Hey. Heat. Heat. Open. like that. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah, Yeah. Hey,
Jack. Hey. Hey. Please take your seats. The meeting is about to begin. Remember to speak into the microphone as this meeting is being recorded for public record. Please stand by. We are going on
air in 5 4 3 2 1. Hi everybody. This is Commissioner Laura Dominguez, chair of the public safety and neighborhood quality of life committee and I'm joined by my colleague, the vice chair, Commissioner Alex Fernandez, uh, and Commissioner
Kristen Rosen Gonzalez is out today. We're joined by the fabulous Stephanie Ray Brooks, our assistant city manager, Mark Taxes, and our deputy city attorney, Rob Rosenwald. And with that, Stephanie, are there any announcements today? Yes. Good morning. We have a
couple of announcements. As you all know, this meeting will be held hybrid uh via Zoom. You could call in. Members of the committee will be in person. You could call in by dialing 312-6266799 or joining our Zoom link. Also, we have a time certain of 10:00
a.m. which will be item number 21. And we will be deferring item number, sorry about that. Item number 11, discuss the police department's minimum age and educational requirements for the hiring of certified police officers and police officers trainees.
So, we will be able to start the meeting. 21. Madam Chair, um, and I just want to just, uh, for for the record, at around 11:00 a.m., I'm going to have to step out probably for about 30 minutes or so. So, I don't know if it would be possible
through the attorney if the committee could take a recess at that time. Uh, given that we're short in members, could we take a recess and then reconvene of, of course, to the chair's prerogative? Happy to do it. Yes, if the chair wishes to do it, you certainly can. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Okay. So, our first item will be item number 21, a discussion regarding co-naming the portion of 28th Street from Sheridan Avenue to Prairie Avenue in honor of late Rabbi Isel Gross. This was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez
and Transportation will be presenting the item. Uh, Commissioner Fernandez, vice chair, please uh te this up. Thank you, Madam Chair. And today uh I'm I'm asking the committee uh in accordance to our city code to consider a meaningful proposal
to co-ename a portion of 28th Street in honor of delayed uh Rabbi Gross. Uh he was a spir a spiritual leader in our community, a Holocaust survivor, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather.
uh someone that I think our community uh came to admire uh and respect and and honor uh as uh as someone's whose life embodied resilience, kindness, unwavering faith.
Um and so I think I speak on behalf of many in our community who who respected this uh this godly figure in our in our community. Uh I speak on behalf of them today asking the committee's
consideration in uh naming uh this portion of 28th Street where he lived uh with his with his wife in his honor. I'm happy to move the item and um by acclamation. Madam Chair, if I may, just
to clarify one point. Um, for this item to be heard this month, the motion would need to include uh for the city commission to consider a resolution at its May 21st city commission meeting. Stephanie, can we do that? Yes, we could do that. Okay. Thank you, Jose. Thank
you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Okay. Uh, item 22. Item number 22 is discuss the timeline for construction of Miami Beach Convention Center headquarter hotel and anticipated opening date. This was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and co-sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez.
Okay. Hi there. How you doing? Good morning. Give us the update, please. We are happy to report that we're working on the foundations. Uh files are in process and Friday is a big deal. Friday is a big deal. We're doing the ground. Put the mic closer to you.
Thank you. Yes, on Friday we will have the groundbreaking ceremony. Uh but we're working on the augurcast piles as you're aware. We can hear it from here. And what's the first milestone and what will the date be for that milestone completion? We will be working on
foundations until the end of August and we will be able to see vertical construction in September and we're we're tracking well for the target dates that we have already shared before um
like uh building top out in July 2026 and then uh substantial completion in 20 in uh September 2027 and opening in November 2027. Okay, Commissioner Fernandez, any
questions? Okay, thank you for the update. Much appreciated. See you Friday. Okay, so do we will we have this item returning to um Can we Let's see. We are in um May. Can we have it return in July to see if the foundation was finished
and we're on schedule for September vertical? Okay, see you in July. We will skip item number 20. As per the sponsor, Commissioner Bat, we'll move it to the end of the meeting and we will hear item number 28, which is discuss
the potential implementation of a bicycle lane on the west side of Collins Avenue as part of an upcoming Florida Department of Transportation resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation project on State Road 81A Collins Avenue from State Road 907 West
63rd Street to 75th Street. And this was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez and presenting will be transportation. Uh, Commissioner Fernandez. Thank you, Madam Chair. And this is an item that has been long in the works and long in in in the making uh to hopefully
complete a plan where we can have connectivity of uh bicycle facilities all the way from South Beach uh to uh as far north up to 75th Street. Um, as many people are seeing along the Indian Creek
pathway, we have bicycle facilities being constructed from 23rd Street all the way to 41st Street. We have the Collins Avenue multimmoal corridor that's going to create connectivity from 41st Street to 63rd Street. But then we need to finish the connectivity for our for our residents going north of 63rd
Street to connect up to North Beach. And our transportation department has been working closely with the Florida Department of Transportation on its on its resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation project for Collins Avenue to see how we could possibly
accommodate a bicycle lane on uh going north of 63rd Street. Many options have been pro have been presented over over the period of time that been working on this. Um one of the options included the removal of parking to accommodate bicycle lanes. We listened to the
community. We listened to the businesses and we understood the impact that that could have on the success of those businesses and we went back to the drawing board to explore other alternatives. I believe our department held a meeting uh recently uh to discuss
uh further options of possibly implementing the bicycle lane on the west side of Collins Avenue by possibly eliminating uh small amounts of sidewalk to be able to preserve sidewalk to preserve parking and implement a new and
safe bicycle lane. So with that I'm going to transfer it to Jose Gonzalez our director of transportation. Thank you, Commissioner. And um good morning, Madam Chair. Um so, as as you pointed out, Commissioner, we've been working
with FDOT for some time with the goal of trying to accommodate a bike lane along Collins Avenue from 63rd to 75th with minimal impact to on street parking. We understand how valuable that on those on street parking spaces are to the
businesses along the corridor. So based on a um a meeting that we had recently with FDA, it was a very productive meeting. They are open and receptive to the option that we presented before you all. I think it was a month or two ago.
Um which entails a reconstruction of the sidewalk to try to reduce it as needed to accommodate a about at most a 7 foot bike lane for the bike lane to be protected. that's for the bike lane to
be protected and it's always it's always good to try to protect bike lanes when possible. So they um they did a very high level uh analysis of the corridor and believe that you know it is doable.
Um it would however require a whole different project, a whole different scope. It's a reconstruction project versus what they are proposing to move forward with which is a resurfacing. That area of Collins Avenue, the asphalt
is not in very good shape. So, it does need to be resurfaced. FDOT would like to continue with the resurfacing project which is going to among just uh in in addition to just resurfacing the roadway, it will also enhance pedestrian
crosswalks, ADA curbs, uh you know upgrade ADA curbs and repair sidewalks that as we all know that area of Collins has a lot of cracks, a lot of um uh settlement in the sidewalks. So those are very needed improvement that we do
believe that FDOT should move forward with uh sooner rather than later and not defer the project. So what FDOT is proposing is to move forward with this resurfacing project without a bike lane at this time and on a parallel track um
program a future project with protected bike lanes which is going to uh entail it's a more complex project and financially also much more expensive than the budget that they currently have. what we um what we discussed with
them is join having a joint meeting um and we've we've targeted June 4th to have that community meeting uh to more or less you know lay out the options and the action plan uh to ultimately u
accommodate a bike lane on on Collins Avenue in North Beach because as you pointed out commissioner it is a critical uh link to our citywide bicycle network. So, it's a very important project.
One of the um one of the great things about this is that not only will we be providing for a safer bicycle facility, but proceeding with this option will give us the opportunity to team up with FDOT to restore some of these sidewalks
that need to be restored in North Beach. And I think we all hear from our residents uh about especially in the North Beach area on the Collins Avenue corridor. I've had residents that have reached out to to me that have fractured their foot and had injuries on the on
the sidewalks over there. And so it gives us an opportunity not only to enhance our bicycle infrastructure and provide connectivity but go back and uh fix sidewalks, work on curb and gutter and drainage modifications and other
necessary infrastructure. And so while it might not be as immediate of a result as it would have been otherwise, uh this does give us the opportunity to start uh planning for a pivotal project that will deliver even much more than what we had
originally intended. Madame Chair, um I don't know if you're so inclined. I'd like to recommend that we proceed would continue exploring option number two. Uh but I don't know what the administration needs if this needs to go back to the city commission. uh what type of action
further action would be needed from this committee? So, FDOT is requesting a resolution from our city commission uh in order to know how to uh they want they want to receive direction from the city in terms of how to best move
forward. And as as as you well pointed out, Commissioner, we believe we also agree with what you just stated. The best the best plan forward is for FDOT to uh move forward with their planned improvements to resurface the roadway,
upgrade the the sidewalks, the ADA curbs, the drainage and the lighting, and then the bicycle uh piece because that will require a full reconstruction of the corridor and retro, you know, just um a redesign of the sidewalk
areas. That would be a separate standalone project that we would work with them to expedite. But in the meantime, the direction would be for FDA to move forward with the resurfacing project. Okay. And when is the when is the meeting? Uh it's June 4th. June 4th.
June 4th. Uh so so I think it would be great if we could make a motion uh sending back to the city commission a recommendation to support the resurfacing project. Um May 21st. Well, whichever whichever would be appropriate. I don't know if FDLT needs
this at from the May 21st meeting or perhaps to the June meeting. Um the June meeting. June would work. Yes. And then and then perhaps um at our next meeting, Madam Chair, we can continue the conversation about option two about the sidewalks so that we can get the
feedback from our June 4th community meeting. Would that make sense? I believe so. It depends on the timing of the PS and QC meeting, but we'll try to And if it's not June, then it's July. Okay. Yeah. That way we still keep the item on committee relating to the
long-term sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter, the drainage, and most importantly, the incorporation of the bicycle lane. Sounds good. Perfect. All right. Thank you. Our next item is So, so just to make sure the direction is clear, the
item stays at committee. We have a resolution going to the June meeting as to the resurfacing project. And then after the June 4th community meeting, we'll bring back the findings of the June 4th community meeting for the long-term implementation of the sidewalk
improvements and the bicycle lane. Perfect. Yes. Okay. Our next item will be item number 17. to discuss developing a comprehensive citywide plan to commemorate and elevate Black History Month annually. This was sponsored by
Commissioner Fernandez and co-sponsored by Commissioner Law and Tourism will be presenting the item. Hi, Lisette. Good morning, Madam Chair. Up your mic. Good morning, Madam Chair. Commissioner Fernandez Lisante, director of tourism
and culture, Miami Beach. Uh the item be um this is Commissioner Fernandez uh co-sponsored by Commissioner Magazine as stated. Uh this is u an item referral to discuss a comprehensive citywide plan commemorating and elevating Black History Month
annually. Sure. Uh in the package before you, you will see that the city already does a comprehensive list of events, uh notifications, uh pretty much answering most of of the um what was asked in the plan, which were the elements were
celebrating black history role models, supporting blackowned businesses, consultation with black affairs advisory committee. Uh through the Black Affairs Advisory Committee, we commemorate annually during Black History Month a member of the community that's had a significant impact. We have a list there
in your package starting in 2022 through 20 the last one here in 2025. Uh supporting blackowned businesses. Uh in August is black uh business month. Uh we do partner with the GMCBB and we uh um elevate uh blackowned businesses
especially during Miami Spice to make sure that they get uh you know that that not um recognition. I'm sorry. Also uh events have you seen from when we first started in 20 uh when I started here five years ago? It's grown uh in
partnership with our colleagues in parks and recreation. They've been doing Black History Month uh at Northshore Open Space Park for a multitude of years. We tourism and culture jumped in on that. Uh citywide we had 10 events. Of those 10, five were city produced in part from
tourism and culture partnership with parks and recreation. Um and that's pretty much it. Um and and thank you so much, Lad. Um, I would love for this. Has this memo been shared with our Black Affairs Advisory
Committee? Uh, I did mention it to them at the last committee meeting that this was going to come up. Uh, they also put it out at LTC. So, a few things as far as notification of all these things that I just mentioned, the city does an LTC. We also do, I believe, a press release.
Uh and then in addition to that, the Black Affairs Advisory Committee, they make a motion uh in February uh notifying the city commission of all the events that are happening citywide during Black History Month, but yes, they were I gave them legislative updates.
Okay, great. Um and and they've reviewed this memo. They did not review this particular memo, but they are aware and I did discuss in detail with them because we do ask them to um we present to them the programming that's going to happen prior
to four to five months. So they in around October we present this is our plan for Black History Month. They give us input and they give us you know the thumbs up to move forward. So they are um including hands on. Absolutely. Awesome. Okay, great. Thank you so much,
Lette. Thank you, sir. Um, I think let's let's just keep this for now because I think I would love uh Lett, if you just could actually share the physical memo with them. Absolutely. Yeah. Because I would just out of
respect to them. The committee does great work and I' I'd be remiss if I don't give a shout out uh to the chair Glendon Hall who who who really does put his heart into the work of this committee and all the members
including BB Andrade the vice chair and so many others uh who who really put passion into into this work and and it's important and I just want to make sure uh that it's uh that that they are comfortable with the work that our city
is doing and if there's room for improvement and they want to provide us with that feedback, the committee is always very welcome uh to provide it. I also want to add that this year for the first time they actually had their own event which is never dropped the ball. We had a documentary that was uh
screened at Soundsgate Park. We had a panel discussion and that was uh one initiative that was led strictly by the BAAC with support from city services. Wonderful. Mhm. Thank you so much, Lisa. Thank you, sir. Okay. Uh, item 18. Okay. For the record,
we will keep this item and we'll we will have it returned. Are we going to conclude this item? The So, we're going to have it return and she's going to send the info to the Black Affairs Committee uh for their review and input. Okay.
Item number 18 is discussed designating an area around the Normandy Fountain to display art. Normandy Fountain Business Association to curate. This was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez and co-sponsored by Commissioner Bin Tourism. Commissioner Fernandez. Thank you, Madam Chair. This is an item I placed on the agenda recognizing the
great work um that the uh Normandy Fountain Business Association does. Uh they've been great partners of the city of Miami Beach and have activated the fountain with great community activities. Um, and they approached me
seeking the opportunity to curate art around the fountain, similar to how other business associations uh and business improvement districts have done in their in their areas. Uh, at a time when uh when we want to continue supporting North Beach,
elevating opportunities for the community to enjoy the businesses of the of of the area. I thought that this was a welcomed request by a trusted community partner and I see the administration has prepared some some
recommendations. So I'd like to pass it over to Lette to present their item. Thank you sir. So this item is coming back. We were here in March 12th uh neighborhoods meeting. uh your recommendation was for us to exactly identify what locations in the Normandy
Fountain Plaza uh were being identified to u present artwork by by the association. So that's the update in your package. You see there is a map that has the two locations and it's one is um more uh on the west side of the
fountain and the other one is more on the east side. Uh the one thing that we have added as a recommendation uh based on your feedback, this committee's feedback at the March 12th meeting was to remove the AIP uh review, but we have added to at least have it at the
director level from the tourism and culture department for appropriateness. Just making sure that the artwork that's being displayed in the public is of appropriate nature. Okay, great. So, this is a collaboration between the north uh the Normandy Fountain Business Association
um and our and our tourism and culture department to curate the art. Correct. And I believe uh David Son might be on the line. I'm not sure. Steph he was having a little bit of an issue logging in, but he is I believe he's hearing at least.
It's okay. Okay, great. Well, it's a streamlined process and we're we're pretty much putting the process in the in the hands of of of the community. So, Madam Chair, unless you have any questions, I'd like to move the item back to commission for
approval. Okay. By acclamation. Okay. Our next item will be item number 19. Discuss potentially bringing food trucks to Collins Park. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez and co-sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez. and tourism and parks and rec will be presenting the second.
Okay. I mean, I'll just briefly say that um Ray Brereslin and the Collins Park Neighborhood Association do so much for that area and activations. Um they brought this to us. They're excited about it and I'd like to support them. I think it's a great proposal from uh
Collins Park, Madame Chair. Um, we have already Liberty Plaza, uh, where where the Collins Park Neighborhood Association has been doing activations, uh, and their vision is to be able to rotate food trucks on a monthly basis,
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Uh so that those individuals who are either going to the library or individuals that are going to the ballet or the bass or the many cultural offerings that we have in the area uh they want to be able to eat
outdoors and uh and just enjoy the park they be able to and uh and it was a request of the of the association said I think um the recommendation of the administration is to do a pilot program where the association be the one to
select the food trucks and allow them to rotate them. Sure. Thank you, sir. And the reason for that is that we don't uh do sole permits for food trucks. However, Collins Park Neighborhood Association has a master permit from which they activate their Artskate programming. So, under that master
permit, we will be able to permit for them to have a rotating food truck program. And I think this also allows them to select what they like. If they don't like, they can switch it or, you know, have that that flexibility. Okay. And when we say rotating, um, you know,
I think part of the vision that the association had was maybe having food trucks occasionally there on a weekly basis or sometimes have a food truck that could be there for a month. Um, that is is that consistent with what the administration would allow? Uh, it is uh
allowable under their master permit. Yes. And um this is the same permit that you see u you know Lincoln Road, Normandy Fountain Business Association. And so they are able to activate under that master permit. Okay. Um with that, Madam Chair, I think
we should make a motion to send back to the full commission a temporary pilot food truck program to be part of the Collins Park Neighborhood Association master permit. Can we do it for May 21? I'm not sure because that was already I
see our assistant city manager shaking her head in the back. But for June, I guess, right? But then that means that they won't get it till July or August. It just delays it so much. Um, no, we can work with them. The master permit is very simple. So, right on in June, meeting when it gets adopted, they can
kick it off immediately. Well, it's the end of June, so they'd be losing a month and a half by not not accommodating it for May 21st. Let's if you're able to get it for the May meeting, it'll be appreciated. And if not, for the June meeting. Okay.
Our next item is item number one, a monthly update on the status of the Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Mandin Hotel and Miridor Condominium Baywalk projects. This is sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and CIP will be presenting this item. I have specific questions. So, um
I know that the pedestrian bridge is under construction and they're doing that uh on the Mandreon. I believe they've completed and there is a question about the steps or connection and um to the rest of the Baywalk and that's what I want to know about what's
going on with that. Good morning, Madam Chair. David Gomez, director of capital improvements. Um you actually touched on two issues that are that are facing the Baywalk right now. One is the steps at the far north end that is a connection to private property um that does not
keep the Baywalk from being open. The other issue is at the south end the connection to the street end which is the portion that we're working on completing so that we can open that segment. Uh there was a concern about ADA access and and clarity in the
drawings. We did receive last week the revised drawings to be submitted for permit revision and they are working on getting that into the building department so that we can proceed with completing that that little connection piece. And it's really more about the
ramp and access from the street end to the baywalk itself. The the other that's for both the north and south connection. That's for the very south connection at the street end. Okay. What needs to happen for the steps on the north end? the steps on the north end. We received
notification from the developer last week that uh he would not be paying for those steps that if the building wanted it since it's a connection to the private property, then the building would have to fund that portion of the of the construction, which how much is
it? I don't have direct um knowledge of that. By by hearsay, by chance, I've heard that it's in excess of $20,000. uh between 20 and $30,000, but I don't I don't have confirmation to that cost. Okay. Our next uh meeting is for
neighborhoods here is June 3rd. Can you have those figures absolutely for me by then? Absolutely. Um and then in the meantime, um the south end connection is the south
end connection. We re like I said, we received the drawings last week and they should be submitted to the building department for revision. so that we can get that inspected and completed. Okay. And then whatever happened to the no railings railings that's still in debate.
Um we are pushing the developer to install the railings. Uh there is a cost associated that with that for the developer so they're pushing back. Um but we are insisting that they need to be installed. Okay. Okay. All right. Well, thank you for the update and we'll
bring it back for June 3rd, please. My pleasure. Our next item is item number two. Discuss the sister cities advisory committee to discuss a possible city partnership with Lincoln Road Business Improvement District to create an annual Lincoln Road Marty GR festival to launch
in February 2026. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and co-sponsored by Commissioner Ba Economic Development will be presenting this item. Okay. So, uh, we've had a discussion about it with, um, the sister cities and I've also had a meeting, um,
with Lincoln Road, uh, bid and, um, I, it doesn't seem like it's something, uh, to collaborate on and, um, Lincoln Road is going to proceed ahead with their ideas for Marty GR. And if Sister City
wants to do something in Miami Beach at a different time, we welcome it. Um, and if Lincoln Road or Economic Development wanted to give any comments, that's fine. No, we're definitely open by Annabelle Yop's Lincoln Road Business
Improvement District. Good morning, chair, vice chair, and staff. We are definitely open to working with the committee to create a different event. We're excited to partner with them and I think there's some there was some great conversations during that meeting, but we definitely want to proceed with the
property of doing a Marty GR. We feel that's going to really fuel the businesses as well as the community would enjoy having a Marty GR event on Linka Road. Okay. So, Rob, if I wanted to move forward Oh, did you have any comments?
Uh, vice chair. Uh, this is going to go through the budget, right? That's exactly right. Yeah. Okay. Thank you for doing that. I I think uh that this is the right process that you're proceeding with uh bringing it through committee so that it can be placed through the full
budget process as opposed to bringing a last minute item. Absolutely. And that's why we started the process early. So we thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for for listening to us and hopefully we we can work together on this problem. Yeah. So, what
I would like to do is um because this has evolved and I think I might have a separate item, but if I don't um I'd like to move this to the budget process for discussion on
um what Lincoln Road would need in order to have Mardigra in 2026. Um, I know that they mentioned $50,000 for uh the different activations and then also uh
$54,000 worth of um uh police sanitation and and that uh bit. So So what the committee would want to do is uh take a vote if you decided to do so to send this back to the city
commission with a positive recommendation. Nope. Just send it straight to the budget process. That's not something that's within your power. You you have the power to send it back to the city commission. We discussed this at our briefing and I Yes, I do. you you well well I think the the the
misunderstanding was there the the process can be initiated to instead of going to FK uh which may be a slower process to go to the city's budget workshop but the process to get that done is that it starts with this
committee making a positive recommendation back to the city commission and if you like and a positive recommendation to start the budgeting process and if you like you can put a recommendation in which arm of the budgeting process you would like it to go down i.e. either
going to FK or going to the budget workshop. The city commission can we just had a conversation on this yesterday. So um yeah, so let's move this to the city commission so that it can then be voted on to go through the budget process because I understand that
FK is overloaded and this is for 2026. So there is a timeline. It's urgent. So So what you would be u in May, right? And and it's far I'm just the the the mechanics of doing exactly what you want to do are to make a positive recommendation back to the city
commission with a recommendation that it go through the budgeting workshop process and then the city commission if the city commission was inclined to do that uh we would draft a resolution uh sending it to the budgeting workshop rather than
FK. Yeah. Uh and the reason is uh my understanding is Furk is very backlogged and this has a timeline for 2026. We had to start doing this yesterday and we've been working on it for months. So it can't sit in FIRK for six months. This I
totally understand to 2027. So your recommendation will be to if if you wish to do so to uh return it to the city commission with a positive recommendation to start the budgeting process for this event with the recommendation that not to start the budgeting process but to discuss it
during the workshop to see if my colleagues agree with it to start the budgeting process by sending it to the budgeting workshop. Uh and and then the city commission will will vote and decide whether they want to do that or not. Mark, commissioner, I think what we
can do is we can try to maybe possibly put an addendum on for this this May meeting so we can get it for before them quicker. Okay, that sounds good. Are you in support? I sure am. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Great. Item number three, discuss and
take action on the dying tree population in North Beach Oceanside Park. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and co-sponsored by Commissioner B environmental and sustainability will be presenting. Hi. And are either Commissioner online?
Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez is not online, but I spoke with Jackie, her aid, and she gave me the list of items that we could proceed. Okay. Um, Lindsay. Good morning, commissioners. Lindsey P, deputy resilience officer and assistant director of environment and
sustainability. Urban forestry conducted an additional tree survey on April 23rd. And what that inspection showed is that 18 trees have made significant recovery since the November 2024 survey and are no longer on the list of defoliated
trees. Unfortunately, 14 trees had been defoliated in previous inspections and have since um uh not survived. And then we also identified three vandalized trees that were previously in good health. Uh an additional palm tree was found dead, but it was not part of the
project, but all require removal and a proposal uh will be forthcoming to remove those trees. Overall, the project's updated tree survival rate, excluding the acts of vandalism, is 286 over 376 trees that were part of the
urban forestry permit. So that's a 76% survival rate to date for the trees closest to the beachwalk. That was updated from the 80% survivorship that was noted in the January public safety meeting. Um the next North Beach tree evaluation will be at the end of the
rainy season. So in June, we should see some uh additional trees that have refoliated seasonally. Um now that we are in rainy season and we've seen that that has started as of a couple days ago. um and many are expected to generate new leaf growth as a result. Um
the trees that remain defoliated at that time will be evaluated for their long-term sustainability. Commissioner Fernandez, what are we doing to water our trees? Because I see a lot of times we plant trees and then
what's obvious to me is that oftent times there's no irrigation close by and I don't see an active watering effort. And I don't know if North Beach Oceanside Park has irrigation as part of its infrastructure. The way that it's typically designed is
the beachwalk separates the trees into two very distinct environments. One is on the dune side, the other is within the parks. The parks do have irrigation. The dune side was provided irrigation for the year warranty period which is normal and that's the FD standard. After
that year period, uh it returns to its normal natural state and is expected to um rely on the rainy season and those uh natural conditions. And how is the irrigation provided during that one-year warranty period?
David Gomez, director of capital improvements. For this project, the the uh contractor elected to install irrigation lines and connect those to the park irrigation system. So during that one-year period, they used an automatic irrigation system. And why wouldn't we continue those after that
one year period so that we can, you know, it's when it rains, it rains, but then when it doesn't rain, it's harsh out there. And uh and it's no wonder that our our plants suffer. Uh it's only
it's only natural that that uh that they would. Um, and so, you know, why why wouldn't we consider and I and I understand the contractor's interest when their warranty is on the line. Of course, they don't want to have to replace uh the the uh trees and it's not
their water, it's our water. Um, but then after the warranty period, for us not to continue that type of watering might end up being a more costly um situation for us. uh FD typically is very restrictive of the structures that
you can install in the dune system. So as this is part of the dune area, they don't allow irrigation systems. They allow it for establishment and and for the first period of growth for the trees and then they require the trees to be naturally self-sufficient. But don't we
have areas of the dune system where we do have irrigation? There are old irrigation lines that were established as part of establishment periods, but they are shut off after that time. and we can't seek a permit from from FD
uh for to to be able to have these lines there. We can explore that option again. It was not afforded to us when we originally designed the beachwalk system because I do think that now we might have data, you know, a situation where where we can show, you know, plantings
that perhaps have suffered due to the lack of uh of of the watering and and perhaps, you know, it it's just it just it it hurts when you see, you know, these plants just suffering there and and we can't do anything about it
because Okay. because um we can't have the lines. But if it's allowed on a temporary basis to protect the interest of the contractor who has a warranty under the plants, why would an FDOT FD
FD allow it on a more permanent basis to protect the interest of the taxpayer that has to pay for the plants? We will be happy to work with environment sustainability and approach the state. again uh is just typically not something they do and they do afford the temporary
installation so that the trees can be established and self-sufficient. Let's look into this uh because if we need to place something into our legislative agenda regarding this um you know I think it's something that we should explore uh because we have a lot of of
beachfront dukes and and a lot of them uh suffer during certain times of the year and our residents complain about it and it's something that I think you know we should we should be tackling. commission. Do we need this to go back
to commission? As far as ex as approaching FTP, I don't believe we need any resources other than some conversations at the moment. All right. So perhaps uh keep this or perhaps keep this in in committee for for now just you know since since staff
is going to reach out to FDP about the issue of irrigation which I I mean is that a contributing factor of what we're experiencing here? It could be. The other contributing factors include the salt spray that these trees are experiencing up in North Beach. The trees that we've seen that have done
well are protected by larger trees like sea grapes at the forefront of the dunes. You know the beach side. Um, so what we've seen is that the trees get consistent salt spray and so they just get sheared off as a result. That's where I would say, you know, I know a
lot of times we we like to go after invasive species and this is going to sound horrible. You all are going to cringe at what I'm about to say, but if the non-invasive species are the ones to which this is
its natural habitat are not resilient right now to that salt spray from the ocean and they are suffering. Yet the ones that are thriving are what we consider to be the
invasive species. Well, mother nature is telling us otherwise. Mother nature is telling us, well, this is the species that is going to do well in this environment. And maybe, you know, I get when we're doing a new project, you know, you want to come in and put in new
plantings that might be, you know, part of the natural habitat, but when we are just regular maintenance, I don't know if it's necessarily great to go in and then remove some of the invasive species that are actually thriving there and
replace it uh with some of these other uh trees as part of a reforestation effort that then aren't as resilient. I can speak to some of that. So, we do have native trees that are doing well. So, seag grapes are native. Our buttonwoods are native. Um, our silver buttonwoods in particular are doing very
well at handling the salt spray in addition to the sea grapes. Um, the invasive species that we predominantly see within the dunes are scava takata, which is native to Hawaii. So, it is accustomed to similar environments. However, their root systems are
incredibly shallow and they don't offer the same level of upland protection that our native species would like sea oats. Um, and so when they are removed, it does allow us to go back and add native species that are better at protecting upland properties. Um, so so that's why
we we do remove them. And it is also both um prohibited at the state and county level as well as in our dune management plan to have invasive species. So we we do have to tackle them by law when we see them.
Maybe they can then you know tackle them for us because then if we remove them and so anyways I we understand each other. Yes. Uh so it' be great if this item can stay here as it relates to the issue of irrigation. And uh the next meeting is coming up
pretty quickly. So why don't we do it for the July meeting to get an update then? I was actually going to ask for a couple of months. FDP is not the fastest uh September then. Yeah, September. We have been alerted that their teams are significantly short staff. So, it's taking a little bit longer for them to
provide those updates. Um, as part of this item, we also have an update coming up in later summer early fall months regarding five pilot trees that uh Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez asked us to pilot up in North Beach. So, that update would be coming at that future date as
well. Okay. Thank you. So, we'll bring it back to the September meeting and we'll take a recess for 30 minutes. Thank you, Madam Chair. All right. Thank you. Please take your seats. The meeting is about to begin. Remember to speak into
the microphone as this meeting is being recorded for public record. Please stand by. We are going on air in 5 4 3 2 1. Okay, thank you. We're returning from
recess and uh Stephanie number five. All right, item number five is a monthly update on the status of an ongoing and future projects involving the use of the Leonard Horowits color palette for art deco buildings restoration and collaboration with Barbara Huliniki. This item was sponsored by Commissioner
Rosen Gonzalez and facilities and fleet will be presenting the item. Is the commissioner online? She is not online. Okay. Hi, Ron. How you doing? Madam Chair, Ron Muma, director of
facilities and fleet. Um, very happy to provide an update on using the lettered Horowitz color palette in conjunction with U. Barbara Holiki and the um Art Deco buildings. Facilities has six uh locations that were considered. Ocean
Rescue Headquarters, which has now already been painted as of April 23rd. The Colony Theater is the second uh location. Uh it does have a geobond project underway um to install impact windows and paint the exterior along
with installing new awnings. Uh so what uh the administration is recommending is that we get the windows installed first and then uh move toward move toward uh painting the facility and then installing the awnings last. Which that's Colony Theater.
Colony at the Colony Theater. Um and then the anchor garage and 13th Street garage. Uh we do have uh the color schemes proposed. Um planning has approved those. We're just waiting for quotes uh to move forward to uh start that work as well. Uh the Miami Beach
band shell is uh the fifth location also has a geobond project. So we'll coordinate uh the expansion there with CIP before we move toward painting that location. And lastly, uh the historic city hall, which uh historic city hall
is a Spanish style architecture, uh not art deco. Um, so both planning and facilities, we're recommending that that not be uh painted in the art deco scheme. Um, it is currently under an expansion or not expansion, but renovation um of the exterior. So, we
plan to repaint that to match the existing color scheme. Okay. Um, for the Colony Theater, are there dates like is there a timeline that we can expect? We don't have those dates yet. And for 13th Street garage
and the the garages, we're just waiting for those quotes to come in. Okay. And then the band shell, any dates? No, nothing yet. We're again coordinating that expansion project with CIP. So, why don't we move this to the June 3rd meeting so that we can get some dates so
it's not left up in the air. And if I may, Madam Chair, this is so exciting. I love bringing color uh to some of our historic buildings. Uh, and you pointed something that's very important when we look at Spanish revival
buildings. You have to consider a different pallet for Spanish revival. Um, or even when you're looking at some of the Miami modern architecture that we have throughout the city, you're perhaps looking at a different color palette.
And so to the extent uh that we're doing uh the Leonor Horowits uh color palette um I think it's important to pinpoint that specifically for art deco buildings and I think that that's truly where we can see its be the beauty of that
architecture be highlighted by by placing this pallet on it. I will just also put for for the record. Um I have a little bit of hesitation with Ocean Rescue with how that came out. Um
however um art is art and this is I believe an artistic expression and I don't always need to like it to make it right. And so and so I embrace it. Um, it I think I I
think it's very unique. Um, it's not what I would have thought of. I thought the building actually was very interesting and white and perhaps it just needed some accents. Um, but um but I just want to be mindful of some of the other styles of architecture. Um, you
know, perhaps this pallet might not be the the most appropriate for it. Thank you. Okay. So, see you on June 3 with that one. Um number four. Item number four is discussion regarding the
installing a memorial plaque on 41st and Pine Tree Drive to honor Rabbi Stern. This item was sponsored by Mayor Miner and facilities and fleet will be presenting. Ron, do you want to give us an update? Uh really it's just for uh discussion
really to to make sure the the committee is comfortable with the uh opportunity that mayor Miner pushed forward. And if if if I may, Madam Chair, um you know, Rabbi Stern played such an important part of the erv uh here in
Miami Beach. And I think it's one of those things it's it's almost an asset that we have in Miami Beach uh that has such an importance even for tourism. uh the amount of of of Orthodox tourists that come to Miami Beach and make us
their destination because this era exists. And that's part of the contributions that Rabbi Stern made to our city uh and to Jewish life in our community. And so I'm proud to support Mayor Miner's um proposal to install a
plaque uh in his honor at 41st Street. Uh I second that. I also am happy to support it. I know that um he was an a distinguished Torist scholar, a spiritual leader, an author, and he really influenced our community and many other communities across the United
States. So, we'll move that. Great. Next, we have item number six. Discuss a potential parking program with discounted parking rates for educational institutions and education related organizations. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez and
co-sponsored by Commissioner Ba and parking will be presenting this. Let's madam chair let's continue this item to next month please. I want to be able to work a little bit on the item. I'm sorry it's a staff. Okay. Item number 23 will be an update
on city bike program. This item was sponsored by commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and parking will be giving an update. Okay. Wonderful. And is the commissioner online? Has there been any public comment on anything? Okay, Commissioner, let's
acknowledge Commissioner Bot, please. Commissioner. Um, hi. Can you guys hear me? Yes. Um, I actually had raised my hand to speak on the item, the Hoola Nikki painting item. Um, I would just register
my concern about the band shell being painted um in those colors and I think there should be some additional conversation before we proceed on that. I I share my colleagues concern about the outcome of the um paint job on
the um the the uh rescue headquarters. I I think it was maybe a little bit more and I think that some of the architectural detail gets lost in the new paint color scheme. So I I would just like to be a bit mindful as we go
through things that are maybe a little less typical than traditional just art deco buildings next to each other. Things that really stand out that are freestanding like the ocean rescue building and um the band show which is not art deco at all. Um, I think there
should be conversations before we proceed to paint on walls on on those items on those um facilities. Thank you. Good. Excellent points. Uh, Commissioner Bot. So, I'll just reread the item update on
expanding city bike program and parking will be presenting this item and it was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez. Okay, Willie. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Commissioner Fernandez. Um, so this is just an update. Uh, so we are looking at the expansion of the deco bike program
in certain areas on the beach where there may uh be some the correct docking stations that are lacking or they may lack some inventory. Uh, two of the areas are going to be the Indian Creek area on Collins Avenue. The challenges there are it is already a very tight
parking area and these docking stations take up about two parking spaces. So, we are working with our transportation partners and talking with FDOT to look at hashmarked areas that may be hashmarked, not due to safety concerns on the on the FDOT rideway. Um, but we
do feel that we'll be able to find um some efficient space whether it's for the large two do uh two docking stations or just one um that will be able to expand into this area. And then um kind of a piggyback right on to the band shell. Uh we recognize that the ocean
terrace uh pedestrian walkway is should be nearing um completion. Um and so we look at that as a possible ideal place to expand up by the band shell area in the north beach market because it connects right there to the beachwalk and so it'll be a great natural place
for bike stance. Thank you. And I agree with you on um Indian Creek being problematic to take away parking spaces in an area where they need it so badly. Have you been working with the MBNA, Mid Beach Neighborhood Association?
I'm happy to connect you uh because you really should be uh in touch with them. It's uh something that I know they'll want to give input on as well. Perfect. We will make that we we were very lucky because our director uh may happen to live very close to that area of the
director of transportation and has given us insight on his experiences living in the neighborhood. Right. Okay. Since there's still decisions and things going on, why don't we bring this back to July? Absolutely. Fine with that. Yes. Excellent.
Item number 24 is consider holding monthly community activations for residents on West Lots number four between 82nd and 83rd Street. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez, co-sponsored by Commissioner B and Parks and Rec will be presenting the item. Vice Chair Fernandez. Thank you, Madam
Chair. Um so a few months ago the city held um an event at on the west lots to consider how to activate these these west lots. What would be the future of these west lots? From my perspective the
west lots should be recreational space space for the community to enjoy almost an extension of the North Beach Oceanside Park. Uh but the great outcome of this community event that was held um
at the at the west lot was the amount of community itself that came out that just met each other that was engaging enjoying the space enjoying the activity that the city had organized for them.
And it was a very common sense basic thing. the best temporary use at least for the space. Let's open it up to the public. Let's have community events. Let's bring the community together and bring people
to together. And so from there emerged the idea of having a monthly community activation for residents in the in in this west lot between 82nd and 83rd streets. So at least once a month there's something that the city is is producing there while we work on the
permanent long-term activation. And so with that, I'd like to recognize our assistant director of the parks department, Cindy Kasanova, to present the item. Thank you. Uh good afternoon, Chair, uh Commissioner Fernandez. Cindy Kasanova, assistant director for the parks department. The item before you,
as Commissioner Fernandez stated, is to consider hosting monthly activations on the west lot between 82nd and 83rd Street. Um, as the commissioner mentioned, we hosted a very successful community picnic in February of 2025. Had about a 100 to 200 folks that came
out to enjoy family-friendly activations such as bounce houses, face painting, um, food, and music. So, building off of that success, if there's an appetite to do so, the parks department is able to continue hosting monthly or quarterly activations similar in nature with
elements such as our imagination playground, large format games, snow cones, popcorns, music, you name it, we can do it. Um, we can also look to partner with our police and fire departments to do thematic um events such as police day or fire department
day. Work with the PAL to do some block parties. So the um the activities that we can host are are are endless. Um these are relatively inexpensive um activations to to budget for roughly cost us about $2,200 an event. Um so if
we wanted to do something like that monthly, we would be looking at an annual impact of about $24,600. Um or we could do them quarterly if we want to keep the cost down. But at any rate, um we're we're open to do it and we're happy to build off off of that success. I would say
given I mean frankly the cost is kind of low from my perspective um if there could be the way and I would welcome the feedback of my colleague to perhaps do them twice a month um I don't know the parks department has capacity
to do that uh I don't want to overextend staff and I always like to recognize staff the dedication of of city staff in our in our government who dedicate and sacrifice time after hours to attend community meetings and in the weekends
to attend community events is it is a significant dedication of our city staff. Um and so I'm just wondering would you would the department have the capacity to be able to to do perhaps an activation twice a month? I think monthly would work better. Um I think
with that I think doing it twice a month it might wear off. Um, I I like the monthly activation because I think it'll just generate excitement. Um, and more people will probably tend to come out to that. I love it. Awesome. So, could we move this? Um, Madam Chair, any any
suggestion, any feedback you have? No, I agree with you completely. And, um, move it to the full commission. Sounds great. Yeah. And I'll do a quick little plug if I'm allowed to do so. On Sunday, uh, May 18th, uh, we're having the mayor's chess
challenge at the Scott Ray Cow Youth Center. Many thanks to Cindy and John and team for getting it done. It'll be from 10 to about 1:00 and there'll be activities uh not just chess related, but the ice skating work is open and the
bowling and should be lots of fun this Sunday. Yep. Come out and see us. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Cindy. Our next item will be item number seven, discussion regarding an installation of a bus of General Don Jose San Martin at
the Normandy Fountain Plaza. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and will be presented by Parks and Rec. Um, okay. Let's defer this uh until she uh is available to speak on the item. I know she was passionate about it and I
wouldn't want to take that away from her. I think item number seven and 25 item number 25 she requested to defer and item number 14. Okay. So we will move on to number eight. Yes. Item number eight is discuss potentially
purchasing portable ticket printers for the issuance of uniform traffic citations. This item was sponsored by the mayor and the police department will be presenting that. Wonderful. And um I know that in discussions um I've been told that the police have this and it's
available for all officers. I'm really happy about this. Um hi. Would you like to share? Madam Chair, uh Major Eric Garcia for uh Police Tech Services Division. Yes. Since 2012, we began our first electronic citation program. And
since that time, we've been issuing uh portable citation printers to the officers. They work with laptops and now cell phones and uh uh we they definitely enhance uh mobility and efficiency and
we have a very healthy inventory at this point in time. We don't really uh not requesting any additional funds. Okay. Um this is amazing. Is the mayor on or anyone from his team for comment? No one's on right now. Okay. Wonderful. We'll close out this item. Thank you.
Our next item is uh item number 10. Discuss a long-term public safety plan for the Baywalk. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez, co-sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez, and police will be presenting the Hi, Captain Lozano. How are you? Good morning. How are you, ma'am? Uh, one
quick thing before you get into the item. I did notice that there was um people at the pedestrian bridge today on Perie Avenue, officers uh because of the number of complaints that have been sent in about uh scooters and bikes and
motorcycles going over the bridge and presenting pedestrian danger. So, thank you uh for taking action. I was there myself yesterday morning as well. Yeah, thank you. And so, with that, uh what's the safety plan for the Baywok? So, with the new construction of the Baywalk that
that's potentially going to connect throughout different areas of the city, uh we came up with four options. Uh the first option we have is having two officers. Uh basically, uh hiring two officers um to be assigned specifically
to the entire Baywalk uh either on foot, on bike, or in a car that can uh maneuver back and forth through the different portions of the Baywalk. that would provide the best uh customer service, public safety, and enhance
quality of life. So, it would mimic basically the schedules of the different beat officers that we have. It would be like a swing shift type schedule, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and it would cover both sides of the week. Uh that
option would be a potential cost of a starting salary combined of 144,000. That's for two officers. Keep in mind the Baywalk is open from sunrise to sunset where each property has gates that are locked up
when it's closed. So, there shouldn't be any uh people on the Baywalk going uh back and forth through the different properties. And what was the amount? 144 roughly annually? Yes. That's for
two police officers. That will be a starting salary. That's not to say that two brand new police officers will be assigned there. Right. And um is this something that can be done from the existing budget? So for example, if analyzing the
city if there are officers in other locations that uh may not be needed uh moving them to the Baywalk. Yeah, that would have to go through our our staffing personnel with budgeting to see where we have allocated resources.
Um, for now we are down officers. We're working to pick up. I don't know the exact number. I know for like four years it's been 38 17, but we're getting close to getting close to it. And I want to actually thank the chief uh because I
know the chief has been very focused on filling those vacancies and I know he's been leading uh on a charge uh to and we have I think uh officers being sworn in uh next week. Yes, sir. How many? I
believe I have it on my calendar. It's 11. It's a good amount that came 11. So it's uh it's it's great. Okay. Um when I look at the fiscal impact of the different options that are presented to us, either two two officers with one
overlap uh day or two security guards or two park rangers. When you when you when you when you consider that the difference in cost is about $29,000. If the if for a difference in cause I
can either have security guards or police officers, I rather go with the police officers with sworn personnel. I don't understand how it is for security guards. The cost um is so high
and then the park rangers like I would look at option four because the uh I wouldn't be looking to expand the budget even more. Um, I'd be concerned about the fiscal impact. I'd want to use existing
resources. What do you think about that? What is the recommendation of the police department? The recommendation will be with going with option one. The downside to option four, it would be our current staffing and we're going to be pulling away from other areas. Correct.
To sub and this is where we need to be mindful when we cons when we build new infrastructure. Correct. When we build new infrastructure, we need to start an operating we need to start a mechanism by which we consider okay the as part of the operation and maintenance is also
the safety of this of this new infrastructure and so and so I just don't feel comfortable pulling away from another area to provide safety for a new area that we didn't have before. Um, and so maybe maybe maybe we can do a hybrid
um of maybe one police officer and one park ranger to reduce cost a little bit. I don't I don't know if that's possible. Yeah, there's definitely a possibility of doing a combination of these these options here. uh we can do certain days
of the week covering with police officers, maybe even off duty services because the thing is we with with the park rangers, they won't be able to enforce the issues that the police officers would be able to enforce. Correct. But it would be
similar to what they do in in Lumis Park, for example. They encounter people they engage with either trespassers, people fishing, or people doing things that are not what they're not supposed to be doing. They notify us if they can't handle it, and we respond.
I'm going to show you something that happened on the day. Yes. Yes. Um, I feel I I feel that what should be happening is that the beachwalk, if we're going to be investing on the beachwalk, I not the
beachwalk, the the Baywalk in terms of of security, it's a great investment for the area. and per and you know perhaps it can serve not only the Baywalk but can serve West Avenue and Bay Road as
well so that we maximize that investment that we're making there. And I don't know uh if how how how that would work. I don't know if from your perspective that makes any sense. In my opinion, yes, it does
because I do I do know that the area is asking for more police uh resources on certain times. I think right now we have a unique circumstance with the presence of the Bikini Hostel. And so there is a presence of of of police there at the
Bikini Hostel when the when the area residents in fact feel that that that there should be the presence should be more spread out throughout the area. And so we anticipate hopefully soon we will hopefully soon no longer have the situation of the bikini hostel. But if
we make an enhancement uh for the Baywog, we might get uh more out of our investment if we don't limit them to the Baywog and we allow them into into the neighborhood. I agree with you. Should we move this to the full commission for discussion? So perhaps we could move
option one to the full commission. Uh discussing option one and a hybrid. And a hybrid. Sure. And then we'll see what what the group decides. Yeah. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Number nine. Our next item is item number nine. Discuss the potential
reappeal of the city's red light camera ordinance. This was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez and this will be sponsored uh presented by police. Commissioner Fernandez. Thank you, Madam Chair. This is this is an item I placed on the
on the agenda because um I feel that the red light cameras have an intended purpose of um of creating a safer environment when in fact what I've witnessed myself living in front of a red light camera um is that it's
constantly causing accidents. people rush to stop for the red light camera and then there's um there's there's a there's a collision as as a result of it. I know other cities have uh looked
to um to address this. Other cities have repealed the u the the red light cameras. Um and so I would like to hear from the police department. I'd like to hear from the city attorney's office about the feasibility of of repealing
it, where the police department uh would stand on that and what uh what we can legally do to uh get this done. Good morning, Madame Chair. Good morning, Commissioner. Sergeant Price with the uh PD's accident investigation unit, which
also covers the uh hit and run program. I'm sorry, the uh red light camera program. So yes, we would love to uh keep our red light program. Um it serves multiple purposes outside of uh citing
drivers for running the light. Uh this program has also been beneficial to other units in our agency as far as uh the criminal investigations division. In the past, we have uh helped other units catch wanted subjects, uh you name it,
homicide subjects, uh uh subjects with warrants. Uh the red light cameras uh do assist with the reduction of crime in that uh manner, but also um uh we're able to just track the problems in our
areas too uh citywide where where we do have the cameras um traffic-wise. Um our equipment right now that we have is slowly dying because uh it's the equipment is so outdated. uh is
so antiquated that uh the company the vendor is having a hard time finding parts to actually uh fix the cameras whenever they go down. So uh we do have a new contract in place uh that's you know that's been pending since I want to say
2022. Um we have two locations built out thus far at 17 and Wash. However, uh permitting issues have uh been keeping us from advancing with the other locations. So, but we have two locations
right now. We do have two locations and the other location uh so we don't have any uh other locations up and running right now with the new equipment um that that would be um built out from the new contract. So, we're still working on permitting. Um and it's not really any
fault of ours. We we have to work with u F DOT um the go we have to get permitting permission through the county and that's been taking a very long time. So the the vendor we we have weekly meetings um they're trying their best to
execute and get these locations up and running but it's the agency's the uh decision to keep the cameras if we could. Uh we we love the cameras. We just feel like it's such an enhancement to public safety.
If this is something that the police department feels strongly about, if it relates more than just the red light tickets and it and and it's an enhancement for other aspects of public safety, then I'll withdraw this item out of respect to your work and to your
recommendation. Thank you, sir. I appreciate that. Thank you. All right. All right. Number 20. Item number 26. Item number 26. Discuss improvements including cleanliness abandoned conditions of Everglades Court in North Beach. This item was sponsored by
Commissioner Fernandez and co-sponsored by Commissioner Bot. Public Works will be presenting the item. Commissioners, good morning. Good morning. Um the item before you is in relation to Everglades Court. Everglades Court is
basically a uh it's a let's call it a rightaway an alley. It's a grass alley, gravel alley. It's not maintained. It's one of the few uh rightaways if you will that is not paved within the city. Um
there has been uh request uh over time to look at this alley. Once upon a time it was looked at to be see if it could be turned into a green alley um as a pilot project. There was money allocated to that but it was
later removed. Um so this uh alleyway if you will has sort of fallen by the wayside um in a bit of disrepair. Uh and what is before you is uh a recommendation to include in the budget process
uh a upgrade of that alley. Looking at you know improving the alleyway with uh facade with some grass really beautifificate beautifying the area and returning it to something that is an integral part of the neighborhood as
opposed to uh its current neglected state. Okay. So, let me just ask you. So, um what is being done in the short term to uh fix to clean this alley? So, uh what has been done in the short term? They've
um with the assistance of code, they've gone up and just made sure that there has not been any illegal dumping or dumping in there. I believe green space has gone up and done some cutting of the overgrown overgrowth and the brush that was impeding the alleyway. Um and I
I think that's about what has been done at this point in time. Okay. All right. Um, are we doing regular maintenance in that alleyway? They are doing uh regular sweeps in there to make sure that it is being kept clean uh and free of litter and debris. Okay. Uh I went by there
yesterday because I had to go to a neighborhood association meeting in uh and close by and I noticed that the that the area is starting to get regrown. It's the grass is getting, you know, a little bit overgrown. Um, and it seemed
like it needed it needed some attention. Again, the recommendation of the administration is a request for funding, which funding for irrigation, regrading of the soil, new sod, and landscape
maintenance. 18,000 to cover landscape maintenance for a year. We don't have already funding to do that landscape maintenance in the alleyway. The majority of your landscape maintenance that's performed by the city as far as cutting grass and the like is typically outsourced. That's where that price came
up from. So, it's done by an outside contractor on a on a rotating basis at $62,000 for an irrigation system. Yeah. What type of
um it just seems to me like a lot of money to invest on an irrigation system in an alleyway where you only have sod. Uh and the sod seems to be growing pretty well. Seems like what it seems like what we need more there is like more
hands going through that alleyway and just doing just more regular maintenance in there. If if that is the the will or the desire, I mean what what was looked at here was how do you make it into more of a passive recreational area and the only
way to really do that is to um you know introduce sod or a grass surface. But uh you know the only way to really maintain the grass there is especially during the the dry months is to have irrigation to keep it you know keep it wet.
Yeah. Yeah. the the the issue is we're not we're not experiencing that sad there. To the contrary, the sad is growing and it's growing very quickly. Um maybe we can work on this item a little bit more. Uh we can keep this item here. We can bring it back uh next
month so that so we can work a little bit more on this on this item is I think really what we need number one I think I think right now is an underutilized area. It's a it's it's it's a space that um that is pretty big. Uh it's a long
space. Um but right now it's it's under utilized. Uh and part of the reason why I believe is it's underutilized is because it's just overgrown. I even seen needles back there. I seen furniture
abandoned there. I seen over overgrown uh landscaping there. And what and what we need there is just regular maintenance and and making it just a cleaner environment for the residents who live abing
it. So let's continue the item to next month Jay if you don't mind. Okay. So that we can work on this a little bit more and bring it back. Okay. Um next item is number 13. Before that I am going to withdraw number 12. Number 12. Okay.
Item number 13 is discuss the activations of alleys in South Beach art deco signs and North Beach MIMO signs. This item is sponsored by Commissioner Bot will be presented by public works and Commissioner Ba is online. Commissioner Bot.
Sorry, I was just looking for my little unmute button. Yeah, I'll let public works discuss this. Um, I think there's a bigger opportunity to do a pilot program in South Beach than in North Beach. I think the the area right now that I had in mind um in North Beach
might have been addressed uh a little bit. So, I'd like to focus this for now on on South Beach and see how it goes. Um, having said that though, I will just keep a door open because if the um Normandy Fountain Business Association is interested in in collaborating, um, I
think that would be a a terrific um a terrific pilot for for North Beach. Um, but basically the idea is to activate alleys that are currently um nasty um not a nice place for people to walk and and cut through. They are um unsafe.
they're not well lit. There's all kinds of sort of weird water standing around. And so um I've done a number of walkthroughs with um our um public works department staff and we've been talking about how to address those items, those
issues. But the um the enhancement would be to sort of do something like the alley that uh adjoins the Betsy. Not to that degree, of course. I'm not talking about putting in giant art installations, but working with um the neighborhood businesses to illuminate
the alleys with signs and lighting that um draws on the heritage of the um of the neighborhoods to try to make the alleys a more um inviting um safer space for residents.
Okay, Jay. Thank you, Commissioner. Um, yes, and as as was stated by Commissioner Bot, it's really about how do we clean up, activate the alley from its present conditions. The um current
issue with the alleys, especially um towards South Beach, are the the drainage. There's no typically these alleys do not have any drainage. There's a uh it's configured in such that there's a valley uh drain or I want to say gutter. uh it's more like a trough
in the middle of the alley so that the water's collected and then because there's no drainage structures back there that typically runs um to either north or south uh and what compounds that um is the not only the age which
sometimes impedes the water flow flowing out of the alley um and then you have some maybe there's been some work some settlement uh or the like and as well you you're in the back of the house if if you will, of a number of hotels or other establishments where uh things get
washed out. There's AC lines that are dripping back there. Um so you do get this neverending area of puddled water. Uh any trash that gets deposited or blown around there will get caught up, get wet, stay stick around for a while.
The alleys are serviced with the sanitation crews that go through there um to you know pick up the trash. We are working with sanitation and trying to see what the street sweepers will do as far as a regular uh maintenance uh sweep of those alleys so that um any trash
that's collected, it will pick it up. Any water that's standing, it will either brush that out of the way or collect some of that. Um, but what's really, you know, needed is uh trying to put the alleys, especially those that do
not have uh good drainage back on a resurfacing program so that uh we can get that water to shed out of the alley so it's no longer sitting there and you know stagnating if you will. um that uh there is a fair amount of lighting
within those alleys, but it's really based on what telephone polls are there, what lighting can be affixed to that. And if there were sort of block by block, property by property um assistance in being able to establish lighting attached to properties to
illuminate their back back doors, backyards, if you will, then I think the collective opportunity will go a long way. Okay. Uh, Commissioner Bot. So, um, I would like to, um, bring this back
in a few months to see where we are. Okay. Um, um, maybe in September. Okay. September sounds good. And I believe we have public comment and then we can move to the next item. Hi. Yeah, we have Larry Schaefer. Larry Schaefer, you have
two minutes. Hi. Uh, good afternoon. Uh, on this item, I'm sure I am so delighted that the administration is taking a look at how to improve the alleys up here in North Beach, Collins Court. We live on this alley between Collins and Harding
on 81st Street. And we have some lighting there. It's very inconsistent. They have different style poles. We have some that's very industrial. Right now, I'm looking at one that looks like it's from the Victorian era. Um, and just rationalizing the look and increasing illumination would go a long
way to deterring crime and create more aesthetically appealing alleyways. Um, I am using LED lighting in my own yard. LED neon rope lighting. So perhaps the administration would like to look at if you want to go faster, if you want new lighting, there
are some new solar that may work and off talk to staff about those. Um, and finally, I'd like to congratulate uh, Commissioner Fernandez on being a good boy and going down and filing those papers to run for commissioner again. And uh, we were thinking that you might
be uh, maybe running for something else, but we're happy that you are running again. and also Commissioner Dominguez, we're glad that you filed as well and uh and we look forward to a wonderful election year. Thank you.
So I will mark that to return in September and thank you Larry. Okay, so um 12 is withdrawn, 27 is deferred. Um 14 is deferred and then we're going to hear item 15 which is
discuss extending installations of white dividing pavers to the remaining areas of the beachwalk. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez and public works will be presenting this item. Okay. Vice Chair Fernandez. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh this is an item
that I uh placed on the on the agenda uh to discuss the extension of the wide dividing pavers along the beachwalk in the areas where they're currently not present. Um right now I believe they
um I I believe they currently extend from 25th to 64th Street. Is that right, Jake? The papavers. So that the the pavered the dividing line um was installed with by CIP from 24th to 45th
and then again from 47th to 64th. Right. And then there's probably a few other scattered um areas that were budding new developments where they rebuilt the the beachwalk. Those were also installed. Okay. And so and and in those areas that you just mentioned, those are the areas
where we actually cut into the brick and put in a white pa to divide uh the northbound and the southbound uh directions. Is that correct? That's correct. Okay. And then in the other areas, I I um they came in and they
installed um something on the surface. It's it's almost like something that's used on asphalt. It's correct, Commissioner. What's that called? With uh transportation did have a contractor come out and basically use a thermoplastic. It's a tape so it adheres
to the top of the pavers. And I think that was done because um with the surface of pavers, you can't really use thermoplastic paint because the paint will then get into the crevices, if you will, of the paver and won't have a nice neat delineation, a nice neat marking,
which is why the uh the tape was utilized. I'm sorry. And can you repeat again why the tape was used? I'm sorry. Because of the surface, and I can defer to Jose, but my understanding is because of the surface of the paper. It's not it's not it's not it's not smooth. It's got imperfections with it. So when you
pour the thermoplastic is goes down as a paint. So it's poured in if you will at a very high temperature then it solidifies. Well that doesn't leave for very attractive straight edges because it would tend to move or you know flow with wherever those crevices are. So
when you look at it it's there but the edges won't be clearly defined. That's why if you go with a tape it's very defined marking. So it it's a much better aesthetically pleasing performance. Okay. So we did so we did
um the thermoplastic over the tape. No thermoplastic tape. Thermal plastic tape. Okay. Thermoplastic tape. So we did that. Why didn't we consider doing what we did between 24th and 65th Street, which was
what really does look done correctly? You know, it just looks sharp. It looks clean. It looks consistent with the style of the beachwalk, which is paper material. Why didn't we go into those areas and
instead of doing this tape, why didn't we go in and cut uh in the surface and install this dividing brick? Well, um first and foremost, Commissioner, the budget. We were limited to a budget of approximately
$200,000. It that um that was a result of an enhancement, a budget enhancement. Uh and so the difference in cost is significant between applying thermoplastic paint and uh replacing
pavers along the center line. As a matter of fact, we have a preliminary cost estimate of what it would cost to install pavers. How much would it cost to install the pavers? The estimated cost is $900,000 to install the pavers in the areas that currently do not have
it. Okay. $900,000. Okay. And we're talking about the full extent of the beachwalk. The full extent. Correct. Okay. So, this is this is what I want us to consider. This is the image of our
city. When visitors come to Miami Beach, they come to experience something unique that the rest of Miami Day County doesn't have. and that many other communities in South Florida, while they might be coastal, they might not have a beautiful beachwalk like the one that
the city of Miami Beach has. And I think it is one of our greatest assets is one of the things I love the most about our city is our beachwalk. Being able to go to this beautiful infrastructure that we have, one of the most successful shared use paths, what is it, Jose? In the
state. Yes. one of the most successful shared use paths in the state of Florida. We have it right here in the city of of Miami Beach and it abuds where our residents live and it's attracts tourism and it's our backyard
and I think we should do this and maintain it in a way that that shows that we are proud of this infrastructure and I think this is one of these areas where while you may have a cheap option that might be the tape this is the area
of our city where we should where we shouldn't go on the cheap. And if we can plan and fund to go in or and start funding in our capital program to start cutting in and replacing that tape with actual brick so that it looks clean, it
looks finished. It looks like that brick has always been part of the design of it is what we should be doing to really elevate this beautiful asset that we have. How can we start uh incorporating this into our capital program? Because
it is a lot of money. It is $900,000. But perhaps consider that it's something that we don't have to do all in one fiscal year. Perhaps we start budgeting it in our capital plan so that we might not have to incur the entire $900,000 in
fiscal year 26, but we can start going in and doing this. That would certainly be uh an approach, commissioner, to try to phase this in and over time. The beachwalk was not built in a day. It was it's taken decades to build the beachwalk. So, um
you know to uh to to to improve it with these white uh centerline pavers. We may take a similar approach. I uh I think I'm going to defer to our uh CIP director, David Gomez, to to see if that would be a
a good approach. Um David Gomez, director of CIP, we can arrange to schedule it however the the commission desires. Um there are a different there are a collection of different materials on the on the beachwalk, some of its pavers, some of its concrete. Um so that
just has to be coordinated, but it's not an obstacle to to proceeding with your direction. I think I think the way that you have it along Mid Beach in the Mid Beach corridor um north of 24th Street, we you guys
went in and it just it looks well finished and I in fact I think that the Mid Beach Neighborhood Association may have sent um a memo regarding this. I know I know they've been very vocal about this in in the past. And while and
while the infrastructure might seem common sense, it it does help. I think there's been an improvement in safety and pedestrian safety. Uh having this delineator, but doing it right is important. This is the image of our city and we want our residents to take pride
in our city and the infrastructure that we deliver for them. But most importantly, we want those visitors that come and experience our city to see that we took attention to detail, that we just didn't put a tape there, that we actually did it right. Uh because I think people do do notice when we don't
do it right. If if I could clarify for the record, in the sections in Mid Beach where the pavers were installed, it was installed in the portions of the beachwalk that were solid pattern. There wasn't a a decorative pattern in the pavers. those sections that had the
decorative pattern, we did not install the white stripes. Um, so that's something to consider, especially further south where the the patterns become more decorative. There's a lot more waveform towards the south. So, we we just it's just a matter of laying it out and and making sure that that we get
it done correctly. And this is where you guys are the experts and deliver beautiful products for our residents. So, um, how do we start planning as part of the fiscal year 26 capital budget to be able to do segments and progress, uh,
with this? And, and I understand it might not be prudent to do the entirety of the beachwalk in one fiscal year, but how can we start doing segments so we can My suggestion would be to return an item to commission asking to add it to the capital budget process. uh and then
how we divide it up is is something to be discussed. Okay. And perhaps we can do two segments uh so that we you know so that so we start fiscal year 26 and then we finish in the in the following fiscal year. Okay. All right. So uh Madam Chair, are you comfortable with
that? When should it come back? Well, we're going to send this to commission. Oh, yeah. I love it. We're going to send this to commission for a referral to uh incorporate this into the capital budget uh to install the the divided pavers by
segments uh starting in fiscal year 26. Okay. Wonderful. Commissioner Fernandez. Yes. The chair. Yes. I would like to be a co-sponsor if you would have me. Always welcome and it's a pleasure to always collaborate with you. Commissioner Bond, you have done such
great work uh as as it relates to our our beachwalk and seeing you out there with staff analyzing the needs uh of of it is you really have taken tremendous leadership and so I really appreciate your co-sponsorship.
Thank you. Okay. Uh then I think the last item for we have two more two more items. Okay, do 16 and then then Okay, number 16 is discuss the maintenance of existing crosswalks along the need for installation of additional crosswalks in
North Beach. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and Commissioner B. Yeah. And u so my aid Julian lives up on 73rd in Byron and he knows North Beach very well and um indicated some need for additional crosswalks in the
area. So that's this item here and I'd love to hear from city staff. You want to start with the maintenance? Well, we'll break this down, commissioner, into two uh two items. One being the maintenance and then the the
other being new crosswalks, the um maintenance of the crosswalks itself, if it's on a state road, and there are quite a few in North Beach, that would fall to DOT. Um for other roads that uh are in the city, the actually the
county department of transportation does the painting of the crosswalks. Uh the city would petition the county if we are noticing that a crosswalk needs to be repainted. Um and then that would then go to the county. the county would send
staff investigate it and if deemed appropriate then they would go ahead and put a work order in to have that crosswalk repainted. Um we are proposing that uh over the course of the next couple of months that in the summer that we uh we being department of public
works would have assign a team to go up and investigate, review, check out all of the crosswalks in North Beach area and develop that list of where we see deficiencies so that we can forward it on to the county uh for consideration
for repainting. All right. So, we should keep this here to see what the county responds. Absolutely. That's only part one, the maintenance of the existing crosswalks. And then we work closely with FDOT to try to
identify opportunities for new crosswalks. Specifically in North Beach, there's three different efforts that are focused on improving pedestrian safety and adding crosswalks in the area of North Beach. Um, I could go into details
on specific locations. They're they're part of the of the memorandum, but there's going to be, you know, at least a dozen uh about a dozen locations where crosswalks are being evaluated or currently in design already. Um,
crosswalks do require a traffic analysis uh in order to determine if they're warranted or not. Uh although they're they're a good, you know, good measure for pedestrian safety, we we can't place them everywhere. Uh and there's a lot of
considerations that that uh go that need to be taken into account when determining whether or not a uh crosswalk is warranted and if it is safe to install at a certain location. And so does the July meeting give us enough time to get some answers?
Well, these are projects that are ongoing, commissioner, uh that FDOT is actively working on. We can provide updates. Probably monthtomonth would be a bit too frequent uh because these are projects that take you know years
sometimes whether it's an analysis or a design it will take some time. So maybe uh you know quarterly u update would be more appropriate. Okay. So, um, do you want this to come back in September?
Yes, I think September would work through the chair. Yes. Um, could I just ask that um the team that's going through to evaluate the crosswalks also make note of the street signs? Um, as we've been doing these North Beach walkthroughs with staff,
we've noticed um that a lot of the the street signs themselves are appealing and insufficient and um there's a question about whether or not FDOT is having supplier issues or whatever. But um we've noticed it in an ad hoc way,
but if crosswalks are being um evaluated in a more comprehensive way, I would ask that they also look for the signage so that we can make the request at the same time. Wonderful. Certainly. All right. So, we'll bring that um to the full I mean to the September committee meeting
and then now we'll go to our last item number 20. Item number 20 is consider naming the fifth street pedestrian bridge after Lake Commissioner Mark Samuel. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Bot and co-sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez and transportation will be presenting the item.
Okay, Commissioner Bot. Well, um I think there's um there's really not much that I need to say to tee this up. Um Mark Samuel was a huge champion of the Fifth Street uh pedestrian bridge and the Baywalk. And
um I think that this is a a suiting tribute for the late commissioner. And with that, I will let um our uh colleagues on staff present. Thank you, Commissioner, and through the chair. So our city code outlines the
process for co-naming or co-desation of of streets. However, our current code does not allow for bridges. Bridges are simply our code is silent uh in terms of co-desating or co-naming bridges. So um
one of the first uh steps that would need to be taken after this body takes action on this item is to amend our code. And as as we know that requires uh uh two readings of uh an ordinance at
city commission. And then um this this particular location of of fifth street is part of FDOT rightway. So there is an u added uh level a jurisdictional level if you will and that's uh we would need
to work with uh the uh state of Florida department of transportation to also uh somehow uh memorialize the fifth street bridge which is which will be over their right ofway. And um specifically, we
would also need to work with the state legislature to introduce a bill that would allow the uh uh memorializing the bridge in honor of the late Commissioner Samuel. Okay. Commissioner, Vice Chair
Fernandez. Well, I I think it's um this is about honoring a legacy and it was such an honor to sit on this day alongside Mark Samuelian who was a passionate public servant who embodied
the best of what we strive to be. So, whatever it is that we need to do, if it's amending the code, let's amend the code. Uh if we need to include something in our legislative package to ask Tallahassee for support, we should ask for support because when someone led
with thoughtfulness, with principle, with relentless commitment of putting residents first, then it's now our time to put his name first on that bridge above all else. So happy to support this item and guide us. Uh I'll count on
staff to guide the sponsor and I through the process. Thank you, commissioner. That's the direction that we would need in order to proceed at both the municipal level as well as the state level. So, you need a motion uh going back to commission with that direction. Yes, please. I think you
can show it adopted by acclamation probably. Thank you. Okay. Uh and with that, uh before I join the meeting, another reminder, uh Sunday, May 18th at the Scott Rake New,
uh Scott Rake Center, uh Mark was very instrumental in bringing the mayor's chess challenge to Miami Beach, and it is going to be from 10:00 a.m. until about 1:00 and other activities at Scott Rake will be open as well. Looking
forward to seeing everyone there. Congrats to my colleague and I hope everyone has a great afternoon. Thank you.