31:40] >> motion passes 8 to 3.
[7:31:42] >>chair: can I have my
[7:31:44] colleagues come back in?
[7:31:45] All right, any other
[7:31:48] bifurcations for item c?
[7:31:53] We have another bifurcation?
[7:31:56] On item c, any other
[7:31:57] bifurcations?
[7:31:59] >>commissioner regalado: I am
[7:32:04] bifurcating h.
[7:32:06] >>chair: motion for the
[7:32:11] remainder of item c collects a
[7:32:13] number of the motions your
[7:32:14] colleagues wish to make would
[7:32:18] be applicable to this item.
[7:32:24] So for example, the ones that
[7:32:33] were mentioned in the dais by
[7:32:35] commissioner regalado that
[7:32:36] relate to transit would
[7:32:38] potentially impact item c. It
[7:32:39] would be in light of the
[7:32:41] breadth and scope it would be
[7:32:42] beneficial to have all the
[7:32:44] motions done for each of the
[7:32:45] budget items.
[7:32:46] This would be an appropriate
[7:32:48] time to start going through.
[7:32:49] >>commissioner regalado: they
[7:32:51] are passing it out.
[7:32:52] >>chair: is the attorney going
[7:32:54] to read them?
[7:32:56] >>commissioner regalado: we did
[7:32:57] them all in writing so everyone
[7:33:00] could read them.
[7:33:02] >>chair: they can stay because
[7:33:08] we've already voted on the cbo.
[7:33:10] >>commissioner regalado:
[7:33:12] they've printed them out for
[7:33:13] everyone.
[7:33:15] >> does the attorney have been
[7:33:20] so they can start reading them.
[7:33:22] >> would you like for us to do
[7:33:30] that?
[7:33:32] >>commissioner regalado: start
[7:33:34] with the transit ones and start
[7:33:39] bringing them out.
[7:33:41] >> first transit related item
[7:33:43] would be cnh, commissioner
[7:33:44] regalado moves to amend the
[7:33:46] 2026 budget to reduce funding
[7:33:48] allocated for metro connect
[7:33:53] from 4.5 million to a million,
[7:33:55] direct county mayor or designee
[7:33:58] to negotiate and execute a
[7:33:59] modification of the metro
[7:34:01] connect contract to provide a
[7:34:04] $3.75 credit for passengers up
[7:34:05] to $1 million total for the
[7:34:07] fiscal year and allocate the
[7:34:08] 3.5 million resulting from
[7:34:10] reduced allocation to metro
[7:34:12] connect to the restoration of
[7:34:14] the early morning bus services
[7:34:21] prior to 559.
[7:34:22] >>commissioner regalado: they
[7:34:24] are bringing it, I will give
[7:34:24] them a second.
[7:34:25] F we can have
[7:34:27] the director come up I did talk
[7:34:29] to her about this so we could
[7:34:30] talk about it.
[7:34:32] The contract has a 30 day
[7:34:33] termination but we can also
[7:34:35] negotiate this portion of it.
[7:34:36] He director was on the board
[7:34:39] when we did this at tri-rail so
[7:34:40] she is well versed on how we
[7:34:42] flip this switch.
[7:34:48] So it's a credit.
[7:34:50] We put in $1 million and
[7:34:51] everyone gets $3.75 credit and
[7:34:54] then they pay the rest on the
[7:34:56] right so if you can explain
[7:35:03] what the idea would be.
[7:35:05] >> if I can through the chair.
[7:35:06] While I was on the board while
[7:35:08] we made those decisions, I do
[7:35:28] not recall and I apologize for
[7:35:30] this, it was several years ago
[7:35:32] I do not recall the contract
[7:35:33] that we had in place when we
[7:35:35] were I think working with tmc
[7:35:36] at the time.
[7:35:37] and that's a very different
[7:35:39] scenario working with atn see
[7:35:40] in the contract we have
[7:35:41] currently today.
[7:35:43] The contract we have today is
[7:35:45] we pay on an hourly basis, not
[7:35:47] on a per ride basis so we would
[7:35:55] need to have a negotiation
[7:35:56] opportunity and to discuss with
[7:35:58] our existing contractor to
[7:36:00] determine viability of moving
[7:36:01] in that direction and we also
[7:36:03] want to make sure we understand
[7:36:05] the current contract expires in
[7:36:07] JANUARY 2028 so we have a
[7:36:08] little over a year associated
[7:36:10] with that contract but we would
[7:36:12] need to sit down with our
[7:36:14] contractor and determine the
[7:36:15] viability of moving from the
[7:36:17] current scenario to a subsidy
[7:36:18] scenario.
[7:36:19] While I was at sf rta that was
[7:36:21] with tmc's and those were paid
[7:36:23] on a per trip basis, not an
[7:36:24] hourly basis so a slightly
[7:36:25] different scenario.
[7:36:27] >> that's why the item says to
[7:36:29] negotiate the modification
[7:36:30] which we can't, we could modify
[7:36:32] the agreement for the flip.
[7:36:34] >> we just have to sit down
[7:36:35] with them.
[7:36:37] >>chair: senator garcia.
[7:36:39] >>senator garcia: first of all
[7:36:40] commissioner trends 12 I can
[7:36:42] support most of these but I'm
[7:36:43] just getting these right now
[7:36:47] and honestly it's 12:30.
[7:36:49] Is there anything that
[7:36:50] precludes us voting on these
[7:36:52] amendments for the next budget
[7:36:53] hearing and see if we can
[7:36:55] analyze this and the cost
[7:36:57] associated with these?
[7:36:59] I get it, I understand the work
[7:37:06] you put into these but I wish
[7:37:08] we would have gotten these a
[7:37:09] little earlier so we could at
[7:37:11] least have gone back with my
[7:37:12] staff and gone through some of
[7:37:14] the issues with them.
[7:37:15] I honestly don't feel
[7:37:17] comfortable voting on these
[7:37:19] right now.
[7:37:21] >>commissioner regalado: MR.
[7:37:23] Chair, commissioner, the issue
[7:37:25] is we didn't meet on the budget
[7:37:26] until now.
[7:37:28] I drafted them.
[7:37:30] >>chair: didn't come up with
[7:37:31] this on a win, your staff could
[7:37:34] have printed these hours ago.
[7:37:50] >>commissioner regalado: I've
[7:37:52] met with staff and we've been
[7:37:54] working through it but that
[7:37:55] being said if we leave it all
[7:37:57] till the last meeting this
[7:37:59] doesn't solve all the problems
[7:38:00] but it does start allocating
[7:38:01] some of the money.
[7:38:03] If not the amount of money we
[7:38:05] are asking the neighbor to find
[7:38:06] between the police and
[7:38:07] everything else is going to be
[7:38:09] a 10 hour by the time we come
[7:38:09] back.
[7:38:11] I am proposing these two start
[7:38:13] moving the needle and so you
[7:38:14] know MR. Chair the feedback I
[7:38:16] got from staff is there would
[7:38:18] be zero interest in changing
[7:38:20] anything about metro connect
[7:38:21] and I don't think that's true.
[7:38:23] We need to demonstrate to the
[7:38:25] mayor there is an interest in
[7:38:26] making this change and if not
[7:38:28] she will go back to what she's
[7:38:30] proposing before which was the
[7:38:31] 5 million.
[7:38:32] >>senator garcia: MR. CHAIRMAN
[7:38:34] I will leave it at this.
[7:38:36] There's good proposals here, I
[7:38:38] will not take that away from
[7:38:38] you.
[7:38:40] I like some of the things that
[7:38:40] are here.
[7:38:42] It's worth having a
[7:38:43] conversation with the folks
[7:38:45] from metro connect.
[7:38:46] it's worth having a
[7:38:47] conversation with the
[7:38:48] department of transportation.
[7:38:50] I MAY have some amendments I
[7:38:52] want to have conversations
[7:38:54] about but I think it's a little
[7:38:56] onerous to ask me and my staff
[7:38:57] to go through all this without
[7:38:59] having being able to vent it
[7:39:04] properly so if you would
[7:39:05] indulge me at least, give us
[7:39:07] the opportunity to go through
[7:39:09] all this I think you will find
[7:39:11] you have more support than you
[7:39:12] think you have.
[7:39:14] >>chair: commissioner cohen
[7:39:15] higgins.
[7:39:17] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[7:39:19] thank you MR. Chair. Metro
[7:39:21] connect is very important in my
[7:39:22] district and one of my
[7:39:23] municipalities if I'm not
[7:39:25] mistaken reimburses the expense
[7:39:27] at 100%.
[7:39:29] So that's simply one example of
[7:39:30] why I would want to take a
[7:39:32] closer look at this and have a
[7:39:34] conversation with my
[7:39:35] municipality that would be
[7:39:39] heavily impacted, in addition
[7:39:40] to metro connect and whether or
[7:39:42] not they would be able to
[7:39:44] implement the idea before us,
[7:39:44] I.E.
[7:39:46] Affect credit applied that
[7:39:48] looks like and sounds like it
[7:39:49] requires technology.
[7:39:51] I don't know if they have it,
[7:39:53] I'm not knocking the idea but I
[7:39:54] appreciate the ideas.
[7:40:06] I need time to run this by my
[7:40:08] district, my affected
[7:40:10] municipality and metro connect
[7:40:11] to see if they can even
[7:40:13] implement it, have you spoken
[7:40:15] to them to see whether the idea
[7:40:17] of having a credit implemented
[7:40:19] on the front end by each writer
[7:40:20] whether they have the
[7:40:22] technology, have you spoken to
[7:40:23] metro connect, this is to the
[7:40:25] maker of the motion if that's
[7:40:26] okay.
[7:40:28] >>commissioner regalado: I've
[7:40:30] not spoken to metro connect but
[7:40:31] I know the modality they use,
[7:40:33] we've done it with uber, we've
[7:40:34] done it with other people.
[7:40:36] It is not outside the scope of
[7:40:38] the agreement, the agreement
[7:40:40] can be canceled in 30 days but
[7:40:42] that's what it says negotiate
[7:40:42] and modify.
[7:40:44] I have the number of users, I
[7:40:48] went through the numbers with
[7:40:49] everyone.
[7:40:51] It's popular in my district
[7:40:52] also, it's just $5.5 million is
[7:40:53] a lot of money.
[7:40:55] The issue is the subsidy of
[7:41:20] $500 a person.
[7:41:22] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[7:41:24] considering how popular metro
[7:41:25] connect is making a motion like
[7:41:27] this that has a fiscal impact
[7:41:29] to our community I would want
[7:41:31] to consult with metro connect,
[7:41:33] I want to be assured by them
[7:41:34] they would be able to implement
[7:41:36] the idea being proposed so I am
[7:41:38] not a no forever but I can't
[7:41:39] support it if it's going to be
[7:41:41] made at this time for a final
[7:41:43] vote, it should be adopted in
[7:41:44] the changes memo so we can have
[7:41:46] time to review it between now
[7:41:48] and the final hearing.
[7:41:49] >>mayor cava: through the
[7:41:51] chair, I'd appreciate being
[7:41:53] asked directly as to my opinion
[7:41:55] rather than it being
[7:41:55] represented.
[7:41:57] We are supportive of some of
[7:41:59] these ideas and are grateful to
[7:42:00] the commissioner for her
[7:42:02] creativity putting them
[7:42:02] together.
[7:42:04] There is some misinformation
[7:42:05] for example 0 waste and the
[7:42:07] one-time study there is nothing
[7:42:10] to reallocate or refund through
[7:42:10] billing.
[7:42:12] The city of miami cost was
[7:42:13] 115,000, not 350, one time we
[7:42:15] thought it might be that high
[7:42:17] but it turned out not to be, we
[7:42:18] would be willing to submit a
[7:42:20] bill to see if they would pay,
[7:42:21] that would be fine and
[7:42:23] obviously we are at zero hour
[7:42:24] there was going to be garbage
[7:42:26] before we pick up garbage for
[7:42:27] the fan fest.
[7:42:28] We are certainly concerned
[7:42:30] about the plant in hialeah and
[7:42:32] are eager to move forward and
[7:42:33] that's consistent with what we
[7:42:35] were planning to develop in any
[7:42:36] event.
[7:42:37] So those are just a few of the
[7:42:39] things that I do want to say
[7:42:41] folks, we need to increase the
[7:42:42] transit fare.
[7:42:43] That is the bottom line.
[7:42:43] Hese
[7:42:45] other things will help, there
[7:42:49] are other things we can do to
[7:42:50] help but this is a systemic
[7:42:52] problem, it's not going to be
[7:42:55] solved by these items so I want
[7:42:59] to say that as far as transit.
[7:43:01] >>chair: thank you MADAM Mayor.
[7:43:05] What do you want to do?
[7:43:07] >>commissioner regalado: first
[7:43:14] to respond to the mayor on the
[7:43:15] fifa trash I didn't respond so
[7:43:17] if item has trash collection
[7:43:19] insult voices whatever miami
[7:43:20] owes us for fan fest is what we
[7:43:23] want to be paid.
[7:43:25] In terms of metro connect MR.
[7:43:28] Chair if we could have a
[7:43:30] stronghold of hands as to who
[7:43:39] would be interested in flipping
[7:43:40] it because I don't want it to
[7:43:42] go back to the administration
[7:43:44] and we end up with 5.5 because
[7:43:46] one of the things they're
[7:43:47] saying is we are not interested
[7:43:49] in changing metro connect
[7:43:49] period.
[7:44:02] Is that a possibility?
[7:44:03] >>chair: I'm not calling a
[7:44:05] strong vote because there's
[7:44:07] more to it than the possibility
[7:44:08] of an interest.
[7:44:10] What is the replacement of it,
[7:44:12] what are we going to when we
[7:44:13] are taking this away from the
[7:44:15] users because we're making it
[7:44:17] cost prohibitive so when we do
[7:44:19] that you're charging them more.
[7:44:21] >>commissioner regalado: we are
[7:44:22] giving them a credit, what we
[7:44:24] are not paying is for a 20 or
[7:44:26] $30 ride because the whole
[7:44:28] point was to get them to short
[7:44:29] distances.
[7:44:30] >>chair: the writer will pay
[7:44:32] more for the ride so are we
[7:44:33] giving them another bus route,
[7:44:35] a trolley, what are we giving
[7:44:37] them to supplement or subsidize
[7:44:39] that no-cost because what I
[7:44:41] heard is when I wasn't sitting
[7:44:43] here I was listening when I was
[7:44:45] being briefed when I heard more
[7:44:47] than half were talking about
[7:44:48] transit and how high the
[7:44:50] transit cost was already so to
[7:44:53] charge more, yes I agree MADAM
[7:44:55] Mayor you said the transit fee
[7:44:57] MAY need to be increased but
[7:44:58] there needs to be a plan, not
[7:45:00] almost one in the morning plan
[7:45:04] that was given out in the last
[7:45:05] minute to see a straw vote of
[7:45:07] who would agree, of course we
[7:45:09] want to save money and have
[7:45:10] these ideas but we need to do
[7:45:12] it with the right means, it
[7:45:13] could be in the second change
[7:45:15] memo of the mayor when it's
[7:45:20] done the right way.
[7:45:22] >>commissioner regalado: can we
[7:45:24] at least agree we have the same
[7:45:26] level of subsidy because that's
[7:45:27] why I gave the numbers, the
[7:45:29] subsidy per user metro connect
[7:45:31] is $500 a year we had a lot of
[7:45:33] love subsidy for the bus riders
[7:45:34] at 5:00 A.M. Is $113 per year.
[7:45:36] I'm asking for continuity, for
[7:45:36] inequality.
[7:45:47] I don't think the service is
[7:45:48] transit.
[7:45:49] >>chair: we cannot agree to
[7:45:51] that because inequality has to
[7:45:54] be across-the-board not just on
[7:45:55] finances, it has to be what's
[7:46:01] available to them as well so I
[7:46:03] agree on equality
[7:46:04] across-the-board, not just on
[7:46:07] what the fair number is but the
[7:46:08] availability of a bus route of
[7:46:10] the transportation method so we
[7:46:12] could agree on that but not
[7:46:14] just as it pertains to the
[7:46:15] fiscal number, it has to
[7:46:17] pertain to how the folks will
[7:46:18] get one a public transit system
[7:46:20] to get to where they need to
[7:46:22] get rid that we can all agree
[7:46:24] on but not just on the
[7:46:26] financial fiscal portion.
[7:46:27] >>commissioner regalado: but
[7:46:29] this is 8000 people.
[7:46:30] >>chair: 8000 people is a lot
[7:46:32] of lives.
[7:46:33] >>commissioner regalado: they
[7:46:35] will still get.
[7:46:37] >>chair: do you want to do the
[7:46:38] motion and see if it passes or
[7:46:38] fails?
[7:46:40] Ou could read the
[7:46:42] room, you see what everyone's
[7:46:43] said, do you want to work with
[7:46:45] the administration?
[7:46:45] I'm going to get to oliver and
[7:46:48] before you I have commissioner
[7:46:52] steinberg but.
[7:46:53] >>commissioner regalado: I want
[7:47:04] to hear what they have to say.
[7:47:06] >>commissioner steinberg: I
[7:47:08] appreciate the thought process
[7:47:09] and I understand the logic
[7:47:11] although I need to know what
[7:47:13] that dollar amount would be per
[7:47:15] passenger because we don't have
[7:47:16] an actual concrete, yes,
[7:47:17] figure.
[7:47:19] That being said, I think one of
[7:47:26] the concerns I'm trying to
[7:47:27] reconcile wrapping my arms
[7:47:29] around is the fact that in some
[7:47:31] of our districts, in mine I can
[7:47:33] speak for mine, the metro
[7:47:35] connect happens to be in life
[7:47:37] unincorporated because during
[7:47:38] the better bus network and
[7:47:40] removed routes so now this is
[7:47:42] what we ended up with because
[7:47:43] we realized there was still a
[7:47:45] need for transit in that area.
[7:47:47] So until I understand better
[7:47:48] the ridership numbers in that
[7:47:50] area, the cost is costing the
[7:47:52] county versus what it would
[7:47:53] cost the patron, I'm not going
[7:48:00] to be able to just on a
[7:48:02] blanket, conceptually I
[7:48:03] understand where you're coming
[7:48:05] from and I understand the
[7:48:07] thought process, the reality I
[7:48:09] need to understand better so
[7:48:11] for those reasons I'm hesitant
[7:48:13] today to support that.
[7:48:16] >>chair: commissioner gilbert.
[7:48:17] >>commissioner gilbert: thank
[7:48:19] you MR. Chair. The idea is
[7:48:21] innovative, I don't dislike it.
[7:48:22] I don't think the
[7:48:24] administration is opposed, what
[7:48:25] they are saying is a need to
[7:48:27] evaluate it, hold on.
[7:48:34] That's not one of those things.
[7:48:36] That's what the CHAIRMAN Is
[7:48:37] saying also, we need to
[7:48:39] evaluate it.
[7:48:46] So that being said, that's on
[7:48:46] metro connect.
[7:48:49] The mayor's administration said
[7:48:51] something that was interesting,
[7:48:53] telling untruthful.
[7:48:55] Whatever you all do, whatever
[7:48:57] decision you make on transit,
[7:49:01] if you do not fix the fair it
[7:49:12] is a problem that is going to
[7:49:13] reoccur every year no matter
[7:49:14] what.
[7:49:16] there's no way around this.
[7:49:17] Unless we suddenly invent an
[7:49:23] economy that's not fossil fuel
[7:49:28] based, our fare will become
[7:49:29] more and more out of balance
[7:49:31] with what it takes to operate
[7:49:32] the system every year.
[7:49:40] So right now we are trying to
[7:49:45] curate essentially what is a
[7:49:46] lie.
[7:49:47] The system is going to be
[7:49:49] balanced or fair, is not, it
[7:49:50] can't be because we never right
[7:49:52] sized it and we haven't
[7:49:54] addressed the actual fair.
[7:50:00] So people don't want to hear
[7:50:02] this but the fare is literally
[7:50:04] the same fare I took when I
[7:50:05] went to law school.
[7:50:07] That's crazy, gas was like
[7:50:07] $1.19.
[7:50:16] That's crazy.
[7:50:18] I want you all to process that
[7:50:19] for a second.
[7:50:21] Sometimes we overcomplicate
[7:50:23] government because the numbers
[7:50:25] are so much bigger but I don't
[7:50:26] think about it like that, I
[7:50:28] simplify things in my head.
[7:50:32] I think about our bonds as car
[7:50:32] payments.
[7:50:34] I think about our ability to
[7:50:48] operate things just how I do in
[7:50:50] my house so if it takes me $85
[7:50:51] to fill up my car last year and
[7:50:53] it takes me $100 to fill my car
[7:50:55] this year that means all our
[7:50:57] officers it takes them the same
[7:50:57] amount more.
[7:50:59] And our buses, it takes them
[7:51:00] the same amount more.
[7:51:02] We never address it with the
[7:51:02] fare.
[7:51:04] So I get it, people struggle
[7:51:05] commissioner trends bastien, I
[7:51:14] hear but there's a side of
[7:51:16] fiscal responsibility we never
[7:51:17] address.
[7:51:18] The be assumed fiscal
[7:51:19] responsibility is not charging,
[7:51:21] it's being responsible how much
[7:51:23] money you have and what you
[7:51:24] have to pay for something.
[7:51:26] So right now we are debt
[7:51:27] financing the system, that's
[7:51:30] what we are doing.
[7:51:32] We are subsidizing the system
[7:51:34] with the general fund,
[7:51:35] commissioner regalado.
[7:51:38] And on the ballot is an issue
[7:51:40] that would severely restrict
[7:51:45] the general fund.
[7:51:49] So what you're literally doing
[7:51:51] is playing with fire.
[7:51:53] When the mayor said fare needs
[7:52:06] to be addressed, we can never
[7:52:08] charge folks what it costs to
[7:52:09] actually ride the bus.
[7:52:11] That's not done anywhere in the
[7:52:13] country save one place, one
[7:52:14] little strip in las vegas.
[7:52:16] And actually fare box they get
[7:52:20] full recovery, it's like a mile
[7:52:22] really everyplace else it
[7:52:23] doesn't happen.
[7:52:24] I'm not suggesting that, what
[7:52:26] I'm suggesting is if we don't
[7:52:28] take an honest look and
[7:52:29] determine what our level of
[7:52:31] subsidy will be for transit,
[7:52:41] and keep it at that point then
[7:52:43] this question will reoccur
[7:52:45] every year no matter what, it
[7:52:46] doesn't matter which 13 people
[7:52:48] are sitting here, it's going to
[7:52:50] be the same problem unless we
[7:52:52] actually address a system that
[7:52:53] compensates for it and we are
[7:52:55] not doing that right now.
[7:52:57] So commissioner regalado is
[7:52:59] being very creative and that's
[7:53:01] why I look at the literature
[7:53:02] because you're trying to solve
[7:53:04] the problem but it's like a
[7:53:06] band aid for a bullet wound.
[7:53:12] It's really cosmetic.
[7:53:13] Lipgloss.
[7:53:14] >>commissioner regalado: this
[7:53:17] is my suggested amendment.
[7:53:18] >>chair: you want to hear
[7:53:22] everybody speak.
[7:53:23] >>commissioner regalado:
[7:53:25] unhappy to amend it if that's
[7:53:32] what everybody say.
[7:53:34] It would be directing the mayor
[7:53:36] to evaluate the possibility to
[7:53:37] change the metro connect
[7:53:39] contract to provide a credit
[7:53:40] for metro connect passengers
[7:53:42] for 1,000,001.5 million and 2
[7:53:44] million and provide that
[7:53:45] information before the next
[7:53:50] meeting so we can evaluate the
[7:53:51] numbers.
[7:53:53] >>chair: you've got to do that
[7:53:55] across the board, are you going
[7:53:56] to do it for metro mover as
[7:54:00] well?
[7:54:01] So that halfpenny is shared
[7:54:03] with umpsa so we can have
[7:54:04] trolleys?
[7:54:06] Like every other city that gets
[7:54:08] a piece of the half-penny but
[7:54:09] umpsa doesn't?
[7:54:11] You're talking about equality
[7:54:15] your father is not on this
[7:54:16] board.
[7:54:17] >>commissioner regalado: but
[7:54:20] they don't have a municipality.
[7:54:22] >>chair: you brought up the
[7:54:27] word equality, you've got to do
[7:54:29] is equal across the board,
[7:54:30] you've got to be equal across
[7:54:32] the board but commissioner
[7:54:34] gilbert is right, you're trying
[7:54:36] to cover a bullet wound with a
[7:54:37] band-aid.
[7:54:42] You got to do the work fully.
[7:54:43] >>commissioner regalado: I have
[7:54:45] a lot of things but I am not
[7:54:47] half-baked but I appreciate
[7:54:48] your commitment to the subsidy
[7:54:50] for 8000 people.
[7:54:51] >>chair: your leaving 8000
[7:54:54] people without rides.
[7:54:55] >>commissioner regalado: why
[7:54:57] can't we evaluate it, what is
[7:54:59] the problem asking the mayor to
[7:55:01] bring us the numbers.
[7:55:02] >>chair: why don't you do it,
[7:55:04] we've worked with her in her
[7:55:05] change memo, do not meet with
[7:55:07] the mayor and discuss this
[7:55:09] information with her like the
[7:55:10] majority of us do?
[7:55:11] So then do it, put in the work
[7:55:21] and do it.
[7:55:22] >>commissioner regalado: the
[7:55:24] mayor said is that we are doing
[7:55:26] this to see if there's an
[7:55:27] appetite to change metro
[7:55:28] connect.
[7:55:29] >>mayor cava: I don't do not
[7:55:31] recall saying that.
[7:55:32] >>commissioner regalado: you
[7:55:34] said the board of county
[7:55:35] commissioners had no appetite
[7:55:36] to change.
[7:55:38] >>mayor cava: I do not recall
[7:55:40] that, there are several members
[7:55:42] that are committed to the metro
[7:55:43] connect model, we did not in
[7:55:45] our meetings with the
[7:55:47] commissioners have them tell us
[7:55:48] affirmatively yes we are open
[7:55:50] to changing metro connect,
[7:55:51] that's different.
[7:55:53] There's no appetite, I am open
[7:55:54] to addressing metro connect.
[7:55:57] If I could add one other point,
[7:55:59] MR. Chair, so we don't have to
[7:56:01] make all these decisions even
[7:56:09] in the budget because the
[7:56:11] changes would not take place
[7:56:12] until MARCH.
[7:56:13] I checked with the director,
[7:56:15] for example if the board chose
[7:56:17] to increase fares it's a six
[7:56:18] week turnaround, there's
[7:56:20] notices, a lot of things that
[7:56:21] have to be done before it could
[7:56:23] be implemented but we could
[7:56:25] make changes that could affect
[7:56:26] the lineup, I will just put
[7:56:27] that out there.
[7:56:30] >>chair: commissioner bermudez.
[7:56:32] >>commissioner bermudez: I
[7:56:36] think because much like senator
[7:56:38] garcia I don't necessarily
[7:56:39] disagree with some of the
[7:56:42] things that appear to be on
[7:56:44] this street but I also received
[7:56:45] it right now.
[7:56:47] I'd like to evaluate it.
[7:56:56] I think we probably have and
[7:56:58] are not here to tell you how to
[7:57:00] do things because there is a
[7:57:01] tactic to dropping this at the
[7:57:02] last minute.
[7:57:04] Also, but I think if because I
[7:57:05] withdraw on the motions I was
[7:57:07] going to proffer because they
[7:57:08] made a good point.
[7:57:14] If I'm going to ask it here we
[7:57:15] should do the same memo.
[7:57:20] Because it's logical, I don't
[7:57:21] want commissioner regalado to
[7:57:23] be treated different than I.
[7:57:25] I believe, and this is my point
[7:57:28] of view but I think
[7:57:30] commissioner regalado you have
[7:57:32] the opportunity between now and
[7:57:36] I do believe absolutely you're
[7:57:38] going to be able to talk to the
[7:57:44] mayor and it would give me,
[7:57:45] there is let's see how many are
[7:57:46] there, 11.
[7:57:53] We are talking about the first
[7:57:53] one.
[7:57:55] Some of them by the way would
[7:57:57] impact our relations with the
[7:57:58] city that three of the
[7:57:59] commissioners here,
[7:58:01] commissioner orbis, senator
[7:58:03] garcia and I represent and it
[7:58:05] doesn't mean I don't disagree.
[7:58:06] I just like this gets dropped
[7:58:08] on me at 1 o'clock in the
[7:58:15] morning whatever, SEPTEMBER 4.
[7:58:17] I know the hurricanes are
[7:58:18] playing at nine so I want to
[7:58:23] get some sleep but I think
[7:58:25] commissioner regalado and it's
[7:58:26] not for me to tell you how to
[7:58:28] do, you are right.
[7:58:30] You have a right to do whatever
[7:58:31] you want.
[7:58:32] I just think you have an
[7:58:34] opportunity to have some
[7:58:36] colleagues agree with you if we
[7:58:44] discuss some of these things in
[7:58:46] the second budget hearing,
[7:58:48] that's what I understand from
[7:58:50] some of you because I like to
[7:58:51] see how it impacts, I like
[7:58:52] commissioner steinberg.
[7:58:57] Metro connect filled the area
[7:58:59] and part of your district MR.
[7:59:00] Chair that went to the area
[7:59:02] that's unincorporated and my
[7:59:03] district which is the area some
[7:59:05] of these bus routes were
[7:59:07] removed and some people said we
[7:59:08] don't have that, what's going
[7:59:10] on, so I would like to look at
[7:59:12] it a little bit but I'm telling
[7:59:13] you we're talking about the
[7:59:17] first one.
[7:59:18] So there's 10 more on this page
[7:59:20] so you've got to make a
[7:59:21] decision now because if that's
[7:59:29] the case we are going to be
[7:59:30] here and I do think you have a
[7:59:32] chance of getting these, some
[7:59:33] of these from what I hear from
[7:59:36] my colleagues and what I feel,
[7:59:38] you probably have a good chance
[7:59:39] of getting some of these past
[7:59:41] if you give us an opportunity
[7:59:43] to review it if I have to do it
[7:59:45] tonight my vote will be no.
[7:59:47] >>chair: commissioner regalado
[7:59:49] what do you wish to do, I can
[7:59:50] call a vote.
[7:59:52] >>commissioner regalado: the
[7:59:53] motion I'm invading is
[7:59:58] directing the mayor to direct
[8:00:00] the possibility of changing
[8:00:02] metro connect to a credit and
[8:00:04] modifying the contract and
[8:00:05] providing the board with
[8:00:07] information on how that would
[8:00:07] occur.
[8:00:09] >>chair: there is a motion,
[8:00:10] there is a second, motion fails
[8:00:15] by lack of second.
[8:00:17] >>commissioner regalado: he
[8:00:18] just raised his hand.
[8:00:19] A motion is directing the mayor
[8:00:22] to evaluate possibility of
[8:00:24] changing metro connect to a
[8:00:25] credit for passengers and
[8:00:27] providing that information to
[8:00:28] the board of county
[8:00:34] commissioners before the second
[8:00:35] hearing.
[8:00:36] >>chair: second by the vice
[8:00:38] chair so all in favor signify
[8:00:40] by saying aye.
[8:00:43] Opposed, nay. Next motion.
[8:00:47] Commissioner regalado.
[8:00:49] >>commissioner regalado: the
[8:01:00] next motion is eliminate the
[8:01:02] proposed allocation of 233,000
[8:01:03] of funds from ptp capital
[8:01:05] expansion and reserve fund
[8:01:07] designated for capital program
[8:01:09] 663597 titled branch transit
[8:01:11] corridor beach they link
[8:01:12] contained in page 104 on the
[8:01:14] credit and allocate said funds
[8:01:16] to the capital improvement for
[8:01:18] the smart plan.
[8:01:20] >>chair: motion by commissioner
[8:01:22] regalado, second by the vice
[8:01:23] chair, all in favor say aye,
[8:01:43] opposed, nay., next motion.
[8:01:45] >>commissioner regalado: direct
[8:01:46] the county mayor or designee to
[8:01:48] provide a report to the board
[8:01:50] prior to the budget hearing
[8:01:51] regarding metro mover at
[8:01:53] details needed maintenance and
[8:01:55] future operation cost and
[8:01:56] analysis of digital fare
[8:01:58] collections based on various
[8:01:59] potential rates and use of
[8:02:01] surtax funding for capital
[8:02:02] improvements and operation cost
[8:02:04] for the metro mover, such
[8:02:06] report should be attached as an
[8:02:08] exhibit to the mayor's second
[8:02:09] change memorandum.
[8:02:11] >>commissioner gilbert: I would
[8:02:12] second this.
[8:02:14] >>chair: second by commissioner
[8:02:15] gilbert.
[8:02:17] >>commissioner gilbert: just on
[8:02:18] this motion and I'm all for
[8:02:20] voting down raquel's motions.
[8:02:22] but notwithstanding, why
[8:02:24] wouldn't we?
[8:02:26] So they ride this thing for
[8:02:27] free, we were told for years
[8:02:30] that was the only option.
[8:02:32] It's not actually the only
[8:02:34] option, why wouldn't we figure
[8:02:35] out, try to figure out what it
[8:02:38] would take for us to make them
[8:02:40] pay for their free ride, no one
[8:02:43] else gets if iran.
[8:02:45] No one in my district gets a
[8:02:45] free ride.
[8:02:48] The people in this district, we
[8:02:50] need the sheriff to give him a
[8:02:50] free ride.
[8:03:06] I second this, it's a good
[8:03:06] idea.
[8:03:08] >> my only concern is the
[8:03:09] timeframe, the last sentence
[8:03:11] said the report has to be
[8:03:12] attached to the second changes
[8:03:14] memo in less than two weeks we
[8:03:16] had is that enough time to
[8:03:18] complete the analysis included
[8:03:19] in this motion and if it's not
[8:03:21] enough time has this never been
[8:03:23] studied before, has no one ever
[8:03:25] looked at monetizing the metro
[8:03:26] connect?
[8:03:38] Have we never studied this and
[8:03:39] considered a financial
[8:03:40] analysis?
[8:03:41] This is the first time this is
[8:03:43] being proposed in the history
[8:03:45] of miami-dade county two weeks
[8:03:46] before we passed a final
[8:03:48] amendment, what are we doing
[8:03:48] right now?
[8:03:50] >>chair: you are recognized and
[8:03:53] can we be quiet in the back.
[8:03:55] >> we've done a lassiter city
[8:03:57] on incorporating a fair and
[8:03:58] what that would result in
[8:03:59] ridership.
[8:04:01] And operational costs because
[8:04:02] obviously currently ptp pays
[8:04:18] for a portion of the costs and
[8:04:20] we would move that to something
[8:04:22] else but we've done some
[8:04:23] analysis on that.
[8:04:24] We have not fully analyzed what
[8:04:26] the cost would be too
[8:04:27] transition the existing
[8:04:29] stations from a non-fair
[8:04:30] scenario to a fare scenario.
[8:04:35] That would incorporate fare
[8:04:37] gates, ticket vending machines,
[8:04:39] etc. There are other costs
[8:04:41] associated, we've not done an
[8:04:42] in-depth analysis of how we
[8:04:44] would shift those stations to a
[8:04:46] fare scenario.
[8:04:47] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[8:04:49] when is the second changes memo
[8:04:50] do?
[8:04:51] >>mayor cava: through the
[8:04:53] chair, we unfortunately are
[8:04:54] often weaving the timeline to
[8:04:56] get it to you so for example
[8:04:58] when we submitted this change
[8:05:00] memo to us yesterday it was
[8:05:00] late.
[8:05:11] We did the best we can.
[8:05:13] >>commissioner steinberg: I
[8:05:15] think this is a great idea just
[8:05:17] in order to capture the money
[8:05:18] intended to be realized is
[8:05:20] would have to be brought months
[8:05:22] ago, not two weeks prior so I
[8:05:23] love the idea, I am concerned
[8:05:25] about the timeframe and whether
[8:05:27] anything will be accomplished
[8:05:28] this budget cycle so to the
[8:05:30] administration can you
[8:05:31] accomplish what this motion is
[8:05:33] asking within the timeline that
[8:05:37] you have that is factual?
[8:05:39] >> I don't think you would get
[8:05:41] the full analysis because we
[8:05:42] would have to get it done in
[8:05:44] about a week.
[8:05:45] >>commissioner regalado: point
[8:05:47] of order quick, since you and I
[8:05:49] talked about this, when did you
[8:05:54] first receive in writing on
[8:05:55] legal that we could actually
[8:05:57] charge for this because we've
[8:05:58] been talking about this a long
[8:06:02] time, when did I get it in
[8:06:03] writing, today.
[8:06:04] I've been working on this long
[8:06:06] time, legal four years the
[8:06:08] opinion had been this could not
[8:06:11] be done.
[8:06:13] >>chair: you could get a yes,
[8:06:15] do you want to amend the last
[8:06:16] sentence not a one week
[8:06:18] timeline essentially because
[8:06:19] it's not going to make it for
[8:06:21] the budget, is not even that we
[8:06:23] don't want to do it, they are
[8:06:24] not going to have it in a week.
[8:06:28] , commissioner gilbert.
[8:06:30] >>commissioner gilbert: my
[8:06:32] friendly amendment as we amend
[8:06:34] the motion to three months.
[8:06:35] >>chair: is that more
[8:06:37] reasonable MADAM Mayor?
[8:06:38] >>mayor cava: yes, but to
[8:06:43] clarify this would require a
[8:06:45] buildout so it would affect a
[8:06:46] future budget three months
[8:06:49] should be accurate.
[8:06:51] >>chair: is that a friendly
[8:06:57] amendment?
[8:06:58] >>commissioner regalado: as
[8:07:00] long as it includes digital
[8:07:02] fare use, you don't need fare
[8:07:04] gates for everything.
[8:07:06] >>commissioner gilbert: I would
[8:07:07] agree with that.
[8:07:12] >>chair: commissioner steinberg
[8:07:13] .
[8:07:14] >>commissioner steinberg: I
[8:07:16] asked that this would have to
[8:07:18] be something we discussed at
[8:07:20] the midyear budget because I
[8:07:22] want a guarantee we have one
[8:07:23] this year.
[8:07:24] >>chair: it's a friendly
[8:07:25] amendment, accepted by the
[8:07:27] maker of the motion, seconded
[8:07:29] by commissioner gilbert.
[8:07:31] All in favor signify by saying
[8:07:32] aye, opposed, nay. And the
[8:07:34] aye's have it, did you want to
[8:07:35] be recognized?
[8:07:40] The aye's have it, next motion.
[8:07:41] >>commissioner regalado: the
[8:07:43] mayor said the solid waste
[8:07:45] master plan had been paid, it's
[8:07:47] in the budget, it's a line
[8:07:47] item.
[8:07:57] This speaks to, this is 4, this
[8:08:06] is five, yes, five.
[8:08:08] So I'm happy to allocate this
[8:08:09] money to illegal dumping.
[8:08:11] If she is saying zero waste is
[8:08:12] already paid but it's in the
[8:08:14] budget and it has a number.
[8:08:16] If they are on the record
[8:08:17] saying that's not the case
[8:08:19] because there is a lot of
[8:08:20] questions about that.
[8:08:22] >>chair: commissioner bermudez
[8:08:24] you are recognized.
[8:08:26] >>commissioner bermudez: I'm
[8:08:28] getting tired of I allocate, we
[8:08:29] allocate with all due respect.
[8:08:31] If not I allocate, we
[8:08:32] collective body, 13 people
[8:08:33] allocate.
[8:08:41] Second of all, again this is
[8:08:42] something that MAY make sense
[8:08:44] to me but since I got it at
[8:08:45] this late time I would like to
[8:08:47] know what could be allocated?
[8:08:50] How can it be allocated etc.?
[8:08:52] >>commissioner regalado: I'm
[8:08:54] happy to leave the allocation
[8:08:55] empty as long as it goes to
[8:08:57] solid waste, I'm looking for
[8:08:58] money for solid waste.
[8:09:00] I'm trying to do zero waste and
[8:09:07] put less stuff in the landfill.
[8:09:08] >>chair: this is a super simple
[8:09:11] one to bring to the next change
[8:09:12] memo.
[8:09:14] >>commissioner regalado: is
[8:09:15] $60,000 that could go to solid
[8:09:16] waste.
[8:09:17] >>chair: why don't you work
[8:09:20] with the mayor.
[8:09:21] >>mayor cava: we have no
[8:09:23] problem with number five to see
[8:09:27] if that could be feasible.
[8:09:28] >>chair: she's going to work
[8:09:30] with you on this, I think it's
[8:09:34] fair, number six.
[8:09:37] , that was five.
[8:09:43] Now we are on 6. No we didn't.
[8:09:45] Submit one or more invoices to
[8:09:54] the city of miami.
[8:09:56] >>commissioner regalado: submit
[8:09:58] one or more invoices to the
[8:10:00] city of miami management trust
[8:10:02] of the downtown development
[8:10:04] authority for estimated amount
[8:10:06] in kind trash for fifa fan fest
[8:10:08] in whatever amount we are due,
[8:10:09] whatever amount we are due.
[8:10:11] >>chair: but no number.
[8:10:13] >>commissioner regalado:
[8:10:15] whatever number they owe us let
[8:10:16] them pay us back.
[8:10:18] >>chair: all in favor signify
[8:10:19] by saying aye, the aye's have
[8:10:20] it, number seven.
[8:10:22] Please lower it in the back,
[8:10:26] commissioner regalado.
[8:10:28] >>commissioner regalado: we
[8:10:29] don't need seven because we
[8:10:35] just took out the number,
[8:10:37] direct the mayor or designee to
[8:10:39] proceed with florida statute
[8:10:40] chapter 164 dispute resolution
[8:10:48] process for the city of hialeah
[8:10:50] inserting reverse osmosis water
[8:10:52] trent treatment plan and if the
[8:10:54] board decides to pursue
[8:10:56] litigation relating to the plat
[8:10:57] directly county attorney's
[8:10:59] office to seek to petition the
[8:11:01] court to have 3.2 million
[8:11:03] allocated the water and sewer
[8:11:05] department for payment for the
[8:11:06] plant be placed in a quartz
[8:11:08] registry into the resolution of
[8:11:10] the dispute, we've been in
[8:11:11] dispute with the city, we take
[8:11:13] 3.2 million every year get it
[8:11:15] to them in the leo us money
[8:11:16] read I want to put it in a
[8:11:18] quartz registry, this doesn't
[8:11:20] have to end, we do this every
[8:11:21] year.
[8:11:23] >>chair: commissioner bermudez
[8:11:25] you are recognized.
[8:11:26] >>commissioner bermudez: i
[8:11:29] don't necessarily disagree with
[8:11:31] commissioner fare regalado but
[8:11:32] receiving these documents,
[8:11:34] three of us represent the city
[8:11:34] of ah.
[8:11:36] And probably once I can
[8:11:38] understand what's happened
[8:11:40] subsequent to the time that
[8:11:41] former mayor bobo appeared on
[8:11:43] our screen and lest we forget
[8:11:45] we had a sunshine meeting here
[8:11:47] on this issue with the mayor
[8:11:48] and some of the members of the
[8:11:56] commission and he's out of
[8:11:57] town.
[8:11:58] So I'm going to repeat the same
[8:11:59] thing.
[8:11:59] It's the concept.
[8:12:01] Why at the last second?
[8:12:05] And I would agree with you
[8:12:07] probably in 2 weeks once I can
[8:12:23] get answers from roy and
[8:12:24] everybody else but what's
[8:12:26] happened in between those
[8:12:27] meetings because you haven't
[8:12:29] been in all the meetings and I
[8:12:30] don't know if senator garcia
[8:12:32] has been in those meetings,
[8:12:34] some of the loss MAY have been
[8:12:36] spoken to buy the new mayor of
[8:12:38] hialeah, maybe not so that's my
[8:12:39] problem.
[8:12:41] >>senator garcia: commissioner
[8:12:42] regalado a regalado I support
[8:12:49] this, there is a with the city
[8:12:51] of hialeah as relates to the
[8:12:53] water and we are constantly
[8:12:55] paying the city for our old
[8:12:56] plants but I can see where
[8:12:57] commissioner cohen higgins is
[8:12:59] and commissioner orbis is in
[8:13:01] the same place, we can get them
[8:13:03] to a yes but we could do this
[8:13:17] at the second round.
[8:13:19] >>commissioner regalado:
[8:13:20] unhappy if you want to take it
[8:13:22] off but here's the point I want
[8:13:23] to make, this was a legal
[8:13:24] point.
[8:13:25] There was a determination that
[8:13:27] while we had a sunshine meeting
[8:13:29] all our old was not the subject
[8:13:30] of the sunshine meeting so we
[8:13:32] have to call another meeting
[8:13:34] with the city of hialeah to be
[8:13:35] able to make a decision as to
[8:13:37] litigation because the two
[8:13:39] things were not combined.
[8:13:40] In this budget we are once
[8:13:42] again another year I mentioned
[8:13:43] this, we're going to be paying
[8:13:44] them 3.2 million.
[8:13:47] They all us money on a separate
[8:13:48] issue being litigated but all
[8:13:50] I'm asking to do here is start
[8:13:52] that process so that we can at
[8:13:54] least put it in the registry.
[8:13:56] >>commissioner bermudez:
[8:13:58] commissioner regalado with all
[8:14:00] due respect litigation between
[8:14:01] a municipality and county is
[8:14:05] something I don't think, and I
[8:14:07] don't necessarily disagree, I
[8:14:09] will probably end up on your
[8:14:11] side but the problem is it's
[8:14:12] still a serious decision, I
[8:14:14] asked the county attorneys
[8:14:16] before if have we admitted
[8:14:17] because right here if I read
[8:14:19] this correctly, maybe I'm wrong
[8:14:21] but if the board decides to
[8:14:23] pursue litigation against the
[8:14:25] city of hialeah, the one we are
[8:14:26] talking now is direct the
[8:14:27] layers designee.
[8:14:33] We are directing, we're
[8:14:35] starting this new resolution
[8:14:37] process, are we in the middle
[8:14:38] of dispute resolution right
[8:14:39] now?
[8:14:40] That's my question to the
[8:14:42] county attorneys and what are
[8:14:45] we actually disputing in that
[8:14:46] dispute resolution process if
[8:14:48] we are in the middle of the
[8:14:53] dispute resolution process?
[8:14:55] That's the question because the
[8:14:57] attorneys I didn't think we
[8:14:59] were in dispute resolution but
[8:15:04] maybe we are.
[8:15:06] >> we were in dispute
[8:15:07] resolution on both issues.
[8:15:09] We came to this board with a
[8:15:10] joint meeting on the payment of
[8:15:12] the water disputes but they did
[8:15:14] not want to address the auto
[8:15:15] plant as part of the joint
[8:15:16] meeting.
[8:15:18] >>commissioner bermudez: they
[8:15:19] being hialeah.
[8:15:21] >> there was agreement to
[8:15:22] bifurcate the two issues so we
[8:15:24] have to go back to mediation to
[8:15:26] do the our old portion.
[8:15:30] If we pass that mediation we
[8:15:41] would be back on the our old
[8:15:42] portion.
[8:15:44] >>commissioner bermudez: that
[8:15:46] meeting took place when former
[8:15:47] commissioner bobo was mayor
[8:15:47] bobo.
[8:15:49] At this point that concerns me
[8:15:50] because we've got litigation
[8:15:53] that apparently is in limbo.
[8:15:58] This is the problem because I
[8:16:00] haven't gotten an explanation
[8:16:07] from you guys or from the
[8:16:07] administration.
[8:16:09] I don't necessarily disagree
[8:16:11] because at some point it got to
[8:16:12] fish or cut bait on this issue
[8:16:18] and it's going to lead to, is
[8:16:20] going to lead to litigation
[8:16:21] because hialeah will not agree
[8:16:23] with us because they're going
[8:16:25] to claim they were forced to
[8:16:28] build this plant by the county
[8:16:29] etc. And there are three
[8:16:30] commissioners here that
[8:16:31] represent hialeah.
[8:16:33] Before that decision is made
[8:16:34] all I'm saying is I want to
[8:16:36] have a clear understanding.
[8:16:39] I respect commissioner
[8:16:40] regalado, that's wonderful but
[8:16:42] you are the county attorneys,
[8:16:43] she is not.
[8:16:46] Last time I looked.
[8:16:48] >>chair: it is your city and I
[8:16:49] want to follow the lead of
[8:16:51] those that represented by
[8:16:53] commissioner gilbert has been
[8:16:54] waiting.
[8:16:56] Commissioner gilbert and then
[8:16:57] go ahead.
[8:17:00] >>commissioner gilbert: the
[8:17:02] first thing is, I agree with
[8:17:04] your hesitance about this.
[8:17:05] I thought to myself why
[8:17:10] wouldn't you just 4 day rule it
[8:17:12] and I asked the county
[8:17:20] attorneys and they said you
[8:17:21] can't 4 day rule it because
[8:17:23] it's a motion dealing with the
[8:17:24] budget and is it dealing with
[8:17:26] the budget?
[8:17:28] Technically everything is
[8:17:30] dealing with the budget so that
[8:17:32] means in these meetings we can
[8:17:33] make a motion about anything.
[8:17:35] And it's not able to be 4 day
[8:17:37] rule because I'm concocting
[8:17:52] motions in my head.
[8:17:54] I think that's an amazing
[8:17:56] interpretation MR. Chair that
[8:17:57] can't be sustainable.
[8:17:59] That interpretation can't be
[8:18:01] sustainable but if it is that's
[8:18:01] okay.
[8:18:03] I assure you I will take
[8:18:03] advantage of it.
[8:18:05] The other thing is this.
[8:18:06] Raquel is right.
[8:18:08] I mean, and I appreciate the
[8:18:10] folks who represent hialeah
[8:18:11] voting against it.
[8:18:13] I think we ought to force the
[8:18:13] issue.
[8:18:15] I think we ought to force the
[8:18:16] issue, I think we ought to
[8:18:18] force the issue, we will vote
[8:18:18] for this.
[8:18:20] >>chair: commissioner cohen
[8:18:25] higgins then senator garcia.
[8:18:27] >>commissioner cohen higgins: I
[8:18:28] get the part of the motion
[8:18:30] asking us to institute the
[8:18:31] dispute resolution procedures,
[8:18:33] I'm trying to understand
[8:18:35] whether the spirit of the
[8:18:37] motion is to clawback 3.2
[8:18:38] million do not have it's paid
[8:18:45] to the city of hialeah, I get
[8:18:47] that so I'm with you so far but
[8:18:49] the balance of the motion
[8:18:51] speaks to asking the county
[8:18:53] attorneys to petition the court
[8:18:54] to have the money deposited
[8:18:56] into the water and sewer
[8:18:57] department instead of at the
[8:18:59] courts registry.
[8:19:00] >>commissioner regalado:
[8:19:02] instead of giving it to hialeah
[8:19:04] is to give it to the court so
[8:19:05] if we put it in the registry we
[8:19:06] don't want the money.
[8:19:08] If it's due to hialeah we put
[8:19:10] it in the courts registry but
[8:19:11] now because of the way it's in
[8:19:16] the budget we pay it to
[8:19:17] hialeah.
[8:19:19] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[8:19:20] I'm reading it but the
[8:19:22] explanation is helping me
[8:19:23] understand.
[8:19:25] >> contract does not have a
[8:19:28] right of setoff so commissioner
[8:19:29] regalado is asking us to
[8:19:31] petition the court to see if
[8:19:32] there's an alternative the
[8:19:34] court would agree we would pay
[8:19:35] the dollars into the registry
[8:19:37] of the court and not be in
[8:19:43] violation of our contract with
[8:19:44] hialeah until we could resolve
[8:19:45] this dispute.
[8:19:47] Absent that payments are due
[8:19:58] pursuant to the terms of the
[8:19:59] contract.
[8:20:00] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[8:20:03] but all that takes time, filing
[8:20:05] conditioning and that is full
[8:20:07] litigation so I'm assuming the
[8:20:08] payment is due at some point in
[8:20:10] time on a calendar and while
[8:20:12] you are petitioning the court
[8:20:14] waiting for an order for the
[8:20:16] judge to say I order you to
[8:20:17] deposit the dollars into the
[8:20:19] courts registry are we going to
[8:20:20] be in violation?
[8:20:22] Because of the necessary time
[8:20:23] this takes to accomplish.
[8:20:25] >> my understanding from the
[8:20:27] motion is to institute the
[8:20:28] mediation process, to
[8:20:30] reinstitute it because this was
[8:20:32] part of the original dispute
[8:20:33] resolution process.
[8:20:33] Hen this
[8:20:35] came to this board as part of
[8:20:37] the joint meeting we were
[8:20:38] instructed to not include the
[8:20:40] plant as part of the resolution
[8:20:42] to proceed with litigation.
[8:20:44] We are in answer to
[8:20:46] commissioner bermudez question
[8:20:47] in litigation on the water and
[8:20:49] sewer payment portions.
[8:20:50] So if this motion is to be
[8:20:52] approved we will immediately
[8:20:53] seek to go back to mediation on
[8:20:55] the our old plant, see if we
[8:21:02] can reach resolution and if we
[8:21:04] cannot, we would have to have a
[8:21:05] joint meeting again between the
[8:21:07] council and this commission
[8:21:09] before we can institute
[8:21:11] litigation proceedings, once
[8:21:12] that plays out we will proceed
[8:21:14] with petitioning the court on
[8:21:16] the payments of whatever
[8:21:18] amounts are due at that point
[8:21:27] in time.
[8:21:29] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[8:21:31] there are no payments to this
[8:21:33] process legally, we won't MISS
[8:21:34] Any necessary deadlines on this
[8:21:37] $3.2 million payment during
[8:21:38] that list of things you just
[8:21:40] described that is necessary in
[8:21:41] the legal process?
[8:21:43] >> they are based on invoicing
[8:21:44] so I'm not sure about the
[8:21:46] timing, I'm not sure if ray has
[8:21:48] an answer, are we going to MISS
[8:21:49] Monthly payments.
[8:21:51] > we will make the payments
[8:21:53] until we get a court order.
[8:21:55] >>commissioner cohen higgins: i
[8:21:57] don't want to create additional
[8:21:59] exposure, thank you.
[8:22:01] >>commissioner bermudez: I know
[8:22:02] we've got the attorneys
[8:22:04] involved, the city of hialeah
[8:22:05] is disputing a deal worth $18
[8:22:07] million, we are paying $3
[8:22:09] million which is part of the
[8:22:10] mediation for the dispute of
[8:22:12] the week thing they lost.
[8:22:13] We are trying to work that part
[8:22:15] out, what the county is asking
[8:22:17] to do is hold off these
[8:22:18] payments, the maintenance fee
[8:22:20] for the plant which half if
[8:22:22] that is ours and that will be
[8:22:24] in dispute whether that plant
[8:22:26] should be billed or not, that's
[8:22:28] a whole other conversation but
[8:22:37] I don't disagree.
[8:22:39] To try to protect what we have
[8:22:40] appear and protect my part of
[8:22:42] the county is my responsibility
[8:22:44] to protect taxpayers as it is
[8:22:46] to protect the city of hialeah.
[8:22:47] I will defer to the
[8:22:48] commissioner.
[8:22:50] >>chair: we have a motion,
[8:22:52] second by commissioner gilbert,
[8:22:53] commissioner.
[8:22:55] >>commissioner bermudez: I am
[8:22:56] not against again and I
[8:22:58] reiterate we should have
[8:22:59] included the are oh.
[8:23:00] I don't know why it was
[8:23:02] bifurcated, it's ridiculous we
[8:23:04] did it and that time we should
[8:23:05] have done it, not now but
[8:23:07] that's okay.
[8:23:09] My question is is it the best
[8:23:18] litigation strategy.
[8:23:20] >>chair: your microphone.
[8:23:21] >>commissioner bermudez: is it
[8:23:23] the best litigation strategy,
[8:23:25] I'd like to ask the attorney is
[8:23:27] the best strategy to make the
[8:23:29] $3.2 million request to put in
[8:23:30] the court registry or is the
[8:23:32] best litigation strategy to
[8:23:33] keep our end of the deal and
[8:23:35] say they don't keep their end
[8:23:37] of the deal because that's the
[8:23:39] way I would look at it.
[8:23:40] As a lawyer and a judge.
[8:23:42] So I would like to know what
[8:23:47] you think.
[8:23:49] >> as your lawyer I'd like to
[8:23:51] have that conversation in
[8:23:51] private.
[8:24:01] >> commissioner regalado, I see
[8:24:03] where you're going and I think
[8:24:05] it's a brilliant idea but it
[8:24:07] does in a sense of your it runs
[8:24:09] afoul of course strategy and
[8:24:09] tactics.
[8:24:13] But I also understand where the
[8:24:15] commissioners from the city of
[8:24:16] hialeah are coming from when
[8:24:20] they're saying that in fact
[8:24:21] they are there with us.
[8:24:22] They are there but I'm
[8:24:24] wondering if it would be a
[8:24:25] safer approach to allow for
[8:24:27] strategic conversations to
[8:24:29] happen amongst the attorneys
[8:24:32] and commissioners individually,
[8:24:37] not on the record because I
[8:24:38] don't believe at this moment
[8:24:40] even if we were to proceed down
[8:24:43] this route the $3.2 million
[8:24:45] would make an impact on the
[8:24:46] budget one way or the other but
[8:24:48] then again that is my
[8:24:49] interpretation of reading both
[8:24:52] eight and nine and
[8:24:53] incorporating the conversations
[8:25:00] from the commissioners that
[8:25:01] represent part of the city of
[8:25:03] hialeah and putting them into a
[8:25:05] position where it MAY create
[8:25:06] another problem.
[8:25:09] So I'm just there and putting
[8:25:11] that out there to let you know
[8:25:12] to see if there is a world
[8:25:14] where we can honor what they
[8:25:18] are asking for and to get to
[8:25:20] the same destination at some
[8:25:22] point and not at 1:26 in the
[8:25:23] morning.
[8:25:25] >>chair: commissioner orbis
[8:25:34] unless your withdrawing.
[8:25:36] >>commissioner milian orbis: we
[8:25:38] need to withdraw this in a way
[8:25:39] that's favorable for the county
[8:25:41] but also the city, would it
[8:25:43] make a difference if we
[8:25:44] considered this at the next
[8:25:50] budget hearing, would it make
[8:25:52] such a big difference because
[8:25:53] receiving this at 1:15 in the
[8:25:55] morning and I don't think it's
[8:25:56] the right time and it's not
[8:25:58] good practice to do this
[8:25:59] without notifying the city of
[8:26:01] hialeah as to the intention
[8:26:02] either, I don't think that's
[8:26:03] good practice.
[8:26:05] The administration with this
[8:26:07] make a big difference between
[8:26:09] now and 2 weeks as commissioner
[8:26:11] bermudez said, does it make a
[8:26:12] difference if we take this on
[8:26:14] now because we do need to
[8:26:15] resolve this but do we need to
[8:26:16] do it right now?
[8:26:18] >> from a legal perspective the
[8:26:20] two weeks would not make a
[8:26:22] difference, I defer as to the
[8:26:23] economic impact.
[8:26:25] >>chair: it doesn't make a big
[8:26:27] difference other than another
[8:26:27] payments perhaps.
[8:26:29] >commissioner regalado: renc
[8:26:31] supports it, I understand two
[8:26:32] of you.
[8:26:34] We can vote on it now or vote
[8:26:38] on it again.
[8:26:40] >>commissioner steinberg: is
[8:26:42] not that we don't support it,
[8:26:44] we just got this now and we are
[8:26:45] expected to make a decision at
[8:26:47] 1:30 in the morning about a
[8:26:48] city impacts three
[8:26:50] commissioners on this board.
[8:26:52] >>commissioner gilbert: and by
[8:26:54] the only person that's going to
[8:26:55] wait to be recognized, help me
[8:26:56] understand.
[8:26:58] >>commissioner gilbert: I held
[8:26:59] my hand up.
[8:27:01] >>chair: do you have a second
[8:27:02] on the motion?
[8:27:03] There is a motion and the
[8:27:05] second, all in favor signify by
[8:27:11] saying aye.
[8:27:13] >>commissioner gilbert: the
[8:27:14] attorney won't save us from
[8:27:16] litigation anytime you owe
[8:27:17] somebody money it makes them
[8:27:19] more incentivized to negotiate,
[8:27:21] I don't think this is a close
[8:27:22] call.
[8:27:24] >>commissioner bermudez: MAY I
[8:27:34] respond to my friend who's an
[8:27:36] attorney to my fellow attorney,
[8:27:37] he's wrong because it's a
[8:27:39] municipality with a county
[8:27:41] government we decided not to go
[8:27:43] after and it's a two week
[8:27:44] difference.
[8:27:45] By the way she has my vote but
[8:27:47] she's going to lose my vote
[8:27:49] because in two weeks she's
[8:27:50] speaking for me, I don't like
[8:27:52] anyone speaking for me, not her
[8:27:54] or the congressman.
[8:27:56] >>chair: do you want me to call
[8:27:58] a vote on this commissioner
[8:27:59] regalado?
[8:28:00] All in favor signify by saying
[8:28:04] aye, opposed, nay., the motion
[8:28:05] fails.
[8:28:09] She's going to bring it.
[8:28:11] One of the hialeah
[8:28:13] commissioners should bring it,
[8:28:16] number 10, nine is the same
[8:28:17] thing.
[8:28:24] Eight and nine go together.
[8:28:25] >>commissioner regalado: the
[8:28:27] last one that's left is work
[8:28:29] with the office of the sheriff
[8:28:32] to negotiate assumption of
[8:28:33] administrative duties related
[8:28:35] to the school zone speed
[8:28:37] detection program and moved to
[8:28:42] amend resolution or 1099 24 to
[8:28:44] transfer the schools speed and
[8:28:45] enforcement penalty funds
[8:28:47] retained by the county that
[8:28:49] remain after deducting expenses
[8:28:50] for installing the school zone
[8:28:52] speed detection system to the
[8:28:54] office of the sheriff, the
[8:28:55] numbers I got I got from ray,
[8:29:00] ray could the numbers and what
[8:29:00] they are.
[8:29:02] But I didn't mention the
[8:29:04] numbers here, I'm talking about
[8:29:05] transferring the administration
[8:29:07] and funding to the sheriff's we
[8:29:09] can do our part to help the
[8:29:11] sheriff get to her end number.
[8:29:18] >>chair: this is for me a note
[8:29:20] because we're doing a 14 and a
[8:29:21] half million dollar part.
[8:29:28] We are doing it again this year
[8:29:30] and we don't know what's coming
[8:29:30] before this.
[8:29:33] So this is not a little, we are
[8:29:35] doing our little part from this
[8:29:37] program, the sheriff and I met,
[8:29:38] we've discussed it within the
[8:29:39] last year as well.
[8:29:41] We need to know a lot more
[8:29:43] before we transfer that money
[8:29:44] to the sheriff when the sheriff
[8:29:54] is getting a piece of that
[8:29:56] already for her employment
[8:29:57] which she's using and we spoke
[8:29:59] about that and we are giving
[8:30:00] her an additional from the
[8:30:02] counties portion 15 and a half
[8:30:04] million dollars which that is
[8:30:06] restricted funds to begin with
[8:30:08] florida statute on what it can
[8:30:08] be used for.
[8:30:10] So I'm not okay with this, I'm
[8:30:12] going to call the vote.
[8:30:14] >>commissioner regalado: can
[8:30:16] raise the numbers?
[8:30:17] Projections?
[8:30:18] >>mayor cava: those are
[8:30:20] accurate, he says.
[8:30:21] >>commissioner regalado: the
[8:30:24] ones I gave.
[8:30:26] >>chair: there's no numbers
[8:30:31] here.
[8:30:33] >>commissioner gilbert:
[8:30:35] :question.
[8:30:37] >> in the current year there is
[8:30:51] $36 million budgeted, it was
[8:30:52] estimated the first 14.5
[8:30:54] million would go to the sheriff
[8:30:55] and any remaining above that
[8:30:57] would be retained by the board
[8:30:59] for public safety purposes to
[8:31:00] be divided across all 13
[8:31:02] districts based on the
[8:31:03] cumulative population.
[8:31:05] So far the projection to the
[8:31:06] end of the year is a total of
[8:31:08] 19 million for fy 25, 26 on the
[8:31:10] portion retained by the county
[8:31:12] and the sheriff so that means
[8:31:22] the sheriff now going to the
[8:31:24] sheriff is already fulfilled
[8:31:25] out 14.5 million and there's
[8:31:27] should be a remaining carryover
[8:31:29] of 4.5 million to be divided
[8:31:33] across the board.
[8:31:35] Then for fy 26, 27 set up
[8:31:36] approximately the same way,
[8:31:38] 14.5 million to the sheriff
[8:31:40] carryover from the board to go
[8:31:42] to the board for next year.
[8:31:43] >>chair: the 4 and a half
[8:31:45] million dollars.
[8:31:46] >>commissioner regalado: but
[8:31:48] it's not when you put it
[8:31:49] altogether because it's across
[8:31:54] two years.
[8:31:56] >>chair: now you're suggesting
[8:31:58] to do both years so I'll call
[8:31:59] the question.
[8:32:01] >>commissioner regalado: I'm
[8:32:02] talking about transferring it
[8:32:04] to her.
[8:32:06] >>chair: some of those
[8:32:07] commissioners have allocated
[8:32:13] those funds so you got to talk
[8:32:14] about next year's budget not
[8:32:16] one we already approved because
[8:32:18] some of the commissioners have
[8:32:19] already committed those funds
[8:32:23] so did you need to?
[8:32:25] >>vice chair mcghee: as far as
[8:32:27] previous allocations that's 1
[8:32:28] and 2 I don't know if we
[8:32:30] haven't written the checks for
[8:32:34] those who have previously
[8:32:36] allocated or if it's going to
[8:32:37] take last year plus next year's
[8:32:40] money to meet the request we
[8:32:42] made as a board so those things
[8:32:44] haven't been ironed out.
[8:32:46] I haven't heard from anybody
[8:32:47] who knows those matters so for
[8:32:51] this one I'm a little weary on
[8:32:53] it because part of the sale to
[8:33:03] us for this was that it was
[8:33:04] going to be able to help those
[8:33:06] of us especially who were
[8:33:07] adversely impacted within those
[8:33:09] areas so now it's going to the
[8:33:11] sheriff, that's another bill
[8:33:12] and some sort of way those
[8:33:14] people who live in those areas
[8:33:19] are active, they won't have to
[8:33:19] pay.
[8:33:21] >>chair: I'm happy to call the
[8:33:23] question, all in favor say aye,
[8:33:25] all opposed, nay., no have it.
[8:33:27] >>commissioner regalado: if the
[8:33:41] mayor can even though it's in
[8:33:42] the budget she says the zero
[8:33:42] waste master plan is paid for
[8:33:43] because obviously there was a
[8:33:45] question about that in state
[8:33:46] statute and finding money for
[8:33:48] that because the budget.
[8:33:48] As
[8:33:49] funded out of operating
[8:33:50] revenues.
[8:33:51] >>mayor cava: in the current
[8:33:56] year's budget.
[8:33:58] >>chair: any other motions on
[8:34:07] item c, commissioner gonzales.
[8:34:08] >>commissioner gonzalez: so
[8:34:10] county attorneys have a motion
[8:34:10] I have.
[8:34:12] I moved to direct the
[8:34:14] administration to identify all
[8:34:15] legally available funds to fund
[8:34:17] the sheriff's budget request
[8:34:19] and report back to the board of
[8:34:21] county commissioners buyer to
[8:34:23] the second budget hearing
[8:34:24] SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 so we can
[8:34:26] evaluate the opportunities
[8:34:27] scenarios and numbers for
[8:34:29] proper consideration.
[8:34:32] >>chair: motion by commissioner
[8:34:33] orbis.
[8:34:34] >>commissioner bermudez: I'm
[8:34:36] going to vote for it because I
[8:34:38] agree, give me the motion.
[8:34:38] F
[8:34:39] you have it and your staff had
[8:34:40] it unwilling to support it
[8:34:42] because I agree but they should
[8:34:56] just do it.
[8:34:58] >>commissioner milian orbis: I
[8:34:59] need clarification because it
[8:35:01] says legally available funding
[8:35:06] and they said there is no more
[8:35:07] money so are you going to just
[8:35:09] come back to us and say there
[8:35:10] is no legally available
[8:35:11] funding?
[8:35:13] Because if that's the case, I'm
[8:35:15] just trying to get
[8:35:16] clarification what the
[8:35:17] administration plans to do and
[8:35:20] how they plan to respond.
[8:35:22] >> the motion is to find the
[8:35:24] money, we evaluate the numbers
[8:35:26] and we will decide what's going
[8:35:27] to be cut.
[8:35:29] But the money would need to be
[8:35:31] found by the administration.
[8:35:36] >>chair: the commissioner still
[8:35:38] has the floor, did you need an
[8:35:40] answer from the administration?
[8:35:41] Commissioner gilbert.
[8:35:44] >>commissioner gilbert:
[8:35:45] commissioner and to the
[8:35:47] administration is the general
[8:35:47] fund.
[8:35:50] So the motion essentially asks
[8:35:58] the administration to give them
[8:35:59] their money out of the general
[8:36:06] fund and find other things to
[8:36:07] cut and give us those
[8:36:08] scenarios.
[8:36:10] Respectfully, that's just our
[8:36:11] job.
[8:36:13] It's the general fund the
[8:36:15] legally available funds to the
[8:36:20] sheriff or the general fund.
[8:36:21] That's it.
[8:36:22] so I appreciate the motion, the
[8:36:24] motion is literally why we have
[8:36:25] to budget hearings.
[8:36:27] It's literally the reason we
[8:36:29] are balancing equities here.
[8:36:31] Somebody's going to get less
[8:36:33] and they asked for.
[8:36:35] Everybody's going to get less
[8:36:44] and they asked for actually but
[8:36:45] we could pass the motion but
[8:36:47] that is literally a fools
[8:36:49] errand were sending them on,
[8:36:51] that's an inexhaustible task
[8:36:53] because you're asking for
[8:36:54] scenarios that say no to
[8:36:56] cultural affairs, like you're
[8:36:58] asking for scenarios that will
[8:36:59] always be changing based on
[8:37:01] whatever our values are so I'm
[8:37:03] okay with it but commissioner,
[8:37:04] what's going to happen is they
[8:37:06] will come back and say it's the
[8:37:08] general fund because it's the
[8:37:09] general fund.
[8:37:14] >chair: I respect your
[8:37:15] perspective but at the same
[8:37:17] time it's up to the
[8:37:18] administration to figure out
[8:37:20] what this cuts could be.
[8:37:20] Hat
[8:37:22] is literally what the mayor
[8:37:23] could do.
[8:37:24] If she gives us the scenarios
[8:37:26] we can then decide what can be
[8:37:35] cut and what won't be cut.
[8:37:37] What I'm saying is find you
[8:37:38] legally available funds, show
[8:37:40] us those scenarios and we can
[8:37:42] determine as a board whether we
[8:37:43] agree, don't agree, whether
[8:37:45] there's other scenarios or not.
[8:37:47] We're going to look at our own
[8:37:48] scenarios but I'd like to see
[8:37:50] what scenarios the
[8:37:51] administration can come up
[8:37:53] with, what scenarios they can
[8:37:55] come up with knowing that we
[8:37:56] need to fully fund the sheriff
[8:38:05] and we can make that decision.
[8:38:06] >>chair: I agree with what
[8:38:08] you're saying commissioner
[8:38:09] gonzales and I would support
[8:38:11] your motion but I agree and I
[8:38:13] see them shaking their heads
[8:38:14] and I agree with gilbert and
[8:38:16] the mayor I think it needs to,
[8:38:18] you need to rephrase it.
[8:38:20] What you might be looking for I
[8:38:21] think, don't want to put words
[8:38:23] in the commissioners mouth is
[8:38:25] what you did with solid waste.
[8:38:26] You said if you don't approve
[8:38:28] an increase this is what we are
[8:38:29] going to cut.
[8:38:31] We have to cut for bulky waste
[8:38:33] or what not, whatever it is
[8:38:34] illegal dumping, that's what
[8:38:36] you're asking for is what would
[8:38:36] be cut.
[8:38:43] What would the mayor recommend.
[8:38:44] >>commissioner gonzalez: give
[8:38:46] me what we can cut to fully
[8:39:04] fund the sheriff claps thank
[8:39:06] you MR. CHAIRMAN, the mayor has
[8:39:08] presented her budget as
[8:39:10] required by the charter that is
[8:39:11] her best judgment to balance
[8:39:13] the needs and it's her
[8:39:14] determination if this
[8:39:16] commission chooses to use
[8:39:18] different priorities that's
[8:39:19] fine but it's up to the
[8:39:21] commission to tell us what to
[8:39:21] do.
[8:39:22] E've presented the budget
[8:39:23] that we stand by.
[8:39:25] >> in other words she's
[8:39:27] presented her budget and we can
[8:39:28] cut it up and chop it up and we
[8:39:30] decide what we cut.
[8:39:32] >>commissioner gilbert: because
[8:39:34] you're using the word
[8:39:35] recommendations and she's never
[8:39:37] going to recommend something
[8:39:39] other than her recommended
[8:39:41] budget, her proposed budget so
[8:39:43] you're using the word
[8:39:44] recommendations.
[8:39:46] Just now you said identify
[8:39:47] recommendations.
[8:39:49] you want her to recommend
[8:39:50] something.
[8:39:52] >>chair: identify all legally
[8:39:53] available funds.
[8:39:55] >>commissioner gilbert: keep
[8:39:57] going, read the rest of it.
[8:39:58] >>chair: to fully fund the
[8:40:00] sheriff's budget.
[8:40:02] >>commissioner gilbert: they're
[8:40:03] not giving her what she asked
[8:40:05] for but they think they're
[8:40:06] fully funding her budget now if
[8:40:08] you want to get what you asked
[8:40:10] for it's going to involve her
[8:40:12] recommending something she's
[8:40:13] never going to recommend but
[8:40:15] I'm okay if you want them to
[8:40:17] have alternatives, is that what
[8:40:19] you're looking for?
[8:40:20] >>chair: I want to make a
[8:40:22] motion now to fully fund the
[8:40:23] sheriff, period.
[8:40:25] >>commissioner gilbert: we
[8:40:26] appreciate that.
[8:40:27] >>chair: the reason I say that
[8:40:29] is because I know right now at
[8:40:31] this hour there's no way we
[8:40:32] will get to that number,
[8:40:34] there's too many things to
[8:40:35] consider so what I'm asking for
[8:40:37] is scenarios where, scenarios
[8:40:40] where they can give us what
[8:40:41] they legally have found that
[8:40:43] can become, make hard
[8:40:44] decisions, we can then decide
[8:40:46] what we can keep and don't keep
[8:40:47] to fully fund the sheriff.
[8:40:50] To commissioner cohen higgins's
[8:40:51] point, if they're saying
[8:40:53] there's nothing we can cut, we
[8:40:59] can still direct them to.
[8:41:01] >>chair: we could direct them
[8:41:04] for sure, vice chair then I
[8:41:04] will go to you.
[8:41:07] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[8:41:09] MR. Chair. Inherently found
[8:41:14] within commissioner gonzales
[8:41:16] motion, is his way of saying
[8:41:17] that he can correct me if I'm
[8:41:19] wrong on the record that is
[8:41:21] motion essentially is saying we
[8:41:23] don't have enough time with our
[8:41:25] staff to go through all the
[8:41:27] scenarios found within the
[8:41:32] proposed budget, we are asking
[8:41:34] for the administration to give
[8:41:35] scenarios therefore at least
[8:41:42] you will have a starting point
[8:41:45] in understanding whether or not
[8:41:46] there are legally available
[8:41:49] funds, correct me if I'm wrong.
[8:41:51] >>chair: what I'm looking for
[8:41:53] is we will look at things to
[8:41:53] cut.
[8:41:54] I want them to also look at
[8:42:04] things that can be cut and give
[8:42:05] us those scenarios.
[8:42:07] I understand this is the first
[8:42:09] budget, we will have a second
[8:42:11] budget hearing and I want them
[8:42:13] to identify other things that
[8:42:13] can be cut.
[8:42:15] Then we will figure out whether
[8:42:17] we can get there or not but I
[8:42:19] agree with commissioner
[8:42:20] bermudez that to fully start
[8:42:22] saying hey, throw money this
[8:42:25] way is not the right thing to
[8:42:25] do.
[8:42:27] >>mayor cava: respectfully,
[8:42:28] through the chair.
[8:42:29] As I understand it the general
[8:42:31] fund is a discretionary matter.
[8:42:33] It is for me to make my
[8:42:34] recommendation and you to
[8:42:35] decide.
[8:42:41] There's nothing in that 3.4
[8:42:42] billion dollars of the budget
[8:42:44] that could not be cut so I am
[8:42:46] not going to tell you what I
[8:42:53] would rather cut because I've
[8:42:55] put together a budget I think
[8:42:57] is reasonable and balanced and
[8:42:59] protects basic services so that
[8:43:00] is why we've sent to you many
[8:43:02] times and in the memo this is
[8:43:04] my best recommendation, if you
[8:43:06] want to do something different
[8:43:07] then please tell us what you
[8:43:10] would prioritize.
[8:43:12] >>chair: what she is saying is
[8:43:13] it's umpsa so it's parks,
[8:43:15] roads, things of that nature we
[8:43:17] would have to cut but you still
[8:43:24] have the floor vice CHAIRMAN.
[8:43:26] >>vice chair mcghee:
[8:43:27] commissioner gonzales if you
[8:43:29] are okay with this my
[8:43:31] recommendation would be because
[8:43:32] again it's 1:44 and it sounds
[8:43:34] like the mayor is extending an
[8:43:35] olive branch to say to you,
[8:43:40] meet with me and we can go from
[8:43:41] that route and have a
[8:43:43] conversation and if it doesn't
[8:43:45] come out the way we envision
[8:43:46] what can possibly happen then
[8:43:48] at the second budget hearing is
[8:43:49] when you put forth your, not
[8:43:52] her recommendations but your
[8:43:53] recommendations as relates to
[8:43:55] finding the funds to fully fund
[8:43:57] what the sheriff's department
[8:43:59] is asking for.
[8:44:01] That's what I'm hearing and
[8:44:03] that's my recommendation to you
[8:44:04] if that's something you would
[8:44:04] accept.
[8:44:06] >>chair: commissioner, you are
[8:44:09] the maker of the motion.
[8:44:11] >>commissioner gonzalez: I
[8:44:14] stand by my motion, if she's
[8:44:16] not going to do it.
[8:44:20] >>chair: commissioner regalado.
[8:44:22] >>commissioner regalado: to
[8:44:23] clarify something here, when we
[8:44:26] are dealing with an enterprise
[8:44:32] fund we are going to deal with
[8:44:34] it when we do the rates, it's a
[8:44:36] small universe so it's easy for
[8:44:38] us to pull the strings and
[8:44:39] figure out what we are doing
[8:44:41] which is why earlier I was
[8:44:42] trying to share some money
[8:44:44] because when you say legally
[8:44:46] available funds, that's the
[8:44:51] entire general fund so that
[8:44:53] means you can pull the strings
[8:44:55] from transit, all the strings
[8:44:57] from cultural, you can pull so
[8:44:59] many strings she'd have to give
[8:45:00] you 20 or 30 different
[8:45:02] scenarios and that's what's in
[8:45:03] untenable about that.
[8:45:05] That's why she's pushing it
[8:45:06] back to us saying the
[8:45:08] priorities you make with the
[8:45:11] general fund just find the
[8:45:12] money, decide what you take
[8:45:13] out.
[8:45:15] You're not giving any guidance,
[8:45:16] you're just saying anything in
[8:45:18] the general fund so she can say
[8:45:20] here's general fund, take out
[8:45:22] as many line items as you want.
[8:45:23] >>commissioner gonzalez:
[8:45:25] because in two weeks we will do
[8:45:27] the same thing and compare
[8:45:27] notes.
[8:45:29] We can vote it up or down and
[8:45:34] if the board decides to vote it
[8:45:35] down we vote it down, I will
[8:45:37] come with my cuts, everybody
[8:45:39] will come with their accounts
[8:45:40] and go from there.
[8:45:41] >>commissioner bermudez: I have
[8:45:43] a question for the
[8:45:44] administration.
[8:45:45] >>chair: senator garcia has
[8:45:50] joined the chat.
[8:45:52] >>senator garcia: this is what
[8:45:54] happens when we have these
[8:45:55] budget discussions at 1:46 in
[8:45:59] the morning.
[8:46:00] I will not speak on behalf of
[8:46:02] commissioner gonzalez but one
[8:46:04] presumes that like he said,
[8:46:05] some of you said and I said
[8:46:09] that public safety is one of
[8:46:10] the most important things if
[8:46:11] not the most important thing so
[8:46:15] I have a question of the
[8:46:16] administration.
[8:46:17] I don't want to talk about
[8:46:19] general fund and all the other
[8:46:21] funds, will you meet with the
[8:46:22] sheriff's office between now
[8:46:25] and the second reading of this
[8:46:34] budget or is it your statement
[8:46:35] today that you will not meet
[8:46:37] with the sheriff's office on
[8:46:39] whatever that delta is between
[8:46:52] their request and what you've
[8:46:53] budgeted.
[8:46:55] >>mayor cava: through the chair
[8:46:57] we've met frequently and we
[8:46:59] will again and it's an ongoing
[8:47:00] conversation and we are open to
[8:47:02] see where there might be
[8:47:03] compromised.
[8:47:04] We've worked hard to identify
[8:47:06] ways they can meet all the
[8:47:07] needs they have expressed.
[8:47:09] We are not holding back on
[8:47:10] anything that has been
[8:47:12] identified as a priority, we
[8:47:13] simply disagree as to how much
[8:47:15] money must be transferred at
[8:47:17] this time to accomplish it.
[8:47:19] >>commissioner bermudez: the
[8:47:20] answer to my question is
[8:47:22] between now and the second
[8:47:24] reading whether that delta is
[8:47:25] whether a change or doesn't
[8:47:27] change you are not, you're
[8:47:28] saying yes you will still be
[8:47:30] met willing to meet with the
[8:47:31] sheriff's office.
[8:47:42] >>mayor cava: always.
[8:47:44] >>commissioner bermudez: having
[8:47:46] said that I would presume
[8:47:47] commissioner galt gonzales or
[8:47:49] myself which MAY meet with
[8:47:51] representatives between now and
[8:47:52] then would also know if there
[8:47:53] was a change.
[8:47:55] Let's just say some movement
[8:47:56] between the meeting that would
[8:47:58] take you to the top
[8:48:00] administrative officer and the
[8:48:00] sheriff.
[8:48:02] To me I think this is more
[8:48:04] about sending philosophy across
[8:48:05] the board before the second
[8:48:05] reading.
[8:48:07] Think that's what
[8:48:09] commissioner gonzalez wants to
[8:48:11] accomplish and to me it's
[8:48:12] really not much different than
[8:48:14] one of those motions we
[8:48:15] approved with the 11 motions
[8:48:17] before which is hey, if the
[8:48:18] answer is no or not.
[8:48:20] I think it's about philosophy
[8:48:22] and that's his intent and it
[8:48:25] MAY be wrong and I do think
[8:48:27] that was my question because
[8:48:37] commissioner gilbert said
[8:48:38] nothing.
[8:48:39] Maybe he does change.
[8:48:41] Nobody knows, we don't know if
[8:48:42] the sheriff changes or the
[8:48:44] mayor changes and maybe they
[8:48:45] bring something different.
[8:48:48] That's all I wanted to say.
[8:48:50] >>chair: I can call a question
[8:48:51] but we have a solution so
[8:49:02] commissioner gilbert as a
[8:49:03] solution.
[8:49:05] >>commissioner gilbert: to the
[8:49:06] mayor commissioner gonzalez and
[8:49:08] chair we want to make sure
[8:49:09] public safety is funded in a
[8:49:11] way that provides safety,
[8:49:13] that's our unified goal so if
[8:49:15] that's our goal what we also
[8:49:16] realize is that we have limited
[8:49:16] funds.
[8:49:18] Hat I've said to the
[8:49:19] sheriff and the administration
[8:49:21] is this, we might not be able
[8:49:23] to do everything right now but
[8:49:25] there are things we have to do
[8:49:27] that she needs more police
[8:49:28] officers and also needs to
[8:49:29] increase pay.
[8:49:30] She needs to increase pay to
[8:49:32] get more police officers.
[8:49:36] More deputies, that's just the
[8:49:37] truth.
[8:49:38] We just need a plan so we can
[8:49:40] do it incrementally, we can't
[8:49:47] do it in one year and pretty
[8:49:48] tax if that passes NOVEMBER 3
[8:49:50] we have other challenges but
[8:49:52] based on what we know right now
[8:49:53] we need a plan so I would ask
[8:50:00] your motion, have them sit down
[8:50:02] and come up with a plan.
[8:50:04] Come up with a plan how we get
[8:50:04] there.
[8:50:06] Come up with a plan, give this
[8:50:07] commission a timeline, have
[8:50:09] this board commit to it and
[8:50:11] that allows us to fiscally
[8:50:13] understand whether we have to
[8:50:14] attribute some, we understand
[8:50:15] what we have to do.
[8:50:17] It doesn't have to be, is not
[8:50:19] instant coffee, it's not drive
[8:50:23] through so that's a friendly
[8:50:24] amendment.
[8:50:26] >>commissioner gonzalez: I will
[8:50:28] accept that amendment, find
[8:50:29] legally available funds make a
[8:50:39] plan how we get this done.
[8:50:41] >>chair: motion with a friendly
[8:50:42] amendment, second with
[8:50:44] commissioner gilbert, all in
[8:50:46] favor signify by saying aye,
[8:50:47] show the motion passing, any
[8:50:49] other motions on item c.
[8:50:50] Vice CHAIRMAN.
[8:50:51] >>vice chair mcghee: thank you
[8:50:53] MR. Chair. I don't want to put
[8:50:55] this in the form of a motion
[8:50:56] but I will say this to the
[8:50:58] administration, I don't mind
[8:51:00] meeting with corrections, your
[8:51:02] meal vendor contract.
[8:51:04] There was I believe resolution
[8:51:07] 1028 25 where we approved a
[8:51:11] $19.7 million under that
[8:51:15] resolution but I'm looking at
[8:51:16] what the auditor presented to
[8:51:20] us and it shows that 2627
[8:51:29] budget for the same contract
[8:51:31] takes it up about 25% of cost
[8:51:32] which is 27.4 million as a
[8:51:34] final cost so if you can look
[8:51:36] at that and I can meet with you
[8:51:38] soon to make sure whatever that
[8:51:39] difference is is accurate and
[8:51:41] we can see what happened
[8:51:43] between that resolution that
[8:51:49] was had in 25 and now say it's
[8:51:55] worth 27.4 billion.
[8:51:57] >>mayor cava: are director
[8:51:59] sharia green is coming again.
[8:52:01] >>vice chair mcghee: I wanted
[8:52:03] to have a meeting with you,
[8:52:04] thank you.
[8:52:12] >>chair: senator garcia.
[8:52:14] >>senator garcia: met on mayor
[8:52:16] and to the budget staff one of
[8:52:17] the things we've noticed is
[8:52:19] there's been an increase in
[8:52:20] rental expenses.
[8:52:22] Maybe one of the things we can
[8:52:23] look at, I'm not going to make
[8:52:25] a motion but if we could look
[8:52:27] at collaborating more with the
[8:52:29] school system, the school
[8:52:30] system right now as a lot of
[8:52:32] vacant schools and properties
[8:52:34] and we MAY be able to cross use
[8:52:36] I guess where they have under
[8:52:38] enrollments maybe we can use
[8:52:40] those properties and come to a
[8:52:41] collaboration to lower our
[8:52:47] rental expenses.
[8:52:49] >>mayor cava: through the chair
[8:52:50] we've met with our
[8:52:52] superintendent about that
[8:52:53] opportunity.
[8:52:55] >>chair: any other motions on
[8:52:56] item c.
[8:52:58] >>commissioner regalado: I have
[8:52:59] one comment, since palmer is
[8:53:01] there on corrections, I know we
[8:53:05] went 10 rounds on the meals and
[8:53:07] I know there was a kitchen and
[8:53:09] there wasn't a kitchen and we
[8:53:17] don't know the costs of the
[8:53:17] kitchen.
[8:53:18] It's very confusing.
[8:53:20] If you could please provide us
[8:53:22] with clarity because it appears
[8:53:24] we are leasing a kitchen but
[8:53:26] then what's the evaluation of
[8:53:27] the kitchen that wasn't ready
[8:53:30] and how did that change it.
[8:53:32] >> definitely let's get that.
[8:53:34] Do I have a motion on the rest
[8:53:36] of the items as amended, moved
[8:53:38] by commissioner cohen higgins,
[8:53:43] clerk please call the roll.
[8:53:45] >>senator garcia:
[8:53:51] >>commissioner gilbert:
[8:53:53] >>commissioner gonzalez: no for
[8:53:54] now.
[8:53:58] >>commissioner hardemon:
[8:54:00] >>commissioner lopez:
[8:54:06] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[8:54:09] >>commissioner regalado: yes.
[8:54:12] >>commissioner steinberg:
[8:54:14] >>commissioner bastien:
[8:54:17] >>commissioner bermudez: yes.
[8:54:19] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[8:54:20] for.
[8:54:22] >>vice chair mcghee:
[8:54:22] >>chair: yes.
[8:54:26] >> motion passes 10 to 3.
[8:54:29] >>chair: MADAM Attorney read
[8:54:37] the next item.
[8:54:40] >> item d ratifying millage for
[8:54:42] the unincorporated municipal
[8:54:44] service area operating purposes
[8:54:46] for the fiscal year commencing
[8:54:48] OCTOBER 1 2026 ending SEPTEMBER
[8:54:49] 30, 2027 and budget director
[8:54:57] has a statement.
[8:55:00] >> proposed unincorporated
[8:55:02] service area operating millage
[8:55:04] is 1.909 mills which is 6.16%
[8:55:06] above the state divide rollback
[8:55:07] rate of 1.7983.
[8:55:08] >>chair: I will entertain a
[8:55:10] motion, seconded by cohen
[8:55:12] higgins, any suggestions or
[8:55:13] amendments, please call the
[8:55:15] roll on item d.
[8:55:22] >>commissioner gilbert:
[8:55:23] >>chair: you guys have to
[8:55:25] follow along, it's 2 o'clock in
[8:55:26] the morning.
[8:55:31] >>commissioner gonzalez: no.
[8:55:34] >>commissioner hardemon:
[8:55:37] >>commissioner lopez: yes.
[8:55:40] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[8:55:42] >>commissioner regalado:
[8:55:44] >>commissioner steinberg:
[8:55:47] >>commissioner bastien:
[8:55:49] >>commissioner bermudez:
[8:55:53] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[8:55:56] >>senator garcia:
[8:55:58] >>vice chair mcghee: yes.
[8:56:00] >>chair: I vote yes.
[8:56:02] >> motion passes 10 to 3.
[8:56:24] >>chair: read the next motion.
[8:56:26] >> next item is ordinance
[8:56:27] adopting the unincorporated
[8:56:29] municipal service area for
[8:56:30] miami-dade county for the
[8:56:32] fiscal year commencing OCTOBER
[8:56:34] 1, 2026 and ending SEPTEMBER
[8:56:36] 30, 2027, this item would have
[8:56:37] to be approved as amended to
[8:56:39] incorporate the first changes
[8:56:41] memo as well as the three prior
[8:56:43] emotions that I believe did get
[8:56:45] approval which was the motion
[8:56:47] by commissioner regalado
[8:56:49] directing the mayor to provide
[8:56:51] a report regarding the natural
[8:56:53] mover and details on
[8:56:55] maintenance and capital cost as
[8:56:56] well as her motion to amend,
[8:56:58] I'm sorry, to direct the mayor
[8:57:00] to submit one or more invoices
[8:57:02] to the city of miami bayfront
[8:57:04] park family trust or dda for
[8:57:05] the fifa fan festival at
[8:57:07] bayfront park as well as
[8:57:09] commissioner gonzalez motion to
[8:57:11] direct the administration to
[8:57:13] identify legally available
[8:57:14] funds and come up with a plan
[8:57:16] regarding the sheriff's budget,
[8:57:18] we do need to bifurcate the
[8:57:20] portion of the first changes
[8:57:22] memo which relates to the
[8:57:24] non-legacy cbo's included in
[8:57:24] attachment c.
[8:57:26] For purposes of the conflict so
[8:57:31] if senator garcia and
[8:57:32] commissioner mcghee could step
[8:57:34] out you could take a vote on
[8:57:35] that bifurcated piece.
[8:57:40] >>chair: step out, I will
[8:57:42] entertain a motion on the cbo
[8:57:45] portion of item e, moved by
[8:57:46] commissioner cohen higgins,
[8:57:53] clerk please call the roll.
[8:57:55] >>commissioner gonzalez: no.
[8:58:00] >>commissioner hardemon:
[8:58:03] >>commissioner lopez: yes.
[8:58:07] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[8:58:10] >>commissioner regalado: for.
[8:58:12] >>commissioner steinberg:
[8:58:14] >>commissioner bastien:
[8:58:16] >>commissioner bermudez:
[8:58:18] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[8:58:27] >>commissioner gilbert:
[8:58:28] >>chair: I vote yes.
[8:58:31] >> motion passes 8 and 3.
[8:58:33] >> the statements senator
[8:58:39] garcia and commissioner mcghee,
[8:58:40] correct.
[8:58:44] >>chair: do I have any other
[8:58:47] bifurcations on item e?
[8:58:50] Seeing none motion to move by
[8:58:53] commissioner cohen higgins, a
[8:58:55] second by commissioner lopez.
[8:58:59] Any additional motions, seeing
[8:59:01] none clerk please call the
[8:59:02] roll.
[8:59:09] >>commissioner hardemon:
[8:59:10] >>commissioner lopez:
[8:59:12] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[8:59:14] >>commissioner regalado:
[8:59:18] >>commissioner steinberg:
[8:59:20] >>commissioner bastien:
[8:59:22] >>commissioner bermudez:
[8:59:24] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[8:59:26] >>senator garcia:
[8:59:28] >>commissioner gilbert:
[8:59:32] >>commissioner gonzalez: no.
[8:59:34] >>vice chair mcghee: yes.
[8:59:39] >>chair: no for now.
[8:59:41] >> motion passes 9 to 4.
[8:59:47] >>chair: read the next item.
[8:59:48] >> item f is an ordinance
[8:59:50] adopting and ratifying millage
[8:59:52] for miami-dade fire and rescue
[8:59:54] service operating purposes for
[8:59:55] the fiscal year ending OCTOBER
[8:59:57] 1, 2026 ending SEPTEMBER 30,
[9:00:05] 2027 and budget director has a
[9:00:06] statement.
[9:00:08] >>chair: please read your
[9:00:08] statement.
[9:00:10] >> the fire rescue service
[9:00:12] district operating millage is
[9:00:14] 2.369 mills which is 5.83%
[9:00:15] above the rollback rate of 2.26
[9:00:17] four mills, the proposed rate
[9:00:19] generates revenue for services
[9:00:21] provided by miami-dade fire
[9:00:23] rescue in the proposed budget.
[9:00:25] >>chair: motion by commissioner
[9:00:26] gonzalez, second by
[9:00:27] commissioner lopez.
[9:00:28] Eeing no
[9:00:29] amendments clerk please call
[9:00:31] the roll.
[9:00:33] >>commissioner lopez: yes.
[9:00:35] >>commissioner regalado:
[9:00:37] >>commissioner steinberg:
[9:00:39] >>commissioner bastien:
[9:00:41] >>commissioner bermudez: yes.
[9:00:43] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[9:00:44] >>senator garcia:
[9:00:46] >>commissioner gilbert: no, I'm
[9:00:51] joking, yes.
[9:00:53] >>commissioner gonzalez: yes.
[9:00:55] >>vice chair mcghee: yes.
[9:01:07] >>chair: I vote yes.
[9:01:09] >> motion passes unanimously.
[9:01:11] >>chair: read the next item.
[9:01:12] >> item g ratifies the millage
[9:01:14] for the miami-dade library
[9:01:15] system for fiscal year
[9:01:17] commencing OCTOBER 1 SEPTEMBER
[9:01:18] 26, budget director has a
[9:01:19] statement.
[9:01:21] >>chair: please read your
[9:01:21] statement.
[9:01:30] >> the proposed millage is
[9:01:31] 2.812 mills which is 5.71%
[9:01:33] above the state rollback rate
[9:01:34] of.266 mills, the proposed
[9:01:36] rate generates revenue to
[9:01:38] support the services and
[9:01:40] programs provided by miami-dade
[9:01:42] public library system in the
[9:01:43] proposed budget.
[9:01:44] >>chair: motion by the vice
[9:01:47] chair, second by commissioner
[9:01:48] gonzalez, seeing no amendments
[9:01:51] or please call the roll.
[9:01:53] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[9:01:55] >>commissioner regalado:
[9:01:57] >>commissioner steinberg:
[9:01:59] >>commissioner bastien:
[9:02:01] >>commissioner bermudez: yes.
[9:02:03] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[9:02:04] >>senator garcia:
[9:02:06] >>commissioner gilbert: yes.
[9:02:08] >>commissioner gonzalez: for.
[9:02:10] >>commissioner hardemon:
[9:02:12] >>commissioner lopez: yes.
[9:02:14] >>vice chair mcghee: yes.
[9:02:15] >>chair: I vote yes.
[9:02:17] >> motion passes unanimously.
[9:02:20] >>chair: read the next item.
[9:02:21] >> next item is ordinance
[9:02:23] adopting a ratifying
[9:02:24] proprietary budget special
[9:02:26] assessment budget and other
[9:02:28] budgets of miami-dade county or
[9:02:30] fiscal year commencing OCTOBER
[9:02:32] 1 2026 ending SEPTEMBER 30,
[9:02:41] 2027, this is item h which will
[9:02:43] need to be approved as amended
[9:02:45] to incorporate the mayor's
[9:02:47] memorandum dated SEPTEMBER 2,
[9:02:49] 2026 titled information for
[9:02:50] first budget hearing fiscal
[9:02:52] year 2627 budget and in
[9:02:53] addition it we need to correct
[9:02:56] a scriveners error to add pages
[9:02:58] inadvertently omitted from the
[9:02:59] fiscal year 26-27 plan,
[9:03:01] attached with corrected copies
[9:03:02] filed with the clerk.
[9:03:04] We also have to bifurcate this
[9:03:05] item for the same conflicts
[9:03:07] that were previously read by
[9:03:09] senator garcia using those
[9:03:09] statements.
[9:03:11] On the non-legacy portion of
[9:03:13] attachment c of the changes
[9:03:14] memo.
[9:03:15] >>commissioner regalado: I want
[9:03:17] to bifurcate section 22.
[9:03:19] >>chair: do you want to move
[9:03:25] the cbo portion?
[9:03:26] Second by commissioner lopez,
[9:03:28] clerk please call the roll of
[9:03:29] the cbo portion of item h.
[9:03:31] >>commissioner regalado:
[9:03:33] >>commissioner steinberg:
[9:03:35] >>commissioner bastien:
[9:03:37] >>commissioner bermudez: yes
[9:03:38] for now.
[9:03:41] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[9:03:43] >>commissioner gilbert:
[9:03:46] >>commissioner gonzalez: no.
[9:03:48] >>commissioner hardemon:
[9:03:50] >>commissioner lopez: yes.
[9:03:53] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[9:03:59] >>chair: I vote yes.
[9:04:01] >> motion passes 9 to 2.
[9:04:03] >>chair: they can come back in
[9:04:04] the chamber.
[9:04:06] >> I also failed to mention
[9:04:08] this item needed to include the
[9:04:10] amendments that have previously
[9:04:12] been approved, the other three,
[9:04:20] thank you.
[9:04:22] >>chair: on section 22 which is
[9:04:24] the water and sewer, there is a
[9:04:26] motion by commissioner
[9:04:27] regalado, second by
[9:04:28] commissioner gilbert.
[9:04:36] Clerk please call the roll.
[9:04:38] You want her to bifurcate it
[9:04:41] just to vote no or to amended?
[9:04:44] Regalado bifurcated it, you
[9:04:48] just want to devote but you
[9:04:52] have an amendment on section
[9:04:53] 22.
[9:04:55] >>commissioner gilbert: I would
[9:04:57] like to adjust the rate.
[9:04:59] Listen, we've heard people come
[9:05:03] and talk about what needs to
[9:05:05] happen and what the rate has to
[9:05:05] cover.
[9:05:07] We know we are not doing that
[9:05:09] so we had this conversation
[9:05:10] about solid waste years back
[9:05:18] when we right sized it.
[9:05:20] I don't know why we wouldn't
[9:05:21] adjust the rate to allow for
[9:05:23] the 6% increase, allow us to do
[9:05:25] the projects that keep us in
[9:05:26] compliance with law.
[9:05:28] This is a proprietary fund.
[9:05:30] We are giving service and folks
[9:05:31] are paying for it.
[9:05:32] We've been told previously
[9:05:34] where we were doing bad, doing
[9:05:34] poorly.
[9:05:42] This is the rate that needs to
[9:05:43] be implemented for us to keep
[9:05:45] pace with what we are doing.
[9:05:47] So if we are not going to do
[9:05:48] that that's fine but we need to
[9:05:50] be very careful because these
[9:05:52] are the decisions we make at
[9:05:54] 2:07 in the morning that later
[9:05:55] the federal government and
[9:06:00] state government come in and
[9:06:04] say hey, you are crazy.
[9:06:06] I believe the rates should be
[9:06:12] increased by 6%.
[9:06:20] >>chair: deputy mayor.
[9:06:22] >> it is proposed at 6%
[9:06:22] increase.
[9:06:24] The way it's proposed is the
[9:06:31] way the commissioner wants it.
[9:06:32] >>commissioner gilbert: so we
[9:06:34] are going 6%.
[9:06:39] >> that is the item we have.
[9:06:40] >>chair: she just bifurcated
[9:06:43] it, she didn't move anything.
[9:06:45] We voted on water and sewer as
[9:06:47] a flat rate, 6%.
[9:06:49] So there's no need for a
[9:06:49] motion.
[9:06:52] Would you move the item?
[9:06:57] Moved by commissioner gilbert.
[9:06:58] Do we need to take a motion on
[9:07:12] the bifurcation of section 22?
[9:07:14] >> according to your new rules
[9:07:15] you need to have a vote to
[9:07:16] bifurcate.
[9:07:17] The motion would be too
[9:07:19] bifurcate section 22 and
[9:07:20] attachment j.
[9:07:22] >>chair: there is a second to
[9:07:24] bifurcate, why do we need to
[9:07:26] bifurcate?
[9:07:33] >> she wants to take a separate
[9:07:35] vote on that portion and your
[9:07:36] rules were changed to require a
[9:07:38] motion to bifurcate and a
[9:07:39] motion on the item.
[9:07:41] >>commissioner gilbert: it's
[9:07:42] taking place before?
[9:07:44] >>chair: all in favor, show
[9:07:49] section 22 bifurcated.
[9:07:50] Now we are on section 22, moved
[9:07:53] by commissioner gilbert, second
[9:07:55] by commissioner cohen higgins,
[9:07:59] call the roll, commissioner
[9:08:00] bermudez.
[9:08:06] >>commissioner bermudez: we
[9:08:08] heard some of the individuals
[9:08:09] today that we've heard in the
[9:08:13] past state that those projects
[9:08:14] need to be done to comply with
[9:08:16] a consent decree, is that
[9:08:16] correct.
[9:08:19] >> and the ocean outfall
[9:08:26] legislation.
[9:08:27] >>commissioner bermudez: in
[9:08:29] your opinion we need those
[9:08:31] dollars to have those projects
[9:08:33] done timely to comply with both
[9:08:34] those requirements.
[9:08:36] >> it's my opinion as well as
[9:08:37] our bond consultant that
[9:08:39] without this rate increase the
[9:08:41] projects can't move forward.
[9:08:42] >>commissioner bermudez: it's
[9:08:44] been said but now you said it,
[9:08:45] thank you.
[9:08:46] >>chair: I've got the vice
[9:08:51] chair then commissioner cohen
[9:08:51] higgins.
[9:08:53] >>vice chair mcghee: what we
[9:08:54] are asking is to set the
[9:08:56] ceiling tonight for this and we
[9:08:58] can come back at the next
[9:09:04] meeting if need be and make a
[9:09:06] motion to bring it back down at
[9:09:07] a number we can agree upon, is
[9:09:09] that what I'm hearing?
[9:09:11] >> they can always do that at
[9:09:15] the second meeting.
[9:09:17] >>chair: commissioner cohen
[9:09:22] higgins.
[9:09:23] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[9:09:26] I'm trying to understand the
[9:09:27] justification for bifurcating
[9:09:29] the item that's not been
[9:09:29] amended.
[9:09:38] Why are we bifurcating?
[9:09:39] >>chair: to vote no,
[9:09:41] commissioner hardemon.
[9:09:43] >>commissioner hardemon: the
[9:09:45] reason we bifurcated was
[9:09:47] someone wants to bifurcate it,
[9:09:48] that's not put the rule in
[9:09:50] because previously one wants to
[9:09:52] bifurcate and others didn't
[9:09:53] want to necessarily.
[9:09:55] It gave everyone an opportunity
[9:09:57] to pull out what they wanted to
[9:09:59] vote for or against to make
[9:09:59] points.
[9:10:01] Now we have a rule to move to
[9:10:03] bifurcate so people can't do
[9:10:03] that.
[9:10:05] So if for instance if you
[9:10:06] disagree with a bifurcation you
[9:10:08] can say we are not going to
[9:10:10] bifurcate and move forward up
[9:10:11] or down but when you bifurcate
[9:10:14] it gives someone an opportunity
[9:10:17] to vote, you don't have to make
[9:10:18] changes, just say I want
[9:10:20] everyone to know I am against
[9:10:26] these rates, that's it.
[9:10:28] All right, clerk please call
[9:10:30] the roll.
[9:10:32] >>commissioner steinberg:
[9:10:34] >>commissioner bastien:
[9:10:36] >>commissioner bermudez: yes.
[9:10:37] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[9:10:37] for.
[9:10:40] >>senator garcia:
[9:10:42] >>commissioner gilbert: yes.
[9:10:45] >>commissioner gonzalez: no.
[9:10:48] >>commissioner hardemon:
[9:10:50] >>commissioner lopez: no.
[9:10:55] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[9:10:57] >>commissioner regalado: no.
[9:10:59] >>commissioner bastien:
[9:11:02] >>vice chair mcghee: yes.
[9:11:05] >>chair: I vote no.
[9:11:16] >>motion passes 7 to 6.
[9:11:18] >>chair: do I have a motion on
[9:11:19] the remainder of item h, moved
[9:11:21] by commissioner regalado,
[9:11:23] second by commissioner lopez.
[9:11:26] Any proposed amendments, clerk
[9:11:28] please call the roll on the
[9:11:30] remainder of item h.
[9:11:32] >>commissioner bastien:
[9:11:35] >>commissioner bermudez:
[9:11:38] >>commissioner cohen higgins:
[9:11:40] >>senator garcia:
[9:11:44] >>commissioner gilbert:
[9:11:47] >>commissioner gonzalez: no.
[9:11:52] >>commissioner hardemon:
[9:11:55] >>commissioner lopez: yes.
[9:11:57] >>commissioner milian orbis:
[9:11:58] >>commissioner regalado:
[9:12:05] >>commissioner steinberg:
[9:12:07] >>vice chair mcghee: yes.
[9:12:10] >>chair: I vote no.
[9:12:13] >> motion passes 9 to 4.
[9:12:21] >>chair: senator.
[9:12:23] >>senator garcia: I want to say
[9:12:25] today is leonardo's last day.
[9:12:27] She's going to kill me right
[9:12:28] now.
[9:12:30] >>commissioner regalado: she is
[9:12:37] going back to the school board
[9:12:39] thank you, all these years of
[9:12:40] helping and we wish you nothing
[9:12:42] but good at the school board,
[9:12:44] she's going to kill me right
[9:12:44] now.
[9:12:46] >>chair: on that note while
[9:12:47] it's no longer the date, guys,
[9:12:49] can you exit quietly.
[9:12:51] Can you exit quietly, while
[9:12:58] it's no longer the date let's
[9:13:00] wish our former colleague a
[9:13:02] belated happy birthday,
[9:13:04] ambassador cabrera's birthday
[9:13:05] was yesterday so happy birthday
[9:13:06] as well.