HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2026-03-12 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 12, 2026
9:00 AM
City Commission Meeting
City Hall
City Commission
Eileen T. Higgins, Mayor
Christine King, Chair, District Five
Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner, District One
Damian Pardo, Commissioner, District Two
Rolando Escalona, Commissioner, District Three
Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner, District Four
James Reyes, City Manager
George K. Wysong 111, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
9:00 AM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Chair Pardo, Commissioner Gabela, Commissioner Escalona, Commissioner
Rosado and Commissioner King
On the 12th day of March, 2026, 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 regular
session. The Commission Meeting was called to order by Chair Pardo at 9:06 a.m., recessed
at 11:37 a.m., reconvened at 11:49 a.m. and adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
Note for the Record: Commissioner King participated in the meeting via Zoom video
conferencing.
Note for the Record: Commissioner Gabela entered the Commission chambers at 9:11 a.m.
Note for the Record: Pursuant to City of Miami Charter Section 4(g)(1), Mayor Higgins
designated Commissioner Pardo as the temporary presiding officer for this meeting.
ALSO PRESENT:
James Reyes, City Manager
George K. Wysong III, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
Chair Pardo: Good morning. If you can start having a seat, we're going to get going.
Chairwoman King is not feeling well today, unfortunately. So, I'll be filling in her shoes, not to
the full extent of her shoes, but I will do my best. Welcome to the City of Miami Commission
meeting, March 12th, 2026. Procedures for the public comment will be explained by the City
Attorney shortly. Procedures for the swearing in of parties for Planning and Zoning and quasi-
judicial items will be explained by the City Attorney. The members of the City Commission
appearing for this meeting are Rolando Escalona, Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Chairwoman
Christine King, myself and the honorable Madam Mayor. The meeting will begin and open
with a prayer and Pastor Kenneth Washington from the Greater Israel Bethel Primitive Baptist
Church. Pastor Washington.
Kenneth Washington: Thank you, sir. Shall we pray?
Invocation delivered.
Chair Pardo: And Commissioner Rosado, if you could lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pledge of Allegiance delivered.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
ORDER OF THE DAY
Chair Pardo: Mr. City Attorney, can you please state the procedures to be followed during the
meeting?
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yes, Mr. Chair. Thank you. George Wysong, City Attorney,
City of Miami. Detailed information about the processes, order of business, rules of 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. 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 document 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 2-330 and (g) of the City Code, the agenda and 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 9:15 a.m. and remain open until public comment is
closed by the chairperson. Any person making offensive remarks or who 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 shall 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 here live at City Hall, at 3500 Pan American
Drive, Miami, Florida, subject to any and all City rules as they may be amended. If the
proposition is being considered or rescheduled, the opportunity to be 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's 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 City
staff and the City Attorney's Office on items on the 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. For Planning and Zoning items, PZ items shall proceed
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
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 Statutes 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 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 the -- to its deliberation and decision. The applicant may also
waive the right to an evidentiary hearing on the record. Please silence all cell phones and
other noisemaking 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. The
broadcast will have closed captioning. And finally, pursuant to Advisory Legal Opinion of the
Attorney General, AGO 2020-03, issued on March 19, 2020, the Florida Attorney General
opined that consistent with prior Attorney General opinions, a member of a local governing
body who is presently unable to attend the meeting because of medical treatment or due to
medical reasons could participate and vote in meetings where a quorum of the other members
was physically present. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Chair Pardo: Mr. City Clerk, please state the swearing in procedures to be followed during the
meeting.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Thank you, Chair. The procedures for individuals 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
individuals required to be sworn in who are currently present at City Hall will be sworn in by
me, the City Clerk, immediately after I 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 of procedure we have established for this meeting? Chair, may I administer the oath for
the Planning and Zoning items?
Chair Pardo: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair. 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? And again, that's just for the Planning and Zoning items.
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 Pardo: Mr. City Manager, do you have any items to be deferred or withdrawn?
James Reyes (City Manager): Good morning. Good morning, Madam Mayor, Chairman and
Chairwoman, virtually, Commissioners, City Attorney, and City Clerk. The Administration
would like to defer or withdraw the following items: RE.8, to be deferred to May 14th; FR.3, to
be withdrawn; and Discussion Item 2, to be indefinitely deferred. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Commissioners, do you have any items to be deferred or withdrawn?
Commissioner Escalona: No. No.
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Commissioner Gabela: Yes, I do. Pertaining to the Ultra, I can 't see the --
Chair Pardo: RE.10.
Unidentified Speaker: RE.10.
Commissioner Gabela: That's right. I'd like to defer that.
Chair Pardo: To April 23rd?
Commissioner Gabela: To April 23rd.
Chair Pardo: Anyone else? Commissioner Escalona? Commissioner Rosado? No?
Mr. Hannon: And Chair, if may --
Chair Pardo: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: -- briefly just interrupt. I do have a number of sponsor and cosponsor requests,
so if you can just bear with me. Mayor Higgins will be cosponsoring RE.9. Commissioner
Pardo will be sponsoring CA.1, CA.2, CA.3, CA.4, CA.5, CA.6, CA.7, RE.2, and RE.3.
Commissioner Pardo will also be cosponsoring RE.11, RE.15, and RE.17. Commissioner
Escalona will be cosponsoring RE.9. Commissioner Rosado will be sponsoring RE.8 and
cosponsoring FR.5. Commissioner King will be sponsoring FL.1 and cosponsoring RE.9.
Thank you, Chair.
Chair Pardo: I know Madam Chair is not feeling well and there were items that we wanted to
bring forward that require a four -fifths. So, Madam Chair, if you're there on the Zoom --
Mr. Hannon: And Chair, if I may, my apologies. For the items that are being deferred and
withdrawn, if you would like to ask for a motion and a vote.
Commissioner King: Wait, wait, wait.
Chair Pardo: Discussion.
Commissioner King: Wait. Can you guys hear me?
Chair Pardo: Yes, we can hear you.
Commissioner King: Okay. I didn 't -- I didn 't get the items that the Manager said will be
deferred or withdrawn. Could you do that one more time, please?
Chair Pardo: Absolutely. City Manager.
Mr. Reyes: Absolutely. Hope you feel better, Chairwoman.
Commissioner King: Thank you.
Mr. Reyes: RE.8, to be deferred May 14th; RE.8, deferred to May 14th; FR.3, to be withdrawn;
and Discussion Item 2, to be indefinitely deferred.
Chair Pardo: And, in addition, RE.10 was deferred to April 23rd.
Commissioner King: I got that one. I would like to defer -- I thought administration was going
to defer it, but I would like to defer PZ.2.
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Chair Pardo: Is that it, Chairwoman?
Commissioner King: That would be it, yes.
Chair Pardo: Apologize, I didn 't -- I didn 't go through you on the Zoom first.
Mr. Hannon: And my apologies, Chair. To what date is PZ.2 being deferred?
Commissioner King: Let's indefinitely defer it, because we're going to work on it a bit, and we
can bring it back at any time.
Chair Pardo: Okay, so can we have a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Commissioner Gabela: I'm sorry, on the RE -- sorry, give me a minute here. On RE.10, what
do we agree to defer?
Chair Pardo: April 23rd.
Commissioner Gabela: Is that the second meeting in April?
Chair Pardo: That's the second meeting in April.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, so I motion to defer RE.10.
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Chair Pardo: Along with the whole list of items.
Commissioner Escalona: Yeah.
Chair Pardo: We're good?
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Chair Pardo: Okay, all those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries. Now for the items to be considered now were PH.4, RE.6, and
RE.9. These are four -fifths items that we're moving forward so that the chairwoman can vote
on these items. Is there any discussion?
Commissioner Gabela: PH (Public Hearing) -- I'm sorry.
Chair King: Wait, I think you got to do public comment first.
Chair Pardo: Ah, okay, thank you, appreciate that.
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PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ALL ITEM(S)
19055
Office of the City
Clerk
DISCUSSION ITEM
PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MEMBERS OF THE
PUBLIC FOR THE MARCH 12, 2026, CITY COMMISSION MEETING.
rRESULT: PRESENTED
Chair Pardo: So, our public comment period is now open. Yes, sir.
Rick Madan: Good morning, Commissioners, Madam Mayor. My name is Rick
Madan, president of the Biscayne Neighborhoods Association, and I am a resident of
Edgewater. I'm hre to express our neighborhood's strong support for several items
that prioritize our safety, mobility, and environment. First, we urge you to support
for the Margaret Pace Park improvements RE.2. As one of our primary green
spaces, the proposed baywalk segment and kayak launch are vital for public access.
Similarly, we support the 1-395 baywalk connector, RE.17 and CA.12. These projects
move us closer to the long-term vision of a continuous safe front path for pedestrians
and cyclists. Regarding mobility, we thank Commissioner Rosado for sponsoring the
discussion on traffic light synchronization, DI.3. In high -density areas like ours,
efficient traffic flow is a daily necessity. We also support marine patrol upgrades,
CA.2, essential for emergency response on our busy waterways. Eliminating single -
use plastics, RE.15, a critical step in protecting the health of Biscayne Bay. Finally,
we appreciate Commissioner Pardo for initiating the discussion on managing
homelessness and the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery, DI.5. A
comprehensive service -oriented approach is vital for the well-being of our entire
community. Thank you for your time and for moving these important initiatives
forward.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma'am?
Marlene Barton: Good morning, Madam Mayor --
Chair Pardo: Good morning.
Mr. Barton: -- Commissioners, Commissioner Pardo. My name is Marlene Barton,
representing the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, 3640 Grand Avenue. Today is one
month and one day since our beloved Mrs. Gibson left us physically. I'm here in
support today, in support of RE.9, acknowledging the work of both Reverend Father
Gibson and Mrs. Thelma Gibson, who tirelessly advocated for fairness, funding to
make the lives of the residents of West Coconut Grove better. Not just better, but
providing opportunities for them. So, I ask the entire board to please support RE.9 as
this community and Miami -Dade County should remember the tireless work and
dedication both Father Gibson and Mrs. Thelma Gibson gave -- gave their lives for.
I mean, not gave their lives for, but dedicated their lives. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir.
Elvis Cruz: Good morning, gentlemen. Perhaps you can take another speaker while
we're waiting for the -- oh, here I am, okay. Good morning. Regarding the FIND
(Florida Inland Navigation District) grants, you have a total of 12 FIND grants on
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today's agenda. And FIND, the Florida Inland Navigation District, exists to increase
public access to the waterways. The total grants are over $9.5 million. But those
FIND grants could be in jeopardy, and here's why. The Legion Park boat ramp
opened in 1966. Here it is being used by motorboats in 2007. But due to a lack of
maintenance, it was closed and fenced off in 2009. Imagine that, a city facility that
was not well maintained. Later, some neighbors objected to the motorboats using the
ramp. I told those neighbors the FIND grant required motorboat access. It's very
easy to take away a personal freedom as long as it's someone else's personal
freedom. But rather than continually allowing motorboats, the City canceled the
FIND grant. FIND was not happy and said so. So, here's the before. They were
starting construction in 2023, in 2022, and in 2024, this is what ended up. Your --
cars can no longer park there. They expect the kayakers to carry their kayaks 610
feet. There's no parking allowed at the end of the street. And what little parking is
available is taken by a 236-unit apartment building; before, after. I highly
recommend you repave the Legion Park boat ramp parking lot and put it back in
service. Please bring back a public waterfront benefit that should never have been
taken away. FIND and the public will be most appreciative.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Mr. Cruz: Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Sir?
Keith Moore: Good morning. My name is Keith Moore. I'm from the historical
research group Profiles in Black Miami. It's been our task to bring back to fruition
hidden history within the black community. We have been sponsors of several street
naming events. I'm here for RE.9, the street naming event for Father Gibson and
Mrs. Thelma Gibson. They have contributed to this community, Father Gibson from
the 1950s to the 1980s as a civil rights activist and as a commissioner, the second
black commissioner to be -- sit in this chamber. Mrs. Gibson took the helm from
there, where she did a lot of community work. She did work for women 's rights and
advocated for this community immensely. Their history is not hidden in plain sight.
We know about them. But today, I'm here to support the proposal to have a street
named after them for future generations to see. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you very much. Ma'am?
Elissa Margulies: Good morning. Elisa Margulies, 3333 Rice Street in Center
Grove. I think we should all join Mayor Higgins in sponsoring RE.15. Eliminating
single -use plastics and polystyrene containers would be a huge win for Miami. A
word of caution, though, many cities have tried and failed. Take the time to learn
from their mistakes. Reach out to environmental groups in Chicago, San Francisco,
Los Angeles, and Portland. Ask them about the unintended consequences of
implementing bans without suitable alternatives. Next, look to cities and countries
that succeeded in banning plastic bags and takeout containers. Washington, D.C.,
Santa Barbara, Hong Kong, Ireland, they figured it out. Follow their lead. Tap into
our local resources like FillABag for their expertise. Did you know more than
100,000 sea turtles, whales, and dolphins die each year from plastic ingestion and
entanglement? When you include other sea life, the number increases to over a
million. And that doesn 't even include the seabirds. The numbers are staggering.
With the right public messaging and the necessary incentives, businesses and
residents will become invested in this challenge. Even the most jaded can be
persuaded. Finally, now that you've started this conversation, please make sure it
doesn 't get bogged down in typical Miami bureaucracy, because when you find the
right formula, the impact on our environment will be immediately noticeable, and
what a legacy that will leave. Thank you.
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Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Reynold Martin: Good morning --
Chair Pardo: Good morning.
Mr. Martin: -- acting chairperson and the rest of the dais. My name is Reynold
Martin. I'm with the Homeowners and Tenants Association of the West Grove, and 1
chair Grove Rights and Community Equity, otherwise known as GRACE. I'm here to
offer support for RE.9. It's legendary what the Gibsons has contributed to both
Coconut Grove and the rest of the city of Miami. But I'm also here to support the
renaming or the naming of the Aquatic Center at Virrick Park after Verneka Silva.
We know a lot about her, but there's a lot more that we can learn about Verneka
Silva, who's certainly eminently qualified to have this thing renamed after her. She
was an alumnus of Carver High School, and she was also inducted into the Hall of
Fame at Florida A&M (Agricultural and Mechanical) University. You know, at
Florida A&M University, folks didn 't hear too much about Coconut Grove, but they
always heard something about Carver. And when they found out that Carver and
Coconut Grove were synonymous, oh my God, when you go to FAMU and you say
that's where you're from, then you get recognition. But in addition to that, Ms. Silva
was president of so many organizations in the community. She was president of the
National Association of Black School Educators. She was president of the Girls Club
of America, the Miami Chapter. And everything that she was a part of -- she was an
officer, the Gibson Memorial Fund, Miami Mental Health, Dade County Sickle Cell,
Sigma Gamma Rho. So, Ms. Silva is certainly deserving to have her name on the
Aquatic Center at Virrick Park. So, I thank you for your consideration of this.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Marcos Loureiro: Good morning. Marcos Loureiro, 600 27th Street, Miami. Good
morning, Commissioners. Good morning, Madam Mayor, City officials, and I wish
Chairwoman King get better soon. I live in Edgewater, and I'm about quality of life,
so I'm here to speak for four items. The first one is the application for grant for the
Margaret Pace Park. The next two are related to baywalk. We've been fighting for
baywalk here for three years. So, the RE.17, baywalk connector design and
permitting grant application, and the CA.12, the design for the 1-35 [sic] baywalk
pedestrian and bikeway bridge. And the last one is related to the Miami Patrol, the
CA (Consent Agenda) Number 2, Miami Patrol boat engine replacement grant
application. So, all those four topics, and I agree with others, but I select only these
four is really related to provide to Edgewater, to the city of Miami, a better quality of
life. Thank you very much.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Adam Gersten: Adam Gersten, 7010 Biscayne Boulevard. Good morning,
Commissioners. Madam Chairwoman, I hope you feel better. Good morning, Madam
Mayor. I am the chair of the Planning and Zoning -- Planning, Zoning, and Appeals
Board, and I'm supposed to deliver a report. You all already have it, but I think for
the benefit of the public, just to know what we do and what we've done in the last
year. The board serves as the City's local planning agency, providing
recommendations to the Commission on important planning and zoning matters,
including Miami 21 amendments, comprehensive neighborhood plan updates,
rezonings, and special area plans. The board also serves in a quasi-judicial capacity
hearing variances, exceptions, land use, and zoning appeals. In 2025, the board held
20 public meetings, with two canceled due to lack of quorum. We apologize for that.
During the year, the board reviewed approximately 83 resolutions and 6 discussion
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items addressing planning and development matters across the city. The board
remains committed to transparency and public participation, ensuring meetings are
publicly noticed, materials are available in advance, and proceedings are accessible
through the City's broadcast channels. Board members completed their required
Miami 21 ethics and Sunshine Law training to ensure compliance with state law and
best practices. Everyone on the board appreciates the opportunity to serve. I've done
so for a long time. I hope to continue to. And my time's up, but I just want to say
that, you know, we're hoping to be able to explain what we do beforehand. We've
taken the cue from some of the commissioners who like to, you know, let people know
what's going on. So, we're hoping that, as we move forward, that's a possibility that
we can explain to the public a little more what's happening in advance. It's
sometimes hard to explain how to click through, even though we think it's obvious to
click on a PDF (Portable Document Format) and go through an agenda. So, the
more we can reach the public in more clear ways, we'd like to. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Steven Dutton: Good morning, Commissioners, Madam Mayor, City staff. I'm Steven
Dutton, resident of Downtown at 244 Biscayne Boulevard, Apartment 3906, Miami,
Florida. I moved here with Thomas Lang, my life partner, in 2013 after we both
retired. We enjoyed the next few years in Miami, mixing a wonderful life of leisure
and travel. In September of 2016, we returned home from a couple -- from a cruise
for a couple of months, and with our dogs, Lucy and Max, we were enjoying coffee
and breakfast outside a cafe along Flagler. Sadly, everything changed for us that
morning, as we were startled by a man across the street in front of Walgreens
screaming obscenities at everyone who passed and shouting threats. He was
enraged, but his voice was also sounding delirious, and by his dress, we knew he was
homeless. I made a decision to photograph him so the police could be alerted. He
saw me take the photo and yelled, "Take my photo, Mother-F. " And he came across
the street, and after swinging a punch that missed me, he ran to my partner who
yelled, "Leave us alone. " And he pushed Tom to the pavement, landing squarely on
his head, causing his death two days later at Jackson Memorial. It would be hard for
me to advocate for anything to help the man who caused Tom 's death were it not for
the fact that I spent the last 20 years of my professional life as chief executive officer
of Samaritan House in Fort Worth, Texas, before moving to Miami. Tom and I were
both attorneys. He was with a bank, and we both were very involved in our
community. How sadly ironic that after creating a medically supportive facility there
for persons who were homeless due to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome), as well as for mental illness and substance abuse, that I would now live
in Miami suffering as a victim of violence from a homeless man suffering untreated
mental illness. I can only surmise my journey to finding peace will include helping
this community finally understand there is no silver bullet ending homelessness. But
through the goodness of heart and the persistence of persons working to end this
scourge, progress most definitely can happen. Your problem is simply one of
deciding for the community the next step not yet taken. Despite the millions of tax
dollars spent in our city for incarcerating persons --
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Mr. Dutton: -- that are homeless, but with untreated mental illness, followed by short
hospital stays for medications that help, then back to the streets --
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Mr. Dutton: -- where it all starts all over again.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
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Mr. Dutton: All right, I'm sorry. I apologize. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: We appreciate it. Thank you very much.
Mr. Dutton: Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Ma'am?
Ana Viemonte Ros: Good morning to you all. I'm Ana Viemonte Ros, and I live at 34
Almeria Avenue in Coral Gables. I am -- I served as Secretary of Health for the State
of Florida, as well as the first Surgeon General for the state. I'm currently
Administrative Medical Director at Camillus Health Concern, as well as a Professor
of Medicine at Florida International University College of Medicine. In 20 -- and I
say this because I'm really very passionate and very committed to the health of
everyone in our community. In 2023, Camillus Health Concern was approached by
Judge Leifman at the Miami Center for Mental Health team to explore potential
leadership and partnership in this area. The medical team, we felt Camillus Health
would be able to help in this initiative, and that we would be able to provide a
continuum of primary care services, as well as episodic care for acute illnesses,
chronic disease management, and specialty and surgical referrals as needed. We're
committed to evaluating all these patients and making referrals to Jackson Memorial
Hospital Emergency Room when appropriate. We feel that Camillus Health
Concern, as well as the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery, have a
natural alignment in serving individuals with complex health needs, particularly
those with serious mental illness, cooccurring chronic conditions, and social
vulnerabilities. We believe this partnership enhances patient outcomes for everyone
in the community and reduces reliance on emergency and inpatient services. Thank
you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
William Hopper: Good morning, honorable Commissioners and Mayor. My name is
William Hopper. I live at 527 Northeast 56th Street. I want to express my
appreciation to the Chairwoman for allowing me to present the annual report of the
Historic Environmental Preservation Board in public comments. Throughout the
year, at monthly HEP (Historic and Environmental Preservation) Board meetings,
the board has reviewed applications for special certificates of appropriateness for
alterations to designated historic sites and districts, designation of historic resources
and tree appeals regarding intended decisions to remove trees throughout the city.
The board also has the authority to review certificates to dig for major ground
disturbing activity in archeological sites and zones and special certificates of
approval for tree removal and or construction activity in an environmental
preservation district or scenic transportation corridor. During 2025, the HEP Board
held 11 meetings, lasting approximately 32 hours, made a total of 45 resolutions,
including the following: two preliminary designation report reviews, two final
designation of historic resources, including John Sewell's Halissee Hall gate
columns and 3634 Frow Avenue amendment, 35 special certificates of
appropriateness for alterations to historic resources and districts, four historic
preservation waivers to allow for restoration or adaptive reuse of designated historic
resources, two tree removal permit appeals. In addition, the board has reviewed an
action on the archaeological site under excavation at 77 Southeast 5th Street/444
Brickell Avenue. Other discussion items included the progress of Charles Avenue
developments, ongoing HEP Board enhancements, updates to demolition by neglect
legislation, implementation of an inventory and assessment of the City's historic
resources with unsafe structures violation, and proposals for new designations.
Thank you.
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Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Orlando Gutierrez Boronat: Good morning. My name is Orlando Gutierrez Boronat.
I represent the Assembly for the Cuban Resistance. The Assembly is a coalition of 52
civic -- Cuban -American civic organizations inside and outside Cuba. That recently
expanded as we have signed an agreement with the Pasos de Cambio Coalition just
about a week ago, right there in the Ermita de la Caridad del Cobre. I'm here to
speak on behalf of Item DI.4, support for city planning for transition in Cuba. Cuba
is on the cusp of change. Preparedness is essential. As we learn from history, what
happens in Cuba deeply affects Miami. What happens in Miami also deeply affects
Cuba. We must prepare because we have a long history of being affected by the
crises in Cuba and are not preparing in spite of the writing being on the wall for
these crises. And we believe that the city of Miami must not only prepare, but it can
also assist the federal government in that outcome which is most beneficial for the
city of Miami, for the people of Cuba, for the United States. There are many possible
scenarios in Cuba. Two of them, hybrid change or the regime remaining in place,
will have a negative fallout for Miami. But real change towards democracy, towards
freedom, can really help Miami and be a boost for Miami's economy. The assembly
has a coherent plan for national reconstruction of Cuba, for national salvation. We
have commissions. We're working on different areas, and we're more than glad to
help the City in any way to prepare. Thank you very much.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
David Newman: Good morning. I'm Dr. David Newman. I live in Coconut Grove,
2470 Trapp Avenue. I just want to express my extreme support for the funding of the
mental health facility. You all know how long it's been on, you know, on the agendas.
It's been a project of Judge Leifman 's for over 20 years. And to pull any kind of
funding now would be -- it's really at the one -inch line, okay. It's gotten the support
of commissions up until now, and a lot of things have been -- a lot of foot dragging,
but we're really right at the door. And all we need to do is to turn the key on this. I
was at the commission meeting for the County, and strangely, they're using the
reasoning that, well, City of Miami and Miami Beach are not sure about funding it
itself So, they're using this, the unsureness of funding it, as an excuse for them not to
fully go forward. It's really -- it's crazy because the amount of money they're asking
from the County and the money that the City's also putting up is really lint in the
pockets, really. It's such a minimal amount of money. For the amount of money this
will save taxpayers, it'll greatly reduce jail time of the people who don 't deserve to
be in jail to begin with. So, on many different levels, this serves the community. It
saves money. It gives people who need the help, the help that they need. And I hope
you can continue to fund this project because it's good on so many levels. Thank y
ou very much.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma'am?
Jamel Anderson -Ruff Good morning. I am Jamel Anderson -Ruff the youngest niece
of Thelma Vernell Anderson -Gibson. And I'm coming to you from her address, 3661
Franklin Avenue. And we are here to speak in support of RE.9, the co -designation.
And I just want to speak about my Aunt Thelma, not as an activist, but as a woman
and beloved aunt who helped raise my father and was mother to me when mine was
lost. Proverbs 31 speaks of a good wife being valued greater than rubies. Because
she was absolutely a woman of noble character and brought Uncle Theodore, her
family, and community good, we agree. While Uncle Theodore was a leader in his
own right, my Aunt Thelma enabled him to do greater as that Proverbs 31 woman,
and she continued and multiplied their work even after his death in 1982. She was
truly a woman of great value. She was the model for us as we, her nieces and
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nephews, AKA (also known as) her children, are educators, ministers, police
officers, community organizers, health care professionals and military service
people. We carry her legacy all over the world and are proud of the home she
worked to create for us and hope that you will vote to move forward with the co -
designation. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma'am?
Laura Okamura: Good morning. Laura Okamura, 50 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.
I'm here to speak against RE.10, the ten-year --
Chair Pardo: We ended up deferring RE.10 from the agenda.
Ms. Okamura: Correct, yes. I'm --
Chair Pardo: So is there some other item on the agenda that you would like to speak
on?
Ms. Okarnura: No. So are you voting on that deferral today?
Chair Pardo: No. It is deferred already. We've already voted to defer it, so that'll
come back on April 23rd.
Ms. Okamura: Okay, thank you.
Chair Pardo: No, thank you for taking the time to come. Thank you.
Misty Brown: Good morning. I'm Misty Brown, resident of Miramar, Florida,
address on file. Today I stand to ask for your support for RE.9 to commemorate the
legacy of both Reverend Theodore Gibson and our beloved Aunt Thelma Gibson. We
thank this commission for always being in support of her and her efforts in
everything that she did in this community. We know behind this sacred desk that she
-- sacred dais, that she and Reverend Gibson served this community well with pride
and with dignity, and served especially the west part of Coconut Grove, their beloved
home, with integrity. She would want to say today to thank this commission, and
although she had high regards for the men on this dais, she had a special affinity for
Chairwoman Christine King, and her last act of civic duty was to vote for our new
mayor, Mayor Higgins. And so, we thank you on behalf of the family for this
recognition, for generations to come, to know -- to get to know and know about the
great works that Reverend Theodore Gibson and Thelma Rennell Anderson Gibson
did for -- on behalf for this community and all the constituents. Thank you again.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma 'am ?
Elaine Black: Good morning. It's so good to --
Chair Pardo: Good morning.
Ms. Black: -- to be here this -- today. My name is Elaine Black, and I am the
president of the Liberty City Trust. And we are here to present our annual report for
2025 and our direction for 2026. Our vice president, Professor Sam Latimore, will
do the first introduction.
Samuel Latimore: Good morning. My name is Professor Sam Latimore, 937
Northwest 55 Street, Miami. Been a resident for over 70 years. And I am with the
association of Liberty City Trust. I just want to briefly mention that the vision of the
Liberty City Trust is to empower those who live, learn, and work and play in the
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Liberty City, overreaching objectives as it relates to transforming a distressed, high
poverty community into a valuable mixed income, sustainable neighborhood with
access to well functioning services, high quality public schools, and educational
programs as well as quality early learning situations. Public assets, reliable public
transportation, and improved access to employment opportunities.
Ms. Black: Thank you. I'd like to just say that our goals for 2026, we have nine
pillars, commercial development. And under commercial development, I'm happy to
say on March 25th, we're going to have the grand opening or ribbon cutting for
Yeager Plaza. The reason Yeager Plaza is important is because there was a doctor
by the name of Mr. Yeager, Dr. Yeager, and he served our community for many
years. He came to many of our initial meetings many years ago and advocated.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Ms. Black: And as a result of that, we are building 135-unit apartment building with
10,000 square feet of open recreational space across from Liberty Square.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Ms. Black: Oh.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Ms. Black: Oh, thank you. All right.
Chair Pardo: Two minutes. Thank you. Ma'am?
Todra Anderson Rhodes: Good morning to Mayor Eileen Higgins, Chairwoman
Christine King and the City of Miami Commissioners. I am Dr. Todra Anderson
Rhodes, the seventh niece of Mrs. Thelma Vernell Anderson -Gibson and Reverend
Theodore Gibson. I'm Dr. Todra, as my aunt called me. I'm from actually Pembroke
Pines, Florida, but my father was one of her brothers and so I grew up in the Grove.
I'm also on the board, an active board member of the Thelma Gibson Health
Initiative, which, as you all know or should know, provides amazing healthcare
services, behavioral health services, social work services, and so much more to City
of Miami residents, especially those in the historic Grove. My uncle and aunt, whom
I both loved, knew, revered and cherished, led with integrity, always, always doing
what's right. They led with passion, him more loudly than her, as those of you who
knew them well can attest, but also with compassion for all people, especially the
least of these, those who are underserved, underinsured, or uninsured, making sure
that they gained what they needed to be productive citizens in our community. They
inspired me to become a physician, along with my mother, who 's a nurse, but they
inspired my twin sister and I to become physicians, and I am now a chief medical
officer in Broward County. On behalf of our very large family, which many of you
have met, who have learned how to serve our God, our church, our community, our
family, and each other, we have learned from two of the best, Uncle Theodore, whom
you all know as Reverend Gibson, and Aunt Thelma. We thank you for your
consideration of RE.9, the street naming co -designation, in their honor for their
legacy of love and servant leadership. And I want that highlighted again, love and
servant leadership. We thank you for this timeless way that you can honor them for
what they have given to all of us. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you so much. Thank you. Sir?
Steven Wernick: Good morning, Commissioners, Mayor, City Manager. Steve
Wernick, 396 Alhambra, here on behalf of Wynwood Community Enhancement
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Association to speak in support of PZD.1 [sic], the NRD-2 (Neighborhood
Revitalization District) text amendments. We're very grateful for the collaboration
with the City's Planning Department, with Commissioner King's office, Chairwoman
King, for her support and sponsorship of this item. This has been a continued
collaboration to make much needed neighborhood improvements and see this
neighborhood grow in a way that's sensitive for the existing residents. Thank you
very much.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma'am?
Magdelena Winchester: Good morning.
Chair Pardo: Good morning.
Ms. Winchester: Maggie Winchester -Weiler, 195 Sunrise Drive, Key Biscayne. I am
the senior manager for Florida Conservation for Ocean Conservancy, and we've
been a proud partner of the City of Miami through our Shores Forward program
since 2020. We're excited to see the City is taking steps to limit the procurement of
single -use plastics on their property. As the leader of the International Coastal
Cleanup, we found that single -use plastic items are the most commonly picked up
items year after year, and Miami is no exception. Single -use plastics can be some of
the most challenging items to recycle, which means that limiting their use to begin
with means less waste, it means saving money on waste hauling, and less litter on
our streets and our beaches. As a city that's benefiting massively from our beautiful
Biscayne Bay, you have the opportunity to be more than just a good steward, but a
real leader in her protection. In 2021, we worked with the City of Miami, the
University of Georgia, and many residents and stakeholders to assess circularity in
the city and look for opportunities for waste reduction. Starting with your own
procurement process is -- was one of the recommendations from this study, this
engagement process, and we're really happy to see that this idea is gathering some
steam. So, we're happy to support this resolution. And if you need any support in
identifying plastic alternatives or looking at other ways to reduce plastic and waste
around the city, you have a huge network of allies in this community, myself and
Ocean Conservancy included. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Stanley Young: Good morning. My name is Chaplain Stanley Young of Freedom
Prison and Jail Ministry, serving all of Miami -Dade County. We want to give well
wishes to our chairwoman, Christine King. Hope you get better. For all the
commissioners, Mayor, thank you for serving and serving our community well as you
have been doing. I'm here to talk on CA.1 through 7. It's about all the grants that
you have put out on -- in the community. I stopped everything I was doing just to
come down and thank you for what you are doing and supporting in our community.
Because we can 't do what we are doing in the community without your support,
without your encouragement, without you opening your doors, answering the phone,
sending emails to actually engage with us to really do what we do. I love doing what
I do. I do it without a paycheck. I do it without a congratulations. Been doing it for
36 years and I plan on doing it probably for the rest of my life, serving my
community and trying to make my community just a little better than we -- I have
found it. That is my motto. That is something I live by, that is something I'm going to
leave here with, that I left my community better than I found it. I thank you once
again, 500 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida. Call me, let's collaborate, let's
see what we can do to make our community better. Thank you, God bless.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma'am?
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Jessica Fernandez: Good morning, Mayor and Commissioners. Jessica Fernandez,
3401 Northwest 82nd Avenue, Doral, Florida 33122. I'm here on behalf of Crown
Castle, and I wanted to thank you, Commissioner Rosado, for agreeing to postpone
or withdraw the Item FR.3 so that we can discuss the best collaboration with utility
companies. Crown Castle is committed to maintaining the highest standards of
restoration in the public rights -of -way as we work to enhance our neighborhood's
telecommunications infrastructure. And so, we really appreciate this opportunity to
work in partnership with you, Commissioner Rosado, and with each of you,
Commissioners Escalona, not King, Pardo, Commissioner Pardo and Commissioner
Gabela. Thank you so much, and I hope you have a great day.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Charles Gibson: Charles Gibson, 3679 Franklin Avenue. I am the grandson of
Theodore and Thelma Gibson. First of all, I'd like to thank you all, all of the
Commission -- Commissioners and the Mayor for ER -- RE.9. We know that Mr. and
Mrs. Gibson and Reverend Gibson have left the place better than what they found it.
They dedicated their lives to the improvement of this city. Their level of service is
unmatched. And I'd like to thank you all for considering this measure and I'm in
support of it. On behalf of our family, the Andersons and the Gibsons, we really
appreciate your support and we hope that the Commission will approve RE.9.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Dave Doebler: Hi, good morning, Mayor and Commissioners. My name is Dave
Doebler. I'm a plastic fisherman residing at 8000 West Drive. I'm here to support
RE.15, the plastics in procurement. I founded volunteercleanup.org 12 years ago,
and our organization has helped facilitate more than 5,000 cleanups, removing over
1.4 million pounds of trash from Biscayne Bay. Our work protects our waters,
marine life, and our food supply, because no one wants plastic in their fish tacos. A
huge portion of what we pull out of the water is single -use plastics and polystyrene.
In fact, four of the top five items our volunteers collect are used for food and
beverage, including plastic bottles, bottle caps, and utensils. These products are
designed to be used for a few minutes, and they last on our planet for hundreds of
years. The reality is simple. What is sold and distributed becomes what ends up in
our streets, storm drains, and ultimately waterways. That's why this resolution is so
important. It focuses on something the City fully controls, its own contracts,
concessionaires, and events operating on City property. When the City sets the
standards, businesses quickly adapt, costs come down, and the public follows,
leveraging capitalism to solve problems. We've already seen this work in Miami -
Dade County and City of Miami Beach, where similar leadership helped move the
market towards better alternatives. Ultra Music Festival is a great example of an
event on City property that has made major progress eliminating single -use plastics
shifting to recyclable products, and reclaiming that material. They've shown that
reducing single -use plastics makes good business sense. This is about leading by
example and reducing the flow of single -use plastics that we know cause the most
harm. So, on behalf of the thousands of volunteers who show up every year to protect
our waters, I strongly encourage you to support this resolution. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Ernest Champayne: Good morning, my name is Ernest Champayne, and I live in
5545 Northwest 3rd Avenue. And I just came here to, you know, go ahead and thank
Ms. Chairwoman Christine King for her continuous support of FOCAL (Foundation
of Community Assistance and Leadership). I started in the program when I was
younger, and now my son attends the program as well. You know, especially in --
growing up in that area, you know, there wasn 't -- my mom and dad didn 't have a lot
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of money sometimes. And because of that program, I was able to, you know, go to
like different -- do different activities like outside of state, even things like college --
you know, check out college campuses and things like that. And so that program
really helped me, you know, develop myself as a student and even as an adult today,
cause I also worked there after I graduated. So, again, I just want to thank Ms.
Christine King for her continued support of FOCAL. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma'am?
Theresa Pinto: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Theresa Pinto, 140
Northeast 84th Street, Number 1365, in Miami. I'm here with the Peer Group. I'm an
attorney with the Peer Group. We're a nonprofit law firm that advocates for thriving,
sustainable communities that put -- sorry, that put vulnerable populations first. I'm
here to support RE.15, the City's green procurement resolution. I commend them in
thinking about this, that would help reduce plastics in our environment. As you
probably know, plastics are entering our environment at an alarming rate, and I
include people in that environment, and it's having huge health impacts. Micro,
nano, and now picoplastics have been found in almost every ecosystem on the planet,
and almost in every human bodily fluid, that includes the brain, the placenta, and
seminal fluids. And we still don 't know what these impacts will be down the line.
Plastics never break down; they just basically get smaller and smaller. And so, the
environment and people are basically absorbing over 90 percent of the plastics that
are being produced. So, I commend the City for thinking about turning to green
procurement and helping to alleviate this issue. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma'am?
Rocio Paz Vergara Rosales: Good morning.
Chair Pardo: Good morning.
Ms. Vergara Rosales: My name is Rocio Vergara.
Ms. Vergara Rosales (as translated by official Spanish interpreter, Irene Orces):
3015 Northwest 8th Avenue, Apartment 12, Miami. I'm coming here to thank all the
people from FOCAL, a program that helps children. The impact that it has on our
families as a single mother, the aid that it has given me is very valuable. It lets me
work while my child is taken care of in a loving and caring way. It's really important
to me. I want to thank them and God bless all the people who make this possible
along with their teachers to make this program. A special thanks to Madam
Chairwoman Christine King.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma'am?
Amanda Di Perna: Hi, good morning. My name is Amanda DI Perna, 3775 Loquat
Avenue. I'm the director of Zero Waste Cultural Change at Debris Free Oceans.
We're a local nonprofit working to prevent plastic pollution and advance zero waste
solutions across our community. I'm here today in support of RE.15. And plastics
are made from fossil fuels and if the global plastics industry were a country, it would
be the fifth largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. There are
more than 4,200 chemicals associated with plastics that have been known to be
harmful to human health and the environment, and microplastics have been detected
throughout the human body. Here in Miami, single -use plastics are the most common
items found in our storm drains, canals, and waterways, contributing to the hundreds
of thousands of pounds of debris removed by the City and local organizations every
year. Procurement policies like this are an important opportunity for the City to
reduce plastic at the source. If your bathtub was overflowing, the first thing you
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would do is turn off the tap. Setting standards for City concessions allows Miami to
lead by example and safeguard the health of its residents and ecosystems. We have
already seen proof of that this works here in Miami. Ultra Music Festival, which
takes place on City property, has voluntarily taken major steps to reduce plastic
waste. Through its Mission Home Sustainability Program, the festival has eliminated
more than 2.6 million single -use plastic items from entering the waste stream, and in
2025, reduced the types of single -use plastics used at the event by approximately 91
percent. Reducing single -use plastics protects Biscayne Bay and supports Miami's
long-term climate and resilience goals. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir? Is there anyone else?
Wills Felin: Yes.
Chair Pardo: Good morning.
Mr. Felin: Good morning, good morning, good morning, Mayor, Council. I'm Wills
Felin, I'm with the Arts and Entertainment Council. I have my distinguished council
members, Gloria Rodriguez and Armand DuBois. The Miami Arts and Entertainment
Council serves as an advisory board to the City Commission, providing guidance
and recommendations that support artistic programming, cultural events, and
creative initiatives throughout the City of Miami. Our mission is simple, to cultivate
opportunities, to expand our arts, support creative organizations, and enhance
Miami 's cultural identity. Over the past year, the Council has focused on strategic
partnerships that directly impact residents, artists, and cultural institutions. Through
our collaboration with such projects like the Locust Project, we supported Little
Haiti, Little Haiti River Art Days, helping activate galleries, studios, with bringing
residents and visitors together to experience the neighborhood's creative economy.
We partnered with NIDO, Refuge of the Senses, to support initiative programming
that encourages exploration, experimentation, and contemporary art, while
welcoming diverse audiences to engage with creative expression. During Art Basel
Week, the council sponsored public art activations with Miami Urban Contemporary
Experience, including the Animal Kindred Spirits Exhibition.
Chair Pardo: You still have 30 seconds.
Mr. Felin: Okay. Exhibition, and which (UNINTELLIGIBLE) resilience of
environmental changes throughout the art. Well, since I'm running out of time here,
on behalf of the Miami Arts and Entertainment Council, we thank the Commission
for its continued support of the arts and creative community that helps define the
spirit of our city. All right.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma 'am ?
Madeline Kaufman: Good morning, Commissioners and Mayor Higgins. My name is
Maddie Kaufman, and I live at 3375 Southwest 29th Terrace, and I'm here today
also speaking in support of RE.15 to phase out the procurement and distribution of
single -use plastics and polystyrene throughout City contracts and events. So, I work
at Debris Free Oceans where I oversee a coalition of more than 160 people
representing more than 100 organizations working to prevent waste at the source
who are here to support the rollout of this contract. And this resolution really is a
practical and achievable step forward that has already been implemented in Miami -
Dade County. And this proposal simply brings the City into alignment with that
leadership. Did you know there's actually nearly 40 years of precedent for a policy
like this? The City of Berkeley actually eliminated polystyrene foam back in 1988.
And since then, entire states, including New York, New Jersey, Maine, Vermont,
Maryland, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon have phased out certain plastic
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products statewide. So, we can really no longer make the argument that there are not
enough alternatives available at reasonable prices. And this does hold true in
Florida, where Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield
Beach, Key West, among others have implemented policies to reduce single -use
plastics. And the reason communities are moving in this direction is because the
science is really impossible to ignore at this point. As folks have already mentioned,
you know, beyond our oceans and the environment, plastics have been throughout
our entire bodies, including lungs, kidneys, hearts, blood, the brain, as well as
placentas and breast milk, indicating that we're passing it on to the next generation.
And so, this resolution addresses the problem where it starts, and it really
safeguards public health. And so, Debris Free Oceans and Zero Waste Miami are in
full support and are here to help roll out. And I also want to highlight that Ultra
Music Festival has done an incredible job eliminating these products anyways,
eliminating millions of plastics from being introduced in Miami. And so, I support
the continuation of their lease at Bayfront Park as well. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Sir?
German DuBois: Good morning.
Chair Pardo: Morning.
Mr. DuBois: My name is Herman DuBois. I reside at 7900 Harbor Island Drive in
North Bay. Village. Thank you this morning for accommodating us. I serve as the
vice chair for the Miami Arts and Entertainment Council. I was a mayor appointee of
Mayor Suarez, and I'm seeking an additional appointee under Ms. Higgins'
administration. Wanted to just reiterate what was said by one of my colleagues, that
the Miami Arts and Entertainment Council is an excellent group because it
represents the district commissioners. And we want to make sure that art is
something that's accessible to all of our residents throughout our districts. We know
there's a heavy concentration of art in the Wynwood area, which is wonderful, but
art is for everybody. And we want to be able to represent the interests of the districts.
But unfortunately, we're unable to do so because we have several seats of districts
that are vacant. With your appointee, we can operate with a full council, and we'll
be able to maximize the role we serve. But if you need some assistance, we have
interested individuals from the respective districts that are willing to serve with your
permission. And so we ask for your continued support. We thank you for the -- for
the -- encouraging to continue to work in the arts and entertainment communities.
And we -- again, our main focus is to make art accessible for all. Thank you very
much.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma'am?
Jamila English: Greetings. My name is Jamila English. Our office is located at 765
Northwest 36th Street, Miami, Florida, 33127. I want to say good morning to the
chairwoman. I hope you feel better. I know you're watching. Welcome, Madam
Mayor and the Commissioners. And I'd like to extend a warm welcome to you,
Madam Mayor, and to the new commissioners, and introduce you to a wonderful
program called FOCAL. You met two of our parents already, and I just want to
thank you for stepping into the shoes of public service. And we look forward to your
leadership. Once again, I am Jamila English. I am the executive director of the
Foundation of Community Assistance and Leadership, FOCAL. FOCAL is located in
the City of Miami's Moore Park in District 5. And since 1999, FOCAL has served
youth and family in our community with a mission to empower youth, young people,
through education, mentorship, workforce development, and life skills training to
help them build the foundation they need to be successful future leaders. For the past
26 years, FOCAL has successfully maintained our mission by providing services to
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over 120 students daily. Our services include homework assistance, tutoring, life
skills, job training, and career exploration, and we offer after -school meals daily.
With a 92 percent retention rate, many students start in elementary school and
continue throughout high school, and some continue into college by maintaining a
job.
Chair Pardo: You have 30 seconds.
Ms. English: Okay. Through our work hard, play hard motto, we provide students
and family opportunities that they normally would not have. And today we are here
just to thank the commissioner, the Chairwoman Christine King for PH.4, and we
look forward to her continued support. And we also would like to thank
Commissioner Gabela. We border his district and he has been very supportive of our
program as well. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma'am?
Gloria Rodriguez de los Reyes: Good morning, Commissioners, Mayor. My name is
Gloria Rodriguez de los Reyes. I am a mayoral appointee for the Arts and
Entertainment Council. And I'm here not only in support of our chairman's report,
but also to request that the mayoral appointees get reappointed today, not just
myself but also Armand, but those of us who weren 't able to make it. If we can get
that reappointment done today, we can basically continue to serve. Again, we are
here to serve you and the public in support of the arts, entertainment. And myself, I
am also an educator, so I am also working on trying to get some of that education,
not only education in the arts, but also education for financial education for the
artists. Also, I see Commissioner Rosado is busy, but I would like to get just his quick
attention. I realize that there is a new interfaith council that is opening up. My
master's in philosophy of science and religion, and I'd be very interested if I can
speak to you afterwards or get in contact. And if there's anything else that my chair
might need, I think that's basically it. Please reappoint us today, and we'd be very
grateful.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Steve Leifman: Good morning, Madam Mayor, Madam Chairwoman, Mr. Chair,
members of the Commission. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be here. My
name is Steve Leifman, and I live here in Edgewater. It's a pleasure to be here. I do
have some briefing documents that I will give to the Clerk to be handed out. But first,
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the City of Miami for your tremendous
support of the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery. The center fulfills a
promise made to voters in 2004, to create an effective, cost-efficient alternative for
people with serious mental illnesses who repeatedly cycle through homelessness,
jail, and hospitalization. The reason for the center is quite straightforward. When
community mental health was first created in the United States, individuals with the
most severe and persistent mental illnesses, particularly those with the psychotic
disorders, were still in state hospitals. Community mental health was actually
designed and developed for people with moderate mental illnesses. And when we
closed the hospitals, we went to the war on crime and drugs, we cut back housing,
this population got thrown into communities that, frankly, was just not built for them.
No one should be surprised at what happened. They became homeless, and they
became -- they started to cycle in and out of our very expensive criminal justice
system. Today, there is nowhere in Miami -Dade County for many of these
individuals to go. In fact, there is virtually nowhere in the United States for them to
go. As a result, our jails in this country have become the de facto mental health
facilities. We would never tell someone suffering from cancer or heart disease that
their only option for treatment is jail. Yet, that is effectively what we have done to
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
people with severe mental illnesses. Today in our jail in Miami -Dade County, 70 to
80 percent of the individuals in our jail have been diagnosed with a mental illness at
a cost of $414 million a year. This is why we set up the jail diversion program.
We've been able to reduce recidivism from 75 to 20 percent. We've reduced the jail
audit from 7,400 --
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Mr. Leifrnan: -- to 4,400. I appreciate your continued support. Thank you very much.
Chair Pardo: Thankyou. Sir?
Jose Bermudez: Good morning, Madam Mayor, Mr. Manager, Mr. Chairman, and
members of the City Commission. Jose Bermudez, 801 South Miami Avenue, and I'm
here to I basically commend Commissioner Rosado on adding to the Downtown
Development Authority three positions for the residents' perspective. I think it's
incredibly important to add that, those resident components to the authority. And I
am very proud to be nominated, and I'm here to ask for your support, but also offer
my support as a resident, as someone that has lived in Brickell for over 10 years and
in Miami, downtown area for over 20 years. So, I look forward to working with the
entire commission and making our DDA (Downtown Development Authority) area a
more vibrant -- more vibrant than it already is. So, thank you so much.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Sir?
Christopher Hodgkins: Thank you, Madam Mayor, honorable members of the
Commission. My name is Chris Hodgkins. I'm also, like Jose here, to say thank you
for the opportunity to be on the DDA. I look forward to working with all of you, with
Chairman Rosado of the DDA, in looking at the residents' first aspect in making our
downtown a better place to live, work, and play. I've been here in Miami since 2010.
I think I've played a role in the physical and economic landscape, and I'm excited to
work with all of you. Excited because the new energy and the cooperation of
everyone to move us all forward. The timing couldn 't be better. You know, with
Chair Rosado's background in planning, the Mayor saying she still wants to be the
leader on transportation and mobility and housing, and all the good works that this
Commission is doing, I'm excited to play a role in trying to help things move
forward. My claim to fame is building one of the largest infrastructure projects in the
City of Miami, on time and under budget, and working with stakeholder involvement
that involved over 7,000 people working on that tunnel, 83 percent being right here
from our 305. But it's a privilege and an honor to hopefully be part of your DDA. So,
thank you very much.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Ma 'am ?
Shani Jones: Good morning. My name is Shani Jones. I'm an activities director at
FOCAL, located at 765 Northwest 36th Street. I just wanted to say the impact that
FOCAL has played in my life as someone who has attended the program over 15
years ago and a FAMU (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University) alum.
With FOCAL, as Ernest mentioned, we were able to attend college tours, go to space
camp, and just experience things that we may not have experienced outside of
FOCAL. It's still -- it's still prevalent in my life, having family members attend there,
my children, nieces, cousins. We try to make an impact in the kids' lives inside the
classroom and outside the classroom. We follow the work hard, play hard model.
And we thank Chairwoman Christine King for her continued support of the program.
Thank you for your time. Have a nice day.
Chair Pardo: Thankyou. Here for public comment?
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Mayra Rodriguez: Yes.
Chair Pardo: Okay. What agenda item?
Ms. Rodriguez: Well, the item's for -- good morning.
Chair Pardo: Good morning.
Ms. Rodriguez: And I do want to thank all of you for your service, especially Ms.
Higgins. Thank you. I support you and I think you do an awesome job. My
commissioner is Mr. Rosado. My name is Mayra Rodriguez. I have a nonprofit and I
help the elderlies and people with disabilities. And I just wanted to speak on the fact
that you are doing the articles of the streets, and you have done such a great job that
I want to thank you in person and let you know that I'm happy to -- I'm honored to
have you as my commissioner, because you are my commissioner.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Ms. Rodriguez: All of you, thank you for your service. I'll be leaving a little paper
for each of you, so you can read a little bit more about my nonprofit. It's a legacy of
Nanito Vasquez. He was a very good activist and a humanitarian person that worked
at house inspector for Section 8, but he also was an activist of politics, back with
Victor DeYurre and Miriam Alonso.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Ms. Rodriguez: I mean, it's a lot. So, thank you, Mr. Gabela, for also being here.
Commissioner Gabela: You're welcome.
Ms. Rodriguez: I haven 't had the pleasure to really meet you like in person, just
when we do distribution with Kevin Cabrera back in the days. So, thank you for your
help, because the elderlies are really suffering a lot right now. They just cut their
food stamps to $64. No one eats with $64. So, I just wanted to bring this up to you so
you'll know what we're going and what we're facing. I get all the calls. I'm just a
bridge between our community and yourself. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you very much.
Ms. Rodriguez: Have a wonderful day.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Ms. Rodriguez: And I'm sorry, but I'm not used to speaking.
Chair Pardo: Oh, no, it's great to hear you.
Ms. Rodriguez: Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Is there anyone else here for public comment? Anyone else
would like to make any --? Then come up to the -- to the podium. Any item on the
agenda, has to be an item on the agenda. Yes.
Noely Toribio: Hi.
Chair Pardo: Hi, good morning.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Ms. Toribio: Good morning to all.
Chair Pardo: Good morning.
Ms. Toribio: So, I am here on behalf of FOCAL. I know that it's already been
discussed, but I also wanted to just let you guys know how important that program is.
I have four children, the oldest one being 28 and the youngest one being 16. All of
my kids have gone to that program from five years old. Had it not been for a
program like this, I wouldn 't be able to hold the job. I'll be worried sick about my
kids and the surrounding. They give them opportunities that are not available to the
community. So, this is a very important program, and I wish there would be more
like these. And I thank you guys for the support you guys give. That's all. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): My apologies, Chair. If we could have the speaker's
name for the record?
Chair Pardo: Can we have your name for the record?
Ms. Toribio: Oh, I'm sorry, yes. My name is Noely Toribio. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to make a public
comment? Okay. Okay.
Luisa Galo: Hi, my name is Luisa Galo.
Chair Pardo: Good morning.
Ms. Galo: Good morning.
Chair Pardo: The mic -- there you go.
Ms. Galo: Okay. My name is Luisa Galo. I wanted to thank you and everybody who
supported the program for afterschool because I do struggle. Not everybody know
I'm widow and I have two kids. So, supporting me with the program that you guys
are allowing, I'm really happy for that. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to make a public
comment? Okay. Seeing no one else, the public comment period is now closed.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
AM - APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
AM.1 City Commission - City Commission Meeting - Jan 8, 2026 9:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Chair Pardo: Okay, so now we move to the approval of the minutes. Do I have a
motion for the minutes of January 8th, 2026 and January --
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Chair Pardo: -- 20 -- so moved. Second?
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries. Motion carries.
AM.2 City Commission - City Commission Meeting - Jan 22, 2026 9:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item AM.2, please see Item AM1.
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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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
CA - CONSENT AGENDA
The following item(s) was Adopted on the Consent Agenda
rMOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
CA.1 RESOLUTION
18794 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY-SEVEN THOUSAND, NINE
HUNDRED FORTY-SIX DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($37,946.00)
("GRANT FUNDS") FOR THE PURCHASE OF SAFETY AND
PATROLLING EQUIPMENT FOR TWO (2) MIAMI POLICE
DEPARTMENT ("MPD") MARINE PATROL VESSELS ("PROJECT");
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE
EVENT OF THE AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE THE REQUIRED MATCHING
FUNDS AND OTHER PROJECT FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED THIRTY-SEVEN THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED FORTY-
SIX DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($37,946.00), TO BE
BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE, FUTURE
RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL PROJECT
NUMBER 40 — B273200 OR OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE
FUNDING SOURCES AND TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR
DEED AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS,
RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0103
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.1, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
CA.2 RESOLUTION
18795 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FORTY- FOUR THOUSAND, FOUR
HUNDRED TEN AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($44,410.00) ("GRANT
FUNDS") FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF TWO (2) MARINE
PATROL BOAT ENGINES FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI POLICE
DEPARTMENT MARINE PATROL ("PROJECT"); FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE
EVENT OF THE AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE THE REQUIRED MATCHING
FUNDS AND OTHER PROJECT FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED TEN AND
00/100 DOLLARS ($44,410.00) TO BE BUDGETED AND
APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE, FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE
TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER 40-B273202
OR OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDING SOURCES AND TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR DEED AGREEMENTS,
AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS, RENEWALS, AND
EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0104
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.2, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
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CA.3 RESOLUTION
18796 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND AND
00/100 DOLLARS($200,000.00) ("GRANT FUNDS") FOR THE
REMOVAL OF DERELICT VESSELS FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
JURISDICTIONAL WATERWAYS ("PROJECT"); FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE
EVENT OF THE AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE THE REQUIRED MATCHING
FUNDS AND OTHER PROJECT FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS
($200,000.00) TO BE BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED BY
SEPARATE, FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED
FROM CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER 40 — B273201 OR OTHER
LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDING SOURCES AND TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, GRANT OR DEED AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS,
MODIFICATIONS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0105
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.3, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
CA.4 RESOLUTION
18831 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ("WAP"), FOR
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO
THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS
($282,500.00) ("GRANT FUNDS") FOR THE DESIGN AND
PERMITTING OF THE REPLACEMENT OF SEAWALL AND
PILINGS AT DINNER KEY MARINA — PHASE 1 ("PROJECT");
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE
EVENT OF AN AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE THE REQUIRED MATCHING
FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED
EIGHTY-TWO THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS AND
ZERO CENTS ($282,500.00) TO BE BUDGETED AND
APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE, FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE
TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER 40-B273401
OR OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDING SOURCES AND TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR DEED AGREEMENTS,
AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS, RENEWALS, AND
EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0106
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.4, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
CA.5 RESOLUTION
18832 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SIXTY-TWO, THOUSAND FIVE
HUNDRED AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($62,500.00) ("GRANT FUNDS")
FOR THE DESIGN AND PERMITTING OF PILING INSTALLATIONS
ALONG THE SEAWALL AT JAMES L. KNIGHT CENTER — PHASE
1 ("PROJECT"); FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT
APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE EVENT OF AN AWARD,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE GRANT
FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 WITHOUT THE NEED FOR
FURTHER CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE
THE REQUIRED MATCHING FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED SIXTY-TWO THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND 00/100
DOLLARS ($62,500.00) TO BE BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED
BY SEPARATE, FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED
FROM CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER 40 — B273400 OR OTHER
LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDING SOURCES AND TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, GRANT OR DEED AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS,
MODIFICATIONS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0107
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.5, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
CA.6 RESOLUTION
18833 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION, FOUR THOUSAND,
TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE AND 00/100 DOLLARS
($1,004,275.00) ("GRANT FUNDS") FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
THE MOORING FIELDS AT MIAMI MARINE STADIUM MARINA —
PHASE 2 ("PROJECT"); FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT
APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE EVENT OF THE AWARD,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE GRANT
FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 WITHOUT THE NEED FOR
FURTHER CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE
THE REQUIRED MATCHING FUNDS PLUS ADDITIONAL NON -
REIMBURSABLE COSTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE
MILLION, ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX THOUSAND, FIVE
HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($1,136,525.00)
TO BE BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE,
FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL
PROJECT NUMBER 40-B70042 OR OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE
FUNDING SOURCES AND TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR
DEED AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS,
RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0108
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.6, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
CA.7 RESOLUTION
18835 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ("WAP"), FOR
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND
DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($200,000.00) ("GRANT FUNDS")
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EAST & WEST BOAT RAMP
PIERS AT WATSON ISLAND — PHASE 2 ("PROJECT"); FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE
EVENT OF AN AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE THE REQUIRED MATCHING
FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED
THOUSAND DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($200,000.00) TO BE
BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE, FUTURE
RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL PROJECT
NUMBER 40 — B273402 OR OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE
FUNDING SOURCES AND TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR
DEED AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS,
RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS THERETO.
CA.8
18897
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0109
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.7, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING EIGHT (8) RIGHT-OF-WAY
DEEDS OF DEDICATION ("DEEDS"), AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT
"A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, 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-26-0110
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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City Commission
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CA.9
18907
Office of the City
Attorney
CA.10
18906
Office of the City
Attorney
CA.11
18916
Office of the City
Attorney
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY OLIN B.
LOPEZ, WITHOUT ADMISSION OF LIABILITY, THE TOTAL SUM
OF FORTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($40,000.00) IN
FULL AND COMPLETE SETTLEMENT OF ANY AND ALL CLAIMS
AND DEMANDS, INCLUDING ALL CLAIMS FOR ATTORNEYS'
FEES, AGAINST THE CITY OF MIAMI AND ITS OFFICERS,
AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES (COLLECTIVELY, "CITY") IN THE
CASE STYLED OLIN B. LOPEZ VS. CITY OF MIAMI, PENDING IN
THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, CASE NO.: 2023-
027482-CA 01, 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. 50001.301001.545011.0000.00000.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0111
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PROCEED WITH LEGAL
ACTION, IF NECESSARY, AGAINST CURTIS J. SMITH TO
OBTAIN POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 750
NORTHWEST 70th STREET, #3, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33150 AND
SEEK ANY OTHER LEGAL REMEDIES AVAILABLE AT LAW.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0112
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF ATTORNEYS' FEES AND
COSTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY-FIVE
THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND
FIFTY CENTS ($35,867.50) TO BUSCHEL GIBBONS, P.A. AS
REIMBURSEMENT FOR LEGAL FEES IN THE CASE OF SAMUEL
LEE SMITH JR. V. CITY OF MIAMI, ET AL., CASE NO.: 23-CV-
24150-MD IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM
ACCOUNT NO. 50001.301001.545010.0000.00000.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0113
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 03/31/2026
City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
CA.12
18450
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND RECOMMENDING THE BAY
2- ENHANCED CONNECTOR AS THE PREFERRED DESIGN FOR
PHASE 1 DESIGN OF THE "1-395 BAYWALK PEDESTRIAN AND
BIKEWAY BRIDGE" ("PROJECT"); AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO TAKE ANY AND ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO
IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT DESIGN AS DEPICTED IN EXHIBIT
"A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND
ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT,
ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR
THE PURPOSES STATED HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0114
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.12, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Pardo: Our consent agenda items. Are there any items that anyone would like
to pull? Any of the commissioners? No. Commissioner Escalona?
Commissioner Escalona: No.
Chair Pardo: Commissioner Rosado? Okay, so CA.1, CA.2, CA.3, CA.4, CA.5, CA.6,
CA.7, CA.8, CA.9, CA.10, CA.11, and CA.12. May I have a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Commissioner King: Motion.
Chair Pardo: Second. Okay. All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
PH.1
18895
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
PH - PUBLIC HEARINGS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ALLOCATING PROGRAM INCOME FROM
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS ("HOME") FUNDS
GENERATED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2025 TO DECEMBER 31, 2025,
IN THE AMOUNT OF FIFTY-NINE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIVE
AND 94/100 DOLLARS ($59,605.94) AND AN ADDITIONAL
AMOUNT OF THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED
FORTY-NINE AND 99/100 DOLLARS ($31,749.99) OF
RECAPTURED FUNDS FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF NINETY-ONE
THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE AND 93/100 DOLLARS
($91,355.93), 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-26-0115
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King,
Chair Pardo: PH (Public Hearing) items. Are there any here that any commissioner
would like to pull? No? Okay. No. All right. PH.1, PH.2, and PH.3. May I have a
motion?
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Commissioner King: Motion.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair Pardo: Okay. All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries. Motion carries.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
PH.2
18896
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
PH.3
18944
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ALLOCATING PROGRAM INCOME FROM
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS
GENERATED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2025, TO DECEMBER 31, 2025,
IN THE AMOUNT OF TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FORTY
AND 85/100 DOLLARS ($2,540.85) FOR ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES, AS
SPECIFIED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0116
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King,
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.2, please see Item PH.1.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE DISTRICT 5 COMMERCIAL
FAQADE AND CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM ("PROGRAM"), AS
SPECIFIED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF UNALLOCATED
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG")
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDS, FROM FISCAL YEAR ("FY")
2025-2026, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FIVE HUNDRED
SEVENTY THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE AND
00/100 DOLLARS ($570,755.00) FOR THE PROGRAM, AS
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "B," 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-26-0117
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King,
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.2, please see Item PH.1.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
PH.4 RESOLUTION
18978 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S) PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE
Commissioners CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY
and Mayor 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 "A,"
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 FIVE
COMMISSIONER'S SHARE OF THE CITY'S ANTI -POVERTY
INITIATIVE ("API"), IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FOUR
HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS
($430,000.00) TO FOUNDATION OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
AND LEADERSHIP, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION ("FOCAL"), IN SUPPORT OF THEIR FOCAL
MOORE PARK LEARNING CENTER; 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-26-0118
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King,
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PH.4, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair Pardo: So, we're going to take the items that Chairwoman King will be
involved with. It's going to be out of order, so patience from -- from my colleagues.
We're going to be skipping around a little bit. I'll bring one at a time. If there's any
discussion, just let me know if there's discussion. Otherwise, I'll go to the next item.
PH.4. Any discussion on Item PH.4? Okay. Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: No, I'm good.
Chair Pardo: No? RE.6.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Did you want to vote on them individually or --?
Chair Pardo: I was going to just go through the list, pull any --
Mr. Hannon: Okay, it's a block vote.
Chair Pardo: Block vote.
Mr. Hannon: Understood.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Chair Pardo: Yeah. RE.6? Any discussion? No? Okay. RE.9? I actually have some
discussion about RE.9. All I want to say is I have tremendous respect. I kind of
idolize Mrs. Thelma Gibson, and when I -- when I started -- you know, for years I
had been trying to meet her. For years. I grew up in the Grove. And for years, I was
like how -- you know, I tried to reach out to people. How can I speak to Mrs.
Gibson? Everyone would say, well, you know, she's kind of older now. She doesn 't
really take, you know, requests. And I was so frustrated. I can honestly say that one
of the best things about having been elected is the fact that I had to knock on doors
throughout all of Coconut Grove. And one of those doors was hers. And she
answered the door. And I was looking at my phone, my computer screen. And I look
at her, we had a little conversation, I asked her, is there anything in your
neighborhood you'd like to change or you think should be different? She's like, oh,
no, honey, it's such a nice day, have a nice day, that was it. So, I leave, I look at my
phone and I'm like, oh, my God, that was Mrs. Thelma Gibson. So, I immediately
returned back to the door, and I just had to tell her how much I honored her and how
much her work and her service had meant to me personally. And always from that
day even I got -- I had the pleasure of working with her a little bit, but always from
that day forward I kind of was afraid to take a picture with -- with somebody that
was so special in that way that it just felt like respecting her needed to be done a
certain way. So, I did want to share that because we're super proud to support this
and to put it on the agenda and support the co -designation. And I know, Chair, you
also had a very special relationship. I don 't know if you want to make any comment
on that.
Commissioner King: Yes. She was such a joy. And, you know, I have a reputation of
being very strict with public comments. You speak for two minutes and that's it. And
-- but when she came up, I would let her speak for as long as she wanted because she
earned that and she appreciated that. And I would get, surprisingly, "You let her
speak for more than two minutes." And I remember clapping back with someone.
And then I said, "When you make it to her age and have the accomplishments that
she has on her resume, I'll let you speak for as long as you want as well." So, it is
my honor to support this initiative for her and her husband because it is well
deserved.
Chair Pardo: Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. City Clerk.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair Pardo. I also wanted to state on the record that
Commissioner Rosado will also be co -sponsoring RE.9. Thank you, sir.
Chair Pardo: Okay. Moving on with the items. RE.12. Any discussion?
Commissioner Escalona: No.
Chair Pardo: RE.13. Any discussion? All right. RE.14. RE.18. Okay. So, as a block
vote, we'll take all these items. Can I have a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Commissioner Gabela: So, it's only the ones that you mentioned, right?
Chair Pardo: Only the ones that I've mentioned.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Okay, motion carries.
Commissioner Gabela: Can we repeat those so I can --?
Chair Pardo: Yes, absolutely.
Commissioner Gabela: It was --
Chair Pardo: It's PH. 4.
Commissioner Gabela: PH.4.
Chair Pardo: RE. 6.
Commissioner Gabela: RE.6.
Chair Pardo: RE.9.
Commissioner Gabela: RE.9.
Chair Pardo: RE.12.
Commissioner Gabela: RE.12.
Chair Pardo: RE.13.
Commissioner Gabela: RE.13.
Chair Pardo: RE.14.
Commissioner Gabela: RE.14.
Chair Pardo: And RE.18.
Commissioner Gabela: RE.18.
Chair Pardo: 18.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, thank you.
Chair Pardo: Okay, those are all the items, Chairwoman. I hope you feel better. If
anything at all, you're welcome to stay as long as you stay, but --
Commissioner King: I'm going to be -- I'm going to -- I'm going to be listening, I'm
going to be voting, and I'm going to participate in the Omni CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) meeting to make sure you have my support. There are a
couple of four -fifths items on there as well.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Commissioner King: And then I will go and lay down.
Chair Pardo: Okay. Well, thank you. Thank you. Really very much appreciated.
Thank you.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Commissioner King: Thank you.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
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RE.1
18309
Department of
Planning
RE - RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE HISTORIC AD VALOREM
TAX EXEMPTION, BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD, FOR
THE OWNER, ALFONSO LOZADA, OF THE HISTORICALLY
DESIGNATED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 920 NORTHWEST 9
COURT, MIAMI, FLORIDA, WITHIN THE SPRING GARDEN
HISTORIC DISTRICT.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0119
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Chair Pardo: RE (Resolution) items. Are there any items anyone here would like to
pull?
Commissioner Gabela: (INAUDIBLE). Sorry, I want to pull RE.7.
Chair Pardo: Okay. Anyone else? Commissioner Escalona?
Commissioner Escalona: RE.19 has to be discussed after the Omni CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) meeting, right?
Chair Pardo: Yes. Yes.
Commissioner Rosado: Which one was that? I'm sorry.
Chair Pardo: Oh, okay. I'll just go through the -- let me go through the whole -- so,
RE. 6.
Unidentified Speaker: We did that.
George Wysong (City Attorney): We already took action on that one.
Commissioner Escalona: We voted on that already. We already voted on that.
Commissioner Rosado: Yeah.
Chair Pardo: We already -- right. So, RE. 7, RE.8. I have a deferral. Right.
Commissioner Gabela: No, RE. 7, we're going to --
Chair Pardo: Yeah, discuss. RE.8 is deferred. RE.9 is deferred. RE.10 is deferred.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): RE.10 passed, but RE.10 was deferred. RE.9 did pass.
RE.10 was deferred.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Mr. Wysong: Right.
Chair Pardo: Then RE.15.
Commissioner Gabela: No, RE.11. You missed RE.11.
Chair Pardo: Those have already --
Mr. Hannon: RE.11 is in play. I can read the list.
Chair Pardo: Okay, please. Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: Sure. So, RE.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 has been pulled, but then 11, 15, 16, 17, 19,
and 20 are all in play.
Chair Pardo: So, I'd like to indefinitely defer RE.16 and RE.19 needs to be heard
later because it's tied to the CRA, to Omni CRA.
Mr. Hannon: So then if you would like to make a motion for RE.16, that's an
indefinite deferral on RE.16, correct?
Chair Pardo: Yes.
Commissioner Gabela: But hang on a minute. Let's talk about that. Why are we
deferring that?
Chair Pardo: Do you want to talk about all of those items together?
Commissioner Gabela: Well, the 16 is to abolish what we said we were going to do
that we were going to --
Chair Pardo: Oh, I have the wrong item then. That completely --
Commissioner Gabela: I thought you were confused then.
Chair Pardo: No, no, no. Then we're pulling it for discussion.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah.
Chair Pardo: Mr. City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: No, I was just going to say RE.16 is separating Maurice Ferre Park
from --
Chair Pardo: That's what I thought. Yeah, so that is indefinitely deferred. That's
something else.
It's separating the two -- it's creating a structure around that.
Commissioner Gabela: Right, which we agreed that we weren 't going to do, is my
understanding.
Chair Pardo: No, that hasn 't been agreed upon. There hasn 't been any agreement
upon any structure or not structure, at least that I know of
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, let's talk about that.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Chair Pardo: Okay. Give it a minute.
Commissioner Gabela: We've got some confusion.
Chair Pardo: That's all right.
Mr. Hannon: Do you want to table RE.16 and we can --?
Chair Pardo: Let's table RE.16 for the moment.
Mr. Hannon: So, maybe we can do -- maybe it's just easier to go one by one.
Commissioner Escalona: Yeah.
Mr. Hannon: Let's do that. So, just for the record, RE.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 15, 16, 17,
19, and 20 are all in play and probably best just to go one by one numerically.
Chair Pardo: Okay, so RE.1.
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Chair Pardo: So moved.
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
RE.2 RESOLUTION
18841 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FOUR MILLION, EIGHT HUNDRED
SEVENTY-THREE THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED NINETY-NINE
AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($4,873,799.00) ("GRANT FUNDS") FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BAYWALK, SHORELINE
STABILIZATION, AND KAYAK LAUNCH AT MARGARET PACE
PARK — PHASE 2 OF PART 1 ("PROJECT"); FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE
EVENT OF AN AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE THE REQUIRED MATCHING
FUNDS PLUS ADDITIONAL NON -REIMBURSABLE COSTS IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SIX MILLION, NINE HUNDRED
EIGHTY-SEVEN THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE AND
00/100 DOLLARS ($6,987,169.00) TO BE BUDGETED AND
APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE, FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE
TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER 40-B233500
OR OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDING SOURCES AND TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR DEED AGREEMENTS,
AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS, RENEWALS, AND
EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0120
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.2, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair Pardo: RE.2.
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
RE.3 RESOLUTION
18843 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ("WAP"), FOR
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION, THREE HUNDRED
TWENTY-THREE THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE
DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($1,323,733.00) ("GRANT FUNDS")
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHORELINE STABILIZATION
AND KAYAK LAUNCH AT PEACOCK PARK - PHASE 2
("PROJECT"); FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT
APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE EVENT OF AN AWARD,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE GRANT
FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 WITHOUT THE NEED FOR
FURTHER CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE
THE REQUIRED MATCHING FUNDS PLUS ADDITIONAL NON -
REIMBURSABLE COSTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE
MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE THOUSAND, THREE
HUNDRED NINE DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($1,533,309.00) TO
BE BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE, FUTURE
RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL PROJECT
NUMBER 40-B233501 OR OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE
FUNDING SOURCES AND TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR
DEED AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS,
RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0121
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.3, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s). "
Chair Pardo. RE.3.
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
RE.4 RESOLUTION
18844 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO
THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($382,000.00) ("GRANT
FUNDS") FOR THE DESIGN AND PERMITTING OF THE SEAWALL
AND BAYWALK AT BAYWOOD PARK — PHASE 1 PROJECT;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE
EVENT OF AN AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE THE REQUIRED MATCHING
FUNDS PLUS ADDITIONAL NON -REIMBURSABLE COSTS IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX
THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($826,000.00) TO BE
BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE, FUTURE
RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL PROJECT
NUMBER 40 — B273500 OR OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE
FUNDING SOURCES AND TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR
DEED AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS,
RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0122
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.4, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair Pardo: RE.4.
Commissioner King: Motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair Pardo: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
RE.5 RESOLUTION
18908 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FIVE THOUSAND
AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($105,000.00) ("GRANT FUNDS") FOR THE
DESIGN AND PERMITTING OF THE SEAWALL AND BAYWALK AT
FISHERMAN'S PARK — PHASE 1 PROJECT; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE
EVENT OF AN AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE THE REQUIRED MATCHING
FUNDS PLUS ADDITIONAL NON -REIMBURSABLE COSTS IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE
THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($145,000.00) TO BE
BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE, FUTURE
RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL PROJECT
NUMBER 40-B273501 OR OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE
FUNDING SOURCES AND TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR
DEED AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS,
RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0123
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.5, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair Pardo: RE.5.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair Pardo: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
RE.6
18924
Department of
Police
RE.7
18100
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, RATIFYING, CONFIRMING, AND APPROVING THE CITY
MANAGER'S FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS
EXHIBIT "A", THAT IT IS MOST ADVANTAGEOUS FOR THE CITY
OF MIAMI ("CITY") TO WAIVE THE COMPETITIVE SEALED
BIDDING PROCEDURE PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-90 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY
CODE"), AND RETROACTIVELY APPROVING THE SELECTION
OF HARBOUR CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE EMERGENCY
PURCHASE OF FURNISH AND INSTALL SERVICES TO RETRO-
FIT SHOWER PANS IN ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN'S SHOWER
STALLS AT THE POLICE COLLEGE, LOCATED AT 400
NORTHWEST 2 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, 33128 TO PREVENT
WATER DRAINING IN THE HALLWAYS, FURTHER DAMAGING
CITY PROPERTY, FOR THE AMOUNT OF SEVENTY-TWO
THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($72,000.00); ALLOCATING
FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ACCOUNT
CODE FUND 00001.191508.546000; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS, 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-26-0124
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.6, please see Item PH.4.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE
CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY ATTORNEY TO INSTITUTE A
CIVIL ACTION PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION
111.07 TO RECOVER THE ATTORNEY'S FEES PAID FROM
PUBLIC FUNDS FOR THE DEFENSE OF JOE CAROLLO IN TRIAL
CASE NO. 18-24190-CIVSMITH AND APPELLATE CASE NO. 23-
12167, WHETHER LABELED AS ATTORNEY'S FEES OR AS
"COSTS" WHEN PAID TO A SUBCONTRACTED ATTORNEY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0125
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Chair Pardo: And then Commissioner Gabela, you pulled for discussion RE.7.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, so this is a holdover where I presented this about, I
don 't know, five or six months ago. And then the -- you know, at the time, nobody
really wanted to do anything about it, you know, and it came back again, okay. And
while we're at the subject, you know, let's talk about the subject, right? And the
conversation has to be had. So, what I said was that if we were going to go after the
attorney's fees, right, and we would have anybody on board, right, that what we
were really going to do, you know, practically is, you know, spin our wheels,
collecting a piece of paper, a judgment, that we were probably never going to collect
on, okay? That's the reality of the situation. However, for me, you know, now I got a
problem and it's out of principle, right? Because I make here, you know, business
decisions all the time and not necessarily, you know, right, the other way around. It's
just that we want to settle the matter to save the, you know, the taxpayer money is
what we try to do here, hence our fiduciaty duty. But, you know, this bothers me. Not
this, but it bothers me that in light that we were going to be lenient, okay, and not be
petty, and say, you know what, you know, this happened, you know, we're going to
collect a piece of paper. We're not going to collect any real money at the end of the
day. We're going to spin our wheels and we're going to pay for attorney's costs. But
now we have a problem that Mr. Carollo himself is suing the City of Miami for, you
know, 1.5 -- I don 't know how much it is. We've all been to the -- to the shade
meeting, you know, and, you know, this is -- what he's suing us on is a -- he claims
that he -- he was shortchanged on his retirement. Now, this has been going on for --
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Commissioner Gabela: Excuse me?
Commissioner King: I was waiting for the City Attorney to step in because I don 't
think that we're supposed to be talking about --
Chair Pardo: Right, shade meeting.
Commissioner King: -- the litigation and --
Commissioner Gabela: No, I'm not going to talk, but here's the thing. You guys --
Commissioner King: Well, no, my point was I was --
Commissioner Gabela: -- that little game -- we're not -- we're not playing that game.
We're not going to play that game that I'm not going to talk about it because --
because I'm not playing that game.
Commissioner King: I was saying, why isn 't the City Attorney saying something? I
shouldn 't have to say that.
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, I'm going to keep myself from going into legal
ramifications, shall we say. Okay, but this is the thing. It is public knowledge that the
man is suing us, you know. He says, you know, that he -- you know, this has been
going on for 15 years. He's the one that didn't bring it on for 15 years. And now all
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
of a sudden, he's suing us for 1.5 -- I don 't know how much it is that he's suing us
for. And I say that we leverage, okay, that we leverage the situation.
Chair Pardo: I think, Mr. City Attorney, it's your --
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yeah, I was just going to try and prevent you from
talking about any settlement negotiations relating to the case of Carollo versus the
City of Miami. But, generally, you're right, there is a lawsuit that has been filed and
it relates to a pension issue that he has filed, but I would encourage you not to
discuss the background details of the litigation whilst we're in the middle of it.
Commissioner Gabela: No, I'm not going to discuss the details, but I am going to
discuss the, you know, that I don 't think that with all the money that he has cost the
taxpayer up until this point in the millions of dollars, he should let this, you know, be
gone. I was willing to, you know, say, you know what, let bygones be bygones. I'm
that kind of guy. Water under the bridge, you know, let it be. But now we got a
situation where, so he spent millions of dollars, in my opinion, of the taxpayer
money, right, taxpayer money in the millions of dollars, not one million, not two,
folks, multi, okay? It's been going on for, you know, I don 't know how many years
now, because I lost track. Ever since I got here, we've been talking about this issue.
Okay, now I don't want to let it go, you know, me personally. You know why?
Because now he's going after us. This other thing that, the way I see it, and when I
see it, told to me was of his doing by not bringing it forward before this, okay?
Before this. And so, I say, you know, I say we go forward in recovering the fees that
he cost the City of Miami because of what he's doing now to us on the other side.
That's my opinion.
Chair Pardo: Okay, so that's -- so that's your opinion on RE. 7, to move it forward?
Commissioner Gabela: That is correct.
Chair Pardo: Discussion?
Commissioner Rosado: Are we -- are we likely to collect?
Mr. Wysong: Once again, you asked me to look into the crystal ball of the future.
Who knows? I will tell you that there is a judgment that is recorded against the
former commissioner already in the tune of $63 million plus incurring interest, I
would imagine. So, any -- any sort of relief we would get would be behind that
position. Now, things could happen that somehow that judgment goes away or he hits
the billion -dollar lottery and is able to pay that off as well as other things. So, there
is -- there is a possibility that the City would be able to proceed. But in all likelihood,
we would have a paper judgment, as the commissioner said. We would record it. It
would remain on the books for quite a long period of time, 20 years. And sort of like,
just imagine Mr. O. 1 Simpson. He was sued. He had a huge judgment against him.
He was deemed judgment proof. He moved to Florida to take advantage of our
homestead exemption laws, which we all enjoy here. So, you can't take a person's
house to collect on a judgment. So, right now, the former commissioner is, relatively
speaking, judgment proof but that doesn't change what the future holds. And the
only other caveat I would have to throw out is we, as a city attorney's office, because
he was a former commissioner, would not be able to prosecute that case because we
have a conflict, a clear conflict. We have worked with the commissioner. We still
defend him in other cases. And so, we would have to hire outside counsel to sue and
collect on the attorney's fees. I just wanted to add that just for the flavor. Now, I
believe the statute of limitations for this would be approximately four years. The case
-- the United States Supreme Court just two weeks ago, I believe it was, determined
that his appeals were over. They denied certiorari appeal, and so his -- that Fuller 1
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
case, as we've described it over the years, is completely dead. So, the timing is
appropriate to sue on that, and I believe the statute of limitations, I'll check with my
staff, but it's most likely four years from that date that we could sue. So, you don 't
necessarily have to make the decision today, but state law permits us to sue. There's
not a legal issue on suing. The only issue would be on the collectability of the
judgment and the cost it takes to get that judgment.
Chair Pardo: Any more discussion? Commissioner Rosado? Commissioner
Escalona?
Commissioner Gabela: I'm just --
Chair Pardo: Hold on one moment, Commissioner Gabela. I do have a question for
the City Attorney. So, if I'm hearing you correctly, it would be very difficult to ever
see any kind of compensation or any kind of benefit from this lawsuit because it's
behind the $65 million --
Mr. Wysong: Right.
Chair Pardo: -- lawsuit that's in first position, given that he's asset protected. He's
not likely to be in that position. What I'm curious about is, what are the costs
associated with us having to deal with this civil action?
Mr. Wysong: I don 't think it would be that expensive of a lawsuit to file because it's
pretty straightforward. What were the attorney's fees? The state law seems to
provide entitlement, and they may resist that, or he may take a default, I don 't know,
just to save himself attorney's fees. But I don 't think it would be extremely expensive
but --
Chair Pardo: What is that in dollars?
Mr. Wysong: Well, lawyers are expensive these days.
Chair Pardo: Well, that's why I'm asking.
Mr. Wysong: We were discussing that, you know, it depends on who the lawyers are,
but we would probably have a firm at the rate of somewhere like $600, $650 an hour
to sue. You would need an expert to talk about the fees, to go over whether the fees
are appropriate and stuff like that. But I think it would be relatively quick action, a
summary judgment motion would resolve the issue. But once again, you cannot
predict. I mean, that -- the Fuller 1 case went from, the beginning to the end, over
multiple years and multiple courts. So, it all, it all depends, unfortunately.
Chair Pardo: Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, but we can offset -- if we did the lawsuit and we won,
we can offset, if then he prevails on the 1.5, we can offset that, couldn 't we? And we
can wind up not paying him the 1.5, couldn 't we? So, in actual fact, there is -- there
is something there.
Mr. Wysong: Well, the only issue there is, and we're starting to get into that case
and uncomfortableness of discussing that case, but the only difference there is that
relates to pension benefits, and pension benefits are not -- they're immune from
collection for these type of things. So, that's a good point. It provides leverage. It
provides you, you know, the ability to -- it could affect the litigation. I'll leave it at
that. But I don't want to get into it further. Do you have a motion, Commissioner
Gabela?
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Commissioner Gabela: I have a motion if -- you know, I can read a room, and I have
a motion if this body has the appetite to do it. You know, I would go ahead and do it
to leverage it and to say to him, you know, no, you're not going to get the 1.5. You've
already fleeced the taxpayer.
Chair Pardo: We have a motion.
Commissioner Gabela: You've already fleeced the taxpayer. Enough is enough.
Chair Pardo: We have a --
Commissioner Gabela: That's the message that I would send. If you gentlemen, you
know --
Chair Pardo: Got it. We have a motion. Is there a second?
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Chair Pardo: Motion and a second. All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And that'll be shown as unanimous.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries unanimously.
Mr. Hannon: As amended to add the Supreme Court of the United States case
number.
RE.8 RESOLUTION
18325 MAY BE DEFERRED
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE BICYCLE
MASTER PLAN, DATED SEPTEMBER 2025, PREPARED BY
KIMLEY HORN, INC. FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI'S DEPARTMENT
OF RESILIENCE AND PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT NUMBERS 40-
B203613 & 40-B70245, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS
EXHIBIT "A" ("BICYCLE MASTER PLAN"), TO UPDATE THE 2009
BICYCLE MASTER PLAN PROVIDING UPDATED TYPICAL
SECTIONS, IDENTIFYING IMPROVEMENTS, OPPORTUNITIES
FOR IMPROVING SAFETY AND MOBILITY, AND DIRECTING THE
CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ANY AND ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY
TO IMPLEMENT THE BICYCLE MASTER PLAN; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: Item RE.8 was deferred to the May 14, 2026, City
Commission Meeting.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
RE.9
18917
Commissioners
and Mayor
RE.10
19001
Commissioners
and Mayor
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.8, please see "Order of the
Day."
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, BY A FOUR -
FIFTHS AFFIRMATIVE (4/5THS) VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION
54-137 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY
CODE"), WAIVING ANY RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO CO -
DESIGNATING FRANKLIN AVENUE BETWEEN SOUTHWEST
37TH AVENUE (DOUGLAS ROAD) AND PLAZA STREET AS "REV.
THEODORE AND THELMA GIBSON WAY" IN HONOR OF THE
GIBSONS' HISTORIC AND LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
CITY OF MIAMI; DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ALL
NECESSARY ACTION TO EFFECTUATE THE CO -DESIGNATION;
AND FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A
COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE HEREIN DESIGNATED
OFFICIALS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0126
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.9, please see "Order of the
Day," "Public Comments for All Item(s)," and Item PH.4.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE BAYFRONT PARK
MANAGEMENT TRUST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE
THE NEGOTIATED REVOCABLE LICENSE AGREEMENT, WITH
EVENT ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC., IN SUBSTANTIALLY
THE ATTACHED FORM, AND IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL AT
BAYFRONT PARK; FURTHER WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS OF
SECTION 38-113 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: Item RE.10 was deferred to the April 23, 2026, City
Commission Meeting.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
RE.11
18950
Commissioners
and Mayor
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.10, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
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 JSR
BEACOM MIAMI, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
("SELLER"), FOR THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY
IDENTIFIED AS FOLIO NUMBERS 01-4103-037-0570 AND 01-
4103-037-0571, LOCATED AT 650 BEACOM BOULEVARD AND
652 BEACOM BOULEVARD, MIAMI, FLORIDA ("PROPERTY"),
FOR A PURCHASE PRICE OF SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND
AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($700,000.00); 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 TO EFFECTUATE SAID ACQUISITION; FUNDING
FOR THE ACQUISITION SHALL NOT EXCEED SEVEN HUNDRED
FORTY-THREE THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($743,000.00)
WITH FUNDS BEING ALLOCATED, APPROPRIATED, AND
AWARDED FROM DISTRICT 4 PARK ENHANCEMENTS AND
EXPANSION CAPITAL PROJECT, 40-B243516, TO COVER THE
COST OF SAID ACQUISITION, INCLUSIVE OF THE COST OF
SURVEYS, ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS, TITLE INSURANCE,
SECURING THE PROPERTY, DEMOLITION, PROJECT SIGNAGE
AND ALL RELATED CLOSING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID
ACQUISITION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THE AGREEMENT; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO PREPARE AND
SUBMIT ONE OR MORE APPLICATIONS FOR A FUTURE LAND
USE MAP AMENDMENT AND REZONING AS NECESSARY TO
DESIGNATE TO "PARKS AND RECREATION" ON THE CITY'S
ADOPTED FUTURE LAND USE MAP ("FLUM") OF THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ("MCNP") AND "CS"
TRANSECT ZONE ON THE CITY'S ADOPTED ZONING ATLAS
("ZONING ATLAS") OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("MIAMI 21 CODE"), UPON THE ACQUISITION BY THE CITY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0127
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.11, please see
"Order of the Day."
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
RE.12
18947
Commissioners
and Mayor
Chair Pardo: RE.11.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ALLOCATE EIGHTEEN
THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($18,000.00) 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 EIGHTEEN THOUSAND AND 00/100
DOLLARS ($18,000.00) FROM THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
TRUST FUND TO BE USED FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF AN AFFORDABLE TWIN HOME ON AN INFILL
LOT LOCATED AT 1756 NORTHWEST 2 AVENUE, MIAMI,
FLORIDA 33136 (ALSO KNOWN AS 1755 NORTHWEST 2
COURT); FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0128
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.12, please see Item PH.4.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
RE.13
18949
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ALLOCATE FIVE
MILLION, THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS
($5,300,000.00) 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 FIVE MILLION, THREE HUNDRED
THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($5,300,000.00) FROM THE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND TO BE USED FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING LOCATED AT 6016
NORTHWEST 7TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33136, ALSO
KNOWN AS CARVER THEATER, PURSUANT TO A LOAN
AGREEMENT OR SIMILAR AGREEMENT AND SUBJECT TO
AFFORDABILITY RESTRICTIONS, SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE
WITH THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES, THE
RECEIPT BY THE CITY MANAGER OF THE WRITTEN APPROVAL
OF THE PROJECT BY THE CITY'S HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL
LOAN COMMITTEE ("HCLC"), AND SUBJECT TO THE TERMS,
CONDITIONS, AND RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED IN THE HCLC
APPROVAL (COLLECTIVELY, "HCLC APPROVAL"), AND ALL
FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS THAT REGULATE THE
USE OF SUCH FUNDS FOR SAID PURPOSE; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0129
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.13, please see Item PH.4.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
RE.14
18994
Commissioners
and Mayor
RE.15
18993
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION WAIVING
THE PRIVATE PROPERTY LIMITATION FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
PURSUANT CHAPTER 52/ARTICLE I/SECTION 2 OF THE CODE
OF CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "SPECIAL
EVENTS/SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT/SPECIAL EVENTS IN
GENERAL; DURATION AND LIMITATIONS; CITY COMMISSION
WAIVER," FOR THE BLOOM PRESENTS EVENTS TO BE HELD
AT 24 SOUTHWEST 4 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA FROM MARCH
1, 2026, THROUGH DECEMBER 31 2026.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0130
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Escalona, Rosado
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.14, please see Item PH.4.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO CREATE AND
IMPLEMENT AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCUREMENT POLICY TO
ELIMINATE THE USE AND DISTRIBUTION OF SINGLE -USE
PLASTICS, INCLUDING POLYSTYRENE, TO CONSUMERS IN ALL
FUTURE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") CONTRACTS WITH
CONCESSIONAIRES DOING BUSINESS ON CITY PROPERTY
AND TO ELIMINATE THE DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF SINGLE -
USE PLASTICS, INCLUDING POLYSTYRENE, AT CITY -RUN
CONCESSIONS, EACH TO THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE;
FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO
SUBMIT A WRITTEN REPORT TO THE CITY COMMISSION
WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO PROVIDE OUTREACH
ENCOURAGING VOLUNTARY PLASTIC -FREE LIFESTYLE
HABITS FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES WITHIN THE CITY;
FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO
USE BEST EFFORTS TO NEGOTIATE PROVISIONS IN SPECIAL
EVENT PERMITS FOR THE VOLUNTARY ELIMINATION OF
SINGLE -USE PLASTICS AT SPECIAL EVENTS HELD ON CITY -
OWNED PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR THE INCORPORATION
OF RECITALS AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0131
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.15, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair Pardo: RE.15.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair Pardo: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion -- motion carries.
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RE.16 RESOLUTION
16386 MAY BE WITHDRAWN
Commissioners A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RESCINDING
and Mayor RESOLUTION NO. 94-204 AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ASSUME THE CONTROL AND
MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT
1095 BISCAYNE BLVD, MIAMI, FL 33132, ALSO KNOWN AS
MAURICE A. FERRE PARK, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUSEUM
PARK AND BICENTENNIAL PARK ("PARK"); PROVIDING THAT
THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST IS NO LONGER
AUTHORIZED TO CONTROL OR MANAGE THE PARK;
PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS BUDGETED,
ALLOCATED, APPROPRIATED, RECEIVED, OR CONTRIBUTED
FOR THE MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS OF
THE PARK TO A SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT HELD BY THE
CITY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ASSUME ANY CONTRACTS RELATED TO THE MANAGEMENT,
MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS OF THE PARK ON BEHALF
OF THE CITY, INCLUDING ANY RENEWALS, EXTENSIONS,
MODIFICATIONS, OR AMENDMENTS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE DEEMED
NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS RESOLUTION;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY FOR
SAID PURPOSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
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RE.16 RESOLUTION
16386 MAY BE WITHDRAWN
Commissioners A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RESCINDING
and Mayor RESOLUTION NO. 94-204 AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ASSUME THE CONTROL AND
MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT
1095 BISCAYNE BLVD, MIAMI, FL 33132, ALSO KNOWN AS
MAURICE A. FERRE PARK, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUSEUM
PARK AND BICENTENNIAL PARK ("PARK"); PROVIDING THAT
THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST IS NO LONGER
AUTHORIZED TO CONTROL OR MANAGE THE PARK;
PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS BUDGETED,
ALLOCATED, APPROPRIATED, RECEIVED, OR CONTRIBUTED
FOR THE MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS OF
THE PARK TO A SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT HELD BY THE
CITY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ASSUME ANY CONTRACTS RELATED TO THE MANAGEMENT,
MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS OF THE PARK ON BEHALF
OF THE CITY, INCLUDING ANY RENEWALS, EXTENSIONS,
MODIFICATIONS, OR AMENDMENTS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE DEEMED
NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS RESOLUTION;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY FOR
SAID PURPOSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Reconsider
RESULT: RECONSIDERED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
NAYS: Pardo
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RE.16 RESOLUTION
16386 MAY BE WITHDRAWN
Commissioners A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RESCINDING
and Mayor RESOLUTION NO. 94-204 AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ASSUME THE CONTROL AND
MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT
1095 BISCAYNE BLVD, MIAMI, FL 33132, ALSO KNOWN AS
MAURICE A. FERRE PARK, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUSEUM
PARK AND BICENTENNIAL PARK ("PARK"); PROVIDING THAT
THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST IS NO LONGER
AUTHORIZED TO CONTROL OR MANAGE THE PARK;
PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS BUDGETED,
ALLOCATED, APPROPRIATED, RECEIVED, OR CONTRIBUTED
FOR THE MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS OF
THE PARK TO A SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT HELD BY THE
CITY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ASSUME ANY CONTRACTS RELATED TO THE MANAGEMENT,
MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS OF THE PARK ON BEHALF
OF THE CITY, INCLUDING ANY RENEWALS, EXTENSIONS,
MODIFICATIONS, OR AMENDMENTS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE DEEMED
NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS RESOLUTION;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY FOR
SAID PURPOSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
NAYS: Pardo
Chair Pardo: Okay, then we're at RE.16, which was coming back from deferral.
RE.16 was coming back from deferral.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, we're --
Chair Pardo: I'm just indefinitely deferring it again.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, I thought we were going to get rid of it.
Chair Pardo: No, because nothing's been decided. That's going to be discussed
today, but that item was just coming back.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, got it.
Chair Pardo: It's been around forever. Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: Alright, got it.
Chair Pardo: So, can I have a motion to indefinitely defer RE.16?
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Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Commissioner King: Second.
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Chair Pardo: All in favor?
Commissioner Escalona: Aye.
Commissioner Rosado: Aye.
Commissioner Gabela: Actually, it's a withdrawal, no? That's what we're doing.
George Wysong (City Attorney): For RE.16?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah.
Mr. Wysong: Yeah, I believe you were requesting a withdrawal of that item.
Chair Pardo: So, this is the other item. This --
Mr. Wysong: Yeah, RE.16 is the resolution relating to separating Maurice Ferre
Park from Bis -- from Bayfront Park. Then there's --
Chair Pardo: That is our original item, correct?
Mr. Wysong: That's your original item, yes.
Chair Pardo: That was indefinitely deferred and coming back.
Mr. Wysong: Then there's two more items on first reading.
Chair Pardo: Right, so we're just indefinitely deferring it again. That's all we're
doing. Okay, we 're good?
Commissioner Gabela: Well, I thought -- so, we -- I thought we had come to a
consensus that we were not going to give the park to the City. That's what I thought.
But correct me if I'm wrong. If that is not -- then, you know --
Chair Pardo: I don't think there's been any consensus. I think that's what we're
going to talk about today.
Commissioner Gabela: Oh, okay.
Chair Pardo: That's why I was just deferring and instead --
Commissioner Gabela: Got it.
Chair Pardo: -- have the conversation on the item --
Commissioner Gabela: Got it, correct.
Chair Pardo: -- your item so that we can --
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Commissioner Gabela: Right.
Chair Pardo: Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: Got it.
Chair Pardo: We're good?
Commissioner Escalona: Yeah.
Chair Pardo: Okay, may I have a motion again, just to make -- be clear?
Mr. Hannon: Oh, we're good to go for RE.16.
Chair Pardo: Oh, okay, perfect.
Mr. Hannon: Good to go. So, what's remaining for -- in the resolutions category is
RE. 7 and RE.19, and it's my understanding RE.19 has to be heard after the Omni
CRA meeting.
Chair Pardo: Correct.
Mr. Hannon: So, RE. 7 --
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair Pardo: What's that? I'm sorry, Chair?
Commissioner King: Nothing, my phone rang.
Chair Pardo: Okay, no worries.
[Later...]
Commissioner Gabela: And now moving on to RE.16.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): I'll need a motion to reconsider RE.16.
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion to reconsider.
Mr. Hannon: Seconded by Commissioner Escalona for the reconsideration of RE.16.
So, there's a motion and a second on the floor.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
Commissioner Escalona: Aye.
Commissioner Rosado: Aye.
Commissioner King: Aye.
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
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Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
Mr. Hannon: Is that 5-0? 5-0 for the reconsideration?
Chair Pardo: No.
Mr. Hannon: 4-1. 4-1, so Commissioner Pardo voting no. Okay, RE.16 is in play.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, RE.16, very simple. I want to assume management of
Maurice A. Ferre Park. I assume that this is the City, right, that they were going to
assume the -- is that correct? What am I supposed to vote here to end the takeover of
the City of Miami to the Bayfront Trust? That's it, very simple.
Mr. Hannon: And I apologize, I would need to defer to the City Attorney.
Commissioner King: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
George Wysong (City Attorney): I believe what you want to do, because this
resolution would be to separate them, right?
Commissioner Gabela: So, I want to end it.
Mr. Wysong: So, if you move to withdraw, that ends the request to separate them.
Commissioner Gabela: Move to withdraw.
Chair Pardo: Second?
Commissioner Escalona: Yeah, second.
Chair Pardo: The motion is to withdraw the item.
Commissioner Escalona: Yeah.
Chair Pardo: Second? Okay, all those in favor?
Commissioner Escalona: Aye.
Commissioner Rosado: Aye.
Chair Pardo: And one no.
Mr. Hannon: 4-1, with Commissioner Pardo voting no. Understood.
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RE.17 RESOLUTION
18997 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION SEVENTY-ONE
THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR AND 00/100
DOLLARS ($1,071,394.00) ("GRANT FUNDS") FOR THE DESIGN
AND PERMITTING OF THE INTERSTATE 395 ("I-395")
PEDESTRIAN BAYWALK CONNECTOR — PHASE 1 PROJECT;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT APPLICATION; FURTHER, IN THE
EVENT OF AN AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE THE REQUIRED MATCHING
FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION
SEVENTY-ONE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR
AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($1,071,394.00) TO BE BUDGETED AND
APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE, FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE
TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER TO BE
DETERMINED OR OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDING
SOURCES AND TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR DEED
AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS, RENEWALS,
AND EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0132
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.17, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair Pardo: RE.17.
Commissioner King: Motion.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair Pardo: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
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RE.18
18996
Commissioners
and Mayor
RE.19
18998
Commissioners
and Mayor
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And Chair, my apologies. Just for the record,
Commissioner Rosado is submitting multiple backup documents into the record for
Agenda Item RE.17. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ISSUING A
NOISE WAIVER PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 36-4(A) AND (C) OF
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("CITY CODE"), TITLED "OPERATION OF RADIOS,
PHONOGRAPHS OR OTHER SOUND -MAKING DEVICES; BANDS,
ORCHESTRAS AND MUSICIANS —GENERALLY; EXEMPTION,"
AND SECTION 36-5(A) AND (C) OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED
"SAME — HOURS OF OPERATION OF JUKEBOXES, RADIOS,
ETC.; EXEMPTION FOR EVENT ON CITY -OWNED PROPERTIES;
RELAXATION," FOR A MIAMI MUSIC WEEK EVENT FROM
MARCH 26, 2026, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2026, AND FOR A
FORMULA 1 EVENT FROM APRIL 30, 2026, THROUGH MAY 2,
2026, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 300 NORTHEAST 71
STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0133
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.18, please see Item PH.4.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, PURSUANT
TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
ACT OF 1969 (PART III OF CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTES),
PARTICULARLY SECTIONS 163.358(3) AND 163.385 THEREOF,
APPROVING ISSUANCE OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TAX
INCREMENT REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2026 IN AN AMOUNT
NOT EXCEEDING $150,000,000 IN ORDER TO FINANCE
CERTAIN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND CERTAIN GRANTS
TO BE USED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING, ALL IN THE
REDEVELOPMENT AREA; RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. R-25-
0537 IN ITS ENTIRETY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0134
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MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Chair Pardo: And then we have the Omni item.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): RE.19.
Commissioner Escalona: RE.19.
Chair Pardo: RE.19. Is there any discussion on RE.19?
Commissioner Escalona: No.
Commissioner King: Motion.
Chair Pardo: Motion made. Is there a second?
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Hannon: And RE.19 will be amended to include the following resolution
number, CRA-R-26-0010. So, RE.19 was adopted as amended.
Chair Pardo: Okay. Any other discussion? Any other items?
Commissioner Escalona: No.
Chair Pardo: Okay. Thank you all. Thank you everyone for coming. Today's meeting
is now adjourned. Thank you.
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RE.20
19000
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), REALLOCATING FUNDS, IN THE TOTAL
AMOUNT OF EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100
DOLLARS ($800,000.00) ("FUNDS") FROM CERTAIN PROJECT(S)
IN THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 MULTI-
YEAR CAPITAL PLAN ADOPTED ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2025,
PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-25-0412, AS AMENDED
("CAPITAL PLAN"), AND RE -APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS TO
THE POLICE SOUTH ROOF RENOVATION CW (40-B72928A)
PROJECT, ALL AS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; THE USE, ALLOCATION, AND
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS IDENTIFIED HEREIN, ARE
SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS THAT
REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS AND THE RECEIPT OF
ALL NECESSARY APPROVALS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY APPROVAL; FURTHER APPROVING
THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO ADJUST,
AMEND, AND APPROPRIATE THE CITY'S OPERATING BUDGET,
FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN, STRATEGIC PLAN, MULTI -YEAR
CAPITAL PLAN, AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS AS NECESSARY
AND APPLICABLE, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
RESOLUTION; 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.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0135
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Chair Pardo: Then RE.20.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner King: Motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair Pardo: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And, Chair, for RE.20, RE.20 needs to be amended
pursuant to a substitution memo dated March 5th, 2026. So, RE.20 will be as
amended.
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George Wysong (City Attorney): And, just for the record, the substitution was
changing Exhibit to amend and update the award number and the award name.
END OF RESOLUTIONS
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SR - SECOND READING ORDINANCES
SR.1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
18825 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE II, SECTION 2-32 OF THE CODE OF THE
Commissioners CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
and Mayor "ADMINISTRATION/MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION/TIME AND
PLACE OF MEETING," TO REMOVE PROVISIONS SPECIFYING
THE TIME OF HEARINGS FOR CERTAIN ORDINANCES
INVOLVING ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS OF TEN (10)
CONTIGUOUS ACRES OR MORE OR CHANGES TO PERMITTED,
CONDITIONAL, OR PROHIBITED USES WITHIN A ZONING
CATEGORY, THEREBY DEFERRING TO THE REQUIREMENTS
OF SECTION 166.041(3)(C)(2), FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14447
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Chair Pardo: So, we have the second reading items. Mr. City Clerk, would you like
to read the titles for the second reading?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): I'll defer to the City Attorney.
Chair Pardo: Okay. Mr. City Attorney, would you like to read the titles for the
second reading ordinances?
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yes, sir. Alright, second reading items, SR.1.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: SR.2, second reading ordinance.
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: SR.4, second reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into thepublic record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: And then we have SR.5, second reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into thepublic record by the City Attorney.
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Mr. Wysong: On Second Reading 5, we've submitted a substitution which would
have a different title, which would read, an ordinance of the Miami City
Commission, amending Chapter 2, Article 2 of the Code of the City of Miami,
Florida, as amended, titled "Administration, Mayor, and City Commission," by
amending Section 2-33, titled "Order of Business and Rules of Procedure," to
amend the time in which an elected official may place an item on the City
Commission agenda, from noon, seven business days before the City Commission
meeting, to noon, eight business days before the City Commission meeting,
containing a severability clause, and providing for an immediate effective date. So,
we would clean up the understanding of the language in SR.5 if the substitution is
accepted.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Are there any items that any of the commissioners would
like to pull in second reading ordinances? May I have a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Chair Pardo: Second. All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
SR.2 ORDINANCE Second Reading
18829 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE I OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
and Ma or FLORIDA, ,AS AMENDED, TITLED "PARKS AND RECREATION/IN
Y GENERAL", BY CREATING SECTION 38-41, TITLED "NAMING OF
FACILITIES AT ELIZABETH VIRRICK PARK"; MORE
SPECIFICALLY, NAMING THE AQUATIC FACILITY AT
ELIZABETH VIRRICK PARK AS THE "VERNEKA STURRUP SILVA
AQUATIC FACILITY"; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14448
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item SR.2, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item SR.1.
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SR.3 ORDINANCE Second Reading
18824 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 6 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
and Mayor "ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/RESERVED," MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING SECTION 2-1011 THROUGH 2-2018 OF THE CITY
CODE TO ESTABLISH THE "EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD"
("BOARD"), STATING THE BOARD'S PURPOSE, POWERS,
DUTIES, COMPOSITION, APPOINTMENT QUALIFICATIONS, AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP; PROVIDING FOR
OFFICERS, RULES OF PROCEDURE, MEETINGS, QUORUM,
LEGAL AND STAFF SUPPORT, ASSIGNMENT OF PERSONNEL,
WAIVERS, OTHER NECESSARY PROVISIONS, AND PUBLIC
NOTICE; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14449
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item SR.3, please see Item SR.1.
SR.4 ORDINANCE Second Reading
18937 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 9 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
and Mayor "ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/RESERVED," MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING SECTION 2-1121 THROUGH 2-1139 OF THE CITY
CODE TO ESTABLISH THE "INTERFAITH ADVISORY COUNCIL"
("COUNCIL"), STATING THE COUNCIL'S PURPOSE, POWERS,
DUTIES, COMPOSITION, APPOINTMENT QUALIFICATIONS, AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP; PROVIDING FOR
OFFICERS, RULES OF PROCEDURE, MEETINGS, QUORUM,
LEGAL AND STAFF SUPPORT, ASSIGNMENT OF PERSONNEL,
WAIVERS, OTHER NECESSARY PROVISIONS, AND PUBLIC
NOTICE; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14450
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item SR.4, please see Item SR.1.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
SR.5 ORDINANCE Second Reading
18868 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE II OF THE CODEOF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
and Ma or FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"),
), TITLED
y "ADMINISTRATION/MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION", BY
AMENDING SECTION 2-33 TITLED "ORDER OF BUSINESS AND
RULES OF PROCEDURE" TO AMEND THE TIME IN WHICH AN
ELECTED OFFICIAL MAY PLACE AN ITEM ON THE CITY
COMMISSION AGENDA FROM NOON SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS
BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING TO MIDNIGHT ON
THE SECOND SUNDAY PRECEDING THE CITY COMMISSION
MEETING; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14451
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item SR.5, please see Item SR.1.
END OF SECOND READING ORDINANCES
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
18708 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
De artment of CHAPTER 20 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
p AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "FLOOD DAMAGE
Building PREVENTION," PROVIDING GUIDELINES AND TIMELINES FOR
RE -CERTIFICATION OF EXISTING DRAINAGE SYSTEMS,
PROVIDING A FEE FOR THE RE -CERTIFICATION REVIEW,
ESTABLISHING REPORTING CRITERIA FOR COMPLIANCE, AND
ALIGNING DRAINAGE RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS WITH
THE CITY'S BUILDING RECERTIFICATION PROGRAM;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Chair Pardo: Mr. City Attorney, can you read the titles for the first reading
ordinances?
George Wysong (City Attorney): Right. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. FR.1, first
reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: FR.2.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: FR.3 has been withdrawn. FR.4, the big one.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: FR.5, first reading.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: FR.6, first reading.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: That concludes the first reading ordinances.
Commissioner Gabela: A lot of chapters there and articles.
Chair Pardo: Concluded. So, are there any items to pull for discussion?
Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, so I think you wanted FR.2, right?
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Chair Pardo: FR.2 and --
Commissioner Escalona: FR.5.
Commissioner Gabela: FR.6.
Chair Pardo: And FR.6, yeah.
Commissioner Gabela: FR.5.
Commissioner Escalona: FR.5.
Commissioner Gabela: And 5.
Chair Pardo: FR.5. Commissioner Rosado? Okay. So, for FR.1, FR.3, FR.4, may I
have a motion?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, Chair, I'm sorry.
Chair Pardo: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: So, FR.3 was withdrawn? FR.3 was withdrawn.
Chair Pardo: Perfect, that's correct.
Mr. Hannon: So, maybe just one at a time?
Chair Pardo: Yep.
[Later...]
Chair Pardo: FR.1, is there a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner King: Motion.
Chair Pardo: Second? Okay, all in favor.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
19005 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REPEALING,
Commissioners IN ITS ENTIRETY, ORDINANCE NO. 14382, ADOPTED ON JULY
and Ma or 10, 2025, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO.14422 ADOPTED ON
y DECEMBER 11, 2025, PRIOR TO ITS SCHEDULED EFFECTIVE
DATE OF JULY 15, 2026, SAID ORDINANCE HAVING ABOLISHED
THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST ("TRUST") AND
AMENDED VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING:
CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE III OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "PARKS
AND RECREATION/BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST,"
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 2 TITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/STANDARDS FOR CREATION AND REVIEW OF
BOARDS GENERALLY," CHAPTER 18/ARTICLE III/SECTION 18-72
TITLED "FINANCE/CITY OF MIAMI PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE/APPLICATION AND EXCLUSIONS," AND CHAPTER
54/ARTICLE I/SECTION 54-9 TITLED "STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS/IN GENERAL/ PLACING SIGNS, ADVERTISEMENT,
OR DISPLAYS ON ANY PORTION OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY,
STREET OR SIDEWALK SURFACE"; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: Item FR.2 was deferred to the May 28, 2026, City
Commission Meeting.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
19005 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REPEALING,
Commissioners IN ITS ENTIRETY, ORDINANCE NO. 14382, ADOPTED ON JULY
and Ma or 10, 2025, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO.14422 ADOPTED ON
y DECEMBER 11, 2025, PRIOR TO ITS SCHEDULED EFFECTIVE
DATE OF JULY 15, 2026, SAID ORDINANCE HAVING ABOLISHED
THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST ("TRUST") AND
AMENDED VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING:
CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE III OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "PARKS
AND RECREATION/BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST,"
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 2 TITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/STANDARDS FOR CREATION AND REVIEW OF
BOARDS GENERALLY," CHAPTER 18/ARTICLE III/SECTION 18-72
TITLED "FINANCE/CITY OF MIAMI PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE/APPLICATION AND EXCLUSIONS," AND CHAPTER
54/ARTICLE I/SECTION 54-9 TITLED "STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS/IN GENERAL/ PLACING SIGNS, ADVERTISEMENT,
OR DISPLAYS ON ANY PORTION OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY,
STREET OR SIDEWALK SURFACE"; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Reconsider
RESULT: RECONSIDERED
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
19005 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REPEALING,
Commissioners IN ITS ENTIRETY, ORDINANCE NO. 14382, ADOPTED ON JULY
and Ma or 10, 2025, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO.14422 ADOPTED ON
y DECEMBER 11, 2025, PRIOR TO ITS SCHEDULED EFFECTIVE
DATE OF JULY 15, 2026, SAID ORDINANCE HAVING ABOLISHED
THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST ("TRUST") AND
AMENDED VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING:
CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE III OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "PARKS
AND RECREATION/BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST,"
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 2 TITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/STANDARDS FOR CREATION AND REVIEW OF
BOARDS GENERALLY," CHAPTER 18/ARTICLE III/SECTION 18-72
TITLED "FINANCE/CITY OF MIAMI PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE/APPLICATION AND EXCLUSIONS," AND CHAPTER
54/ARTICLE I/SECTION 54-9 TITLED "STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS/IN GENERAL/ PLACING SIGNS, ADVERTISEMENT,
OR DISPLAYS ON ANY PORTION OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY,
STREET OR SIDEWALK SURFACE"; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: Item FR.2 was deferred to the May 14, 2026, City
Commission Meeting.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
19005 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REPEALING,
Commissioners IN ITS ENTIRETY, ORDINANCE NO. 14382, ADOPTED ON JULY
and Ma or 10, 2025, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO.14422 ADOPTED ON
y DECEMBER 11, 2025, PRIOR TO ITS SCHEDULED EFFECTIVE
DATE OF JULY 15, 2026, SAID ORDINANCE HAVING ABOLISHED
THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST ("TRUST") AND
AMENDED VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING:
CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE III OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "PARKS
AND RECREATION/BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST,"
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 2 TITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/STANDARDS FOR CREATION AND REVIEW OF
BOARDS GENERALLY," CHAPTER 18/ARTICLE III/SECTION 18-72
TITLED "FINANCE/CITY OF MIAMI PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE/APPLICATION AND EXCLUSIONS," AND CHAPTER
54/ARTICLE I/SECTION 54-9 TITLED "STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS/IN GENERAL/ PLACING SIGNS, ADVERTISEMENT,
OR DISPLAYS ON ANY PORTION OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY,
STREET OR SIDEWALK SURFACE"; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Reconsider
RESULT: RECONSIDERED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
NAYS: Pardo
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
19005 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REPEALING,
Commissioners IN ITS ENTIRETY, ORDINANCE NO. 14382, ADOPTED ON JULY
and Ma or 10, 2025, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO.14422 ADOPTED ON
y DECEMBER 11, 2025, PRIOR TO ITS SCHEDULED EFFECTIVE
DATE OF JULY 15, 2026, SAID ORDINANCE HAVING ABOLISHED
THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST ("TRUST") AND
AMENDED VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING:
CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE III OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "PARKS
AND RECREATION/BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST,"
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 2 TITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/STANDARDS FOR CREATION AND REVIEW OF
BOARDS GENERALLY," CHAPTER 18/ARTICLE III/SECTION 18-72
TITLED "FINANCE/CITY OF MIAMI PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE/APPLICATION AND EXCLUSIONS," AND CHAPTER
54/ARTICLE I/SECTION 54-9 TITLED "STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS/IN GENERAL/ PLACING SIGNS, ADVERTISEMENT,
OR DISPLAYS ON ANY PORTION OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY,
STREET OR SIDEWALK SURFACE"; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
NAYS: Pardo
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.2, please see
Item FR.1.
Chair Pardo: And then pulling for discussion, FR.2. Commissioner Gabela.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, so what are we doing here? Because we got a bunch of
Chair Pardo: Do you want me to --? No, this is the reason that, on FR.2 and FR.6,
all those different structures are out there. In November, when we had last --
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah.
Chair Pardo: -- revisited this -- and it took a long time to get there -- we had said
that we were just going to kind of leave everything on hold, see what the audits
finally reveal, which still haven 't been, you know, concluded. You had said at that
time that you would be stepping down mid -July. Everything was kind of out there,
but we don 't really have the guardrails. We haven 't really had a conversation or I
don 't know if they have at the Bayfront Park Management Trust Board contemplated
what changes they'd like to make to kind of avoid where we had been because that
was the whole --
Commissioner Gabela: Let me bring you the speed. So --
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Chair Pardo: Yes.
Commissioner Gabela: -- so when we got in there, we put those -- in 2019, for
example, auditors went over and they said, there's a problem here with the GAP
(General Accounting Practices), the accounting practices, general accounting
practices, and we rectified that. We put guardrails, and in 2019, they, you know, they
told them, you got to do this. They didn't do it, okay, and we put that in place. For
example, we changed the meetings from, you know, 12 noon, basically, on a
weekday, which, you know, not a lot of people could attend, and we changed it to 6
p.m., as you know, so a lot of people can attend and (UNINTELLIGIBLE). So, we
did. We've done so many things, you know, and all the irregularities that we found,
those were reported, okay? You know, I don't think there's any one thing that we
haven't touched. I mean, everything that, you know, that, you know, and there's still
more to do, right? But the idea was, you know, that it was going to be dissolved and
given to the City, okay? And my argument was that the City should not be the one
getting it because it doesn 't run things pretty, you know, very well, at least at the
time. I, for example, went to my water park in my district, in the Freedom Park, and I
found out that that water park, because the City was taking care of it, that only was
only opening up two months out of the year. And I think I made that statement and
maybe Escalona wasn 't here. Commissioner Escalona I don 't think was here yet. But
the point was that water park out of the 12 months that the year has was opening up
two months. And when I asked why, you know, not very good reasons. The City ran
that. We then passed a resolution for that water park to have some, you know,
private entities come in and revamp it and they run it and we're going to get into the
profit sharing. Why? Because we don 't seem to run certain things very good. You
know, that's always been government, right? You know, and I thought that we had
all agreed, you know, after the attempt was made to take it to the City, we have made
the case, we have put all those guardrails in place. And by the way, the audit has no
reflection on me or my executive director or who 's there now, because remember, we
came into the fold much after all that stuff you know, that they were claiming
happened, okay. Now, they did the first phase of the audit, then the second phase
came through. The City then said that they weren 't going to pay for it, okay, and we
said, you know, what's going on? That's what was said. Then the City said that
we're going to pay for it. By the way, that's before you guys got here. Madam
Mayor, with all due respect and City Manager, but that was before you guys got
here, so let me bring you up to speed. And then so they said, no, we're not going to
pay for it. Yes, we're going to pay for it. Back to no, we're not going to pay for it,
okay? In the beginning, when this whole thing started, we said that we were going to
pay for it at Bayfront Trust. So, we, out of the Bayfront Trust funds, we were going to
pay for that first audit and all of them. And the City said to us, no, no, no, we don 't
want you to do that for whatever reason. And I said, okay, all right, you guys. And
then we picked, you know, the auditing company out of four or five that they gave us
to pick, and that's what transpired. So, we've done everything possible, humanly
possible. You know, the parking situation where they were taking cash at one point,
by the way, okay, that was dealt with, okay. That was dealt with immediately, you
know, because there was no accountability, okay. You know, our meetings, you
know, if you've seen our meetings, and you have sent Alexis over there, Eliza, you
know, our meetings, you know, we let everybody talk, you know, it's at 6 p.m.,
sometimes it lasts an hour, other times it lasts two. In other words, we are an open
book, okay? And, you know, we have done everything humanly possible and continue
to do it to put all those guardrails that hadn't been put there before, okay? So that's
that, you know, and again, I stress, the audit was not a reflection on us. The audit
was a reflection on what happened before we got there. You know, if you want to do
an audit on us, I'd be happy --
Chair Pardo: No, no, no.
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Commissioner Gabela: -- to comply because we're not -- I know you don 't but I'm
saying, you know, we're happy to comply. We're not, you know, we're not hiding
anything. As a matter of fact, we've been more transparent than I think what was
going on there before. We don't hear complaints of neighbors come and you're not
doing this, you know, and they're open. Just like, let me just say, the Ultra thing with
the contract, you know. We had an open meeting about a month ago on the Ultra
thing at 6 p.m. Nobody showed up to contest the, you know, the contract, you know
what I mean? And the board voted, and they gave me, you know, consent to deal with
Ultra, and that's what I did. But having said that, I know you were concerned, and
that's why I deferred it, because I know you're the District 2 commissioner. I respect
you. I respect your district.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Commissioner Gabela: And that's why we deferred. But I'm giving you an example
of what we've done so --
Chair Pardo: You know, listen, I think those are all really good changes. The point I
was trying to make is from the community participation side -- and some of these
items we're talking about changing the board structure, having more commission
participation on the board structure, which for something like an area like District 2
would be important because still residents feel like whether it's a billboard or Ultra,
they're not -- whatever the process is, because it's not you and it's not your board.
It's more a process question. And that's why, from my perspective, what I would love
if you would be willing to go along is just to defer it a bit so that we can work
through this and then come back with something that is well understood, because I'm
not there yet, but I can be --
Commissioner Gabela: No, I understand.
Chair Pardo: -- and bring the community with us. I think that would be --
Commissioner Gabela: But here's -- so let me just answer that by telling you very
quickly, you know, because we're not going to beat this horse to death, right? But
we've talked a lot about it. But here's the thing, you know, you're never going to
please 100 percent of the people all the time. You know what I mean? So, there's
always going to be the naysayers, and no matter what you do, you know, in this
world, right? And that's okay, you know, but, you know, like I've always said, you
know, when people come up here and they give you credit, we like taking the credit,
but we also got to take when they criticize us, right, because that's what we signed
up for, that this is what this job, you know, entails, you know. But by the same token,
you know, you guys don 't see me, for example, questioning the DDA (Downtown
Development Authority), questioning the Omni CRA (Community Redevelopment
Agency), you know what I mean? You guys don 't see me at that, you know, and I
don 't because I believe if I voted for you as the chairman of the, you know, Omni
CRA, I trust you. There's not been one time that I've questioned your integrity or
anything on that thing, because I know you're a good person, and you're doing it
with heart for your community. The same thing with Commissioner Rosado. We
might have our differences. We've had our differences in the past, but I don't
question his judgment, and that's why I actually nominated him for the DDA, and
I've seen Rolando's work, and the same thing goes for Commissioner Escalona, with
all due respect, right? You know, at the end of the day, you know, what I don 't want
is that you guys assign me as the chairman to the Bayfront Trust and then there's all
these questions, you know, because remember, I'm not the guy that was there prior
to February of 2025. I'm the guy that stepped in to take care of that situation. And I
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
think we've taken care of that situation. So, I'll leave it at that. But no problem. If
you want to defer, let's defer.
Chair Pardo: No, listen, I just want to say it's no question to your integrity or the
board or all the good work you've done. It's just more time so that we can get to a
place -- and, you know, frankly, it's because it's in the district and we're dealing
with the residents and all of those issues in our office. So, it's actually no different
than what we've asked with Commissioner Rosado dealing with the DDA. So, it's
very similar to that. Just a little more time so that we're all on the same page and we
can come back with a plan that not only we understand but we can communicate.
Commissioner Gabela: But I'll tell you one thing, if we're going to talk about the
Downtown and we're going to talk about, you know, that side of the, you know, your
neck of the woods, you've got more problems people talking about the DDA and how
they're overtaxed than actually the Bayfront Trust. So, but I don 't -- but you don 't
see me questioning, you know, and say, hey, are we going to dissolve your thing
down there? You see what I'm saying? But you see my point?
Chair Pardo: I think we have --
Commissioner Gabela: There's a lot of noise on that. There's a lot of noise on that,
okay. That the downtowners think that they're being overtaxed and they're not
getting as many services downtown, that's a big one. You don 't see that in Bayfront,
yet you guys are telling me, hey, wait a minute, maybe we should dissolve it. Well,
hell, I might start to ask the question in a couple of months' time, you know, what is
up with the DDA? You know what I mean?
Chair Pardo: Listen, I think I'm always -- I think transparency is always a great
thing.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah.
Chair Pardo: Am I hearing you correctly? You're okay with deferring this?
Commissioner Gabela: That's fine.
Chair Pardo: Can we look at May?
Commissioner Gabela: Absolutely.
Chair Pardo: The end of May?
Commissioner Gabela: There's no hurry.
Chair Pardo: The second meeting in May? Is that -- is that acceptable?
Commissioner Escalona: Do you want to defer, Gabela, FR.2?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, if he wants to defer, that he's not comfortable. Let's
defer.
Chair Pardo: Thank you very much, Commissioner. Do we have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: No, it's 16. It's 16, no?
Chair Pardo: What's the second -- what's the second meeting in May?
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Commissioner King: Motion.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): May 28.
Chair Pardo: Motion made. Is there a second?
Commissioner King: Yes.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Hannon: I'm sorry, who was the seconder?
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, but guys, just make this clear. We're dealing with
RE.16.
Chair Pardo: Yes, correct.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay.
Chair Pardo: Correct.
Commissioner Gabela: I'm sorry.
Commissioner Escalona: We're dealing with what?
Chair Pardo: RE.16.
Mr. Hannon: So --
Commissioner Gabela: By the way, hang on guys, there's a problem. Frank has just
alerted me that this needs two readings. If we do in fact decide to not abolish the
park and give it to the City, and in July the 15th, I think is the date that we set for it
to, you know, the sunset.
Chair Pardo: So, do you want to do it in the first meeting of May?
Commissioner Gabela: That's a good idea.
Chair Pardo: Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: Let's do it the first meeting.
Mr. Hannon: So, I'll just need a motion. So, right now we're on FR.2. FR.2 was
deferred.
Commissioner Escalona: That's exactly what I thought.
Mr. Hannon: Yes.
Commissioner Gabela: Oh, yes. You know what? I'm mistaken, Commissioner. My --
I stand corrected.
Mr. Hannon: And again, my apologies for the interruption, but FR.2, there was a
motion and a second which passed to defer to May 28th. So, what I'll need is a
motion to reconsider.
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Commissioner Rosado: Motion to reconsider.
Commissioner King: Motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Mr. Hannon: And then --
Chair Pardo: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
Mr. Hannon: And so now, if you'd like to make a new motion for -- that's May 14th.
Is that May 14th?
Commissioner King: Motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair Pardo: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
[Later...]
Chair Pardo: Okay, so the meeting is now reconvened.
Commissioner Gabela: Guys, I want to, with all due respect, I want to vote up or
down on the FR.2 and RE.16. I'm not going to be in limbo anymore, and neither
should the employees of the Bayfront Trust. I thought we had settled this matter. You
know, I want an up and down vote today, FR.2 and RE.16. You cannot expect me to
continue serving with this, you know, attitude of whether we're going to be there or
not there. We've been there before already. I thought this matter was settled. I'd like
to vote up or down. FR.2 and RE.16.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): So, you'll need a --
Commissioner Gabela: Decide the future of Bayfront.
Mr. Hannon: Probably best to address them one at a time.
Chair Pardo: To do each.
Mr. Hannon: So, there's a motion. Which one would you like to start with first,
Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: FR.2.
Mr. Hannon: FR.2? So, we would need a motion to reconsider FR.2 because FR.2
has already been deferred.
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Commissioner Gabela: Motion to consider FR.2.
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Chair Pardo: Okay, so if we're reconsidering FR.2, I just want to say,
Commissioner, I don't understand why -- what -- just let me -- let me --
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah.
Chair Pardo: -- say my piece here. I don't understand why there's an urgency to
reconsider this item instead of being able to bring the community along. I personally
do not understand where all of this is at. I think many people have told me they don't
understand where all of this is at as far as process, as far as procedures, as far as
policy. Those are important things to consider. I think that if we all just take that
small period of time, we can come back a lot stronger with something that works and
is communicated well. This is no reflection on you or the Trust. It's not meant to
keep the employees hanging at all. I think we're headed in a good direction. I
commend you for your work and the work of the Trust. I just think it could be better
if we take this small period of time and come back with the item so that there is that
understanding in the district, among the residents, among the staff, and here on the
dais. That's just --
Commissioner Gabela: And with all due respect -- can I proceed? Commissioner,
with all due respect, okay, I have been dealing with this for now, a year now and
something, okay? Well, we want to vote up or down. I want to vote up or down. I'm
tired of this. You know what I mean? I, you know, this is like if you were on the --
you 're on the Omni CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), I voted for you, you
know, I didn't even have to look at the book because I trust your judgment. You
know, and I -- I need to do the same thing. I cannot -- you cannot expect me to, you
know, to be there or my executive director, people like this with the uncertainty,
whether we're going to be or not to be or not to be. This is the question, like
Shakespeare said, okay. We need to decide that today. I'm tired of this already. You
know, I -- you know, your residents, the residents that you're talking about, I haven't
seen them because I -- we're open to the public till 6 p.m. Nobody has gone in to say,
"Oh, you know, we want Bayfront Trust to be absorbed by the City. We don't know
about that. You know, let me think about that. " No, nobody's come in there in all the
time that I've been there, you know, and that's the truth of the matter. So, look, as for
me, I want to vote up or down. Whatever you gentlemen want to vote --
Chair Pardo: Okay, very good. We have a motion.
Commissioner Gabela: -- we end this today. We end this today on FR.2 and RE.16.
Chair Pardo: We have a motion on -- we have a motion on the floor and we have a
second.
Mr. Hannon: To reconsider.
Commissioner Gabela: To reconsider.
Chair Pardo: The motion to reconsider. All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Hannon: Unanimous?
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Chair Pardo: Unan --
Mr. Hannon: Five --
Chair Pardo: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: 5-0.
Chair Pardo: No, I'm no. I'm a no on reconsideration.
Mr. Hannon: Okay, 4-1. 4-1. So, FR.2 is now in play.
Commissioner Escalona: So, now you have to call the question to FR.2.
Commissioner Gabela: So, FR.2, my -- my -- what I am intending to do is to repeal
the ordinance that it was going to be stripped away and given to the City. That's
what I want to do. Let me know what that motion is and I'll make that motion.
Mr. Hannon: Simply make a motion to pass FR.2.
Chair Pardo: Yeah.
Commissioner Gabela: So motion to pass FR.2.
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Mr. Hannon: You don 't want to second?
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Mr. Hannon: So, there's a motion and a second on the floor to pass FR.2.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
Commissioner Escalona: Aye.
Commissioner Rosado: Aye.
Commissioner King: Aye.
Chair Pardo: No.
Mr. Hannon: 4-1.
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FR.3 ORDINANCE First Reading
18110 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 54/ARTICLE II/SECTION 54-42 OF THE CODE OF THE
and Ma or CITY OF MIAMI, AS AMENDED, TITLED "STREETS AND
y SIDEWALKS / CONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATION, AND REPAIR /
PERMIT REQUIRED FOR DISTURBING, CUTTING INTO, DIGGING
UP, DRILLING, BORING UNDER, OR EXCAVATING ANY PUBLIC
STREET, SWALE, OR SIDEWALK; COST OF RESTORATION;
OBSTRUCTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY," TO PROVIDE FOR RIGHT-
OF-WAY RESTORATION REQUIREMENTS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item FR.3, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
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FR.4 ORDINANCE First Reading
18943 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE IV OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
and Ma or FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
y "ADMINISTRATION/DEPARTMENTS," MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING DIVISION 2, TITLED "PLANNING, BUILDING AND
ZONING DEPARTMENT," DIVISION 3, TITLED "DEPARTMENT OF
FIRE -RESCUE," AND DIVISION 4, TITLED "RESILIENCE AND
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT"; CHAPTER 3 OF THE CITY
CODE, MORE SPECIFICALLY AMENDING ARTICLE II TITLED,
"ALARM SYSTEMS/BURGLARY AND ROBBERY ALARMS"; AND
ARTICLE III TITLED, "FIRE ALARMS"; CHAPTER 10/ARTICLE
I/DIVISIONI OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "BUILDINGS/IN
GENERAL," MORE SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE IV,
TITLED "REGISTRATION OF VACANT, BLIGHTED, UNSECURED
OR ABANDONED STRUCTURES, AND OF DEFAULTED
MORTGAGED PROPERTIES," AND ARTICLE V, TITLED "CODE
RELIEF PROGRAM"; CHAPTER 11 OF THE CITY CODE TITLED,
"CABLE TELEVISION"; CHAPTER 12 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED,
"AMUSEMENT GAMES OR MACHINES"; CHAPTER 17 OF THE
CITY CODE TITLED, "ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION," MORE
SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE I, TITLED, "TREE
PROTECTION IN GENERAL" AND ARTICLE II, TITLED,
"ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION DISTRICTS"; CHAPTER 18
OF THE CITY CODE TITLED, "FINANCE," MORE SPECIFICALLY
BY AMENDING ARTICLE I, TITLED "IN GENERAL," AND ARTICLE
III, TITLED, "CITY OF MIAMI PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE"; AND
ARTICLE VIII, TITLED "STORMWATER UTILITY FEES" AND
ARTICLE XI TITLED, "LEASES OF CITY OWNED SUBMERGED
LANDS"; CHAPTER 19 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "FIRE
PROTECTION"; CHAPTER 22/ARTICLE I OF THE CITY CODE,
TITLED "GARBAGE AND OTHER SOLID WASTE/IN GENERAL";
CHAPTER 22.5 OF THE CITY CODE, "GREEN INITIATIVES,"
MORE SPECIFICALLY AMENDING ARTICLE VI TITLED, "SOIL
EROSION, WATERWAY SEDIMENTATION, AND AIRBORNE DUST
GENERATION CONTROL"; CHAPTER 23/ARTICLE I OF THE CITY
CODE, TITLED "HISTORIC PRESERVATION/HISTORIC
PRESERVATION"; CHAPTER 32/ARTICLE I, TITLED
"MERCHANDISING/BANKRUPTCY AND CLOSING -OUT SALES";
CHAPTER 35 OF THE CITY CODE TITLED, "MOTOR VEHICLES
AND TRAFFIC," MORE SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE
IV, TITLED "PARKING RATES," AND ARTICLE IX TITLED, "VALET
PARKING"; CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE I OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED
"PARKS AND RECREATION/IN GENERAL"; CHAPTER
39/ARTICLE II OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "PEDDLERS AND
ITINERANT VENDORS/SIDEWALK AND STREET VENDORS";
CHAPTER 42 OF THE CITY CODE TITLED, "POLICE" MORE
SPECIFICALLY ARTICLE I TITLED, "IN GENERAL"; CHAPTER 53
OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "STADIUMS AND CONVENTION
CENTERS," MORE SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE I,
TITLED "IN GENERAL," ARTICLE II/DIVISION 2, TITLED "CITY
STADIUMS/MARINE STADIUM," AND ARTICLE IV, TITLED
"CONVENTION CENTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI/UNIVERSITY OF
MIAMI, JAMES L. KNIGHT"; CHAPTER 54 OF THE CITY CODE
TITLED, "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS," MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING ARTICLE I, TITLED "IN GENERAL," ARTICLE II,
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FR.5
18982
Commissioners
and Mayor
TITLED CONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATION, AND REPAIR," ARTICLE
VI, TITLED "SIDEWALK AND STREET CAFES," ARTICLE VII,
TITLED "NEWSRACKS ON PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY," AND
ARTICLE IX, TITLED "COCONUT GROVE SPECIAL EVENTS
DISTRICT"; CHAPTER 57/ARTICLE III OF THE CITY CODE,
TITLED "VEHICLES FOR HIRE/PEDICABS FOR HIRE;" AND
CHAPTER 62 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "PLANNING AND
ZONING," MORE SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE I,
TITLED "IN GENERAL," ARTICLE III, TITLED "PLANNING, ZONING
AND APPEALS BOARD," ARTICLE VII, TITLED "HISTORIC AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD," ARTICLE XII,
TITLED "PARKS AND OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND," AND ARTICLE
XIII/DIVISION 8, TITLED "PLANNING AND ZONING APPROVAL
FOR TEMPORARY USES AND OCCUPANCIES; PERMIT
REQUIRED/TEMPORARY BANNERS," AND ARTICLE
XIII/DIVISION 9 TITLED, "PLANNING AND ZONING APPROVAL
FOR TEMPORARY USES AND OCCUPANCIES; PERMIT
REQUIRED /FARMERS' MARKET," TO REMOVE THE
REQUIREMENT FOR FEES TO BE ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE
AND PROVIDE FOR FEES TO BE SET BY THE CITY
COMMISSION THROUGH RESOLUTION; 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: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item FR.2, please see Item FR.1.
Chair Pardo: FR.4. Is there a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair Pardo: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
ORDINANCE First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 18/ARTICLE III OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "FINANCE/CITY OF
MIAMI PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE," BY AMENDING SECTIONS 18-
73 AND 18-111, TITLED "DEFINITIONS," AND "CONTRACTS OF
OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES," RESPECTIVELY, TO DEFINE
"COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ORGANIZATION," AND AUTHORIZE
THE CITY MANAGER TO UTILIZE COMPETITIVELY AWARDED
CONTRACTS OF OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES AND
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COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ORGANIZATIONS SUBJECT TO
SPECIFIED CONDITIONS, REPORTING, AND COMMISSION NOTICE
FOR CERTAIN PURCHASES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading with Modification(s)
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.5, please see
"Order of the Day" and Item FR.1.
Chair Pardo: And then FR. 5 was pulled, I believe, Commissioner Escalona.
Commissioner Escalona: Yes. The item is good, but I have some concerns in the
piggyback. Is there any way that we can amend these to 1.5 million just to keep the
transparency there?
Commissioner King: FR.5?
Commissioner Escalona: Yes.
James Reyes (City Manager): Through the Chair.
Chair Pardo: I'll refer to the City Manager.
Mr. Reyes: Commissioner, I do not have any issues with that --
Chair Pardo: Okay.
Mr. Reyes: -- amount.
Chair Pardo: Okay, so that's a friendly amendment of 1.5.
Commissioner Escalona: Yes.
Chair Pardo: Do we have a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So move.
Commissioner King: Motion.
Chair Pardo: Second.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair Pardo: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended?
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
Commissioner King: As amended.
FR.6 ORDINANCE First Reading
16606 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE III OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "PARKS AND
and Mayor RECREATION/BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST," BY
AMENDING SECTION 38-103, TITLED "GOVERNING BODY" TO
ESTABLISH AND APPOINT THE CITY COMMISSION AS EX
OFFICIO MEMBERS AND PROVIDE FOR TWO (2)
APPOINTMENTS FROM THE CITY'S DISTRICT TWO
COMMISSIONER; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Christine King, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.6, please see
Item FR.1 and Item FR.2.
Chair Pardo: And that FR.6 was just indefinitely deferral. It goes with all of this
together.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): So, I'll need a motion for the indefinite --
Chair Pardo: Is there a motion?
Commissioner King: Motion.
Chair Pardo: Second.
Commissioner Gabela: We're talking about FR. 6, right?
Chair Pardo: Yeah, it's the same as the other item.
Commissioner Escalona: Second.
Mr. Hannon: Yes, you said -- okay, second.
Chair Pardo: All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
BC.1
18154
Office of the City
Clerk
BC - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COUNCIL FOR A
TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Michelle McKoy Commissioner Damian Pardo
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0136
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Christine King, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Escalona, Rosado
Chair Pardo: Okay, so I know for board and committees, Mr. City Clerk.
Commissioner Gabela: Sorry, Mr. Chairman, through you.
Chair Pardo: Yeah.
Commissioner Gabela: There's a problem. We didn 't -- did we do RE.16? It's the
same thing. Did we address that?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): RE.16 was indefinitely deferred.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, thank you.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair. Boards and Committees. BC.1, Arts and
Entertainment Council. Commissioner Pardo will be appointing Michelle McKoy.
Chair Pardo: May I have a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Commissioner King: Motion.
Chair Pardo: Motion and a second. All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
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BC.2
6672
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.3
18986
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 Rolando Escalona
Commissioner Ralph "Rafael" Rosado
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: NOMINATED BY:
Carlos Martell Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Ana Matos Commission -At -Large
Horacio Stuart Aguirre Commission -At -Large
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0137
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.3, Bayfront Park Management Trust.
Commissioner Gabela will be reappointing Carlos Martel to his seat and
reappointing Ana Matos and Horacio Stuart -Aguirre to the at -large seats.
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BC.4
18987
Office of the City
Clerk
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair Pardo: We have a motion and a second. All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CLIMATE RESILIENCE COMMITTEE FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Irela Bague Mayor Eileen Higgins
(Unexpired term ending 3/13/2027)
Grant Musser
(Unexpired term ending
12/11/2027)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0138
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
City Manager James Reyes
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.4, Climate Resilience Committee. Mayor Higgins
will be appointing Irela Bague to the Community and Real Estate Development
Category, and City Manager Reyes will be reappointing Grant Musser to the
Emergency Management Category.
Chair Pardo: May I have a motion?
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair Pardo: Motion and second. All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
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BC.5
18157
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
John Cunill Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Ulises Arias Commission -At -Large
Juan Galan Commission -At -Large
Alternate Member
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0139
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.5, Code Enforcement Board. Commissioner
Gabela will be reappointing John Cunill to his seat and reappointing Juan Galan to
the alternate at -large seat. Commissioner Rosado will be appointing Ulysses Arias
to the at -large vacant seat.
Chair Pardo: Do we have a motion?
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair Pardo: Motion and second. All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
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BC.6
18988
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING THE
APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
Chris Hodgkins
(Art & Entertainment District Seat)
Jose Bermudez
(Brickell District Seat)
Cristina Palomo
(At -Large Seat)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0140
MOTION TO:
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NOMINATED BY:
DDA Board of Directors
DDA Board of Directors
DDA Board of Directors
Adopt
ADOPTED
Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item BC.6, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.6, Downtown Development Authority. The
Downtown Development Authority is requesting confirmation of the following
individuals: Chris Hodgkins to the Arts and Entertainment District seat, Jose
Bermudez to the Brickell District seat, and Christina Palomo to the at -large resident
seat.
Chair Pardo: May I have a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Chair Pardo: Motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair Pardo: Second. All those in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
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BC.7
18158
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.8
18159
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:
CRESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Rolando Escalona
Commissioner Rolando Escalona
Commissioner Ralph "Rafael" Rosado
Commissioner Christine King
Commissioner Christine King
IAFF
FOP
AFSCME 1907
AFSCME 871
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR A TERM AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Munirah Daniel City Manager James Reyes
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0141
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BC.9
7963
Office of the City
Clerk
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.8, Finance Committee. City Manager Reyes will
be reappointing Munirah Daniel.
Chair Pardo: Motion?
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair Pardo: Motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
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 Rolando Escalona
Commissioner Ralph "Rafael" Rosado
Commissioner Christine King
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18160
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:
Aaron Riffa Commissioner Rolando Escalona
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0142
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: A motion was made by Commissioner Escalona, seconded by
Commissioner Rosado, and was passed unanimously to appoint Aaron Riffa as a
member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer ("LGBTQ") Advisory
Board, further waiving the residency requirements contained in Sections 2-884(a)
and 2-1351(b) of the Code of the City of Miami, as amended, by a four/fifths
(4/5ths) vote of the members of the City Commission, as said requirement relates to
the appointment of Aaron Riffa as a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, Queer ("LGBTQ") Advisory Board.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.10, LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Queer) Advisory Board. Commissioner Escalona will be appointing Aaron Riffa with
a four -fifths residency waiver.
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Commissioner Rosado: Second.
Chair Pardo: Motion and second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
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BC.11
18161
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.12
18093
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 Eileen Higgins
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Rolando Escalona
Commissioner Ralph "Rafael" Rosado
Commissioner Christine King
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Lynette Cardoch Mayor Eileen Higgins
Chris Collins Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-26-0143
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.12, Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board. Mayor
Higgins will be appointing Lynette Cardoch and Commissioner Gabela will be
appointing Chris Collins.
Commissioner Escalona: So moved.
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Commissioner Rosado: So moved.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair Pardo: Okay, motion and second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
Mr. Hannon: That concludes the Boards and Committees. Thank you, Chair.
Commissioner 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:
L RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Rolando Escalona
Commissioner Rolando Escalona
Commissioner Ralph "Rafael" Rosado
Commissioner Christine King
Commissioner Christine King
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18163
Office of the City
Clerk
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:
CRESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
END OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Eileen Higgins
Commissioner Damian Pardo
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PART B: PZ -PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
PZ.1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
18846 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
and Ma or - PZ OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"),
y SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING APPENDIX P — WYNWOOD NORTE
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION DISTRICT 2 ("NRD-2"), BY
AMENDING APPENDIX P, SECTION 3.2.1, TITLED "GENERAL TO
ZONES/NRD-2 THOROUGHFARES AND CORRIDORS," TO ALLOW
FOR DOMINANT SETBACK WAIVERS ON A WYNWOOD NORTE
CORRIDOR; BY AMENDING APPENDIX P, SECTION 3.3, TITLED
"GENERAL TO ZONES/WYNWOOD NORTE PUBLIC BENEFITS
PROGRAM," TO ADJUST BONUS HEIGHT REGULATIONS IN ALL T4
AND T5 TRANSECT ZONES WITHIN WYNWOOD NORTE; BY
AMENDING APPENDIX P, SECTION 5, TITLED "SPECIFIC TO
ZONES," TO CLARIFY AND UPDATE BONUS HEIGHT
REGULATIONS IN T5 TRANSECT ZONES; BY AMENDING APPENDIX
P, SECTION 7, TITLED "SIGN REGULATIONS," TO MODIFY MASTER
SIGN PACKAGE REQUIREMENT FOR STRUCTURES WITH
MULTIPLE COMMERCIAL OR OFFICE TENANTS; BY AMENDING
APPENDIX P, SECTION 9, TITLED "STREET MASTER PLAN," TO
PROVIDE ADDITIONAL NRD-2 SETBACK REQUIREMENTS ALONG
WYNWOOD NORTE THROUGHFARES; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14452
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.1, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair Pardo: Mr. City Attorney, can we have the titles for the PZ (Planning and
Zoning) items?
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yes, sir. PZ.1, second reading ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: Mr. City Clerk, did we move PZ.2?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): PZ.2 was indefinitely deferred.
Mr. Wysong: Thank you. That concludes the PZ items.
Chair Pardo: So, on Item PZ.1, is there any discussion?
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Commissioner Rosado: No.
Chair Pardo: Okay. Is there a motion?
Commissioner Rosado: So move.
Commissioner Escalona: Move.
Chair Pardo: Second.
Commissioner Gabela: Hang on. What are we -- what are we voting on?
Chair Pardo: We're on PZ.1, Item PZ.1.
Commissioner Gabela: Didn't we defer PZ.1?
Chair Pardo: PZ.2 was deferred.
Commissioner Escalona: PZ.2 was deferred.
Commissioner Gabela: PZ.2 was deferred, okay.
Chair Pardo: Any discussion, Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: No, not me.
Chair Pardo: We have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Pardo: Motion carries.
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PZ.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
18904 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
and Mayor - PZ AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1 SECTION
1.2, TITLED "DEFINITION OF TERMS," TO DEFINE ELECTRIC
VEHICLE READY AND ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.6, TITLED "OFF-
STREET PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS," TO REMOVE
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CAPABLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS,
ARTICLE 4, TABLE 4, TITLED "DENSITY, INTENSITY AND PARKING
(T4)," "DENSITY, INTENSITY AND PARKING (T5)," "DENSITY,
INTENSITY AND PARKING (T6)," "DENSITY, INTENSITY AND
PARKING (CS)," "DENSITY INTENSITY AND PARKING (CI),"
"DENSITY, INTENSITY AND PARKING (CI -HD)," "DENSITY,
INTENSITY AN PARKING (D1)," "DENSITY, INTENSITY AND
PARKING (D2)," AND "DENSITY, INTENSITY AND PARKING (D3)," TO
REDUCE PARKING REQUIREMENTS WHEN ELECTRIC VEHICLE
READY PARKING IS PROVIDED; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.2, please see "Order of the
Day."
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
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Commissioners
and Mayor
DI.1
18367
City Manager's
Office
DI - DISCUSSION ITEMS
DISCUSSION ITEM
A DISCUSSION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REGARDING
ANNUAL BOARD REPORTS.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item DI.1, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair Pardo: Moving to the discussion items. DI.1. Oh, we already covered that in
the public comments. Do we need to vote? No, we're good.
Unidentified Speaker: Excellent.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
Chair Pardo: DI.2.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): DI.2 is indefinitely deferred.
Chair Pardo: Okay.
DI.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
17185 A DISCUSSION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REGARDING A
Climate Resilience RECOMMENDATION TO CREATE FLOOR AREA TRANSFER
Committee LEGISLATION FOR OPEN SPACE AND REFORESTATION
ADVANCEMENT (FLORA).
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Rolando Escalona, Commissioner
AYES: Pardo, Gabela, Escalona, Rosado, King
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item DI.2, please see "Order of the
Day."
DI.3 DISCUSSION ITEM
18873 A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT
SYNCHRONIZATION.
CRESULT: DISCUSSED
Chair Pardo: DI.3. I think that was Commissioner Rosado, right?
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Commissioner Rosado: Yes, yes. So, DI.3 is about traffic light synchronization. I
know that in recent years the City of Los Angeles became the first city -- or first
major city in the country to synchronize all its traffic lights. I think we are
comparable in terms of traffic and land uses to L.A., and so I'd like to see us do some
research on how we can work with the county to expedite that in terms of the City of
Miami, right? We're at the center of the county. We are the city that's most impacted
by the way the traffic flows. This is definitely something that residents ask all the
time about. They complain about the lights not quite making sense together. And so
I'd like to see if the Manager could and the Public Works Director could speak with
the County and see what can be done to prioritize our traffic lights. In addition, very
related to that, I had a great conversation with the Mayor recently. There's been an
analysis done countywide about the hundred most dangerous intersections, and as
you can imagine, the City of Miami has several of those. And so I'd like to see us get
regular updates on what we're doing to address the most dangerous intersections
from that list in terms of you know, funding for design, you know, redesign,
construction, et cetera. I know some projects are along the way, others maybe not so
much, but I'd like to see us get regular updates on those. And I think because this
information should be readily available at a minimum, I'd like to see an update at
one of the April meetings as to where we stand on these things. And then we can,
from there, we can, as a body, we can determine what we'd like to see the next steps
be. But this first step would be providing information on how viable it is for Miami to
be like the first city within Miami -Dade County that has a traffic light synchronized
and also where we are with regard to the most dangerous intersections of that top
100 in the City of Miami.
Chair Pardo: Commissioner Escalona.
Mayor Higgins: Mr. Chair?
Chair Pardo: Oh, I'm sorry, Mayor Higgins.
Mayor Higgins: Oh, okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair. On the traffic light
synchronization, the County has funded a many, many, many, many millions of
dollars projects to upgrade every signal in Miami -Dade County, so it might actually
be that perhaps our Public Works Director wants to invite someone from the County
to give an update on the progress of that project. It's certainly a multiyear
implementation because every signal has to be upgraded to become a smart signal,
so that might be something we -- we may want to ask for. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Chair Pardo: Mr. City -- Mr. City Manager, would you like staff to address any of
those issues?
Juvenal Santana (Director, Public Works): Good morning, Madam Mayor,
Commissioners. So, yeah, so Miami -Dade County is working on their adaptive traffic
signal control upgrades. I'll gladly have a conversation with both the director and
the deputy director and ask them to come and join us and give us a briefing on that.
We've already sent them a request for an update on their project, and we're waiting
to hear back from them, but we'll continue that conversation and invite them.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Thank you very much.
Mr. Santana: Sure, of course.
Chair Pardo: Other -- Commissioner Gabela, you --?
Commissioner Gabela: No, I'm good.
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DI.4
18992
Commissioners
and Mayor
Chair Pardo: Commissioner Escalona? I do want to say that I think this is probably
the most important project for our county. I know that for the folks in Downtown,
Edgewater, Brickell, everybody in this county, traffic is just unbearable. So, if there's
a way for us to lighten that load, I would -- whatever we need to do to collaborate,
prioritize, help, support, please let us know because we're 100 percent behind it.
Mr. Santana: Definitely.
Chair Pardo: Anything else? Chair -- Madam Chair, is there anything you would
like to add?
Commissioner King: No, I'm okay.
Chair Pardo: Thank you.
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION REGARDING REVIEW OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND POLICY GUARDRAILS RELATED
TO A POTENTIAL TRANSITION IN CUBA
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item DI.4, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair Pardo: The only other item for discussion is DI.4, and I believe,
Commissioner Rosado --
Commissioner Rosado: Sure.
Chair Pardo: -- that was your item.
Commissioner Rosado: It is. This is a topic that's getting a lot of attention. I hear
about it. I mean, I think we're all seeing this on the news, but also I'm just hearing
about it from individual residents in District 4. And that is that the fact in the last few
months we've seen obvious major changes in Venezuela, and we are hearing a
number of statements from both the President and Secretary Rubio to a potential
transition in Cuba. This -- we are the epicenter of the Cuban community in the
United States, and so I'd love to know a little bit more, and I'm sure the public and
my colleagues as well, you know, what are transition plans that the City has in
place? When was it most recently updated? Because I'm sure there is a plan, but I
know it's -- plans are often not updated as often as they could be. I'd like to know
more about who's in charge were there to be a transition. I want to make sure that
we're respecting people's, you know, civil liberties, but we're also prepared for
crowd events and things like that. Could you talk to us a little bit about that, Mr.
Manager?
James Reyes (City Manager): Sure. Thank you, Commissioner. So, first and
foremost, approximately three weeks after taking this office, obviously, we got some
of the same feedback that the commissioner just alluded to. At that time, we
requested that our Fire Chief and our Police Chief both refresh their plans in terms
of responding to the challenges presented with the politics currently playing out in
Cuba, particularly on two fronts. One is obviously the mass migration front. The
other one is what we could expect a lot of celebration and mass demonstrations here
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Commissioners
and Mayor
within the city. Both the Fire Chief and Police Chief have executed and issued
updated action plans as it relates specifically to the challenges presented with the
politics surrounding Cuba and the impacts here of the City of Miami. Particularly
for South Florida, it's a multi -agency task force that combines not only our state
partners, our county partners, but also our federal partners, particularly on the
migration front with Operation Vigilant Century, which has been in place now for
quite a while, in preparation for not only Cuba, but also any Haitian mass migration
that we might receive. So, we are well prepared to collaborate with our local
partners. Beyond that, our emergency management, our Office of Emergency
Management under the auspice of Fire -Rescue would take the lead from an incident
command perspective. We would have a incident command post on the most
impacted area within the city, identify an incident commander that will lead in that
response effort.
Chair Pardo: Good?
Commissioner Rosado: Yes.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Any other -- any other statements from Commissioner
Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: No, I'm good.
Chair Pardo: You have anything to add?
Commissioner Gabela: It's important. Obviously, this is an important thing.
Chair Pardo: Yeah.
Commissioner Gabela: So, I'm glad we touched on the subject.
Chair Pardo: Commissioner Escalona? Chairwoman King?
Commissioner King: No, I'm okay.
Chair Pardo: Okay. All right. Okay, so we're going to recess this meeting. We're
going to take Omni CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), and then we'll come
back, reconvene our meeting for that one item that relies on Omni.
DI.5 DISCUSSION ITEM
19008 A DISCUSSION REGARDING MANAGING HOMELESSNESS AND
MIAMI CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY.
CRESULT: DISCUSSED
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item DI.5, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair Pardo: So, I know we have a presentation that we wanted to bring forward for
five minutes. This would be the moment for the Miami Center for Mental Health and
Recovery. And this -- what we're going to do is we're going to move the discussion
item right behind this so that it kind of makes sense. We take DI. 6 as part of this.
Commissioner Gabela: No, there is no DI.6.
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Chair Pardo: Oh.
Commissioner Rosado: DI.5.
Chair Pardo: DI.5.
Isabel Perez Morina: Good morning. Good morning, Madam Mayor, Chairman,
City Commission. I want to thank you today for the opportunity to speak, and thank
you for the continued support of this work. My name is Isabel Perez Morina. I have a
doctorate in clinical forensic psychology, and I'm the CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
of Advocate Program. Advocate Program is a nonprofit that has served Miami for
over 50 years. Our main client office has long been headquartered in the City of
Miami, currently at 1399 Northwest 17th Avenue. Our work sits at the very
particular intersection of mental illness, addiction, homelessness, crime, and family
violence. We serve as Miami-Dade's misdemeanor probation provider. We provide
outpatient behavioral health services to justice -involved individuals. And we're a
provider through the Homeless Trust, Thriving Mind, worked alongside Miami's
problem -solving courts for decades. In other words, we meet people where multiple
systems are already touching their lives, and often when those systems are struggling
to coordinate care. If given the privilege, our role at the Miami Center for Mental
Health and Recovery is to continue doing what we do best, help build systems that
work together, coordinate care for individuals with the most complex needs, and
serve as a bridge between vulnerable residents and the services designed to support
them. The center itself is not open yet, but the funding allocated to our team,
including support from the City of Miami, has already been put to work. We have
mobilized a field -based team of care coordinators and peer specialists who are now
integrated with the jail diversion program. And that team has already stabilized
individuals who would otherwise fall through the cracks of multiple systems. But
there remains a population our current system simply cannot serve well. And I want
to take a moment to tell you about one of them. And we'll call him Sam. And Sam
was born in 1976, and his first arrest was in 1998. That timing is not unusual for
individuals with serious mental illness. Many experience their first major psychiatric
crisis in their early 20s. And when treatment is not available, that crisis often shows
up in the system as an arrest, rather than a medical intervention. Since then, Sam
has been arrested more than 46 times, and that doesn't count the bench warrants.
He's been cycling between homelessness and jail for nearly three decades. We don't
know how many times he's been through emergency rooms or crisis stabilization
units. We just know it's a lot. Last week, our team met Sam at a crisis stabilization
unit after he had been transported there from jail. His most recent charge was a
misdemeanor battery. And he agreed to accept help, and that was a major victory.
But here's where our system failed him. Miami currently has no short-term
residential treatment options between crisis and independent living. There's no
structured, secure place for someone like Sam to stabilize beyond a few days other
than, of course, jail. So, Sam was stabilized, given medication, and placed in an
Uber to travel across town to housing and outpatient treatment where our team was
waiting for him. Sam never arrived. At some point during that ride, he got out of the
car and ran, and now he has an arrest warrant. And so, the system starts again. The
Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery was built for people like Sam. Within
this facility, Sam would not be leaving Crisis and getting into an Uber across the
city. He would simply go upstairs. He would have structured care, stability, and
time. Time to treat an illness that often interferes with a person 's ability to make
decisions in their own best interest. The initial scope of the center will include 75
treatment beds, including short-term and longer -term options designed specifically
for individuals with complex behavioral health needs. The annual service cost to
operate this scale will be approximately $10 million. And that is a significant
investment. But it is worth asking a simple question. How much have we already
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spent on Sam through police responses, jail bookings, emergency rooms,
transportation, staff time and crisis units? And what has it solved? The Miami
Center for Miami Health and Recovery represents something rare in public policy, a
moment where a community chooses to solve a problem instead of simply managing
it. The City of Miami has already been an important early partner in this effort. Your
support has helped move the center from a vision into something real, and projects
like this succeed when local leaders continue to stand behind them and help maintain
momentum alongside our county and community partners. This facility will give Sam
something it hasn 't had -- he hasn 't had for more than 20 years, a chance, a chance
for stability, a chance for treatment, and a chance for a different outcome. And it
gives our community something as well, the opportunity to finally interrupt a cycle
that has affected our courts, our law enforcement, our emergency rooms, and our
street for decades. Thank you to the leadership of this commission and the City. And
we know that you'll continue to stand with the partners to help make this Miami
Mental Center a reality.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Thank you. So, I had brought this discussion item because
we all talk about this. Commissioner Gabela, this is a very big problem in your
district, in my district, in your district, in your district. This is throughout the City of
Miami. The City of Miami is ground zero for what I would say is an issue that we're
trying to solve and nobody has been able to solve successfully. I have a family
member that suffers from mental illness who is -- was on the street, isn 't anymore,
but there is no way to -- to help that person. There hasn 't -- trust me, I mean, you
know, through family, through friends, you don 't want somebody you care and you
love out on the street. That's not a great place to be no matter what. And so, you
know, I've been following, I'm sure like many of you and many of us on this dais, all
the -- the stories and the -- trying to fix this issue, and I just wanted to open it up for
a discussion among us about how serious the problem is and how we should really
push for a collaborative effort to finally get this done. Because the folks we see on
the street can 't go anywhere. There isn 't anywhere for them to go. They have a
serious illness. Commissioner -- Commissioner Escalona.
Commissioner Escalona: Let me ask you a question. Do you have any updates on
what's happening at the county in the center?
Chair Pardo: Well, I mean, I know yesterday an item was deferred, but we can talk
about that. We can talk about that.
Commissioner Gabela: Can I --?
Chair Pardo: Oh, Chairwoman King, I know you have your -- your hand's up, and
then Chair -- Chair -- Commissioner Gabela. Madam Chair.
Commissioner King: I wanted to say this facility, it should have been opened years
ago. I had the pleasure of taking a tour of the facility, and I also had Judge Leifman
on my podcast, and we talked about this. And I find myself saying this a lot lately.
Compassion is not partisan. Compassion is not political. We have to support
initiatives like what Judge Leifman has done with this facility. It is a game changer,
and it will help us get to functional zero with our homelessness issues. Commissioner
Gabela and I, we carry the brunt of homelessness. I think Escalona is right there
with us as well.
Chair Pardo: Well, I mean, I have to say Downtown and Edge --
Commissioner King: Commissioner Escalona is right there along with us. But
Overtown, when I got elected, had a large population of homelessness. I used to be
on the board of the Camillus House. I understand this. And I think as public
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servants, we have got to wrap our minds around the fact that government is going to
have to substantially support these efforts. They can 't do it alone. But it's short-
sighted of us to not see the long-term savings that we will gain by helping this
community, and particularly those who suffer from mental illness. We do not turn
away cancer patients. We do not turn away folks that have what we, I guess,
consider a tangible illness or disease. Just because you cannot see mental illness or
you think addiction, just stop or get better. They can't. They need our help, just like
affordable housing. Affordable housing, we will not see affordable housing in our
community unless we, as the elected officials, substantially fund, support, subsidize,
and that's what we have to do. And I stand with Commissioner Pardo. We need to
make a directive to the City Manager, to the City, that we want to move forward with
doing whatever it is needed in terms of funding this facility so that it could move
forward. And I will encourage my colleagues, if we all have to go to the County and
stand up and say, and all municipalities, Miami Beach, everybody benefits from what
the City of Miami does. We shouldn't have to hold that purse all by ourself And we
should lean in on this. It is a shame that this facility is not open so many years later
and it's being held up because we're trapped in some political hell. Compassion is
not political and we need to stop it.
Chair Pardo: Thank you, Madam Chair. Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, let me just state for the record, I also have a close
family member that has been dealing with mental health issues. You know, we've
been dealing with that for all our lives, my mom, myself And I also took the tour
about a year ago with the judge. And they spent quite a substantial, you know, hours
and money to make that place ready to take this on. And this also now that we're in
that, this is why I think that, and you guys gave me your help, and this is why I also
wanted and want the Allapattah CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). Because
with that money, we can also help people like this, okay, and take a little bit more.
We're never going to resolve the problem 100 percent of the time. There is no silver
bullet, like somebody said. But, you know, we have to do something about it. We
can 't just, you know, talk about it and talk about it and not do anything. And it
affects the Chairwoman 's district greatly. It affects mine big time because that 7th
Avenue corridor with the Camillus House and everything else that we have there.
You know, there's a lot of resources spent on this recycling of doing the same thing.
You know, and if, you know, if 100 percent of 100 people go in there and we fixed,
you know, 20 were helped, that's 20 that are not going to be recycling the system.
And, you know, so it's just to me, you know, in my view, you know, this has to be
done. I've been talking about this since I got into office, you know, and I would also
urge the County, okay -- and let me just say this, you know, we've worked diligently
here for two years on the Allapattah CRA. You know, we .first tried to merge the
Allapattah CRA and make it an Omni thing, and that wouldn't have worked because
if it would have been Commissioner Pardo that sits on that board like it is now, he
rightly so would have been pushing for his district like he should. And if I would
have been the chairman, I would have done the same thing. I'd be pushing. So that
wasn't going to work. And then what do we do? We establish the Allapattah CRA
with your help, Commissioner Pardo, with your help, Chairwoman King. And that
was over a year and a half ago. And as we sit here today, my Allapattah CRA has not
been done. They don 't want to give us a win. Somebody in the County does not want
to give me or the people of Allapattah a win, okay. This is the only thing I can
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). And by the way, we sent two letters already to the County,
okay, two letters already to the County, no response. It's like we don 't exist. Yet,
about a month ago, okay, when the question came up whether they were going to put
a moratorium on CRAs, that failed. The Commission said, no, we're not going to put
a moratorium on CRAs because they're needed. And then number two, the South
Miami CRA and the Allapattah CRA were the only two new CRAs out of 40 that
already exist in South Florida. And you know what? The South Miami CRA got
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Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
passed. They got passed, and by the way, they don 't offer affordable housing because
in that bill, you cannot offer affordable housing. And what we passed here, it's
affordable housing, it's infrastructure, it's everything that can be used to mitigate
this situation that we got on the 7th Avenue corridor. So, I would urge the County,
whoever it is that's playing games, to stop playing games. Okay, because -- and I've
talked to Wysong about this, by the way. We are -- we -- if this doesn 't move, I am
going to file a lawsuit because it's been over 120 days for the second time in a row
and nobody has responded to us from the County. Nobody, okay. So, Madam Chair,
Commissioner Pardo, Commissioner Escalona, Commissioner Rosado, we are all in
this together, okay? And we need to act. We've done a lot of talking here, but the
time has come to put our foot down and act.
Chair Pardo: Thank you. Thank you.
Commissioner Rosado: I echo what my colleagues have said, I echo what all the
speakers have said, and I am open to doing whatever it takes to get it open.
Commissioner Escalona: Same.
Chair Pardo: Commissioner Escalona?
Commissioner Escalona: Same. I believe we all are on the same page.
Chair Pardo: So, if I heard you correctly, Madam Chair, you 'd like us to give a
directive to the City Manager basically to collaborate on this issue and see how we
can get this moving so that there's a resolution.
Commissioner King: Yes.
Chair Pardo: Okay. So, let's go ahead and, Mr. City Manager, a directive for please
let's work on this issue as hard as we can, bring parties together, and hopefully, see
how we can make something happen so that this population gets served and taken
care of
Commissioner Rosado: Could we have, through the Chair, could we have an update
at the next meeting? Like, let's keep this on as many agendas as possible. I'm happy
to go speak at the County Commission as well. I mean, whatever, whatever it takes,
the facility is sitting there. I know I've been on the record a number of times. If the
concern -- I've heard an assortment of concerns from assorted people at the County,
so it's unclear to me what the real genuine concern is. I've been on the record a
number of times saying that if their concern is an ongoing budgetary shortfall, I'm
comfortable supporting additional allocations from assorted City budgets, whether
it's the DDA (Downtown Development Authority), the City, you know, CRAs, et
cetera, to get at getting this open and keeping it open.
Chair Pardo: Yeah. Thank you. And Mr. City Manager, you've heard the discussion,
and thank you.
James Reyes (City Manager): We will move forward. Thank you.
Chair Pardo: Thank you very much.
END OF DISCUSSION ITEMS
City of Miami Page 112 Printed on 03/31/2026
City Commission
Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026
FL - FUTURE LEGISLATION
FL.1
18842
City Manager's
Office
ADJOURNMENT
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI AMENDING CHAPTER
40, PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NUMBER 24-0225, ADOPTED
JUNE 18, 2024, AMENDING CHAPTER 40/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 2
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED,
TITLED "PERSONNEL/PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLAN/CITY
OF MIAMI FIREFIGHTERS' AND POLICE OFFICERS'
RETIREMENT TRUST," MORE PARTICULARLY AMENDING
SECTION 40-203 TO GRANT INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
FIREFIGHTERS MEMBERS VESTED ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2015,
THE BENEFITS IN EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2010, AND
PERMITTING FIREFIGHTER MEMBERS ELIGIBLE FOR
RETIREMENT TO ELECT UP TO SEVEN YEARS IN THE
FORWARD DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTION PROGRAM
BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 587 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
AGREEMENT FOR OCTOBER 1, 2023, THROUGH SEPTEMBER
30, 2026; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item FL.1, please see "Order of the
Day."
END OF FUTURE LEGISLATION
The meeting adjourned at 11: 55 a. rn.
City of Miami Page 113 Printed on 03/31/2026