HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2025-06-17 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
9:00 AM
Special Meeting
City Hall
City Commission
Francis X. Suarez, Mayor
Christine King, Chair, District Five
Joe Carollo, Vice Chair, District Three
Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner, District One
Damian Pardo, Commissioner, District Two
Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner, District Four
Arthur Noriega, V, City Manager
George K. Wysong III, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
9:00 AM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Chairwoman King, Vice Chair Carollo, Commissioner Gabela, Commissioner
Pardo and Commissioner Rosado
On the 17th day of June 2025, the City Commission of the City of Miami, Florida, met at its
regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, in special
session. The Commission Meeting was called to order by Chairwoman King 9:36 a.m.,
recessed at 1:07 p.m., reconvened at 3:16 p.m., recessed at 6:20 p.m., reconvened at 6:48
p.m., and adjourned at 8:17p.m.
Note for the Record: Vice Chair Carollo entered the Commission chambers at 9:37 a.m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Arthur Noriega, V, City Manager
George K. Wysong III, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
Chair King: At this time, as we always do, we're going to open our meeting with prayer. We
are honored today to have Father Steven O'Hala from the Cathedral of St. Mary. And I would
also like to take a moment to thank all of you for your prayers, your --
Applause.
Chair King: -- your words of comfort. This is really difficult for me because my dad was my
hero. And if you look in the dictionary under daddy's girl, you'll see my picture. So, I thought
about today, because I know I have to thank everybody. I find that my eyes start leaking any
time of the day. So, if you see me crying, remember the Dionne Warwick song, just walk on by,
because I'm okay. 1 know and I stand in faith that my dad, who I believe was one of my
superpowers, will be with me and I will see him again. So, excuse my tears, because they may
come a little bit more today. It's still new and fresh, and I'm told that it will get better. It will
get better. But again, my dad was 83. He lived a long life, and I loved him. And I wish that he
would have lived as long as his mother, who lived to be 102. So, thank you.
Applause.
Chair King: Father.
Invocation delivered.
Chair King: Commissioner Rosado, would you join us with the Pledge of Allegiance?
Pledge of Allegiance delivered.
Chair King: Thank you.
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Meeting Minutes
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PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PR.1 PROTOCOL ITEM
17772
Honoree
Presenter
Protocol Item
Steve Adkins
Mayor and
Commissioners
Proclamation
RESULT:
PRESENTED
Chair King: Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the City of Miami Commission
meeting for June 17th, 2025. We are going to begin our meeting with a recognition.
Commissioner Pardo is going to lead us with this recognition. I'm joined by my
colleagues, Commissioner Gabela, Mayor Francis Suarez, Commissioner Pardo, our
newest commissioner, Commissioner Rosado.
Applause.
Chair King: And we will be joined shortly, I'm sure, with my colleague,
Commissioner Carollo. So, we're going to get started. Commissioner Pardo.
Commissioner Pardo: Thankyou. Good morning, everyone.
Presentation made.
1) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a Proclamation to Mr. Steve Adkins.
Mr. Adkins has served the community with exceptional leadership, dedicating his
career to fostering growth and access for LGBTQ businesses and professionals in
Miami -Dade County and beyond and after decades of transformative service at the
helm of the Greater Miami LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Adkins is retiring,
leaving behind a legacy of inclusion, empowerment, and progress that will continue
to benefit Miami for generations to come. Mr. Adkins' legacy extends far beyond his
professional accomplishments. His deep personal commitment to mentorship and
building bridges among diverse groups has left a lasting impact on the lives of
countless individuals. While serving as the Chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and
Convention Authority, Mr. Adkins played a pivotal role in shaping and elevating
South Florida's reputation as an international destination. Mr. Adkins also served as
a member of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, National Gay &
Lesbian Chamber of Commerce South Region, and Co -Chair of the Advisory Board
for Miami Beach Pride. Elected officials paused in their deliberations of governance
to recognize Mr. Steve Adkins and his extraordinary contributions to our community,
his unwavering commitment to advancing economic opportunities, and his tireless
efforts in making the City of Miami a more inclusive, vibrant, and prosperous
community.
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ORDER OF THE DAY
Chair King: Mr. City Attorney, would you please read your statement for the
record?
George Wysong (City Attorney): Thank you, Madam Chair. George Wysong, City
Attorney, City of Miami. Detailed information about the processes, order of
business, rules and procedure and scheduling or rescheduling of City Commission
meetings can be found in Chapter 2, Article 2 of the City Code, a copy of which is
available online at www.municode.com. Pursuant to Section 2-33(o) of the City
Code, whenever a scheduled City Commission meeting is canceled or is not held
due to a lack of quorum or other emergency, a special City Commission meeting
will be automatically scheduled for the Tuesday immediately following the
cancelled meeting. All scheduled agenda items of the June 12, 2025 City
Commission meeting were automatically scheduled on today's special City
Commission meeting agenda. Additionally, in compliance with Section 2-33(o) of
the City Code, the City Clerk properly notified the public of today's special
meeting. Any person who is a lobbyist pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 6 of the City
Code, the City Clerk properly notified the public of today's special meeting. Any
person who is a lobbyist pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 6 of the City Code must
register with the City Clerk and comply with the related City requirements for
lobbyists before appearing before the City Commission. A person may not lobby a
City official, board member, or staff member until registering. A copy of the code
section about lobbyists is available in the City Clerk's Office or online at
www.municode.com. Any person making a presentation, formal request, or petition
to the City Commission concerning real property must make the disclosures
required by the City Code in writing. A copy of the City Code section is available at
the office of the City Clerk or online at www.municode.com. The City of Miami
requires that anyone requesting action by the City Commission must disclose,
before the hearing, any consideration provided or committed to anyone for
agreement to support or withhold objection to the requested action pursuant to City
Code Section 2-8. Any documents offered to the City Commission that have not
been provided seven days before the meeting as part of the agenda materials will be
entered into the record at the City Commission's discretion. In accordance with
Section 2-33(f) and (g) of the City Code, the agenda and the material for each item
on the agenda is available during business hours at the City Clerk's Office and
online 24 hours a day at www.miamigov.com. The meeting of the Miami City
Commission is a limited public forum. Any person may be heard by the City
Commission through the chair for not more than two minutes on any proposition
before the City Commission unless modified by the chair. Public comment will
begin at approximately 9:50 and remain open until public comment is closed by the
chairperson. Any person making offensive remarks or becomes unruly in the
Commission Chambers will be barred from further attending City Commission
meetings and may be subject to arrest. No clapping, applauding, heckling, or verbal
outbursts in support or opposition to a speaker or his or her remarks shall be
permitted. No signs or placards shall be allowed in the Commission Chambers.
Persons exiting the Commission Chambers should do so quietly. Members of the
public wishing to address the body may do so by submitting written comments via
the online comment form. Please visit www.miamigov.com/meetinginstructions for
detailed instructions on how to provide public comment using the online public
comment form. The comments submitted through the comment form have been and
will be distributed to the elected officials, their staff and city administration
throughout the day so that the elected officials may consider the comments prior to
taking any action. Additionally, the online comment form will remain open during
the meeting to accept comments and distribute to the elected officials, their staff
and the city administration up until the chairperson closes public comment. Public
comment may also be provided live here at City Hall at 3500 Pan American Drive,
subject to any and all rules as they may be amended. If the proposition is being
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Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
continued or rescheduled, the opportunity to he heard may be at such later date
before the City Commission takes action on such proposition. When addressing the
City Commission, the member of the public must .first state their name, their
address, and what item will be spoken about. Any person with a disability requiring
assistance, auxiliary aids, and services for this meeting may notify the City Clerk.
The City has provided different public comment methods to indicate, among other
things, the public support, opposition, or neutrality on the items and topics to be
discussed at the City Commission meeting in compliance with Section
286.0114(4)(c), Florida Statutes. The public has been given the opportunity to
provide public comment during the meeting and within reasonable proximity and
time before the meeting. Please note, commissioners have generally been briefed by
the City staff and the City Attorney's Office on items on this agenda today. Anyone
wishing a verbatim record of an item considered at this meeting may request it at
the Office of Communications or view it online at www.miamigov.com. Planning
and Zoning items, PZ items, shall proceed according to Section 7.1.4 of the Miami
21 Zoning Ordinance. Parties for any PZ items, including any applicant, appellant,
appellee, City staff and any person recognized by the decision -making body as a
qualified intervener, as well as the applicant's representatives and any experts
testifying on behalf of the applicant, appellant, or appellee may be physically
present at City Hall to be sworn in by oath or affirmation by the City Clerk. The
members of the City Commission shall disclose any ex parte communications to
remove the presumption of prejudice pursuant to Florida Statute Section 286.0115
and Section 7.1.4.5 of the Miami 21 Zoning Ordinance. The order of presentation
shall be as set forth in Miami 21 and in the City Code. Staff will briefly present item
-- each item to be heard. The applicant will present its application or request to the
City Commission. If the applicant agrees with the staff recommendation, the City
Commission may proceed to its deliberation and decision. The applicant may also
waive the right to an evidentiary hearing on the record. For appeals, the appellant
will present its appeal to the City Commission followed by the appellee. Staff will be
allowed to make any recommendation they may have. Please silence all cell phones
and other noise -making devices. This meeting can be viewed live on Miami TV, the
City's Facebook page, the City's Twitter page, the City's YouTube channel, and
Comcast Channel 77. The broadcast will also have closed captioning. Thank you,
Madam Chair.
Chair King: Thank you, Mr. City Attorney. Mr. City Clerk, would you please read
your statement for the record?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Thank you, Chair. The procedures Jroindividuals
who will be providing testimony to be sworn in for Planning and Zoning items and
any quasi-judicial items on today's City Commission agenda will be as follows: The
members of City staff or any other individuals required to be sworn in who are
currently present at City Hall will be sworn in by me, the City Clerk, immediately
after 1 finish explaining these procedures. Those individuals who are appearing
remotely may be sworn in now or at any time prior to the individual providing
testimony for Planning and Zoning items and/or quasi-judicial items.
Commissioners, are you comfortable with all the notice provisions set forth in these
uniform rules and procedures we have established for this meeting?
Chair King: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: Chair, may I administer the oath for the Planning and Zoning items?
Chair King: Please.
Mr. Hannon: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. If you will be speaking on any
of today's Planning and Zoning items, those are the PZ items, may I please have
you stand and raise your right hand?
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The City Clerk administered oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those
persons giving testimony on zoning items.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair.
Chair King: Thank you. Madam City Manager, are there any items on our agenda
that will be deferred and/or withdrawn?
Natasha Colebrook -Williams (Deputy City Manager): Good morning, Madam
Chairwoman, Commissioners, City Attorney, Mr. City Clerk. At this time, the
Administration would like to defer and/or withdraw the following items: PH.8, to be
deferred to June 26; RE.11, to be withdrawn; RE.23 --
Chair King: Wait, wait, slow down. RE.11?
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: To be withdrawn.
Chair King: Okay.
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: RE.23, to be withdrawn; FR.3, to be deferred to June 26;
AC.1, to be withdrawn.
Vice Chair Carollo: What number is that?
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: AC.1, to be withdrawn, attorney -client session, to be
withdrawn; Discussion Item 2, to be deferred to June 26; Discussion Item Number
4, to be deferred to June 26; PZ.3, to be indefinitely deferred; PZ.15, to be deferred
to June 26. Would you like for me to repeat?
Vice Chair Carollo: Please do.
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: PH.8, to be deferred to June 26; RE.11, to he withdrawn;
RE.23, to be withdrawn; FR.3, to he deferred to June 26; AC.1, to he withdrawn;
D12, to be deferred to June 26; D14, to be deferred to June 26; PZ.3, to be
indefinitely deferred; PZ.15, to be deferred to June 26.
Chair King: I'm going to ask my colleagues if they have any items that they would
like to withdraw or defer from this agenda. Vice Chair?
Vice Chair Carollo: Not at this time.
Chair King: Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, I was just wondering, wasn 't RE.22 slated to be
withdrawn?
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: No, sir. RE (Resolution) --
Commissioner Gabela: 23.
Unidentified Speaker: 22.
Commissioner Gabela: 22, sorry. RE.22, I'm sorry.
Mr. Wysong: Yeah. That should have been.
Commissioner Gabela: But it wasn't on the list, was it?
Mr. Wysong: No, it was not on the list.
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Chair King: Would you like to withdraw it? I mean, would anybody like to --?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, I'd like to withdraw it.
Commissioner Pardo: Yeah.
Chair King: Withdraw or defer?
Commissioner Pardo: Withdraw.
Commissioner Gabela: Withdraw.
Chair King: Withdraw. RE.22. Any other items, gentlemen? Commissioner Rosado,
any items would you like to have deferred or withdrawn?
Commissioner Rosado: (INAUDIBLE).
Chair King: Touch your --
Commissioner Rosado: (INAUDIBLE). Will you be asking about items to be pulled
as well?
Chair King: Later.
Commissioner Rosado: Later.
Chair King: Later, okay. May I have a motion to set the agenda?
Commissioner Pardo: So moved.
Chair King: Second.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion -- second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries. The agenda is now established. I believe we have a
pocket item.
Commissioner Pardo: Yes, we do.
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Pardo: We have a pocket item naming Commissioner Rosado as the
chair of the DDA (Downtown Development Authority). And they're going through a
lot of budgetary issues, setting millage, and they really need a commissioner to sit
there as chair.
Commissioner Gabela: I'll second it.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chair?
Chair King: Hold on, Todd has his hand up.
Mr. Hannon: Just as long as we have public comment before you vote.
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Chair King: Right, we're not going to vote for it.
Vice Chair Carollo: If 1 may, Chair. That is already in the agenda, not to be done
as a pocket item. When we get to the item that would include that, that could be
taken up. There's no --
Chair King: That's an item in our agenda?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
Commissioner Pardo: This is outside of that item due --
Vice Chair Carollo: No.
Commissioner Pardo: -- to the emergency nature of the situation.
Vice Chair Carollo: It's not. You're bringing up a pocket item when we have --
Commissioner Gabela: What is --? I'm sorry.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- an item on the agenda already that was placed in that could
deal with that.
Commissioner Pardo: No, they both can be heard. It's just --
Chair King: Yeah, they can both be heard. So, now that we have --
Vice Chair Carollo: But this is --
Chair King: But maybe the pocket item is what he's saying might not be necessary -
Vice Chair Carollo: That's right. It's not.
Chair King: -- if the agenda item covers all of that, that's fine. If it doesn't, we have
the pocket item. So, we'll move forward.
Commissioner Gabela: And what is that item that he's referring to?
Chair King: Which item is it?
Vice Chair Carollo: It's on the agenda, Mr. Clerk.
Mr. Hannon: DI8.
Chair King: DI.8.
Commissioner Pardo: That's a discussion item.
Chair King: That's boards and chairs.
Vice Chair Carollo: It's not a discussion item.
Chair King: Okay.
Mr. Hannon: But, Chair, historically, resolutions have evolved from those
discussion items.
Chair King: Right. I understand. Okay.
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PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ALL ITEM(S)
17809 DISCUSSION ITEM
Office of the City
Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MEMBERS OF THE
PUBLIC FOR THE JUNE 17, 2025 SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION
MEETING.
RESULT: PRESENTED
Chair King: So, at this time, I am going to recognize -- I'm not sure if she is here.
One of our county commissioners would like to say a few words. The newest of our
county commissioners.
Commissioner Gabela: Natalie --
Chair King: Yes. Is she here? I don't see her. Okay. And let's see -- we're going to
begin public comments because I don't see her. If you can line up. I think because we
have so many commenters today, if you will be mindful of not blocking the exits, 1
believe we have representatives from the fire department. They're asking for five
people at a time at each lectern, five at a time. So, count yourselves out. If you're
more than five, please sit down. We will get to everyone, 1 promise. Good morning,
ma 'am.
Eileen Broton: Good morning. My name is Eileen Broton. I reside at 951 Northwest
10th Court in the historic Spring Garden. I want to make a comment about RE.7.
Please, this is a wonderful thing. Thank you, Commissioner Carollo, for creating
another boat for Marine Patrol. And at least that's going to be wonderful for the
Miami River, so thank you for that. I also want to make comments about PZ.3, that's
the Popeyes Marina properties. I just want to remind you that my historic
neighborhood is not against progress, that we certainly want it. By rights, there can
be five stories built there. The issue is that it is in the historic district. It's on the
website, so if I were buying property, I would check that out before I invested a lot of
money, so no surprise. And it has historic significance, and I'm sure the historic
preservation officer will speak to that when the item conies up. I do want to say that
there are rules in a historic district about demolition. We all follow them, and there
is a process. You don't demo until you show what you're going to put there. I have to
do it. Everybody has to do it. Rich and poor, those are the rules. And that's all I can
say, but thank you so much for your time.
Chair King: Thank you. And just so you know, ma'am, PZ.3 has been indefinitely
deferred. It won 't be voted on today. But that's good.
M. Broton: Anyway, at least I get to say I send you my best wishes, Commissioner
King.
Chair King: Thank you. So, when you step to the lectern to speak, please identify the
item for which you are speaking on. And if the item has been deferred, we will not be
discussing that item today. If the item has been deferred, we will not be discussing
that item today. No, you're fine. You're fine. Good morning.
Abel Delgado: Good morning, Chairwoman. I'm here to speak about Resolution 5.
Has that been deferred?
Chair King: RE.5? It has not.
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Mr. Delgado: Okay.
Chair King: No. RE.5?
Mr. Delgado: Regarding the 287(g) agreement?
Chair King: We didn 't defer the 287(g) agreement? Okay, fine with me.
Mr. Delgado: Good morning. My name is Abel Delgado. I am the grandson of a
political prisoner, a son of exiles, and a US citizen born in this great country. And
none of that matters right now because ICE (US Immigration and Customs
Enforcement) is out there detaining US Marshals for looking Latino. ICE is
detaining political asylees. ICE is sending Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans,
Venezuelans and others back to communist dictatorships and chaos with no regard
for rule of law. ICE'S complete disregard for the Constitution and civil rights is
something the city of Miami has no business getting involved with. If you agree with
this deal with ICE, you are putting honest and brave city of Miami police officers in
an impossible position. You are telling them to arrest our neighbors for pursuing the
American Dream. If you sign this deal, this will eventually lead to a lawsuit. Haven't
the residents of the city of Miami paid enough in lawsuits and lawyer fees for
government abuses of power? Make the right decision morally, financially, and
legally. Say no to 287(g). Thank you.
Applause.
Chair King: Thank you jor your advocacy. We are not clapping in chambers. Our --
this is a warning. If you clap again, they will clear the chambers. And this is how we
show our support. And I understand that there are a lot of folks that are here to
speak publicly on various items. I would ask that for those of us who are in
chambers, can we take the folks that are outside first because they're outside in that
heat while you guys are here in air-condition and you have seats so they will be
allowed to speak and not stand for hours in the heat. If we can coordinate that I
think that would he the most fair thing to do because you guys are the most
comfortable and they're outside. So, after we take the five that are here, I would ask
staff to start bringing in folks that are outside, because it's hot outside. Okay? All
agreed? Okay. Thank you. Good morning.
Rick Madan: Good morning, commissioners. Madam Chairwoman, I'm very sorry
for your loss. Commissioner Rosado, welcome and congratulations. My name is Rick
Madan. I reside at 2900 Northeast 7th Avenue, Miami, Florida. There are so many
important items on the agenda today but none as important as RE.19 and FR.4. I'm
here to voice my strong support for two common-sense reforms, the term limits
proposed in Resolution RE.19 and the election date change in FR.4. First, on term
limits. This is a fimdamental principle of good governance. By establishing two term
limits, we open the door to new leadership and fresh perspectives. It ensures our
officials remain accountable to the people, not entrenched in power. Limiting terms
helps prevent the kind of environment where corruption can take root. It keeps our
city's leadership dynamic and responsive. Second, and just as critical, is moving our
local elections to even -numbered years. The reason is simple and powerful; more
people will vote. Turnout is our current off -cycle elections is disappointingly low.
Aligning with major state and federal elections would massively increase
participation. We're talking about government that is more truly representative of
our entire diverse community. Now I understand the concern about a one-time one-
year extension of terms and that is a big concern, but we must weigh that temporary
adjustment against the permanent long-term benefit of more engaged electorate. It's
a small price to pay for government that perpetually and more accurately reflects the
will of the people. Together, these measures create a system that is both accountable
and representative. I urge you to vote yes an RE.19 and FR.4 and let the voters
decide on strengthening our democracy. Thank you and have a great day.
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Chair King: Thank you.
[Later...]
Chair King: Good morning.
Brenda Betancourt: Good morning. My condolences to you, Madam Chair. I'm so
sorry for your loss. My name is Brenda Betancourt, 1436 Southwest 6th Street, in
favor of RE.19 and FR.4. We have been asking for changes. There are four
commissioners out of the five that they had never been in political war before, and 1
hope that the voters who actually went out and elected you and you promised them
that you are going to make changes, this is part of the changes. Sometimes we can
make different opinions, and we heard all kind of things. Promises of them being on
the table to extend a year, promises that I'm going to be a strong mayor, promises to
all of you. I believe that this is the time where the new elected officials will determine
if you are actually lying to our faces or you're actually telling the truth and you're
actually going to work for changes. We hope that you guys made the right decision
for the best of the city of Miami residents. Most of you understand what it means to
work and then come to being elected officials. Most of you had a job before to work
as a citizen and then become elected officials. So, I hope that you guys understand
what is your responsibility with the voters who elected you and trust you and
hopefully receive that trust back and you guys will keep your word and do what you
promised in the campaign trail. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Elvis Cruz: Elvis Cruz, 631 Northeast 57th Street. Again, Commissioner King, my
condolences. And to Commissioner Ralph Rosado, congratulations, sir. Thank you
so much for your previous opposition to overdevelopment, like when you came and
stood at these podiums and spoke against the Live Local Act. I hope you continue
that opposition to overdevelopment on items like PZ.7 today, PZ.15 when it comes
up. Regarding PZ.8, 1 hope you vote yes on that one because that would also help
curb overdevelopment. Regarding PZ.7, Commissioner Pardo, I hope you would
specify, make an amendment to PZ.7 to allow an exemption for historic districts.
That is specified in the county code. I hope you would also include that in the city
legislation if that passes. Which I don't think it should, because it is being used as a
Trojan horse. Affordable housing has become political camouflage, a Trojan horse
to allow increased heights and density. It would be so nice if the city of Miami
realized that infinite growth is not a logical and sustainable policy. We already know
what our traffic is, our sewage problems with processing, potable water, hurricane
evacuation times. Infinite growth is a fallacy and the time has come to admit that
reality and try to preserve the quality of life far the residents rather than preserve
continued profits for the developers that make campaign contributions. Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Miguel Soliman: Good morning, Chairwoman King. I'm so sorry for your loss and
thank you for your service. Thank you for being here today. I know it's very hard.
And thank you all. Welcome, Commissioner Rosado. Congratulations. And just -- I
just want to say please be diligent of your positions considering recent national
news. It's a very dangerous world out there. Please all be careful. My name is
Miguel Soliman, 1436 Southwest 6th Street. I'm here against FR.4. And I believe we
went out to vote. We voted to have our commissioners and our mayor in their seat for
'bur years, fora four year term. And I don't think it's right to in the middle of_the
game or towards the end of the game to change the rules. And to give you a little
perspective, if we're going to do this then, hey, let's change the governor's term and
give him an extra year. Let's change our Congress, our senators. Let's give them an
extra year. And while we're at it, our presidential seat, let's change that. Instead of a
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fbur-year term, let's give our presidential seat another year term. I think that puts a
little into perspective what the commission is considering changing this election. It's
not right. 1 beg for you to think about it and consider it and vote against it. Thank
you very much. Have a good day.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Marcos Loureino: Good morning. Good morning, Commissioners. Good morning,
Chairwoman. Sorry for your loss. I lost my mom. The best thing is time. Time will
heal everything. My name is Marcos Loureino. I live on 600 Northeast 27th Street,
Edgewater. 1 would like to congratulate Commissioner Rosado. Two weeks, three
weeks ago, we don't give credit for the nations, how we do elections, how we
empower people to make decisions like you guys do. And I reflect about your election
on June 3rd, and I'm here for RE.19 and FR.4. Even though you won, the
participation of 46,000, 47,000, only 5,000 or 6,000 vote for you, which is 11
percent. We should have more. We should have more participation. We should have
five, six times more. This is my first comment. The second comment is related to term
limits. I'm a true believer on new leadership, new ideas, new styles, and I think
putting a bound on eight years in different positions, it's enough for developing your
plan and to allow new people to be on board. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Amber Shapiro: Good morning. I'm very sorry for your loss. I lost a family member
last week as well, so I can empathize. I am here -- my name is Amber Shapiro. I live
at 498 Northeast 50th Terrace in Miami, and I'm here to speak against RE.5, the
agreement with ICE, the Federal Immigration Program. So, this program would
transform local police officers into federal immigration agents, essentially giving
them very, limited training on how to investigate, detain, and process individuals for
immigration violations. This is very concerning to me. Miami is not legally required
to enter into this agreement, and no federal funds depend on us entering into this
agreement. I'm worried that if we enter into this agreement, it will create a very had
relationship with the local police officers, who to date, my family and I, my
community, have always had very good relationships with, and I would not like to
see that deteriorate. Additionally, I have two small children. I'm able to be a
working mom largely because of the caregivers of my children who are immigrants,
and I'm very grateful for that, and I don't want to see their safety impinged upon. I
worry for their safety given that what we know of other cities who have entered into
these agreements, a lot of times we see racial profiling people being profiled
because of their accents or the way that they look, and I know that there's a lot of
fear in the community right now, and I don't want to see that exacerbated. So, I
really encourage you please to consider this and to vote no against this agreement.
Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Modesto Abety: Good morning. My condolences and congratulations. I'm here to
speak on ICE, RE.5. I am Modesto Abety, the founding president and CEO (Chief
Executive Officer) of the Children's' Trust. The City of Miami should not vote to
participate in ICE 's lawless kidnappings, disappearances, incarcerations,
deportations, and cruel separation of our immigrant families, families who so
faithfully contribute to our city's prosperity and vitality. The City must instead
support immigrant rights and due process. The separation of American -born
children from their immigrant parents should not happen in Miami. This is so cruel.
The City has the second highest percentage of foreign -born residents in the nation.
Hialeah is number one. We simply could not function without our hardworking
immigrant base. We are an immigrant city. Our immigrant families are law-abiding
and hardworking residents. These are our neighbors, not criminals, murderers, or
rapists. Please do not help advance the environment of fear, anxiety and cruelty
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being created by these illegal deportations. Please vote against the resolution
seeking to have Miami Police Department collaborate with ICE and Homeland
Security in these cruel and unlawful deportations of our hardworking immigrants.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Abety: Thank you.
Ruben Sanchez: Good morning.
Chair King: Good morning.
Mr. Sanchez: My name is Ruben Sanchez from 234 Northeast 3rd Street in
Downtown Miami, and I'm here to speak on behalf of the DDA. I come before you
not only as a proud resident of Downtown Miami, but also as a long-standing small
business owner in this vibrant and evolving urban core. Just some information, the
mission of the DDA is to enhance the economic and cultural vitality of Downtown
Miami through strategic development, infrastructure investment, and support for the
businesses and residents. Just a simple information on the economic impact the DDA
has had not only in Downtown businesses, but also for residents. They started the
initiative, the Follow the Sun, which incentivizes companies to relocate or expand to
Downtown Miami. It has direct support for permitting, zoning, and city navigation,
which has helped streamline business launches in our area. For real estate
development, it's facilitated landmark projects, like Miami World Center and
Flagler Street beautification, which has been a very vibrant addition to our area.
For retail and commercial growth, investments in streetscapes, lighting, and public
safety have led to a notable increase in retail occupancy and tourism spending. We
are the new South Beach. It's in Downtown Miami. It also has assisted in job
creation, attracting corporate headquarters to the area. For us as residents, it's
enhanced public spaces. It has an initiative for streetscape enhancements, lighting
grants, and public art elevated, which elevate neighborhood aesthetics and safety.
Community events and culture, it sponsors year-round programming, including art
installation, music festivals, and health and wellness events. It's also improved safety
and cleanliness. This is not a time to defend or undercut the momentum that we've
been generating for the last 15 years. If anything, we need to be more open in
dialogue and stronger partnerships to ensure that the DDA can keep doing what it
does best, which is building the kind of Downtown Miami we all want to live and
invest in. Thank you so much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Alejandro Martinez: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Alejandro
Martinez. 1 live at 2525 Southwest 3rd Avenue, Miami. I'm here representing the
Brickell Homeowners Association. And I just want to speak about PA.1, about the
DDA. It's short and simple. We just want no taxation, and we ask you to please put it
on the ballot. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Irene Martinez: Good morning. The issue of police partnering with ICE is at the core
of who we are as a nation of law and will determine the destiny that we share. The
US Constitution clearly states that all people are endowed with unalienable rights. It
is our faith in this principle that has built this great nation. The power of this nation
to shine a beacon of light and liberty to the world has always been based in our
humanity, never in brutality. Jesus' words remind us, you shall know them by their
actions. The behavior of current ICE agents, detaining people without due process
and brutalizing some of them, it is not in alignment with the rule of law. It is more in
abusing it. The contrast with our trusted police officers is that we need to rely on
them to continue to protect the rule of law and uphold the US Constitution. We must
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safeguard the partnership between our communities and law enforcement. In 248
years of democratic precedence, we have always remained a civil society. We cannot
create a state of terror. We are a civil society where dialogues between our
constituents and our leaders are possible. This is the hallmark of our representative
government. So, I ask you at this moment, as a critical moment in history, to do the
courageous choice. I know it is bold to say no to partnering the police with ICE. But
then you are saying you are safeguarding our pledge for liberty, and justice for all.
Chair King: Thank you.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, may 1 have the speaker's name for the record?
Chair King: Ma'am, may we have your name for the record?
Ms. Martinez: Irene Martinez and I grew up a few blocks from here.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Martinez: Thank you for your service and thank you for representing us.
Chair King: Good morning.
Ken Russell: Good morning, Chair, Commissioners. Welcome, Commissioner
Rosado, to your first meeting. I'm very proud to see you have come this far from ten
years ago when we met each other. My name is Ken Russell, 3142 Ohio Street, Little
Bahamas of Coconut Grove. I'm here to speak on RE.5, RE.19, and FR.4. With
regard to RE.5, process is very important. I stood out in the heat this morning with
dozens of advocates who care about this issue, and many of them will speak much
more passionately than I about why we should not be joining with ICE in a 287(g)
agreement from a moral, legal, fiscal, and liability perspective, nor is it mandated.
But under process, there was only a few dozen out there today because the agenda
said RE.5 may he deferred. When I was the chairman of the commission, that
statement was used to let people know it would be deferred, but that we had to put
may just to cover ourselves because something like this morning could happen where
notification was let out that it would be deferred and then it wasn't. Many people
would have come here to speak but for that statement that it may be deferred, and
please, please note that for the future or maybe even eliminate that altogether
because it sends a message and people can't be heard. I'd like to dispel two myths
about RE.5 and the agreement with ICE. One is good intending chiefs of police will
say we will not ask for papers in the streets. I ask you to Google FDLE (Florida
Department of Law Enforcement) LEAD (Law Enforcement Accountability
Database). This is the law enforcement accountability dashboard which
whistleblows on commissions and police chiefs who do not enforce to the fullest
extent of the law 287(g) when they sign this agreement. So, please withdraw or defer
this item. For the other -- and I know I'm running out of time. I am in favor of term
limits. I am in favor of even year voting, but more importantly, and Commissioner
Pardo, with All complete respect, I am in favor of process more importantly. If we
can pass a resolution asking the attorney to ask our voters about term limits, we can
do the same about election years. We should not skip this election. Thank you very
much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Patricia Capparelli: Good morning Commissioners. And Commissioner King, I'm
so sorry for your loss. My name is Patricia Capparelli. I represent -- my address is
9721 Northwest loth Street, Plantation, Florida, zip code 33322. I represent
L3Harris Technology, and we are currently serving you with our mission critical
two-way radios. And I'm here for item CA.2, which is regarding mission critical
systems. We were surprised, being your vendor, and we also represent the whole
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Florida state. We have a statewide system. We were surprised to learn that there
were a $30 million contract being proposed and there was no competitor. We -- they
didn't -- we never heard about this so it's always good to look at different options.
And there's a couple of vendors in the city, and what we're asking here is to take a
month to revise. We probably can save half 50 percent of what this is proposed. So,
we're asking you to please give us the opportunity to revise that 30 million mission -
critical radio subscriber offer that was proposed, and we're happy to help you save
some money. Thank you for your consideration.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Capparelli: Have a good day.
Chair King: Good morning.
Grace Solares: Good morning, Grace Solares. My condolences to you. My
congratulations to you, Commissioner Rosado. My congratulations to you, Mr.
Wysong. I haven't been here in the past three or four years. Today I thought it was
important for me to come because there are two items that I am very, very in favor
of. One is RE.19 and the other one is FR.4. FR.4, I fought for years ago. When the
last Charter Review Committee was formed, I showed up asking exactly for that,
term limits on people, in order to avoid the recycling of commissioners, of mayors, et
cetera. Some voted for the issue, but the majority voted jor it. So, it never made it to
the Commission. Now you have it before the Commission. I congratulate you for it,
and I support, and I ask all of you please to support it. I also support the issue of --
what was the other one? I forgot. The other one is the issue of --
Commissioner Pardo: Moving the election?
Ms. Solares: -- the elections, exactly. And although we must bear with some ills of
additional time, I think the objective of it is very good. So, I please ask you to also
vote on that. Thank you so much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Renita Holmes: Good morning, Madam Chair and Commissioner. First and
foremost, I give you my heartfelt condolences and prayers. This -- words can't really
and I can't really express this, but it does show a great deal of tenacity and
willpower as you sit here through your discomfort. So, I'm with you. Thank you for
showing up, all right? Also, welcome to Commissioner Rafael Rosado. We go a long
way back. It's good to see you here. And I just wanted to add another note while I
had the opportunity to Commissioner Pardo. I'm still waiting for you to buy me
lunch. Okay.
Commissioner Pardo: Deal.
Ms. Holmes: But I reached out to your office. It's very important. You know, when
you became the commissioner, through the Chair, I was as happy as a flag girl at an
LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) flag game, okay? And so, I
don't do the cheerleader thing. I would definitely like to have a conversation with
you because I feel like you and I at least should relate and identify. You know, we do
climbing in the dark. We also do LGBTQ in the dark. And there are just some
disparate issues that we face as LGBTQ women. We raise a lot of children. And I'm
going to leave it at that. I'm here more focused on PH.4, 5, and 6. I'm always big on
public housing monies because public housing monies and CDBG (Community
Development Block Grant) monies were virtually made for very, very low income.
We're in a box. Hello, sir. And I'm seeing recaptured funds. I don't know where the
recaptured funds -- there's no information on here. And since this is so focused and
specific, there are gap programs that we're amiss of and some funding that take care
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of those who are most challenged that qualified us for this monies that we were never
considered. And I'd like to talk to you more if given the opportunity or someone to
make sure that you get the full message because what it's causing is a 200 percent
increase in the number of women mother and children's who are also influenced and
we're not getting the services. I know that the focus is on arresting migrant or
immigrant persons who may have the same domestic violence issues and those
children, but there is a bigger gap -- and nobody's being the hero for that. I know
right about now, the father in you and the mother in you will help us get that done.
It's really very, very bad. So, thank you very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning, Councilman.
Scott Galvin: Good morning, Madam Chairwoman and fellow commissioners. My
name is Scott Galvin. I reside at 1755 Northeast 137th Terrace in the great city of
North Miami. I was on the city council in North Miami for over 25 years. And in
2022, the year we did the same thing that you 're considering doing today; by vote of
the city council and your city commission, moving our elections to even year cycles.
Now, I grew up in North Miami, so I always loved that we had our own standalone
election in May. It made me feel like we were doing something special. But I had to
become a realist as time went on. As voter turnout declined and the elections became
more expensive, I had to admit that it would save money and drive turnout if we
moved. And sure enough, in the very first election after we moved it, our municipal
turnout which normally was in the 12 percent range jumped to 68 percent and the
costs of elections dropped because we weren't fronting all of the costs of having all
the polls open and all the workers who were there. The County Elections Department
was bearing that cost and we just sort of scooted in on the side. Now one drawback
you as elected officials might see in doing this is that you're going to have to work
harder to make your name stand out on the ballot because, yeah, it's true, you're
competing with governors and presidents and the US senators, but you shouldn't see
that as a drawback. You'll have to work harder, you'll have to change your
messaging because you're not just talking to the same 20, you know, super voters
who always turn out. You're going to have to test your message to see if it plays to a
broader audience, but in the end, it's worth it for your constituents, much greater
turnout and cheaper expenses. Thank you for your time today.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Theophils Williams: Good morning. Theophils Williams, 1391 Northwest 95th Street.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE), when we talk about budget, 1 mean where's the people of this
city? It's not the people; it's a corporation game now. I see so many buildings being
built and people still on the streets. It's sad and you wonder why the kids are killing
each other, no place to live. Y'all have not emptied the shelters yet in this
community. When 1 look at Overtown and all these high-rises going up, we losing
enrollment of schools and nobody talking about it. And when you talk about budget,
it ain 't no budget, ain't no money moving, it's land moving. It a corporation game
where everybody is part of it. It's not the people sitting in this community who pay
y'all salary to sit down to tell y'all what we want, but y 'all telling us what we want.
But when you get in trouble you want to tax us for what y'all messed up. This goes
for the city, county, whoever. It's a game that's going on in this -- in this -- the city
and county. The people are suffering. You look at all this stuff going on. We not
holding y'all accountable for it. Because there's too many buddvship going on in
here. Everybody moving money. Everybody sitting behind the doors. When y'all
going to stop? Because it's not how you start, it's how you finish. Some of y'all need
to just get your house in order because really judgment day coming. It's not -- when
that judgment day come, we have the say -- last say. I'm asking all y'all to do the
right thing.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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Maria Yorka: Good morning. My name is Maria Yorka, 350 Southwest 25 Road. I
have been a Roads resident for 33 years, in Shenandoah before that, and 1 am here
to speak against the 287 agreement with ICE. Your city of Miami residents and
businesses do not want this. The residents that rely on childcare and elder care and
gardeners and the backbone of our working community do not want this. The
businesses that are struggling to fill positions in the service industry, in the
restaurants, do not need this added level of fear in our environment. And I can
assure you, as a past director of media relations for the Greater Miami Convention
and Visitors Bureau, if the city of Miami enters into an agreement with ICE, it will
get major coverage in Latin America, as all things Miami do. And that, partnered
with the horrific visuals of ICE family separations that they are seeing now on the
news, it will make Miami feel like a much less friendly place to come to. And let's not
be confused, there are a lot of places to go to, tourists to, to shop at, to check out
World Cup, many other cities. It will damage the economic health of our city. But
perhaps most importantly as a resident, we have a wonderful City of Miami Police
Department. They come to our neighborhood meetings and they listen to us, and of
course, as residents, we are always asking for more police officers, more patrols,
more, but instead what we are suggesting to vote for today is to add this list of ICE -
related responsibilities to the City of Miami Police Department and its officers.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Yorka: Thank you. I know that it's a -- I know that it's a huge ask because of
state retaliation ifyou vote for this, but please vote against this.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Yorka: Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Ijamyn Gray: Great rising, kings and queens. How y'all doing today? My name is
Brother Ijamyn Gray, 3520 South Douglas Road. I'm here representing all of our
constituents and our troubled youth living in this wonderful, wonderful magic city of
Dade County. So, I'm here to speak on RE.19, RE.20, and FR.4. So, I'm starting off
with RE.20. We would like for you to approve the designation of Gerald Tinker's
Way, truly a pioneer in our community, so we thank you for that. When it comes to
the RE.19, you know, I'm also for the lifetime ban on term limits. Of course, we are
tired of seeing the same families' names and politicians representing our
communities. 1 think that they have had a hold in power for the last 40 years, and it's
time to release that power and allow us as people to join them. Welcome to the team.
So, we definitely would love to continue to talk. On FR.4, is skipping this year's
election. You know, 1 don't think that you can ever find a resolution that was put into
action that wasn't brought to by the people. So, I think that we should hear all our
constituents' voices and their cries when it comes to the voting and skipping this
year's voting. And while I got y'all platform for this few minutes, once again, we ask
if y'all going to waste money on all these different areas that I've been campaigning
at, we ask you that you invest in our youth, invest in the people. Hear our cries
because we tired of crying, we tired of coming up here with the same issues. Once
again, our motto here at Encouraging Dreamers, Breaking Barriers is we're
washing away our youth past, giving us a wax and a shine for a brighter future. And
we're hiring 75 youth this summer, and I would love to tap into each and every one
of y'all budget starting on July the 1st to --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Gray: -- August the 2nd. It will be 75 youth --
Chair King: Thank you.
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Mr. Gray: -- that will be hired out here. Thank you for a blessed day.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Gray: And remember Juneteenth is this Thursday. So, with all that rich history,
we thank y'all.
Chair King: Good morning.
Maria Bilbao: My name is Maria Bilbao. I'm a community organizer with
immigrants and I organize immigrants who live here in the city of Miami. The city of
Miami should not approve the 287(g) agreement, which allow police to collaborate
directly with ICE in detention and deportation of immigrants. Do you really want to
be part of an administration that help to disappear people? Working in the public
sector implies a commitment to democratic principles, justice and transparency. You
cannot serve the people while being complicit in the fear and terror inflicted by the
government on the community you are meant to protect. The moral responsibility is
clear, to defend human dignity and due process. It is not enough to write a statement
lament of the elimination of humanitarian parole or TPS (Temporary Protected
Status) while allowing police that erase and silence those who are already
vulnerable. With all respect but with determination we make this urgent and farm
call. Do not be complicit, demand humanity, vote no on this proposal. The city, the
Miami, must not and cannot be part of separation of family. This must not happen
here, not now, not ever.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Isabella Paez: Good morning, my name is Isabella. I'm 18, so this is my first time
being involved in something like this, but I think it's pretty important to be here as
many of us outside are here against 287(g). I'm very lucky that my parents and my
grandparents came at a time where immigration was very welcomed here. And
unfortunately, it's really disheartening that it feels that immigrants are being
criminalized, and it's really important that we vote here today with compassion and
with unity because that's truly what democracy is about and what everyone is here
for today. I think that being complicit and being involved in the way that we're
separating families is really disheartening and something that, of course, Miaini
shouldn't be involved in because, at the end of the day, immigrants are what make
this city and we're very lucky to have the city because of the work and the backbone
of immigrants here. So, I urge you to vote no and to support the immigrants that you
have here and the people that have allowed you to be here. Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: 1 'm sorry, Chair. Can we have your last name?
Chair King: Your name, please?
Ms. Paez: Isabella Paez.
Chair King: Did you get it?
Mr. Hannon: The last name?
Ms. Paez: Paez.
Mr. Hannon: Got it. Thank you.
Ms. Paez: Thank you again.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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Natalia Krasovitzky: Hi, good morning. My name is Natalia Krasovitzky. As you can
tell by my outfit, 1 did not think 1 was going to speak today. 1 didn't even know I
could. But 1 did see someone dressed as a founding father behind ine, so there's
definitely no dress code. Maybe I'll have to wear that in my next debate tournament,
because it's pretty cool. Today I really wanted to bring into the issue of the 287(g)
agreement that you guys are considering. It's a big agreement, but I know that you
guys are supposed to represent Miami, the people of Miami. And I want you guys to
know that there are hundreds of people outside these doors, which I'm sure you guys
saw, asking you to please not pass this agreement. This is your job to represent the
people of Miami. It is important that you represent our voices and we're asking you
to please not pass this. I also want to bring up the fact that I know you all are smart.
Of course, you're smart. You're in this amazing position that takes a lot of hard
work, and a lot of knowledge, and a lot of education. So, I know that when you see
on the news of ICE atrocities to humans, who are hardworking humans, I know that
you see on the news in the Miami, Florida detention where inmates had to spell the
words SOS because of the inhumane -- inhumane -- inhumane processes of ICE
detention here. It's important that you represent all the people of Miami living here.
Thank you for giving me time.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Lauren Mechene: Good morning. Thank you for allowing us to talk this morning. My
name is Lauren Mechene, and I live in the city of Miami. I am here today to talk
about the G -- the 287(g) agreement. I'm here today is an indigenous woman,
(INAUDIBLE). Those people -- my people were the original to this land. This is our
home long before borders, fences, and ICE ever existed. We were forcibly removed,
our children taken, and our language stripped. And our culture was nearly erased,
all through policies that claimed to protect, but only caused harm. And now I see
that history is repeating itself. Immigrant families are being targeted and silenced,
and punished simply for trying to survive. The truth is, nearly everyone in this
country came here from somewhere else, by choice, by force, or by desperation. We
cannot let that kind of injustice continue under a new name. This 287(g) agreement
with ICE does not make Miami safer. In fact, it creates fear. It makes people afraid
to report abuse, to seek help, or even walk outside. That is not protection. That is
oppression. Commissioner King, you are a child of immigration. You walked the
path so families could survive. You've devoted your life to this community, mentoring
youth, leading nonprofits, fighting for housing, and standing up for those who were
unheard. You've paved the way for so many other immigrants to believe in what's
possible. Because of the groundbreaking work you've done for yourself and our
community, that is why I believe maybe you, more than anybody else in this room
today, understand what's at stake. Miami is a city of immigrants, of survivors, of
people who love this city and call it home, even when it doesn't love them back. You
have the power to protect the people, not to punish them. 1 am asking you from the
bottom of my heart, please vote no on the 287(g) agreement so cities of Miami can be
a place of healing and not harm. Thank you so much for your time.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Carolyn Donaldson: Good morning, Commissioner King. My condolences and
prayers to you. I was daddy's girl. I lost him at 35. You were blessed to have your
father until 83. I'm Carolyn Donaldson. I'm speaking on behalf of GRACE, Grove
Rights and Community Equity, Inc., this morning on three topics. First, RF.19 [sic],
we are in favor of lifetime term limits. We're also speaking on behalf of RE.20,
which is the co -designation of Gerald Tinker Terrace. And finally, RF.14 [sic],
which is requesting that we move the city, of Miami elections to an even year, which
will give an opportunity for us to increase the number of individuals that come out to
vote. Good morning. Thank you.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Madison Rodriguez Fernandini: Good morning. My name is Madison Rodrigue
Fernandini. 1 stand before you as a child of immigrant success stories, a daughter of
educators, and as a school teacher for the families and communities shattered by our
city's possible collaboration with ICE through RE.5. This partnership is not just a
policy choice, it is a moral crisis that strikes at the heart of our values, our
Constitution, and the fabric of our neighborhoods. My students are afraid for their
parents. My students are afraid to go to school, to go to summer school, to go to
their work that allows a roof over their head and food on their tables. They hide and
retreat further into the shadows. Your collaboration is not the action of a just
society. It is the action of the tyranny in which many of our families fled. As a
scholar and a teacher of exile studies and totalitarianism, I can tell you that the most
egregious crimes against humanity begin with deportations, begin with government
collaboration like the one being proposed here today. How can we, as a city that
prides itself on a constitution that our ancestors' countries wish that they had, how
can we participate in a system that so blatantly disregards the foundational rights on
which our nation was founded? The consequences of these actions are not abstract.
Deportations rip families apart, forcing children, many of them US citizens, into
foster care and leaving now single parents alone and to raise their children by
themselves. This trauma extends beyond the individual; it extends into communities
that live in fear. My, students are growing up anxious' that their parents could
disappear at any moment, that they get home to their little efficiencies' and
apartments and no one will be there. The knowledge alone that deportations are
occurring in our cities puts families and our entire community on edge, destabilizing
our neighborhoods. We must ask ourselves, Commissioners, what kind of city do we
want to be? Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Karla De Anda: Hi, good morning. I'm sorry for your loss. Bear with me. My name
is Karla De Anda. I'm a nanny and the founder of the Right to Freedom Network. We
are an organization led by domestic workers for domestic workers, many whom are
survivors of human trafficking, to be specific, labor trafficking. In the city of Miami,
thousands of domestic workers take care of children, clean homes, and help families
every day. Many of you are here today because someone helped your home, someone
took care of your child. We are those women. We are proud domestic workers. I'm
here today to speak against 287(g) agreement because this agreement does not make
our community safe. It makes people live afraid. Every day we have received calls
from domestic workers that have suffered (UNINTELLIGIBLE), mistreatment, sexual
harassment, and even labor trafficking. Right now, one of our members, a survivor of
labor trafficking, is in a detention center because she was racially profiled. They
don't speak out. They don't look for help because they are afraid. They are too
afraid to call a police, to make a report, because they know that this report can lead
to detention or deportation. And abusers know, and they control them, they use them.
They threaten to call immigration. They take their wages. We will never ask for help
if a police is working with ICE. Let me be clear. We don 't know what is the line with
ICE. We don't even know if agents are here or in the building. Disagreement --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. De Anda: -- creates silence.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. De Anda: Please be brave. Be brave.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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Marquis Duncan: Good morning, Council. My name is Marquis Duncan. I live in
Commissioner Joe Carollo's district at 1239 Southwest 13th Court, 33135, and I'm
both a registered and active voter in the city of Miami. Commissioner -- should I
wait? No? Very good. I wish I were here today to thank you for the new park by your
office, the speed bump on 13th, or the improvements to the Cuban monuments on
that very, same street. But I'm here because of something that threatens to undo so
much more, 287(g), the proposal to prepare -- to pair Miami police with ICE. What's
truly remarkable, in the most disappointing way, is that this proposal is even up for a
vote in a city with a Hispanic mayor and a city commission where four of the
members have Hispanic surnames. How can we consider turning police into a
pipeline for deportation? This isn't just policy hypocrisy, it's cultural betrayal. And
that betrayal feels especially bitter today because on this day, June 17th, exactly 140
years ago, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor. She stands for us, for
everything this country is supposed to be, and so does Miami. So, I'm telling you,
don't do it. Don't pass 287(g). But if you do, don't pretend that this is still the Magic
City. Do it all the way, strip it bare. No more cafecito windows. Shut down
Versailles. Pull the roosters out of Little Havana. Erase the Cuban Walk on 13th
Street. Tear down the Cuban monuments you just restored. Knock down the Freedom
Tower. Close Azucar. Close Cafe La Trova. Turn off the salsa, la bachata, the
reggaeton, the samba, the kompa, the reggaeton, the reggae, cut the domino tables
out of Calle Ocho. (FOREIGN LANGUAGE), Miami, okay? Because if you pass this,
you are voting to erase the very soul of this city. (FOREIGN LANGUAGE).
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Duncan: I'm finished, I'm finishing.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Duncan: 287 doesn't make us safer. It makes people afraid to report crimes --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Duncan: -- separates families, wastes taxpayer dollars, and sends a message to
the city that immigrants have been forgotten.
Chair King: Thank you.
James Beckham: Thank you. Good morning, City Commission. My name is Woody
Beckham, and 1 live at 2756 Day Avenue. I think it's obvious what you should do on
287(g), and I think it's obvious what you should do about the elections going to even
years so that we can actually have a turnout of the citizens and voters so that your
positions are the voices of the citizens. 1 don't even know how these conversations
are coming up in this city. We should be focusing on so many more important issues
that honestly aren't getting attention because these ridiculous issues like 287(g) are
even being talking points. So, I hope that the City can get their stuff together and
start focusing on the really important issues that are important to your citizens. How
do we hold commissioners accountable? Because you're not listening to our voices,
you're not voting in the best interests of your districts, and I hope that the changes
over the next few years really force you to listen to our voices and listen to what your
citizens are telling you. So, thank you for being commissioners and being bold
enough to be up there to do that. But we are going to hold you accountable, and we
do expect better. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Michael Putney: Good morning, Chairwoman King. Glad to see you,
Commissioners. Good morning. My name is Michael Putney. I live in Aventura, but
I've been coming and covering as a reporter the city of Miami for four decades. It --
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mostly, I stand in the back with the media, hut today I'm privileged to stand and
make a few comments to you. 1 'in here to support two common sense proposals that
are on your agenda. Number one, term limits. Term limits make sense. Eight years is
enough. 1 was here when Commissioner Carollo was elected in 1979. That's how old
I am. And I have to say more than 20 years in office is simply enough. Give other
people a chance. This is not a lifetime sinecure, a lifetime job. The city of Miami has
so many qualified candidates. Let's get them in office. And that brings me to the
second point, which is your elections. I really strongly recommend and agree with
Commissioner Pardo that the municipal elections should be moved back by one year.
I think that the turnout would be incredibly more. I mean, right now, 10 to 14 percent
in some city elections, that is pathetic. If you put the elections to coincide with state
and national elections, you're going to get roughly 60, 65 percent of the voters. That
means better representation, better candidates, better government. These are two
common sense ideas, and I strongly urge you to vote in favor today. Thank you very
much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Natalia Menocal: Hi, good morning. My name is Natalia, and I'm here on behalf of
my community and my family. When I was six years old, my mother was deported,
and I was forced to be separated from my family as a child. I had to face grief and
separation at six years old. I had to move to a new country and find ways to adapt at
six years old. I had to fly back to Miami by myself due to mental health issues from
separation at nine years old. I had to grow up with housing instability as my father
couldn't afford somewhere to sleep without my mother's support at nine years old.
I'm here to fight back against injustice and stand up for the immigrant community
that has built this country, this state, and this city. I do not wish for my community
where I grew up in to be in fear or to be profiled. Shame on you if you choose to
harm a community that has built this city. Shame on you if you choose to criminalize
a community that made you and possibly brought you here. I urge you to please vote
against the 287(g) agreement.
Chair King: Good morning.
Emma Nisam: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Emma Nisam, and I am
here on behalf of my community to urge you to vote no on the proposed 287(g)
agreement. This policy would weaponize our local police, turning them into ICE
agents and funneling our neighbors into a cruel, inhumane detention and
deportation system, examples of which we have already heard sitting here today. It
will encourage further racial profiling, terrorize our immigrant communities, and rip
families apart using our city's resources. Miami, a city with a 65 percent immigrant -
employed workforce, should be a sanctuary and not a pipeline to cages and
kidnapping. 287(g) is dangerous, unjust., and completely out of step with the values
of this city, who will not stand for the modern gestapo. Thank you very much,
Commissioners.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Christel Louidor: Good morning. I also want to send out my condolences to
Chairman King. Hello, City of Miami. My name is Christel Louidor. I am the
founder of a non-profit, youth -led called Gen Z PYT, and based in North Miami and
advocates for civic engagement, culture empowerment, also community justice as
well. Also, as a first -generation Haitian American, I was nationally recognized at the
White House for the Haitian diaspora, as well as in United Nations as well, General
Assembly, recognizing the Republic of Guinea Jromy international law and justice
as well. Thank you for your time. I'm here to speak in strong opposition of 287(g)
agreement which is a program in no place in a city like Miami where our strength
has always come from diversity, our resilience, and also our community. My concern
is that the fear -- that the policy trades safety for fear and trust for controls. Not only
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will it turn our local law enforcement into an extension of ICE, but blurring the lines
between public service and federal enforcement. Through this program, our local
jails will not only become pipelines JOY deportation, but also holding individuals
longer than necessary, detaining them for minor infractions and handing them over
to ICE in no regards for their lives or their families or their rights. This does not
protect our community, but it'd rather disappear them, quietly, consistently, and also
in many cases without due process. Let's be clear, 287(g), it is not free. It is paid by
the city and not ICE. And what does that sav about our values when we're using
local tax dollars to fund fear rather thann fund support? So, when our families are too
afraid to call 911, report abuse, or even take their children to school, that's not
safer. We are just silenced. And that is not justice. Let me be clear, we do respect,
and we also appreciate our law enforcement. They are essential to enforce, you
know, our fabric, our neighborhoods. But 287 does not build community trust, it
breaks it. This program asks officers to carry out the duties that does not belong to
them. We love to say that the city is a cultural melting pot, but culture isn't just for
display, it's for dignity. You can't celebrate Haitian flags, or our music, or our food,
and our holidays, then support the detention of the very people who created them.
That is hypocrisy, that is not heritage. So, today I urge this commission, thank you so
much for meeting and allowing this time.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Louidor: Reject 287(g), thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Dennis Hill: Dear honorable members of the Miami City Commission, my name is
Dennis Hill and I have lived in Miami since 1977. I now live in the Upper East Side,
part of District 5, your district, I believe, Ms. King. I was a teacher for more than 30
years in Miami -Dade County Public Schools. I taught Spanish and English to
speakers of other languages. I come here today to urge you, our city commissioners,
to vote against the 287(g) agreement. The agreement will do irreparable harm to the
trust in law enforcement off cials, such as police officers. Many people being
victimized in various ways will become increasingly hesitant to come forward to
report crimes if they fear that their immigration status will be investigated upon
reporting these crimes. This will not make our community safer. This agreement
could and probably would lead to racial profiling and other civil rights abuses such
as denial of due process. We've already been seeing this happen. Also, if the local
police are busy arresting people suspected of being in the country illegally, this will
take time away from their duties of fighting serious crimes. This agreement would
also entail increased costs for police and jail services. As it is, Miami is projected to
have a shortfall of $387 million, which includes police and jail services. This
obviously will also be a problem for Miami, since Miami could incur significant
costs, requiring the diversion of local funds. Some studies have shown that 287
agreements -- 287(g) agreements could lead to increased overtime costs and require
budget cuts in other areas. We've already seen how ICE has been raiding various
workplaces and Home Depot parking lots, arresting workers and some people
wanting day jobs. Many of those people have no record of crimes. Is wanting work a
crime? The Thursday, June 12, 2025 Miami Herald reported that a 17-year-old
migrant in foster care --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Hill: -- was arrested and removed from his Pensacola --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Hill: -- foster home in handcuffs and shackles. Please vote against 287(g).
Thank you.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Leydi Amador: Good morning. My name is Leydi Amador. I'm with Florida Student
Power. I'm the democracy organizer, but I'm not only here with Florida Student
Power. I'm here as an immigrant. My family and I migrated to the United States
from Cuba in 2008. My dad came here before us, leaving me as a newborn to
achieve the American Dream. We're seeing around the US and especially in the state
of Florida people being targeted for just living. People fleeing dictatorships from
Venezuela to Cuba now being sent back. We see people in ICE detention camps
putting SOS and on the side, Cuba. We are allowing these people to be targeted by
the same government that hurt them. We see the parole program, who has now
failed. We see TPS, who has now jailed them. 287(g) agreements is loss of trust in
our community. It's loss of trust in our police departments. Crimes happen every
day. Our communities should feel comfortable enough to be able to call 911. ICE is
not working by the law. Our police departments should not fall into that game. I
please urge you to vote no and respect the communities that have built the city of
Miami. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Andrea Riveron: Good morning. Thank you. My name is Andrea Riveron, and I live
in Little Havana, a constituent of the vice chairman. I'm here to speak on Resolution
5, not on behalf of any organization, but as an everyday Miamian, someone paying
attention to the increasingly extreme measures of immigration enforcement across
this country and urging you to reject this task force agreement with ICE. This deal is
costly, it's a liability, and it damages trust between law enforcement and our
communities. We don't need it. What we do need is a city we can afford and a city
that protects, not targets, its people. I am a first generation Cuban American. My
family was welcomed and given a path forward. My late father came through
Operation Pedro Pan, lived through foster care, and is the reason I am here today.
His legacy should guide us, not be betrayed. And I cannot stay silent while the city
succumbs to an agenda that undermines our community's values of trust and high
standards. We are better than this agreement. Please vote no.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Michidael Ceard: Good morning and good morning to all of the commissioners. My
name is Michidael Ceard. I have resided in the city of Miami since I migrated from
Haiti 10 years ago, and I'm a proud Miamian since migrating. And I stand before
you deeply concerned about the direction that this city is going and the safety and
dignity of folks just like me who are a part of Miami's immigrant community. I'm not
going to bore you all around the semantics or definitions of the 287(g) agreement.
You all know of the agreement. You all know what it entails. But 1 do want you all to
think about what happens when cities sign these kind of agreements. Mothers vanish
from homes, workers disappear from their jobs, children are left wondering why
their parents never came home, and I want to ask the Commission this question. Is
that the legacy that this Commission wants? You are making a decision today that
will either align the city with dignity and justice or with a system that profits from
detention, fear, and deportation. And so, we're not asking you all for special
treatment. We're just demanding that the commission stands with humanity. We're
demanding that the commission stands on the side of compassion and not cages. And
the people of Miami are watching, and we will remember who stood with our
families and who sided with ICE. So, lastly, once again, reject the 287(g) agreement.
Our community deserves better than policies rooted in racism and cruelty.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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Maria Victora Chacon-Briceno: Hello, good morning. My name is Maria Victoria,
and 1 was born and raised in Miami, and my family emigrated from Venezuela in
hopes for a better life. Immigrants like my parents, like the people in this room and
the people on this commission fuel our economy and our culture. Our country and
this county in particular was built by immigrants and entering a 287(g) agreement
with ICE is a betrayal to the people that you represent. 287(g) agreements only
require a 40-hour online course as training and in return our law enforcement act
with an authority they are not trained to have and risk the trust that they have
worked hard to build with our community. 287(g) agreements do not keep us safe.
We are putting too much responsibility, on law enforcement and a master of all is a
master of none. We see in the news how ICE and deputized police departments are
abusing this power and acting impulsively. Immigrants and citizens alike are being
racially profiled and going missing in our criminal justice system. These mistakes
have damaging repercussions both for our officers and our communities. Please,
look around because this affects more than just our most vulnerable. Protect our
immigrants, protect our local law enforcement officers, and vote no on entering a
287(g) agreement and keep our communities united. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Christopher Dominguez: Good morning, City Commissioners. My name is
Christopher Dominguez. Igo by the name Chris, and I'm speaking on behalf of, like,
as a concerned citizen of the resident of the city of Miami, as someone who has
experienced that trauma of:family, separation. On July 8th, 2012, the day of my 10th
birthday, my dad was taken away by ICE agents, and a few months after, was
deported back to Honduras where my family's from. I speak on behalf of my family
and on behalf of my community to please vote no on 287(g) because it just brings
fears to our communities, especially for those who have built the city up. Think about
like the construction workers that have built up all these skyscrapers recently.
They're mostly immigrants. And if we keep targeting those same type of people, who
are going to build these -- those buildings? Not US citizens. Because if we want to
hire people who have the work permits needed, you have to raise wages. And at the
end of the day, it's just going to affect the cost of living for -- in a city that's already
too expensive to live in for local residents like me. That fear has led to me to pursue
my education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I currently
go to school at. And I flew from North Carolina not that long ago, just to speak on
behalf of like this agreement that you guys are voting on, and I urge the whole
community to please vote no on 287(g) and think about the everlasting impact it has
for our communities, especially me as someone who's a first -generation Miami and
who have lived here for 21 years of his life and want to see the city prosper. Thank
you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Krystal Margarita Rodriguez: Good morning. My name is Krystal Rodriguez, and
I'm happy to be here. I'm here to speak on two important issues that impact young
people, immigrants, and the democratic integrity of our city. First, on the proposed
shift on the even year elections. Although we do support change, youth turnout is
especially important during 2026 elections mainly because of greater awareness and
stronger outreach. Aligning with local election and state elections would make the
democratic process more accessible, especially to young voters. However, the way
the Miami Commission is approaching this reform is deeply concerning. Cancelling
elections and extending your own terms without voter input kind of feels like a power
grab, not a policy grounded with democratic values. A charter amendment allowing
Miami voters to weigh in this respect to our democracy encourages more youth to
engage, not less. Now on to the proposal agreement of 287(g). Miami is an
immigrant city. It gives this place energy, its culture, and its economy. Immigrants
make up 65 percent of Miami-Dade's labor force and contributions $2 billion in
state and local taxes. I want to ask everyone here, let's see how many Spanish names
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are here in the Commission. Rosado, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo. These are non -Native
American names. These are Spanish names that come from your people, from your
land who emigrated here to give you these names. Why, are you going to betray those
same people who emigrated here and gave you these names to the people who are
here now? That's all I have to say. And thank you -- I want to thank everyone here
who listened to me, and I thank you to be in this commission meeting.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Webertline Dorlus: Good morning. My name is Webertline Dorlus. I'm an educator
and the child of Haitian immigrants. I'm here to speak against 287(g). Our officers
took an oath to serve the people, not evoke fear in our community. It's unjust to
deport and divide families without due process. Miami is built on diversity and
immigrants. 287(g) has no place here. We are the people. Vote no. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Carole Hollant: Good morning. My, name is Carole Hollant, and I'm a lifelong
resident of Miami -Dade County. I'm the proud daughter of Cuban and Haitian
immigrants, and I've lived in the city, of Miami for nearly 10 years now. I'm
watching who supports 287(g) so I remember when it's time to vote, because this is
not what residents want. The backbone of Miami's service industry is Cuban and
Haitian immigrants. These are our family members, these are our neighbors, and we
should protect them and their American Dream. Local law enforcement should focus
on community safety, not federal immigration enforcement at our expense. Listen to
the people. We the people say no. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Mateo Rivera: Good morning. My name is Mateo Rivera. I've been living in Miami
for the past two and a half years. And the thing I love most about this city is how
diverse it is. The immigrant community here, and compared to other nations and the
other states in the nation, this is the most diverse group that I've ever been a part of.
This program will lead to more people being negatively impacted by this program,
and it will lead to more fear and betrayal from community members. I look at people
like Mamu Khalil, Guillermo Brito Garcia, and Eduardo Nunez Gonzalez, a
community resident -- a Cuban resident who was snatched by ICE while taking out
his trash. This local government needs to figure out who they work for; this current
administration or the people in the city. 1 urge the Commission to vote no on 287(g)
agreement. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Welcome back.
Tim Irwin: Chairwoman King, my deepest sympathies. Tim Irwin, on FR.4 and
RE.19. Good Commissioners, I rise today summoned not from the fields of battle, but
from the firmament of principle to address a grave affliction upon this republic at the
local level. We speak of Agenda Items FR.4 and RE.19, measures that fashion a
crown of ordinance cloaked as reform but born of ambition. The proposal to silence
future contenders and extend the reign for a year of the present officeholders is not
liberty but tyranny in municipal garb. I did not cross the Delaware to see this
democracy disfigured by delay and deception. Tis not the government's place to tell
the people whom they choose. It is the people's sacred right to decide for themselves.
But this is not the first such trespass. The sponsors of these measures have long
turned a deaf ear to the families of Downtown and Brickell, good citizens who cry,
out against double taxation and the unchecked dominion of the DDA (Downtown
Development Authority). Yet they side not with the people, but with the bureaucrats
and the benefactors, shielding bloated budgets and golden giveaways whilst
neighborhoods go unheard. We are witnessing not reform, but consolidation, not
representation, but regression. And now, to silence dissent further, the ballot itself is
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to he bent to their will. A republic cannot endure if her leaders fear the voice of the
governed. I say this plainly, power is not preserved by silencing opposition, but by
earning trust. Let each man and woman who would serve --
Chair King: Thank you. Thank you. Good morning.
Diana Escarment: Good morning good morning. My name is Diana Escarment. I'm
the former chairman of Florida Rising, the largest political organization. I am the
vice president of the Haitian Caucus, standing as the daughter of proud Haitian
immigrants, and I'm also on the DEC (Democratic Executive Committee) State
Committee. But most importantly, 1 am someone who advocates and fights for
justice, especially immigrant justice. I'm happy you are here today, Commissioner
Christine King, as your constituents are largely made up of the Haitian population
over in Little Haiti. As we know, this is not just -- as someone who stands for
nonpartisan organizations, I don't want to just make this a party thing, Democrat or
Republican, okay? So, people who have concerns about this are not just Democrat.
They're also Republicans who have issues with limited local resources and costs.
Imagine we're already stressed thin, and this is going to place additional costs on
counties and municipalities to do training. Detention and administrative burdens are
not fully reimbursed by the federal government. That's going to be at a cost to us and
the taxpayers, and we can't afford that. This is not the job of local agencies. I am a
candidate, for state representative, and my fight does not stop here locally. Next year,
I will he in Tallahassee, and I'll be fighting for this on a -- on a state level, okay? We
need to focus on serious crime. You guys are using resources that we can allocate
towards things that are more serious. A lot of people in our community, domestic
violence victims, they're scared. They're scared to call the police right now when
things happen because they're not documented, they don 't have paper. Trump, who
is also Republican, he just passed a law to make sure that we don't touch farmers,
hospitality workers, because we're an asset to this community. So, if you can do that,
I think everyone should stand a fair chance to be able to work towards the greater
goal, the American goal, to come here for a better dream and benefit the United
States of America. There's a lot of things that concern us, community trust and
cooperation, as I just stated. We don't feel safe. We can't go to the grocery' store. A
lot of people are not sending their kids to school. We're looking at alternative
options at the moment that we shouldn 't have to be looking into because our parents
came -- my father came here on a boat. He built a business, he built a life for his
family --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Escarment: -- and we shouldn't be having to go through this at this moment
right now with all that we have done for the American economy and for America as a
whole.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Escarment: Thank you so much and I appreciate your time. Have a great day.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Fayola Delica Desame: Good morning Madam Chairman. Good morning, City
Commission. Good morning to all those in the room. I am Fayola Delica Desame.
I'm standing on behalf of Mayor Alex Desame of the City of North Miami. He is for
FR.4. And here are some of the reasons with the time that I'm allocated to speak.
The reasons why you should support FR.4 is that it would help increase turnout.
Based on stats, less than 30 percent of your population turns out on elections in odd
years. So, turning it into even years would increase not only the general population
but especially the minorities that do not go out for elections, such as the Caribbean
community, the Latin, and the youth community. Also, it would be cost effective. It
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would help to decrease the cost within the city to put your elections in even years.
Also, in addition to why it should be supported is because the overall good is to
allow everyone the opportunity to practice their civic engagement rights. And in
doing so, that would help to not only increase turnout, but education and awareness
of why citizens of this city and everywhere else should be involved in the political
process. Other cities have also done similar changes to their elections, Baltimore,
Austin, Texas, and as well as other cities. So, I do hope that you all will support this
as Mayor Alex Desaine and the City of North Miami does as well. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
David Holtzman: Good morning, Madam Chair, Commissioners. My name is David
Holtman. I'm a citizen of the City of Miami. I'm here speaking in support of FR.4
for similar reasons that we just heard. Greater public engagement in our elections
during the general election cycle and certainly savings associated with not running
off-year elections is a benefit to all citizens in the city of Miami. Thank you very
much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Susana Siman: Morning. Hi, my name is Susana Siman, and I live in the
neighborhood of Shenandoah in the city of Miami. I urge you to oppose entering into
a 287(g) task force agreement with ICE. This program brings no benefits to Miami,
only fear, racial discrimination and financial strain. As a Miami kid whose family,
like many of yours, came seeking safety, (FOREIGN LANGUAGE). Participating
would cost taxpayers millions in salaries, resources and legal settlements from
constitutional violations. Taking resources away from the everyday issues we need to
fund now. (FOREIGN LANGUAGE). Miami is not required by law to join ICE 's task
force. Let's reject this pointless and hurtful agreement. Let's focus on using our
resources to make Miami a safe and inclusive city. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you.
Will Mann: Good morning. My name is Will Mann and I'm an attorney here at the
Community Justice Project right here in Miami. I'm here to urge you to vote against
the proposed 287(g) agreement. By turning local police into immigration agents, you
are inviting constitutional violations and racial profiling, because we know that
when police officers join ICE'S task force, they make assumptions about people's
immigration status based on their language, their skin color, their accent. And we
know that because these programs are not new. They've been around for a long time,
and in fact, ICE themselves paused these agreements 10 years ago because of
rampant racial discrimination. And now that they're back under the Trump
administration, we're seeing the exact same kinds of abuses. Collaboration with ICE
is candidly immoral, but it's also extremely expensive for this city. When police
officers with 287(g) immigration powers violate people's constitutional rights, it's
this city that will have to pay the lawsuits that inevitably. come. And of course, it's
the taxpayers that ultimately foot the check. Even on a day-to-day basis, cities that
sign 287(g) agreements' have to pay for the time and the equipment that their officers
then use to go raid their own communities. And of course, it's taxpayers that pay for
that too. And I want to be clear from a legal perspective that this agreement is not
required by any federal or state law. It is this Commission's choice whether or not to
enter into this agreement and it is a bad choice to make on a financial level, on a
moral level, and on a legal level. We should be protecting our budget and protecting
our immigrant communities, not breaking it to attack them. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Melanie Ramirez: Good morning. I want to start off by sending my condolences to
you, Ms. King. I'm so sorry for your loss. Hi, everyone. My name is Mel. I stand here
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as a daughter of Cuban immigrants and one of the first in my family to be born in
this country. I had the privilege of spending Father's Day weekend with my
grandparents, and yesterday, my abuelo taught me the word "guapiar." To guapiar
is to hustle and refers to the drive to accomplish something challenging. My family in
the 60 percent immigrant population, guapian to make the city great. To he in favor
of R35 [sic] is not only betraying our people, but it's also disloyal to our history.
This city wouldn 't be incorporated if it wasn't for the Bahamian migrants who also
built this city. Many of our neighborhoods have been built and curated by fellow
immigrants, including neighborhoods like Allapattah, Little Havana, Little Haiti, just
to name some. All of the same guapiando spirit that make our city so attractive. Us
organizers and advocates know what we can do fbr our communities. So, I ask you
what you can do for us. Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: I'm sorry, Chair, ifI can get the speaker's full name.
Ms. Ramirez: Melanie Ramirez.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Diane Camacho: Good morning. My, name is Diane Camacho, and I am a resident of
the City of Miami and have been for the past 24 years. I'm here this morning to tell
you a story and to make a request of the Commission. About 12 years ago, I got a
call from a neighbor saying that there's someone breaking into your house. So, I
rushed home, and sure enough, someone had tried to break in through my back door,
which is glass, but it's impact -resistant glass. And they had given up and left. So, I
made a police report just so the police would know what was going on in my
neighborhood. And subsequently, the police contacted my neighbors because they
had actually captured someone in the area doing another breaking. My neighbors
were able to identify the person, and then we were all asked to come Downtown, fill
out witness reports. 1 filled out a request for restitution for my hack door, and this
man was convicted, and he went to prison. But the prison released him on a work
release program, and I started getting a check for $15.47 every week. In the end, he
failed his probation, went back to prison, and served his sentence. But for me, it was
an incredible example of the community and the police department working together.
And so, my request of the Commission is this. In all fairness to the residents of the
City of Miami, like myself and to the police who protect and serve, do not ask the
police to do two jobs. Vote no on RE.5, no ICE agreement. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Mal Fenn: Good morning. My name is Mal Fenn. I'm an archaeologist and a
resident of Coral Gables. I'm here speaking in opposition to the 287(g) agreement. It
is in no way an exaggeration to say that ICE is the American gestapo and should not
be welcomed into any community under any circumstances. The Third Reich quite
literally found their final solution by studying the many crimes the United States
perpetrated against indigenous people and disabled people, many of which continue
today, many committed by ICE agents against indigenous people of the Americas
specifically. The playbook of imperial nations has always rhymed, and the imperial
boomerang has always returned home, hut today you all have a chance to end this
cycle here in Miami. I could appeal to logic, quote, about how being undocumented
in the United States is a civil offense and not a crime, how undocumented immigrants
pay the taxes and are being kidnapped at their jobs, repeat a number of economic
statistics, but my friends and neighbors are worth more than their tax dollars and
more than the goods they produce. They have deep and immutable worth as human
beings and they deserve safety and dignity, not to be used as cash cows for private
prison company CEOs who take money from our pockets at a time when 60 percent
of Americans can't afford a minimal quality of life, or to be used as a rhetorical
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device to encourage police officers to brutalize anyone they choose. I implore you all
with everything in my soul to vote no on 287(g) today. To allow ICE free reign in our
city would be a craven and cartoonishly evil act, a deadly act of war against our own
neighbors and your own constituents. To vote yes on 287(g) would co-sign a
shadowy organization which has already gone so far as to rip a four -year -old child
suffering from stage four cancer from their family without medication. There is no
benefit to allowing ICE into our community. The choice you all make today will be a
test of your humanity. Please vote no on 287(g).
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Mike Davey: Good morning, Madam Chair. Mike Davey, I'm the former mayor of
Key Biscayne. Commissioners, Commissioner Rosado, congratulations. Look, I'm
here to support your move to even -year elections. I think it's critically important for
turnout. We did it in 1997. We went from three-year terms to two-year terms. We saw
a rise in participation. We also did it with referenda issues subsequently in about
2010 and we have seen a change. It's important to have your population, your
residents engaged and involved in all elections. The more the better, and being in the
20 -- in the odd years you're not going to see the turnout. I think you all know the
numbers. So, I'm here to just suggest that you move it to the even years so you can
get some things done. As far as 287(g), I do think it's an overstep by the State as to
your authority as a municipality to threaten you with negative action should you vote
against 287(g). Stand up. We are the municipalities of Miami -Dade County and we
have to stand up. When the State tries to oppress us, we've got to stand up and be the
leaders in our community. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Nick Mayor: Good morning. My name is Nick Mayor. I'm an organizer with Engage
Miami. I'm standing here in opposition to the 287(g) agreement simply because I'm
a son of immigrants. I, like many of us, my family came to this country fleeing
oppression, fleeing opposition from freedom. And this city has welcomed us. It's
welcomed the stranger, has welcomed all of us to build this city, this county, in such
a beautiful way and to have a sense of trust. Public safety in our community, which
has been eroded by this agreement. We're seeing this agreement already have
impact before we even voted on it. We're seeing immigrants right now that are
fearing for their lives and are not participating because they are seeing what's
happening to their families and friends. My own families and friends are seeing this
fear, and we do not want to stand on this. That is why we are in opposition to this
item. That is why we're in opposition to this agreement because we need to have
trust in our community and this is eroding that right now before a single vote has
even been passed by this Commission. That is why we're asking you to do your duty
and to build the trust back up by rejecting this agreement and not giving in to fear.
Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Samaiyah Wade: Good morning. My name is Samaiyah Wade, and I'm speaking on
behalf of Engage Miami in opposition to 287(g). My great -great-grandfather moved
his family to Miami from North Florida almost 100 years ago, and we would not
have been able to survive in this city without the blood, sweat, tears, and love of the
immigrant community. in Miami -Dade County. City of Miami has over 55 percent of
foreign -born residents. And Miami -Dade County has 73.9 immigrant business
owners. If we implemented this, we would be saying to our residents that we don't
care for the language, culture, contributions that they've made to keep this city alive.
And I think that's abhorrent. I speak out against 287(g). Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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Luadmila Valle Betancourt: Good morning. My name is Luna. I live in
Fontainebleau. 287(g) is an agreement that is totally, voluntary. It has no reason to
be held in a city filled with immigrants. Haitians and Venezuelans aren't eating cats
and dogs, as you can just see outside. This is done to harass working people and
make them even more afraid to participate in society. If ICE wants to go after
criminals, why aren 't they going into high -risk areas but instead harassing job sites
where people are trying to earn for a living as the employers are letting them go
ahead and do this without any sort of pushback at all whatsoever or any criminal
penalties that are very similar to brutality. Why are they arresting people who are
complying with their asylum program without any sort of history of crimes
whatsoever? As I said earlier, ICE paused these agreements because of the rampant
racism that the policy promotes. Beyond absurd that there is a black liberation car
outside that is Jrothe Miami -Dade Police Department when the commissioners are
considering something like this and Jackson Memorial Hospital doesn't give
Juneteenth off for their employees just like in Christmas. If you're in favor of this
agreement, this shows how extremely rampant racism is in this city and how
extremely surface level the problems of hying to fix it are, of course. Abolish ICE.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Borasmy Ung: Good morning. My name is Borasmy Ung. I'm here in opposition of
287(g). I am a human rights defender from Cambodia and I'm here to remind people
that, unless you are a Native American, we are all refugees and migrants at some
point. I'm here to ask that you not cooperate with the police state because, as in
Cambodia, even though the original perpetrators of the Killing Fields Genocide
were gone 46 years ago, the newer version of the Khmer Rouge are still in power
years later and are still quietly killing the people who disagree with the way they
govern. I am here to ask you to not aid or abet a police state and to not allow it to
take hold. From an economic point of view, the undocumented population pays
social security taxes and Medicare taxes as well as other taxes that help fund your
budget without getting anything -- any benefit in return. They work exposed to
chemicals, asbestos, pesticides, carcinogens without health coverage. These are jobs
that no American citizen would take. In 2022, undocumented immigrants paid $96.7
billion in taxes, more than Amazon, Tesla, Bezos, and Elon Musk pay combined. As a
matter of fact, corporations are much more heavily subsidized than undocumented
workers. Deporting millions of undocumented workers would shrink the economy of
Florida in every sector. In construction, in agriculture, health agriculture,
healthcare, tourism, et cetera and lose hundreds of billions of dollars in income. The
economic contraction will have a snowballing effect and will have a devastating
consequences far worse than what happened during 2008 financial crisis. Please
remember the big picture and economic consequences before you vote. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Maria Fernanda Delgado: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Maria
Fernanda Delgado, and I'm over here as a resident, from Edgewater, 2900 Northeast
7th Avenue. I'm about to speak about the Miami DDA. I'm an entrepreneur working
over here closely with other startups and founders across Miami. I want to express
my full support to the Miami DDA. Their impact is visible from clean, walkable
streets to dedicated policing and friendly ambassadors programs that make our
neighborhoods safer and more welcoming. But beyond public space and safety, the
DDA has been a true ally to entrepreneurs. Programs like business incentive grants,
property improvement grants, don't just help businesses start, but they also help us
stay in the community, grow, and obviously reinvest in Downtown. I've personally
experienced how these resources can be the push to small businesses, especially like
my own, and they can get real traction. They also create meaningful community
through events, mixers, and networks that bring together people who care about
building the future here in Miami and not somewhere else. The DDA is helping
shape a city that attracts talent, fuels innovation, and supports local founders like
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myself. I urge you to continue to fund and support their mission and momentum so
all the initiatives can continue and all the residents can take advantage of this -- of
these type of initiatives.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Delgado: Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Samuel Dorr: Good morning. I'm here to speak in support. First of all, my name is
Samuel Dorr, longtime resident of Commissioner Pardo's district. Here to speak on -
- in support of moving elections to even numbered years. Look, folks, this is a no-
brainer. In a perfect world, every eligible person would be registered to vote,
everyone would vote whenever they had a chance. That is not the world in which we
reside. We live in Florida, where among other things, our state legislature decided it
was prudent to make everyone re -enroll and vote by mail after every general election
cycle. This is voter suppression. This is the state in which we reside. And we just
heard from Mayor Davey that on Key Biscayne when he -- when they moved their
elections to even numbered years, they saw greater voter turnout. Let's do the same
here. Y'all are elected every time by just a small handful of voters; that's not very
democratic. Let's give more people a say. Let's move elections, and also, let's save
some money for the city by moving elections to even numbered years when folks
know that there are already state and federal elections happening. No-brainer, folks.
Let's do this. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Monica Rojas: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Monica Rojas. I live in
the DDA district and I serve as head of Community. at Play. We're the number one
pickup soccer app in the world. And we're actually founded here in Miami. And I
moved to Downtown in 2021 during the Mianii tech boom. And the transformation
I've seen has been night and day. I'm here today both as a resident and as a
community advocate. I believe that community has the power to change everyone's
life, especially during this time. As a resident, I want to thank the DDA and thank
you guys for supporting us from cleaner streets to vibrant public spaces. The
consistent investment in small businesses, the DDA's work is visible and impactful,
and I speak as a resident. As a professional, I've seen how the DDA's support
directly strengthens community engagement. And last month, with their help, we
hosted a watch party at Julia and Henry's, and we brought 600 individuals to
Downtown. This summer, we're going to expand those efforts and actively locate or
active -- we're going to activate local venues, support small businesses, and create
moments where people will genuinely look forward to. In a time where technology
consumes our lives, real world connections matter more than ever. Soccer helps,
community helps, and the DDA helps make both possible. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Kimberly Davis: Good morning. My name is Kimberly Davis, founder of Coconut
Grove Cowboys, here to speak about RE.19 and FR.4. With our current voter turnout
and the cost associated with the voting process, let's push back a year. It just makes
greater sense to do so. What's your why, commissioners? I ask you, why are you
here? Let me guess, you saw a place that needed help, a space that needed to be
addressed, work that needed to be done. Congratulations, you've made it, you've
arrived. Now imagine a work site with no deadlines, a project with no end date.
Have you been on 1-95 lately, anybody? Projects without deadlines linger. How
many times can we recycle the same bottle? At some point it has to become a bag,
right? Imagine working hard for 2,920 days, not including weekends, and turning
around to say it's not enough. That's enough, in my personal opinion. I think it's
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time that you make your great impact. I think it's time that you make your great
strides. And most of all, 1 think it's time that you be great in eight and let someone
else have an opportunity. Be blessed.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Lucia Baez-Gaeller: Good morning. My condolences, Chairwoman, and welcome to
Commissioner Rosado. I am Lucia Baez-Gaeller, and until one month ago, I resided
at 1450 Brickell Bay Drive in District 2. I've also had the honor and privilege of
representing and working alongside the children and families of Brickell, Downtown
and Coconut Grove, also in the City of Miami, as their Miami -Dade County Public
School School Board member from November 2021 to November 2024. And 1 am
here today to urge you to vote no on any attempt to bring the 287(g) program here to
our city. 287(g) deputizes local police to act as federal immigration agents. And the
way that this program is being pushed upon local government breaks down the trust
in our communities, the trust that especially' our children need to reach out for help
when they need it so that they feel safe to call 911, to report a crime, or to speak out
against any injustice and to live simply without fear. Yes, we all want safe
communities, but real safety comes from this trust. 287(g) doesn't target dangerous
criminals. It pulls in people for minor issues or no violations at all, and it just
creates fear and chaos. While I lived in Brickell, I lived among people from all over
the world. This policy threatens that. In Coconut Grove, I worked with families,
many who had been here for so many generations, and others who are just building
a new future here. All of them deserve to feel safe, and this policy threatens that. I've
seen the fear that these policies create. I've heard about the empty chairs at the
dinner tables, the raids, the kids who are afraid that their parents won't come home
one day. This is not abstract, this is a reality and it's happening in our neighbors --
in our neighborhoods right here, right now. Miami is a city built by immigrants, our
culture, our economy, our resilience, all of this depends on the communities that this
policy would target. We don't need more fear; we need more trust. I ask you to vote
no on RE.5, not just as lawmakers, hut as neighbors --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Baez-Gaeller: -- and as people who love this city. Please stand with our
children.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Denise Galvez Turros: Good morning. 1 definitely don't envy you today. 1 know you
have some tough decisions on your plate, but there's one that I think is really easy to
make and that's FR.4. I stand here. I support the intentions behind FR.4. I believe in
increasing voter turnout, but 1 notice that a lot of the people who have spoken out
today do not live in D3 (District 3). 1 live and work in D3, and I'm here speaking on
behalf of the residents of D3 and the businesses of D3 that are afraid to come here
and speak out because we have lived under the tyranny for eight years of Carollo,
Commissioner Carollo. So --
Chair King: Hold on.
Vice Chair Carollo: This woman -- no.
Ms. Galvez Turros: I am here to speak on their --
Vice Chair Carollo: No, Chair. I'm not putting up with this any longer.
Ms. Galvez Turros: From the beginning, my stance has been consistent.
Vice Chair Carollo: She comes every meeting with the same thing.
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Chair King: Please don 't address any of us as --
Ms. Galvez Turros: A decision of this magnitude --
Vice Chair Carollo: This woman --
Chair King: Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Gabela: Point of order. Point of order, please.
Chair King: Please, please. Commissioner -- ma'am, please do not address --
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, point of order.
Chair King: Commissioner. Ma'am, please do not address any of us personally.
Ms. Galvez Turros: Okay. Well, here's what --
Vice Chair Carollo: She should talk about her stolen credit cards that The Herald --
Ms. Galvez Turros: Here's what I'll say then.
Chair King: Commissioner, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Carollo: Being arrested for stolen credit cards.
Chair King: Allow her to finish.
Vice Chair Carollo: Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence).
Chair King: Commissioner, please.
Vice Chair Carollo: Who does she work for? Yeah.
Ms. Galvez Turros: I work for myself, thank you.
Chair King: Ma'am, thank you.
Ms. Galvez Turros: Proud small businessowner.
Chair King: Ma'am -- Commissioner.
Vice Chair Carollo: You weren't arrested for stolen credit cards?
Chair King: Commissioner, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Carollo: You weren't arrested for DUI?
Chair King.• Commissioner, please. Commissioner, please. Ma'am, please finish.
Ms. Galvez Turros: No problem. I ask you to vote against FR.4 because I think that
you should leave it to the people, the residents, and the owners of the businesses in
that area who would like to have their voices heard in November. I agree with your
intention, Damian Pardo, Commissioner Pardo, but I think it's not right for you to
make such a decision of such magnitude on behalf of the people of my area when you
don't live in our area. There's -- everybody who has spoken out today does not live
in District 3. Key Biscayne, Greater Miami, I spoke to a North Miami man, all those
people who spoke out don't live in D3. It's not right. Let the elections play out. Let
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the voters take their vote. And if we re-elect him to some seat, oh, well, then we're
damned, and we damned ourselves. But let us have a choice. Let us have a voice.
And next year, f you'd like, hopefully, we'll move the elections to even years. Thank
you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Carl Roberts: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Carl Roberts. I live in
Coconut Grove under Commissioner Pardo. Term limits are not a partisan issue, nor
do they diminish the legislative or fiduciary responsibilities of elected officials to the
communities they serve. Rather, they are a mechanism of ensuing that public service
remains dynamic and responsive to the ever -evolving needs of the people. In a world
that is constantly changing, fresh perspectives and new energies are essential. If a
mayor, councilwoman, or councilman is unable to advance their vision for the city
within eight years, it is likely that that vision may never come to fruition. Regarding
the proposal for even year voting, the alignment of local elections with national ones
should prove positive as long as they appear on the same ballot. The data shows that
such consolidation will significantly boost voter turnout in local races, save the city
approximately $1 million in election related costs, and even contribute, albeit
modestly, to reducing vehicle emissions by eliminating a separate local election day.
On both of these items, term limits and even year voting, I fully support their
passage. These are sensible forward -thinking reforms that benefit our democracy
and the people we serve. Time, however, will tell the story. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Marc Jeannoel: Good morning. Greetings. My name is Marc Jeannoel. I stand here
today as a proud advocator with the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. More
importantly, as a member throughout my community, that refused to be silenced with
the injustice that is being co -defined through policies like 287(g). To the decision
makers in the room today, I'd like to ask you guys a serious question. If you guys
claim to care about the safety, then you must also care about justice. If you guys
claim to support family, then you must reject policy that rips and separates family
and community. I'm asking you guys, instead of expending 287(g), we should be
looking at other forms of method to invest in our communities, like house, education,
healthcare, legal resources, the real building block for safety and dignity for all
people in our community. And for the sake of time, because it's hello hot outside and
there's other community members who want to express their concern based off this
policy, this will be very quick. But for the love of the people, for the love of safety, for
the love of our community, and for the record, I'm strongly opposing and advocating
to you guys to make a vote on -- to vote no on 287(g). Thank you --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Jeannoel: -- very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Jamal Victor.' Hello, my name is Jamal Victor, and I'm here against 287(g). And one
thing I want to say is, right, it's not a hard thing. It's not easy being American and
it's also not easy being an immigrant who came to America to have their American
Dream. And giving the cops the power of ICE, right, just imagine literally you're at
home chilling with your family, then literally, right, your children and you are
deported to somewhere you haven't ever been. So, like you will feel like, I did
nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong. And like giving cops the powers of ICE, even
though it's not even legal, because a -- give me a second what is it called? Sorry. A -
- when a president do an executive order, it's not always legal. It's not binding in
law. So, the actions, right, that ICE is doing, right, is inhumane, and that's also
called kidnapping. That's all 1 have to say.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Camilo Mejia: Good morning, Madam Chair. My condolences. Commissioner
Rosado, welcome and congratulations. My name is Camilo Mejia. I reside at 3482
Frow Avenue right here, District 2. And I'm here today to urge you to vote no on
Resolution 5, which will authorize collaboration between the city police and
Homeland Security and ICE. This proposal is not just a policy decision; it's a matter
of public safety and community trust. We have seen it in the past already under
programs like secure communities, how entangling local law enforcement with
federal immigration agencies erodes the trust that is essential for effective policing.
When our neighbors fear that a call for help could lead to family separation or
deportation, crimes go unreported, and our entire community becomes less safe.
Moreover, these agreements have repeatedly resulted in the wrongful detention of
legal residents and people with valid immigration status. Deputizing our officers to
enforce federal immigration laws diverts resources away from real public safety
concerns and puts innocent people, including children, at risk of losing their families
and support systems. This past weekend, the No Kings demonstrations drew
hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country, united in opposition to
inhumane and unjust immigration enforcement. Strong turnout at this morning's
press conference outside City Hall is further proof that Miami stands for justice,
compassion, and unity. I urge you again, do what is right for our city, protect the
trust between our residents and law enforcement, stand up for the moral values that
define Miami, vote no on Resolution 5. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Genesis Sotomayor: Hi, good morning. My name is Genesis Sotomayor. I live in
3411 Southwest 16. I believe that's District 6. I'm here to urge you, please do not
support 287(g). 287(g) will only threaten the safety, security, and violate US
constitutional, human, and civil rights of due process for so many individuals that
add to Miami-Dade's communities and economy. 287(g) is purely by choice. It is not
mandated on a state or federal level. Your constituents are urging you to not support
this agreement. These are people, not rental items. They should not be detained for
$25 per day. I should not be allowed to block the county from releasing public
records, hindering lawyers from effectively doing their job. ICE and the police force
are not exempt from transparency and accountability. This is not only an attack on
immigration but on legal status. GEO group and CoreCivic have been profiteering
off of these communities for years. Please put an end to it. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Anabella Grohoski: Good morning. My deepest and sincerest condolences to you
and your family. My name is Anabella Grohoski. I live at 409 Lafayette Drive in
Miami Springs. And I'm here for 287(g), sorry. I came from Guatemala in 1980, at a
time where the country, was suffering genocide because the government turned the
military and the police on its people. My brother got killed for being a law student.
My family and I were persecuted because I was a med student. They didn't like
anybody with education. My father was a journalist. So, I just, I beg all of you,
please, do not use the police to persecute people. We came to this country for a
reason. We didn't come because we just wanted to invade America, like the president
says. We came in here because it opened its doors to us. We, my family and I, we
actually kissed this ground when we came to Miami. And we thank God for the
opportunity to get here and be free and survive and become somebody. I was only 20
years old and I was the oldest of seven. So, we were all kids when we came here. We
don't -- we just want you please follow Key Biscayne, follow South Miami. They're
rejecting this fact that the governor wants to threaten you guys with holding funds or
whatever it is that they want to do. We just need you to please listen to the people,
listen to us. We need your help. Thank you. That's all I wanted to say. Thank you.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Charlie Coney: Good morning. My name is Charlie Coney, and 1 want to speak to
you today concerning a street name change. Leadership Prep Foundation is the
parent organization of the Coconut Grove Sports Hall of Fame. And our mission is
to preserve, support, and to promote historical significance of the Bahamian and
Afro-American history and cultural heritage from sports in West Coconut Grove.
Moreover, to advance in culture, heritage of sports seated in West Coconut Grove
and to recognize and induct its champions and its legends to honor them and to
inspire future generations of sports in Coconut Grove. With this in mind, we would
like this body to consider the change of the street name from Charles Terrace to
Gerald Tinker Terrace, okay. Gerald Tinker was born January 19, 1951 in Miami.
Former track and field athletic American football player, winner of a gold medal,
4x100, 1972, he made this city proud. Gerald Tinker attended Coral Gables Senior
High and a graduate of 1969. I might add, in 1967/68, Coral Gables High were state
and national champions. In 1968 and `69, they repeated that state and national title.
In 1970, we went undefeated, and the rules changed because we were Coral Gables.
So, I asked at this time, Gerald Tinker also went on to Munich, Germany, where he
won the 4x100 relay. Also on that team was his cousin, Larry Black. The Munich
Olympics, Gerald Tinker ran the third league in the 4x100 relay, which he won a
gold medal equal to the United States' own world record, 38.19. Larry Black also
ran a leg in that same race. His school was football --
Chair King: Thank you. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Coney: Okay.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Coney: Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Farah Mahmoud: Hi, good morning. My, name is Farah Mahmoud. I am a first gen
Palestinian American and a daughter of immigrants. I'm a pediatric social worker at
a public hospital here in Miami. And this is --
Taylor Rosenbaum: And hi, thanks so much for letting us come to speak. I'm Dr.
Taylor Rosenbaum. I am a pediatrician in Miami. 1 also have a master's in social
public policy with a concentration in child and family advocacy. So, this is
something really important for us considering our field. We are really concerned
that if this goes through, our patients, the kids of Miami that are just corning to the
hospital for the care that they need, the lifesaving care that they need, we're really
concerned that this is going to have horrible negative impacts. And Farrah has a
fantastic, really sad story to kind of demonstrate how this could negatively impact
our patients.
Ms. Mahmoud: Yeah, because we're already seeing it since the start of this current
administration. We've had an undocumented family who have been scared to call
911 during a dire emergency where a baby was found unresponsive. And so, they
found a family member who was documented, and they ran to a fire station to receive
the care that the baby needed. And unfortunately, it was a little too late to save the
child. And so, I'm just -- we're concerned that this is going to be something that's
going to continue to happen or the kids are going to come a little bit sicker and
they're not going to be able to receive the care that they so desperately need. And I
don't think it's fair for us to advocate for children and not include all children.
Ms. Rosenbaum: So, thank you so much.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Ana Sofia Pelaez: Good morning. Hello, my name is Ana Sofia Pelaez, and I'm
speaking today as a resident of District 3, and I also work in District 5. You have my
condolences, Chairwoman King. I'm here to urge you to not enter in the 287(g) task
force agreement with ICE. We've heard powerful arguments today about the moral
weight of this decision, which as the daughter of Cuban exiles, I share. But this is
also about good governance and the responsible allocation of city resources. This
agreement will subject our community to an unreliable immigration database,
arbitrary enforcement, and the denial of due process that will lead to unlawful
arrests, resulting in costly liabilities and litigation. Taxpayers will also bear the
burden of higher costs and diminished services while making our communities less
safe when crimes go unreported and individuals do not seek medical care, shelter, or
report abuse. Trust in law enforcement will be undermined. While I recognize the
pressures being exerted, the city is not absolved of its fiscal and constitutional
responsibilities to its constituents. I strongly encourage you to reject this agreement.
Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
David Beltran: Good afternoon, City of Miami Commission and residents. My name
is David Beltran, and my address is 491 Okeechobee Road, Hialeah, Florida 33010.
I am here to make a statement against RE.5 and against the City of Miami joining
the 287(g) program. I am an organizer with the Miami branch of the Party of
Socialism and Liberation. City of Miami is one of the few major cities in the world
where the majority of the population is foreign -born. It is a cliche, but it is true.
Miami is a city built by and sustained by immigration. Immigrants in Miami -Dade
County contribute about four billion in state and local taxes every year. Immigrant
businesses account to close to 74 percent of all businesses located in Miami -Dade
County. Not to mention the immeasurable cultural impact that Latin American
migration has had on Miami from trendy neighborhoods like Little Havana to the
world -class cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide. However, 1 would be
contributing to the ongoing dehumanization of the immigrant community if I only
highlighted the economic benefits of immigration to our community. Because even if
immigrants were a net drain on our economy, human beings should not be
criminalized and targeted for state violence just for migrating. Since the first moment
of human existence on planet Earth, humans have migrated looking for food, shelter,
and protection from adverse conditions. As 1 think of the trillions of dollars that
freely move around the world economy every single year it is jarring that capital and
corporate interests have more migration rights than human beings. I encourage the
elected officials of City of Miami, most of y'all which are first or second generation
immigrants, to consider the overwhelming evidence against deputizing local law
enforcement for immigration enforcement. Our city has enough pressing issues to
spend our taxpayer dollars on an issue that is solely the realm of the federal
government. You should be focused on crafting creative policy solutions for issues of
homelessness, language justice, and access to transportation. Joining the 287(g)
program will only decrease community trust and over police our neighborhoods. I
ask that y'all vote down joining the 287(g) program. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morn -- good afternoon.
Christi Tasker: Good afternoon, Commissioners. Welcome, Commissioner Rosado.
I'm sorry, Commissioner King, about your loss. Today I'm here to speak on 287(g),
and this is directly from the US Secretary of State's website. Generally, a citizen of a
foreign country who wishes to travel to the United States must first obtain a visa,
either a non-immigrant visa or a temporary stay or an immigrant visa or permanent
residence. Visitors visas are non-immigrant visas for persons who want to enter the
United States temporarily; for business, a B-1 visa, or tourism, a B-2 visa, or a
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combination thereof of B-1 and B-2 visa. On -- in 2023, Congress, 118th Congress,
that was under Joe Biden, summary HR77 says an individual who overstays the visa
shall be fined or imprisoned up to six months or both. Such an individual may not be
admitted into the United States for five years and may not be granted a visa for 10
years. On behalf of Veterans for America First, we formally ask that you either
cooperate with the visa or simply invite ICE in to do their job as intended, because
the people are operating under criminal status because they have overstayed their
visas. If anybody has overstayed their visa, they can actually simply go to the
Department of State and apply for an additional extension on their visa. So, that way
that we're not having to deal with illegal criminals who are -- who have potentially
overstayed their visas as a whole. Because this is an issue within our community
where we do have illegals that are really afraid to call the police. They're afraid to
do anything already. So, that's -- the objective of it's going to create an issue has
already created an issue. How do I know this? Because on 25th Road, I constantly
have people calling me, Christy, I don't want to call because I don't want my phone
number on the 911 system. Will you please call? It is a major issue where we even
saw it in the Icon Brickell building where people simply did not call to even report
someone for trespassing.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Tasker: Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Rachel Hazen: Good morning. Hello, Commissioner Damian Pardo. My name is
Rachel Hazen, and I live in the beautiful Coconut Grove at 3000 Bird Ave, 33133.
I'm urging you to vote no on 287(g). I have the privilege of not being racially
profiled and targeted so I'm here to speak for those who can't. My mom was a nurse
and foster parent who taught me that everyone deserves dignity and a place at our
dinner table. She opened our home to exchange students from Mexico who became
my family. My mom is no longer here, but she raised me to lead with love, and I plan
on carrying that through. So, I'll be at a lot more of these meetings. Miami is built by
immigrants, Cubans, Colombians, Mexicans, Venezuelans, Argentinians, folks across
the Caribbean, and we are proud to call this city home. My lifelong partner and his
family are Cuban and Colombian. Many of my best friends have Hispanic and Asian
roots. Diversity makes our world beautiful. 287(g) will only create fear, separate
families, and damage our trust in police. Policies like this are created to divide us.
Let's invest in our community instead. Please choose compassion over
criminalization. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Mari Quero: Good afternoon, Chairman, and sorry for your loss. Good afternoon,
Commissioners. I would like to speak today in behalf of disagreeing with the 287(g)
agreement. My name is Mari Quero. I live in 1715 Southwest 17th Avenue in
Shenandoah, and I'm a Venezuelan immigrant. I'm also an American citizen, a local
music artist, and someone who is deeply rooted in Miami's community. I'm here
today to ask you to reject the 287(g) agreement because this policy does not protect
our people. It puts them in danger. By giving local police the power to act like ICE
agents, it opens the door to racial profiling as we previously spoke about, wrongful
detentions, and widespread fear, especially in a city like Miami that is so vibrant
with immigrants that come from many, many, places, as well as people that come
from immigrant families. This policy does not only affect undocumented people. It
also affects entire households and neighborhoods. Mixed status families, permanent
residents, refugees, and even US citizens could be targeted just because we speak a
different language, or we look different. I have seen what happens in communities
that live in fear; such in places as my home country in Venezuela, and this would
only not -- this will not promote safety; it would promote suppression. It breaks a
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trust that is supposed to exist between the people and the system. As someone who
has not been able to return back home, Miami is the only home that 1 have here, and
1 have built a beautiful, vibrant community here where a lot of us care about each
other, and I wouldn't want us to be treated as criminals just for existing and being
from other countries. So, I urge you to please vote no on the 287(g) agreement and
protect your community. Thank you so much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Arianne Benitez: Good afternoon. Dear commissioners of the city of Miami, thank
you so much for your attention. My name is Arianne Benitez, and I am a resident at
the edge of District 4. I am encouraging you to vote no on Agreement 287(g). I am
the proud daughter of Venezuelan -born first -generation immigrants. The City of
Miami has been nothing but a blessing to our family, a family that reluctantly fled
their hometown out of desperation for democracy and an opportunity to seek a better
life. One of the big reasons we were grateful to this city was how safe all law
enforcement officers had made us feel. Police officers, state troopers, and other law
enforcement officers treated us with respect, tolerance, and patience, as we learned
to navigate a new community with different customs and rules. My parents who were
not fluent in English will feel nervous, but never fear being wrongfully detained or
racially profiled or questioned about their immigration status. Coming from
Venezuela, as many may know, where law enforcement does not protect community
members, this treatment was eye-opening to what it really feels like to live in a true
democracy and a free country. Voting yes on this agreement will be damaging to that
trust that the community has on law enforcement. So, I please plead you to maintain
the social contract and allow law enforcement to do their job, not have to have their
job and try to protect people who are fearing them and what might happen to them
or their families or their loved ones if they go into their communities. So, thank you
again. Please vote no on 287(g) and have a great day.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Jonathan Homan: Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Ximena Cristobal, Carolyn
Dias Goncalves, Cary Lopez Alvarado. These three names are the names of
American women who were abducted by ICE in collaboration with local police
departments. These three women, among many, others, are daughters, mothers,
sisters, and community members. How does police working with ICE to kidnap
teenage girls and pregnant women help to protect us? In Ximena's case she told us
of a 20-year-old, nine months pregnant woman who was given pills and who lost her
baby during her detainment. Cary Lopez Alvarado was also nine months pregnant
and she was physically assaulted by ICE agents when they came to abduct her
husband. She was illegally detained by ICE as a US citizen and then later required
medical attention to monitor her baby's health. I and many others understand the
need to deport violent criminals, but this policy you are seeking to approve will not
protect Americans from violent criminals. It will instead unleash them unto us all in
the form of ICE. County commissioners, if you approve this resolution of local police
departments working with ICE and further terrorizing our communities, you will all
further -- you will all forever be disgraced as traitors, and like Marco Rubio, you
will never again hold elected office. ICE is being used to not only deport the
undocumented but to deport anyone using illegal racial profiling. The Trump
Administration has revoked legal status for Cuban and Venezuelan Americans,
fleeing from communism and sending our loved ones back to the same places we put
great effort into getting them out of They didn't do that to Ukrainians or Italians or
Irish, so why people who look like us? Why people who look like they come from
America? We are Americans. We have been here since before the United States was
even founded. I recommend that you fear we, the people, more than you fear Donald
Trump. We will not forgive how you took away -- family away from us, and we will
never forgive you if you approve this racist agenda.
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Mr. Hannon: Chair, may I have the speaker's name.* the record?
Chair King: Sir, could we have your name, please?
Mr. Homan: Jonathan Homan.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Marco Moinet: Prayers and condolences. Christine, thank you for your service. 1
know, you know, appreciate it. And 1 want to say congrats to Rosado, even though --
Commissioner Rosado, even though you stepped away for a second. But my name is
Marco Moinet. I am the founder of Florida Film House. We do 1st Take Youth Film
Program. We teach kids about film. We also do the Urban Film Festival, which we
support the local community with a free film festival. We do a lot of services, as
much as we can for the community. And so, I want to say, first and foremost, I think
RE.19, the life -term limits, I respect and value the experience of seasoned
politicians, but I believe RE.19 is a progressive step forward. It opens up the door
for new leaders, fresh ideas, and real growth. I'm also for FR.4, moving the election.
The reform just makes sense, and increases participation, and saves the city money,
more time to vote, more voices heard, smart use of resources. I think it's a win for
everyone. I'm also in support of the Miami DDA. I believe this organization plays a
key role in growth revitalization and forward progress in Downtown Miami. I'm also
against the city of Miami entering in this 287 agreement with ICE. I think it opens
doors to racial profiling and breaks communities. I think right now the city of
Miami's Police Department has a beautiful relationship with the community and I
think this harms that relationship. And you know, I know you guys have some
difficult decisions. I wish you guys strength and prayers to make the right ones.
Thanks.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Zenia Maria Perez: Hello, my name is Zenia Perez. Condolences, Chairwoman
King. I commend you for being here today. I'm here to urge you all to reject any
287(g) agreement. And I have two fiscal arguments for you all to consider. I was
born and raised in the county of Dade. Fin the proud daughter of Cuban and
Colombian immigrants, and I'm a first -generation Miami girlie. I grew up protesting
Fidel Castro's dictatorship in the streets of Miami and sometimes filling the Orange
Bowl to oppose the tyranny. I love my city. It shaped me. It molded me. And our
diversity isn't just beautiful; it drives our economy. That same diversity inspired me
to be a curious girl, and I joined the Peace Corps where I swore to uphold the
Constitution. And I'm urging you to do the same. ICE is already violating our
constitutional rights. My brother, on the other hand, he became a police officer, and
as the sister of an officer, I know how much we already expect of our local police.
They're first responders, social workers, mental health crisis managers, and now
you want them to work as ICE agents too? It's not just unfair, it's unsustainable and
fiscally irresponsible. It will shift the costs of federal immigration to local taxpayers,
which I believe would not be a wise move for folks facing an election, maybe TBD
(To Be Determined). It would be a big mistake for the City of Miami to allow police
officers to enforce ICE, the ICE agenda. The City of Miami residents would be
responsible for training, overtime, and legal liability, and we must -- we know that
they are -- oh, okay. I'll leave it there.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Perez: Thank you.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
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Samuel Alexandre: Good afternoon. My name is Samuel Alexandre. I work for the
Downtown Development Authority. 1 'm a Downtown Miami ambassador, and I'm
here to encourage you all to keep the Miami DDA. I've lived in Miami for almost 40
years now, December, I'll be 40 years old. And I can respectfully say that Downtown
Miami was a ghost town when I was a teenager. Right now, it's vibrant, there's
activities. It's much more beautiful than it was before. It's a lot cleaner, a lot safer,
and I know that the work that I do along -- a lot of the ambassadors and the people
who are outside cleaning, I know a lot of our work, it's making a difference. So,
today I'm here to just encourage you to keep the Miami DDA because what they are
doing works. I'm living proof of it, not only because I work for them, but because
I've lived in Miami again, like I said, for almost 40 years. So, again and again, keep
the Miami DDA. Thank you for your time. Condolences, Chairwoman.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Cecilia Stewart: Good afternoon, Commissioners and Commissioner King. My
continued prayer for your strength to endure the process, to stay strong in Jesus'
name. Cecilia Stewart, 1899 Northwest 1st Court. This proposal for FR.4 is for we,
the people, to participate in the process to determine what we want. I establish that if
laws are changed, they are changed in our favor so that we the people may prosper
in the city of Miami. Therefore, I support the people and what the people want. If the
people want FR.4, give the people what they want. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Patricia Destephen: Good afternoon. My name is Patricia Destephen. I'm a -- I live
in Miami Beach. I'm here to speak against the agreement 287(g). Firstly, I would
like to start off with what this agreement would entail. This agreement would mean
that local law enforcement would act as immigration agents. That means police
officers who are supposed to protect and serve their communities would initiate
immigration law. This mixes up the job of local police with immigration
enforcement, and that will lead to serious problems within the community, serious
problems such as the decrease in trust within the community. When an immigrant
hears that local law enforcement are working with ICE agents, they start to lose
trust. They won't serve as witnesses; they won 't report crimes. They'd be too afraid
to. Another thing that this will lead to is racial profiling and the wrong targeting of
people based on how they look or speak. If you think that in this society, in this
world, there aren't racists out there, there are. And there are some in this community
as well. This agreement encourages discrimination and undermines our
constitutional protections. With this agreement you are giving permission to racially
profile someone who looks like me. Imagine me walking down the street looking
exactly how 1 look, but I'm only speaking Spanish. And 1 walk by some police, and
they stop me and ask me for ID just because they can. See, with that example, you
allowed my safety to be jeopardized, and I'm not even an immigrant. Local police
should not be immigration agents. Their job is to protect and serve everyone in the
community, regardless of immigration status. Ending or refusing to enter this
agreement --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Destephen: Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you.
Louis McMillian: Good afternoon. Louis McMillian. My business has --
Chair King: Good afternoon.
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Mr. McMillian: -- resided in Edgewater lbr the last 30 years. I'm here to support two
common-sense reforms. The first is with the election cycle. You know, anytime we
have an opportunity to enshrine increased voter turnout, it's such an incredible one,
and you know, you add to it the cost savings, it just seems like a no-brainer and
would be a huge disappointment if it didn'tget through. And the second is with term
limits. I mean, I think eight years is plenty of time to serve, you know. Aside from
giving the opportunity to new blood for leadership, it also protects us citizens. So, as
the young lady aptly said a little while ago, you know, go be great in eight. Thank
you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Mandexandra Garcia: Good afternoon. My name is Mandexandra Garcia, and I'm
here as a concerned citizen of Miami, a city that has always prided itself on
diversity, humanity, and its resilience. I stand firmly against Resolution 5.
Authorizing Miami -Dade Police or Miami Police Department to perform
immigration enforces duties under ICE is a dangerous and irreversible mistake.
First, this will make our officers' jobs harder, not easier. It adds federal immigration
tasks onto their plates with little training and no additional compensation, taking
them away from solving real crimes that impact our real safety. We're turning beat
cops into border agents and that's not what they signed up for. Second, it violates the
very spirit of the Fourth Amendment. We're opening the door to racial profiling and
unconstitutional stops. What counts as probable cause? An accent? Maybe a last
name? Maybe the color of my skin? Third, this agreement is permanent. Once we
sign it, there's no undoing it. What happens under a president who disregards
immigration rights and constitutional boundaries? I wonder. We're federalizing our
police force now. For what know -- for what -- who knows what cause and what for?
Fourth, this is Miami, a city built on immigrants, sustained by Latinos. We are going
to stop every person who looks like me, who looks like we are from Latin America,
and ask for their papers? Is that who we are today? And finally, to the Cuban -
American commissioners and the mayor, this is what your family fled from, a
government that gives the police unchecked power that lets the state dictate identity,
loyalty, and legality. We escaped a surveillance state. So did I, and so did my family.
Don't help create one here. This agreement does not make us better. It makes you
complicit. Please vote no on Resolution 5. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Stephen Gross: Good afternoon, Chairman King. Sony for your loss. My name is
Stephen Gross. I live at 325 South Biscayne Boulevard in Miami and I'm here to
speak on behalf of the MDDA and why they should remain. A lot of things we would
lose if the MDDA wasn't around anymore. Last month alone, they picked up 4,500
bags of trash. They took 1,12.5 inches of graffiti off of buildings. 22 blocks were
pressure washed and cleaned. They gave 650 additional hours to policemen to put --
to make us feel safer in our community, and as the community grows, we need that.
They put 21 security cameras in the streets and eight license plate readers so we
know who's coming in out of our city and can keep track of that. The MDDA does a
lot of good. Sam did not know he was going to be here today, came up and spoke. I
see him five or seven nights a week out on Flagler Street. You should meet him
sometime. He goes up to everybody. introduces himself asks them if they can find
everything okay, if they need to get a walk there, if they don't maybe feel safe. It
might be a lady walking by herself and it's dark at night. And they're friendly and
they make you feel good about it. That's an MDDA program that's worth keeping
around. The other thing that people are advocating against, the MDDA made a
partnership with Barcelona, one of the most recognized sporting teams in the world,
and they're going to come to Miami. And there's conditions upon them getting that
grant. They have to meet certain criteria before they get the money. They have to
build retail spaces. They have to build other things that they agreed to in order for
them to get that money that's going to bring business into Downtown, create jobs in
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Downtown. And that's why they came here. They could have went to Tampa. They
could have went to Atlanta. They could have went to Orlando. We got them to come
here. And sometimes you got to spend a little money to get a little bit of money back.
And they're doing a good job. And let's keep the MDDA and get rid of the DNA
(Downtown Neighbors Alliance). Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Sabrina Diaz: Good afternoon. I'm here to speak on behalf of my friend who's much
more articulate, but had to leave for work just now. Good morning, everyone. My
name is Sabrina Diaz, and my address is 3334 Charles Ave, Miami, Florida 33133.
I'm an organizer with the Miami branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. 1
urge the Miami commissioners to vote against 287(g). My family came to this
country, like so many others, working hard, paying taxes, and building a life. Now
we're being asked to support a policy that means a single mom would be too scared
to report an abusive partner, construction workers cheated out of wages would be
too afraid to speak up for what they've earned, and kids could lose a parent over a
broken taillight. Workers and families will live in fear of deportation, and Miami
taxpayers will foot the bill for costly lawsuits and misplaced priorities, just like
Marion Countv's $150,000 wrongful detention settlement. Cities like South Miami
and Key Biscayne are resisting and we must too. We're a city of workers, of nurses,
of teachers, dishwashers, and roofers, and we refuse the targeting of families,
workers, and community members that built this city. Thank you for your time.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Yanelis Valdes: Hi, my name is Yanelis Valdes. I reside at 58 Northeast 14th Street,
and I'm here to speak on RE.5 and ask that you all vote your conscience today. You
are all immigrants, or like me, the child of immigrants. Our city is majority
immigrant, and this will impact our communities directly, our neighbors, and our
loved ones. ICE is terrorizing people across the country in plainclothes and
unmarked vehicles. Conditions at the Chrome Detention Center are abhorrent, and
although not in the city, in our backyard. My family, my friends, and so many folks in
the community, are horrified and anxious about this authoritarian and, fascist agency.
Immigrants are being detained unlawfully. People are being targeted, including
citizens, with no due process. Students at FIU (Florida International University), a
large international university, have had their visas revoked. Visitors from other
countries, including France and Canada, are having issues coming into our country
right now. I'm disappointed in Hialeah, in Homestead, in other cities that have voted
to partner with ICE, and I'm asking Jroyou all today to do the right thing. Do not
enter into a 2087(g) [sic] agreement with ICE. That will not make our community
safer. It will make us more unsafe. Please protect us today. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. We are going to recess for lunch at 1 o'clock. I want to ask
our sergeant -at -arms if they would like to go outside and extend to the residents that
are waiting to speak to see if they would like to identify one voice to speak
collectively for them instead of coming back after the lunch break. It's optional. We
will take -- we will hear everyone that wants to speak, but some may not be able to
come back after the lunch break, and they may want to come as a group, is what I'm
trying to say. Instead of individually, they can band together and come as a group
and identify one person to speak on behalf of all. If you guys could do that while we
continue to listen to the public commenters that are before us. But please advise
them that we will be breaking for lunch at 1 o'clock to give them notice if they want
to come back or if they want to have someone collectively speak on behalf of the
whole. Good afternoon. Good afternoon.
Angel Rivas: Hi, my name is Angel Rivas. I'm just going to state some facts you guys
probably already know. Black people and Latinos have a seven -time higher
exoneration rate for murders and crimes in general, violent crimes. And the pullover
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rate for blacks and Latinos is disproportionate to whites in the daytime, but at
nighttime, it actually evens out, it equalizes with whites, because police are racist in
this country. This is a fascist country that supports racist laws, and if we push the
police and give them more control to support ICE, they're just going to use their
racial discrimination tactics like they've been using to fill prisons. Instead, they're
going to use it to deport people. These people are going to destroy your community,
they're going to destroy your families, they're going to rip families apart. These
people are monsters. They don't care. They already know this. They know everything
I'm saying. They've heard it a thousand times. They're bored. This guy was on his
phone two seconds ago, alright?
Chair King: Sir, please do not address any of us personally.
Mr. Rivas: So, they don't really care, alright? They know all this stuff already. But
just know, I don't know if you guys are religious or whatever, that if there's an
afterlife, you are not going to the good place, alright? Because this is destroying
families. And like I said, the police statistically are racist. There's no explanation for
why they pull people over more, black people and Latinos, in the daytime. There
statistically isn't a reason. They just do it because they can identify you. And then at
night, like I said, it's even. Weed, cannabis, they're consumed at the same rates.
Whites and black people consume cannabis at the same rate, but they're arrested
disproportionately. Again, you see this discrepancy all the time, the exoneration
rates, like I said, black people and Latinos, seven times higher. They're founded
falsely. That means that the conviction was wrong. That's what that means. I don't
know if you guys know that. But what I'm saying is if the police help these people, it
will be a catastrophe, a catastrophe. And you guys will be responsible.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Rivas: You guys will be responsible --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Rivas: -- especially the guy smiling.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Isabella Delloca: Good afternoon. My name is Isabella Delloca, and I'm the
executive director of Lotus House Women's Shelter. Madam King, so sorry for your
loss from all of us at Lotus House. I'm here to speak in support of the DDA, an
organization that has been essential not only to the Downtown community, but to our
Overtown neighborhood. Our partnership with the DDA began in 2021 under the
compassionate leadership of Commissioner Reyes and their amazing DDA team,
initiating a pilot program that paired Lotus House team members with DDA
ambassadors. Several times a week, we would go out to the streets and connect
women and youth experiencing homelessness in an attempt to offer basic services,
ultimately referring them to shelter beds and off the streets. This program
successfully sheltered and permanently housed some of our community's most high
special needs women, youth, and children, many of who are chronically homeless.
Our partnership has expanded into the support of important initiatives impacting our
children, including school uniforms, school supplies, and now life -changing funding
for our families. More than an entity, they're champions in our community and have
made an incredible impact to the most vulnerable in our community. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Angel Montalvo: Good afternoon. Commissioners, my name is Angel Montalvo, born
and raised in Miami -Dade County. My address is 2911 Southwest 21st Terrace, so
I'm District 24 [sic], represented by Commissioner Rosado. I am here today in
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strong opposition to Resolution 5, and I want to remind everyone here that we are
actually on a settlement. This is a colony. This is stolen land. And we've already
heard that from many voices in the audience. And I just want to take a moment, if
everybody can raise your hand, can you afford to live in the city of Miami? Not
really anybody raising their hands, right. City of Miami is not an affordable city.
Why do I bring this up? I live in the same family home where I was raised by my
mother, who came here undocumented from Honduras and worked as a social
worker. My father -- and I live where my father, who came from Cuba on a raft,
seeking freedom, spent his final days. Today, I speak not just as a son of immigrants,
but as the president of the People's Progressive Caucus of Miami -Dade. I'm also the
vice president of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida. I'm here to strongly
oppose what is essentially -- okay. ICE has shown time and time again that it
operates with impunity, terrorizing our communities, disappearing people without
identifying themselves, and bypassing basic legal protections or due process. That's
not public safety, it's state -sanctioned kidnapping and human trafficking. Let's be
clear, Miami is a city built by immigrants. We are not a threat. We are the heart of
this community. This vote is not just about policy, it's about who we are as a city and
whether we will uphold the dignity and humanity of our neighbors. This is a pivotal
moment the City of Miami is watching to see. Will this commission side with our
immigrant families or with those who use fear and xenophobia to divide and harm
us? Keep our families together. Vote no on 287(g). Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Let me ask a question. Are people who are in chambers, who
have seats in chambers, before us on this podium, because we're supposed to be
taking folks from outside only, because everyone in here is in comfortable seats, in
air condition. I just received a text message, "Madam Chair, getting a lot of
complaints from residents waiting outside for hours. They want to speak. Some
seniors. " I'm asking that if you are located in chambers, please sit down so the folks
that have been waiting outside in the heat can speak. I'm not clear if that's still
happening.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair King: I'm going to leave that to our sergeant -at -arms to straighten out. I know
you weren 't standing outside.
Jose Felix Diaz: I was outside for a bit.
Chair King: 1 think it's your turn. Good afternoon.
Jessica Gutierrez Castillo: Hi, good morning, Commissioners. My name is Jessica
Gutierrez. I live in 15134 Southwest 161 Street, Miami, Florida, 33196. And I just
find it very interesting that our County Commissioner Gonzalez came to this country
when he was two years old, and he was carried in the arrns of his Guatemalan
parents, left everything behind so he can have a seat at the table, right? And yet, he's
the one proposing this ICE collab 287(g), a program that would criminalize the very
courage that his family once had. And City Commissioner Carollo, hi, (FOREIGN
LANGUAGE).
Chair King: Ma'am --
Ms. Gutierrez Castillo: Okay, sorry.
Chair King: Ma'am, do not address any of us.
Ms. Gutierrez Castillo: You arrived -- sorry about that, Ms. King. You arrived at the
US through Operation Peter Pan, a humanitarian program created to protect Cuban
children. And you were welcomed and later reunited with your family and that
protection changed your life. So, how can we be support of a program that would
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deny today's family the same choice when you hold a seat at the table that has so
much influence and power? 1 know the argument, but I came here legally. And I --
and to that I say legally is not a moral compass. You came legally because there was
a path, because someone opened that door for you. So, make that path for others to
do the same. Because the laws of the time allowed you, correct? Today the path has
been erased for millions, especially our poor brown working class immigrants.
287(g) would make -- will not make it safer. It would turn our police, like many have
said today, into ICE, our neighbors into targets, our communities into surveillance
zones, and it would criminalize the people building your high-rises in Brickell,
picking your produce in Homestead, laying your I-95 roads that you drive in every
day, raising your children in Coconut Grove, making your cafecitos in Hialeah, and
the ones that are rebuilding Miami with their hands, their backs, and their blood. So,
thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Mr. Diaz: Good afternoon, Madam Chair. Jose Felix Diaz, 2 Alhambra Plaza, Suite
102, Coral Gables, Florida. And I, like many people before me, I'm deeply sorry for
your loss. You had heard previously from L3Harris. I am here on behalf of L3Harris.
They're one of two radio providers in the state of Florida. They actually have the
state of Florida contract, and they're the incumbent for the city of Miami. Currently
before you, you have one of the largest piggyback contracts I've ever seen, a $30
million contract for Motorola. We're not asking for there to be a procurement
tomorrow. We're asking for you to defer that item and allow us to make an offer to
the City. That contract's for $30 million. We believe we can give the City new radios
Pr half that price, for at or around $15 million, which could be a significant savings.
We were not aware of these discussions `til they were put up on the agenda, so we
just asked for time to be able to sit with Fire and Police and make a counter
proposal that we think will save the City a lot of money. That's it. CA.2.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Xiani Cox: Good afternoon, Commissioners. I'm speaking on RE.5, RE.19, FR.7,
and DI.7. I support moving elections to even years to boost support, to boost turnout,
and save money, but only if it's done right. FR.4 is about stealing an extra year. It's
a power grab dressed up as reform. Voters elected you for four years and not five.
Cancelling the 2025 elections without a public vote is a direct attack on our
democracy, and it's unethical and an abuse of power. Miami needs real reform, such
as expanding commission seats, fair redistricting, and lifetime term limits to break
entrenched power and end the recycling of politicians. On DI.7, the DDA, it keeps
overburdening Downtown and Brickell residents with double taxes. Please put the
DDA on the ballot and let the people decide. On RE.5, the people say no to
partnering with ICE and no to the 287(g) agreement. We say yes to standing with
our immigrant communities. The City is drowning in corruption, shady contracts,
backroom deals, and public money lining private pockets while communities suffer.
Miami deserves transparency, accountability, and an end to this corrupt circus.
Please vote no on RE.5 and FR.4 and vote yes on RE.19. Put the DDA on the ballot.
Start serving Miami, or please step aside. Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: Chair, my apologies. IfI could get the speaker's name?
Chair King: Sir, could you give us your name?
Mr. Cox: Oh, I'm so sorry. It's Xiani Cox. Thank you. And I'm a resident of District
3.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
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Aziz Aboredeu: Good afternoon. My name is Aziz Aboredeu. I reside on 8700
Southwest 181 Terrace, and I'm a co-owner of Cooper General Communications.
I'm here to speak on behalf of Item CA.2. 1 am a co-owner of a Miami -based
company that has the honor and pleasure of serving your L3Harris radios for
several years. I come before you today -- and I'm also -- I live here, and I have been
serving the public safety community communication for the last 30 years. And I serve
your current radio system 24-7 along with your GSA (General Services
Administration) technicians. I come before you today because not only as a vendor,
but as a local business owner who has been part of keeping your police and fire
radio system operational and reliable. What concerns me most about this $30 million
sole source award that has been moved forward without any conversation, without
any conversation with Hoover General, your local provider, or L3Harris, the people
that know your system better, had -- they were not consulted at all about this. 1 can
tell you definitely that your current radio that you're using today are functional and
well within their expected life expectancy. And if there were any systematic issue, I
would expect an honest and frank conversation with your administration about any
issues, which we have done that before. Unfortunately, and sadly, that didn't happen
this time.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Aboredeu: This deal --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Aboredeu: Okay, thank you.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Jennalie Lutes: Good afternoon and thank you, Commissioners. My name is Jenna
Lutes. I, like many others, waited in the heat all morning to come and urge you to
vote against the 287(g) agreement. I do find it genuinely heartbreaking and repulsive
that I even have to come here and talk about this issue that would directly support
terrorizing and separating families and entire communities. The entire United States
of America, especially South Florida and especially Miami, is built on immigrants,
communities. People come from countries which are often torn apart directly or
indirectly by actions of the United States sometimes and they deserve ease in
building a life they are happy and fulfilled with regardless of status. They also don't
deserve to be racially profiled, forcefiilly deported, or forced to endure inhumane
conditions throughout the entire process. Immigrants are a pillar on which our
entire economy stands. As a working-class person, I've been blessed to grow up
with, work, eat, and be in community with immigrants who do so much for our
communities. They build so much, and they get so little in return, even though they
deserve so much more. They contribute to our cultural diversity, which is supposed
to be a founding principle of this country. So, to collaborate with ICE is to give
direct support to the disgusting racial profiling that threatens the safety and
livelihoods of so many innocent people and people that I love. I'm tired of hearing
rhetoric from our highest power structures of how they're all criminals. This is just a
lie to pit people against each other and take away from the real threats that we face
in our day-to-day lives. The people want their immigrant neighbors to be able to
come freely and build happy lives for themselves the way that we've all been able to
do. I'm a proud supporter of our immigrant communities and I urge you to reconcile
with the reality of Miami's economy. Do not vote for this. Do not collaborate with
ICE. This is in your hands. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Gilberto Hernandez: Hello, Gilberto Hernandez, 40-year resident of Little Havana.
And as an employee of the DDA and the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency),
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I'd like to speak personally on what this organization means to me. And it means
change, the ability to move forward and better yourself. It's developing new
friendships with your coworkers. You know, there's a diversity of religions and ages,
backgrounds, upbringings. It's about teamwork, working with each other and for
each other. It's about the community. One of the things that gives me the sense of
pride and joy is when the people of the neighborhood acknowledge the work that you
do in their community. They thank you for it. And another thing that I find uplifting is
when I see a little kid walking with their parent or in a stroller. They give you a big,
bright, beautiful smile. They say hello. It's a little bit heroic because at that moment
maybe in their eyes that's exactly what I am, a hero to them. And I want to thank the
people who thought of the idea of the DDA and brought it to fruition. And no matter
how grateful they are for the work that we do for them, I want to say that I'm
grateful for the opportunity to wear this uniform and represent this company. So, on
behalf of myself, my current coworkers, and all the employees past, present, and
future, I want to say thank you for the opportunity, and I just hope that we represent
the DDA well and that you guys can see just how much this organization means to us
and to the community. Thankyou.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Connor Pomaville: Hi, good afternoon. My name is Connor Pomaville. I'm a Coral
Gables resident, hut I grew up in Miami, born and raised here, lived here my whole
life. I'm here to urge the Commission to vote against the 287(g) proposal of police
partnering with ICE. I think it's going to he a complete waste of resources and only
stoke fear into the people who live here. I know people in my life who are afraid to
leave their house for ICE presence in our communities, especially when they're
arresting people without due process. I think partnering police with ICE is only
going to make people more afraid, more hesitant to reach out. It's inevitably going
to cost the City lawsuits as they're going to be trying to meet quotas of arrests. And
yeah, I think it's cruel, and I urge the commission to side with their residents rather
than pressures from higher up in the government. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Joel Gonzalez: Hi, my name is Joel Gonzalez, and I'd just like to speak on -- in
opposition of the RE.5 and the integration with the 287(g) movement. I'm going to
keep my message short, as so many earnest voices have come and spoken about their
experience, and just how it affects them, and I would hope that US leaders hold an
honest and earnest ear towards the community, because this is a very important
place to have just this right here where you can actually, you know -- this is the
place for listening. And I feel that the commodification of the injustices that are
currently going on within the system of deportation in these recent times is just
incongruent with Miami. It's just incongruent with that listening process. So, 1 would
hope that you would have some bravery for your community. And 1 appreciate this
opportunity to speak. Thankyou.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Annette Contreras: Good afternoon. Annette Contreras, 7520 South Red Road, South
Miami. I'm a resident of Little Havana under Joe Carollo. I'm proud of the work that
I do here in Miami. I design parks, I restore broken spaces across South Florida,
and I build public projects in places like Miami Beach, the Metrorail, and more,
mostly working with the City, the County, and other agencies. Immigrants are not
criminals', no matter how they came here or why they stayed. My friend and loved
ones are not criminals. They are loving teachers, laborers, environmental workers,
nurses, and more. They're undocumented because of a broken immigration pathway,
not by choice. I've witnessed this helplessness and rejection my whole life.
Criminalizing undocumented immigrants for trying to build a better life is wrong.
You cannot throw around the words unity, freedom if you are in support of this bill.
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You cannot scream law and order while celebrating unlawful detainment, racial
profiling, and eye stripping families apart. You cannot cheer on cruelty like it's
justice. You cannot call undocumented people criminals when they work, pay taxes,
raise their families, and follow order, just like you. This isn't about crime. This
partnership is about control, something that is deeply unpatriotic. This is not
freedom, justice, or democracy. For undocumented people, encountering law
enforcement is terrifying. These are the people who built your house and provide the
food for your lunch today, look after children and elders, not criminals. They're
members of your community who look up to you for protection. You do not bite the
hands that feed you. Blaming immigrants and feeding fear solves nothing. Police
officers do not want this and do not need this. To reiterate, deporting hardworking
people who give so much to communities does not solve anything. ICE ties do not
help any issues as a country or city. 287(g) hurts trust and unity when we most --
when we most need it in this divided country. And I do not wish forced family
separation upon anyone. Ending the discussion with they came here illegally ignores
decades --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Contreras: -- of love, labor, and sacrifice --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Contreras: -- that have shaped this country.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Joshua Arronte: Good afternoon. My name is Joshua. I live in Little Havana, born
and raised here for 30 plus years. And I'm not going to throw numbers at you. I'm
not a public speaker. I don't work with any organization. I am the product of
immigration. My grandparents emigrated here in 1962. They came on the Freedom
Flights, and 1 was raised to he as white as physically possible for a situation like
this, 287(g). The fact that 1 have lived long enough to see all of that hard work come
to fruition is horrifying. The fact that anyone here has to argue numbers with you,
statistics with you, for you to find the humanity, not the morality, because by law,
morality is not enough to argue in court, but humanity is for why this shouldn't pass.
We've already seen that ICE is willing to break the law. We've seen them stanced at
a Miami -Dade courthouse. We've seen what they've done in California. And those
are people who are actively trying to get their get their things together. So, my
question to you all before I leave is why do you think you're safe from them? Have a
wonderful day.
Chair King: Good after -- okay, I'll let her speak while you do that. Good afternoon.
Mia Rivas: Good afternoon. My name is Mia Rivas. I'm a resident of District 3. My
zip code is 33128. Miami is fundamentally an immigrant city. Entering into this 287
agreement would be idiotic and morally apprehensible. It is a city made of
approximately, 55 foreign -born residents, 67 people who are Hispanic/Latino. More
than half of Miami's immigrants are employed in the workforce and are business
entrepreneurs. You would lose a significant portion of your over $4 billion
immigrants provide to annual state and local taxes. I am proud to be a second -
generation immigrant. Even I would be targeted by this agreement because of racial
profiling Law enforcement are poorly trained on the local residents' dime and the
system is set up so that people only need to look like they are foreign bred and
foreign born because this agreement at its root is a political theater performance to
incite fear and mistrust. So, I ask a rhetorical question, rhetorical question
emphasized, so I ask Commissioner Joe Carollo who emigrated here from Cuba in
1961, would ICE -trained police have approached you and your family knocking
down your door as a six -year -old child, separate you from your loved ones, like the
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children and people immigrants living here, living that reality right now? Do you
and your fellow commissioners on this panel want to be responsible for the waste of
time and taxpayer dollars, fear and heartache that will result from this agreement? I
urge you all to vote no because your first priority should not be the approval of the
current administration. It should be to the people of the city, to the quality of our
lives, and the people who elected you. I leave you with this poem. Miami is a poem
we all write together. So, don't just stand around here. Do something. Be better.
Chair King: Thank you.
Reynold Martin: I'm Reynold Martin. I'm from Coconut Grove. My family's been
here since the late 1800s. They're from the Bahamas, and I'm here to support the co -
designation of a street called Gerald Tinker Terrace, along with Charles Terrace.
I'm also here to support RE.4 -- excuse me, FR. 4, RE.20, RE.19, and I oppose RE.5.
You know, we've been in this community for a long time, and I hate to see us to tear
down relationships that we've been building with the police. We used to play them in
softball every summer. And it's been nip and tuck. Most of the time we beat them, but
we're asking them to come back and let's build a better community. We don't need
our police officers creating tension among us in the community. We want to be
friends with everybody. We want to build better communities. And I don't support
RE.5. And I'd like to see us move forward as a community. I thank you for your time.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Thomas Kennedy: Hello, Commissioners. My name is Thomas Kennedy. I live in
6601 Northwest 1st Place. I'm a constituent of yours, Commissioner King, and I also
want to say I'm so sorry for your loss. I also want to thank all of the Miami -Dade
residents that showed up today en masse to oppose the 287(g) agreement. Thank you,
Commissioner Pardo, for being outspoken against it. I hope the rest of you are. And
the residents have made such great points that I want to keep it short and just
address some technical matters. So, in terms -- when it comes to the law, right, the
2024 Florida status that include those established during the 2025 Special Session
C, Statute 908.11 says that the sheriff or the chief correctional officer operating a
county detention facility must enter into a written agreement with the United States
Immigration and Customs Enforcement to participate in the immigration program
established under the 287(g) section of the INA (Immigration and Nationality Act).
Another speaker said that when you sign into this agreement, you are locked in. This
is true because under the same statute, 908.11, only the State Board of _Immigration
can give you the authority to rescind this status. So, you are locked in if you do this.
Now per the status that I just read you, you guys do not operate a county detention
facility. You are under no obligation to sign into this binding agreement that you will
later not be able to pull out and that creates incredible administrative burdens for
the City and liability. So, I'm obviously in opposition. 1 think this is a really, really
bad deal for the City. And also, I want to reiterate, I may not like this, but every
single person that is detained by City of Miami police is ultimately turned over to the
County where they are vetted for ICE detention. So, there is really no need for you to
do this and no legal obligation for you to do it. And I'll end by saying the city of
South Miami is currently in a lawsuit seeking declaratory judgment --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Kennedy: -- on this question. So, please vote no or at least defer this. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Oscar Elio Alejandro: Good afternoon, Chairwoman King, Board of Commissioners.
I'd like to thank everyone who came out to speak against the 287 agreement. I got a
lot to say, so I'm going to speak fast, pardon me. My name is Oscar Alejandro. I live
at 199 Southwest 12th Avenue, and I'm represented by Joe Carollo. RE.5 would
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authorize a MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) between the MPD (Miami Police
Department) and ICE. This would result in an increased workload and immediate
distrust of MPD by the 57 percent foreign -born residents whom they swore to protect
and another unnecessary financial burden for Miami taxpayers. While ICE covers
the cost of training, 40-hour online course, state and local governments shouldered a
majority, of costs associated with this agreement. MPD will be responsible for travel,
housing, and per diems for officers during their TFO (Task Force Officer) training,
as well as salaries and overtime for work performed in furtherance of the additional
responsibilities. This agreement also requires members to maintain a security
clearance which necessitates participants to undergo a background check costing
between $400 and $5,000. The International Association of Chiefs of Police has also
condemned this partnership, stating that local police agencies rely on the
cooperation of immigrants, both legal and undocumented, in solving various crimes
and maintaining public order. These sentiments are also reflected in the MPD
Departmental Order 11, Chapter 14, regarding undocumented persons. To which I
have here, and I quote, the MPD recognizes and values the cultural diversity of the
community it serves. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and well-being
of all persons, regardless of their immigration status. The primary responsibility for
the enforcement offederal immigration laws rests with the Immigration and Natural
Services', INS, and the US Border Patrol. State and local police officers have the
authority to enforce immigration laws. It is the policy of the MPD that officers shall
not make an effort to look for violations. This policy already supports the goal
outlined in the Task Force Model Agreement, making the proposed partnership
redundant and unnecessary. This agreement is unregulated and comes at a high cost
to the City being deceitfully framed --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Alejandro: -- in a way that ignores the procedures MPD already has in place.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Alejandro: Thank you.
June Savage: Good afternoon. June Savage, 3063 Oak Avenue, Florida resident for
life. I'in here today because I want the Commission to stay in their lane. There is
enough politicizing up here at the Commission that that is why we are here today.
The police need to do their job. It is not the job of the Commission to put their hand
on the police, because once we start doing that, it will never end. We are here
because it is a sensitive issue. I do have immigrants in my family, but it's time to
stop. We have a million more residents. Let the police do their job. Do not hold their
hands. They are capable of doing this. It has been ordered for them to do this. It is
no reason to politicize this chair and this dais up here. Okay, there is no reason for
that. You should be working on hurricane season. We should be working on different
exits for people to get out of this state when we have a hurricane coming. What are
we going to do with the homeless? We have a million more people and we're not
working. We are politicizing these commission seats, and it must stop now. And I do
not believe that we should be taxing residents to have parties anymore in Downtown.
We don't need that. We have enough people here. Stop politicizing. This is
politicking 200 percent. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Kasey Herrera -Taylor: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Kasey
Herrera -Taylor, and I'm speaking today as a resident deeply concerned about the
proposed 287 agreement between the City of Miami and ICE. This program has a
well -documented history of racial profiling and civil rights violations all across our
country. In Alamance County, North Carolina, Latino drivers were found to be up to
10 times more likely to be stopped than others. In Maricopa County, Arizona, a
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federal court ruled that a sheriff there who was using 287(g) resulted in systematic
racial profiling. And a 2022 ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) report found
that 65 percent of agencies using this program had documented histories of abuse.
These are not the kind of values we want to bring to Miami. More urgently, we have
pressing public safety issues right here at home. In my neighborhood of Brickell, a
17-year-old was recently stabbed to death in his sleep by a stranger who entered a
high-rise building and wandered through multiple floors. This tragedy has left
residents like me shaken and questioning the effectiveness of the current public
safety measures. Commissioners, our police resources are already' stretched. We
need to focus on protecting our neighborhoods, not enforcing federal immigration
laws. 287(g) would divert attention from the real safety concerns our residents are
facing, concerns that demand your leadership and action. Lastly, you know this is
not just a policy decision. It's never just a policy decision. It is a statement about
who we are as a city and Miami is a city of immigrants. We should be building trust
and not fear. I respectfully urge you to vote no on the 287 agreement. Let's keep our
focus where it belongs, on keeping all Miamians safe. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Ashley Toussaint: Good afternoon, Chair -- Chairwoman King and the Commission.
My name is Ashley Toussaint, co -lead organizer for Black Men Build. Born and
raised here in Miami, Florida, child of immigrants, was born the week of the Arthur
McDuffie riots in 1980. And the reason why I bring that up is because I'm concerned
about what may happen to the black community, as it pertains to RE.5 with the
287(g) policy. And neighborhoods like Little Haiti, Overtown, Liberty City, and
Allapattah, where people that look like me are walking around each and every day,
who's to tell the difference between whether I'm undocumented or documented?
How can I prove my residency on a day-to-day basis? How is that going to work
when they do raids in those neighborhoods? Also, it's an unnecessary burden
against law enforcement. People have to come home to their families and sit across
the table with people in their family that might he undocumented and now its putting
an undue stress on families. The travel ban on countries like Haiti and the TPS
expiration against countries like Cuba and Venezuela is a direct attack on us as the
city of Miami residents. And I feel like this type of policy is being influenced from
people that don't know what it is to be from Miami. So, don't be bullied, don't let the
people in other parts of the country and other parts of the state dictate what you
know is right for our city. So, I say no against 287(g). Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. I received another text message that perhaps there are a few
people still outside and may be willing to speak for only one minute that would keep
us here for an additional 10 minutes. I believe a couple of my colleagues would
agree to that. But no, no, no, no, no. Just the folks that are outside, because it won't
stop. It just --
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair King: I know that. We have folks that are still in here. We will not be able to
take everyone. I'm just trying to get the folks that have been standing outside for the
past three hours, if they agree, if they agree to speak for one minute, one minute. I
won't go beyond 15 minutes because none of us have had anything to eat at all,,
including the folks that are standing outside. So, if my sergeant -at -arms can go
outside and see if they would agree to speak for one minute because I understand
that this is -- this is touching everyone's heart, and as you can see, everyone has
spoken for two minutes and beyond because I've had to say thank you every single
time someone spoke. So, if' they agree for one minute, would I have a quorum to
listen for another 15 minutes? Yes? Yes? Okay. Okay. I'm waiting to hear if they will
agree to speak for one. Who's out there? Who's -- what?
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
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Chair King: No, trying to get the folks that are outside.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Unidentified Speaker: We were outside.
Unidentified Speaker: We were outside.
Chair King: Okay. But are there other people outside?
Unidentified Speaker: Yeah, but we were too.
Chair King: Okay, well, let me -- let me -- let me get -- let me get the seniors that are
outside. I was told that there are seniors outside. Anybody out there trying to get
them?
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair King: Camacho? Okay.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair King: I want the seniors and anyone who absolutely cannot come back.
Seniors. And they're -- you're only speaking for a minute. Come on up while we
wait. Wait, wait, wait. We're walking past more than 10 just inside here. I'm trying
to get every -- so, then I still have to tell the folks outside that they can't speak. So,
I'm thinking that it's most fair to just break for lunch and let everybody come back,
and I won't -- so --
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Unidentified Speaker: Yeah.
Chair King: Right. But look how many, of you it is. And I was trying to get the ones
outside. I cannot get all --
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair King: I cannot get all of you to speak. So, we are going to break for lunch, and
we will be back at 3 o'clock. It's the fair -- at 3 o'clock. It's the fairest thing to do, at
3 o'clock.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Unidentified Speaker: Can they come back inside (INAUDIBLE)?
Chair King: They can come in. Yeah, everybody can wait inside wherever there's
space. The City of Miami Commission meeting is now in recess for lunch. We will
resume at 3 p.m.
[Later...]
Chair King: Welcome back to the City of Miami Commission for June 17th, 2025.
We will now resume public comments. For those who would like to speak on any
item that is before us today, please step to the lectern. We're having five persons at a
time on each side. Please, no more than five persons at a time. Good afternoon.
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Katrina Morris: Good afternoon. Thank you so much. This was quite the meeting. I -
- Katrina Morris, I am a District 2 resident. 1 respectfully request that you vote no on
RE.5. Notwithstanding my own personal moral objections to the current ICE
mission, which are grave, as the agency's action of late have brought both great and
irreparable harm to our next generation of children by creating unnecessary trauma
for families, I believe that this resolution would endanger Miami residents by pulling
our police away from their duties to maintain public safety and would siphon funds
and resources from our local budgets. ICE is a federal agency with a specific
mission to enforce immigration policy. The Miami Police Department is a local
agency tasked with maintaining public safety. Deputizing them to enforce
immigration policy will divert them fi^om their core mission. They do not need to be
deputized to investigate crimes or to arrest criminals or alleged criminals, either
domestic or foreign. Therefore, the only reason they would need to be deputized
would be to arrest non -criminal immigrants. Despite record levels of ICE funding,
the agency is already over budget and demanding billions more. Pulling resources
from other vital homeland security functions, like airport screenings and disaster
response, this makes us less secure, not more. As ICE expands its reach into local
communities, we face not only moral and legal concerns, but growing disruptions to
our daily life, longer lines at airports, overextended emergency services, and local
police diverted from real public safety needs. Please deny this resolution.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Morris: Thank you.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Sebastian Gonzalez: Hi, good afternoon. My name is Sebastian Gonzalez. I am a
member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and I am speaking on behalf of
RE.5. I ask the council to be wise in their decision. The working class of Miami, the
majority of whom are immigrants, is already dealing with an affordability crisis.
Grocery prices in this city are 6 percent higher than the national average. The cost
of living, 20 percent higher. Housing, a staggering 57 percent above the national
average. Now if you vote yes on the proposal 287(g), you will be subjecting an
already embattled population to witness the arbitrary detention and disappearance
of their neighbors and loved ones by the Miami- Dade police. Think very hard on
your decision because voting yes might turn already existing hardship into crisis.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Margaret Gotthold: Hi, good afternoon. My name is Margaret Gotthold. I'm a
resident -- thank you, resident of District 4, so welcome. I had the opportunity this
morning to sit outside from 9 a.m. with neighbors, community members, we came out
in force to make our voices be heard on this RE.5. And thank you for all of you
letting all of us, right, to speak, to be heard. I talked to younger generation, older
generation. We're all neighbors. I grew up with Mister Rogers, Mister Rogers'
Neighborhood. Know the people in your neighborhood, right? So, I don't know if all
of you know what I'm talking about. If you don't, look it up, it's beautiful. And police
are part of my neighborhood. They're the people that keep you safe, that you trust.
You want to build up trust and safety in our community? This is not the way, right?
The -- an agreement with ICE is going to increase mistrust. We're already seeing
people that are victims of family violence refusing to call police for help. This is
going to make it worse. This is not going to make anyone feel safe. This is going to
increase unsafe feelings in our communities. And this is our neighborhood. I also
grew up in Argentina, and I grew up during the time of La Dictadura, and I grew up
hearing about the black Ford Falcon that is going to come take you and people did
disappear. That can't happen here, and this is the front lines. This is how we stop, by
communicating, by getting together, and by standing up for those that have less of a
voice. Thank you.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Johann Munoz: My name is Johan Munoz Tapasco, 501 Northeast 14th Avenue. I
stand here before you, a formerly undocumented minor now working as an educator
in Miami County Public Schools with migrant communities, which are deliberately
underfunded to fund morally bankrupt initiatives like RE.5, 287(g). To deputize and
delegate immigration officers to function, to work as local and state law enforcement
under ICE direction and oversight is to pulverize any semblance of trust that our
communities may hold towards those who took an oath to serve and protect. By
approving this resolution, you are incentivizing the deployment of city resources and
taxpayer dollars toward the dehumanization of our communities. This resolution will
promote more profiling, further galvanizing an already violent and militarized police
force that operates with an ever-growing, and overinflated budget of $300 million.
While the remainder of the budget is strenuously split between other local entities
such as the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Anti -
Poverty Initiative, which provide essential support services with significantly less
funds. As an educator in the Miami -Dade public school system, I oppose any
resolution that incites fear in our migrant student population. Any form of
collaboration with ICE is heinous and unforgivable. It exasperates profound traumas
and replicates the same systems of oppression that forced many of us to come here in
the first place.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Raul Hernandez: Good afternoon. My name is Raul Hernandez, 4450 Southwest 4th
Street, District 4, Miami, Florida. When I was rescued from my sinking boat by the
US Coast Guard and was brought to safety in the US, I thought my days of feeling
persecuted would be left behind because back hone anybody with a uniform can
demand your papers and detain you and disappear you because there is no due
process. And here I am today, carrying a copy of my U.S. passport in my wallet,
because in some areas in the US today, sadly, due process isn't life support. But here
I am representing members of my church, Coral Gables Congregational United
Church of Christ, because they cannot be here today because they are afraid, afraid
to go to work, afraid to take their kids to school, afraid to go to church, because they
are afraid of the police. I speak on behalf of these people from my church against
this 287(g) agreement. Honest, law-abiding, hardworking residents must be
protected by the police and not be terrorized in order to reach an arbitrary and
immoral deportation quota. Allow our brave police officers, please, to concentrate
on their mission to protect all residents, all residents, and don't force our police to
become agents of fear and persecution. Please, I respectfully asking all of you to say
no to this harmful and unnecessary partnership --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. R. Hernandez: -- with ICE.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. R. Hernandez: Thank you.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Jandrick Castro: Good afternoon. My name is Jandrick Castro, and I am a human
being from planet Earth. And I say this because the 287(g) agreement would expand
the police's ability to arrest without warrant anyone they suspect of being a, quote,
illegal alien. Now lucky for us, the Department of Homeland Security has
manufactured a naturalization process to become a human being. According to ICE,
seven to ten years of documented nonstop hard labor and thousands of dollars in
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legal fees and debt is the difference between recognizing someone as a human being
or exiling them from this planet. Yet, under this agreement, any Miami police officer
would now be able to determine without a warrant whether any given person here
today is actually a secret alien living among us. And f it sounds ridiculous, it's
because it is. What this agreement does, what this agreement really does, is open the
door for discrimination, detainment, and harassment. In a community, the vast
majority of which are either immigrants themselves or the child of immigrants, this
agreement is not only morally corrupt and irresponsible, it is also massively stupid.
If a police officer were to suspect me of being an alien resident and detain me, and
should I refuse the right to identify myself which is my Fifth Amendment right, and I
were to be detained for hours without merit, best believe I'm going home with a
large settlement from all of you here today. But even if I were to financially benefit
from this idiotic policy at the taxpayer's expense, I am indeed a human being from
planet Earth, and I have shame, and I hope all of you do today as well.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Michael John Green: Good afternoon. My name is Michael John Green, but I am
reading a statement from Suzanne Amaducci, partner of Bilzen Sumberg. Madam
Mayor, Chairman, Commissioners, and Mr. City Attorney, I unfortunately cannot be
here in person today as I am out of town, but wanted to make the time to send you a
special message. I am speaking today as a proud resident of the City of Miami for 30
years and a board member of the DDA, where I donate my time and talent to make
the City of Miami a better place. The city has grown tremendously since I arrived in
1990 and we now are a global destination to live, work, and play. In 30 years, no
one could have known that Miami could have turned into a 24-hour city. Today we
look at all the new businesses, the number of people living Downtown, and the city is
simply a success. I understand that a few residents in the Brickell area are unhappy
with the Miami DDA, but you, as public servants, know too well that you can't make
everyone happy. And that said, we can always listen and try, to improve.
Unfortunately, I have heard an incredible amount of misstatements and assertions
about the Miami DDA that are simply untrue. That tells me that people need to he
educated about the strengths and weaknesses of the DDA, and 1 firmly believe that
every person in every organization can improve. Constructive criticism and genuine
desire to achieve greatness. Unfortunately, some have chosen to convey their
opinions in a negative fashion through targeted attacks on some of my, fellow
volunteers as board members. This is simply unacceptable and will not result in
positive change. I encourage you today to appoint a new chair of the Miami DDA
and give the person significant time to set up -- to set up and understand the inner
workings of the DDA. I am happy to support the motion that the Miami DDA
continues on, and I truly believe that if we continue to work together through a
thoughtful plan for the future and stay positive we can keep the city of Miami on its
path for global greatness. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
River L. Ramirez: Good afternoon. My name is River L. Ramirez. I am in opposition
of RE.5, 287(g). My address is 8826 West Flagler. We have all seen the footage of
ICE hunting down immigrants as if cattle. These are people, human beings. Can you
call yourselves human if you cannot feel this horror without experiencing it
firsthand? There are confirmed cases of child sexual abuse in these ICE facilities
and still we see children being abducted as young as three weeks old. Whose
children are we protecting when we say, save the children, the white ones?
According to an article published on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) by Ziba
Warsi, hundreds of immigrants have reported sexual abuse at ICE facilities. ACLU
reported ICE detention centers saying it is not responsible for the staff's sexual
abuse. Women and children's basic human rights quite literally violated. How could
you even consider working with such vile monsters? Even US -born citizens such as
myself are not safe as there are various reports of US citizens being detained based
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on appearance alone, black and brown people, which will be the first and not last to
experience this. By participating with ICE, you are actively putting all of your
community at great risk and stoking fear in your constituents. I don't want to be
scared; I just want to chill and vibe. You work for the citizens, do not forget. But if
this does not melt your icy hearts -- see what I did there? -- perhaps what will is
thinking of the profit loss. Obviously, profiting off of immigrant bodies is of great
interest to you. Think about the economic disadvantages Miami will face as
immigrants pay taxes and make up about 65 percent of the workforce. By making this
decision, you will burn Miami to the ground. Your careers and spiritually, if
relevant, work alongside --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. R. Ramirez: -- some of the most evil acts --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. R. Ramirez: -- against humanity in our lifetime. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Stanley Young: Thank you, Chairwoman, Commissioners. I thank you for helping out
us in our community. My name is Chaplain Stanley Young of Freedom Prison and
Jail Ministry. Most of you should know me by now because I kind of come every time
you have a meeting. 500 Northwest 2nd Avenue in Miami. I have been a chaplain for
over 30 years. This is the third state that I have been part of. I love this community,
but you really have homeless problems that you just really need to address. You have
done -- well, I will start with what you have done well. You have done well. You're
buying beds in Camillus House and in other shelters, that's a great -- you've given
us an executive director of your Human Services Department, did great, but there's
more that needs to be done. There's more that Miami can do. You have one of the
largest budgets in Miami -Dade County to really address this problem and hit it head
on. 1 know some of you, you know, don't want to necessarily, directly deal with
homeless. That's why I'm here. I walk the streets of Miami. I talk to people who are
homeless and who need a bed to sleep in that we take for granted. There is a solution
to the homeless problem. It's a very easy solution for the homeless problem. I will
speak to you individually how you can reach the homeless in your district. Call me,
reach out to me. I'll be gladly to put my team together to come to your area to reach
those people who really needs your attention.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Young: Thank you, God bless.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Sophia Mena: Hi, good afternoon. My name is Sophia Mena. I am here to talk about
287(g) and how I'm urging you guys to vote no on the policy. I was born and raised
here in Miami, Florida, and I didn't prepare a whole speech, but I did want to tell
you guys a couple of the things that 287(g) accomplishes. Number one being
division. Division among the community and those who are supposed to serve it.
Don't make it an us versus them situation because we will never forget. Number two,
287(g) will alienate people so that no one feels safe. I don't even need to provide
proof considering our own mayor felt the uncomfort and hostility of having to prove
your citizenship. Number three, financial burden. Yesterday, AXIOS reported ICE is
already $1 billion over budget, exposing the monetary resources wasted on their
agenda. Why is it our responsibility to alleviate that financial burden while spending
money, we don't have? We have -- we already have problems in this city that already
use our resources, so why would we focus on a federal issue. We have $300 million
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allocated to the municipal police to solve our many problems here in this city.
Number four, profiling and wrongful detention. Those are the people building the
Miami of tomorrow you so desperately want to achieve. So, why would you put them
in danger, especially in a majority minority city that makes it the core of Miami and
why we all love it so much? I ask that you accurately represent what the city of
Miami wants with this vote. I urge you to vote no. And the reason why we reiterate
all these same reasons isn't just because we want to wake up and be here at 8 in the
morning, but it's because we think this is important. So, please vote no. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
John Januz: Greetings, Madam Chair, gentlemen of the Commission. My name is
John Januz, 370 Northeast 62nd Street, Item RE.18. I am the Vice President of
Economic Development for Freebee. There's three points I would like to make today.
Point one, Freebee is a local company founded and headquartered in the city of
Miami that has honorably served the Grove community since 2018. For this reason
alone, Freebee deserves a fair and transparent opportunity to compete for this RFP
(Request for Proposals). Point number two, Freebee will provide the service at a
lower price. So, even if you ultimately choose a competitor, the RFP will drive down
the price by hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings to the taxpayers. Point
number three, the most important point, simply put, Freebee is the superior service
provider. The people of Coconut Grove deserve the best and microtransit Freebee is
the hest. But you don't have to take my word for it. Here's a head -to -head track
record of Freebee versus Circuit and RFPs. Most recently in Seminole County,
they'll be launching the largest EV (Electric Vehicle) microtransit program in the
country. They did a lot of research, and they scored Freebee a near perfect 97 out of
100. Circuit, 75, much lower. The RFP we competed for before that was the City of
Plantation. They chose Freebee, not Circuit. The list goes on and on of RFPs in this
state where Freebee won and Circuit did not win. Geographically, closer to here, the
Village of Key Biscayne, also an RFP, also chose Freebee, not Circuit. But how
about popular opinion? When you tally up Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Apple
reviews, over 60,000 people have spoken. Freebee rates 4.7 out of 5; 4.1 for Circuit,
a big difference. In conclusion, the local governments choose Freebee, the people
choose Freebee. Please give us the opportunity to compete for this contract and we
will exceed your expectations. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Danielle Villoch: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Danielle Villoch,
3044 Orange Street. First, congratulations Commissioner Rosado. Thank you Jro
previously speaking out against Live Local and against overdevelopment generally.
I'm here to reiterate asking the Commission to support PZ.8 to remove NCD-3 from
the T5 bonus height eligibility, which Coconut Grove should have never been
included in with its NCD (Neighborhood Conservation District) designation. And so,
this is merely correcting an administrative oversight and consistently applying NCD
protections on such designated areas. Secondly, I'm also here to ask that the
Commission oppose PZ.7. A resolution of this scale will completely reshape a
vibrant community, erasing its identity and turning Little River into an extension of
the urban core, something that it is not part of per the Miami 21 map. This needs to
be thought through and redrafted with the appropriate guardrails in order to
promote responsible development. Allowing this unchecked development will set a
dangerous precedent for the rest of the city of Miami. A referendum of this scale
should be carefully considered through a citywide referendum. Thank you.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Steve Smith: Steve Smith, 900 Biscayne Bay. First, I want to thank you all for being
in the arena. I know this job is not always a pleasant one. I'm here to speak in
support of both election reforms that are on today's agenda. The very definition of a
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reform is to improve or make better. Better, not perfect. Reforms are not easy, even
when they make common sense. We know entrenched politicians will fight to their
last breath to ensure they stay in charge. How do we know this? Just look at our US
Senate, where nearly half are 75 years or older. Unfortunately, most people don't
inherently want to give up power, ever. You will hear a lot about the extra year in
office, and that is far from my deal, but a sacrifice, in my opinion, worth taking. You
also hear inflammatory claims coming from those who love the system just the way it
is, because they own it and they know it. These reforms, certainly not perfect,
provide a means to beginning turning city government back to the people who pay
for it. We could righteously -- who could righteously be against 10 percent voter
turnout to 60? Against saving a million dollars? Against the diversity of opinions
and ideas of those who represent us? 1 will tell you who I think is against this reform,
a family that has essentially controlled commission seat for decades. Special interest
and PACs (Political Action Committees) that actually spent well north of $300 per
vote in our most recent special election. Per vote. Politicians who depend on
extremely low turnouts, so even ethics violations and even convictions sometimes
aren't even relevant in our elections. These folks will rightfully say, don't blame the
player, blame the game. And you can't really disagree with that. These reforms are
about changing the game. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Maria Llorens: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Maria Llorens, and
I'm the policy director at Miami Workers Center. My address is 2900 Bird Avenue.
Today I'm here to speak in opposition to RE.5. As a community organization, we
know very well how workers and tenants who are immigrants are targeted and
exploited because of their vulnerable status. Your constituents come to us for
guidance when their employer doesn't pay them for their work and when landlords
try to evict them without due process. And for those without status, they tell us I'm
afraid that my boss or landlord will report me to ICE. We invite immigrants to come
to this country because there are jobs, hack -breaking jobs that pay very' little and
that no one wants to do. By joining the 287(g) program, we are sending a message to
hard-working members of our community, welcome, but don't speak up, don't expect
to have rights, live quietly and in fear. This program is not only wasteful, it
undermines the rights that we guarantee to anyone who is in this country. It is
immoral, and you should vote against it. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Cassandra Strouer: Good afternoon, ma'am. My name is Cassandra Strouer, and
I'm currently here for the Miami DDA. And what Miami DDA has done for me has
made me a better person. I used to be a homeless in Downtown Miami, but it was
through Miami DDA that lift me up, got me employment. Now that I'm working with
them, it's been so -- I've been so blessed. You remember the Bible saying that it takes
a village to raise a family? And that's what Miami DDA has done for me in my life,
has been so good to me. I can't even talk, I'm speechless because Miami DDA has
been so good to me. And 1 would like to thank y'alll, ladies and gentlemen.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Yareliz Mendez -Zamora: Hello and good afternoon. My name is Yareliz, and I work
with the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker faith -based organization.
And I'm here today speaking against RE.5. It may, be surprising to learn that even
the libertarian think tank, the Cato Institute, fbund that 287(g) agreements are
ineffective. This has been known since they released their report in 2018, nearly a
decade ago. Not only are 287(g) agreements ineffective, but they will lead to more
racial profiling, fear of law enforcement in our communities, and lack of due
process, one of the very foundational concepts of this country. If you vote yes, this is
the first step of an already slippery slope. When will it stop? Will the City deputize
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school resource officers to take children? Because we know that ICE is already
taking away immigrant children in foster care. We've seen the videos of families
being torn apart, and I'm sure that you've heard the stories since this morning about
how important immigrants are in our community about how they're our fathers, our
mothers, our siblings. And your constituents are begging you to vote no on this. And
even if the human story does not move you, then I urge you to think about
international scrutiny. I urge you to think about the fact that the World Cup is
coming soon. And it's one thing to have embarrassment at the local level, it's
another thing to be embarrassed at the world stage. So, will you allow this city to
become a hunting ground during the World Cup? Will your officers know the
difference between a quote -unquote illegal alien and a tourist? Because we've seen
in some videos that they don't. So, I urge you today to stand Jroour liberties, to
stand for due process, to stand with frightened families who don't know when they
will be separated, because if you vote yes on this, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter
of when they will be separated. ICE is kidnapping our families and disappearing
them, often individuals.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Mendez -Zamora: Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Sean White: Good afternoon, Commissioners. I'm here as a -- to represent the -- as a
Downtown ambassador, a role that I have held for the last 13 years, and it's a
tangible -- sorry, tangible impact to our community to foster and to welcoming our
community. I urge you to continue to fund our Downtown Development Authority.
Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Nicole Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Chair, can we have the speaker's name, please?
Chair King: I'm sorry. Your name, sir, for the record.
Mr. White: It's Sean White.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. White: Thank you.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Beba Mann: Good afternoon. My name is Beba Mann. I'm in District 3. Madam
Chair, ,first of all, I just wanted to let you know that my heart and prayers are with
you. I can only imagine going through some phases right now with my mother what
you 're going through, so it's really brave of you to be here. Commissioner Rosado,
welcome. Silver Bluff is ready to work with you, so congratulations. I'm here to
speak on RE.19 and PH14. On the RE.19, I do agree that elections should be moved
if they are in fact going to help voters come out and vote because right now it's
really pathetic to see and hear people all the time complaining about our elected
officials', but they don't go out and vote. So, if that's going to help that, I think it's
great. As far as the eight years for elected officials, I really do think that this belongs
to the voters. I, for one, love Mayor Francis Suarez and what he has done for the
City of Miami, no pun intended, but who needs a DDA? He's done an amazing job
by putting Miami in the spotlight. If he goes on his political career and does other
things and then wants to come back in 20 years, 15 years, I would love for him to be
a mayor again with such experience. So, I really do think that this should be left for
the voters. On PH.14, let me just say that, in brief -- was that my time up? In brief
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we had a situation in the Silver Bluff area with the traffic that was totally out of
control. We had a white knight by the name of Commissioner Joe Carollo. And he
actually helped confront the County with our issue. There was an illegal, supposedly,
which was not, because every other municipality has done the same thing. Coconut
Grove, Coral Gables, everybody did the same thing except we could not have the
same. And we were in court.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Mann: Just that I can say this for this item, Judge Blumstein, in 2023, said that
the County needed to do something. Well, two years --
Chair King: Thank you, thank you.
Ms. Mann: -- later this is what the County has done. So, this before you today is
really --
Unidentified Speaker: Your time is up.
Ms. Mann: Okay, it's really the County.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Mann: Okay.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Reynaldo Cancel: Good afternoon, ma'am, everybody. My' name is Reynaldo Cancel.
I live at 1555 Northwest 7th Avenue. I also work for Miami DDA. Before I came to
Miami DDA, you would never recognize me because I was homeless. I was living
under a bridge. And if it wasn't for the Miami -Dade Police Department who helped
me get into Camillus and get to where 1 am right now, I'm have a better person, my
supervisors, my bosses. I wouldn't he here. Because they gave me the chance to
stand up again. I am 65 years old. You may not look -- I may not look it, but I can
tell you this. It don 't matter what people think. It's that you never have to walk in my,
shoes to stand up here and try to sell something to someone which you shouldn't. I
believe in Miami DDA. They showed me. I have cleaned the streets. I have done the
graffiti. I have done the walk. I keep my bathrooms clean. I also have a good
relationship with all of them. And they give me the same respect I give them. And 1
would like to ask you all to give us the same respect and give us a chance to keep
going. Because without Miami DDA, Miami will look back like in the `80s, like the
slums. Garbage, people defecating everywhere. And that's what we're here for, to
keep it clean. And if you give us that opportunity, we'll keep on working with you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Zimiri Napier: Good afternoon, everyone, and good afternoon, Chairwoman King.
My condolences to you. My name is Zimiri Napier, I'm at District 24 [sic]. I stand
with the Party for Socialism and Liberation. And I believe it is impiorable that we
say no to 287(g) because I believe it's turned our local police into federal
immigration agents. And this isn't justice, this is fascist, unconstitutional betrayal
and suppression. This program has proven time and time over dating back to circa
2003 that it is not and will not better our community or anyone's community for that
matter, their quality of life. Whether it be diverting egregious amounts of money to
detention facilities, ICE compliance training, and jail infrastructure, while
simultaneously stripping domestic violence shelters, trauma recovery services, and
outreach programs. Take Prince William County's -- Prince William County,
Virginia's 287(g) program costing $6.4 million in only its first year, or the Insecure
Community Report, finding that 45 percent of all Latinos and 67 percent of
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undocumented individuals say that they are less likely to report a crime because they
fear being asked about their or their loved ones' immigration status. Ripping
families apart with no decrease in crime rates, you jail people based on the color of
their skin, the language they speak, and you suckle off of the blood sweat and tears
of your hardest working citizens. Survivors are afraid to report abuse, workers are
afraid to seek help, and traffic stops are turned into deportation traps. 287(g) is not
about social safety; it's about racial profiling and silence. We deserve better, and we
deserve communities rooted in dignity and not in detention, in protection and not in
persecution. So, today, we say no to 287(g) because everyone deserves to feel safe in
a place that they call home. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Wanda Grice: Good afternoon. My name is Wanda Grice. I live at 1531 Northwest
16th Avenue. I'm here to represent, as a part of representation for Miami DDA. I
came through -- when they told me two minutes, I said I better write a letter, but I
decided to come up here and talk. I came through Miami DDA through a program at
Camillus House. I worked on the streets of Downtown Miami cleaning and
everything,and it was like, I can't do this. But a team of people believed in me,
Miami DDA. I worked until they gave me the opportunity to become a supervisor.
For five years, I've been working in the realm of Miami DDA. I'm so grateful for
Miami DDA because it has allowed me to show them the integrity that I have within
myself to be able to do without anybody looking, to be able to serve others. Well, I'm
used to being served. Now I'm able to serve others. I said I wasn't going to cry and
I'm not, but I'm so grate] d Pr Miami DDA and not because I work Pr them, but just
Pr what I'm doing. You know, to be able to be Downtown Miami and people come
up to me and say thank you Pr doing what you're doing. I appreciate you cleaning
here. People ask me directions, and I'm able to give it to them, you know, with a
smile. And then, you know, I heard a man say earlier, a kid made him feel like a
hero. I am a hero. I'm a shero. I am a shero. I work for Miami DDA. I'm grateful to
work for them, and I want to tell the team thank you for believing in me and allow me
to help serve the community of Downtown Miami.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Blanca Wolf. Good afternoon. My name is Blanca Wolf. I am a server at Miami
International Airport of Miami, and I am a proud member of United Here, Local
355. I am proud to be born, to have been born and raised in Nicaragua. I am a
resident of Little Havana. As immigrants, we are the heart of Miami. We keep the
airport, hotels, and city hall -- city running. We stand against 287(g). Thanks.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Yircary Caraballo: Good afternoon. My name is Yircary Carballo. I live on -- in 1
Northwest 70th Street. I want to start by saying what a powerful day of people
fighting for what they believe in and what they said. And with that said, we are all
going through hardship fighting a fight that no one is aware of and everyone is
aware at the same time. Please don't add more to the city and vote no to RE.5. Now,
that's not only the reason why I'm standing up here. I was moved to talk on that after
hearing everybody else speak as well. But I'm also here fighting for the land that I
live in. Sorry. I understand there's change coming to Little River and Little Haiti, but
what we're asking for today is not to stop growth, it's to contain it, make it fair, and
ensure it doesn't erase the people who already live there. I can't help but find myself
every day on my way to work in Wynwood, counting the floors on those buildings,
and my heart breaking. Is this going to be the future for Little Haiti and Little River?
Once the new zoning transit -oriented note is passed, it opens the doors to massive
high-rise development with no building -- binding commitment. We'll lose the
protection of Miami 21, and there's no guarantees what's coming won't overwhelm
our streets, displace our neighbors, and destroy the character of our community. So,
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if this is going forward, I respectfully ask, set height limits that reflect the scale of
our neighborhood, not skyscrapers. Require public written community benefits
before approvals. Ensure affordable housing is mandatory, not optional. And make it
all -- and make it that all future development has transparent and accountable with
real community, input. This is what we're -- this isn 't about saying no to growth, it's
about saying yes to our community first. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Manny Prieguez: Good afternoon, Commissioners. Manny Prieguez, 4000 Malaga
Avenue, Miami, Florida 33133. Typically, 1 don't get up and speak in front of the
Commission unless I'm representing someone. But you know, I've lived in Coconut
Grove for 24 years, and I've lived in Miami for a lot longer than that. And there are
two items on the agenda that are being sponsored by Commissioner Pardo that I feel
are very, very important. So, I said, you know, I have a voice too. I have the right to
speak also, especially when I think something is really, really important. And I ask
the Commission to support both items. I think it's the jolt that the city of Miami needs
and that it needs now. Anyone that would argue to you that it's better to have 10 or
11 percent of the electorate participate in a democracy, versus 50 or 60 or 70 percent
of the electorate is just not being genuine in their arguments. A vibrant democracy
demands that as many people as possible come out and vote. As far as the term limits
are concerned, I'm also very -- I feel very strongly about that. Being an elected
official is not a right, it's a privilege. And the more -- the more people that become
involved in that privilege, the better democracy will be for it. So, for those reasons, I
ask every single one of you today to support these items, and hopefully, we'll be able
to make a better Miami altogether. Thank you very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Terrence Cribbs-Lorrant: Good afternoon, Terrence Cribbs-Lorrant. I'm a proud
member of the City of Miami Black Police Precinct Courthouse Museum, one that
holds the history of policing in the city of Miami. We are a space that shows each of
us how proper policing pioneered what we now know as community policing. And so,
I encourage you all to visit. I also encourage you to vote no on R5 [sic]. And to bring
that to you, I want to say, first, they came for communists, and I did not speak out
because I wasn 't a communist. Then they came for socialists, and I did not speak out
because I wasn't a socialist. They then came for trade unions, and I didn't speak out
then because I wasn't part of the trade union. They then came for the Jews, and I did
not speak out because I was not part of the Jewish community. Then they came Jro
me, and there 1 was, the only one left, no one to speak up for me. This is the reason
why I'm standing here. I'm standing here because eventually what we're about to do,
someone is going to need us. And if we don't stand up now and do what is right for
the people, we can be the resounding voice that the world says Miami got it right.
Miami did it best. Yes, you may be going against the grain. And yes, you may be
putting yourself in harm's way. But that's what we voted you. for. That's why we put
you in these seats, because we knew you could handle it. We knew you could do it
when the times got rough. So, I encourage you to reflect on this moment and know
that if you don 't do it now, it'll be you next. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Wendy Mendoza: Hello. Hi, I'm Wendy. I live at 815 Northeast 70th and I'm firmly
against this RE.5. And I'm just going to read a speech you probably all know, but I
think you should be reminded. Two friends of mine were talking to a refugee from
communist Cuba. He had escaped from Castro, and as he told the story of his
horrible experiences, one of my friends turned to the other and said, we don't know
how lucky we are. And the Cuban stopped and said, how lucky you are, I had some
place to escape to. Other countries may seek to compete with us, but in one vital
area as a beacon of freedom and opportunity that draws the people of the world; no
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country on earth comes close. This, I believe, is one of the most important sources of
American greatness. We lead the world, unique among nations. We draw our people,
our strength from every country and every corner of the world. And by doing so, we
continuously renew and enrich our nation. While other countries cling to the stale
past, here in America we breathe life into dreams. We create the future, and the
world follows us into tomorrow. Thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of
opportunity, we're a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new
ideas, and always on the cutting edge, always leading the world to the next frontier.
This quality is vital to our future as a nation. If we ever close the door to new
Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost. It is bold men, women,
and children yearning for freedom and opportunity who leave their homelands and
come to a new country to start their lives over. They believe in the American dream
and over and over they make it come true for themselves, Jrotheir children and for
others. They give more than they receive, and on and on and that was Ronald
Reagan. Go back and listen to that last speech.
Billy Corben: Good afternoon.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Mr. Corben: Commissioner Rosado, congratulations. Madam Chair, my condolences
to you and your family for your loss. Commissioner Pardo, while I appreciate the
effort at reform and I do support lifetime term limits in RE.19, you should not
unilaterally cancel this year's election and give yourselves an extra year in office per
FR.4. Commissioner Rosado, you were just campaigning, knocking on doors. You
probably spoke to hundreds, if not thousands, of voters, right? How many of them
said to you the very first thing you should do on your very first meeting is to cancel
the election and extend your own term a year longer than we're electing for? I'm
guessing not one. Nobody thought of it because nobody actually wants it. It's not
only a bad look, it is profoundly unethical to gift yourselves this personal and
political benefit. For anyone who says this will save money, you guys waste so much
money. If there's one thing voters want you to spend money on, it's elections. Invest
in our democracy, so please send this issue, if it's so popular, to voters for a
referendum. Finally, on the 287(g) collusion with ICE in our beautiful community of
immigrants, I'm old enough to remember a time when thousands of Miamians took to
the streets, shutting down the city, the MacArthur, the Palmetto, Biscayne Boulevard,
the port, erupting in violence against federal agents and police, setting fires and
burning the American flag. They were in an uproar against the federal government
over one five -year -old immigrant who was returned to his father in Cuba. Joining
them on the streets 25 years ago was then Mayor Joe Carollo. And here is the
message he sent to Washington, D.C., a similar message to the one you should all
send today. Audio? Should I just put the --
At this time, an audiovisual presentation was made.
Mr. Corben: It's only 14 seconds long.
At this time, an audiovisual presentation was made.
Chair King: Thank you. It's not working. Thank you. Good afternoon.
Claudia Miro: Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Commissioners. Madam Chair, my
condolences to you for your loss and a warm welcome to Commissioner Rosado. My
name is Claudia Miro, Vice President at Freebee, headquartered right here in
Miami at 371 Northeast 61st Street. I am speaking in opposition of a decision of
RE.18, an item that seeks to award a microtransit contract to an outside company
when the number one microtransit company is right here, headquartered in District
5, for over 13 years. I'm here again today because misinformation continues to be
used to just awarding a piggyback contract for a bid in CITT (Citizens'
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Independent Transportation Trust) funded service, excluding Freebee entirely from
the process. Most recently, an Instagram video falsely claimed that the Coconut
Grove BID (Business Improvement District) received a proposal from Freebee.
That's simply just not true. And when we requested to see this supposed proposal,
the BID produced a document dated 2023, submitted to former Commissioner
Sabina Covo based on her vision for District 2, not the BID 's current goals. And
more importantly, it wasn't solicited or submitted for this process. I personally
appeared at the BID meeting in December, and again in June, clearly expressing
Freebee's interest and ability to serve. We were never given an opportunity to
compete. No RFP was issued, no outreach was made, just a decision made behind
closed doors. And I'd like to point out that both times this item has appeared on this
agenda, there has been no supporting documentation, no pricing details, no price
per hour or per rider, and no mention that while Freebee was free to the rider when
it operated here in the Grove, this new outside company will not only cost the City
more money, but will also charge the rider. That is not transparency. At a time when
the city of Miami is facing a $30 million deficit, how is it acceptable to award a
higher cost contract without testing the market. Freebee's pricing would save the
City at least $200,000. That's real taxpayer savings and this body has a
responsibility to explore it. Freebee is local proven and aligned with the BID's
mission. We support local businesses free of charge on our app and through in -
person engagement. That's unique and value added. We respectfully ask this
Commission, don't rush through this, don't rely on misinformation --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Miro: -- and put this RFP --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Miro: Let's do it for transparency and fairness. Thank you very much.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Grant Stern: Good afternoon. Grant Stern, 425 Northeast 22nd Street, coming here
to oppose the 287(g) agreement. It's a terrible idea. I'm not going to go on about it. I
think you guys have heard quite a lot of good valid reasons why it shouldn't be
enacted. But I'm also here to talk about an issue that relates to this body. And it's
about FR.4, which I oppose, RE.19, which I'm in favor of And that is that we need
these term limits, obviously. We need reform on the commission. I agree with
Commissioner Pardo that we need the even year and odd -year elections. I just don't
think this is the right way to do it. You know, I concur with Billy. Let's spend the
money on democracy. Why don't we hold a snap referendum and get the people out
and get them to vote on these term limits and on odd and even years if that's what we
want to do. Let's waste the money on democracy, because it's not a waste, that's an
investment in democracy. Look at who's sitting on this commission and filling a very
large chair. It's somebody who was just elected at a special election. And our last
commissioner in District 2, prior to Commissioner Pardo, was also elected at a
special election, where people were in a line out the door asking for an election
instead of an appointment, instead of a commission action. They wanted to let the
people speak, to have someone who is legitimate sit in that chair. And for those nine
months we had a legitimate elected commissioner, and she was succeeded by another
legitimate elected commissioner. Let's keep that going here in the city and let's take
these reforms to another step. Let's consider a charter amendment to maybe have
nine commissioners, to have a council-manager form of government instead of the
weak mayor form of government that hobbles this city perpetually. Thank you for
your time and I really hope that we take this all to the ballot box and do it quickly.
Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you.
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Fernand Amandi: Fernand Amandi, resident from the South Grove. My condolences
on the passing of your father, Commissioner King. Congratulations, Commissioner
Rosado. It's good to see you up there. I echo the call of many who have spoken
earlier eloquently about that the City should not enter into the agreement with ICE
on RE.5. On RE.9, the term limits, I'd like to commend Commissioner Pardo for his
very noble efforts at positive reform. Unfortunately, the byproduct and the direct
consequences of his good faith efforts create two very dangerous precedents that
render the Commissioner's well -intended proposal as unacceptable. The two most
obvious. The arbitrary granting of an extra year to elected officials by elected
officials is bad enough, but the cancelling of an election without voter consent in a
democracy is indefensible. I find myself in the unfamiliar position today where I
wholeheartedly agree with Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier and
even Commissioner Joe Carollo who recently said, even if it's beneficial towards me,
it's wrong. Voters voted for us for a four-year term, and I believe only the voters of
the city have the right to change that. Commissioner Carollo is damn right.
Commissioner Rosado, you just ran a successful grassroots campaign after two
previous attempts at this office that were unsuccessful. You know firsthand how
important that covenant is with voters. You couldn't possibly today, on your first day
in office, unilaterally support Commissioner Pardo's proposal and in the process
give yourself a benefit of a free bonus year in office? You wouldn't do that. You know
better. Commissioner Pardo, I proudly supported you for a four-year term. I have
every expectation to support you again jroan eight -year term as my commissioner,
hut not nine years. Whether we agree or disagree philosophically with term limits or
cancelling an election or giving elected officials an unelected extra year in office, we
should all agree that these sacred decisions must first be made with the consent of
the governed, not by the well -intended but flawed whims of those in power. Thank
you all very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good --
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Amandi, this is the second time you've come up here and
you speak real nice of me. You know, my wife's going to think you have a man crush
on me. Please stop that.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Mel Meinhart: Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Commissioners. Thank you for the
opportunity to speak. Last week, Miami's senior legislator said, things -- there are
things we need to change in our city. It's not working. He is absolutely right. And the
turnout today especially proves that people are ready for substantial change. That
same legislator reminded us that 30 years ago today his job was part-time. That era
is over. The Miami of today and the Miami of tomorrow is far more complex,
demanding, and urgent. Yet our government structure has barely changed in those
30 years. That's the underlying problem, and RE.19 and FR.4 are part of the
solution. RE.19 creates lifetime term limits, it fosters continually innovative
leadership, and it builds public trust. We're not guessing about this because Miami
Beach has passed almost exactly the same law. They're better for it. FR.4 moves city
elections to even -numbered years. That change alone will bring three to five times as
many voters into the process. It's clearly a step in the right direction, and for those
that support democracy. It's an imperfect step. And yes, it comes with a one-year
cost. But for me, I've weighed it, and I believe a permanently better government is
worth that price. Because when more people vote, your decisions carry weight. You
entered this office to make changes, real societal and political and governmental
changes. This is your opportunity. Thirty years of low turnout have crippled this city.
It's time to break the cycle. RE. 19, FR.4, bitter pills but time to swallow them. They
require your confidence, dence, not your comfort. Leadership, not delay. I urge you to vote
both them. On the matters of -- thank you, Madam Chair.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon. Good afternoon.
Vicky Ruiz: Good afternoon. My name is Vicky Ruiz. I am not a resident of Miami -
Dade, I'm a resident of Broward County but 1 understand that I'm able to come and
speak here. I don't have a fancy title. I'm a soccer coach and I work with kids and
every day I see when they treat each other harshly and you guys are leaders and
people see you. They see you internationally, they see you locally and what you do
matters. What you do matters. The kids who I coach are kids of rich people, poor
people, middle -income people, all people. But I see that when we speak with them
with kindness, when we treat them with kindness, when we teach them how to lead
each other with positive reinforcement, positive projection, and we encourage the
parents to learn techniques of how to work with kids and problem solve in positive
ways, we work better as a team. And I believe that that's what we can do here. And I
imagine, I'm hoping, that most of the police officers are in a really big bind and they
don't want to be in this situation. And everybody has talked to you guys about
budgets. I don 't know about the budgets. I haven 't learned about that. It's not been a
thing of mine. But I know that when you train for something, that's what you train
for, and you can't just change it very quickly. The National Guard that are in L.A.,
that's not what they were there for. The Marines, that's not what they were trained to
do. This is extremely important. Please show your leadership and stand up to the
dictators and the bullies in our local systems and in our national systems and on the
global scale. We are all looking at you. And we believe that you can do the right
thing. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Marcelo Balladares: Good afternoon. Marcelo Balladares, 16171 Southwest 73rd
Street. I'm here to speak in opposition to RE.5, the partnership between local PD
(Police Department) and ICE. I believe that it's something that will definitely harm
our communities, and I just, to keep it brief I ask all of you to look inward to your
humanity and really consider all the people that are here, aren't here, all the
undocumented people you might know who are trying their hest, and to use your
strength and really he kind in your decisions and moving forward when that vote
comes. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Galvez-Turros: Hi, Chairman King --
Chair King: Ma'am, no, no, no --
Ms. Galvez-Turros: -- I'm asking for permission to get my two minutes back.
Chair King: No, ma'am. No, you spoke enough.
Ms. Galvez-Turros: But 1 didn't get my two minutes.
Chair King: You got enough minutes.
Ms. Galvez-Turros: Okay. All right.
Chair King: If you're going to go back and forth with an elected, you're using your
time. Good afternoon.
Silvio Pupo-Casco: Good afternoon, Chairwoman King. Condolences to you for
your loss. Sony for that. Welcome, Commissioner Rosado. Commissioners, good to
see you all here. I had a loss this weekend myself. My cousin was celebrating her
birthday in Wynwood, and she was one of the two people that lost their lives
Saturday night. I've been working with the police department, as you might know,
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trying to solve some of our local challenges with the resilience with parks, with fire
department, and I've been dedicating the last three years to solve some of our
biggest problems. Fin asking for your support as I have in the past. Four main items
I'm going to jump into real quick. On RE.5, the ICE partnership, not only am I
worried for our community, I'm worried for each of you. You have a big
responsibility now and you might receive pushback from the state and retaliation
from the community either way that you choose, choose the right way to go. The state
will maybe have to, if you choose no, have to sue the city and make enforcement
happen, but you could stand up and do what's right. RE.19 lifetime term limits, I'm
also in favor of it. I do love Francis. And that being said, on FR.4, I do agree that we
should add the odd to even, but after the mayoral election. And on DI.7, the DDA,
I've submitted several proposals to the DDA. I want my augmented reality art walk,
which will be in your district and in the commissioner -- and Chairwoman's, as well
as the Miamiverse project. I'm in favor of the DDA. I don't pay taxes to the DDA.
But yes, I think that the community should have a seat at the table. Thank you. My
name is Silvio, for the record, DI (District 1).
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Brandon Fernandez: Hello, Commissioners. My name is Brandon Fernandez. I am
both a Freebee employee and a proud resident of Coconut Grove, first and foremost,
at 3001 Southwest 27th Avenue. Out of respect for some of the incredibly important
items on this agenda, I'll be very brief in discussing Item RE.18 and why it
represents a deeper -rooted issue for the taxpayers and residents of this city. To be
very clear and up front, if RE.18 is passed in favor of a handpicked vendor without a
proper procurement process, our city will be needlessly wasting hundreds of
thousands of taxpayer dollars. I repeat, by disregarding a competitive RFP process
for this transit contract, you are choosing, as a commission, to spend significantly
more money on this transit contract without justification during an otherwise
difficult financial period for the city. The numbers between this handpicked vendor
and a home-grown operator such as Freebee are straightforward and simple. You
just heard them. But because the procurement process was disregarded, this
enormous cost savings cannot he considered. But it is not too late. The decision to he
fiscally responsible when it comes to government spending in District 2 and the rest
of the city of Miami has been left up to the rest of you all. So, I ask you, again,
please, please oppose RE.18 and call for an open and transparent RFP process, one
that will ensure that my neighborhood of Coconut Grove gets the best transit deal
possible. Again, please vote in favor and move in favor of fiscal responsibility,
taxpayer savings, and local partnerships. Oppose RE.18. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Serena Ellis: Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Serena Ellis. 1 live in 14751
Northeast 9th Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33161. And I'm here because 1 think that a
lot of us may have left curious about the video that Bill wanted to show and hear
Commissioner Carollo in his own words. So, we 're going to play it.
At this time, an audiovisual presentation was made.
Mr. Corben: Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you.
Vice Chair Carollo: No matter how nice Billy wants to speak about me, I won't pay
you a penny, Billy.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
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Ariel Trueba: Good afternoon. My sincere condolences, Commissioner King. I lost
my mother last summer, so I know the pain that you're going through. Welcome to
the dais, Commissioner Rosado. As a proud resident of District 4, I'm glad that
you're going to be a new voice for us. And I wanted to say, despite everything that's
going on, happy Pride Month. It's nice to see the Pride flag flying over City Hall,
despite some efforts in Tallahassee to stop us. I am the chairman of the LGBTQ
(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Advisory Board and I'm also here to
support the new at -large appointment that our board desperately needs for us to
meet. It's been three months since we haven't been able to meet. Those
commissioners that have not appointed someone, they have been made aware as
well, so we urge you to help us allow to continue to do the community's work. 1n
regards to RE.5, I urge you to defer the item until we hear about the pending
litigation regarding the City of South Miami. Fort Myers also had a similar vote that
went the wrong way, and they had to go ahead and meet again. So, and you know, to
be able to make sure that we are not choosing sides right now, let's wait until we
hear from the courts. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Sue McConnell: Hi. Sue McConnell, 3090 Virginia Street, Coconut Grove, here
concerning Freebee. We've had Freebee in the Grove before. We want it back again.
We had it for some time before COVID. We lost it. We want it back. We all know
what the problem is in the Grove as far as parking. A lot of'you don't because you
have decals and placards on your car, people that drive you around. We keep going
around the Grove over and over again. We can't find parking. Even handicap
parking is different. What I'm told is that Circuit has been the only company that's
been given a bid. For some reason, they skipped Freebee. Freebee is a group that
we've been happy with. There's no extra charge. They're less money. Everyone
around here, the Gables Key Biscayne, Pinecrest, even Commissioner Gabela has
Freebee. Why would we want something different that's going to be confusing?
Visitors and residents are not going to know who to call, what to do, where do you
go. If I take a Freebee here to the grocery store, do 1 have to call a different Freebee
to come hack and get me? Its confusing. It doesn't make sense not to give Freebee
the opportunity to do a bid. We don't suspect a deal from the benefit of the company,
but we are concerned with the fact that first it was they were going to be charged a
dollar each. Now they're going to be charged $2 each. Where does that money, go? It
seems to me that when you're picking somebody up, you're going to have to deal
with change and money, and here's a $10 bill, we've got four people. Just get the
people in the car and get them going, get them moving, hold up traffic. That's crazy.
So, what I'm asking for is, please, if before you make a decision, at least go to
Freebee and get a reasonable answer from them as to what they would pay. And you
know I've been fighting for this for a very long time, and I'm not giving up. Thank
you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good afternoon.
James Torres: Good afternoon, Chairwoman and Commissioners. My name is James
Torres, president of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance. I am here on a couple of
items, PA.1 and DL7, making sure that the DNA is going to have equal time to
present. So that's something that needs to be spoken about here today. But right now,
I want to speak briefly about something that's just as troubling. The proposal to ban
residents from ever running again for office after two terms, and the extension of
terms currently officers [sic] that may have without giving an extra year, without a
single vote. Let's be clear, this isn't reform. It's a restriction, it shrinks the field for
candidates, consolidates power, and sends a clear message that the government
doesn't trust its own people. If the body is serious about change, then let's stop the
smoke and mirrors, smoke and mirrors, and start pursuing real reform. We have
nearly half a million individuals that live in the city of Miami, yet only five
commissioners, and it's time to advance the initiative to expand from either seven or
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nine districts. That's how you empower voters. That's how you deliver true local
representation, not with backroom extensions and/or lifetime bans, but with access,
fairness, and trust within the public. So, as we move forward, let's be very clear,
something that is also very disturbing here today as it relates to the DDA, we are not
axing any jobs. Let's be very clear, DDA. We're asking for the residential piece to be
removed. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Is there anyone else here that would like to speak? Seeing
none, public comment period is now closed.
AM - APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
AM.1 City Commission - City Commission Meeting - Apr 10, 2025 9:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
NAYS: Rosado
Chair King: At this time, I'm going to ask my colleagues for a motion to approve the
meeting minutes from April I0th, 2025, April 17th, 2025, and April 24th, 2025.
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Commissioner Rosado: Madam Chair?
Chair King: Yes.
Commissioner Rosado: For the record, since I wasn't a member of the commission
at that point, I will actually be voting against the minutes.
Chair King: Well, no, you won't vote at all.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): No vote's fine.
Chair King: Right.
Mr. Hannon: 4-1.
Chair King: Right, no vote, because you weren't here, so you wouldn't be voting at
all. Not against them, just not at all.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well --
Mr. Hannon: But we'll show it as 4-1, that's fine.
Chair King: 4-1.
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AM.2
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, he can't abstain.
George Wysong (City Attorne)): He can't --
Commissioner Rosado: I can 't abstain.
Mr. Wysong: -- yes, you can't abstain, and the rules allow him to vote even though
he wasn't present --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Mr. Wysong: -- you know, specifically, so --
Chair King: What?
Mr. Wysong: Yeah, because he could review the minutes and -- but I'm just saying,
that's what the rules allow.
Chair King: Okay.
City Commission - Special Meeting - Apr 17, 2025 10:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
NAYS: Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item AM.2, please see Item AM.1.
AM.3 City Commission - City Commission Meeting - Apr 24, 2025 9:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
NAYS: Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item AM.3, please see Item AM.1.
MV - MAYORAL VETO(ES)
There were no mayoral vetoes associated with legislation that is subject to veto by the Mayor.
END OF MAYORAL VETO(ES)
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PA - PERSONAL APPEARANCE
PA.1 PERSONAL APPEARANCE
17714 A PERSONAL APPEARANCE BY THE DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO INFORM THE COMMISSION
AND THE PUBLIC ABOUT THEIR MISSION AND THE WORK
THEY DO.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PA.1, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: We now have a personal appearance by the Downtown Development
Authority.
Vice Chair Carollo: Madam Chair, before they begin, I'd just like a point of
clarification. I had a discussion item on the DDA (Downtown Development
Authority) that I wasn 't planning on bringing anybody else to speak just to point out
some observations. However, since this has been placed on the agenda, I would like
in my item then to have either both or one of the neighborhood associations, either
the Brickell Homeowners, the Downtown Home [sic] Association, or one or the
other to be able to be given the same amount of time so that they could express any
views they have. My point is not to be talking against the DDA. My simple point that
I want to bring out is that this was established in 1967. There were no residents there
at the time. There are many residents in Downtown now, like in Brickell. And they
have a right, if they're paying taxes, to establish this. Taxes, frankly, that should be
paid by the whole city of Miami, not just them, because the downtown belongs to the
whole city, not just to Brickell or Downtown residents that are paying for this. So,
my point was just that we should have an election of property owners, property
owners, not voters, property owners on the residential side, property owners on the
commercial side. And if they want to pay taxes, so be it. Who am I to say no? If they
don't want to pay taxes, that they have the right to get out and not pay. And that's
the whole point that I want to make. But I'd just like to see if we could bring my
other item together and join them so that they could have their say so. And I don't
think this is, again, an item to be attacking the DDA. They've done many good
things. And I disagree with some of the expenditures. But this is not to be attacking
the DDA. This is about giving people rights. They're paying taxes. They should have
a say-so. And that's the point that I -- that's the only point that I want to make. So, if
we could agree that maybe once they're done in the presentation, either one or both
of the homeowners' presidents --
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair?
Vice Chair Carollo: -- can address us, I think it would save us a lot of time.
Chair King: Commissioner Pardo.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, the DDA is sanctioned by the state. They're
created by the state. They have their own process for these kind of reforms and
discussions. They just had their budget meeting, I think, a few days ago, and they
have their own board. Our function is to review their budget and accept it during our
regular budget cycle. Last meeting, we had four minutes of a presentation on the
DDA. Because of that, they requested to our office equal time, four minutes, to be
able to make that presentation today. So, I suggest that we allow them their time
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responding to the presentations that were made in the last meeting and move on
because this shouldn't be consuming the City of Miami Commission meeting. This is
something that should be primarily dealt with first at the DDA. All of their meetings
are public. 1 believe the last one they had was public and open and discussed a lot of
these issues. And if there's a grievance there, it should then go to their board, and it
should be handled in that manner.
Vice Chair Carollo: I -- I don't believe --
Chair King: Hold on.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- I don't believe he's correct in what he's saying.
Chair King: Hold on. Are you here just to give a budget report?
Ivonne Berrios: No.
Chair King: You're not. You're doing a whole presentation.
Ms. Berrios: Yes.
Chair King: Okay. Here's my issue. Prior to Commissioner Reyes' passing, Mr.
Torres requested a personal appearance, and it was granted. He was told that it
would be inappropriate to come before us because we were respecting
Commissioner Reyes and we were all in mourning. Now I'm not sure -- Mr.
Manager, I'm not sure what the end result was -- of that was. I was told the
appropriate place for Mr. Torres to make his presentation was at the DDA. But if
they are just here making a presentation, then I do believe that it would be fair to
allow him to also present. Now, if they weren't making a presentation to us, because
they have, you know, they have their meetings and all of that, the same logic that
they're using, which I support, the appropriate venue would be to air his grievances
at the DDA meetings. But now they're here making a presentation also. So, it
wouldn't be fair for me to say, well, you can make a presentation, but you can 't make
a presentation. I'm going to leave this up to my colleagues to decide, but that is my
logic, or Todd, or the manager, because I have not been one to stop someone from
coming before us and presenting.
Commissioner Pardo: I was under the impression that it was on the budget.
Ms. Berrios: There's a section of it, yes, it's based on the budget that we discussed
last Wednesday, but it's about the critical services and how they will be affected if
those -- if the residents are out or the services have to be decreased.
Chair King: And there you have it. The flip side. Sit down. Sit down.
James Torres: I'm just getting ready. It's my due process.
Chair King: So, and there you have it. We allow everyone to have a voice, and it is
the counter. And everyone has been coming, many, many residents. This is an item,
this is a topic, it's a hot topic, should we keep it, should we not keep it, should the
voters vote on it? I think it just makes it worse if we don 't allow the flip side.
Commissioner Pardo: Let's move on and go ahead and --
Commissioner Gabela: Can -- can I?
Chair King: Yes.
Commissioner Gabela: Can I interject for a minute?
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Chair King: Uh-huh.
Commissioner Gabela: 1 thought that what would happen was you would name the
new DDA chairman, and then from there they can take it on. Apart from that, we
have a full stacked, pretty big agenda. My two cents worth, whatever the body wants
to do. That's what 1 will --
Chair King: I mean, but they're -- she's already here, so if she gets to speak. Now, if
she doesn 't speak, he doesn't speak.
Commissioner Pardo: How about we don't speak?
Ms. Berrios: I'm okay with it. I follow. I'm here to give information. It was not to
create any chaos or disagreement between -- amongst you because we are a team. I
do want to say thank you for having me. Commissioner Rosado, welcome, and
hopefully, we will be working together. Commissioner King, my condolences. It does
get better, but every morning repeat to yourself what I say, `I am my father's
daughter. Everything is going to be okay."
Chair King: Thank you. Oh, gosh. Thank you. No, it's been decided. She's not
speaking? No.
Mr. Torres: But there's an issue here.
Chair King: No. No. No.
Mr. Torres: Well, let me clear something --
Omar Ayala (Sergeant At Arms): There's nothing to clear up, man.
Mr. Torres: We -- were brought in here --
Mr. Ayala: Listen, there's nothing to clear up. She told you no.
Mr. Torres: -- and we were told no. Let me grab the paperwork.
Mr. Ayala: I'll take it to you. When the Chair says you can't speak, you can't speak.
END OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE
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CA.1
17536
City Manager's
Office
CA - CONSENT AGENDA
The following item(s) was Adopted on the Consent Agenda
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, PURSUANT
TO SECTION 18-86 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), APPROVING THE CITY
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD CONTRACTS
PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO. 1790386
TO CONTINENTAL STRATEGY, LLC, BECKER & POLIAKOFF,
P.A., BALLARD PARTNERS, INC., AND BRUMIDI GROUP LLC
(COLLECTIVELY "FIRMS") TO ESTABLISH A PRE -QUALIFIED
POOL ("POOL") FOR THE PROVISION OF FEDERAL LOBBYING
SERVICES ("SERVICES") ON AN AS -NEEDED BASIS;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF
FUNDS FROM THE END USER DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
FOR THIS PURPOSE, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE CONTRACTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, WITH THE FIRMS FOR THE SERVICES FOR
TERMS OF FIVE (5) YEARS, WITH ONE (1) ADDITIONAL TWO (2)
YEAR RENEWAL, ON AN AS -NEEDED BASIS; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALL
ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS, PRIOR BUDGETARY
APPROVAL, AND COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS
OF THE CITY CODE, INCLUDING, THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH
ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS,
NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0175
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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CA.2
17643
Department of
Finance
RESOLUTION - nein Pulled irvtn ons j
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-111 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY
CODE"), ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF MOTOROLA
SOLUTIONS, INC. A FOREIGN PROFIT CORPORATION
("MOTOROLA"), DATED APRIL 18, 2025 ("PROPOSAL"),
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A" TO THIS
RESOLUTION, SELECTED PURSUANT TO A COMPETITIVE
PROCESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS, POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES OF THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), AS
DETERMINED BY THE CITY'S CHIEF PROCUREMENT
OFFICER, TO PURCHASE FROM MOTOROLA, UTILIZING
SOURCEWELL, A SERVICE COOPERATIVE CREATED BY THE
MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE AS A LOCAL UNIT OF
GOVERNMENT, AND ITS CONTRACT WITH MOTOROLA
IDENTIFIED AS NUMBER 042021-MOT, APX NEXT POLICE AND
APX NEXT XE FIRE PORTABLE SMART RADIOS & ASTRO
CORE FOR SMARTCONNECT ENABLEMENTAND RELATED
TRAINING, SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE FORATERM OF
SEVEN (7) YEARS ("CORE AND RADIOS") IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED THIRTY MILLION ONE THOUSAND THREE
HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($30,001,335.00)
FOR THE CITY'S POLICE DEPARTMENT, FIRE -RESCUE
DEPARTMENT, AND GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE THE MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS
CUSTOMER AGREEMENT AND THE EQUIPMENT LEASE -
PURCHASE AGREEMENT IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE PURCHASE AND FINANCING OF
THE CORE AND RADIOS IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SEVENTEEN MILLION SEVEN
HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO
AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($17,750,932.00) TO BE REPAID OVER
SEVEN (7) YEARS AT AN EFFECTIVE ANNUAL INTEREST RATE
NOT TO EXCEED 4.460%; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND AGREEMENTS, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY SUBSEQUENT FINANCIAL
AGREEMENTS, LICENSE AGREEMENTS, AND MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENTS, AND ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS THERETO, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE
NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; PROVIDING THAT THE
LEASE PAYMENTS UNDER THE EQUIPMENT LEASE -
PURCHASE AGREEMENT SHALL BE PAYABLE FROM LEGALLY
AVAILABLE NON -AD VALOREM REVENUES OF THE CITY
BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED IN ITS ANNUAL BUDGET, AS
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ANY AND ALL
ACTIONS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE SAID
LEASE/PURCHASE ACQUISITIONS, SUBJECT TO THE
AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE
TIME OF NEED.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0187
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo
NAYS: Carollo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.2, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: Commissioner Rosado, you pulled CA.2.
Commissioner Rosado: Yes, Madam Chair. I had some questions about the
procurement around this item. This is a very large purchase, and as I understand
that there hasn't necessarily been clarity around why we are discontinuing the
current vendor and there was a speaker who mentioned that if there had been an
issue with the equipment that they would gladiv replace it and so I wonder why that
wasn 't done and I wonder if we could hear a little bit more from staff on that.
Chair King: No, I think we're keeping the vendor, correct? Yes, we're keeping the
vendor. The issue was that we didn't go out to bid. It's a sole source. Or we're
renewing the contract.
Jennifer Ramirez: Jennifer Ramirez, director of GSA (General Service
Administration). We are not replacing the existing vendor. We are actually
diversifying our system by having both vendors be part of our system.
Commissioner Rosado: Okay.
Ms. Ramirez: We're joining 29 other municipalities throughout the state of'Florida.
So, federally there's a P25 mandate that says that all communication systems are to
be interoperable. That now allowed cities and municipalities that use communication
systems to be able to take the best of both worlds and to create our systems so
the_y're no longer proprietary and no one is held hostage to any one system. So, what
we have is a conglomerate where we're still keeping the Harris communication
system and the main towers and all of the repeaters and things of that nature. What
this is actually doing is replacing the radios for public safety. We're still keeping the
Harris radios for general government, so this is only changing the ones for public
safety, which is police and fire.
Commissioner Rosado: Okay. No, 1 appreciate that. I'm always going to be, as a
former manager, I'm going to be looking at ways to save money and making sure
that our processes are as competitive as possible when it comes to procurement. I
appreciate the clarification.
Chair King: Vice Chair?
Vice Chair Carollo: If I could ask some further questions here. 1 've heard from other
vendors, and I don't know who these people were, but there are other vendors out
there, and they're claiming that they could do it much cheaper. I think I even heard
for half the price. I don't know if that's accurate or not. So, I, for one, don't want to
go forward with this if we could save substantial money. Even if it's not a 50 percent
savings like I thought 1 heard, if there are serious dollars to be saved, I would like to
see that. And if you still would prefer to pay more, if someone would give you a
lower amount, then I'd like to hear why you would rather pay more. How much more
are we getting then from the Motorola radios versus the other radios? It's a lot of
money we're talking about here for a lot of years.
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Ms. Ramirez: Absolutely. 1 can defer to the police and fire to better discuss about the
radios and all of the services that it provides so that they can best meet their
demands for their work.
Robert Hevia: Good afternoon, everyone. Robert Hevia, Fire Chief So, just a point
of clarification. The fire department currently does not use Harris radios. We
currently use Motorola radios in public safety. We found through our trial that the
Motorola radios are far superior in function. They have features that the Harris
radios just do not. GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) location, LTE (Long Term
Evolution), we can send multimedia, and just ergo dynamically held in the
firefighters' hands. So, a few years ago when the City went to Harris, we decided
that we couldn't Jrosafety reasons and we stayed with Motorola. Our Motorola
radios are now nine years old. They're at the point that we need to replace them. So,
for the fire department, we're not changing vendors. We're sticking with the radios
that we currently have just to a more modern upgraded radio.
Manny Morales: Good afternoon. Manny Morales, Chief of Police. My condolences,
Madam Chair, and welcome to Commissioner Rosado to the dais. As an end user, I
can tell you that there's a vast difference between the quality not only of the product
but the transmission of both radios and the systems. One of the number one
complaints that I receive and is synonymous across all three districts of the Miami
Police Department is the quality of the radio. We believe that is a public safety issue,
and that's why we're requesting to go along with the recommendations of GSA to go
back to the Motorolas. There's a reason why the fire department never went to it.
You just heard it from Chief Hevia. But when it comes to the product, we tried it.
We've been there, we've done that, it just didn't work. And I'm all for saving money
to the City, Vice Chair, but there's some things that, you know, you save now, but
you're going to pay later. And hopefully that price won 't come at the cost of a police
officer's life.
Vice Chair Carollo: How many years have you been using the non -Motorola radio?
Mr. Morales: The Harris product? I want to say five or six.
Ms. Ramirez: We're nearing to the end, seven years.
Mr. Morales: Seven.
Vice Chair Carollo: Seven years. And now is when we realize that we had the wrong
radio?
Mr. Morales: We've been complaining. We've been working with Harris to try to
improve the quality. There have been several updates to the radios, but it really
hasn't had any impactful changes to the quality of the transmission.
Vice Chair Carollo: Has there been any cost to any life or property because of any
problems with the radio?
Mr. Morales: There has been plenty of loss of transmissions and that's why the
complaints of the officers have come in.
Vice Chair Carollo: That wasn't my question, Chief
Mr. Morales: But there's been no --
Vice Chair Carollo: Any loss of property or life?
Mr. Morales: -- the answer to your question is no, sir. No.
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Vice Chair Carollo: 1'in hearing what you're telling me, but 1 have no idea what the
difference in price is and how drastic the communication's difference is from one
radio to the other. 1 really don't know. It's not my area of expertise. However, I'd
like to see, and if we wait just a little longer, I don't think it's going to change
anything, see how much of a savings we could get, and I'd like to get some expert,
the City could find an expert that can tell us just how drastic of a difference there is
and if they can provide any real update to change that and if they can't, so be it. But
when I'm hearing 50 percent savings, that's huge, Chief That's, you know, a huge
savings. So, I'd like to see if we could maybe just wait a little longer. Let people
present their offers to us or the manager can put it out in a quick bid, whichever the
city attorney suggests. And then let's find out what the savings is, one, and then let's
find out if whatever the savings is, is it worth the difference in transmissions that
you're telling me. And I'd like to get that from an expert in communications that we
can bring in, along with Harris or anybody else that's out there. I don't know if
there's anybody else out there or not besides Harris and Motorola that can assure us
what the transmission would be. And if we're not satisfied with it or whatever
changes they make, that we could drop the contract, you know, in 60 days, 90 days.
But as you know, we have had talks of the huge needs that we're going to have in the
next four years in the police department. And any savings that we could have would
go a long way in helping with the amounts that we're going to need beef up our
police department in many different areas. So, that's the only thing that I would like
to see. If we could just wait a little longer before we rush into this and put everything
on the table. I'm just looking for that word that we keep using here all the time
lately, but then I don't see it ever. Transparency.
Commissioner Pardo: Chief I have a question, actually for everybody. My
impression in our briefing was that you had a very thorough process, that you had
compared, you know, pricing, et cetera, et cetera. So, can you speak to that a little
bit as we weigh whether we should wait or move forward?
M. Ramirez: Yes, Commissioner. As it relates to these radios, compared to, for
example, Miami -Dade County, they purchased these same radios from Motorola.
They did a purchase of 10,000 radios and they paid $11,516 per radio. Even though
we're looking to purchase 2,050, we were able to negotiate better terms at $11, 000.
And comparable municipalities throughout the state are actually paying about
$13, 000 per radio.
Commissioner Pardo: Thank you.
Ms. Ramirez: The original deal for the radios and the core was originally presented
also at $25 million, and through some vigorous negotiations we were able to bring it
down to the numbers put before you today.
Commissioner Pardo: Thank you.
Ms. Ramirez: You're welcome.
Vice Chair Carollo: Now, Motorola was the radios that I always remember even
when I was a kid being a police officer at 18, those were the radios we used. So, I
grew up with Motorola. Harris, I don't know. However, if we used it for seven years,
it appears to have worked. Maybe not exactly how we wanted it, but it worked. So,
all that I'm saying is we don't need to rush into this. If we waited seven years or
more, we can certainly wait another 30 days or so and let's have everything on the
table. Let's be fully transparent with this whole process.
Commissioner Gabela: Through the Chair, when I came into office, there was a set
of Motorola in my desk. And I asked what was in the -- I was educated, you know, on
the radio. And then I decided I had spoken in the briefings and asked questions and
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also had the Motorola representatives, and they told me all the differences, but one
thing 1 can tell you, 1 did take it home because 1 wanted to kind of see what -- and the
battery does not last a long time. That 1 saw from one day to the other how long the
battery would last. And the technology, if you look at one radio to the other, it's day
and night. If -- while I respect the commissioner's idea of maybe waiting 30 days,
I'm ready to move forward.
Commissioner Pardo: I am too.
Commissioner Gabela: If somebody else isn't -- if not, we'll wait. Whatever the body
Chair King: Do I have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Pardo: I'll second.
Vice Chair Carollo: Motion for --
Chair King: Whatever. If you want to put --
Commissioner Gabela: For the contract.
Chair King: You want to move forward with the contract or do you want a motion
for
Vice Chair Carollo: I do -- I do not. I will -- if we're going to move forward now, I
have to vote against it. If we wait a few weeks and bring it back and let other people
put in their bids and get a -- someone that's an expert in this field to tell us the
difference, because maybe the price might he much lower, but maybe, you know, we
hear even more stuff than we've heard here, then 1 could feel comfortable going
forward. But at this point in time, I can't vote for this. There's been no hid on it
because the transmission is not ideal to what we'd like. Over seven years, there has
been no death, property damage caused by it. So, apparently, they've been working.
Maybe not as well as we'd like it, but they've been working, they function. Because if
not, we wouldn't have used them for seven plus years. So --
Commissioner Pardo: Madam --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- all that I'm trying to do is be transparent, save money if we
can. If not, make sure there's no doubt out there why we made a decision. I don't
want people to think we just approved a no -bid contract, for $30 million, when there
are others saying that they could do it for less than half the price. And how does the
city look if we go forward?
Chair King: I think the chief wants to say something.
Mr. Hevia: Yeah, just as a point of clarification, I do want to highlight the point that
for fire, it's not just transmission. That's why we didn't go with a -- you know, we
tried Harris originally. In transparency, we put them in a fire, and we melted the
radio. It's the other features above transmission, which is our ability to locate our
personnel on the ground through GPS location, the LTE for redundancy, the ability
to send messaging. So, while -- if you're going to consider just a further evaluation,
it needs to be more than just transition -- transmission, it has to be the other feature
for fire.
Vice Chair Carollo: Sure.
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CA.3
17666
Department of Fire -
Rescue
Mr. Hevia: That's what it is. And we never went to Harris for that reason. For us,
it's just a continuation of the same radio.
Vice Chair Carollo: Everything should be looked at. And I agree with that.
Mr. Hevia: I appreciate that.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm glad you brought those points up.
Mr. Hevia: Appreciate it.
Chair King: Thank you. I believe my colleagues are --
Commissioner Gabela: There's a motion on the floor. Should we take a vote, and
then up or down? If not, we'll come back to the drawing board.
Chair King: Thank you, Vice Chair. There's a motion on the floor. He was correct. I
have a motion and a second in favor of CA.2. All in favor?
Commissioner Pardo: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: No.
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
Commissioner Rosado: No.
Chair King: Aye. Passes 3-2.
Mr. Hannon: Yes, with Commissioner Rosado and Commissioner Carollo voting no.
Chair King: As a no.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENTS, ACCEPTING A SUB -AWARD AND GRANT
("GRANT") FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
HOMELAND SECURITY'S FEDERAL EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AGENCY PASSED THROUGH THE STATE OF
FLORIDA'S DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF
EXPENSES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CITY'S RESPONSE TO
HURRICANE MILTON; ESTABLISHING A NEW SPECIAL
REVENUE PROJECT, TITLED "HURRICANE MILTON CAT-B
PROTECTIVE MEASURES" CONSISTING OF SAID GRANT;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY AND
ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
AND EXTENSIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR THE ACCEPTANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OF
THE GRANT AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS THEREOF.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0176
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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CA.4 RESOLUTION
17611
Department of
Parks and
Recreation
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, PURSUANT
TO SECTION 18-85 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), APPROVING THE CITY
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT
UNDER INVITATION FOR BID NO. 1904386 TO CARLON, INC.
D/B/A BROWARD NELSON FOUNTAIN SERVICE
("CONTRACTOR") FOR BULK CO2 GAS ON A STAY FILL
PROGRAM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND
RECREATION'S AQUATIC FACILITIES ("SERVICES"), ON A
MONTHLY BASIS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM VARIOUS
SOURCES OF FUNDS FROM THE END USER DEPARTMENT
AND AGENCIES, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A CONTRACT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, WITH CONTRACTOR FOR THE SERVICES FOR A
TERM OF THREE (3) YEARS, WITH ONE (1) ADDITIONAL THREE
(3) YEAR RENEWAL; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND
EXTENSIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALL ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS, PRIOR BUDGETARY APPROVALS, AND
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY
CODE, INCLUDING, THE CITY'S PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE,
ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL INTEGRITY
PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY
CODE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS,
RULES, AND REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY
FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0177
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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CA.5 RESOLUTION - nein Pulled irvrr7 uns j
17632
Department of
Parks and
Recreation
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-111 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY
CODE"), AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES ("SERVICES") ON AN AS -NEEDED BASIS FROM THE
VENDORS LISTED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED (COLLECTIVELY "VENDORS"), UTILIZING
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CONTRACT NO. RTQ-01100, AWARDED
PURSUANT TO A COMPETITIVE PROCESS IN COMPLIANCE
WITH THE CITY LAWS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES, AS
DETERMINED BY THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER, FOR
TERMS OF FIVE (5) YEARS FROM MAY 31, 2024, THROUGH
AUGUST 31, 2029, SUBJECT TO ANY RENEWALS OR
EXTENSIONS BY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; ALLOCATING FUNDING
FROM THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS FROM END -USER
DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF
FUNDS AT THE TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AGREEMENTS, ALL
IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH THE
VENDORS FOR THE SERVICES; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
AND EXTENSIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALL ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS, PRIOR BUDGETARY APPROVALS, AND
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY
CODE, INCLUDING, THE CITY OF MIAMI'S PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL
INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18
OF THE CITY CODE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL
APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE
DEEMED NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0188
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay C5 [sic] --
Chair King: CA.5, Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. The questions that 1 have to the administration of C5
[sicJ, what transportation are we talking about here? It's not clear to me.
Annie Perez: Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Commissioners. Annie Perez, Director
of Procurement. So, these are transportation services for primarily the Parks
Department, for field trips, things like that.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
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Ms. Perez: But also, Commissioner, and I think I mentioned it to you in the briefing,
that any of you, if you ever have a need, can also use the transportation services.
Vice Chair Carollo: That's right, Annie. I remember now you mentioned that it came
back to me. It's fine. It's mainly for that kind of transportation. So, that's fine. Thank
you.
Ms. Perez: You're welcome.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'll make the motion for it, Chair.
Chair King: I have a motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
CA.6 RESOLUTION
17663
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE MIAMI-DADE WATER AND SEWER
DEPARTMENT ("WASD") FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER AND
SANITARY SEWER SERVICES FOR THE CURTIS PARK
COMMUNITY CENTER, CAPITAL PROJECT NO. 40-B193511;
ALLOCATING FUNDS IN THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF
TWO THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY-NINE DOLLARS
AND EIGHTY-EIGHT CENTS ($2,879.88) FROM CAPITAL
PROJECT NO. 40- B193511 FOR THE PAYMENT OF WATER AND
SEWER CONNECTION CHARGES TO WASD.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0178
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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CA.7 RESOLUTION
17537
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, PURSUANT
TO SECTION 18-85 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), APPROVING THE CITY
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT
UNDER INVITATION FOR BID NO. 1961386 TO DOUGLAS ORR
PLUMBING, INC. ("CONTRACTOR") TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW
PREVENTER INSTALLATION, REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE
SERVICES, CITYWIDE ("SERVICES"), ON AN AS -NEEDED BASIS;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF
FUNDS FROM THE END USER DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES,
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY
APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH
CONTRACTOR FOR THE SERVICES WITH A TERM OF THREE
(3) YEARS, WITH TWO (2) ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR
RENEWALS, ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO
ALL ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS, PRIOR BUDGETARY
APPROVAL, AND COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS
OF CITY CODE, INCLUDING, THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH
ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS, AS MAY
BE DEEMED NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0179
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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CA.8 RESOLUTION
17595
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-298(6) OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY
CODE"), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE MIAMI RIVER FUND, INC., THE
FINANCIAL AGENCY FOR THE MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION, TO
ALLOW FOR THE CONTINUATION OF EDUCATIONAL AND
AWARENESS PROGRAMS AS IT RELATES TO THE
CLEANLINESS AND MAINTENANCE OF THE MIAMI RIVER FOR
THE DEPARTMENT OF RESILIENCE AND PUBLIC WORKS
("RPW") FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS ON A
CONTRACTUAL BASIS, AT AN ESTIMATED YEARLY AMOUNT
OF $50,000.00; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM RPW'S
STORMWATER UTILITY FUND ACCOUNT NO.
00001.208000.531000.0000.00000; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
AND EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO ALL ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS, PRIOR BUDGETARY APPROVAL, AND
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY
CODE, INCLUDING, THE CITY OF MIAMI'S PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL
INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18
OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE
LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE DEEMED
NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0180
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
CA.9 RESOLUTION
17584
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THREE (3) RIGHT-OF-WAY
DEEDS OF DEDICATION AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A,"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED ("DEEDS"), FOR RIGHT-OF-
WAY PURPOSES; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
RECORDATION OF THE DEEDS IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; FURTHER DIRECTING THE
CITY CLERK TO RETAIN A COPY OF THE DEEDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0181
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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CA.10 RESOLUTION
17610
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN OFF -SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ("FDOT"), FOR
IMPROVEMENTS ON STATE ROAD 934, NORTHWEST /
NORTHEAST 79 STREET FROM NORTHWEST 27 AVENUE TO
NORTHWEST 1 PLACE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FOR GENERAL
ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS IN THIS CORRIDOR, INCLUDING
IMPROVEMENTS ON ROADS NOT ON THE STATE HIGHWAY
SYSTEM.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0182
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
CA.11 RESOLUTION
17648
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN OFF -SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ("FDOT"), FOR
IMPROVEMENTS ON STATE ROAD 25 / NORTHWEST 36
STREET AT THE INTERSECTION WITH NORTHWEST 18
AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FOR GENERAL ROADWAY
IMPROVEMENTS IN THIS CORRIDOR, INCLUDING
IMPROVEMENTS ON NORTHWEST 18 AVENUE, A ROAD NOT
ON THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0183
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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CA.12
17608
Department of
Police
CA.13
17609
Department of
Police
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS
FROM THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("OMNI CRA"), IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($250,000.00), TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH
THE INSTALLATION, INTEGRATION, AND MONITORING OF
REAL TIME CRIME CENTER ("RTCC") CAMERAS TO ENHANCE
PUBLIC SAFETY WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE OMNI CRA;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS
NECESSARY THEREAFTER; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO DESIGNATE THE CHIEF OF POLICE OR ANY
OTHER DESIGNEE TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND
ALL OTHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0184
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT
FUNDS FROM THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("OMNI CRA")
PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-23-0052 IN THE AMOUNT
OF $500,000.00, AND ADDITIONAL GRANT FUNDS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $500,000.00, PURSUANT TO OMNI CRA
RESOLUTION NO. 25-0016, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $1,000.000.00, TO BE UTILIZED TO UNDERWRITE
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ENHANCED POLICE SERVICES AND
ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES WITHIN THE OMNI CRA
AREA; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO DESIGNATE THE CHIEF OF POLICE OR OTHER
DESIGNEE TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
OTHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR ACCEPTANCE OF
THE GRANT, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0185
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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CA.14
17593
Office of the City
Attorney
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY DORA
DIAZ, WITHOUT ADMISSION OF LIABILITY, THE TOTAL SUM OF
$50,000.00 IN FULL AND COMPLETE SETTLEMENT OF ANY AND
ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS, INCLUDING ALL CLAIMS FOR
ATTORNEYS' FEES, AGAINST THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND
ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES IN THE CASE
STYLED DORA DIAZ VS. CITY OF MIAMI, PENDING IN THE
CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN
AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, CASE NO.: 23-6329
CA 05 UPON THE EXECUTION OF A GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS BROUGHT FOR NEGLIGENCE
PENDING IN STATE COURT AND A DISMISSAL OF THE CITY
WITH PREJUDICE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO.
50001.301001.545013.0000.00000.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0186
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chair King: All right, gentlemen, on the Consent Agenda Item [sic], are there any
items that you would like to pull from discussion? We have CA.1 through CA.14 in
play. Are there any items that you would like to pull for discussion from the consent
agenda? Commissioner Rosado?
Commissioner Rosado: CA.2.
Chair King: You want to pull CA.2?
Commissioner Rosado: Yes.
Chair King: Okay. That's it? Vice Chair?
Vice Chair Carollo: CA.2 was the one that I wanted to pull, but let me just -- CA.5.
It's only for a question that I have on it. I don't think I should have a problem with it,
but I do have to ask a question to CA.5. And I'm good with the rest of it.
Chair King: Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: No, I'm good.
Chair King: Commissioner Pardo?
Commissioner Pardo: I'm good.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'll make a motion for those items that --
Chair King: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- we have not pulled out.
Chair King: Do I have a second?
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Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: All right. So, 1 have a motion and a second for CA.1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 13 and 14. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: The motion carries unanimously.
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PH - PUBLIC HEARINGS
PH.1 RESOLUTION
17698
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. R-23-0300,
ADOPTED JULY 13, 2023, AND SUBSTITUTING IN LIEU THEREOF
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDING,
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS ATTACHMENT "B," THAT
COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES
ARE NOT PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS FOR THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY") PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 29-B(A) OF THE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("CITY CHARTER"), AND SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE");
WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID PROCEDURES;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A NINETY
NINE (99) YEAR GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT ("LEASE"),
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND YAEGER PLAZA
PARTNERS, LLC., ("DEVELOPER") ON THE CITY -OWNED
PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED AT 1199 NORTHWEST 62 STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN
ATTACHMENT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF A AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING
PROJECT; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND
MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0189
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PH.1, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: Gentlemen, with respect to the public hearing items -- the resolutions --
the PH (Public Hearing) items, are there any items that you would like to pull for
discussion?
Commissioner Pardo: 1 'd like to pull PH.13.
Chair King: PH.13. Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: I just have a question on PH.2. Although I was briefed on it,
I'd just like to go over it again real quick.
Chair King: Okay, so well pull that.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah.
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Chair King: Commissioner Rosado? Vice Chair?
Vice Chair Carollo: 13 has to do with what exactly? On the Coconut Grove
transportation?
Commissioner Pardo: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. All right. Let me -- bear with me.
Chair King: I have them.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. I'm good.
Chair King: The only item -- so there's a -- is there --
Vice Chair Carollo: Is the one that Commissioner Pardo pulled 13?
Chair King: No. You pulled 13?
Commissioner Pardo: I pulled 13.
Chair King: Oh, you pulled 13 and Commissioner Gabela has a question --
Commissioner Gabela: I do too.
Chair King: -- on PH.2. So, for the other items, may, I have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: May I have a second?
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. The City Clerk wants to make a statement
forPH5, 6,and7.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Thank you, Chair. For PH 5, a memo dated May 16,
2025 is being submitted into the record to clarify the sponsors identified on the
agenda summary form for this item. This amendment does not amend the resolution,
so it will be as is. PH.6 and 7. A memo dated May 20, 2025 is being submitted into
the record to clarify the sponsors identified on the agenda summary form for these
items. This memo does not amend the resolution, so it will be adopted as is. And
Chair, may I read a brief statement for PH.15 and the amendment for PH.15?
Chair King: Yes, please.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair. For PH.15, the resolution will be amended, so
PH.15 will be as amended, pursuant to a memo dated April 25, 2025. Additionally,
the backup documents for PH.15 will be substituted. Thank you, Chair.
Chair King: Thank you. So, may I have a motion for PH.1, PH.3, PH.4, PH.5, 6, 7,
PH 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 as amended, 16 and 17.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Chair King: Items passes.
PH.2 RESOLUTION
17600
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $2,376,559.00, FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY, FROM DISTRICT 3, TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE AND ASSET
MANAGEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 939 SOUTHWEST 8 STREET, 955 SOUTHWEST 8
STREET, 965 SOUTHWEST 8 STREET, 922 SOUTHWEST 7
STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A,"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
AFFORDABLE HOUSING; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS AND
MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0190
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FH.2, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: We have for discussion PH.2, Commissioner Gabela.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, just one quick question. Could you tell me again why
that was? 1 was briefed on it. Could you tell me again why the transfer?
Victor Turner: Yeah. Victor Turner, director of Housing and Community
Development. This was District 3 CDBG (Community Development Block Grant)
dollars that were for projects that didn't go forth, other projects that had been
reallocated for DREAM (Department of Real Estate & Asset Management) to
acquire some properties for affordable housing in District 3.
Commissioner Gabela: That's it? That was it?
Mr. Turner: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, thank you.
Chair King: Gentlemen, we are on our resolutions. Are there any RE (Resolution)
items --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): I'm sorry, Chair.
Commissioner Pardo: No.
Mr. Hannon: PH.2, was there a --
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Chair King: Oh, I'm sorry. May I have a motion, for PH.2?
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion for PH.2 and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
PH.3 RESOLUTION
17602
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS IN
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $885,500.00 TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
RESILIENCE AND PUBLIC WORKS TO BE UTILIZED FOR STREET
AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS, DRAINAGE, AND/OR ANY
OTHER CDBG ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS IN DISTRICT 5, AS
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS,
ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY,
SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS THAT
REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0191
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.3, please see Item PH.1.
PH.4 RESOLUTION
17604
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG")
RECAPTURED FUNDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,545,846.00
FROM PROJECTS THAT FAILED TO MEET PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS, TO BE ALLOCATED FOR ELIGIBLE CDBG
ACTIVITIES, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT
"A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS,
EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALL
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS THAT REGULATE THE USE
OF SUCH FUNDS, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0192
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.4, please see "Public
Comments for All Item (s) " and Item PH.1.
PH.5 RESOLUTION
17526
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CORONAVIRUS
("CDBG-CV3") FUNDS FROM FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 IN THE
AMOUNT OF $586,128.88 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ("HCD") TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION ("PARKS
DEPARTMENT") TO BE UTILIZED FOR CDBG-CV3 ELIGIBLE
PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO CHARLIE DELUCCA PARK IN
DISTRICT 1, AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND
MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL
LAW, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0193
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Itein PH.5, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s) "and Item PH.1.
PH.6 RESOLUTION
17527
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ALLOCATING PROGRAM INCOME FROM
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM ("HOME")
FUNDS GENERATED FROM JANUARY 1, 2025 TO MARCH 31,
2025, IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,788.21 AND AN ADDITIONAL
AMOUNT OF $113,368.66 OF RECAPTURED FUNDS FOR A
TOTAL AMOUNT OF $127,156.87 AS SPECIFIED IN EXHIBIT "A,"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS,
EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALL
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS THAT REGULATE THE USE
OF SUCH FUNDS, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0194
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.6, please see "Public
Comments for All Item (s) " and Item PH.1.
PH.7 RESOLUTION
17528
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ALLOCATING PROGRAM INCOME FROM
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS
GENERATED FROM JANUARY 1, 2025, TO MARCH 31, 2025, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $3,387.80 FOR ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES, AS
SPECIFIED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, INCLUDING
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, EXTENSIONS, AND
MODIFICATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY, SUBJECT TO ALL
FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS THAT REGULATE THE USE
OF SUCH FUNDS, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0195
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.7, please see Item PH.1.
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PH.8 RESOLUTION
17246
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 29-C OF THE CHARTER OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, WAIVING
COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A PURCHASE AND
SALE AGREEMENT WITH ECORESILIENCY MIAMI, LLC
("DEVELOPER") FOR THE SALE, UPON SATISFACTION OF
CERTAIN CLOSING CONDITIONS, OF +5.4 ACRES OF THAT
CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1111 PARROT JUNGLE TRAIL
("PROPERTY") FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL USES, IN
EXCHANGE FOR CANCELLATION OF THE EXISTING LEASE
AND CONSIDERATION EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN FAIR
MARKET VALUE OF ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE MILLION
DOLLARS ($135,000,000.00), INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF A
NEW +13.3-ACRE PUBLIC WATERFRONT PARK ON THE
REMAINDER OF PROPERTY AT A COST TO DEVELOPER OF
THIRTY SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS ($37,000,000.00), PAYMENTS
TO CITY OF TEN MILLION DOLLARS ($10,000,000.00)AT
CLOSING AND ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000) PER YEAR
PER PHASE WITH ANNUAL ESCALATIONS OF THREE PERCENT
(3%) AND A PRESENT VALUE OF ONE HUNDRED TEN MILLION
EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND TWENTY-
FOUR DOLLARS ($110,875,024) OVER NINETY-NINE YEARS),
AND CERTAIN COMMUNITY BENEFITS VALUEDATTHIRTY-
FOUR MILLION SIX -HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS
($34,600,000), INCLUDING PAYMENT TO THE CITY OF FIFTEEN
MILLION DOLLARS ($15,000,000.00) FOR AFFORDABLE
HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A PARTIAL
RELEASE AND MODIFICATION OF THE DEED RESTRICTIONS
SET FORTH IN DEED NO. 19447 BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE
STATE OF FLORIDA INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND
("STATE"); AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
QUIT -CLAIM DEED TO DEVELOPER, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY; PROVIDING, THAT SUCH SALE AND
CONVEYANCE BE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AND EXECUTION
OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE THROUGH THE STATE
OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE OTHER ANCILLARY DOCUMENTS
AND AMENDMENTS REQUIRED TO EFFECTUATE THE SALE
AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY AS SET FORTH IN
THE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT, ALL IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item PH.8 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
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Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.8, please see "Order of the
Day."
PH.9 RESOLUTION
17674
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-92 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AFTER AN
ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING, APPROVING AND
CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDING OF A SOLE
SOURCE; WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE
SEALED BIDDING PROCEDURES AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER, TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT, IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, TO THE
CONCESSION AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT") BETWEEN THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND EVENTSTAR STRUCTURES CORP.,
("CONCESSIONAIRE"), AS THE SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER, FOR
THE EXCLUSIVE PROVISION OF TENT STRUCTURES AT MIAMI
MARINE PARK IN VIRGINIA KEY, ALSO KNOWN AS THE
COMMODORE RALPH MUNROE MARINE STADIUM PARK ("MIAMI
MARINE PARK") ALSO KNOWN AS THE FLEX PARK, EXTENDING
THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT FOR AN ADDITIONAL FIVE (5)
YEARS, INCREASING THE CITY'S REVENUE SHARE TO TWENTY
PERCENT (20%) DURING THE EXTENSION, AND ACCEPTING AN
IN -KIND DONATION FROM CONCESSIONAIRE VALUED AT
THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($300,000.00) FOR THE
INSTALLATION AND REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING
AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO SAID AGREEMENT, IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE
NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0196
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.9, please see Item PH.1.
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PH.10 RESOLUTION
17412
Department of
General Services
Administration
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
CONFIRMING, AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER'S
RECOMMENDATION AND WRITTEN FINDING, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A," PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-
85(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED ("CITY CODE"); WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING METHODS AS NOT BEING
PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY") TO ESTABLISH A CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF
CUSTODIAL SERVICES AT CITY HALL ("SERVICES") BY UNITED
CEREBRAL PALSY ASSOCIATION OF MIAMI, INC. D/B/A UNITED
COMMUNITY OPTIONS OF MIAMI ("UCO") FOR THE CITY'S
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT ("GSA");
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO.
05001.242000.534000.0000.00000 AND OTHER FUNDING
SOURCES, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND
BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A
CONTRACT WITH UCO FOR THE SERVICES FOR A TERM OF
THREE (3) YEARS WITH TWO (2) ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR
RENEWALS; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALL
ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS PRIOR BUDGETARY
APPROVALS, AND COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CODE, INCLUDING, THE CITY'S
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH
ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE
DEEMED NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0197
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.10, please see Item PH.1.
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PH.11 RESOLUTION
17594
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE PLAT TITLED "FOOQ'S," A
SUBDIVISION IN THE CITY OF MIAMI OF THE PROPERTY
DESCRIBED IN ATTACHMENT "1," SUBJECT TO SATISFACTION
OF ALL CONDITIONS REQUIRED BY THE PLAT AND STREET
COMMITTEE AS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, AND THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN
SECTION 55-8 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED; ACCEPTING THE DEDICATIONS SHOWN ON THE
PLAT; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER AND
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE PLAT AND CAUSE THE
RECORDATION OF THE PLAT IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0198
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.11, please see Item PH.1.
PH.12 RESOLUTION
17613
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AFTER A DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING,
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE
ANY AND ALL ACTION(S) NECESSARY TO EXPEDITIOUSLY
REQUEST THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS ("DTPW") CONSIDER
THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC FLOW MODIFICATIONS AND WAIVE
THE REQUIRED RESIDENT CONCURRENCE AND EXEMPT THE
BALLOTING PROCESS IN ORDER TO EXPEDITIOUSLY PROCEED
WITH THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC CALMING
DEVICES AT TWENTY-TWO (22) LOCATIONS IN THE
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS OF DISTRICT 1, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO SEND A
CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE DTPW
DIRECTOR.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0199
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.12, please see Item PH.1.
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PH.13 RESOLUTION
17617
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY
THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ("COUNTY"),
A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA,
REPLACING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT THAT WAS
EXECUTED PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 07-0272, ADOPTED
MAY 10, 2007, AS AMENDED, TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") TO RECEIVE ITS PORTION OF
MUNICIPAL SHARE FUNDS FROM THE CHARTER COUNTY
TRANSIT SYSTEM SURTAX FOR TRANSPORTATION AND
TRANSIT PROJECTS AND TO ALLOW THE USE OF THE SURTAX
FOR ON -DEMAND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, TO SERVE
VISITORS, RESIDENTS, AND WORKERS BY PROVIDING A
CONVENIENT, EFFICIENT MOBILITY OPTION TO CIRCULATE
THROUGHOUT DESIGNATED AREAS OF COCONUT GROVE AND
COCONUT GROVE BID AREAS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0200
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Unidentified Speaker: PH.13.
Chair King: PH.13, Commissioner Pardo.
Commissioner Pardo: PH.13, 1 want to address some of the comments that were
made here in the public comment section. There were two proposals received within
months of each other. They were evaluated. The advantages of Circuit were
significant on many levels from features and vehicles, everything else, and pricing.
So, they were chosen, and then I want -- would like the administration to discuss the
piggyback contract, which we used, which was a Hollywood contract. In the case of
my colleague, Commissioner Gabela, they used the piggyback contract with Sunrise
for Freebee. That's the only difference. So, we found a company we felt would
provide a much better service, was more competitive and we went that direction.
Annie Perez (Director, Procurement): Yes. So, in particular for the one with Circuit,
its an access -- we're accessing, or piggybacking, off of the City of Hollywood.
There were two proposals received, one from Freebee and one from Circuit. Freebee
received 78 out of 100 possible points, and Circuit received 93 out of 100 possible
points. The other thing I would also like to mention on the Circuit contract is that it's
also a revenue -generating contract. It has a minimum guaranteed amount of
$115,100 annually from advertising on the vehicles.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, so this is very different than what I was hearing. Freebee
did participate in a solicitation. I was under the impression that they did not. And
then secondly, you're getting additional dollars that Freebee is not providing. So,
I'm good to go on this one.
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Ms. Perez: And Commissioner Carollo, just not to interrupt you, but also the
contract that we accessed from the City of Sunrise for Freebee was also a piggyback.
So, it was also competitively solicited.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, no, that 1 understand. But look --
Ms. Perez: But on this one, it was only two. It was Freebee and Circuit competing.
Vice Chair Carollo: Whether we could have other differences, if you're providing
something that was done right and you're bringing dollars to the city, whether it's
your district or anywhere else, still the city, 1 have no problem. You'll have my
support.
Commissioner Pardo: And thank you for explaining, because I also wanted people to
understand that that is not a no bid when you're piggybacking.
Ms. Perez: No, it's not. It's perfectly allowable --
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, that's the --
Ms. Perez: -- through the procurement code.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, but the impression that was given was precisely that. And
I'm glad that this was brought out, transparency, something you support again, so
that people know why we're voting for something. Okay.
Chair King: I have --
Vice Chair Carollo: I'll make the motion.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Commissioner Rosado?
Commissioner Rosado: Aye.
Chair King: The motion carries unanimously.
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PH.14 RESOLUTION
17615
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AFTER A DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING,
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE
ANY AND ALL ACTION(S) NECESSARY TO EXPEDITIOUSLY
REQUEST THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS ("DTPW") CONSIDER
THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC FLOW MODIFICATIONS, WAIVE THE
REQUIRED RESIDENT CONCURRENCE, AND EXEMPT THE
BALLOTING PROCESS, IN ORDER TO EXPEDITIOUSLY
PROCEED WITH THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC
CALMING DEVICES AT TWENTY-SIX (26) LOCATIONS IN THE
RESIDENTIAL SILVER BLUFF NEIGHBORHOOD, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO SEND A
CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE DTPW
DIRECTOR.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0201
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.14, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item PH.1.
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PH.15 RESOLUTION
17328
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
CONFIRMING, AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER'S
RECOMMENDATION AND WRITTEN FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A," PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-
85(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED ("CITY CODE"); WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING METHODS AS NOT BEING
PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY") TO ESTABLISH A CONTRACT FOR BEAUTIFICATION
SERVICES FOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BOULEVARD
AND THE BUTTERFLY GARDENS FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3)
YEARS WITH GREATER MIAMI SERVICE CORPS ("GMSC"), FOR
THE DEPARTMENT OF RESILIENCE AND PUBLIC WORKS
("RPW"); ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO.
13000.201000.534000.0000.00000 AND OTHER FUNDING
SOURCES, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND
BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AGREEMENTS,
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALL
ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS, PRIOR BUDGETARY
APPROVALS, AND COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CODE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, THE CITY'S PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -
DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL
AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, AND IN
COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES AND
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0202
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.15, please see Item PH.1.
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PH.16 RESOLUTION
17614
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
PH.17
17581
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AFTER A DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING,
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE
ANY AND ALL ACTION(S) NECESSARY TO EXPEDITIOUSLY
REQUEST THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS ("DTPW") CONSIDER
THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC FLOW MODIFICATIONS AND WAIVE
THE REQUIRED RESIDENT CONCURRENCE AND EXEMPT THE
BALLOTING PROCESS IN ORDER TO EXPEDITIOUSLY PROCEED
WITH THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC CALMING
DEVICES AT TEN (10) LOCATIONS IN THE RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOODS OF DISTRICT 5, AS MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED;
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO SEND A CERTIFIED COPY OF
THIS RESOLUTION TO THE DTPW DIRECTOR.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0203
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.16, please see Item PH.1.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY
CODE"), BY A FOUR FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE,
AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S
FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "B,"
THAT COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION METHODS AND
PROCEDURES ARE NOT PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS
FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), WAIVING THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE
ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 5
COMMISSIONER'S SHARE OF THE CITY'S ANTI -POVERTY
INITIATIVE ("API"), IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO
HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($200,000.00) TO MARTIN
LUTHER KING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, A
FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION ("MLKEDC") IN
SUPPORT OF ITS MLKEDC KITCHEN INCUBATOR CAFE
REFURBISHMENT PROJECT; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0204
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.17, please see Item PH.1.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
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RE.1
17607
Office of the City
Clerk
RE - RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), OFFICIALLY ACKNOWLEDGING THE CITY
CLERK'S CERTIFICATION OF THE CANVASS AND
DECLARATION OF RESULTS OF THE JUNE 3, 2025, CITY OF
MIAMI SPECIAL ELECTION TO ELECT A CITY COMMISSIONER
TO THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT 4.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0205
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Chair King: Gentlemen, for the resolutions, the RE (Resolution) items, are there any
items that you would like to pull for discussion? Commissioner Rosado?
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm sorry (INAUDIBLE).
Chair King: RE.
Vice Chair Carollo: The REs (INAUDIBLE).
Chair King: Yes, I asked Commissioner Rosado.
Commissioner Rosado: RE.5.
Chair King: RE.5.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay (INAUDIBLE).
Chair King: RE.11 has been withdrawn.
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE) RE.15, RE.16, RE.17. What is this RE.18
(INAUDIBLE)
Commissioner Pardo: Yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: The same Freebee?
Commissioner Pardo: Same.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, so we just have to --
Commissioner Pardo: We just -- we talked about it.
Vice Chair Carollo: All right, hut didn't we vote on it before or --
Commissioner Pardo: We did but it's a different piece of it. The first --
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
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Commissioner Pardo: Yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: All right, so no problem with RE.18.1'd like to --
Commissioner Gabela: Well --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- pull out RE.15, 16 and 17, and if I could just get a
clarification on RE. 14. If I can get that now so that we can leave it on, Chairwoman,
this will be quick.
Chair King: Let me see if --
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Chair King: -- the others have any items that they want to pull, and then we'll go
back to that. Commissioner Pardo?
Commissioner Pardo: RE.19.
Chair King: RE.19. Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: No, I was going to say 19, but he said it for me.
Chair King: Okay. If someone can step to the podium for RE.14, quick question.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
George Wysong (City Attorney): I can try and answer. It was sponsored by, by I
think the mayor.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, the mayor is fine. It's a good program. I saw it one time.
I'm just questioning how many days is the extension being asked for?
Mr. Wysong: Yeah, the extension goes from May 22nd, which is when this item was
going to be heard originally --
Vice Chair Carollo: Right.
Mr. Wysong: -- through December 31st, 2025 to the end of the year.
Commissioner Pardo: And just -- just so you know this was the same item that we
brought back in the other time?
Vice Chair Carollo: Right, right. 1 understand. So, it's up until the end of the year.
Mr. Wysong: To the end of the year.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. So, I want to get a time certain in here and that's fine. All
right, we can put it back on.
Chair King: Okay, so may I have a motion for RE.1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14,
18, 20, 21, 22 --
Commissioner Gabela: 22 was withdrawn.
Chair King: No, was it? Oh, 22 and 23 are withdrawn?
Commissioner Pardo: Yes.
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Commissioner Gabela: Not 23, but 22 I think.
Commissioner Pardo: Both are withdrawn.
Chair King: Both are withdrawn.
Commissioner Gabela: Both are withdrawn?
Chair King: Yeah, 22 and 23. And the City Attorney -- the City Clerk has a statement
to make on some of the items.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And Chair, may I include RE.24 and 25 in the block
vote?
Chair King: Yes, please.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
Chair King: RE.24 and 25.
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Chair King: Okay. Wait, we got to --
Commissioner Gabela: Wait, wait, wait, I'm sorry. You're going too quick.
Chair King: No, no, no, he has a statement to make for the --
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair.
Chair King: Uh-huh.
Mr. Hannon: For RE.1, RE.1 will be amended pursuant to a substitution memo dated
June 16th, 2025. For your information, I will be submitting the substitution memo
into the public record as a backup document. I will also be submitting into the public
record a separate memo dated June 6th, 2025, containing the official results of the
June 3rd, 2025 District 4 special election as a backup document. For RE.18, RE.18
will be amended pursuant to a substitution memo dated June 16, 2025. RE.24 will be
amended pursuant to a substitution memo dated June 17, 2025. RE.25 will be
amended pursuant to a substitution memo dated June 16, 2025 that was distributed
on June 17, 2025 at 8: 07 am. Thank you, Chair.
Chair King: Okay, so 1 have a motion and a second for RE.1, RE.2, RE.3, RE.4,
RE.6, RE.7, RE.8, RE.9, RE.10, RE.12, RE.13, RE.14, RE.18, RE.20, RE.21, RE.24,
and 25. All in favor?
Mr. Hannon: Is there a motion? I'm sorry, I didn't capture it. My apologies.
Commissioner Gabela: What about 23?
Chair King: It's been --
Commissioner Pardo: Withdrawn.
Chair King: -- withdrawn.
Mr. Hannon: We're doing a block vote.
Chair King: Yes, it was withdrawn. 22 and 23 was withdrawn.
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Commissioner Gabela: Okay.
Mr. Hannon: Yes.
Chair King: I have a motion.
Commissioner Rosado: So moved. Second.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Items carry unanimously.
RE.2 RESOLUTION
17482
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING SEVEN (7) RIGHT-OF-WAY
DEEDS AND ONE (1) QUIT CLAIM RIGHT-OF-WAY DEED OF
DEDICATION, AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED ("DEEDS"), FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY PURPOSES;
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE RECORDATION OF THE
DEEDS IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY,
FLORIDA; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO RETAIN A
COPY OF THE DEEDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0206
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.2, please see Item RE.1.
RE.3 RESOLUTION
17616
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), TO EFFECTUATE THE REVERSIONARY
CLAUSE IN THAT RIGHT-OF-WAY DEED FOR HIGHWAY
PURPOSES RECORDED IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK
29380, PAGE 4136 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MIAMI-DADE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND REVERTING SAME TO THE PRESENT
ABUTTING PROPERTY OWNER PURSUANT TO SECTION 255.22,
FLORIDA STATUTES; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A QUIT CLAIM DEED, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR SAID PURPOSE;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0207
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.3, please see Item RE.1.
RE.4 RESOLUTION
17535
Office of Capital
Improvements,
Dept of Resilience
and Public Works,
& Dept of Parks
and Recreation
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S LIST OF
EXPEDITED PROJECTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-117 OF
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("CITY CODE"), TITLED "ECONOMIC STIMULUS AWARDS AND
AGREEMENTS," BY REPLACING THE CURRENT "ATTACHMENT
A - 05/23/24 REVISED" WITH "ATTACHMENT A - 05/22/25
REVISED," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE
PURPOSE OF INCLUDING NEW AND ON -GOING CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS SOLICITATIONS AND PROJECTS; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY
AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, AND EXTENSIONS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO
ALL ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS, PRIOR BUDGETARY
APPROVAL, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CODE, INCLUDING THE CITY'S
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH
ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS, AS MAY
BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0208
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.4, please see Item RE.1.
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RE.5 RESOLUTION
17407 MAY BE DEFERRED
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Police ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
OF HOMELAND SECURITY, IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS
ENFORCEMENT ("ICE"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED
FORM, GIVING DESIGNATED SWORN MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI
POLICE DEPARTMENT ("MPD") AUTHORIZATION TO PERFORM
CERTAIN IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT FUNCTIONS; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DESIGNATE THE CHIEF
OF POLICE TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
OF, AND COMPLIANCE WITH, SAID MEMORANDUM OF
AGREEMENT.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0209
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Carollo, Gabela, Rosado
NAYS: King, Pardo
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.5, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: RE.5 was pulled for discussion. Who would like to start? Me. I am not in
favor. I am an immigrant. 1 have been watching what is happening. 1 have been very
vocal about this with our department, our police department. I am concerned. It is
the responsibility of the Miami -Dade County Sheriff's Department. It is not the
responsibility of our police department, and I do not believe that we should
voluntarily enter into this agreement. 1 understand that our president is
reconsidering this action. He has watered it down a bit. And there is litigation. Until
and unless we are mandated to take such an action, I do not support this. Now, I
have not publicly stated this because I do not give interviews about items that are
going to come before the commission before it comes. I believe that that is just a way
to circumvent the Sunshine that we are held to. That's why I haven't given an
interview to the Miami Herald. I haven't given any interviews to anyone else. I
believe that the first time my colleagues should hear how I feel about an item is when
I'm with my colleagues. But I am completely against this. There were so many
thoughtful comments today. Illegal alien. Daughter of immigrants. Immigrant. My
parents came here from Guyana when I was a child. This is my home. And I feel the
pain of our country. I feel the pain of nay residents, afraid to leave their homes,
afraid to get medical attention for their children. And I don't want to be a part of
that. I think we are on the wrong side if we enter into this agreement. And again,
until or unless we are mandated to do it, we're not breaking any laws by not entering
into this agreement, it's voluntary, and I do not volunteer. Anyone else?
Commissioner Pardo?
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, I will join you on that opinion. You know,
Miami is absolutely a city made up by immigrants. I remember a time in this city
when my mother and my grandmother were talking in Spanish and a cashier yelled
out, you know, speak English, this is America. It was a very different climate in this
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city, and I don't want to see us go back to that kind of climate. And regardless of
what this policy may or may not do, the legality of it, whether it's fully legal or not
legal or objectionable. Put all of that aside. It sets the wrong climate for our city. We
are a city that, when we're facing trouble in our city, we rely on our neighbors, Latin
America, the Caribbean, and Europe to sustain us economically. They come here,
they buy, real estate, they go shopping, they help all of us. So, this is not our brand,
this is not our city, it's, you know, oil and water as far as I'm concerned. And if
there's any reluctance at all, at a minimum, I would hope that we would just
withdraw this. But my vote would be a no.
Chair King: Commissioner Rosado?
Commissioner Rosado: I have questions for the city attorney and I have questions for
the police chief because there's been a lot of discussion and I think it would be
worthwhile to have some clarity on what the item entails, what are consequences if
we were to not enter into the agreement and what are ways that if we did enter into
the agreement, what are ways to mitigate negative consequences that have been
brought up today?
Manny Morales (Chief of Police): So, good afternoon again, Madam Chair,
members of the Commission. The reason this resolution is before you and how we
got there -- here it has not been an easy journey. It's taken a lot of communication,
collaboration and discussion with the City Attorney and their legal team. And we
believe that Florida State Statute 908, what requires us to do certain things that
we're unable to do if we do not proceed ahead with 287(g). So, for us, it appears to
be a kind of catch-22. You must do these things. It doesn't explicitly say you must
sign up for the 287(g), but what it entails in that statute, it amounts to the powers
that are given to under 287(g). Now, there are certain -- and Commissioner, you ask
what would be the consequences? All right and I think that as you look at all the
municipalities that have wrestled with this topic as well, you have seen what the
narrative is especially in the state of Florida. So, what happened with Sheriff Tony
up in Broward County as he received a very stern letter from the Florida Attorney
General. I know that there's some measures that took place in Fort Myers. I think
our city attorney can give you a little bit more details of that, but there definitely is a
possibility or a very strong inference that if we do not enter into this agreement,
there would certainly be some sort of repercussion, either against our elected body
to include removal, against the City to include the removal of grants, both federal
and state, which the police department alone gets in the neighborhood of $20 million
a year. And listen, there is definitely a responsibility and a charge that 1 have been
given, right? And it is to uphold the laws, both federal, state, and local. And that is
my charge, is to bring you this item, and you have the very tough position of having
to make a determination of which way the City goes. As far as if we enter into the
agreement, right? The steps are we select personnel that will be assigned to a task
force that will be trained after a vetting process by ICE (Immigration and Customs
Enforcement) administration. Those individuals would only be allowed to take any
type of immigration enforcement while under the direct supervision of ICE. So, they
would be allowed to do whatever those ICE agents are allowed to do, get detainers,
hold people, take them to a detention facility. Now that will not be the entirety of the
Miami Police Department. Our mission remains steadfast to protect the city of
Miami and its residents. So, I don't know if there's any additional questions, but this
is why we stand here before you today.
Commissioner Pardo: I do have a question for the city attorney.
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yes, sir.
Commissioner Pardo: And that is that there is outstanding litigation in this case
from the City of South Miami, which is asking for declaratory action. Wouldn't it be
best to wait for that decision to come down before entertaining a final vote on this?
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Mr. Wysong: I think it would be better than voting no. And what -- the chief touched
on some topics. And let me just sort of explain per the statute what the issues are.
The 287(g) agreements have existed for a long time, very long time.
Mr. Morales: 1996.
Mr. Wysong: They come to us out of 8 USC, 8 United States Code 1357, which
allows ICE and the agency to enter into these agreements for local enforcement.
That really, not the issue, and the issue hasn 't been pushed back from the Federals.
It has been really the adoption of Chapter 908 Florida Statutes, which created a new
definition of sanctuary policy. It means a law, policy, practice, procedure, or custom
adopted or allowed by a state entity or local government entity which prohibits or
impedes a law enforcement agency from complying with 8 USC 1373, or which
prohibits or impedes a law enforcement agency from communicating or cooperating
with a federal immigration agency, so as to limit such law enforcement agency in or
prohibit the agency from, and then we skip down to (d), participating in any program
or agreement authorised under Section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act,
8 USC 1357, as required by 908.11. So, all right, so the State says if you don't
purposefully or you just simply allow no cooperation with the 287(g), that you've
sort of created a sanctuary policy. And they would argue that the statute, like the
chief says, the statute doesn't necessarily directly say that you must enter into these
agreements', but it implies it strongly. And then, so what happens if the State
determines that you've shirked your responsibilities under this new statute, 908? The
enforcement remedies of the State are any executive or administrative state, county,
or municipal officer who violates his or her duties under this chapter may be subject
to action by the Governor, including potential suspension from office in the exercise
of his or her authority under the state constitution and state law. In addition, the
Attorney General may file suit against a local government entity or local law
enforcement agency for declaratory or injunctive relief for a violation of this
chapter. If a local government entity or local law enforcement agency violates this
chapter, the court must enjoin the unlawful sanctuary policy. So, it's kind of difficult
to understand how this would all play out, because in its essence, 8 USC Code 1357
has a provision that says, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require any
state or political subdivision of a state to enter into an agreement with the attorney
general under the section. But the feds say it's a voluntary agreement. The state says
it's not really voluntary. We want you to do it. And if you don't do it, there could be
consequences. And they haven't -- they've actually -- you've seen it in Fort Myers,
for example. When Fort Myers' issue came up, they had a -- they were missing a
commissioner. The vote went 2-2, so the motion to approve the 287(g) agreement
failed, then they got a letter from the Governor's Office, actually from the Attorney
General, saying that we're really concerned about this and we may take action
against you. And then Fort Myers reconvened and adopted it. So, the issues that
really you're facing, and this is not meant to scare or threaten, 1 just wanted you to
be aware of the consequences. In addition to the consequences, if the state reports
the city to, say, the federal government and indicates that we're a sanctuary city, that
could also impact the ability to receive grants. You know, the Edward J. Byrne
Grant, the JAG (Justice Assistance Grant) grants, millions of dollars of federal
funding could just disappear. Other cities that have suffered that fate have gone to
court and taken on the United States government, so that's always a possibility. And
the other thing I would say is that there's a bunch of items pending in Tallahassee
right now relating to those big checks that the representative always bring to you
and say, look what we got for you in Tallahassee. The governor has a veto pen and
could end up vetoing some of that. So, those are potentialities for entering -- or I'm
sorry, for voting no against this agreement. Now there is another city that has said,
hey, listen, we don't know what our rights are. Kind of unclear. So, they took on the
State of Florida. They filed a lawsuit, and that is currently in the pleading stage. I
spoke to one of their attorneys today, and he indicated that they were amending their
complaint, and they hope to survive a motion to dismiss. And then perhaps we'll get
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some clarity on the law at that point. But I don't want you to think that there are no
consequences for voting no. There could be real consequences for voting no. And so
that's it in a nutshell. If you have any other questions, 1 can drill deeper into the
agreement and to the law, but I just wanted to make you aware of that.
Vice Chair Carollo: You want to go over that again, George?
Chair King: You said Broward County got into some trouble. You said Broward --
but he's the sheriff,' correct?
Mr. Morales: Correct.
Chair King: The Sheriff's Department is required to. I don't see how Miami would
be considered a sanctuary city, because Miami -Dade County, which the City of
Miami falls within, is participating in the 287(g) agreement. They are required to do
that. So, I don 't think that you can --
Mr. Wysong: To a certain degree it's a subjective determination, right?
Chair King: Right, because we, the Miami -Dade County --
Mr. Wysong: Yes.
Chair King: -- are adhering to the 287(g) agreement, which means every
municipality within the city -- within Miami -Dade County, now falls under that
agreement, therejbre we cannot be considered a sanctuary city, because we're not.
Mr. Wysong: Well -- so right. This 287(g) conversation started initially with jails
that refused to allow ICE agents to go in and enforce detainer agreements. So,
there's three different 287(g) agreements. There's one for sheriffs. And all 67
sheriffs have signed off on the 287(g) that applies to sheriffs, including the sheriff of
Miami -Dade County. So, technically, we're in compliance with federal law, because
nobody's ignoring the access to the detainees, et cetera. But, just based on the
statute, the governor could determine that we 're a sanctuary city because you're
impeding the police department from cooperating with ICE and going out and
entering into a task force agreement. I did want to say as far as the task force
agreement and reviewing it, the chief is correct that there's a provision of the task
force agreement that says, number one, the officers have to be identified, they have
to be vetted, and they have to go through training. And they also have to be directly
supervised by an ICE agent when they're out enforcing the agreement. From my
perspective as well, I was asked earlier about liability. What happens if we sign this
agreement and our officers go out in a task force? There is some protection built in.
I'll read two paragraphs. One says, except as otherwise listed in this MOA
(Memorandum of Agreement) or allowed by federal law and to the extent required by
the United States Statute, the law enforcement agency will be responsible and bear
the cost of participating LEA (Law Enforcement Agency) personnel regarding their
property or personal expenses incurred by reason of death, injury, or incidents
giving rise to liability, participating personnel will be treated as federal employees
for purposes of the Federal Tort Claims Act and also workers' compensation claims
when performing a function on behalf of ICE as authorized by this MOA. In addition,
it's the understanding of the parties to this MOA that participating law enforcement
agency personnel performing a function on behalf of ICE authorized by this MOA
will be considered acting under color of federal authority for purposes of
determining liability and immunity from suit under federal or state law. So,
basically, what the agreement does is it allows us to, if there is an incident involving
one of our officers who is acting under color of federal law, they'll treat him sort of
as a federal agent. However, typically you have to ask the attorney general, you have
to put them on notice of the claim and ask them to defend you. So, there are some
sort of protections, but there is no indemnity clause or anything like that. There is a
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risk to participating in these agreements and -- from a liability perspective. But the
main thing that 1 wanted to present to you was the application of Florida law and the
potential for the governor saying that by your actions you've created sanctuary
policy.
Commissioner Rosado: Do we have a sense of how many officers would be involved
and what the impact would be on daily operations?
Mr. Morales: That would be a personal management perspective and decision that
we'll make in determination with the administration. But just to give you a
perspective, what the Madam Chair was speaking about, the Sheriff has committed
100 of her Sheriff's deputies, 50 from the patrol services and 50 from investigative
services to serve under the 287(g). I don't think that there's a need for such an
elaborate assignment of personnel for the city of Miami. Knowing that we're a
bustling city, kind of growing and meeting the other needs, I would say that three
officers would suffice, one north, one central, one south, divided among the three
shifts, A, B and C, working in conjunction with the ICE task force. I think it will
suffice, but that's something also that we would have to discuss with the
administration and obviously with the ICE leadership here.
Commissioner Rosado: So, is this three officers at any one time, or we're talking
about --
Mr. Morales: Well say it was three that would be nominated, subject to their vetting,
and trained subsequently be assigned to that task force with ICE Immigration
Services.
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Chief, I think what he's asking is per shift. Three
officers total, but per shift, so it's more than three officers.
Mr. Morales: No, no, three officers total.
Mr. Noriega: Total?
Mr. Morales: Yeah. One for -- one to represent each district of the city.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Wysong: And per the agreement, only those officers that have gone through the
vetting and the training can participate. So, if he designates three, then only those
three, it's not like everybody else joins the taskforce.
Mr. Morales: Correct. The notion that the entire Miami Police Department would be
deputized somehow and be able to go and knock on doors and do a systematic check
of people's immigration status is just not possible and it's something that we
wouldn't consider doing.
Commissioner Gabela: But if we're not a sanctuary city, like the Chairwoman says,
why do we have to? And I'm not saying -- but I don 't get it. I mean, if it's mandatory,
why are we even voting on it? That's my question. Right?
Mr. Wysong: So -- well, the item's on your agenda. And the Governor, through his
task force, and there's -- there was a speaker who came up here earlier that
indicated that if you go to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website and
you look up LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion), there's a mechanism for
citizens to report you all for not complying with the Florida statute. And trust but
verift, I took a look at the site, and indeed it exists there. And I've watched a couple
of the committees of the -- that the Governor put together regarding immigration
enforcement. And when this first started, you may recall, I think a local chief of
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police went on to a local television show and was explaining the whole thing and
almost sort of said that you have to do it, you know. There was some confusion
between the state law says that sheriffs have to enter into these 287(g) agreements.
There's nothing that you can overtly sense in the state law that says municipalities
have to enter into these 287(g) agreements. But what I'm saying is there's a very
strong implication in the law that if you don 't enter into this agreement, it'll be
perceived as hindering the police department from complying with 8 USC 1373,
which is the 287(g) agreement, that's what Fort Myers did, and they got the letter
saying, you know, are you sure you want to do this? And then they --
Commissioner Gabela: But the chief of Fort Myers -- our chief has said that he
doesn't have a problem with the way 1 kind of read your letter, right? So, who says
we're not complying? I mean, the chief has not said to anybody, no, I'm not going to
do this. So, who's going to point the finger and say you're not compliant? Look, my
problem is I'm an immigrant also, so I can't be a hypocrite. I came to this country
when I was six years old and I was lucky enough in the liberty flights, you know.
Now I'm for -- I'm against illegal immigration. I think everybody is, you know, and
this is -- this got out of control during the Biden administration. That's partly why
we're here. Now, the problem that I'm seeing here is that they're also picking up
people that are in the process right now. In other words, the Venezuelans that are
under TPS (Temporary Protected Status), right? And here's the other thing. This is
going to create a huge South Florida problem for the economy here in South
Florida. Now, I'm not one that I want to go against the Governor, you know, if it's
mandatory to do this, but, I mean, I think -- let me ask you this, if we deferred in
waiting for this case to -- and also the President, our president, hinted Friday that he
realized that this was bad for business, okay? And the agriculture, hotel, and other
industries, he was not going to touch for the time being. So, maybe we should wait
for clarification. We're not saying that we're not going to do it. We're not saying
that we're not complying. All we're saying is we're waiting for clarification.
Mr. Wysong: Yeah, to answer your question who will determine whether or not
you're a sanctuary city or we have a sanctuary policy, it'll he the Florida Attorney
General that will make that determination. And as 1 said earlier --
Commissioner Gabela: Well, I wrote one letter. I don't know if I'm going to get the
reply.
Mr. Wysong: As -- as, you know, I said earlier, if the choice is to vote no or to defer,
I would recommend the deferral, so we wait out the litigation.
Chair King: Do I have a motion to defer?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, I'm going to motion to defer or I'll second, but
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) 1 am with the United States government and the Florida
government on the illegal, you know, situation that we have had on our borders. I'm
all for that, you know, but what I don't want to see is people that are -- that have
some status right now, you know, that work in our hotel industry, that transportation,
I mean, the whole gamut, really, you know, restaurant. You know, I went to a
restaurant the other day and it was a long wait, and I asked the owner what
happened, he says, I got no workers, everybody's scared to come, they don 't want to
come, so I'm out of workers. So, this is the reality -- my pool man, he's a Venezuelan
by the way. I told my wife we might lose him, you know what I mean? This is the
reality of the situation that we face here. But we also don't want to go against the
federal government, and we don't want to go against the Governor, right? You know,
that's not what we're saying. So, I think, you know, for me, I think the deferral is the
best way to get some clarification and let the President also say what he's finally
going to do and maybe take it from there. That's me.
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Commissioner Pardo: I just wanted to suggest an indefinite deferral. City Attorney, I
don 't know if you think that works better, just in terms of timing.
Mr. Wysong: Yeah, this case is not -- not on a fast track by any stretch of the
imagination, so that gives us, you know, time, basically.
Commissioner Gabela: By the way, Wysong, I'm sorry to interrupt you again. Chief
is this hampering -- will this hamper your efforts at all of complying?
Mr. Morales: So, Commissioner, currently right now, we do assist any federal
partner that calls for us in a sense of officer safety. So, it won't stop what we're
doing now. And to give you an example, there's 700,000 detainers that were put into
the FCIC (Florida Crime Information Center), NCIC (National Crime Information
Center), the National Search System. If our officers come across one of those, we can
no longer hold the individuals past the time that it would normally take to do a
traffic stop. So, our process right now is, at that time to contact either an ICE -- the
ICE hotline, or one of the county individuals once they get deputized into this
agreement, and ask for them to respond to address that detainer, we cannot enforee
that, right? So, we will continue that policy now.
Commissioner Gabela: The other problem that I have deeply is the people that have
been persecuted in Venezuela, in Cuba, in Haiti, and other parts of the world that
are dictatory in nature. And these people are here now, and those people that really
have legitimate concerns might be sent hack. One of our congressmen this morning, I
think I read it was Mario Balart, wrote a letter to the Secretary of Homeland, Kristi
Noem, that there was a prisoner going back to -- I think it was Venezuela, if I
remember correctly, and also one to Cuba. And we're concerned about that because,
you know, you're talking now about not just going back to a country that the
economy's, you know, in poor, you know, condition, that it's a dictatorship, no
freedom, nothing. We're talking about these people might be tortured, okay, going
hack to those countries. That's the first -- one of the first reasons that they came to
this country, you know. And I'm going to quote my friend, Manolo Reyes, the former
commissioner, and 1 think he said here one time, or said to me, you know, if make a
bad decision -- if I make a decision that nobody likes, I'm going to leave with my
head high, you know, but at least I would have done the right thing. And I in good
conscience cannot, you know, and again, we're not doing this to go against the
federal government. I don't think that's what we're saying here. I think my
colleagues agree that that's not what we're doing. I think we 're being prudent in
waiting to see clarification from the President of the United States, Donald Trunip.
What is the clarity of this? Which way are we going to approach it? And then leave it
to that point and then make a decision after, you know, we get a more concrete
decision.
Chair King: And 1 don't think any of my colleagues are saying that by taking this
action we are a sanctuary city. We are not. We are not a sanctuary city, and Miami -
Dade County ensures that we are not. Like my colleague said, we're not trying to
break the law. We're not trying to break the law. But this city of Miami, all of us are
immigrants. Everybody sitting on this dais is an immigrant. And, you know, this is
particularly troubling. And I don't have an issue with deferring it until we get
clarity, because it is my understanding that it's voluntary. If I'm wrong, that's a
different story. So, until we get clarity, I would support deferring it, but I have to
hear from my colleagues to my right.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you, Chair. I see you all heard from a couple of people
that spoke earlier. I came to America when I was six. I was put in a plane by myself
first time I ever had flown in an airplane and --
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
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Vice Chair Carollo: -- I said I was put in a plane, for the first I ever had flown in a
plane in my, life, and 1 was alone. Imagine at six years old, you're alone. 1 left my
mother crying and crying, that's what I remember, through a glass partition, my,
father holding her. 1 had a small suitcase in one hand and a little bag of soldiers in
the other. And while in the plane, a short flight that seemed forever to me, I kept
trying to not forget a message that my father had given me for someone that was
meeting me in the airport that worked for one of our intelligence agencies here. I
was one of the lucky ones in Peter Pan, Pedro Pan, of slightly over 14,000 that six
months later, I was able to reunite with my parents. Many were not so lucky. Others
took years. They went through a lot of trauma and hurt. I remember the first night
that 1 was brought to sleep. It was in Kendall. And when you're a kid everything
seems bigger. Maybe it wasn't as big as it seemed to me then, but it just seemed to be
a very big place, and it was full of army cops and kids were all asleep in there. I was
the youngest. Two weeks later they sent me to Florida City where there were group
homes. It was in a circle and there were group homes, regular houses with house
parents, that they had 10, 12 of us with each house parent, a couple. I was in such
shock that I had not gone to the restroom for the first two weeks. And when I finally
went to the restroom it -- my stomach hurt so much, but I was lucky because the
house parents knew my aunt, from Cuba. My aunt was a nun and the lady's sister
was also a nun with her in the same convent. So, they had that closeness already
with my family. And since I was six, they took a liking to me and kind of the motherly,
fatherly protection of a young one. I'll share something with you all here that I've
never talked about before. My visa waiver was legit. I mean, I came legally. My
father and my uncle, who was also my godfather, were involved in creating a lot of
fraudulent visas together with one agency from here to make sure that a lot of kids
could get out of Cuba. So many that came then that thought they came legally, it was
a fraudulent visa waiver. They gave me one of the legit ones. It was my father and
uncle that were putting that together. I remember the early years as new immigrants.
When my father -- my parents came in, we lived here for only a couple of months. I
remember going to the elementary school there by my district now. And then we
moved to Chicago where the jobs were at, and I grew up in an America that your
word meant more than signing 20 contracts. You know, 1 enjoyed my childhood in
Chicago. 1 have to say that. And 1 learned a lot about America that until today, 1
carry with me the proudness, the great country that this is. I still remember as young
boy in Chicago when John F. Kennedy was killed. I remember that day vividly in my
mind. I also can tell you that throughout the years, I have done more for new
immigrants to help them in the city. I'll match my record with anybody. Not just from
Cuba, but I've helped so many of them. Just last weekend, I ran into a couple,
doctors. They came from Africa. And I was the first helping hand that did so much
for them here. They still remember. 1'd forgotten a lot. And moving forward, I mean,
I remember the Muriel Boatlift. I had one of my little cousins that came there. I went
all the way to Key West to be able to get her. And then moving forward, in the last
10, 15 years, I can tell you that I've done what 1 doubt that any of our speakers here
today or anybody present here has done to help people looking for freedom be able
to come to our country. I can tell you that in my home I have had for months at a
time Venezuelan families, with little ones, the wives, military men, officers, that
provided a lot of information in the sensitive positions that they were in as to what
was happening over there. Individuals that, if they would be sent back, they could not
go back to Venezuela because it's directly to jail and being tortured, or worse. One
of them, he -- and I can only say this now because his family is out of there, he's out
of there, he was one of seven, only seven, in all of Venezuela that were trained in the
Soviet Union with the missiles they have there, which they have the most advanced
missiles in the Western Hemisphere after the United States. While in Moscow being
trained, one of the group of seven that was with him was a Cuban dressed up as a
Venezuelan. He had a lot of say. Well, we got him out. I've had others. In fact, when
President Biden said that he would allow Venezuelans to apply to leave the country
if individuals here will become responsible for them, I became responsible for one
family because I owed IOUs (I Owe You) to people there that we had gotten out that
still had family left behind, to help them get out. The Venezuelan government has
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apprised me in their intelligence service files as being a terrorist and accused me of
trying to have been a mastermind to have tried to kill former President Chavez and
the narco dictator that we have there. All lies, but nevertheless, it's there. And if they
could grab me in one of their friendly countries, I'd have a one-way ticket over there
not to come back. So, having said that, I've done for immigrants and sacrificed what
few people that have come here and talked have done. So, I understand their plight .
I will tell you that one of the military officers that I helped come here, he's been
waiting for 10 years on his asylum papers, 10 years for a political asylum. It's crazy.
The kids have grown up here. They're, you know, they're part of us. He's bought a
house. He works here. They're going to send this guy back now? It's very difficult.
It's very difficult to comprehend that. And somehow, I feel there has to be a balance
of how things are going to be done, but 1 also know the dangers that our country
faces, the immigration that has come to our country in past years with open borders
in a way that few countries would allow, if any. It's not been just from our neighbors.
It's been from all over the world. We have 100,000 Chinese from Communist China
that have come here, all military age. Are they here for freedom, or are some of them
here for something else? I don't know. We have people from every country in the
world that have come to our country. I remember before President Biden came in
power, we were told that there was only 11 new -- 11 million new immigrants. And
no one believed that. We knew there were more than I million. Then when
President Biden finished his term, we were told that during that during that time that
we had open borders, that there were another 11 million. And we all know that more
than 11 million came. Those were the ones that we caught. How many were not
caught? There's 22 million for sure and the number is probably closer to 30 million,
a little less, a little more. What is the number of new immigrants that we need in our
country for all the jobs that we need here? I don't know what the number is. Do we
need another 30 million to come to the border? Do we need another 50 million,
another 11 million? I don't know. But the bottom line is that whoever was
responsible for a lot of this, and I think it's throughout the years, it's everyone in
Washington, because we haven't had a clear dictate from Washington, we're facing
the situation today in every American city, and particularly frontline cities like
Miami. It's not a happy situation. And I will tell you that 1 will say this to whoever 1
have to, including President Trump, which he knows the majority of the people that
come in are good people. They come in looking for freedom or a better life, for their
.families, or both. I never understood why we sent all our factories and gave China
every deal in the world so that they could become the power they are today,
threatening our liberties. And we didn't send those companies to Latin America, to
Central America. I guarantee you that that would have changed so many people's
lives and we would have so many millions less people that would have wanted to
have left their country. People have left their countries either because of the need to
better their lives and their children's lives because they can't live in their own
countries, or because their countries have been taken over by tyrants that have
bankrupted them and have taken all their freedoms. And that's another area that we
have to look at in this country. We have the Monroe Doctrine that we've ignored.
How can we let a Maduro be in our hemisphere? How can we let an Ortega be
there? Or the situation go on and on inside Cuba. So, I am going to politely disagree
with my colleagues on deferment. I think we have to finally take this head out, but I
respect all of your opinions. I don't think there's anybody here that's right, that's
wrong. I think in one way or another, we probably will feel the same. And certainly,
when I see some of these young kids that have lived here for years that love our way
of life, it -- it hurts because I brought some of them in my own home. They slept in my
house. They lived with me. So, this is not an easy decision for me at all, but I've also
heard what our police chief what our attorney have said, and each of us is going to
have to vote our conscience. But I will respectfully not be voting for a deferment. I
think we have to deal with this one way or another, but I respect the will of the
majority.
Commissioner Gabela: Do you want to make a motion then --
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Chair King: Commissioner --
Commissioner Gabela: -- other than a deferral?
Vice Chair Carollo: I will. You have a motion --
Chair King: We have a motion for deferral. Commissioner Rosado, would you like to
make any --?
Commissioner Rosado: I share the same concerns that everyone has enunciated in
great detail. I have a tremendous amount of faith in our police department. I feel
comfortable with the fact that it is much more limited in scope and scale than 1 think
has been believed to be the case. I also take very seriously the fact that it seems like
on an annual basis we are at risk of losing approximately $20 million and perhaps
as much as 8 more immediately at the state level. I will not be supporting an
indefinite deferral, but I respect the opinions of those that feel that that would be the
right course of action.
Commissioner Gabela: By the way, for the record, mine was not a definite [sic]
deferral, but you know what? I will be joining you if you're ready for a motion to do
the other way around. I will be joining you in light of the situation that has just been
explained.
Vice Chair Carollo: You want to withdraw your motion, Commissioner?
Commissioner Gabela: Yes, in light that you want an indefinite deferral. I don't want
to do an indefinite deferral. I withdraw my motion.
Commissioner Pardo: I'll be happy with any deferral, but just to clarify.
Chair King: So, do I have a motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: I will provide a motion to approve RE.5, based on everything
that I have heard from our police chief, from our city attorney', on the law, on the
scope of what we have done, and what we're going to be doing.
Chair King: Do I have a second?
Commissioner Rosado: Second. And if I could add one more thing. It's something 1
said on the campaign trail, and it's something that I said over a number of years.
Miami is in a very special position in this country, not just geographically, but from
a position of leadership. And I think we should be the model for how to accept this
requirement, or next requirement as it is. And we should lead the way, and other
cities should follow our lead so that everybody is treated as humanely as possible. I
think we have that responsibility. We owe it to the hundreds of people that have
reached out to us. And I think that's -- that's how we should move forward.
Chair King: Commissioner Pardo?
Commissioner Pardo: I would just add, and the reason that I was in favor of a
deferral, withdrawal, anything other than this vote is because, unfortunately, while I
also have faith in our police, this also creates a climate that is -- doesn't work for
our city in many ways, not economically, not as a place that's welcoming to the
world, that's welcoming, you know, to all the regions, and it helps sustain our
economy and our neighborhoods. So, I would rather see us -- since there is a
pending court case, and it could steer us in a different direction, I would rather see
us wait for a resolution from that court case than to move forward and then have our
city join this kind of climate that isn't acceptable to me.
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RE.6
17467
Department of
Police
Chair King: We have a motion and a second. All in, favor?
Vice Chair Carollo: Aye.
Commissioner Rosado: Aye.
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
Chair King: No.
Commissioner Pardo: No.
Chair King: Motion carries, 3 --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And just, for the record, 3-2, with Chair King --
Chair King: 3-2.
Mr. Hannon: -- and Commissioner Pardo voting no.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE THE AUDIT
OF SEVERAL VACANT CIVILIAN POSITIONS, WHICH MAY
IMPACT A BUDGET SAVINGS OF UP TO $73,000.00 OR
INCREASE ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURES OF UP TO $102,000.00
IN AGGREGATE AND REDUCE FULL TIME EMPLOYEES BY
THREE (3) POSITIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") POLICE DEPARTMENT
("DEPARTMENT"); AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE
ANY NECESSARY CHANGES TO ADJUST, AMEND, AND
APPROPRIATE THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 OPERATING
BUDGET, FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN, STRATEGIC PLAN, AND
MULTI -YEAR CAPITAL PLAN REGARDING CITY SERVICES AND
RESOURCES AS NECESSARY, LEGALLY ALLOWED, AND
APPLICABLE IN ORDER TO AUDIT AND CREATE SAID
POSITIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT; RATIFYING, APPROVING,
AND CONFIRMING CERTAIN NECESSARY ACTIONS OF THE
CITY MANAGER AND DESIGNATED CITY DEPARTMENTS TO
UPDATE THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL CONTROLS, PROJECT
CLOSE-OUTS, ACCOUNTING ENTRIES, AND COMPUTER
SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0210
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.6, please see Item RE.1.
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RE.7 RESOLUTION
17510
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT ("LEASE"), IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, BETWEEN THE CITY
AND RMK MERRILL STEVENS LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY ("LANDLORD"), FOR THE USE OF
APPROXIMATELY 250 SQUARE FEET OF OFFICE SPACE
LOCATED AT 881 NORTHWEST 13TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA
33125, FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPERATING AN
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AND PROVIDE SECURE VESSEL
STORAGE FOR THE CITY'S POLICE DEPARTMENT MARINE
PATROL DIVISION FOR AN ANNUAL RENT OF SIXTY DOLLARS
($60.00), FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF ONE YEAR WITH NO
INCREASE IN THE ANNUAL RENT, SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL
TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS MORE SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH
IN SAID LEASE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS AND MODIFICATIONS
TO SAID LEASE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE NECESSARY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0211
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.7, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.1.
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
RE.8
17479
Department of
Finance
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION PURSUANT
TO SECTION 18-111 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), AUTHORIZING THE
PURCHASE OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES ON AN AS -
NEEDED BASIS FROM U.S. BANCORP ASSET MANAGEMENT,
INC. D/B/A PFM ASSET MANAGEMENT ("PFM") UTILIZING THE
CITY OF PALM BAY, FLORIDA, CONTRACT NO. 66-0-2021/SZ
("PALM BAY CONTRACT"), AWARDED PURSUANT TO A
COMPETITIVE PROCESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY
LAWS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES, AS DETERMINED BY THE
CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER, FOR A TERM OF FOUR (4)
YEARS FROM MARCH 1, 2022, THROUGH FEBRUARY 27, 2026,
WITH SIX (6) REMAINING OPTIONS TO RENEW FOR
ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR PERIODS; ALLOCATING FUNDING
FROM VARIOUS SOURCES WITHIN THE FINANCE
DEPARTMENT'S OPERATING BUDGET, SUBJECT TO THE
AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE
TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT, DATED APRIL 1, 2024, WITH
PFM, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, TO
REMOVE THE NOT -TO -EXCEED $50,000.00 CONTRACT LIMIT;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING RENEWALS,
EXTENSIONS, OR AMENDMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS, PRIOR BUDGETARY APPROVAL, AND
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY
CODE, INCLUDING, THE CITY OF MIAMI'S PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL
INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18
OF THE CITY CODE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY
FOR SAID PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0212
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.8, please see Item RE.1.
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Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
RE.9 RESOLUTION
17505
Liberty City
Community
Revitalization Trust
RE.10
17702
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE AMENDED
BUDGET OF THE LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
TRUST, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "D," IN
THE AMOUNT OF ONE MILLION, TWO HUNDRED FORTY-THREE
THOUSAND, EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO AND 00/100
DOLLARS ($1,243,882.00) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2024, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER
30, 2025.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0213
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.9, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.1.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING A GRANT PREVIOUSLY
AUTHORIZED FROM THE MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY ("MIAMI DDA") PURSUANT TO CITY RESOLUTION
NO. R-23-0279 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,200,000.00
TO THE CITY OF MIAMI TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED
WITH ENHANCED POLICE SERVICES WITHIN THE MIAMI DDA
AREA FOR THE PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, OR
UNTIL FUNDS ARE EXHAUSTED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY
THE ATTACHED FORM, OR ANY AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0214
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.10, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.1.
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Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
RE.11
17720
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO TERMINATE THE EXISTING
AGREEMENT FOR THE AUDIT OF THE BAYFRONT PARK
MANAGEMENT TRUST ("TRUST"); AUTHORIZING THE TRUST TO
DIRECTLY PROCURE THE SERVICES OF AN EXTERNAL
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A FORENSIC AUDIT, IN
COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, INCLUDING THE
CITY'S PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, THE ANTI -DEFICIENCY
ACT, AND FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.11, please see "Order of the
Day."
RE.12 RESOLUTION
17627
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RESCINDING
RESOLUTION NO. R-24-0133, ADOPTED ON APRIL 11, 2024,
PROPOSING THE NAMING OF THE UNDERDECK PROJECT AS
THE "REVEREND EDWARD T. GRAHAM GREENWAY" AND
REPLACING IT WITH A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE NAMING
OF THE UNDERDECK PROJECT AS THE "REVEREND EDWARD
T. GRAHAM HERITAGE TRAIL" IN HONOR OF HIS
EXTRAORDINARY LEGACY AND ENDURING IMPACT ON THE
CITY OF MIAMI; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, WITH FDOT FOR SAID PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0215
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.12, please see Item RE.1.
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RE.13
17532
Office of the City
Attorney
RE.14
17694
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY MONICA
BUSTILLO AND ERIC DENIS, WITHOUT ADMISSION OF
LIABILITY, THE TOTAL SUM OF $175,000.00 IN FULL AND
COMPLETE SETTLEMENT OF ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS, INCLUDING ALL CLAIMS FOR ATTORNEYS' FEES,
AGAINST THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND ITS OFFICERS,
AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES IN THE CASE STYLED MONICA
BUSTILLO AND ERIC DENIS VS. CITY OF MIAMI, ET AL.,
PENDING IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, CASE NO. 1:24-CV-22462-
JB, UPON THE EXECUTION OF A GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS BROUGHT UNDER 42 U.S.C. § 1983
AND STATE LAW PENDING IN FEDERAL COURT AND A
DISMISSAL OF THE CITY AND ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND
EMPLOYEES WITH PREJUDICE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM
ACCOUNT NO. 50001.301001.545010.0000.00000.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0216
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.13, please see Item RE.1.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION WAIVING
THE TEN (10) DAY PER ORGANIZATION, PER YEAR SPECIAL
EVENT MAXIMUM WAIVER FOR EVENTS ON THE PUBLIC
PROPERTY PURSUANT CHAPTER 52/ARTICLE I OF THE CODE
OF CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "SPECIAL
EVENTS/SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT" TO ALLOW FOR THE
RESERVE PADEL MIAMI SPECIAL EVENT WHICH IS HELD AT
1000 MACARTHUR CAUSEWAY, TO CONTINUE FROM MAY 22,
2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0217
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.14, please see Item RE.1.
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RE.15
17687
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ANY AND ALL STEPS
NECESSARY TO ENTER INTO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY OR OTHER LOCAL
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY, AS APPROPRIATE, IN ORDER TO
REFER ALL NON -CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING
VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), OF SITTING CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY") ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR INVESTIGATION IN ORDER
TO AVOID ANY PERCEIVED CONFLICTS IN ANY SUCH
PROCESSES; FURTHER DIRECTING THAT THE INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE CITY
COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL WITHIN NINETY (90) DAYS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0218
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
NAYS: Carollo
Chair King: We have RE.15 that was pulled for discussion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Commissioner, Chairwoman, should I say, can we go to the
main items that we have on the agenda today, then leave some of these that are
lesser for the end. We have some key items here that we need to deal with that have
been the main items that have been discussed by many today, and I'll be here until
late like most of you will.
Commissioner Gabela: You know, Commissioner, I can go ahead and defer these to
the next meeting. It's not a real emergency, but 1 just wanted to touch base because
you weren't here, Chairwoman, and the reason, without going into details, why I
wanted to create this MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), okay? Commissioner
Carollo, about three years ago, created a resolution that the City of Miami Police
Department, the Chief or anybody, could not investigate us, the commissioners. And
a situation transpired where the commissioner from District 3 did not like a report
that I gave on the Bayfront Trust. And as a consequence of that, he instructed his
chief of staff to go after me with code enforcement when I had provided proof to the
city attorney and to others that I have zero violations on all my properties'. And just
because of this fact -- and I'm doing this as politely as I can without, you know, a
shouting match or any of this thing. Okay, I think that if it's like now, I say to you I
don't like something that you vote on, Madam Chair, you report, and I say to Art,
Art, would you please go investigate the Chairwoman? Because I think she's got
some stuff on her properties, you know, and of course, this has happened before with
the same gentleman in question. And so, my three properties, there was an order
given to the city manager. The city manager calls me and tells me that he's got to
investigate my properties. And I said, what are you talking about? He goes, yeah,
because Commissioner Carollo complained that you have violations on your
property. And I went ahead, and I instructed nay staff to go to the MRC (Miami
Riverside Center), I also called George Wysong, and I said I want to give evidence
that I have zero violations in my properties, okay, any of my properties, okay, at this
time. And he spoke about fast boats in the back of my property, that there was a limit
on how much I can have. And I responded that, number one, I don't think he knows.
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But number two, this isn't right that, you know, I say now, I don't like something that
Commissioner Rosado does and 1, you know, tell Art, you know what, I want you to
go investigate, you know --1 mean -- and he, on the radio, unfortunately, admitted
that he had done it because of the report that I had given on the -- what I found to
the Bayfront Trust. So, in other words, there's no merit really why he gave this order
to our city manager. And what I'm doing with this is saying, you know what, in the
future, let's not do this. If he has a problem and he thinks I'm doing something I
shouldn 't be, let's take it to a third party and let that third party, you know, do its
investigation, I'm fine with that. But I'm not fine with, you know, what has happened
here in the past and that's why we now have lawsuits. I'm not fine by somebody
going out on a law-abiding citizen, which, you know, that I know I pay my taxes, 1
pay my taxes on time. You can go check me out in Miami -Dade County, okay? You
can do all this, and you'll see that 1 have no problems, but yet, he wanted to make
something out of it. Now, what I found out, and I don't want to get into this either,
but I got to say it, what I found since he threw a stone, you know, when he has a
glass ceiling, that he had violations, 8 prior violations, and his reads like a redacted
CRA [sic] document where everything, it says here -- it says here exempt from public
disclosure. In other words, you can't see any of the stuff that he has. I don't care
what he has, to be honest with you. That's not my point, because I'm not like that.
I'm not petty, because I don't like something that, you know, you -- you know, your
opinion or whatever, or you didn't vote for something, whatever it is, I'm going to go
after you. Art, let me ask you a question. Has there ever been a time that I've said to
you, I want this political retribution that you felt that I was asking you to commit
political retribution on any of my colleagues or anybody at all?
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Never filed a complaint in any way, shape, or form
against anybody else. I mean, in terms of your, you know, any request or direction.
Commissioner Gabela: Right. My nature is not that. My nature is not that, okay?
And when you called me -- and by the way, you didn't tell me until the day after, you
know. Because he filed the complaint at 12 something, 15 minutes before I was to
start the Bayfront Trust meeting. I didn't get notified of what he was doing until the
day after, I guess you had a dilemma. You know, 1 understand that you're between a
rock a hard place, but the point is, this shouldn't be used -- this shouldn't be
allowed, okay, in city government, where we weaponize the government against
ourselves. And I will simply forget about the subject, very simple. Let's create an
MOU like he did with the police department years prior, saying that you know what?
You got a problem, take it to the county and the county can refer a third party, FDLE
(Florida Department of Law Enforcement), whatever. This is a -- by the way, it's a
non -criminal thing. But anyway, 1 think I've proved more than sufficient that 1 don't
have problems in my -- in my properties. I gave this as evidence about a week ago,
okay, and I also submitted his stuff you know, and then the other thing is, you know,
I don't think, okay, that because I have to report as my due diligence that 1 should be
paying the price again for something, okay, that I'm sent to report. Because what
we're talking about, two different items here. He is mad because I reported on the
Bayfront Trust, which is a public entity, with public dollars, taxpayer dollars. My
properties, okay, is private property, okay? As long as I pay my properties and I
maintain my stuff, and you know, I don 't have any violations, okay? I don't see, you
know, the correlation here other that he is trying to commit political retribution
against me because he didn 't like something that I reported. Plain and simple. It's
here and he's done this before. So anyway, if anybody would like to take up this
resolution, okay, so this doesn't happen again --
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman?
Commissioner Gabela: -- okay --
Chair King: May I --
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Commissioner Gabela: -- so we can't do this to each other, I'd be happy to take it.
And let me just say, RE16, which 1 know he's going to talk about, that I'm
subpoenaing his District 3 chief of staff. Now, I mean no harm to your chief of staff,
Commissioner Carollo, okay? But after all, you did do it through him. And I just
want to ask him, has he been to my house? Did he have permission to go in my
house? What did he see in my house? Okay, that's what I want to ask him. I don't
want to put -- I don 't want to press down the man. I don't want to insult him. I don't
want to, you know, bad mouth him. But after all, you know, if he -- I need to identify
who's the complainant. Is it him or is it you? Because you're not supposed to give
the city manager a direct order. And what you did was you circumvented the system
and you used him as a conduit. And that's the reason, Madam Chair, that I'm doing
the R16 [sic] which is a subpoena, but you know what? If you guys don't want to
take that up today, the subpoena can be done another day. That's not an emergency
thing for me. So, you know, and the resolution was for so this never happens again.
That we can't do this to each other. It's not correct, it's not professional. And I agree
with him. When he went to the City of Miami Police Department about three or four
years ago and he said -- and he created an ordinance and said the police
department, the chief cannot investigate us, the commissioners. Okay, I think he's
right. Okay, it should be done through a third party. It should be done through
FDLE. In other words, a report can be made and FDLE or somebody else, any other
entity, can follow through. And this is the same thing that I'm doing here, so our
code enforcement, okay, cannot be weaponized against any of the commissioners
here, that's all. I'll leave it there.
Chair King: Okay --
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman?
Chair King: Mr. Manager?
Mr. Noriega: Yeah, I just -- I want to clarify a couple things so that we're crystal
clear on kind of what has transpired or has not transpired. The complaint came from
Commissioner Carollo himself basically, right?
Commissioner Gabela: Right.
Vice Chair Carollo: Not basically.
Mr. Noriega: No, it did. But 1 mean, there's an implication that because his chief of
staff sent the e-mail. He was clear it was from him.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, so then you know what, withdraw the -- I don't have to
then, if he admits it, then 1 don't have to -- let's save the time and 1 don't have to,
because I want to establish -- sorry.
Mr. Noriega: Let me -- just let me finish, because I think it's important to say this,
okay? I've been in this job a little over five years, and I can say without question,
without a shadow of a doubt, Commissioner Carollo has never given me a direct
order to do anything. Right? He's very respectful of the charter. He has always been.
He had every right to file this complaint. The code allows for it. By the way, he put
his name to it. He didn't hide behind anyone else. He didn't do it anonymously. And
in reality, I have an obligation to comply with the complaint.
Commissioner Gabela: Are you in a lawsuit right now because of this same thing?
Are you not in a lawsuit on him because of this same behavior right now? Right now,
the City of Miami is facing millions of dollars because of what he did to other
people, which is now he's doing to me. And I'm surprised that you yourself, okay, do
not realize what's going on here. If you tell me --
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Mr. Noriega: No, no, no, I'm just -- all I'm --
Commissioner Gabela: Okay. I'm sorry.
Mr. Noriega: You've got to let me finish.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay. Yes.
Mr. Noriega: All I'm doing is stating the facts, right? I'm just trying to be clear so
that everybody understands kind of what -- the other situation you're referring to
relative to the litigation, in all fairness, yeah, yeah, I'm a party to that litigation and
quite frankly, by the way, I think we had merit in what we did. Absolutely, I would go
into that rabbit hole 100 times out of 100.
Chair King: I believe the City Attorney wants to say to you that we are not to discuss
this case that's in litigation, so we can 't discuss the case, Commissioner.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, no I'm not -- okay, okay, scratch the case.
Chair King: So, we can't discuss the case.
Commissioner Gabela: So, Art, you feel comfortable -- no, you feel comfortable
going to my house --
Mr. Noriega: No.
Commissioner Gabela: -- because he told you that I have violations --
Chair King: Commissioner? Commissioner?
Commissioner Gabela: You feel comfortable?
Chair King: Commissioner, that's not --
Mr. Noriega: I'm going to get there.
Chair King: Commissioner; that's not what he was saving. That's not what he was
saying, and if the City Attorney can chime in --
Commissioner Gabela: No, but I'm asking the question.
Chair King: No, no, if the City Attorney can chime in on receipt of a complaint
irrespective of where and who files the complaint, the manager is obligated to do
what?
George Wysong (City Attorney): So, the issue is a complaint came in. It's an
allegation. That's all it is. It's not a violation, it's an allegation. The City Manager
received the allegation, and it's his -- he can't just ignore allegations of code
enforcement violations, whether he wants to or not. And I credit him for sort of
striking the hornet's nest by actually reaching out to the commissioner to let him
know that an allegation had been filed against his property, but the Manager was in
a tough spot, in that once an allegation comes in, he has to -- it his duty under the
code to investigate.
Commissioner Gabela: And did I not submit evidence that I have zero violations
about a week ago? Did you not give me that information also? Did I not submit that
evidence? Is that into evidence now?
Mr. Wysong: So, the issue is right now we've got an allegation that's pending.
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Commissioner Gabela: Right.
Mr. Wysong: Typically, when a code --
Commissioner Gabela: So, you made an allegation and I responded and said, here it
is. Here's the records from my property. What do you see there?
Mr. Wysong: Right. So, typically, when a code enforcement allegation occurs, an
inspector goes out to verify whether or not there is a violation. We don't know if
there's a violation on your property or not officially because it's never been
inspected by a code inspector.
Commissioner Gabela: But why does it have to be inspected? Why does it have to be
inspected? Am I a criminal here?
Mr. Wysong: That's --
Chair King: Commissioner.
Commissioner Gabela: Why don 't we inspect your house?
Chair King: Commissioner.
Commissioner Gabela: Why don't we inspect your house, Art?
Chair King: Commissioner.
Commissioner Gabela: No, but -- but come on.
Chair King: Commissioner.
Mr. Wysong: It's nothing --
Commissioner Gabela: You guys wouldn't like this to be done to you.
Chair King: Commissioner, no, no -- commissioner, but we --
Commissioner Gabela: Rosado wouldn't like it. He wouldn't like it. Come on.
Chair King: -- we don't have control over that.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay.
Chair King: If -- if a citizen files a complaint on any of us, and neighbors file
complaints against their neighbors. The Code Department is obligated by law to
follow up with all complaints, irrespective of who -- faceless, faceless, nameless, you
know --
Commissioner Gabela: Got it. I can't believe that you guys are going to cover this
up. I just can't believe it.
Chair King: I'm not -- I'm not -- we're not covering anything up. They're just
explaining to you the process. It's not -- it's not the process against you. It's a
process against everyone.
Commissioner Gabela: No, you're right. You're right. So, Art. Art, right now, am I
committing anything wrong by telling you right now here in front of these people that
I want you to investigate his house because I believe his house has violations from
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the future, which I got it right here because I got his violations. His violations are
here. Mine's are here. Can 1 do that? Am 1 violating anything right now by me
telling you that? No? Okay --
Chair King: Well, it depends on if you want us to pass your legislation.
Commissioner Gabela: -- then take it -- then take it as what he did to -- he said to
you, take the same thing. And I want his house also, because you're telling me he did
everything by the book, right? And I just asked you, if I tell you this, am I doing
something wrong? So, if I'm not, Art, now I'm telling you that I suspect because of
this book here, where ladies and gentlemen, he blacked it out, nobody knows what's
going on here, okay? It's a cover up. 1 want him now investigated. Is that going to
happen, Art?
Chair King: Commissioner?
Commissioner Gabela: Are you going to investigate him?
Chair King: Commissioner, Commissioner.
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, no, no, no.
Chair King: No, no, I'm just --
Commissioner Gabela: I want to know. I want to know.
Chair King: -- I'm just saying Commissioner Rosado wants to make a statement.
Commissioner Rosado: I do.
Chair King: Commissioner Rosado?
Commissioner Rosado: 1 do. You know, I've been on the administrative side of these
kinds of things, and it's very sensitive when elected officials are involved and there's
any sort of code allegation. I support directing the Manager to create an MOU so
that we send these things out to avoid these kinds of challenging situations.
Commissioner Gabela: To avoid any conflict of interest. That's what I said. That's
what 1 wanted to do. Go ahead and investigate me. But it ain't going to be his code
enforcement like what happened to other people. That's not what's going to happen.
I'm not stupid. They're going to go over there and they're going to invent something,
okay, because that's what's happened in the past. It's been allegated [sic]. You --
your opinion is not that, and his is something else, but that's okay. And what I'm
saying to you guys, you want to investigate me, go ahead and investigate me, okay?
Go ahead and do it. But you know what? Do it through a third party. That's all I
said, Art. That's all I said.
Mr. Noriega: Well -- well, but if you had let me finish from the very beginning --
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, go ahead. I'm finished.
Mr. Noriega: -- and I would have gotten down to the end result was, I absolutely
concur it should be an independent entity, whatever that may be. The resolution as
proposed, right, which gives direction to the administration to find another
intergovernmental or municipal entity, that's going to be, I've said it, I said it when
we did the briefings, that may be very difficult to do. Because other -- everybody that
we've reached out to, right, has had an unwillingness to participate. There is
another alternative, right, which is a private entity. There are companies that have
filled in for cities from a code enforcement perspective. They send their employees
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out so they're independent of the city. It's not a city employee that's going out there.
They do all the services of a code enforcement inspection, right, based on our code,
and they report back. That would be a reasonable, right, amendment to the
resolution. I think it would give us a little more flexibility, because I just don't think
we're going to find another municipal entity that's willing to do it.
Chair King: So, the amendment would be and/or, either an intergovernmental --
Mr. Noriega: Correct.
Commissioner Gabela: Well, here's -- here's --
Chair King: -- agency or a private entity.
Commissioner Gabela: Right, 1 understand. But here's the thing, if you're in my
shoes. Okay, here's the thing. Okay, I suspect you have a different opinion, but I
suspect, okay, that I'm being targeted. And I have -- I've got a pretty good, you
know, and you guys know why, I'm not going to get into it. I suspect that I'm being
targeted, and I will not let myself put into that position because I don't know who has
a -- that's why I wanted the county to do it, okay, why? Because you've got 13
commissioners, it's very hard fbr somebody to know somebody and then do the, you
know, do the unthinkable. Okay, I don't understand, okay, why, if I have given you
already, okay, and I said to you, okay, fine, here's my violation, right? I have zero,
but he has a lot. I don't understand why now you got to go to my property or
anybody, okay, like if I'm a delinquent, okay, like if I'm a delinquent and I did
something, okay, which I'm not. And in light of what has transpired here in the past
in the millions of dollars just because of this, because of the same thing that's
happening here, you guys cannot -- you know the sun is out, you cannot cover the
sun with one.finger my friend. This has already happened. We're in litigation now. In
fact, today we were having a shade meeting just because of this, just because of this.
Okay, and you mean to tell me --
Chair King: Corning close --
Commissioner Gabela: -- that oh --
Chair King: Coming close, Commissioner.
Commissioner Gabela: -- no --
Chair King: Coming close.
Commissioner Gabela: -- he's got good reasons, Carollo 's got good reasons --
Chair King: Coming close.
Commissioner Gabela: -- to do this to me, but -- but Madam Chair, come on.
Chair King: No --
Commissioner Gabela: Put yourself in my position.
Chair King: I am, but I'm just cautioning you --
Commissioner Gabela: Okay.
Chair King: -- because Kevin got back up. He really wants us to not discuss
litigation. You can say anything else --
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Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, of course. He wants me to be quiet because Kevin's
house is not being investigated.
Chair King: No, he just --
Commissioner Gabela: Kevin's house is not being investigated.
Chair King: -- doesn't want you to discuss litigation that the City is in.
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, but I'm not going into discussion of what the details
are. I said what's truth and what you can't cover. The sun is out. Everybody knows
what's happening here. Everybody knows what's going on, you know. And I'm not
saying anything new. Nothing's being learned here new. Okay, so if you're in my
shoes again, okay, you got to think, okay, you got to think that gee, he's got the best
intentions for me. You know, oh, he knows, and here's the funny part, he's been to
my house. He had dinner at my house in 2019, okay? In 2019, he and his wife,
Marjorie, came over to my house because he was thinking of supporting me that
year, okay? Why didn't he say anything then? Okay, why now? When he admitted on
the radio that the reason he was doing that, and you should take this to note, Art,
because he admitted on the radio, we got the recording, that the reason he was doing
that, okay, this is because he didn't like -- because I had political retribution against
him, (FOREIGN LANGUAGE) is what he said on the radio, meaning, meaning that
he's telling you why he did it. There's no merit to what he's talking about.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman, how long?
Commissioner Gabela: He just told you -- we have that recording.
Commissioner Rosado: Madam Chair?
Vice Chair Carollo: How about me then?
Commissioner Rosado: 1'd like to --
Chair King: Hold on. Hold on. We -- we let you speak. We, you know --
Commissioner Gabela: Let's move to vote.
Vice Chair Carollo: 1 haven't spoken at all.
Commissioner Rosado: Yeah.
Chair King: No, no, I'm saying --
Commissioner Rosado: I'd like to call the question.
Chair King: -- you were saying how -- you were saying how --
Commissioner Gabela: Call the question.
Chair King: -- we let you speak when you're speaking because he says the same
thing, how long, how long. So, I let -- I let you speak, and I don't interrupt, so I'm
going to let him speak, and I don't interrupt.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay. I know you didn't.
Chair King: And I'm not saying how long, how long. No, I'm not doing that to any
one of you, but we -- you know, we have to be fair. We can't say to each other how
long, how long, when it's you or him or what have you.
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Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, but I'm not making an accusation --
Chair King: No, no, no --
Commissioner Gabela: -- on him. I'm not sending Code over there, people, come on.
Chair King: -- I'm saying -- no, I'm siding with you, sir. Commissioner Rosado, do
you want to say something else?
Commissioner Rosado: I'd like to call the question.
Vice Chair Carollo: No.
Commissioner Gabela: Call the question.
Vice Chair Carollo: Hold on, gentlemen.
Chair King: Hold -- Commissioner Carollo wants to say something.
Vice Chair Carollo: I -- I have been accused by Mr. Gabela --
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- on one thing after another here, and so has my staff been
accused, wrongly. I purposely had asked, Chair, to leave these items towards the end
Chair King: And it just fell into --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- so that we could deal with the important part of the meeting
and not all this other smoke and mirrors, but --
Commissioner Gabela: That you started.
Vice Chair Carollo: Listen, I didn't interrupt you, sir. I kept my mouth shut, as much
as I wanted to say something at different times. So, I politely ask you to let me speak.
The history of this city has been, recent history, three commissioners that complaints
were filed, not even filed at the time, just people pulling in, have had code sent to
their homes. Commissioner Sarnoff Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla in his home,
and yours truly. When your friends say you're defending him, called anonymously
that 1 was doing construction when there was no construction whatsoever, and every
neighbor around me stated so, the city manager sent someone to verify that and
looked. When the report was there was no construction or anything else, someone
told the city manager to go after me. And the city manager, the code that you say that
I control, that 1 don't control anybody there, on the contrary, the city manager at the
time, that I found out months later because someone talked, finally, they didn't even
know that they had gone to my house. The city manager assigned the lady that's in
charge of the trees to lead a taskforce to my house to find anything that they possibly
could. And what they found out was that there was a carport that didn't have
permits, built before I bought the house. There were carports there built before I
bought the house. There was a small roof deck that wasn't permitted and that was
also there when I bought my property, both of them. Yes, I did put a two foot trellis
in my fence. I didn't think that I had to get a permit for that because it didn't meet
the threshold of $500, but I was told that I needed a permit. Well, I didn't complain. I
took everything down and then inspectors were sent again to veri that I had
complied. And I didn't ask for all this. Now, the difference of what was approved by
this commission in the past with the police to code enforcement, is night and day.
You're not comparing apples to apples, oranges to oranges. When the police
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investigate, these are criminal -- potentially criminal investigations. That's why this
commission's policy was for it to be sent outside. Code is different, it's civil. Most of
the time, you can see clearly what's there. Now, Mr. Ortiz, at the risk of getting
subpoenaed in this here too, can you show what we sent the Manager or what we
have? Okay? This is the river inlet --
Commissioner Gabela: It's a shame --
Chair King: Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Commissioner Gabela: -- I didn't bring pictures of the code violations --
Chair King: Wait. Wait.
Vice Chair Carollo: Excuse nee. Excuse me.
Commissioner Gabela: -- because I have pictures of violations --
Chair King: Wait.
Vice Chair Carollo: Excuse me.
Chair King: Wait. Both of you --
Commissioner Gabela: -- but you see where he's going with this?
Vice Chair Carollo: Excuse me.
Chair King: Both of you --
Vice Chair Carollo: Look, this is the proof.
Chair King: Wait. Wait.
Commissioner Gabela: What proof?
Chair King: Commissioner?
Commissioner Gabela: What proof, my friend? What proof? You're crazy --
Chair King: Commissioner --
Vice Chair Carollo: Well -- what proof?
Commissioner Gabela: You're crazy.
Chair King: Wait. Sir --
Vice Chair Carollo: These are not boats that are there?
Chair King: I'm going to -- I'm going to cut off the mics. I'm going to cut off the
mics. Let me speak.
Commissioner Gabela: All right, I want to put a picture on. I want to put a picture
on.
Chair King: Is -- is this -- is this a regurgitation of a special commission meeting
that Commissioner Pardo chaired? If it is, I'm going to stop it right now. I'm going
to stop it right now.
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Vice Chair Carollo: No, but -- but hold on.
Chair King: We have so much work to do --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, but --
Chair King: We have so much work to do --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- he just called me a liar.
Commissioner Gabela: No, I called you the truth.
Chair King: No -- no --
Vice Chair Carollo: That he was in compliance.
Chair King: I understand -- I -- no --
Vice Chair Carollo: So, we cannot --
Chair King: -- he didn't -- he did not --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- present our side? Of course he did.
Chair King: -- he --
Commissioner Gabela: How many times are you going to present my map of my
house --
Chair King: Oh my, listen -- listen --
Commissioner Gabela: -- violating my family's right to privacy?
Vice Chair Carollo: What privacy?
Commissioner Gabela: Have I -- have I said your address?
Vice Chair Carollo: That's a violation there, sir, that you're trying to hide.
Commissioner Gabela: How about you? How come I can't see yours?
(MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON)
Chair King: This meeting is in recess.
Vice Chair Carollo: Can you put the other one?
Commissioner Gabela: How come I can't see yours?
Vice Chair Carollo: The cars, the cars. Put the cars.
[Later...]
Chair King: At this time, I am calling to order the City of Miami Commission
meeting for June l7th, 2025.
Commissioner Gabela: Madam Chair, can I call the question, up or down, to create
the MOUso this doesn't happen again?
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Chair King: Yes, please, sir. Do 1 have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: Do I have a second? This -- Commissioner Rosado, this is for RE.15. I'd
like to entertain the friendly amendment that the Manager proposed with regards to
getting an interlocal agreement and/or a contract agency in case he's unable to
identify an interlocal agency to independently investigate --
Commissioner Gabela: I -- I don't want to --1 like the County idea, okay?
Chair King: Uh-huh.
Commissioner Gabela: That's good enough for me, you know, and that's where I'm
at.
Chair King: Oh, okay.
Commissioner Gabela: If you guys want to vote up or down --
Chair King: No, no, no, no, ifyou don't want it, I'm fine.
Commissioner Gabela: No, I don't want it, I don't trust it. I trust the County They
can do all the investigations they want. I don't have a problem. I'm not guilty of
anything, you know, so that's where I'm at, but it'll be fair and then that I trust.
Chair King: Okay --
Commissioner Pardo: I'll second.
Chair King: The only reason why I said that is because the Manager said that they
had been trying to get someone and they didn't show any interest in doing it.
Commissioner Gabela: Tell him to try harder.
Chair King: I understand. I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
Commissioner Pardo: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Hold on --
Chair King: Hold on.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- hold on, hold on. This is not -- my question is, how are we
going to deal with the public in this, the individual that has a small home that gets
cited by code on a daily basis, and if they don't comply within 30 days, they're being
threatened that they're going to fine them all kinds of money. They're petrified that
they're going to lose their home. And they have to comply quickly. It's been a month
since this has happened, and the resolution is talking about 90 days more. I mean,
there has to be a balance. Are we going to be above the residents of Miami? Are we
going to have the special treatment that our residents don't get? And that's the point
that I'm trying to make.
Commissioner Gabela: You mean like you got?
Vice Chair Carollo: This is not -- no, I didn't --
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Commissioner Gabela: The cover up.
Vice Chair Carollo: --1 did not get anything.
Chair King: Please don't. Please don't -- please don't --
Vice Chair Carollo: I did not get any special treatment, sir.
Chair King: Please don't go back and forth with each other.
Commissioner Gabela: It's right here.
Chair King: Please do not --
Vice Chair Carollo: What? There what? There's nothing there.
Chair King: Okay, don't -- please don't --
Commissioner Gabela: It's right here. You want to take a look at it? It's right here.
Do you want to look at it?
Chair King: Please don't go back and forth with each other.
Commissioner Gabela: Take it to him. Take it to him --
Vice Chair Carollo: Listen.
Commissioner Gabela: -- take it to him. I'll get another.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. There's no special treatment there that got --
Commissioner Gabela: No, there isn't? How do 1 know?
Vice Chair Carollo: -- and you know it darn well.
Commissioner Gabela: How do I know? It's covered up.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, yeah, you know what, sure.
Commissioner Gabela: Because you say it? You're worth -- your words are worth
nothing to me.
Chair King: Okay, there --1'm being advised --
Vice Chair Carollo: Chair?
Chair King: -- there's' enough -- there's been enough debate and --
Vice Chair Carollo: But my -- my question --
Commissioner Gabela: So, let's call the question up or down.
Chair King: Hold on. Hold on.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- my question, Chair --
Chair King: Hold on.
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Commissioner Gabela: Let's call the question up or down. He doesn't have to vote
on it like --
Chair King: Hold on, hold on, hold on.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- my -- no, my question is --
Chair King: The question is?
Vice Chair Carollo: -- I don't care if I got the vote or not, what matters is what
process are we going to follow? Are we going to make ourselves above the residents
of Miami, that anybody that gets cited has to take action immediately, or are we
going to get the special treatment that we get months before the first inspector can
come and look at anything?
Commissioner Gabela: So, why did you do that with the police department is my
question.
Chair King: Excuse me.
Commissioner Gabela: I'll tell you what, let's take off your ordinance with the police
department.
Vice Chair Carollo: Sir. Sir.
Chair King: Can you tell him --
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, no, but he's asking a question.
Vice Chair Carollo: Didn't you hear -- didn't you hear before --
Commissioner Gabela: Why did we do it with the police department?
Vice Chair Carollo: -- what I said?
Commissioner Gabela: Because apparently they didn't want to be investigated.
Vice Chair Carollo: Maybe you're deaf
Commissioner Gabela: I'm telling you --
Vice Chair Carollo: Maybe you don't understand.
Chair King: I 'm -- listen --
Commissioner Gabela: No, yeah, I understand, you did it to cover yourself
Chair King: Listen. Listen.
Vice Chair Carollo: Cover myself in what?
Chair King: Please. Please.
Commissioner Gabela: Same principle, sir.
Chair King: Please, please, please.
Commissioner Gabela: Same principle.
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Chair King: Through the Chair. Do not speak directly to each other. Speak through
me and do not speak while one or the other is speaking because nothing gets done.
We are wasting our residents' time.
Commissioner Gabela: You're right.
Chair King: There's an issue before us. It has a motion and a second. All in favor?
Commissioner Gabela: Ave.
Commissioner Pardo: Aye.
Commissioner Rosado: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Nay.
Chair King: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Now --
Chair King: Commissioner Rosado?
Vice Chair Carollo: Can we --
Chair King: Aye.
Mr. Hannon: So, the motion passes --
Chair King: Passes 4-1 --
Mr. Hannon: -- 4-1 with Commissioner Carollo voting no, as is.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chair?
Chair King: As is.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chair; can we go to the items, as I requested before --
Chair King: So, let me --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- this happened that are important --
Chair King: -- okay, let me --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- to the city?
Chair King: All right. What I'm going to do is I'm going in order because every item
is important to the city. If we want to hold the items that you've pulled for discussion
'ill last, I'm fine with that. Let's run through the agenda for the items that are non-
controversial. Let's get those over with. How about that?
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RE.16
17688
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, PURSUANT
TO SECTION 14 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TO ISSUE A SUBPOENA TO WILLIAM
ORTIZ, CHIEF OF STAFF FOR COMMISSIONER JOE CAROLLO,
TO APPEAR BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION ON JUNE 12,
2025, FOR THE PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATING OFFICIAL ACTS
AND CONDUCT OF A CITY OFFICIAL.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item RE.16 was deferred to the Jane 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Gabela: Let me -- let me just say this, Commissioner.
Chair King: I have a motion to defer --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): The remainder of the agenda.
Chair King: I have a motion to defer --
Commissioner Gabela: Because --
Vice Chair Carollo: It's a motion.
Chair King: -- the rest of the agenda. I have --
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Chair King: -- a motion to defer.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, but can I just say real quick, if you want to remove me
Vice Chair Carollo: Move. My God, he keeps going and going and going.
Chair King: No, no, no, no.
Vice Chair Carollo: Can I bring violins next meeting?
Chair King: You -- you guys can take -- you guys can take -- you can take this up --
Commissioner Gabela: Look at yourself in the mirror, man.
Chair King: You guys can take this up --
Commissioner Gabela: Why don't you look at yourself in the mirror before you start
talking?
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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RE.17
17645
Commissioners
and Mayor
Chair King: The City Attorney --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And that'll be for the June 26th meeting.
Chair King: 26 meeting.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE AMENDED
BUDGET OF THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST,
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A", IN THE
AMOUNT OF THIRTY MILLION, ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE
THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO DOLLARS
($30,123,752.00) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING
OCTOBER 1, 2024, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item RE.17 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.17, please see Item RE.16.
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RE.18
17646
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI COMMISSION,
AUTHORIZING THE ACCESSING OF THE CITY OF HOLLYWOOD
("HOLLYWOOD") CONTRACT NO. RFP-045-23-SK- CITYWIDE
MICRO -TRANSIT SERVICES, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-111
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("CITY CODE"), WHICH WAS COMPETITIVELY SOLICITED AND
AWARDED TO CIRCUIT TRANSIT INC. ("CIRCUIT TRANSIT") FOR
AN INITIAL TERM OF ONE (1) YEAR WITH THREE (3)
ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR OPTIONS TO RENEW; SUBJECT TO
ANY EXTENSIONS AND/OR REPLACEMENT CONTRACTS BY
CITY OF HOLLYWOOD; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE
VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS OF THE USER DEPARTMENTS
AND AGENCIES; SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
AND EXTENSIONS; SUBJECT TO ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL HAVING BEEN
PREVIOUSLY MADE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CODE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, THE CITY OF MIAMI'S PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL
INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18
OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0219
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.18, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.1.
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RE.19
17332
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("CHARTER"), FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE SPECIAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD CONCURRENTLY WITH THE GENERAL
ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 4, 2025, PROPOSING, UPON
APPROVAL OF THE ELECTORATE, TO AMEND SECTION 4(B) OF
THE CHARTER, TITLED "FORM OF GOVERNMENT;
NOMINATION AND ELECTION/ELECTION OF MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION; TERMS OF OFFICE; RECALL," TO ESTABLISH
THAT NO PERSON WHO HAS BEEN ELECTED OR APPOINTED
TWO (2) TIMES TO THE OFFICE OF MAYOR OR COMMISSIONER
SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR REELECTION TO THAT OFFICE
DURING THEIR LIFETIME; FURTHER PROVIDING THAT THE
MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION'S TERM LIMITS ARE
MEASURED RETROACTIVELY FROM THEIR FIRST ELECTIONS
OR APPOINTMENTS; FURTHER PROVIDING THAT UPON
APPROVAL OF THE ELECTORATE, THIS AMENDMENT WILL BE
IMMEDIATELY EFFECTIVE AND APPLIED TO ANY CANDIDATE
LISTED ON THE NOVEMBER 4, 2025, ELECTION BALLOT.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0220
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
NAYS: King, Carollo
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.19, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)" and Item FR.4.
Chair King: Okay. RE.19?
Vice Chair Carollo: Hold on. Let's --
Commissioner Gabela: RE (Resolution) which one?
Chair King: RE.19 is lifetime term limits.
Commissioner Gabela: Oh.
Commissioner Pardo: Lifetime term limits.
Chair King: I've already spoken on it.
Commissioner Gabela: RE.15?
Chair King: 19.
Commissioner Pardo: No, RE.19.
Commissioner Gabela: Sony, sorry.
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Commissioner Pardo: I can go, you know, I can say basically it says that a
commissioner gets eight years, no more, that's during their lifetime. They can't come
back at any other point in time. Same with the mayor, they get eight years, they can't
come back. The longest time period you could serve the City of Miami is 16 years.
It's retroactive. I already explained that. Similar to the city of Miami Beach, it's
been tested in the Third District Court of Appeals. It was upheld, the retroactivity,
and that this has very, very broad support, because even when I was knocking on
doors during my campaign, people would say, I don't understand how these people
are still there. How do they keep coming back? And the thing is an incumbent --
Chair King: But --
Commissioner Pardo: -- but wait, let me -- let me just finish this.
Chair King: Wait, let me just say one thing, because you just said all of that. You
were knocking on doors, not in the districts that are reelecting these folks. And we do
have term limits. We serve two terms, and then we have to leave. Joe Carollo has
been -- not Joe, Frank Carollo has been out of office for eight years. If he comes, you
didn't knock on doors in District 3, you knocked on doors in District 2. And District
2 has the right to elect who they want and District 3 has the right to elect who they
want. If Commissioner Gort wanted to come back and run, he should be able to. He
hasn't been in office for I don't know when.
Commissioner Pardo: May I finish?
Chair King: That's not -- that is not, again, that is not our place. And because you
said you knocked on doors and that's what they said, you knocked on doors in
District 2. You didn't knock on doors in District 5.
Commissioner Pardo: May I finish?
Chair King: Go ahead.
Commissioner Pardo: Because that wasn't the point. The point was that what people
said time and time again is when you're an incumbent and you already have name
recognition, you already have the context to fundraise, you already have the ability
and the knowledge of the institution, you're at very much of an advantage to
everybody else in that race. So, it's very difficult to have an even playing field, and
that's why people want term limits. They want new faces, new ideas. They want more
innovation from their city, more accountability. Those are all the reasons that people
talk about.
Chair King: Your argument is flawed. Go look at Commissioner Audrey
Edmondson's financial reports. She couldn't raise any money. She was out of office
for four years. Dr. Barbara Cary-Shuler gave me the best advice when I was
considering running for office. She said, you must have something other than public
service in your life, because when you're no longer a commissioner, you no longer
hold that title, people stop taking your calls. People stop calling you. You ask any
commissioner who has served and is out of office, and they will all tell you the same.
No one calls you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Wouldn't that be nice?
Chair King: No one calls you. No one returns your calls. That's it. It's not -- look at
her campaign report. She had name recognition; she was in office for 16 years. She
barely could raise any money, and they didn't vote for her. That -- your argument is
flawed. Most electeds would tell you the same thing. I was a proponent of term
limits. Every time term limits came before the city of -- Miami -Dade County, I voted
in favor, because they were in office 16, 20, 24 years. That can't happen here. You
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can't serve consecutively for 20 years, 24 years. You can serve for four years, then
you can serve for a second four. And then you have to go. And the person that takes
the seat after, unless they're doing a horrible job, you're not going to come and get
them out. Because the voters voted for them. I'm not going to say anything else. I am
not in favor of this. I do not think it's fair. It doesn't speak to the entirety of the city
of Miami. Again, if Commissioner Gabela serves his two terms, and he sits out two
terms, and he wants to come back because he doesn't have anything else to do, and
he loved what he did, and he wants to serve again, and his district elects him, they
should have the right to do so.
Commissioner Gabela: Commissioner Gabela will be 69 at that time, okay?
Chair King: But I'm just saying --
Commissioner Gabela: Commissioner Gabela will ride into the sunset.
Chair King: I'm just saying, you'll go to Shangri-La as well. I'm just saying. Anyone
else want to chime in on this?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes --
Commissioner Pardo: No.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- yes, yes.
Chair King: Commissioner -- Vice Chair?
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. Just to amuse everybody a little bit at least.
Commissioner Pardo, you said one of the reasons that you also have this is that this
way, someone would not take a seat as a caretaker when they're appointed, like has
happened here, for a short time, then they run, correct? You're going to cure it with
that. However, how about people that, like Commissioner Rosado, he's got about
two and a half years of Commissioner Reyes's old term. He didn't get appointed. He
wasn 't a caretaker. He ran and got elected. Going back, which will be 24 years this
November since I was mayor; and I stayed out. for 16 years before I decided to come
back and run. But my first term, the mayor at the time had died, Steve Clark, he had
a year and a half left, and I ran for that year and a half so my first term was a year
and a half And it was a different form of government. The mayor then was like a
commissioner, he had a vote, but he was called the mayor. Then 1 got elected for the
other four years. So, you keep talking about the eight years, but I only had five and a
half years, but I'm a Carollo, so that's why this -- that's why you wanted it done.
Now, let's go into how convenient. You want people that might have institutional
knowledge and that the only ones that should have the right to decide if they want
them or not are the voters, to be out the door, but why aren't you concerned about
term limits for influence peddlers, so-called lobbyists. I mean, you got one of your
close ones back here. They don't get term limited. You don't have pillars of the
community like we had here in Mr. Putney that got term limited. Not even Little Billy
gets term limited. No matter who comes and goes, they're around. So, who's going to
run government if you don't have at least part of the people that have the
institutional knowledge, that have the knowledge of running government? Your
buddies, the lobbyists, the influence peddlers, they're the ones that are going to be
running the show everywhere. You know, I'm amazed that you're so concerned that
you have to get it done here now, but you're not concerned about the county. You're
not concerned about the state of Florida, the state reps, state senators, you're not
even concerned about your Congress people, that can keep running and running.
Only the City of Miami is the problem. The bottom line is that by what you want to
do, you are going to hurt government, not help government. You will be taking a lot
of knowledge from government and that knowledge will only go to the influence
peddlers so they can enrich themselves more because it takes a full term for a
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commissioner to really, for the most part, not all, to really get to speed. And these
are going to be the people running government 100 percent at City Hall, but look, we
both know that you never really intended this because he knew how to count, and you
know the votes weren't there. So, you know, you threw this out so that the other one
could pass, but you knew this one was going to -- not going to go anywhere. So, I've
said my piece, the -- this whole concept that by banning people, lifetime, no matter if
they serve one day in one term and four years in the other, that's called the Carollo
Amendment. It applies to me and to Frank. And why Frank? Well, after you guys
divided up and chopped up District 3, which is the only district chopped up that way,
so that Carollo cannot get elected and someone more attuned to your liking can get
elected. My God, even after all that happened, Carollo gets elected. And you know
well that you don't have a candidate that could beat Frank, not even close. That's
why you want to knock him out. You know, this happens in places like Venezuela,
these left -leaning countries, that new people in government come in and what is the
first thing they want to do? They want to change the Constitution. And it's not for the
betterment of the people. It's for their own protection. And my God, the minute you
came into office, you started talking about this. But I remember one of the first things
you said then was that you wanted to put a charter committee. What happened to
that charter committee? It never happened. So, all of a sudden is that you've got this
overwhelming support of people that are demanding this. But it's got to be now. It
can't be done through the process after November. You can't put it to a vote in the
November election for the future. No, it's got to be now. And I think I stated why it
has to be now. Well, anyway, this is not a surprise to me. I so stated it beforehand.
And there's no hard feelings with any of my colleagues there. You know, you vote
whichever you feel you have to, but please don't ask me to play dumb. That's the
only thing that I ask.
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, can we call the question?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, can 1-- can 'just say one --?
Chair King: Commissioner Rosado gets a chance to speak.
Commissioner Pardo: Oh, I thought he --
Commissioner Gabela: I'm sorry.
Commissioner Pardo: -- said --
Commissioner Rosado: Yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: No, no, I'm done.
Chair King: Oh, you're --
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm done.
Chair King.• Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah. Commissioner, do you want to go? So, I just wanted to
say, again, I've heard what the commissioner said, but with all due respect, I seem to
find everything that he said, you know, funny, because actually in 2023, okay, where
again, I say it, okay, what was it then that you were trying to eliminate Gabela by
moving my house out of the district? Was that -- can I make the same argument out
of that you and your friend Portilla got my -- and folks --
Vice Chair Carollo: No, no, no.
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Commissioner Gabela: -- they didn't -- they not only -- they didn't go three blocks to
disguise anything. They went to Lawrence Waterway Canal, which is where I have --
where he's talking about where 1 have my boats. And right there's where they drew
the line, okay? Right there. A Martian came and told, right here is where you draw
the line, and then meanwhile, his house got accommodated. Ask him where he lives
now. He lives in Coconut Grove, okay?
Vice Chair Carollo: That's right.
Commissioner Gabela: And he's the commissioner for D3 (District 3). You guys
know how that happened? Because we had to make a deal, okay? We had to make a
deal because he wanted to continue and spend money on legalities, taking the ACLU
(American Civil Liberties Union) to the end, and then everybody was in limbo. And I
was the one, by the way, that offered the olive branch to him and said, you know
what, Commissioner, let's take care of this problem, okay, and let's grandfather you
in, okay, so you can stay at your house. But right now, he's the commissioner of D3
and he doesn't live in D3. You know what I mean? So, to hear you tell him all that,
that you just -- I just got to go like this and, I mean, I can't believe the things I'm
hearing here. You know, the double standard here is something else. But Madam
Chair, I do hear what you do have a legitimate concern. Okay, I hear what you had
to say. But you know what? I'm going to take a chance with you, okay? And I'm
going to vote with you on that lifetime. And then maybe we can negotiate, then later
on, maybe it doesn't have to be two -- maybe it doesn't have to be lifetime. Maybe it
could be three term limits. I don't know. I mean, maybe we can negotiate.
Commissioner Pardo: Can I call the question?
Chair King: Do I have a motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: Just one last statement.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: There were things that were said.
Chair King: One -- one --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, real quick.
Commissioner Pardo: Yeah.
Chair King: One last statement.
Vice Chair Carollo: There were four people that voted here on the changes to the
districts. Commissioner King was one. I was another. Commissioner Reyes was one.
Commissioner Gabela: Commissioner Reyes -- but --
Vice Chair Carollo: Besides Mr. Dias de la Portilla voted for those changes.
Commissioner Gabela: No, you're right.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes, he did.
Commissioner Gabela: By the way, you know who called me?
Vice Chair Carollo: No, please.
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Chair King: Let him finish.
Vice Chair Carollo: Please.
Chair King: Let him finish.
Vice Chair Carollo: You always want to interrupt me.
Chair King: Don't -- don't -- don't raise your voice.
Commissioner Gabela: No, I'm not going to interrupt you.
Chair King: Don't raise your voice. Let him finish.
Vice Chair Carollo: Enough. Enough.
Chair King: Don't raise your voice. Don't raise your voice. Let him finish. Don't
raise your voice.
Commissioner Gabela: No. Go ahead.
Chair King: Go ahead.
Vice Chair Carollo: Now, in -- why did the court, federal judge, said that I could
stay here? Because my district was -- my home was in the new district fbr a long time
before itgot put back. The day that this body voted to agree to what they wanted, the
same day the Supreme Court of the United States had another case, I believe it was
South Carolina --
Commissioner Pardo: By the way, I second the motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- that stated, basically in a case, that the City's position was
correct. But since the district that was being sacrificed, chopped up, was only
District 3, they didn't care. But now, even with a chopped -up district, they can't
handle it. So, you got to come back and chop it up even more. Chop up the whole
city.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, can I --
Vice Chair Carollo: All right.
Commissioner Pardo: I have a motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Can 1 conclude?
Chair King: I have a motion -- I have a motion and a second.
Commissioner Gabela: But just -- just -- this is real quick. Real quick.
Chair King: Okay, real quick.
Commissioner Gabela: I'm going to be brief
Chair King: Real quick.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, real quick. Okay, the late commissioner, may he rest
in peace, Manolo Reyes, so you all know, was the one that actually called me and let
me know that my house was being cheated on and moving out of the district, okay?
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So, this was done on purpose. And you know this, full well, okay? This was done on
purpose, okay?
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: Furthermore, okay?
Vice Chair Carollo: Easy to say that now.
Commissioner Gabela: That's all I have to say.
Chair King: Okay. Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: Nah, that's what happened.
Vice Chair Carollo: It's easy to say that now, but he voted --
Chair King: But even if --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- he voted --
Chair King: He voted for it --
Commissioner Gabela: That's -- that's why you --
Vice Chair Carollo: He voted for it.
Chair King: But -- but -- okay, okay.
Commissioner Gabela: -- DeGrandy an indemnification.
Chair King: That's it. That's it.
Commissioner Gabela: Because he knew -- he knew there'd be trouble.
Chair King: That's it. That's it. That's it. You're back in. You're in the district.
You're here.
Commissioner Gabela: Yes, ma'am. A lot of hard work. By the way, I won three
times against the City of Miami. Three times 1 won. Three times the City of Miami --
Vice Chair Carollo: Oh, my God.
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: -- took me to task. You --
Chair King: I have a motion --
Commissioner Gabela: -- that you're talking about the Supreme Court --
Chair King: -- I have a motion and a -- I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
Commissioner Pardo: Aye.
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
Commissioner Rosado: Aye.
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Chair King: No.
Vice Chair Carollo: No. No.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): So, I need to get a determination as to what the vote
is. Commissioner Rosado, you were an aye?
Commissioner Rosado: Yes.
Chair King: RE.19.
Vice Chair Carollo: RE.19.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Carollo, you're a no.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm a no.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner King, you're a no.
Chair King: No.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Gabela was a yes?
Commissioner Gabela: I'm a yes.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Pardo, yes. So, the motion passes 3-2.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Rosado, you voted yes, correct?
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Commissioner Rosado: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: Just clarifying. So, 3-2, Commissioner Carollo, Commissioner King
voting no. 3-2, the motion passes.
Chair King: Okay. Guys, the hour is late.
Commissioner Gabela: I'd like to defer the three ones that 1 have. It's not important.
Chair King: Do 1 have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Of --
Vice Chair Carollo: I -- I would defer everything else that I have and I think we
could finish, unless there's something pressing, because --
Chair King: I would ask your indulgence, because I have to travel tomorrow
morning. My dad's funeral is Friday. I have to go back to Georgia. So, if we could
defer everything else.
Commissioner Gabela: Let's defer. I'm in agreement with that.
Chair King: Do I --
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RE.20
17605
Commissioners
and Mayor
RE.21
17637
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, BY A FOUR -
FIFTHS AFFIRMATIVE (4/STHS) VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION
54-137 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), WAIVING THE RESTRICTIONS
RELATED TO THE CODESIGNATION OF NAMED STREETS
CONTAINED THEREIN AND CODESIGNATING "CHARLES
TERRACE" BETWEEN JEFFERSON STREET AND SOUTHWEST
37TH AVENUE AS "GERALD TINKER WAY" TO HONOR THE
CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF GERALD
ALEXANDER TINKER; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK
TO TRANSMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO
THE HEREIN DESIGNATED OFFICIALS; PROVIDING FOR AN
IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0221
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.20, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.1.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION PURSUANT
TO CHAPTER 52/ARTICLE I/SECTION 52-2(H) OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "SPECIAL
EVENTS/SPECIAL EVENTS IN GENERAL; DURATION AND
LIMITATIONS; CITY COMMISSION WAIVER/SPECIAL EVENTS ON
CITY OF MIAMI PROPERTY"; TO WAIVE THE TIME LIMITATION
OF TEN (10) SPECIAL EVENTS PER YEAR PER LOCATION FOR
THE SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE AT THE
CITY OF MIAMI PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3385 PAN AMERICAN
DRIVE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM JUNE 1, 2025 TO DECEMBER 31,
2025, WITH CONDITIONS AS STATED HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0222
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.21, please see Item RE.1.
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RE.22
17644
Commissioners
and Mayor
RE.23
17628
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION EXTENDING
THE TEN (10) DAY PER ORGANIZATION, PER YEAR SPECIAL
EVENT MAXIMUM WAIVER FOR EVENTS ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT
OF WAY PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 52/ARTICLE I OF THE CODE
OF CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED, "SPECIAL
EVENTS/SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT" FOR THE DOWNTOWN CUP
SPECIAL EVENT BEING HELD CURRENTLY THROUGH JUNE 18,
2025.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.22, please see "Order of the
Day."
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO CONDUCT A CITY-WIDE ASSESSMENT
OF TREE AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND THE
SUBSEQUENT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES TO ENSURE
BEST PRACTICES AS DIRECTED HEREIN; FURTHER
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO REPORT BACK TO THE
CITY COMMISSION WITHIN ONE HUNDRED (180) DAYS TO
CONFIRM WHETHER THE CURRENT PRACTICES REGARDING
TREES AND THE ENVIRONMENT ALIGN WITH BEST PRACTICES
AND IF THEY DO NOT, TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS ON
HOW TO IMPROVE BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
PROCESSES.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.23, please see "Order of the
Day."
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RE.24
17647
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
REALLOCATING FUNDS, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF TWO
HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS
($250,000.00) ("FUNDS") FROM PROJECT NO. 40-B40715,
DISTRICT 5 CAPITAL RESERVE AND RE -APPROPRIATING SAID
FUNDS TO RENOVATION OF DILAPIDATED STRUCTURES IN
DISTRICT 5 PROJECT NO. 40-B183135; RATIFYING,
APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING CERTAIN NECESSARY
ACTIONS BY THE CITY MANAGER AND DESIGNATED CITY
DEPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO UPDATE THE CAPITAL PLAN,
RELEVANT FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS
IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, FOR PROJECT CLOSE-OUTS,
AND FOR GRANTS AND OTHER FUNDING SOURCES IN
PROGRESS IN CONNECTION HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO
EFFECTUATE THE ALLOCATION TO THE ARK OF THE CITY,
INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION, TO
COMPLETE THE REHABILITATION OF THE JOB TRAINING
PROGRAM AT LOCATED AT 1302 NORTHWEST 54 STREET,
MIAMI, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0223
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.24, please see Item RE.1.
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RE.25
17742
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
("AGREEMENT"), IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND
AUYANTEPUY INVESTMENTS, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY ("SELLER"), FOR THE ACQUISITION OF
REAL PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS FOLIO NUMBER(S) 01-4138-
003-2280, 01-4138-003-2270, 01-4138-003-2260, 01-4138-003-
2250, 01-4138-003-2240 AND 01-4138-003-2150, LOCATED AT 901
SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET, 925 SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET, 939
SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET, 955 SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET, 965
SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET AND 922 SOUTHWEST 7TH STREET,
MIAMI, FLORI DA (COLLECTIVELY "PROPERTY"), FOR A
PURCHASE PRICE OF FOURTEEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($14,500,000.00); FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE AN ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
("ASSIGNMENT"), IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, OF THAT CERTAIN LEASE AGREEMENT ("LEASE")
DATED DECEMBER 1, 2022, BETWEEN SELLER AND SELLER'S
EXISTING TENANT, SANPOCHO RESTAURANT INC., A FLORIDA
FOR PROFIT CORPORATION ("TENANT"), RESIDING ON A
PORTION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 901 SOUTHWEST
8TH STREET AND 925 SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET ("LEASED
PREMISES"); FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO SAID
AGREEMENT, ASSIGNMENT AND LEASE, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE NECESSARY
TO EFFECTUATE SAID ACQUISITION; AND, FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ALLOCATE ELEVEN
MILLION NINETY SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY
ONE DOLLARS ($11,096,371.00) PURSUANT TO SECTION 62-642
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("CITY CODE"), UPON THE CITY MANAGER'S
RECOMMENDATION, FROM THE PUBLIC BENEFITS TRUST
FUND, ACCOUNT NO. 10095, TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
TRUST FUND, ACCOUNT NO. 14008.910101.4810000.0000.00000;
APPROPRIATING IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ELEVEN
MILLION NINETY SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY
ONE DOLLARS ($11,096,371.00) FROM THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING TRUST FUND TO BE USED FOR THE ACQUISITION OF
THE PROPERTY; FUNDING FOR THE ACQUISITION SHALL NOT
EXCEED FOURTEEN MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED NINETY
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($14,790,000.00) WITH FUNDS BEING
ALLOCATED, APPROPRIATED, AND AWARDED FROM DISTRICT
3 MIAMI FOR EVERYONE PROGRAM FUNDS TRUST FUND IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION THREE HUNDRED
SEVENTEEN THOUSAND SEVENTY DOLLARS ($1,317,070.00),
FROM THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ELEVEN MILLION NINETY SIX
THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY ONE DOLLARS
($11,096,371.00), AND FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
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EXCEED TWO MILLION THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY SIX
THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY NINE DOLLARS
($2,376,559.00) FOR A COMBINED TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED FOURTEEN MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED NINETY
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($14,790,000.00), TO COVER THE COST
OF SAID ACQUISITION, INCLUSIVE OF THE COST OF SURVEYS,
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS, TITLE INSURANCE, SECURING
THE PROPERTY, PROJECT SIGNAGE AND ALL RELATED
CLOSING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID ACQUISITION, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE
AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE ANY
CHANGES TO ADJUST, AMEND, AND APPROPRIATE THE CITY'S
OPERATING BUDGET, FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN, STRATEGIC
PLAN, AND MULTI -YEAR CAPITAL PLAN, AS NECESSARY AND
APPLICABLE, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
RESOLUTION; AUTHORIZING, RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND
CONFIRMING CERTAIN NECESSARY ACTIONS BY THE CITY
MANAGER AND THE DESIGNATED CITY DEPARTMENTS TO
UPDATE THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL CONTROLS, PROJECT
CLOSE-OUTS, ACCOUNTING ENTRIES, AND COMPUTER
SYSTEMS IN CONNECTION HEREWITH.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0224
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.25, please see Item RE.1.
END OF RESOLUTIONS
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EM - EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
EM.1 ORDINANCE Emergency Ordinance
17700 AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY
COMMISSION, BY A FOUR -FIFTHS AFFIRMATIVE VOTE,
Office of the City
Attorney AMENDING CHAPTER 37 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "OFFENSES -
MISCELLANEOUS," TO REPEAL SECTION 37-6, TITLED
"AGGRESSIVE OR OBSTRUCTIVE PANHANDLING PROHIBITED,"
IN ITS ENTIRETY; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14367
MOTION TO: Adopt as an Emergency Measure
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AN EMERGENCY MEASURE
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item EM.1 passed as an Emergency Ordinance with two roll
calls. For the first roll call, a motion was made by Commissioner Gabela, seconded
by Commissioner Pardo, and was passed unanimously. The second roll call to pass
EM.1 as an Emergency Ordinance is reflected above in the vote result box located
underneath the enactment number.
Chair King: So, let's move on --
Vice Chair Carollo: That's what I've asked.
Chair King: -- to EM.1. This must be read by the City Attorney. The title must be
read by the city attorney.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm sorry, what item is that?
Chair King: EM.1.
Vice Chair Carollo: EMI?
Chair King: Yes, EM.1.
George Wysong (City Attorney): EM.1, ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair King: Do I have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: Second?
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
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The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Wysong: All right, I have to read it again.
Chair King: Wait, did Commissioner Rosado -- you voted?
Commissioner Rosado: I voted.
Commissioner Pardo: Yeah, Commissioner Rosado --
Chair King: Okay because I don't -- I don't -- I was looking this way. Motion carries
unanimously, requires a second reading and a second vote.
Mr. Wysong: Yes, Madam Chair. EM.1.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair King:: May I have a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Chair King: Second?
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
Mr. Wysong: Thank you.
END OF EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
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SR - SECOND READING ORDINANCES
SR.1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
17552
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 52/ARTICLE I/SECTION 52-4 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
"SPECIAL EVENTS/SPECIAL EVENTS PERMITS/APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTS," TO ADD THE DEPARTMENT OF RESILIENCE
AND PUBLIC WORKS FEES FOR USE OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT-
OF-WAY; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14368
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Chair King: Mr. City Attorney, would you please read for the record the ordinances,
second reading ordinances titles?
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yes, Madam Chair. SR.1, second reading.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: SR.2.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: SR.3.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: That is all the second reading items.
Chair King: Gentlemen, any of the second reading items would you like to pull for a
discussion? May I have a motion?
Commissioner Pardo: So moved.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE).
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair? Chair? So, for SR.2, SR.2 is to be amended
pursuant to a substitution memo dated June 11, 2025. Thank you, Chair.
Chair King: Thank you. I have a motion and a second for SR.1, SR.2 as amended,
and SR.3. All in favor?
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The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
SR.2 ORDINANCE Second Reading
17378
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 36/SECTION 36-4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
"NOISE/OPERATION OF RADIOS, PHONOGRAPHS, OR OTHER
SOUND -MAKING DEVICES; BANDS, ORCHESTRAS, AND
MUSICIANS —GENERALLY, EXEMPTION" AND CHAPTER
36/SECTION 36-5 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "NOISE/SAME —
HOURS OF OPERATION OF JUKEBOXES, RADIOS, ETC.;
EXEMPTION FOR EVENTS ON CITY -OWNED PROPERTY;
RELAXATION," TO CREATE ALTERNATE HOURS FOR
RESTRICTIVE TIMES AND ALTERNATE DISTANCES FOR
SOUND FOR THE MIAMI RIVERSIDE SPECIALTY DISTRICT;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14369
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item SR.2, please see Item SR.1.
SR.3 ORDINANCE Second Reading
17578
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 54/ARTICLE I/SECTION 54-3 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, AS AMENDED, TITLED "STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS/IN GENERAL/PERMIT REQUIRED FOR WORK THAT
OBSTRUCTS OR CLOSES A STREET, SIDEWALK, OR IMPEDES
TRAFFIC; FEES; WAIVER OF FEES," TO PROVIDE FOR WAIVER
OF PERMIT FEES FOR SINGLE-FAMILY AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PROJECTS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14370
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item SR.3, please see Item SR.1.
END OF SECOND READING ORDINANCES
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FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
17629 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Office of Zoning CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 2, TITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/DEPARTMENTS/PLANNING, BUILDING AND
ZONING DEPARTMENT," BY ESTABLISHING SECTION 2-214,
TITLED "ANCILLARY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) COMPLIANCE," TO
INTRODUCE REGISTRATION AND COMPLIANCE
REQUIREMENTS FOR ANCILLARY DWELLING UNITS; FURTHER
AMENDING CHAPTER 10/ARTICLE V, TITLED "BUILDINGS/CODE
RELIEF PROGRAM," BY ESTABLISHING SECTION 10-77, TITLED
"ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) AMNESTY PROGRAM," TO
INTRODUCE AN AMNESTY FOR EXISTING ANCILLARY
DWELLING UNITS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
rMOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Chair King: Mr. City Attorney, would you please read the titles of the ordinances for
first reading items?
George Wysong (City Attorney): First reading -- yes, Madam Chair. First reading,
Ordinance 1, FR.1.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: FR.2, first reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: That's it for the FR (First Reading) items.
Chair King: Colleagues, are there any of the items for FR, the first reading items?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): I'm sorry, Chair. Mr. City Attorney, did you read
FR.4 into the record, the title?
Mr. Wysong: Oh, I'm sorry. I stopped at FR.3.
Chair King: Oh, okay.
Mr. Wysong: I didn't see FR.4. I apologize. Madam Chair, FR.4, first reading.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair King: Thank you. Just one second. We cannot vote on FR.2 until we vote on
PZ.12. FR.3 was deferred. So, we only have FR.1 and FR.4 in play, and I would
think that we want to pull FR.4 for discussion.
Commissioner Pardo: Yes.
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Chair King: So, can 1 have a motion for FR.1?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Rosado: I actually was going to pull FR.1. I think it's important and I
think the public would be interested in hearing more about it.
Chair King: Pull for discussion?
Commissioner Rosado: Pull for discussion, just for an explanation for the sake of the
public 's understanding.
Chair King: Okay. So, well come back to all the FRs.
[Later...]
Vice Chair Carollo: You've got FR.4 next.
Chair King: Okay. Let's go with FR.4.
Commissioner Pardo: Can we do -- Madam Chair, do you mind if we do RE.19 with
FR.4? And that -- because they're somewhat -- there's a relationship.
Chair King: Let's do FR.4, and then --
Commissioner Rosado: And we didn't --
Chair King: -- because I'm going backwards. I'm going --
Commissioner Rosado: Yeah, I was going to say -- yeah --
Chair King: Oh, wait.
Commissioner Rosado: -- FR.1.
Chair King: We pulled FR.1 for discussion? Commissioner Rosado?
Commissioner Rosado: Yeah, I -- if yogi could explain it to us, Ms. Frost, because it's
a topic that comes up quite a bit.
Tamara Allen Frost (Zoning Administrator): So --
Commissioner Rosado: Ancillary dwelling units.
Ms. Allen Frost: So, FR.1 is actually the companion item to the ancillary dwelling
unit legislation. So, a -- this would be a registration for properties that do have
ADUs (Ancillary Dwelling Unit). And the amnesty program, which is I think one of
the biggest programs, is to allow for the existing properties that have ADUs that
weren't permitted to go through an amnesty program and be registered. A lot of
them are built there illegally without permits and so forth. So, we will try to assist
them through that process as like a pilot program.
Vice Chair Carollo: But how many square feet does this involve? I thought there was
a limit on it.
David Snow: Right. David Snow, Planning Director. So, the square foot for the ADU
that is separate from the house itself the independent standalone, that is 800 square
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feet max, and that is based -- based on your lot area that you're available to build
that. So, it's a percentage of the lot areas, but the maximum is 800 square feet.
Vice Chair Carollo: And that has to be separate from the house?
Mr. Snow: That is correct. Now, this legislation does allow for an attached ADU as
well. The substitution memo that you all received has a max of 500 square feet for
the attached.
Vice Chair Carollo: That's what I remember. Seeing something of 500, but that's
attached which means it's part of the actual dwelling.
Mr. Snow: Correct.
Vice Chair Carollo: But you could only have one or the other, right?
Mr. Snow: Only one or the other.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, and the 800 it's the max but it depends on the size of your
lot, so it could be --
Mr. Snow: Correct and the structure -- your existing structure on the lot.
Vice Chair Carollo: My next question is can someone build a unit in a lot that don't
have one, an ancillary, dwelling?
Mr. Snow: Could you repeat that?
Vice Chair Carollo: Can someone go ahead and build an ancillary dwelling in their
lot if they don 't have one?
Mr. Snow: So, this legislation would allow for new construction ofADUs.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. All right, and it would have to meet all the setbacks and
everything as a regular construction.
Mr. Snow: Correct, yes. This establishes a whole list of criteria that have to be met.
Vice Chair Carollo: All right.
Chair King: And we made the legislation tighter to protect residential areas.
Mr. Snow: Yes, so the substitution memo also includes to remove the T3-R portion.
So, this would apply to T3-L, 0 and T4 properties.
Chair King: I did that for Commissioner Reyes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. But let's put it in layman's terms. Residential, duplex,
what else?
Mr. Snow: So --
Chair King: Not duplex. And it has to be a homestead property.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. Homestead property.
Mr. Snow: Homestead.
Chair King: Homestead property and --
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Vice Chair Carollo: And single family.
Chair King: Single-family --
Mr. Snow: Right. Single -- right.
Chair King: -- homestead property. This isn't to --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Chair King: -- make a buck. This is --
Vice Chair Carollo: Exactly.
Chair King: -- to -- middle --missing -- missing --
Vice Chair Carollo: It's not for investors.
Chair King: No.
Mr. Snow: No. No, the homestead property is the kicker.
Vice Chair Carollo: Question. What happens if the homestead property is sold and it
doesn't become homestead anymore?
Mr. Snow: Right.
Vice Chair Carollo: An investor company buys it, and this is what's happening in a
lot of our districts. You're having corporations from outside of Florida buying up all
the residential homes and they're renting them. So, what happens if that home that
has an auxiliary up to 500 feet inside, or they have 600, 700, 800 square feet outside,
and it's no longer a homestead and is sold?
Mr. Snow: So, the code amendment allows for the annual review. That's part of the
registration process. So, the homesteaded property owner agrees to allow for that to
be reviewed annually. If the property is sold, that registration would be required for
the new owner. If it's an investor, they would not be eligible for that registration and
the rental of that ADU.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, so let's say they have the maximum, 800 square feet
auxiliary building. What can that building be used for, storage or what?
Mr. Snow: They can use it for storage. They could use it for man cave. They could
use it for something else. But they could not rent it out to a renter.
Commissioner Rosado: Or a woman cave, to be fair.
Mr. Snow: Right, either or.
Commissioner Pardo: Or nongender.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. It's got safeguards, even though I don't know how it's
going to be enforced if a homesteader sells it to an investment company, but it's got
safeguards to the best that we can. Okay.
Mr. Wysong: Madam Chair?
Chair King: Yes?
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Mr. Wysong: I just want to clarify something. There is no substitution on this -- on
FR.1.
Chair King: No.
Mr. Snow: No, no, no.
Chair King: No, that was too --
Mr. Snow: I was referring to the PZ --
Mr. Wysong: Okay.
Chair King: Right.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, a lot of that is going on now, so we're just legalizing what
is not legal today.
Chair King: Yes. Okay, do I have a motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: Motion.
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Chair King: I have a second?
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair King: Motion and second; all in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
17606
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/DEPARTMENTS/PLANNING, BUILDING AND
ZONING DEPARTMENT," MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING
SECTION 2-211, TITLED "DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF
CERTIFICATE OF USE," BY RESTRICTING CHAPTER 10 OF THE
CITY CODE VIOLATIONS FROM CAUSING A DENIAL OR
REVOCATION OF A CERTIFICATE OF USE IN LIMITED
CIRCUMSTANCES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.2, please see
Item FR.1.
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Chair King: Now we can take up FR.2. May I have a motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: Hold on. Let me get back in there.
Chair King: It was the companion item to FR.12 [sic].
Vice Chair Carollo: Is that the companion item? Let me get in the FRs (First
Reading). I'm sorry, I --
Tamara Allen Frost (Zoning Administrator): Can I say something for clarification?
So, FR.2 is the ordinance, FR -- I'm sorry, PZ.12 was removing the language fi^om
Miami 21 to Chapter 10 in the City Code for clarification.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. Yeah, FR.2 was the one that was left.
Chair King: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. All right.
Chair King: Yes. Are we ready?
Vice Chair Carollo: Very good.
Chair King: May I have a motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. Move.
Chair King: Second?
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries.
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FR.3 ORDINANCE First Reading
17556
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 35/ARTICLE I OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "MOTORIZED
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC/IN GENERAL," SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING SECTION 35-1 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED
"DEFINITIONS," TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR A HOMESTEAD
PROPERTY, AND BY ESTABLISHING A NEW SECTION 35-11 OF
THE CITY CODE, TITLED "PARKING FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPT
PROPERTY," PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN ALLOWABLE PARKING
ON A HOMESTEAD; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item FR.3 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item FR.3, please see "Order of the
Day."
FR.4 ORDINANCE First Reading
17723
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, PURSUANT
TO SECTIONS 100.3605(2), 101.75(3), AND 166.021(4), FLORIDA
STATUTES, AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
"ELECTIONS," MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION
16-2 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "SAME -HOLDING OF CITY
ELECTIONS; STRAW BALLOT," TO CHANGE THE DATE OF THE
GENERAL ELECTION FROM NOVEMBER 4, 2025 TO NOVEMBER
3, 2026 AND TO CHANGE THE DATE OF ALL SUBSEQUENT
ELECTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF EXISTING
TERMS OF OFFICE; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: King, Pardo, Rosado
NAYS: Carollo, Gabela
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.4, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)" and Item FR.1.
Vice Chair Carollo: FR.4.
Chair King: FR.4.
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Vice Chair Carollo: Unless you want to take a --
Chair King: Nope. FR.4. FR.4.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair? Can I?
Chair King: Go ahead.
Commissioner Pardo: Okay. So, early on when we first came into office, we worked
on a lot of different reforms. We were trying to do a lot of them through charter
review. We realised that the kind of power we wanted through charter review, where
it went directly to the ballot, directly to the voters, really was impossible, didn't have
widespread support. So, we started determining which ones can we put forward. One
of these was moving the elections from odd number year to even number years.
Obviously, the biggest impact is our participation, which would go from between 10
to 15 percent to 65 to 70 percent. That means it's very difficult to just have a captive
audience of a few thousand people that can come out and vote for you and get
elected. You really have to have much broader appeal, you have to have -- your
messaging and everything else would be much more significant. There is -- the City
of North Miami did it the same way we're proposing, which is by ordinance, and did
the exact same thing, and actually, I think they added about a year and a half to their
term. This is a very important thing to understand. If we believe that we want to have
participation increase to what I just discussed, and we agree that we want to save a
million dollars per election, which is tens of millions of dollars, then we have got to
move it, everyone's term by a year. It just -- it has to happen with that reform. We
cannot take a portion of it away because we open ourselves up to litigation, perhaps
even invalidating the very kind of reform we're trying to put forward. And in the case
of lifetime term limits, this coincides in one aspect, a very unique aspect, which is in
District 3, Frank Carollo is running for another term. He was term limited because
he's already served eight years. In that situation, he may be on the 2025 ballot as a
legitimately elected candidate by his voters as a District 3 commissioner, and at the
same time, we may have a ballot initiative which invalidates his race, which leads to
a total mess. So, by taking this reform now, we're doing a lot of things that make the
overall reform work. Right now, as we speak, we have 4,200 petitions approximately
here at City Hall asking us to make this reform. That's more than many of us get
during our elections. So, there is very broad support. The polling that's been done on
it is above 60 percent, even with the negative of that additional year. And I think
when people understand it and it's explained, they're broadly supportive of it. And
again, cities like Coral Gables, North Miami, many others have done this for the
exact same reasons, the broad participation and the cost savings.
Chair King: Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, so let's straighten this out. So, we're doing this of the
extra year because we're doing the other one of the term limits, right?
Commissioner Pardo: No.
Commissioner Gabela: No?
Commissioner Pardo: They're both good initiatives, and we should do -- these are
reforms. They're good governance reforms.
Chair King: They're separate.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay. I thought that -- so just hear me out for a moment. So,
I thought that what -- this started all out with term limits, meaning, I think I heard
you say the last time, that we could serve eight years as commissioners, right? As a
City of Miami
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commissioner, two terms, four years each, hut we can never serve again for the
lifetime of the City of Miami, right?
Commissioner Pardo: Correct.
Commissioner Gabela: And then you said for mayors, okay, it was the same thing.
Two terms, four years each, and then you're done, you can never -- so you can be
commissioner two terms, eight years total, mayor, eight years total, and you're done
for the life -- for my life, I cannot run again --
Commissioner Pardo: Mine too. We're done.
Commissioner Gabela: You're done, okay. And then I remember the chairwoman
said, well, I'm not comfortable with that. I do two consecutive or three, but I
wouldn't do a lifetime. I think 1 heard you say, right? Okay, but the whole situation
here, we're giving ourselves a year because of that situation.
Commissioner Pardo: No.
Commissioner Gabela: No.
Commissioner Pardo: No, we're giving ourselves -- we're giving ourselves a year
because that's the only way we can do it.
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, no, I understand that. I understand that. But what I
want is the whole reason to do the year is because you're going to do the term limits,
right?
Commissioner Pardo: No, because these are both good reforms that we should do.
We are increasing participation in the election from about 10 to 60 percent. So, we
want broader participation. We want to save money, about a million dollars each
general election cycle.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay.
Commissioner Pardo: So, that's why we want to do it.
Commissioner Gabela: All right. So, let me just hear -- I'm not going to waste more
time. Here's where I'm at. So, I'm with the prior one. I'm with that one. I have no
problems whichever way you guys want to do it. And by the way, I don't know the
wording on that one yet. Is there a wording to that one?
Commissioner Pardo: No, this is --
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, not this one --
Commissioner Pardo: -- and this is -- no, thank you for bringing that up. That's
RE.19, but basically that's a resolution. And by the charter, we're required to do
this. We're sending a resolution, which the City Attorney will draft that ballot
language, and he will bring that ballot language back to commission for us to vote
on the ballot language that should go to the voters.
Commissioner Gabela: Right. So, my only problem with this is that, you know, and I
agree with you, that's fine, it's going to be more participation. I mean, good, you
know, there's some bad and some good, because -- it ain't quite as simple as, you
know, some are putting it, but my main problem with this is that the vote, I mean,
that maybe we should've done this by referendum, okay? I know it is what it is, but
that was my only objection that, you know, it's not right that the voter, you know
what I mean, didn't give us this, you know? We're doing it to ourselves, you know
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what I mean? And it doesn't sit right and my -- my, first, you know, obligation, you
know, 1 think is -- for the democratic system to work and for the --1 think we should
have put it out for referendum and let the voters have -- decide.
Commissioner Pardo: I think ideally I would agree with you. I would just add to that
that this has very, very broad support. When I was knocking on doors, people were
supporting it. I've done many, many forums. Everybody's been supportive of this. So,
this is something that's broadly supported, this change to the general election.
Chair King: For me, I understand both sides. I don't want an extra year. I'm
campaigning now, and I don't want to -- I don't want to campaign for two years. 1
don't. And I understand the argument for more participation. And if we want more
participation, no matter when we do it, it's going to give us an extra -- I've gone
through the other municipalities, some got 18 months, I'm surprised that
Commissioner Pardo was bringing this up, because that would mean that he would
serve an additional year with Commissioner Carollo. And, you know.
Commissioner Pardo: That should be proof right there that this is --
Chair King: It actually -- it actually is --
Commissioner Gabela: You know, I'in actually going to vote with you.
Vice Chair Carollo: The --
Chair King: It actually is --
Vice Chair Carollo: You know what? If 1 could, Chair? You know what the problem
is? They rather serve only one year with me than four, maybe eight. That's the
problem.
Chair King: So -- hut 1 also --
Commissioner Gabela: That's right.
Chair King: -- but I also have -- I am -- I will not support lifetime term limits. I
would -- you brought up Frank Carollo. Frank Carollo has been out of office for
eight years. If the community re-elects Frank Carollo after eight years, that's their
choice. It's not our choice to make that decision for our electorate. Four years out of
office -- because we do have term limits. We have term limits. Four years out of
office is a lifetime in politics. Four years out of office, some may argue, I would
argue, a beloved county commissioner ran again for her seat, lost. She did not even
get double digit percentage of the vote. It's not me, it's not for us to decide what
future voters, voters who don't even have the right to vote, we're making that
decision for them. That's not fair. If we're going to do even years because we want
more voter participation and then that's going to change the face of our commission
and we won't have political dynasties because we have greater participation, then
why do we have to put lifetime term limits'? Like someone says, I like Mayor Suarez,
or, or, or. It's not -- and I have been steadfast in my position, it is not my, place to
decide who serves. That's why I've always steadfast said, let the people decide. I will
never appoint, I will never vote for appointment, a caretaker, because the community
should decide who their electorate is. If the community wants to elect this guy for
mayor, so be it. So be it. I am not voting for lifetime term limits. We have term limits.
And the problem also with this lifetime term limit proposal is that if, for example,
Commissioner Watson served as a special election, right, he was appointed, that
counts as a terra. It should not count as a term for Commissioner Watson. If
Commissioner Watson wants to run for office, he should get to run for four years and
a second four years. That should not be held against him because he was appointed.
And in your legislation, that's what happens. That's not fair. I don't think that's fair.
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Commissioner Pardo: I'll explain. It counts that as a term in order to incentivize
people not accepting special appointments, unless they're really going to be a
caretaker in that position.
Chair King: But it punishes those who have done it already, and --
Commissioner Pardo: But they know what they're getting into.
Chair King: -- but your legislation is also retroactive. So, for example, if we don't
pass an additional year and Frank Carollo, because you used him as an example,
runs and wins, with this legislation, you disenfranchise the voters that voted for him
and opens us up to litigation.
Commissioner Pardo: It is retroactive in as much as so was the Miami Beach 2014.
Chair King.: I'm not saying that's right. I'm not --
Commissioner Pardo: No, but let me just finish this -- the idea. They went ahead and
passed the exact same thing in 2014. It passed by almost 70 percent. It was tested in
the Third District Court of Appeals and it was upheld, the retroactivity. And all
we're doing here is we're sending it to voters. Regardless of what you might feel,
what I might feel, what we all might feel, this would be a resolution that the City
Attorney drafts and like you said, we're putting it out and we'd be allowing the
voters to decide.
Chair King: That I can't support. And I don't understand how it was held up in
court, because I don 't -- you can't pass a law and have it apply retroactively. I don't
-- I don 't -- they should take it up to the Supreme Court, because I don 't know how --
I don't know how that passed muster. If you qualify in September and you're duly
qualified and you run and you win, imagine that happening to you, Commissioner
Gabela.
Commissioner Gabela: Actually, that did happen to me. They moved mv house. I
don't know -- you don't want to hear that.
Vice Chair Carollo: Here we go -- here we go with the house.
Commissioner Gabela: But they moved nay house and the gentleman over there
accommodated his house and, yeah, I've been through that.
Chair King: So --
Commissioner Gabela: So -- but I'll leave it there.
Chair King: So -- so --
Vice Chair Carollo: Here -- here we go with the house again.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, if it would have happened to you, because you're a
cheater, that's whv. You accommodated your house, and you got my house out.
Chair King: Oh, come on. Come on. I'm going to put you out of the commission. No
clapping. So, here -- here, I would support FR (First Reading) -- at least first
reading, I would support that, because I understand if we want additional
participation, it has to be done at some point. But I'm not supporting -- I am not
supporting lifetime term limits. I just -- I will not do that. And I'm going to limit us to
five minutes. I think I only spoke for five minutes. So, we're going to speak for five
minutes, and then if there's more speaking, we're going to speak for two minutes,
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and then we're going to go, because we have a lot of stuff to do. Commissioner? Five
minutes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Five minutes? You spoke more than five.
Chair King: Uh-uh. Well, I'm allowed to speak for more than five minutes, because I
never run over five minutes mostly so.
Vice Chair Carollo: All right. Look, you said that there were 4,200 people that
signed this petition, right? It's been over two and a half months that they have been
signing and that doesn't mean that all those signatures are going to be of qualified
voters, because it hasn't been sent to the Elections Department to verify it. Once it's
sent there, it's going to come down quite a bit. That's, right now, not even 2 percent
of our voters in the city of Miami, which is over 215,000 as of today. So, by the time
you get to the signatures that you need it's a long, long way. But I'm going to tell
you what's going to happen. See, I've got a crustal ball. This whole thing for a year
more, the reason you've got to do it now, you know why because if you really were
so principled, you would do, like you had said before, that it's a package. One
doesn't get approved, the other won't. But it's being done now so someone can have
an extra year, and then in that extra year, I'm going to tell you what's going to
happen. Amandi, you -- you know, try and become my, buddy now, I'll give you a hint
so you can talk about it. In that extra year, they're going to push for a strong mayor
again. And with that strong mayor, in order to try to get it passed, they're going to
combine it with nine districts, seven districts, whatever they want in districts so it
could pass. This is why the term limits would not get passed here because otherwise
the whole other plan wouldn't work. So, the term limits, this is all smoke and
mirrors. It was never meant to be passed. It was to keep you busy looking right when
they went left. And left is to get this other one passed, but it's not going to end here.
You're going to see, whether I'm here or not, that next year they're going to bring a
referendum for a strong mayor combined for X amount of districts and things will
keep going on, all this dynasty stuff. So, you know, with all due respect if we're
serious about everything that's being said that we want more participation and
everything else, then why in the world the resolution says that the election is going to
be when? Am I reading it right or did I miss it? It says when in '26, November 3rd, is
it, or 2nd? Mr. Clerk, what does the resolution say?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): So --
George Wysong (City Attorney): The ordinance --
Mr. Hannon: Exact --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, the ordinance.
Mr. Wysong: I can answer it. Not any provision in the city charter to the contrary --
Vice Chair Carollo: November what of '26?
Mr. Wysong: It would be the first --
Vice Chair Carollo: What date?
Mr. Wysong: -- Tuesday of November of 2026.
Vice Chair Carollo: That'll be November 3rd or 2nd?
Mr. Hannon: November 3rd, 2026.
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Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, November 3rd, hut that's the primary. That's not the
crown. The crown is the general election and when is it going to be held? December
8, 2026, where everybody is rushing for Christmas, the rich and famous leave Miami
early, and the participation will be 5 percent, not even 11 or 12. So, what do you say,
champ? What happened to the big participation? All the savings? We've got to pay a
million bucks for that election. You're not going to have any participation in
December 8th of 2026. So, you know, what more do I need to say? Let's approve
this. Let's get it over with and do a few more things. And I'm a senior citizen, I
would like to go home early, you know, get some rest.
Chair King: Commissioner Rosado?
Commissioner Rosado: I'm supportive of moving the elections to even years. I've
been very public about that for quite some time. Lifetime term limits I'm more torn
about, and I think it would be reasonable to allow the public to decide. There are
strong arguments for and against it. We'l1 let the public decide that one.
Chair King.: Do I have a motion?
Commissioner Pardo: So moved.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
Commissioner Pardo: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Nay.
Chair King: Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: Okay. Sorry, so let me understand this right. This one has
nothing to do with the other one. They're doing separate, the term limits, right?
Chair King: Yes.
Commissioner Gabela: So, we're voting on FR.4.
Chair King: Yes.
Commissioner Pardo: Yes, only FR.4.
Commissioner Gabela: Only FR.4. And you're a no?
Chair King: On FR.4? I'm a maybe.
Commissioner Gabela: You're a maybe? On FR.4, you're a maybe?
Chair King: Maybe.
Commissioner Gabela: Let's vote.
Chair King: You look like a maybe, too.
Vice Chair Carollo: We can come back next meeting and deal with it.
Commissioner Pardo: We can't.
Commissioner Gabela: Are we going to keep looking at each other?
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Chair King: Wait for you.
Commissioner Gabela: 1 -- you know, I'm almost tempted, but not for the right
reason. I'm almost tempted because I believe that it should be put up to the voter.
That's what I believe at the end. You know, so -- you know, I'm tempted because I
don 't want more, you know, risk. And I'll say it in public, I don't want any more risk
of having to put up with Carollo as mayor. You know what I mean? But that's the
truth, that's where I'm at. I'll be honest with you. I mean, the City's going to keep
bleeding, you know. But I owe the voters respect, and I owe them, you know, my
obligation that they're not voting for this, so I'm a no.
Chair King: You're a no?
Commissioner Gabela: I'm a no.
Chair King: Commissioner Rosado?
Commissioner Rosado: Come back to me on this one, please.
Chair King: It's just you left. Commissioner Carollo said no.
Commissioner Rosado: So, this is specifically the dates?
Chair King: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: No. This is --
Commissioner Rosado: Because we're kind of conflating the two things.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- more than the dates --
Commissioner Rosado: 1 want to make sure.
Chair King: No, they're separate. This is just to change the election to even.
Vice Chair Carollo: An extra year --
Chair King: Extra year, to even numbers.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- for everybody here.
Commissioner Rosado: Yeah.
Chair King: So, you're a --?
Commissioner Rosado: I'm a yes.
Chair King: Okay. I'm a yes for first reading. I don't know about second reading.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Chair King: Because I don't -- because I don't --
Vice Chair Carollo: Well.
Chair King: -- because it has to happen at some -- some point.
Vice Chair Carollo: There will be horse trading for the second reading.
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Chair King: Okay. Motion passes 3-2.
Mr. Hannon: Motion passes 3-2 with Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner
Gabela voting no. And, Chair Pardo, for the record, this item will be heard on the
second reading at the June 26th meeting.
Commissioner Pardo: Can we make it -- can we bring it back next meeting?
Mr. Hannon: June 26th.
Commissioner Pardo: Oh, great.
Vice Chair Carollo: But what about -- but what about the participation? We're
having the run-offs where everything's decided in December 8th. What about that?
But here, guys, let me try to make it easier for you in the second reading. I'd like to
add a friendly amendment that I'm going to present in the second reading.
Commissioner Pardo: Can we move on?
Vice Chair Carollo: And let me tell you what it's going to be. I'll let it out of the bag
now. I'm going to bring a friendly amendment that beginning in November, when our
terms are supposed to have been finished, so no one can say that when I decided to
run I wasn't limited in any way, and now you're trying to limit me. Your term is up in
'bur years. The extension you're getting, the public didn't vote for it, we did. So,
beginning from November until the run-off in December of '26, I am going to
propose to this body that the office of mayor would be a full-time position with no
outside employment. And I am going to present an ordinance so that in the next
available election, we can make it as a charter amendment for any mayor in the
city s future, whoever he may be, has to be a full-time mayor and cannot have any,
whatsoever, outside employment. And to be fair in compensation, I'm going to
include that in this way there's no politicking with the commission or horse trading,
that the mayor of Miami, whoever he might be, would receive the salary of a
congressman or congresswoman. That they represent more or less a population the
size of Miami, half a million. So, I'm giving it ahead of time so you all can think
about it for second reading, on whatever you all want to do. But I truly believe that if
we're going to extend another year that the people did not vote for, then we need to
make changes that should have been made before, that the highest position elected in
the city should be a full-time position with no outside employment. The full
concentration of the mayor should be the city of Miami and only the city of Miami.
Having said that, I'd respect everybody's vote, you know, there's no lines drawn in
the sand.
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
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AC - ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION
AC.1 ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION
17638 MAY BE WITHDRAWN
Office of the City UNDER THE PARAMETERS OF SECTION 286.011(8), FLORIDA STATUTES,
Attorney A PRIVATE ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE
MAY 22, 2025, MIAMI CITY COMMISSION MEETING. THE PERSON
CHAIRING THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING WILL ANNOUNCE THE
COMMENCEMENT OF AN ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION, CLOSED TO THE
PUBLIC, FOR PURPOSES OF DISCUSSING THE PENDING LITIGATION IN
THE MATTER OF WILLIAM O. FULLER, MARTIN PINILLA, II, THE
BARLINGTON GROUP, LLC, CALLE OCHO MARKETPLACE, LLC, YO AMO
CALLE SIETE, LLC, LITTLE HAVANA ARTS BUILDING, LLC, LITTLE
HAVANA ARTS BUILDING TOO, LLC, TOWER HOTEL, LLC, BRICKELL
STATION, LLC, PIEDRA VILLAS, LLC, FUTURAMA, LLC, EL SHOPPING,
LLC, BEATSTIK, LLC, VIERNES CULTURALES/CULTURAL FRIDAYS, INC.,
LITTLE HAVANA BUNGALOWS, LLC, AND LHAB TREST, LLC V. CITY OF
MIAMI, JOE CAROLLO, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, ARTHUR NORIEGA,
IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, VICTORIA MENDEZ, IN HER INDIVIDUAL
CAPACITY, RACHEL DOOLEY, IN HER INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, ASAEL
MARRERO, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, DANIEL S. GOLDBERG, IN HIS
INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, WILLIAM ORTIZ, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY,
LUIS TORRES, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, ADRIAN PLASENCIA, IN HIS
INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, RENE DIAZ, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY,
IVONNE BAYONA, IN HER INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, JOHN DOES 1-20,
CASE NO. 23-CV-24251-RAR, PENDING IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT
COURT, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, TO WHICH THE CITY IS
PRESENTLY A PARTY. THE SUBJECT OF THE MEETING WILL BE
CONFINED TO SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS OR STRATEGY SESSIONS
RELATED TO LITIGATION EXPENDITURES. THIS PRIVATE MEETING
WILL BEGIN AT APPROXIMATELY 10:00 A.M. (OR AS SOON THEREAFTER
AS THE COMMISSIONERS' SCHEDULES PERMIT) AND CONCLUDE
APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR LATER. THE SESSION WILL BE ATTENDED
BY THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION, WHICH INCLUDE
CHAIRWOMAN CHRISTINE KING, COMMISSIONERS MIGUEL ANGEL
GABELA AND DAMIAN PARDO; THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, LARRY
M. SPRING, JR.; CITY ATTORNEY GEORGE K. WYSONG III; CHIEF
DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY JOHN A. GRECO; DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY
KEVIN R. JONES; ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY SUPERVISOR ERIC J.
EVES; ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY MARGUERITE SNYDER; AND
OUTSIDE COUNSEL RAQUEL A. RODRIGUEZ ESQ., ANGEL CORTINAS,
ESQ., AND JONATHAN KASKEL, ESQ. A CERTIFIED COURT REPORTER
WILL BE PRESENT TO ENSURE THAT THIS SESSION IS FULLY
TRANSCRIBED AND THE TRANSCRIPT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC UPON
THE CONCLUSION OF THE LITIGATION. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE
ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION, THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
WILL BE REOPENED AND THE PERSON CHAIRING THE COMMISSION
MEETING WILL ANNOUNCE THE TERMINATION OF THE ATTORNEY -
CLIENT SESSION.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Itein AC.1, please see "Order of the
Day."
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BC.1
16832
Office of the City
Clerk
END OF ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION
BC - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COUNCIL FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Michelle McKoy Mayor Francis Suarez
Gloria Rodriguez Mayor Francis Suarez
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0228
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Chair King: Mr. City Clerk, do we have any hoard appointments?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Thank you, Chair. BC.1, Arts and Entertainment
Council. Mayor Suarez would like to appoint Michelle McKoy and Gloria Rodriguez
to his vacant seats.
Chair King: May I have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: I have a motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: And a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion passes.
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BC.2
6672
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.3
17490
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner District 4
Commissioner Christine King
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner District 4
Commissioner Christine King
City of Miami
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BC.4
17374
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.5
17488
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CLIMATE RESILIENCE COMMITTEE FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner District 4
Commissioner Christine King
Commission -At -Large
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner District 4
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BC.6
17659
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING THE
APPOINTMENT OF A CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Eileen Higgins DDA Board of Directors
(Term Ending 8/31/2026)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0229
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.6, Downtown Development Authority. The DDA is
requesting the confirmation of Eileen Higgins.
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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BC.7
16052
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner District 4
Commissioner District 4
Commissioner Christine King
Commissioner Christine King
IAFF
FOP
AFSCME 1907
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BC.8
17000
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.9
7963
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner District 4
Commissioner Christine King
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH FACILITIES AUTHORITY BOARD FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner District 4
Commissioner Christine King
City of Miami
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BC.10
16055
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER,
QUEER ("LGBTQ") ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Timothy McLemore Commission -At -Large
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0230
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item BC.10, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s). "
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.10, LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Queer) Advisory Board. Commissioner Pardo would like to appoint Timothy
McLemore for the at -large vacancy.
Chair King: Do 1 have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: Second?
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries.
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BC.11
17664
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
TRUST FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
Cary Johnson
(Term Ending 6/17/2027)
Emma Ladson
(Term Ending 6/17/2027)
Samuel Latimore
(Term Ending 6/17/2027)
Vernal Rolle, Jr.
(Term Ending 6/17/2027)
Maeonme Lawrence
(Term Ending 6/17/2026)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0231
MOTION TO:
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Adopt
ADOPTED
Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
Damian Pardo, Commissioner
King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Christine King
Commissioner Christine King
Commissioner Christine King
Commissioner Christine King
City Manager Arthur Noriega, V
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.11, Liberty City Community Revitalization Trust.
Chairwoman King would like to reappoint Cary Johnson, Emma Ladson, Samuel
Latimore, Vernal Rolle, Jr., and City Manager Noriega would like to appoint
Maeonme Lawrence.
Chair King: Do I have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Rosado: Move.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in. favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries.
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BC.12
17268
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.13
17053
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI FOREVER BOND PROGRAM CITIZENS'
OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner District 4
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD
FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Joshua Pantinkin Commissioner Damian Pardo
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0232
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): PZ.13 [sic], Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board,
Commissioner Pardo would like to appoint Joshua Pantinkin to one of his vacant
seats.
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Conanaissioner Pardo: Second.
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BC.14
16286
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.15
17491
Office of the City
Clerk
Chair King: All in, favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Hannon: That concludes the committees and boards. Thank you, Chair.
Chair King: Thank you.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
(UDRB) FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner District 4
Commissioner District 4
Commissioner Christine King
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE VIRGINIA KEY ADVISORY BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commission -At -Large
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RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
END OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
DI - DISCUSSION ITEMS
DI.1 DISCUSSION ITEM
17686 A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF
City Manager's BOARDS/COMMITTEES.
Office
DI.2
17587
Department of
Finance
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item DI.1 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, Cif)
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item DL1, please see Item RE.16.
DISCUSSION ITEM
A DISCUSSION ITEM FOR A PRESENTATION BY THE CITY'S
EXTERNAL AUDITORS, RSM US LLP, TO THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY'S 2024 ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE
FINANCIAL REPORT, SINGLE AUDIT, AND MANAGEMENT
LETTER.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item DL2 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item DL2, please see "Order of the
Day."
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DI.3 DISCUSSION ITEM
17641
Commissioners
and Mayor
A DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING THE USE OF CITY FUNDS
OUTSIDE OF COMMISSIONERS DISTRICTS.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item DL3 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item DL3, please see Item RE.16.
DI.4 DISCUSSION ITEM
17691
Commissioners
and Mayor
A DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING THE BUILDING COLLAPSE AT
3129 NW 7 AVE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item DL4 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item DL4, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
DI.5 DISCUSSION ITEM
17692 A DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
Commissioners
and Mayor
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item DI.5 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item DL 5, please see Item RE.16.
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DI.6 DISCUSSION ITEM
16942
Commissioners
and Mayor
A DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING LOST INCOME TO THE CITY
WITH VOTE FOR SOLUTION.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item DI.6 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item DL 6, please see Item RE.16.
DI.7 DISCUSSION ITEM
17642
Commissioners
and Mayor
DI.8
16950
Office of the City
Clerk
A DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION REGARDING DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item DI.7 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item DI. 7, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.16.
DISCUSSION ITEM
A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE
TERMS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AS MEMBERS OF VARIOUS
TRUSTS, AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND
AGENCIES PURSUANT TO CITY OF MIAMI CODE SECTION 2-35.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item DI.8 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item DI.8, please see
"Order of the Day" and Item RE.16.
END OF DISCUSSION ITEMS
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PART B: PZ - PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
PZ.1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
17513 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
Planning AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO §163.3187,
FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE
DESIGNATION FROM "MEDIUM DENSITY RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL" TO "PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION" OF THE
ACREAGE DESCRIBED HEREIN OF REAL PROPERTY AT 1628
NORTHWEST 6 STREET, 1653 NORTHWEST 5 STREET, AND 1644
NORTHWEST 6 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14371
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Chair King: Mr. City Attorney, would you please read the Planning and Zoning item
titles required?
George Wvsong (City Attorney): Yes, Madam Chair; excuse me. PZ.1, second
reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.2, second reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.4, a resolution of the Miami City Commission, with attachments --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Mr. City Attorney?
Mr. Wysong: I'm sorry, that's a resolution. Sony.
Chair King: PZ. 7.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.7, an ordinance -- first reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.8, also second reading.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wvsong: PZ.9, second reading ordinance.
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Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.10, first reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.11, first reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.12, first reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ. 13, second reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.14, first reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: And that is it for the PZ (Planning and Zoning) items.
Chair King: Gentlemen, are there any PZ items that you would like to pull for
discussion?
Commissioner Pardo: PZ.7.
Chair King: PZ.7. Anything else?
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE) give us a minute for --
Chair King: Sure.
Commissioner Gabela: PZ.12.
Chair King: Which one?
Commissioner Gabela: 12.
Chair King: 12.
Commissioner Rosado: I have a question about PZ.9. I don't want to pull it
necessarily for discussion, I just have a clarifying question about distance
requirements between public storage buildings. I'm not so much talking about the
grandfathering. I just want to know what the City's policy is, what our ordinance is
around that moving forward for proposed uses.
David Snow (Director, Planning): Yeah. So, between the facilities, the like facilities,
public storage facilities, a thousand feet.
Chair King: Is that it? Okay. May I have a motion for PZ.1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 as
amended --
Commissioner Gabela: I think Rosado pulled the -- Commissioner Rosado pulled 9?
Chair King: No, he just asked the question.
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Commissioner Rosado: No, that --
Chair King: The question was asked. 10 as amended, 11 as amended, PZ.13 as
amended, and PZ.14. May I have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Pardo: So moved.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: Okay. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries.
PZ.2 ORDINANCE Second Reading
17515 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning NO. 13114, THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, ("MIAMI 21 CODE") BY CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION FROM "T5-L," URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONE
— LIMITED, TO "CS," CIVIC SPACE TRANSECT ZONE, FOR THE
PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1628 NORTHWEST 6
STREET, 1653 NORTHWEST 5 STREET, AND 1644 NORTHWEST 6
STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
IN THE ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING
FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14372
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.2, please see Item PZ.1.
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PZ.3
14120
Department of
Planning
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
GRANTING/DENYING THE APPEAL FILED BY 970 N.W. 8TH STREET
ROAD, LLC, ("APPELLANT") AND
REVERSING/AFFIRMING/MODIFYING THE DECISION OF THE MIAMI
HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD'S
DENIAL, PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-6.2(B)(4) OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, OF THE
APPELLANT'S APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF
APPROPRIATENESS TO PERMIT DEMOLITION OF TWO (2)
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES, LOCATED APPROXIMATELY AT
812 NORTHWEST 8 STREET ROAD AND 830 NORTHWEST 8
STREET ROAD, MIAMI, FLORIDA, 33136, WITHIN THE SPRING
GARDEN HISTORIC DISTRICT; WITH FOLIO NUMBERS 01-3135-
027-1080 AND 01-3135-027-1070.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.3, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
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PZ.4
17524
Department of
Planning
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING WITH CONDITIONS AN EXCEPTION
PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.15.3 OF ORDINANCE NO.
13114, THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, ("MIAMI 21 CODE") TO ALLOW AN ATTAINABLE
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO ABUT THE T3 TRANSECT ZONE
WHERE ALL DWELLING UNITS ARE AT OR BELOW EIGHTY
PERCENT (80%) AREA MEDIAN INCOME ("AMI") AND A PORTION IS
ON CITY -OWNED LAND; FURTHER APPROVING WITH CONDITIONS
SIX (6) SUBORDINATE WARRANTS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 3,
SECTION 3.15.4, SECTION 3.15.4(D), SECTION 3.15.4(E), SECTION
3.15.4(F), SECTION 3.15.4(G), AND SECTION 3.15.5(C) OF THE
MIAMI 21 CODE TO ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN
ATTAINABLE MIXED -INCOME HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO BE
DEVELOPED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 3.15.4 OF THE
MIAMI 21 CODE, INCLUDING TO ALLOW PARKING TO EXTEND
INTO THE SECOND LAYER ABOVE THE FIRST STORY, TO ALLOW
A PEDESTRIAN CROSS BLOCK PASSAGE TO NOT BE REQUIRED,
TO ALLOW SUCH DEVELOPMENT ABUTTING TWO (2)
THOROUGHFARES TO HAVE ONLY ONE (1) PRINCIPAL FRONTAGE
WITH NO MINIMUM PRINCIPAL FRONTAGE LINE, AND TO ALLOW
THE PROPERTY TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM LOT AREA
REQUIREMENTS, AND TO ALLOW AN ADDITIONAL FIFTEEN
PERCENT (15%) PARKING REDUCTION PURSUANT TO SECTION
3.15.5; AND APPROVING WITH CONDITIONS A WAIVER PURSUANT
TO ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.15.4(D) OF THE MIAMI 21 CODE
REGARDING THE SIZE, LOCATION, AND MATERIALS FOR SUCH
SCREENING ELEMENTS, FOR THE PROPERTY GENERALLY
LOCATED AT 1199, 1177, 1165, 1155, 1153, 1147, 1141, AND 1135
NORTHWEST 62 STREET, 1196 NORTHWEST 63 STREET, AND
6255 NORTHWEST 12 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0225
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
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PZ.5
17519
Department of
Planning
PZ.6
17576
Department of
Planning
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING WITH CONDITIONS, PURSUANT TO
CHAPTER 55, SECTION 55-15 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TO CLOSE, VACATE, ABANDON,
AND DISCONTINUE FROM PUBLIC USE, A PORTION OF
NORTHWEST 34 TERRACE, BETWEEN NORTHWEST 2 AVENUE
AND NORTHWEST 1 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0226
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE RELEASE OF A DECLARATION
OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED
AS EXHIBIT "B," IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 3850
SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0227
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
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PZ.7 ORDINANCE First Reading
17586 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE MIAMI
Department of
Planning COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, PURSUANT TO THE EXPEDITED STATE REVIEW
PROCESS SUBJECT TO SECTION 163.3184, FLORIDA STATUTES,
BY AMENDING THE INTERPRETATION OF THE FUTURE LAND USE
MAP AND THE CORRESPONDENCE CHART TO CREATE A NEW
FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION CALLED "TRANSIT ORIENTED
NODE"; AMENDING APPENDIX LU-1; AMENDING POLICY LU-5.1.3
AND POLICY LU-5.2.1; AND AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE
DESIGNATION OF THE PROPERTIES GENERALLY BOUNDED BY
NORTHWEST 7TH AVENUE TO THE WEST, NORTHWEST 76TH
STREET TO THE NORTH, NORTHEAST 2ND AVENUE TO THE EAST
AND NORTHWEST 70TH STREET TO THE SOUTH IN MIAMI,
FLORIDA, APPROXIMATELY 143.75 ACRES, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED IN EXHIBIT "A," FROM "GENERAL COMMERCIAL,"
"LIGHT INDUSTRIAL," "MEDIUM DENSITY MULTIFAMILY
RESIDENTIAL," "MEDIUM DENSITY RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL,"
AND "MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL, PUBLIC FACILITIES,
TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES" TO "TRANSIT ORIENTED NODE
- 1" AND "TRANSIT ORIENTED NODE - 2"; PROVIDING FOR
TRANSMISSION; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.7, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)" and Item PZ.1.
Chair King: Commissioner Pardo, you pulled --
Commissioner Pardo: PZ.7.
Chair King: PZ.7.
Commissioner Pardo: And there was a lot of discussion on 1317 and some of the
community meetings, David. PZ.7. There was a lot of discussion about
transportation nodes and how it would impact with adding density. A lot of concern,
like in Coconut Grove and other areas, that this would kind of permeate to those
areas of town. I was wondering if you could just answer that for the record.
David Snow (Director, Planning): Yes. So, what this does, this is the amendment to
our comprehensive plan that is actually based on policies that exist today in our
comprehensive plan to look at ways to continue to build around our transit nodes.
So, we're -- this is in line with our comprehensive plan. So, what this does is it
allows for the TOD (Transit Oriented Development) node to be established, so --
which there's a range of'fbur nodes that have different density levels. So, Node 1 is
the lowest at 250 dwelling units an acre. Node 4 is the highest at 500 dwelling units
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an acre. So, what this does is it allows each independent station to establish their
node. In this particular case, this legislation establishes the first node, which would
be the Little River future station. So, Nodes 1 and 2 would be within that station
area. If other stations throughout the city are desired to have these nodes, it would
have to go through the process to establish this land use. So, essentially, it
establishes a new land use in the comp plan within these areas, if they choose.
Commissioner Pardo: And what defines a transportation node? Is this like a
Metrorail station or --?
Mr. Snow: So -- right, so it would be a fixed rail station.
Commissioner Pardo: Only?
Mr. Snow: Correct.
Commissioner Pardo: Okay.
Mr. Snow: Right. So, like a bus stop or a transit corridor would not be eligible.
Commissioner Pardo: Thank you.
Chair King: Are we ready?
Commissioner Pardo: Yep.
Chair King: PZ.7, may I have a motion?
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: Second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
PZ.8 ORDINANCE Second Reading
17440
Commissioners
and Mayor - PZ
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, TITLED "GENERAL TO ZONES," SECTION
3.14, TITLED "PUBLIC BENEFITS PROGRAM," TO EXCLUDE
PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN OR ABUTTING THE COCONUT
GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT (NCD-3)
FROM BEING ABLE TO UTILIZE T5-O BONUS HEIGHT; MAKING
FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14373
City of Miami
Page 199 Printed on 08/13/2025
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.8, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item PZ.1.
PZ.9 ORDINANCE Second Reading
17163
Commissioners
and Mayor - PZ
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), SPECIFICALLY
BY AMENDING ARTICLE 7, SECTION 7.2.3, TITLED "ALTERATIONS
AND EXPANSION OF NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES," AND
SECTION 7.2.6, TITLED "NONCONFORMING USES," TO ALLOW
EXISTING LEGAL NONCONFORMING PUBLIC STORAGE
FACILITIES IN THE "T5," URBAN CENTER ZONE, AND THE "T6,"
URBAN CORE ZONE, TO REPAIR, REMODEL, OR ALTER MORE
THAN FIFTY PERCENT (50%) OF A NONCONFORMING PUBLIC
STORAGE FACILITY STRUCTURE AND RE-ESTABLISH A
NONCONFORMING USE BY EXCEPTION PROVIDED THE REPAIR,
REMODEL, OR ALTERATION OF THE STRUCTURE
INCORPORATES THE DESIGN REVIEW CRITERIA SET FORTH IN
ARTICLE 4, TABLE 12 OF THE MIAMI 21 CODE; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14374
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.9, please see Item PZ.1.
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Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
PZ.10 ORDINANCE First Reading
17531 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Department of
Planning OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1,
SECTION 1.2, TITLED "DEFINITIONS/DEFINITIONS OF TERMS," TO
UPDATE AND ADD DEFINITIONS RELATED TO PARKING
STRUCTURES AND PODIUM HEIGHT; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 3,
SECTION 3.15, TITLED "GENERAL TO ZONES/ AFFORDABLE AND
ATTAINABLE MIXED -INCOME HOUSING SPECIAL BENEFIT
PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS," AND SECTION 3.16,
TITLED "WORKFORCE HOUSING SPECIAL BENEFIT PROGRAM
SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS" TO UPDATE AFFORDABLE AND
ATTAINABLE MIXED -INCOME HOUSING AND WORKFORCE
HOUSING PARKING DESIGN STANDARDS AND TO ADJUST
SETBACK REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 4, TABLE 4,
TITLED "STANDARDS AND TABLES/DENSITY, INTENSITY AND
PARKING" AND TABLE 12, TITLED "DESIGN REVIEW CRITERIA," TO
UPDATE PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR LINER USES AND TO
CLARIFY DESIGN REVIEW CRITERIA FOR PARKING STRUCTURES
AND PODIUMS; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 5, TITLED "SPECIFIC TO
ZONES," SPECIFICALLY SECTIONS 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.8, 5.9, AND 5.10,
TO CLARIFY DESIGN STANDARDS FOR PARKING STRUCTURES
AND PODIUMS, CLARIFY ALLOWABLE PARKING SCREENING
ENCROACHMENTS, CREATE DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES FOR
LINER BUILDINGS, AND MODIFY LOADING AND ACCESS
REGULATIONS WHEN ABUTTING T3 TRANSECT ZONES; BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 6, SECTION 6.1, TITLED "SUPPLEMENTAL
REGULATIONS/INTENT AND EXCLUSIONS" TO UPDATE AND
CLARIFY THE LOCATIONS THAT ALLOW FOR MICRO DWELLING
UNITS IN LINERS; AND BY AMENDING ARTICLE 7, SECTION 7.1,
TITLED "PROCEDURES AND NONCONFORMITIES/PROCEDURES,"
FOR UNIFORMITY IN CODE LANGUAGE; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading with Modification(s)
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.10, please see Item PZ.1.
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PZ.11 ORDINANCE First Reading
17385 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Department of
Planning OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 7,
SECTION 7.1.3.7, TITLED "NO APPROVAL AVAILABLE IF CODE
ENFORCEMENT VIOLATIONS," TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR
APPLICATIONS MADE BY THE CITY OF MIAMI; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading with Modification(s)
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Nate for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.11, please see Item PZ.1.
PZ.12 ORDINANCE First Reading
17596 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Department of
Planning OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 7,
TITLED "PROCEDURES AND NONCONFORMITIES," MORE
PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 7.1.2.1, TITLED
"PERMITTED USES," AND SECTION 7.1.3.7, TITLED "NO APPROVAL
AVAILABLE IF CODE ENFORCEMENT VIOLATIONS," TO UPDATE
THE CRITERIA FOR WHEN A CERTIFICATE OF USE MAY BE
DENIED OR REVOKED; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Nate for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.12, please see
Item PZ.1.
Chair King: And we pulled PZ.12.
Commissioner Gabela: 1 pulled PZ.12.
Chair King: Uh-huh.
Commissioner Gabela: And I just wanted some clarification again. What is that?
Can you just go on about it again? And I know you said it in the briefing, but I kind
of forgot.
David Snow (Director, Planning): So, yes. So, PZ.12, this is related to procedures
and nonconfbrmities as it relates to city applications. So, when the City is doing
more or less an area -wide rezone and there's violations within that area, those
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Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
violations would not have to be resolved until building permit applications come in
for that particular property. So, it allows the city application to move forward.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay. Thank you.
Chair King: Ready? May I have a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE).
Mr. Snow: I'm sorry, I was explaining 11, my apologies. Sorry, my apologies.
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE) rezoning --
Mr. Snow: Yeah.
Tamara Allen Frost: Good afternoon, Tamara Allen Frost, zoning administrator.
You have a question in regards to PZ.12?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. I think I understood (INAUDIBLE) rezoning.
Ms. Allen Frost: Oh.
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE).
Ms. Allen Frost: No, this item is not about the rezoning. Can you speak into the mic?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Ms. Allen Frost: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: What was it that you said, Mr. Assistant City Attorney, that it
allows it to go forward in an application for what? An application --
Mr. Snow: So, I -- my apologies, I was speaking to PZ.11 regarding the city
sponsored applications. I think the question was regardingPZ.12.
Vice Chair Carollo: Right, right.
Ms. Allen Frost: Okay, so PZ.12 is criteria for revocation, denial, and issuance of
certificate of uses. Currently, we have a process where if you have a violation, 40/50
certification violation, you cannot receive a certificate of use. So we're adding the
criteria to make sure that it's easier for us to be able to follow, changing -- putting
some guidelines in and allowing it to go into the City Code, removing it from Miami
21, so that if there is a violation, the property is not deemed unsafe, it's just an
engineering report letter that has to go through the building official as well as the
unsafe structures chief If they provide that letter that the building is sound, and
there is no immediate danger, the applicant will be able to process the certificate of
use application.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, but then where does it fall for the certificate of use in
making sure that they comply.
Ms. Allen Frost: Where does it fall in regards to --?
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, if they can move ahead, as long as it's not an unsafe
structure, to get a certificate of occupation, how can they, or the city, make sure that
they've complied with whatever other violations they have?
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Ms. Allen Frost: So, when they are applying for the certificate of use, if there's no
other violation that hasn't been cured, if it's only for a 40/50 certification. So, we
already have about 4,000 in the queue.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, so this is only for a 40/50 year?
Ms. Allen Frost: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: When they come to do the 40/50 year?
Ms. Allen Frost: Correct. Correct.
Vice Chair Carollo: I see. So, it's not just for --
Ms. Allen Frost: No, this is just for the 40/50 because --
Vice Chair Carollo: The 40/50 --
Ms. Allen Frost: -- there's so many applications that's come in that can't move
forward.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. I see. It's a difference --
Ms. Allen Frost: Yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- when you explain it. Thank you.
Ms. Allen Frost: Thanks.
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Chair King: I have a motion.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: PZ.12 passes.
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PZ.13
17018
Commissioners
and Mayor - PZ
ORDINANCE Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 1, TITLED "DEFINITIONS," TO UPDATE THE
DEFINITIONS OF ANCILLARY DWELLING UNITS AND RELATED
STRUCTURES; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 3, TITLED "GENERAL TO
ZONES," TO INTRODUCE ANCILLARY DWELLING UNIT
REGULATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS; BY AMENDING ARTICLE
4, TITLED "STANDARDS AND TABLES," TO CLARIFY THE
TRANSECT ZONES AND RESIDENTIAL TYPES THAT ALLOW FOR
ANCILLARY DWELLING UNITS, TO CLARIFY PARKING
REQUIREMENTS, AND TO UPDATE RELATED ILLUSTRATIONS; BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 5, TITLED "SPECIFIC TO ZONES," TO CLARIFY
BUILDING DISPOSITION AND BUILDING CONFIGURATION
STANDARDS AND TO UPDATE RELATED ILLUSTRATIONS
PERTAINING TO ANCILLARY DWELLING UNITS AND OTHER
RELATED STRUCTURES; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 6, TITLED
"SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS," TO UPDATE ANCILLARY
DWELLING UNIT MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM UNIT SIZES AND
APPLICABLE WAIVER PROCESSES; BY AMENDING APPENDIX A,
TITLED "NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT," SECTION
A.2., TITLED "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND DISTRICT AND CHARLES
AVENUE (NCD-2)," AND SECTION A.3., TITLED "COCONUT GROVE
NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT NCD-3," TO CLARIFY
REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO ANCILLARY DWELLING UNITS
AND RELATED STRUCTURES; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14375
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.13, please see Item PZ.1.
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Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
PZ.14 ORDINANCE First Reading
17383 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Department of ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Planning OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"),
SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING APPENDIX J, SECTION 3.4, TITLED
"GENERAL TO ZONES/WYNWOOD PUBLIC BENEFITS PROGRAM,"
TO ALLOW PROPERTIES WITHIN WYNWOOD NRD-1 "T5-L," URBAN
CENTER — LIMITED, ZONING TRANSECT TO OBTAIN BONUS
HEIGHT; BY AMENDING APPENDIX J, SECTION 4, TITLED
"STANDARDS AND TABLES," TABLE 2 TO CLARIFY PARKING
CALCULATIONS AND TABLE 3 RELATED TO PARKING AND
LOADING; BY AMENDING APPENDIX J, SECTION 5, TITLED
"SPECIFIC TO ZONES," TO CLARIFY ART REQUIREMENTS ON NEW
BUILDINGS AND FACADE ALTERATIONS LOCATED WITHIN A "T5,"
URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONE, OR "T6," URBAN CORE
TRANSECT ZONE, AND TO UPDATE NRD-1 STANDARDS RELATED
TO LOT COVERAGE, BALCONY ENCROACHMENTS, MINIMUM
BUILDING HEIGHT, AND FLOORPLATE DIMENSIONS TO INCLUDE
LODGING USES; BY AMENDING APPENDIX J, SECTION 6, TITLED
"LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS," TO UPDATE THE LANDSCAPE
REQUIREMENTS FOR LANDSCAPE AREAS IN PARKING LOTS; AND
BY AMENDING APPENDIX J, SECTION 8, TITLED "STREETSCAPE
MASTER PLAN," TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL NRD-1 SETBACK
REQUIREMENTS FOR NRD-1 CORRIDORS AND WYNWOOD
THROUGHFARES; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.14, please see Item PZ.1.
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PZ.15 ORDINANCE First Reading
17323 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Department of ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Planning OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"),
SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.16 OF THE
MIAMI 21 CODE, TITLED "WORKFORCE HOUSING SPECIAL
BENEFIT PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS," TO
INTRODUCE A NEW WORKFORCE HOUSING PROGRAM WITHIN
THE CITY OF MIAMI; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Rosado
Note for the Record: Item PZ.15 was deferred to the June 26, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.15, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Public Comments for Allltem(s)."
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
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NA.1
17803
City Commission
NA - NON -AGENDA ITEM(S)
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE VACANT CHAIRPERSON SEAT
ON THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item NA.1, please see
"Order of the Day."
Chair King: We have a motion and a -- do I have a motion to defer the rest of the
items?
Commissioner Gabela: What exactly are we -- what are we motioning on?
Vice Chair Carollo: There's a motion to defer --
Chair King To defer the items.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- all the items to the next meeting.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, just on that pocket item to appoint
Commissioner of District 4 to the DDA (Downtown Development Authority).
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, it's not a pocket item, it's one of the other items --
Commissioner Pardo: Well, that's fine, okay. Whatever.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- but if you want to accept that.
Commissioner Rosado: Actually, in light of the item that I'm hoping to bring forth, if
Commissioner Gabela would like to be the head of the DDA, I'm absolutely open to
that.
Commissioner Gabela: No, I don't want to be -- no, listen, listen. Let me be blunt
with you guys.
Chair King: Okay, guys --
Commissioner Gabela: If you guys want to remove --
Chair King: -- wait, may 1 --
Vice Chair Carollo: Can we end this?
Chair King: -- may 1 say one --
Commissioner Gabela: Wait a minute --
Vice Chair Carollo: Can we end this, please?
Chair King: -- may I say one thing. While I love sitting here with -- I do have to go. I
do have to go. So, we can do this without --
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Commissioner Gabela: I think -- by the way -- okay, real quick, I think you should be
the -- the -- take after Manolo --
Chair King: So, a motion --
Commissioner Pardo: They need -- they need somebody.
Chair King: Okay, so do I have a motion --
Vice Chair Carollo: It's a motion.
Chair King: -- for the pocket item? I have a motion --
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: -- second, for the pocket item, all in favor?
Commissioner Pardo: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Woah, woah, woah, hold on.
Commissioner Rosado: Aye.
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, I don't know if you want it or not, so. I don't think he was
crazy about it, so why don't you -- you want to accept it, or you want to hold it for
next week?
Commissioner Gabela: You want it or not?
Commissioner Rosado: I'm happy to have it deferred until next week.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. So, he wants to defer.
Commissioner Gabela: I'll just state this real quick, if you guys --
Vice Chair Carollo: Can we get a motion to defer everything? He keeps talking and
talking.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, and I'm going to keep -- so do you, you've done it
plenty for eight years, so if I do it for one year --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, but at least when I talk, people could understand me.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, yeah -- oh, oh, how smart you are, huh?
Chair King: I have a motion --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair? Chair, there's no reason to defer the pocket
item. Commissioner Pardo or anyone can just place it on the agenda for the 26th.
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NA.2
17775
City Commission
NA.3
17805
City Commission
DISCUSSION ITEM
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSIONER NATALIE MILIAN ORBIS
MADE A SPECIAL APPEARANCE, INTRODUCING HERSELF AS
THE NEWLY ELECTED COUNTY COMMISSIONER
REPRESENTING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT
SIX (6). COMMISSIONER MILIAN ORBIS STATED THAT SHE IS
COMMITTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE AND OFFERED HER
SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO THE CITY COMMISSION AND
RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Chair King: Could you hold one second? Our commissioner is here. Commissioner,
welcome and congratulations again.
Natalie Milian Orbis: Thank you. Good morning, Madam Chair. Good morning to
all of our commission and our residents here. Madam Chair, I'd like to give you my
condolences. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm -- as your newest county commissioner,
Natalie Milian Orbis. I'm Miami -Dade County. I just wanted to present myself and
say hello to your residents, say hello to all of you. I look forward to working with all
of you. I know that we share, Commissioner Rosado and Commissioner Gabela, we
share large portions of your districts with my district and I'm here for you. My door
is always open to you. My door is always open to your residents in any way that I
can help you, all of you. I'm here to be your voice on the County Commission and a
liaison with the County Commission. And 1 just wanted to formally introduce myself
as the newest commissioner. I look forward to working with all of you and thank you
for the warm welcome today. Thank you. Have a great meeting.
Chair King: Thank you. Congratulations.
Ms. Milian Orbis: Thank you.
DIRECTIVE
DIRECTION BY COMMISSIONER ROSADO TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO DRAFT A FIRST READING ORDINANCE FOR THE
JUNE 26, 2025, CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ABOLISHING THE
BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST ("BAYFRONT") AND
EFFECTUATING THE CITY'S OPERATION OF BAYFRONT AND
MAURICE FERRE PARKS.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Commissioner Rosado: Chair?
Commissioner Gabela: The Commissioner?
Commissioner Rosado: I do have an item. I know that we were expecting to speak
about the board appointments and perhaps some changes. I was going to bring up,
in light of the fact that we're discussing the structure of these, I've been troubled by
the fact that the Bayfront Trust has this sort of more amorphous shape to it. It's not a
CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), it's not a BID (Business Improvement
District), it's something that's been established by code and also by tradition, and
it's become really problematic in some ways. And I was going to ask-- I was going
to make a motion to have the attorney draft for the next meeting a first ordinance -- a
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Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
first reading ordinance to actually move the Bayfront Park Trust under the auspices
of the manager who could treat it essentially as a city park. I think that would help to
depoliticize something that's become overly politicized. 1 think it's an elegant
solution to be able to treat something that's an important city amenity that has
become unnecessarily much more complex than that. So, we have a meeting next
week if there's time for that. I would love to have everybody's support, or certainly
the majority, to get that done to put a first reading ordinance on here.
Vice Chair Carollo: The good thing that I'm hearing here is that you're going to he
able to shift quite a few millions of dollars to the City's general And right away that
we're going to need badly to balance our budget for this October 1st, in the new
budget. And then you're going to be able to get approximately $5 million every year
that I'd make sure that the trust got through renegotiating contracts, bringing new
projects to the parks and that money should be going to the general fund of the city.
Chair King: So, that's --
Commissioner Gabela: I've been there for three -- can I talk? Because he spoke. I've
been there for three months, and what he wants to do now, there's investigations left
and right, and this is what he wants to do. You see what's going on here? Folks, I'm
telling you, this never stops. This -- you know, every day it's a new one with him.
Now all of a sudden, okay, I've been there for three months, he 's been there for eight
years. He didn 't have an appointment for two years, okay, and now this, you know
what 1 mean?
Vice Chair Carollo: Ah, man.
Commissioner Gabela: I mean, you've got to wonder what's going on here. I guess
some of the rumors in the campaign were true.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chair?
Chair King: So, that was just a -- that was just a --
Commissioner Gabela: With all due respect.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chair?
Chair King: That was a -- that was a directive to the Manager.
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NA.4
17807
Office of the City
Clerk
DISCUSSION ITEM
UNDER THE PARAMETERS OF SECTION 286.011(8), FLORIDA
STATUTES, A PRIVATE ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION WILL BE
CONDUCTED AT THE JUNE 26, 2025, MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MEETING. THE PERSON CHAIRING THE CITY COMMISSION
MEETING WILL ANNOUNCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF AN
ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION, CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, FOR
PURPOSES OF DISCUSSING THE PENDING LITIGATION IN THE
MATTER OF WILLIAM O. FULLER, MARTIN PINILLA, II, THE
BARLINGTON GROUP, LLC, CALLE OCHO MARKETPLACE, LLC,
YO AMO CALLE SIETE, LLC, LITTLE HAVANA ARTS BUILDING,
LLC, LITTLE HAVANA ARTS BUILDING TOO, LLC, TOWER
HOTEL, LLC, BRICKELL STATION, LLC, PIEDRA VILLAS, LLC,
FUTURAMA, LLC, EL SHOPPING, LLC, BEATSTIK, LLC, VIERNES
CULTURALES/CULTURAL FRIDAYS, INC., LITTLE HAVANA
BUNGALOWS, LLC, AND LHAB TREST, LLC V. CITY OF MIAMI,
JOE CAROLLO, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, ARTHUR
NORIEGA, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, VICTORIA MENDEZ, IN
HER INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, CASE NO. 23-CV-24251-RAR,
PENDING IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT,
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, TO WHICH THE CITY IS
PRESENTLY A PARTY. THE SUBJECT OF THE MEETING WILL
BE CONFINED TO SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS OR STRATEGY
SESSIONS RELATED TO LITIGATION EXPENDITURES. THIS
PRIVATE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT APPROXIMATELY 10:00 A.M.
(OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS THE COMMISSIONERS'
SCHEDULES PERMIT) AND CONCLUDE APPROXIMATELY ONE
HOUR LATER. THE SESSION WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION, WHICH INCLUDE
CHAIRWOMAN CHRISTINE KING, COMMISSIONERS MIGUEL
ANGEL GABELA, DAMIAN PARDO, AND RALPH "RAFAEL"
ROSADO; THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, LARRY M. SPRING,
JR.; CITY ATTORNEY GEORGE K. WYSONG III; DEPUTY CITY
ATTORNEY KEVIN R. JONES; ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
SUPERVISOR ERIC J. EVES; ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
MARGUERITE SNYDER; AND OUTSIDE COUNSEL RAQUEL A.
RODRIGUEZ ESQ., ANGEL CORTINAS, ESQ., AND JONATHAN
KASKEL, ESQ. A CERTIFIED COURT REPORTER WILL BE
PRESENT TO ENSURE THAT THIS SESSION IS FULLY
TRANSCRIBED AND THE TRANSCRIPT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC
UPON THE CONCLUSION OF THE LITIGATION. AT THE
CONCLUSION OF THE ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION, THE
REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE REOPENED AND
THE PERSON CHAIRING THE COMMISSION MEETING WILL
ANNOUNCE THE TERMINATION OF THE ATTORNEY -CLIENT
SESSION.
rRESULT: DISCUSSED
Chair King: The City Attorney must read a statement in for the record before I can
close the meeting. Go ahead, Mr. City Attorney.
George Wvsong (City Attorney): Thank you, Madam Chair.
The Attorney -Client Session was read by title into the public record by the City
Attorney.
City of Miami Page 212 Printed on 08/13/2025
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Wysong: Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair King: Thank you. And thank you all for attending the City of Miami
Commission meeting for June 17, 2025. The meeting is now closed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:17p.m.
City of Miami Page 213 Printed on 08/13/2025