--------- Don't like that. Don't you 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 Jack. Heat. Heat. 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. Uh I'm Commissioner Laura
Dominguez and I chair public safety. It's an honor to be here today and my colleague Commissioner Alex Fernandez is here and he will be up on the deis shortly. Um I'm joined on the deis as well with the fabulous Stephanie Ray Brooks and our assistant city manager
Mark Taxes and our deputy city attorney Rob Rosenald will be coming shortly. Um with that while we wait for commissioner Fernandez uh vice chair to come over to the deis will you give any announcements? Yes of course. Good morning. Um, today
we don't have any items that were deferred and this meeting will be a hybrid meeting. We have members of the committee in person in the chambers and members that wish to join can join via zoom or by dialing 1312-6266799
or 888-4754499. And with that we can start our meeting. Good morning. So let's start with number one. Item number one is discuss implementing a text notification system for building inspection Q updates. This item was
sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez and building NIT will be presenting the item. Okay. Vice Chair Fernandez. Te it up. Good morning, Madam Chair, and thank you for calling this item. This is a very straightforward item uh to better use
technology that is available uh to communicate with our residents and our customers in the building department. Uh oftentimes people need to wait a long period of time uh for inspectors and if we could have a system where um where a
notice can be provided to property owners, their contractors uh as inspectors are nearing their property, we could be more efficient uh for the residents and the taxpayers we're serving. I see we have uh Frankana and Vince Seas uh to guide us through this
item. Good morning. Welcome. Good morning. Uh there currently is a system right now when you sign in uh you have to go into the actual server and you put in your permit number and it'll give you a list of where everyone is. It won't text you in real time, you know,
like the uh Domino's app or what have you that a you know your pizza's in the oven uh it's being delivered now and give you real-time updates. You'd have to log in manually and follow that progression. Uh so this feature would be
something that would be a followup or a continuous contact. At this point we don't know how many manh hours it's going to take to to develop the the plug-in to provide that. Uh but we are going forward with it and the technical part of how the computer is going to
text people. I'll leave to my uh my peer uh at the IT department. So, because right now, as as you mentioned, people can go into the website and see what order they're in in the queue of inspections for that day, where they are at in the route, but they don't know,
okay, it might be inspection number five, but I don't know if that means the inspector is going to be here at 10:00 a.m. or 3 p.m. Correct. And the and and the goal would be to offer a more timely and a more predictable uh inspection update by text
message so that that customer that's waiting for that inspector knows, okay, I got the notification um two inspections away. Better wrap up lunch. Better, you know, leave the office. Better head over to the inspection site so that when the
inspector gets there, um there's someone on the property. Frank, how long is it going to take us more more or less to get this technology rolling? Uh, we're working on that now because it's not a feature that's included in the software we have today. It's a functionality we'll build and over the past couple weeks, we've been working
with building to identify how that would work. Um, so we expect to have a plan here uh shortly. I don't have a timeline as of right now. Okay. Um, but you've estimated that the fiscal impact is $625 per year. Yes. That's based off of the number of
inspections we have today. Um on a per message basis, every time the system sends a text, there's a charge for it, which is a nominal fee. Um and that's assuming the same level of inspections that we have um projected. Okay. All right. So, um
I would like us to get an update on this um next month. Sure. Not next month, but in September. Um, does that give you sufficient time to see? Uh, yeah, we should be able to have a a plan put together by then with some dates. Uh, we can share that by then. Okay. Do we need to make a
recommendation for budget as part of the fiscal year 26 budget for the implementation of this? I mean, do you do you anticipate you're going to need more than the $600? That's based off of our annual inspections today. Uh, the rest of the
cost would be staff time on on our team. Okay. All right. So with that, Madam Chair, I'd like to continue this item to September. And thank you, Frank and Vince. Thank you for looking into this. Thank you. I think it's a great item, good initiative. Uh it's low cost with
the exception of the man hours to implement. Um and I think it would be something favorable for the community. So we'll continue the item. And now on to number 20. Item number item number 20 is a monthly update on the status of the fifth street pedestrian bridge and the modern hotel miridor condominium baywalk
projects. This is going to be presented by CIP and sponsored by commissioner Dominguez. Thank you. So uh this item was initially sponsored uh by Commissioner Samuel and um he used to
walk the Baywalk every single day. when he passed away, Commissioner Fernandez uh took the lead and then when I got elected, I have been spearheading this um with passion and I really care about this item. Um I care about it so much so
that I've gone on walks with you with Soie West. I've also done things with um other residents uh to ensure that the continuation of this uh Baywalk uh happens. and I've been very pleased with
the progress. Thank you for everything you've done to make it happen. I also recently had a conversation with um Spencer Crowley who's with FIND the Florida Inland um navigation um and he for any connectors where we're
missing money, he is willing to help. He did this on the Miami side and he'll do it for Miami Beach as well. Um so with that intro, I'll let you take it away. Good morning, Madam Chair. Mr. Commissioner, um, you wrapped it up perfectly. We did speak with U.
Commissioner Crowley. Uh, we sent him the information. He did recommend that we apply for a grant through the next grant cycle, which I believe is next year. Um, so we'll be doing that as the time approaches. Um, the section from 10th to 12th, as you've seen, is is
essentially completed with the except with the exception of the connection at 10th Street. And then there's the ongoing issue with the connection to the building on the north end. Uh the connection at 10th Street is uh covered by the developer. He's doing a permit revision so he can complete that on the
parklet side. Um I haven't seen yet that they've actually submitted the drawings, but I've seen the completed drawings. So they should be doing that soon. Um the other portions, as you know, have been uh through the development agreement with the 1250 property. they're now
taking over the responsibility of designing construction. We'll be working with them to work through the last of the easement requirements um so that they can begin that process as well. Um are there any concerns with the building at 800?
No, we have an existing easement agreement with 800. We were trying to amend that agreement to uh actually in my opinion for the benefit of the building so that we could pull the baywalk away from the seaw wall for future repairs or anything they may need so that they have a little bit of space
to do that or more space to do that. Um so we have an agreement in place. The last conversation with their attorney seemed like they would be signing off on the agreement, but I we haven't heard back because that's when the 1250 agreement started coming up. So we
haven't pursued that yet. Has Southgate opened theirs? Southgate is prepared to do that. They are uh waiting on the finalization of the 10 to 12th street segment. And then there's a there's an issue where the historic preservation, excuse me, the
development uh the design review board had committed the city to reimbursing them for the cost of a fence. So that still has to come back to commission so that we can get that approved. Will it be on July 25th? It will not be July 23rd. Or will it be on July?
No, I don't I don't have it yet for the 23rd. We'll be bringing it in September. Okay. Um, Commissioner Fernandez, any questions on this? I'm good. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for the updates. Um, did we
talk about the pedestrian bridge? Sorry, I got an interruption. So, the uh No worries. Uh, the pedestrian bridge is ongoing. they are encountering some unexpecteds or some unknowns where they're where they're finding utilities that either are in a different place or where they weren't expected.
But that's been like three months that we've they've said the exact same thing. Where is there going to be progress? Feel like it worked because it's obviously the large water manes and stuff, they've got to be careful with it. They've done most of that relocation work already. Um, but they are wrapping that up and they're going through the
process of adjusting the design of some foundations to accommodate some of those unforeseen. So, that's in the in the works. When do they anticipate moving on to the next step? I need to look at the schedule for that. It should be in the next 30 to 60 days. Okay. Okay.
It's a representative of the developer here. No. No. And I I didn't follow up with them for today. I'll do that for the next one. Okay. Okay. Well, I mean, if if there's no progress by next month, I'm going to be September. By September, and I I do have to say, I
mean, I drive by there almost every day and it's just sitting there. It feels like we did a ribbon cutting. Yay, we did a ribbon cutting or no, groundbreaking. And then it's like everything stopped. And so, and so when that happens, it
makes me very suspicious. And I don't want to be suspicious. So my expectation is that either the they they started working again and they they're and if they're not working by our September meeting, I expect the
representative of the developer to be here explaining to us what has happened. Yeah. And to be fair, they they have been working. It's just slow going. So I need to to double check that. And I agree with you. When I drive by there, I don't see them either. But um they have
been or at least the reports I'm getting is that they are doing stuff. Okay. Well, thank you so much. I appreciate it. Um so we'll continue leave that open. Um number 21. Item number 21 is discuss the timeline for construction of Miami Beach Convention Center headquarter hotel and
anticipated opening date. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and co-sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez. Hi. Hi. So for several weeks we felt the shaking in here. Uh so I know things are happening. What is the update? The update is that we are on track with
the same schedule that we have shared before and actually the good news is we have completed the hourcast piles. Okay. And we're building the foundation now the pile caps and great beams. So we are on track to see some vertical progress
in September as indicated in the last update. And our hotel uh opening date is still continues to be November 2027. Okay. Uh Commissioner Fernandez. Yep. That's good. Great. Thank you for the update. Really
appreciate uh looking forward to hearing um some more progress for September. Okay. All right. Thank you. Okay. Number 22. Item number 22 is discuss increase in graffiti and stickering across the city of Miami Beach. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and code
will be presenting the item. Good morning, Madam Chair. Uh Hern and Cardino code complaints. So this came before the committee last on April 9th. That discussion was had. It was forwarded to the full commission. We had second reading on those amendments to the ordinance and they go into effect or
they went into effect July 5th. So we'll ask that maybe we come back in six months uh with some statistical information uh for this item. Yes. Can it be a letter to commission? That'd be even better. Okay. So, why is this item before us?
Uh, it was Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and she asked for um us to hear all of her items even though she's up. But there's a reason why this item is before the committee. Yes. The discussion that was had was increasing the penalties and the fine u
enhancements uh for the graffiti and stickering throughout the city. Okay. And we passed that in first reading. Is that correct? And second reading. at commission. Yes. It went into effect July 5th. It went into effect July 5th. So the the purpose is to see what impact is the
increased fines having on the graffiti violations. Yes, sir. Okay. Okay. Very good. So you'll send an LTC? Yes. Okay. Are we communicating to the property owners that the fines for um for graffiti have been increased?
Actually, the fines at the increase go to the violator, the person actually doing the graffiti versus the property owners to the person doing the graffiti? Okay. Are they normally caught? Sorry. Yeah. Uh some have. Yeah, there's been some notable arrests by police this year.
Okay. So, how is this a tool? I mean, it it sounds like the the the issue with graffiti is usually like a property maintenance issue. I mean, when someone is tagging property, that's more of a criminal offense, isn't it? Right. So, it's not so much more the graffiti uh aspect of it. It's the
stickering that we've encountered throughout the city. If you remember all those stickers with contact information, um so code compliance will issue that violation. Uh we've already been contacted by the courts. Uh where we've gotten restitution through the courts when an arrest is made. Um, and it's
because of that violation that attaches. Okay. Very good. All right. So, you'll send us an LTC? Yes, sir. All right. Perfect. Thank you. Um, Stephanie, have have there been any public comment? Okay. So, we'll close this item uh with an LTC coming in the future and we'll
move on to number four. Okay. Item number four is um consider potential taste of North Beach restaurant crawl activation. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez, co-sponsored by Commissioner B and Economic Development will be presenting the item. Good morning, Commissioner Fernandez.
I'll recognize our economic development director to present the item. Good morning. Uh Stephen Anthony, economic development director. Um as of believe it's in March, there was the the refer for a discussion around the Taste of uh North Beach uh restaurant crawl
activation um that was initiated. Um the actually there was a really good opportunity with the Normandy Fountain Business Association um who actually had a a restaurant crawl activation that happened back in uh June June of uh June of last month and which actually
received great reviews. It was a great opportunity. Uh businesses participated. Um there was a there was even information in the news around around some of the the pizzeria um that that went viral. Um and so there was a really good feedback that happened from that. And so from there, um, there was the
further discussion around doing a restaurant crawl, uh, for for North Beach, um, which was looked to be scheduled in early early se, potentially also early early, uh, of next year, early part of next year for, uh, for a restaurant call. Um the the
the department certainly works with uh the uh North Beach CRA along with uh along with the Norman Fountain Business Association to really come together with the idea around how that would look. Um and we uh put together a small small budget of about $3,000. Still working
through the logistics of of what that would what that would need. And so from from here um really just further refining what the scope will be uh what some of the estimates would would look like um of course continuing that collaboration with uh Normandy Found
Business Association to make sure that we put together a a really a really solid solid event. Okay. So we're looking we're targeting the fall for this event. Potentially targeting the fall or early spring of 2026. Okay. Want to do it when the weather is weather is nice. what what action do you
need from this committee? Really just to further um really just ask for the support of the initiative and furthering the scope um that we have um that's that's the the next step for for us really to just to further refine the scope. Should we continue the items in September?
Absolutely. All right. Um so I uh participated I bought a ticket for Taste of the Fountain a few months back. It was so much fun. So reading this item that would be something that would expand to more restaurants in North Beach. I think it's fantastic. Rather than continuing the
item, why don't we send it to the full commission? Sure, that's fine. Yeah, because then we could do it in September. If we hear it in September, then when will we be able to do Sure. All right. Okay. So, we'll move this to the full commission. Okay. Okay. With uh any public comment?
No public comments at this time. Okay. Uh number three. Okay. Item number three is consider initiating a culinary exchange program in the collaborations with the Parisel de France Chamber of Trades and Craft. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez
and economic development will be presenting. Hi. Hi again. Um so the the curling exchange program is is something that was of course brought by uh Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez. um really had an opportunity to speak with the the Paris Chamber of Trades and Crafts um realizing that
there was a gap uh within uh the cur uh culinary trades uh here in South Florida. Um and so there's an opportunity to bring a number of students from from the parish trades um here um in October um to actually work
in and learn from some of our experts here in South Florida. uh what we've done within economic development is is partner with some of our folks um at Sedexo and we can certainly give a little bit of a I believe we have a presentation that we can certainly share of what that would look like what the
partnership would look like u with our partners with uh Sedexo and Oxy Randy Randy Morales with Sedexo who's who's here that can share a little bit more detail around um that that piece of of the program. And when you say students, is it high school students, college
students, or any adult that is studying would be a student? They're they're trade students. And so, yeah, they're they're the trade students in Paris. All right. Do you want to show the presentation? Yes, I believe we we do have it on the on the screen.
There we go. Hi, good morning everyone. Hi, Randy Morales, general manager at XLI representing Miami Beach Convention Center. Um, so yeah, we're honored and thrilled to be able to host um some French culinarians or culinary students um for what I think will be a cultural
exchange, right? So, of course, they will get to learn a little bit of uh what we do here at the convention center and in South Florida in general. And then, of course, our team um will be able to uh also learn from from these wonderful French um trained students.
So, um, we're thinking either the 28th or 29th depending on kind of the schedule that's predetermined. Either of those days work well for a full day of a culinary exchange. On the next slide, we have the schedule. Um, so basically a
Oh, wonderful. Thank you. Good morning. We'll start off with like when you go to the food and wine festival, you'll have one of the chefs do a demo. Um so we'll have a couple of our chefs do um some demos as well as do a conversation series. So a panel, if
you will, of local restaurant tours, local chefs, um and basically some topics that we'll see in another slide. And then in the afternoon we'll have a lunch break, a uh competition and then um a closing. So very quickly here the
morning session again the master class will be an exchange of basically um some different French techniques but with our own South Florida ingredients right so whether that's you know cevichem and plas or French work uh with sauce work
right with some um local ingredients like tamarind or chimmy chur whatever that may be and you know of course we'll make it interactive we'll have some bites passed around um these demos will be done by our executive chef Isha Lasal or andor our executive sue chef Omar
Hail. We will follow that up with a conversation panel as mentioned possible topics that are relevant of course to the students um as well as relevant to what we do in the convention center and that could be moderated by you know someone from the commission, someone from the chamber. Um it'd be great to
get you know a lot of different um folks involved in this. Uh followed by a lunch break. So here of course we is our moment to kind of shine and treat them to a nice lunch, break some bread with our team. Um this could be at the venue or at rum room. Um it'll be nice to kind
of escape from the convention center and get to check out um our beautiful venue and um Rum Room restaurant. And of course it'll be imperative that we definitely share where uh Haitian cuisine um shines here in South Florida and see the French influence and what we
experience here. Um followed by I think the most fun part is going to be a competition where we'll split up the teams. They will get a mystery basket which might have some of the items that we did a demo with. Right. So u they'll be able to have 90 minutes to complete a dish with some of our team working with
them as well. We'll have judges um local restaurant tour again maybe a chamber member maybe Britney maybe someone from the chamber and volunteers. Uh we would love to have you. And in looking at um the memo here, there are no hard costs. He would be looking at in kinds from
local restaurants and other input that way from city staff. Correct. Yes. Commissioner question. So this is to host French culinary students coming to our city. That's right. Is there the opportunity for for our
students in Miami Beach Senior High to engage with them and to learn from this as well? because we have culinary students in our community and through the chamber education foundation and the city funding and the state funding that was secured. There's that beautiful
commercial kitchen that's been built at Miami Beach Senior High and there's a great culinary program there. if we're bringing in students uh from France to participate in this might be great to give an opportunity to our local students from Miami Beach uh to
participate and learn from them as well and exchange um exchange from from from their experience. Oh, that's a that's a that's a fantastic idea and and this is the just the first part of the the pilot um and and just really kind of testing out what this
half of it would look like. I think there's a really good opportunity in the future to actually do it the other way around because that's of course the the exchange part as you mentioned commissioner. Um I think there's a really good opportunity to do that on the on the other side and of course there would be some some costs probably associated with that aspect of it. But
but we certainly look forward to to really testing out this component of it as we really kind of hone in and pull together what this would look like. Um and then going forward seeing if we can we can certainly partner with with the local schools and and see if we can do it the other way around. Yeah. I just want to make sure that
we're giving opportunities uh that our students have an an opportunity at it as well. Absolutely. Thank you. Okay. I think we need to move this item to the full commission given that it's supposed to start in October. So, we probably need to hear it and if possible
for the July commission meeting um because of the time frame. Any public comment? Yes, we have Larry Schaefer online. Larry, if you could unmute yourself. You have two minutes. Good morning. Uh, I'm in support of this
item. It sounds like it's a like a entrepreneurial item that starts up with very little money and then could possibly evolve into a greater relationship that could possibly produce maybe a new food festival. The the producers of the South Beach Food and Wine Festival make a tremendous amount
of money. Is it possible for us to get in that game directly and make money by having a new festival that involves this partnership? Um, so yes, in support and thinking about how we can make more money with it. Thank you. Thank you, Larry.
Anybody else? Okay, so we'll move this item to the July commission meeting. Thank you for presenting. Thank you. Number 23. Item number 23 is monthly update on the status go ongoing in future projects involving the use of the Leonard Hurwood's color palette and art
deco building restoration in the collaboration with Barbara Huliniki. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and facilities and fleet will be presenting the item. Hi. Hi there. Hi. Good morning. Ron Bum, facilities and fleet. Um we have several locations um that were targeted to receive the
lettered Horowits color palette. Um first was Ocean Rescue Headquarters. Uh that project has been completed at the end of April. Uh the anchor garage which we have targeted now to start um by July 31st. Uh next is the Colony Theater.
Colony Theater is also um has a geobond project involved with that uh to replace the windows there. So once that project is completed which is targeted for October of 2025, we will move on to painting um in November to have that completed by the end of November as
well. And I um so Ocean Rescue was done and I will say that I received mixed reviews from the public on the color palette. So as we move forward on the other locations, you mentioned the anchor garage that's going to get painting
and what color scheme is it? It's the art deco color schemes from Leonard Hor. Yeah. But but but I guess to the chair's point, the ocean rescue headquarters should have been art the art deco palette as well. And while it may have been the art deco palette, it
it was a very unique interpretation of the art deco palette. Uh from someone that appreciates color. Um, and so I think we all just want to be mindful and careful that of the colors that we use, you
know, that they that we do not end up making all of our city assets these very bold uh colors in the spectrum of the art deco pallet. what we can do the our next update is we can provide you those those images so you can know what color
the colony theater um what you're thinking and for the anchor garage what color like it says here it starts July 31st uh is that for the painting or for other things no for the painting what color I mean good morning madam chair
commissioner um I I just want to add that um the these painting projects projects are are being executed in collaboration with uh Miss uh Barbara Hula Nikki and and you know through her consulting and so um
once the color scheme is finalized it has been run by our uh planning department and just just to make sure that it's in in keeping with what can be approved administratively. Um and in some instances the the uh colors were a
little pungent and and they were toned down. Um, so and and I'm going to say this, I I really don't like what was done at the ocean rescue headquarters. Me neither. If it were my preference, I would paint it back white. But again, this is an
artistic interpretation and and what is my taste in in art should not define what is everyone else's taste in art. And art sometimes is meant to cause conversation and is meant to be unique and is meant to be at times outside the
norms. And so and so and so I'm not going to police art and that and and an artistic expression. Uh I I would just encourage that on the city's assets that as we go forward that that we use a you
know the parts of the art deco pallet that are more aligned with the identity and the character of what people usually associate with art deco colors and because I really do think we kind of like missed the mark with the ocean rescue headquarters. It it was a great
opportunity. such is it's such a beautiful uh iconic building. It really could have been the poster child for this program and I think it just sparked conversation for the wrong reason. Um so
we have other opportunities. I just want to make sure that we use uh the the color palette in the most flattering way possible. Okay. So, uh, for the anchor garage, since we're not going to have another meeting until September, if a letter to
commission can be sent with the color that's going to happen, Colony Theater, if there's time for that, then we'll hear it in September. If not, please include the color for that also. Um, so for anchor, you don't have the color yet. You don't know what the color is. For the anchor garage, we do have the
colors. Okay. Or what are the colors? We we can we can share the we can share the color scheme um in in an LTC. Um I don't have the renderings. Uh okay. For next time, please be ready. We have the item on committee with the meeting
is advertised. We take public comments. This is the venue to share it. So in the future, please when this item comes back, please be ready to show us the color palettes. Understood. Thank you. Thank you, Commission. Thank you. Okay. Any public comment? No public comment at this.
Uh we'll continue that. And then number five, item number five is explore the possibility of a unified valet system from 5th to 15th Street on Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and co-sponsored by Commissioner Ba and parking will be presenting the item.
Okay. Um, so this item uh came up after I had a meeting with a hotel owner on Ocean Drive who expressed um that having a unified valet system where every operator on Ocean Drive used the
same one might be more cost-effective for them, might be better for the neighborhood. Uh, and that's why I had sponsored this item and so I'd love to hear more about your feeling on that. Absolutely. So, uh, we've actually held initial disc Will McDonald, uh, director
of parking for the city of Miami Beach. We've actually held initial discussions with the ODA. Um, we have a meeting scheduled for next week with, uh, the director of the, uh, Washington Avenue business improvement district. Um, what we feel in parking aspect is that this
can work, but it needs to be run by the bids that are in charge of the areas. And the reason that we say that is because when you are talking about having a valet that is operating and representing several different restaurants, several different hotels in the same business improvement district,
you are going to have competing interest. And so the last thing that I would want would be the city to be the ultimate decider on competing interest because you're going to have storage challenges. You are going to have staffing issues. And so what we want the bids to do, but there's no bid on Ocean Drive. uh
they have the ODA and we've we've held discussions with the ODA and they are in favor of this as well. Um because what's going to happen is on high impact weekends you are going to obviously have just like we do a lack of storage. So obviously you know during high impact weekends I'll use the CN air show
everybody runs out of spaces and so if you have right now these individual operators are uh required to go and and procure spaces on their own with a unified system you are going to have a
limited amount of spaces and you are going to have you know I'll just use five different hotels and five different restaurants that all are going to want priority which right now they go to their operator and They say they decide how many spaces they want. They decide the staffing that they want. And right now there's nine different
operators. That is correct. where that's why thinking one would make it easier for and I I absolutely agree and one of the things that we've uh uh spoken with the ODA about as well as we will hold discussions with these is there is a way
that you can intelligently create a contract structure and we will walk them I personally will walk them through that process where they can be the ultimate deciders on where the staffing goes, how they staff um how they pay for it, what the structure is so that way it can
serve the best interest of the business improvement district. Commissioner Fernandez. Well, so um so just walk me through this. So you're saying you have valet operators that are going to want priority treatment. Explain that to me. So for example, um right now, uh if and
I'll just use if this particular restaurant says, I know that my patrons that are going to come here and spend 100 to 500 to, you know, whatever per table, um I want valet for them no matter what. I am willing to pay for whatever spaces we need to procure even
if it's at a loss because I'm going to make it back on my table service. Um whereas another restaurant may say well valet is not that important to me. So therefore, you know, if we're going to use the 10 spaces that we can procure and
we see, but that's the problem because we are addressing it from an individual business perspective and driving business to one establishment should be an economic impact and opportunity for the entire neighborhood. the person that
eats at the restaurant might shop at the store next door and might buy dessert at the ice cream shop at at the at the end of the block. And so and so if if if if the valet are using public rideways,
if the businesses are are using valet that are operated on the public ride ofways to operate their parking system, it should be treated in a much more democratic way than a system where
people are using public parking spaces to operate of LA where that one business is going to then be able to get priority parking spaces somewhere else. I I don't I don't know if you if you follow along. For me, I rather I rather see a system
that is that is more independent of individual businesses and that serve the geographic area in a very democratic way than more focused on the needs of the individual business that is entering
into a contract with a valet operator. We are saying the exact same thing commissioner. And so what our focus is though is that we should not be the ultimate decider of staffing of space procurement. Um what we're saying is is that the representative organization for
example Ocean Drive the ODA would be because they are plugged in to the needs of every one of their uh uh one of the businesses that that they represent. Um and same for Washington Avenue. They are plugged in to the need of every one of their businesses that they represent.
And so we will help guide them on structure, on on pricing, on on staffing, on contract uh on contract structure. But um it it will be up to them and their democratic process on how
they decide who gets staffed where. Um uh what what levels of staffing, how many vehicles they want, how many spaces they want to procure. Right now, for example, Ocean Drive, there are no public parking spaces taken up by valet because there's not any parking allowed
on Ocean Drive. So, those are um essentially no parking and valet only zones along Ocean Drive. But but we are I absolutely agree there should be a a a greater good structure and uh the ODA um
upon initial discussions h is in agreeance and so we will walk with them on what that we will walk through with them on what that looks like how we can support them and how we can help that come to fruition and I know we're just using the ODA but uh just because the conversations have just been had with
them initially and The Washington A uh conversations are going to start next week. Okay, we have public comment. Yes, we have Amy Mayheu. Amy, you have two minutes. If you could please unmute yourself. Hi, Amy Mayheu, executive director for 41st Street Business Improvement
District. We similarly have an item coming on the agenda. I don't know if it's today or it's in a future time, but we've talked about wanting to have centralized valley on 41st Street as well. And I've shared with the each of you commissioners and
commissioner Fernandez, you're spot on about developing something that is thinking not about specific businesses, but the street in totality. Um, city of Miami is doing it with their commercial districts. Winwood, Coconut Grove, and it's not just some partnerships with the
with the bids is built into their code. So, I've shared that with you via email and um parking team as well. Um, so that we could probably see how we can piggyback on doing that same type of approach because it's needed to try and come up
with some of our parking solutions and traffic solution. Okay, Will, what do we need to do with this item? Do we need to keep it at committee, take it to the full commission? So, what we're requesting is 90 days because what we really need to do is is
invest time speaking with every single one of the the associations, the bids, and I'm and I I I know Amy, we we've started initial discussions with Amy. I know that's a different item, but for example, we need to better understand how we can best support them in this endeavor. We need to better understand
what their future goals are and how we can help support those goals. So, we're asking for is 90 days to uh look at what they want, what they'd like to move forward with, how we can assist in that contract structure, how we can assist in in better supporting them, whether
that's um uh looking at the curb fees in some unused areas, um and really get a better idea of of how we can help them be successful 22nd. Would that work? I believe so. I just want to make sure whatever is being discussed. This is
this is something that how I get that you want this to be managed by by the bids. Um pricing structure. Who would determine the pricing structure? Each bid would determine the pricing structure based on the contract. And so that's
that's the part that I don't like because if we're going to do this, I I want us to be able to do something. Listen, this city, every opportunity it has is taking parking off of our streets.
Every opportunity it has. And it's a problem that I I it it's a problem for me. I don't like it. We should In fact, I'm going to be bringing an item, Mr. Attorney, directing directing the city administration to go on a mission to find opportunities to regain parking
spaces from areas. I see Matt Gulton off here and I know he's going to be shaking his head. No, but we need parking in this in this city, you know, and we have areas that we've blocked off and all that for as unusable that uh that that perhaps we
could be regaining. However, these are public spaces that ultimately get used for valet operation. their price point should be at some at some level set to accommodate the public's
needs. And what I've seen in the past is is when these private businesses get involved in setting the price point, they set these very high price points on on the parking that that make the parking unattainable and it hurts it
hurts the areas in in general. And so I just want to make sure that if we allow the bids to operate this that we retain certain control on what the rate structure is like they should be we should be able to compete do do a solicitation process to
select okay who is the val operator for the area and we should have uh say in in the rate but allow the individual bids to determine you know how they manage uh that in in their area.
Understood. Okay. So, with this one, um, I'll let you get to work on it and we'll, uh, hear back from you at the October 22nd neighborhoods public safety, neighborhoods quality of life committee. Um, with that, we'll go to number six.
And, and before we move on, well, in the city of Miami, who runs their their valet operation? So, so this is I it's frequently referred to as the M uh the Miami Design District. So, that is 100% paid for by the bid and which is the
MDDA. So, it you know they offer the developer which is essentially all the same developer when you go to visit the stores there's no competing interest. So, they know that whatever store you go into, it does help the developer. And so that's why that there are I will say um
deflated or artificially um low parking prices because they understand that when you park at this location you are going to spend money in a number of restaurants or or businesses and all of those businesses um pay lease to the exact same developer. And so the
challenge when we're talking about um areas like ODA, you know, along the face of Ocean Drive, you have, you know, anywhere from, I would say, two to five competing interest of businesses that are there. And while I understand from
an economic development aspect, you know, it's all bringing business to Miami Beach, but each one of those businesses, business owners has a different mentality on parking, valet parking. What they expect, some of those hotels and restaurants are using valet
parking to drive revenue for them. So, they're going to say, I rely on the revenue that I drive through my valet parking, and now you're going to take away my revenue. Some of them are doing it for a status. And some of them have no interest in doing it. whatsoever. And so it it it gets very difficult to be
able to come in and say that we are now going to dictate staffing levels, um procuring parking space levels, pricing levels, and take them out of the the process. Okay. Thank you. Welcome. My pleasure, sir.
Okay. Um number six. Item number six is discussion regarding the establishment of a unified valet parking system in the 41st Street commercial corridor. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez, co-sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez, and Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez. And
parking will be presenting the item. Is it the same thing? Same thing. Um but we so but uh to to a little bit lesser degree um because this is only uh one business improvement district. Um, as you heard, we have had uh initial conversations um with Amy and
the business improvement district. I just spoke with a gentleman last night. Um, and we plan on continuing these conversations because obviously with every single area when we're looking at what a valley operation would look like for O the ODA area is much different
than a valley operation for the Washington um uh Washington A. And then obviously the 41st Street bid is a completely different area than those two. And so the needs would be different. Um and so what we want to do is create an intelligent structure that
fits the needs of the local businesses that we can expand upon should the the the nature of the area change. So I mean I understand that you know 41st Street right now is not a an extreme late night district. um you know it's kind of more
of the middle of the day early evening whereas obviously a few of the other um business improvement districts are the complete opposite. Um so we're just going to sit down work with them give us 90 days because we've already again had initial discussions about how we could structure a contract what that would
look like and again storage valley storage and curb space on the 41st street district looks completely different than the ODA and so obviously just because of demand of spaces and things of that nature. Okay. So 90 days October 22nd for this one too. Yes, commission.
Okay. So we'll do that for this item. Next item number seven. Item number seven is discuss handicap parking. This item was sponsored by mayor and commission and parking will be presenting the item. It's your turn.
Will McDonald, director of parking, city of Miami Beach. So, as of right now, the city the the administration does not recommend altering uh the current status of the residential park parking program nor the accessible parking program. And and the reason being right now the city of Miami
Beach accessible parking program grants much greater permissions for parking in municipal areas than what the current state statute does. So, under the current Florida statute, if you have a handicap placard or an accessible
placard, um you are allowed to park um in a metered curb area for 4 hours continuously without any payment. However, off- streetet parking is pulled from that. So for example, all of our lots,
all of our garages. What is allowed under state statute for is for off- streetet parking, garages, lots that are municipally owned are exempt uh exempt certificates, exempt toll certificates from the state of Florida. Um any
vehicle that has modifications, i.e. hand controls, um, uh, uh, uh, wheelchair ramps, things of that nature, or any DV plate. And that is a, uh, plate that has been issued to a disabled veteran who has been rated 100%, uh,
disabled from, uh, the, uh, the the Veterans Association or the VA administration. And so, right now, our accessible program great grants greater permissions than is required under
Florida statute. and the danger of of changing our residential program to allow anyone with a placard to park in any residential zone opens up the resident zones that are near business
areas to abuse by employees that would then throw a placard up, park in the residential zone and walk over to their business. That I agree with. Now, the part that I'm facing challenges with, we did have an issue for a while
where because of that same abuse that you're mentioning, we were asking individuals if you want to get beyond those four hours, free parking, you need to come to the city, even in your own zone, you need to
come to the city and present us with your doctor's note and some sort of proof. proved that this is a legitimate decal. That has created an ownorous for a lot of our handicap in individuals and it's
created an ownorous also for a lot of elderly individuals for whom coming to city hall or engaging in that process is not the easiest for them. And so and so I get what you're saying as as it relates to the zones. Uh but can we go
back and revisit the registration program because I think we may have already addressed by virtue of implementing the program having ran the program I think perhaps for about like two years now we've been running the program for registration I think we may have been able to have cracked down on
the challenges I know that the police and the state attorney and I think even the inspector general have been involved in investigations and been able to you know identify some of the some of the fraudulent activity and take action on that. Are we at a point that we can
reconsider the registration program? So the the challenge with reconsidering the registration program, for example, if a Miami resident, Miami Beach resident does not want to or is unable to or creates a greater challenge um even if they don't come down and register at the
office, state statute still grants them the four hours free at any um uh on street metered parking zone. Right. And so, um, I would I would just caution what would be the ultimate gain, uh, of
the individual saying, "Hey, I can't make it down, but we're being denied the ability to park." Um, because I would say that by state statute, they still absolutely have the ability to park in any on street metered zone. But the issue is beyond those four free hours. And we are also facing issues
also with tourists with tourists that um that may be coming and that they don't know that that that their handicap placard might not be honored uh the way the way that it might in their own
community and understand but I this is I I from my understanding this program isn't geared toward the tourist area or toward the visitors. It's it's really geared toward people from Miami Dade, Broward um that are coming to the beach to enjoy it. Um
it really comes down to it it gets very difficult to uh to police and if we end up removing the registration program then we default back to um we default back to the state
statute which isn't as generous as what the commission has already granted. Um, and if I would I would say if we say we're going to grant it without registration, then we probably fall right back into a place where
I I'll say u rampant fraud, waste, and abuse can occur. Um, because as of right now now, we we aren't able to to really crack down, check, look, nothing has been verified. Um, and I don't know if uh uh the commissioner was aware, but it
was there was a recent uh social media posting. That's right. Yes. And and so, you know, we're going to do what we can because obviously we want to make sure that um abuse doesn't occur. And I think that Miami Beach and the commission have taken, I would say, a
great stride in ensuring that um there is always parking uh to individuals with mobility needs by expanding on the state statute. Um I would just caution any um rolling back of requirements for registration for that program.
Okay, we have public comment. Yes, we have Miami Beach. If you could please unmute yourself and give us your name. You have two minutes. Yes. Hi, good morning. W Jamon, 8305 Cresby Boulevard. And um I am a person
with mobility impairments and uh I believe that this program although I know what the intentions are to uh reduce kind of fraud and abuse I think is very stringent.
Um, Wanda. Wanda, we cannot hear you. Wanda, if you could please unmute yourself. But I agree with what she was saying. It is very stringent and I can only imagine
what she was going to finish saying. Um, Mr. Attorney, are we working on an ordinance on poss to possibly repeal uh this program, this registration? I'm not aware of any, but I could look into that for you.
Yes, please. Because what I would like us to to to do and I'm sensitive to the fact that if we repeal this we might encounter the problem again in in in the future. But we cannot hurt good people because of bad people.
And what we're doing is we're creating an ownorous situation for our own residents. And perhaps we can create a mechanism through which we amend the ordinance that to say that by resolution rather than by ordinance we can suspend the program and reinstate it in the
future should it be necessary. That way should the department you know five years from now see that that the suspension of the program has caused an unintended consequence and there's rampant abuse of handicap plagers again through a more streamlined process. it
could be, you know, re reinstated. Um, and Commissioner Dominguez, I don't know how you would feel about that. Well, I um I think I am I I read the memo. The city administration does not recommend altering the program and I feel the same
way. Can we bring this back uh to the September 10th neighborhoods um to give us a chance to dig a little deeper? Sure. Okay. Yes. So September 10th, we'll hear that again. And with that, we'll go on to number eight. Item number eight is discuss a potential
parking program with discontinued 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 giving an update. So this is madam chair
an item I placed on the agenda because from time to time for example the city the city might go to a school and so uh we spoke briefly uh uh with your aid a little bit earlier this week uh
commissioner so one of the challenges and and I know I' probably said it uh um up here in the last 10 weeks because of our bond covenants of no free parking, it creates some challenges. And so anytime, for example, if there is a city
department that is displacing somebody for a reason and is going to require those residents to be relocated onto the city right ofway, um then most likely we would reach out to that city department that is displacing um those private entities to reimburse
parking. um for that area. Um now, one of the things that I think we can do, we already there already are um a number of reduced fees in our current fee
structure for nonprofit organizations. Um which I I feel like educational instit public educational institutions um uh uh anchor anchor uh organizations within the city would already benefit from. But there's also other avenues
that aren't as widely used. For example, a lot of our lots are um for example, a dollar an hour. And so if somebody is saying, "I don't need a guaranteed space. I just need the ability to park vehicles inside a lot that has ample
availability," then what we can do is sell codes at cost that would allow those people to say, "We're not reserving a space for you, but we know we have enough um availability in this particular lot." And so if you only need the lot four hours, we can sell you 20 codes. So when the people park,
but well, let's think creatively for a moment. Yes, sir. If the city is using their parking spaces, and that's kind of like what's happening, you know, these are situations where the city is occupying their parking spaces.
Isn't that it's can't we just do like like like a trade um where Since we are using their parking spaces, you know, we we are allowing allowing them to use ours and in essence, their
payment for using our parking spaces is allowing the city to use their parking spaces. So, in in I understand I understand in in a in a in a I understand the thought process, Commissioner. However, I go back to parking is an enterprise fund. So, we
don't take a single dollar of public funds. So in in order to parking is the taxpayers's property. It is the public's property. Yes, sir. It is the property of the parents of the students in those schools. It's not our business. It's not my business. It's not
your business. It's not the city manager's business or the city commission's business. It is a taxpayers's property that serves the parents of the students of those schools whose teachers need to park in those parking spaces. And I get what you're
telling me from a very business perspective that it's an enterprise fund. You know, we we need to find the way where where we can help the schools on a
very limited basis to be able to use these parking spaces when they need it. when and I again sir if a city department is coming to us if they're utilizing if they're taking away some some parking spaces of a private entity
I absolutely feel that parking should be involved in that conversation with whatever city entity is taking those spaces and there'll be a few questions on why can we look at another place can we look at a public rightway that is more suited or better suited that is right next to that entity so up to now I
don't think we have been invited into those conversations but I I would wholly invite any city entity that wanted to take away private parking um to bring us into the conversation to see how we could help. Okay. And then and then for instances, let's say a school is having an event
and let's say the city is not involved, but the teachers need to park temporarily in a city lot. You were saying we could do codesats. Yes. So we could give them like a discounted rate. Um we right now there there is a
discounted rate for example for uh reserve spaces. These are guaranteed reserve spaces. However, a lot of times depending on what where that school is at um we have rates that are already lower than those reserved rates if paid
by the hour. And I'm assuming a school event is going to be four to eight hours. Um you know no more than 10. And so there's a lot of times we can do things creatively to ensure that if there is give them a code for a nominal fee. Correct. So that we are holding true to
our bond covenant where we're not charging something that's going to be ownorous to this to the professional segment in our society that is already the lowest paid uh segment of public service but who has the greatest job which is educating the future generation
so that we don't place a financial burden on those honorable public servants. perhaps get them a code where where you know they're paying so that we stay true to the bond covenant but a nominal fee a discounted fee so that if
the parking and the school can't be used they can go to the parking lot across the street it's not a reserved space but they can use a temporary code for the school is that something that we could do yes sir the codes and I and I would say in some places we would have to look at
because of where our school placement is here on on on the beach. Um that is a bit more challenging with some schools than others just because of their placement. But we can absolutely whenever an institute has any challenges. I absolutely would invite
all of them to reach out to us and we can sit there and sit down and look at what's available and what we could do realistically. Commissioner, do you think we could bring this to the September 3rd commission meeting because I would like for it to start the school year and school starts in August.
So, so if you could if you could uh bring back a a proposal where a code can be given for those teachers to be able to use there is, you know, paid parking close by uh where they can
benefit from a discounted rate on a temporary basis. We can look at what's available. Commissioner, you have my word. Okay. All right. Thank you. Is that okay? Yeah. Okay. So, two commission September 3rd commission meeting. Um we'll get he'll get an update with the
codes and full commission. Okay. And then um your last item is number 24 update city bike program. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and this item will be presented by parking. Will McDonald, director of parking, city
Miami Beach. Um so with this current item uh the the intent of the item was to look at where we can continue to deploy the successful city bike program to ensure that its continued use and its continued growth um is a microobility success here within
the city of Miami Beach. One of the things that and we we addressed in the memo we city bike already has a very strong mid beach presence. Uh I listed in there right now we have bike stops at 20 the third 23rd block 2400 block 25 26
29 31 35 40 40 4400 4600 and the 5300 block. Uh parking has identified two additional places that we would like to place these. Um, one is at the 100 block
of the 30 the 37th street which would fill a gap between the 3500 block and the 400 uh the 4,000 block. And then right now, while we do currently have one on the 5,300 block, it is on the west side of Collins Avenue. And we are
going to discuss with uh our parks partners on possibly utilizing there is a widened stretch on the beachwalk right there and to kind of create better access to any individuals that are using the city bike program to traverse our
beachwalk. Since we have it obviously is, you know, far south where it starts, you could go to Fifth A and see them prevalent there. We want to continue that and look for some spaces on the 5300 Beachwalk area. And so we feel that this will continue. These are two easy
placements um that right now do not infringe on FDOT's rightway. We are currently in talks with FDOT on the feasibility and safety aspect of placing them on FDOT rightway. The challenge is that FDOT is saying that because this is
essentially a licensing agreement that they will be giving us space for somebody to uh perform uh public commerce and so there would have to be some type of revenue share agreement in place with them and it can get very
Have you met with MBU on locations? I mean not MBU MBNA, Mid Beach Neighborhood Association. I would recommend that. What do you think? Commissioner Fernandez, do you have a contact? Uh, I do. I do not, but I'm sure that somebody in our team does.
Okay. So, you found Okay. So, you found locations that are on public property. I haven't found any on private property. No, sir. What I can do is I can work with and I mean I'll I'll speaking with the MBNA. We'll talk with them. Um
because you know one of the right now we are looking uh between 23rd and 53rd uh the 2300 block and the 5300 block we have approximately a bike station every three blocks uh going up through mid beach. So we can deploy some more um and
we will continue to look at areas where we can deploy them um on the public right of way. It's just because these are revenue generating um there you run into the challenge of of going to a private entity and asking them to give up square footage um at no cost or then
at what cost to the city bike program. Okay. I think we have public comment too. So So the locations that you found are in the 100 blocks, right? Uh yes, for one of them. Yes, sir. For one of them. And I'm sorry. And and
where are the the other locations that you found? Uh the other location is on the 5300 block, but it's actually on the Beachwalk side. So it's actually on the Beachwalk. And then we did look there were some additional places on Indian Creek Drive. However, those are the FDOT
rightways and while they are hashmarked areas um and we think that they could be safely deployed just because of you got to have uh certain sight lines because of the traffic speed and vehicles making left out of there to go southbound. Um when we spoke with FDOT about it um
because it is a revenue producing program um there has to be some type of agreement um in place uh that we would pay them a revenue share of something. Does does City Bank pay the city
uh revenue uh of a share of their profits right now? because I mean usually these programs throughout the country the cities and the governments are paying these programs. Now, so City Bike is holy and I I'll bring up uh
and and I know here in my in Miami Beach we're not uh but the model usually is that the government is usually paying these programs and in this case FDOT is saying that in order to provide for public transportation because this is what it is. It it is a form of public
transportation on the public rideway that that they're going to have to be paid to provide this public service because it it is a a private company that is performing a service that runs at a
at a profit. Um it is public commerce on their right of way. So therefore they would need to come up with some type of revenue share type permit in order for us to stage there. But that's saying that's saying like the trolleys when the
trolleys are operated by by a contractor that for the trolleys to be able to go on on on FDLT roads that um that the that the contractor would have to pay
FDLT a percentage of what the city is paying them. I mean it it's this is ultimately part of our last mile connectivity plan in our city and and yes it's not it's
it's not free but it's still part of our last mile connectivity plan in our city. I would I would this is where I would I would uh not not to try to to punt the ball. I would invite our our transportation team
because they were on the meeting with us that we can connect with them for the next meeting so we can better understand the differences. My the only thing that I I can maybe point out is that they would point to say for example Miami
Dade or the trolley system to say that is a a public transit system that is not operating at a profit versus this is a private company providing a private paid for service that is generating revenue and operating at a profit. And I that's
that is a an assumption, but I can get with them because they were in the meeting with us to better understand the mindset of FDOT for this. Yeah. And and and and understood. I'm sure the contractors that are operating our trolley systems, they're not doing it for charity, you
know, they're doing it for profit. And so, and so I I think we need to figure out how do we engage in this communication with FDLT. and you go to Indian Creek, the amount of areas that they have hashtagged in yellow paint, it's sick. I mean, this is this is this
is when I'm telling you there's so much parking that we have lost in our city because of these markings. It's like every time we open up a road and we close a road again, we lose more parking. And so, and this is to comply
with the state traffic manuals, but now, you know, we're trying to put in these bike stations there to help with traffic and and they're saying that we're going to have to pay. So, I I think we need to engage in some sort of of communication
with uh with FDLT about this. We'll we'll we just had a meeting a few weeks ago. will re-engage with them um and then kind of get a better understanding because obviously this could be very trivial to better understand what their expectations are from any financial aspect because you
know they nobody else according to them nobody else has asked them to do this and so um during the initial meeting you know they were talking about what they feel they would have to do for this so we can re-engage and better understand
what that need is and in the meantime time. What we're going to continue to do is look at places where we're not taking away parking spaces, but we can look at underutilized right of way that might not already be parking or might not be suitable for parking to to continue to
try to place these to make them much more readily available to the public and therefore more desirable. Okay, thank you. My pleasure. Okay, I think that was the last item and I just sent an email reconnecting you with MBNA folks um about the city bike
expansion as well. All right, I think we have public comment. Yes, we have Wanda. Wanda, if you could please unmute yourself, you have two minutes. Hello. Uh this this this is for the chair uh Commissioner Dominguez. I um my
phone popped out when I was speaking and I didn't get the particulars as to what the city is recommending and what the commission will do regarding disabled placard holders like myself. Um I uh the
registration process which I think is a good thing to stop uh fraud and waste uh I believe is not readily uh available to most of the seniors. I have family and friends in all the senior communities
Rebecca Towers uh and they have a problem going into one of your offices to register. I even have a problem and I'm I I I have more a little bit of more freedom but I don't I
have three three children here that I have to take care of. So, I need to know what is what you know like like I said my phone popped out and uh I don't know what was the end result of this but you
know regarding registrations like I said I've been paying in parking areas and Best Buy or Ross or whatever the case may be and this is funds that I do not have to spare to throw away. I do have a valid placard
for many years and I would like to know what the commission or what this body is going to do about this. Uh my uncle can't make it. My friends that live there cannot make it and they they do drive. Not all of them but most of them.
I'm constantly in touch with them in the senior housings I visit and this is a problem that they are encountering and so am I. So, can you please clarify that a little bit? Uh, Commissioner Lending, thank you, Wanda.
That item was already closed out, but will it will be brought back to the September 10th commission. The city's recommending not to change the program. And one of the things I just found out is that our customer service manager has personally gone to Rebecca Towers to uh enroll people in person. So, um, we are
currently doing an outreach program and I'll but that's wonderful for the individual that lives at Rebecca Towers and those tend to be very well-connected seniors and it's great that for those seniors that live in these buildings, Council Towers for Freedom Federation, Stalis,
Rebecca, that we go to those buildings to do that. But what about the elderly individual that doesn't live in one of these buildings and depends on that handicap placard? I'm gonna I'm working on an ordinance to amend this and I'm
going to try to bring it to commission. If it gets support, it gets support. If it doesn't, it doesn't. But I think, you know, when we're, you know, sometimes we pass laws and ordinances to address a problem. Once the problem is addressed, doesn't mean we need to keep that policy in place. And sometimes, you know, it
merits, you know, adapting the Okay, going back to number 24. We have public comment. Yes, Nar Schaefer, if you could please unmute yourself. Um, Matt, sorry. Okay. Hi, good morning. Uh, commissioners Matthew Ganoff. I wasn't going to speak
on this item, but I'm here. And so, the city bike program is one of the most successful bike sharing programs in the entire country. Our little our little city, our little city of seven square miles, they have almost two million riots per year. A suggestion that I would make if if uh the city
administration is listening when they negotiate development agreements on these big projects, look at the TDM, the transportation demand management strategies that are being implemented. Many cities around the country, they will uh they will require bike share
stations to be built on site on the private property as part of their uh project. So I think we have a couple DAS that are under negotiation right now or maybe have been approved might be amended in the future and I would look at placing bike share stations there.
Thank you. And Matthew to your point uh at the land use meeting which is tomorrow I believe is land use I have an ordinance that's coming forward about specifically having right share integrated as part of new
projects coming forward in in the future. Great. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Uh public comment. Yes. Hi. Um Larry Schaefer, if you could please unmute yourself. You have two minutes. Larry, if you could please unmute yourself.
Hello. Oh, okay. Great. I'm on. So, I'd like to speak out in favor of Matt's long hair today. That looks great. Usually, he has it up, so I'm going to compliment him on that. Um there's a few items I had my hand raised on a couple so I'm going to go through them related to city bike up here in the at the west
lots. There is a current installation um at the southern end of the west lots on 79th street that takes up street parking and I'd like to propose that that location be moved up to 81st street where there's a swale so that if it's a landscape swale that has room for the
bikes and if we use that we'll give back two parking spots to my neighbors. So, there's immediate opportunity that speaks to, I think, what Alex was speaking about before. Um, related to the 41st Street parking for valet, that is a super rich parking area. They have many surface lots and they have a brand
new parking garage. I'm in favor of, you know, if they want a valet program, that's great, but that's a very different scenario than North Beach, which really has a parking deficit. So, I'd like to see the administration spend time on the the the valet program, or at least considering it for North Beach.
Um, finally related to the school and parking item, I'd like to make sure that we look at the details there. Uh, someone giving giving someone a parking pass so that they can teach school shouldn't give them the right to park overnight. Uh, in my view, I think there
if they're going to come and and teach, let's give them a preference, but then when the school day is over, let's give the parking back to the residents. Um and on the west lots we could take parking for uh Lairman school uh during the day and then at night that could be for residents and for people visiting
businesses a sushi beachy and so on. Thank you all. Okay. Um so with that uh we'll close out the item and then we'll go we're going to go out of out of order. We're going to go do number 13. So thank you very much Will and Alberto. Uh we're going to
go out of order. So we're going to hear number 13 next before going to the item number 13 is discuss take action potential ordinance amendment authorizing adults riding with children to operate electric bicycles under specific so the transportation department will be heard
an item otherwise restricted areas within the city. Um so who is here from transportation? Nobody. This will be police will be taking the lead. Okay. Yeah. So nice to see you guys. Yes. Good morning commissioners. Uh,
city staff, everyone in attendance, Major Javon Campbell, Miami Beach Police Department, here with Assistant Chief Dan McGallo under leadership of Chief Wayne Jones to discuss the police portion of this uh item. Uh, commissioners, we recommend that if this does go through that there be a maximum
age of say uh 5 years old uh for a child. uh that will address our concerns and basically identifying compliance uh with this and obviously transportation is our lead on this item. So we do respectfully request that it be deferred
to the next meeting so that they can provide their valuable input um pertaining to this. And I'd love to hear from um a public comment and uh the person that brought this forward. So Matt Is that your haird dryer?
Your diffuser. Okay. Thank you. And I have Francesca with me as well. Who here she is. She'll probably speak after me, but I just prepared just a short little statement about this. Good morning, committee members. I'd like I'm here to support Commissioner Dominguez's proposal to
allow parents with children to use ebikes on the beachwalk under specific conditions. A child must be riding on the bike with the adult. They must operate at 10 miles per hour or under a common speed limit and best practice.
And riders must yield to pedestrians at all times. And they must announce or use a bell when passing someone else. The administration's recommendations for more data. Uh the excuse me, the administration has a recommendation for
more data, but they have had bicycle counters in their possession for over 18 months and haven't been able to install, deploy, or collect any data. Families simply cannot wait an indefinite amount of time. They need this for basic
transportation throughout the city for school, for after school activities, for doctor's appointments, recreation, camp, and other places to travel. Uh, meanwhile, while this prohibition is in place, families are stuck with dangerous
alternatives. For example, the city just rejected FDOT's bike lane proposal on Collins Avenue, a road that the city's own vision zero report identifies as a high injury network. Wait, point of order. The city did not
reject it. We are going on a parallel path to try to accommodate it in a separate project. just just for clarification because public outreach was done and the public didn't want it on the street but we're trying to see how can we accommodate it in a different
for the time being it it's been postponed I guess you could say yeah FDOT was willing to implement a bike lane on on uh Collins Avenue as part of their project yes we would have to lose parking in a street lane okay um so back to uh just the prepared
statement it's a high injury network where serious crashes regularly occur Uh there's slow progress on bike infrastructure and the city's own proposed fiscal year 26 capital budget only propo only has $297,000
for bicycle projects citywide. The vision zero action plan shows the consequences of these actions. Over 33,000 crashes in the city involving 682 bicyclists from 2017 to 2023. of those
crashes, there were 44 serious injuries and two deaths. Both of those were Miami Beach residents who were killed while riding in unprotected bike lanes. Um yet the prohibition would force families onto these same dangerous streets while
keeping them off the beachwalk. It's also important to recognize that the issue simply isn't the type of vehicle. Every day, hundreds of trips are made on the beachwalk by city vehicles, golf carts, ATVs, pickup trucks, other trucks, SUVs, and cars.
All permitted at low speeds. Safety is a function of speed and how vehicles are operated, not just what they are. That's why the proposal includes a 10 mph speed limit and clear rules for yielding to pedestrians. U another thing that we've
heard is that this would open the floodgates. That's not true. It's a targeted exception. The proposal is limited to adults that are riding with children of any age. I will add u not not all ebike riders. Parents by default
ride more carefully when they have children present. They won't be reckless riders. Meanwhile, in addition, there's also there also is no support uh there is no evidence rather to support that this proposal is a safety
risk. To the contrary, this supports public interest by allowing a safer place for parents to ride with their children. Thousands of people already ride bicycles every day on the beachwalk. In fact, FDOT has a counter program on off off-road or uh shared use
paths throughout the state and their number one counter is guess where? Miami Beach on the beachwalk. Um so, uh thousands of people ride every day. This proposal wouldn't move the needle. At most, perhaps a few dozen parents riding
their children on an ebike is not going to have a huge impact. Um, it also would be very easy to enforce. There either is or there is not a child on the bike with the adult. I think that's pretty simple to uh to be able to enforce. Um,
question for you. Yes. Um, have you spoken to the Mid Beach Neighborhood Association? Yes. On this and where are they at? Uh, they were not supportive. Uh, well, actually I will say I did not speak with them. I offered multiple times to meet with their their executive board as
they're called and and they either weren't interested or they weren't able to find time to meet with me. Uh but I did reach out to their uh their the president of that association a number of times trying to meet prior to I'd like to move this to the full commission and have a discussion there.
Yeah. I mean I I know that this is a very complicated issue, but this is where we represent the entire city. This is this is where we represent a diversity of of people and and I know that there that that that there are individuals in MBNA who don't
support this. Um and I understand their concerns, but I also don't want to force parents uh taking their kids to to to school. Um you know, and I've seen you, Matt, uh on on on the beachwalk, man.
you take your kids, you know, from South Beach to Mid Beach, I'd ra I'd rather see you on a protected facility like the Beachwalk than to force families like yours onto Collins Avenue. And so and so
so you know for as long as there are enforcable speed limits that are tied to this uh you know whether I think 10 miles an hour is something that is very reasonable and you and I think you mentioned that in your in in your
comments. Um I think even um considering some sort of carve out to uh limited to lower pedestrian volume times um in the morning when you're when when people are taking their kids to school and in the
afternoon when they're you know picking up. I think if we we find periods in in the day uh when it when it makes sense and you know doing it as a pilot um you know so that we have a sunset provision so that you know maybe we try it for six
months we see how it works for six months and then if we need to adapt adapt the policy or repeal the policy we have the we have the ability to to do that. Madam chair I don't know how you feel about that. This is a zero item, so I don't know how you feel.
Uh, I'd like to hear from Matthew how he feels about your comments. Yeah. Okay. So, I'm very supportive. This is still on. I'm very supportive of this going to this the full commission. It requires two readings and the goal would be to have this uh have this in
place by the school year. I think that if it had the first reading in July and hopefully approved by uh by the full commission, you would need a second reading which would be early September. So, it would be a little bit after the beginning of the school year, but certainly would go a long way. Uh, with
respect to your comments about time of day, I mean, I certainly agree with you on there on that uh in principle. Um, but like what if, you know, what if your child has a doctor's appointment on 41st Street at at noon, right? I mean, are you now in violation? uh you know time
of day it's it's tricky as well because it certainly it's certainly um I'm sorry I lost my train of thought there it the volumes on there can can vary significantly um so I mean I'm supportive I think it
should go to the the the full commission I'm here with Francesca she is a parent who lives she lives in Mid Beach and she has an ebike and she rides her children I don't want to speak for her anymore but you might want to say something So, hi. Good morning. Uh, I'm a mom of two. My kids go to North Beach Elementary
and, uh, I sold my car. So, you need more people like me that sell their cars and just go with the bike. So, you solve also your problem with the parking. And, uh, you cannot really tell parents to go on Collins because it's just dangerous. Like, I get scared even when I'm driving
on Collins. You cannot really tell a parent with two kids. It doesn't matter how old they are, it's just dangerous. So please allow us to go at any time because not only the the doctor's appointment but also the uh you know all the activities that kids have uh during
the afternoon or you know any time. So I just note that and and and I and I and I hear you there are things that are unpredictable. a child has an emergency at school, you need to go pick them up in the in the middle of of the day and it's outside of of the schedule, but now
you've become dependent on it on this form of transportation to to to pick up your kids. I rather you be on a protected uh path rather rather than on the street. So, I understand what you're
saying. Um, just just realistically, I don't know if restricting this to 8 miles an hour is that realistic because I've ridden electric bicycles and I know that even 10 miles an hour is like you need to force yourself to go 10 miles an
hour. So, I don't even know how is it is it really feasible to drive. I go slower than 10 miles an hour. What's that? I go slower than 10 miles an hour because we all have the speedometer and my bike doesn't even go below I mean above 15 miles an hour and
there's people with just regular bikes that just with their legs go way faster than me and they're they're the dangerous ones. So I don't understand why you're so against electric bikes when maybe we should just have a speed limit for everybody. Not you. I mean, in general, you know, there's people
against electric bikes when the speed, I think, is the issue more than the electric bike. Yeah. And and and by the way, I I purchased a radar gun. It's really easy. You can just point it at someone, hit their speed, and you see the speeds that people are going, and many many people
are not going that fast on the beachwalk. Uh but the purpose isn't to go out there and tag someone going 11 miles an hour. It's the 8020 rule. You're going to get most people who are going to obey, and that's good public policy when most people are obeying the rules. You're not going to get everyone.
You're not going to get that 99th percentile person who doesn't care what the speed limit is or what the science says. Assistant Chief Fort Gallow has a feedback. Thank you, Commissioner. Um, I would ask that we
pump the brakes if possible and have a little bit further discussion and have us have the opportunity to look into this a little more because what Mr. Ganonov who is a very responsible bicycle operator, one of the most responsible that I have seen in this city. Always wears a helmet, always has
his children wearing helmets. So I understand where he's coming from. And if all of our bicycle operators in the city were like Mr. Ganana, we wouldn't need further discussion. The reality is what we want to have come out of this discussion is a viable enforcable
ordinance that allows the people that are going to conduct the enforcement to readily identify what appears to be a parent and a child on a bicycle at the same time. If we don't add age restrictions to that, then the problem we run into is a 17-year-old is the same
size as an adult, but it's still a child under the law. So, we could have issues where they're not riding responsibly, yet they're both on a bike, parent and child, and we cannot take enforcement action. So, we want to have a little bit further discussion before we move this
forward so that we can come up with good strategies and forcibility of an ordinance that moves forward so that everybody can responsibly use that beachwalk which is one of the most congested areas of the city. Um, and unfortunately we have had incidents where folks are operating either a
microobility vehicle with a motor that shouldn't be on the beachwalk at all or a pedal assisted bicycle or an electric bicycle at a high rate of speed. Even folks that are riding bicycles without any type of pedal assist or motor at a high rate of speed in a manner that interacts with some of our elderly
residents that walk out there and we have injuries. So what we're asking is I know there's there's a desire to get this forward before the school year, but if we could pump the brakes and just have a little bit further discussion, let us work with transportation to look at this a little bit in depth so that we
can identify a workable um enforcable ordinance to come out of this. I think it would be best practice. Let me hear from Commissioner B. Um so micromobility as Matthew well knows because he has been our only resident um working on the task force with staff
members for the last year and a half. Um micromobility has been an enormous project for me since I was elected and my goal is to make Miami Beach one of the safest places to ride a bike in every conceivable way. As Matthew also
well knows, um at the moment, um ebikes are not or electric devices, whether it's a scooter or a bike, are not allowed on the beachwalk because it was built to be for pedestrians and traditional bicycles only. We are
literally in the process of installing of buying and installing devices to measure who uses the beachwalk and what rates of speed they are at so that we can come together for a comprehensive overview and overhaul of how to use that
that beachwalk in a more safe equitable manner. What happens when you have a 16-year-old bringing his four-year-old um to a playgroup on on the beachwalk? They're not a parent and child or six 16-year-old and a four-year-old sibling or niece. They're not a parent and
child. How would we do this? Selective enforcement in general is very problematic for for um get achieving the desired um effect because then you have to have officers making snap decisions and people trying to argue the way in
and out of things. I am asking you to hold on this as chief morgllo has said because we need to do this with data which we are in the process of getting. So by this time next year I expect to be bringing a comprehensive if not sooner
frankly a comprehensive plan of what we can do for the beachwalk and other lanes throughout the city so that we can we can have this be a holistic solution. I understand, Francesca, your concerns and I I I hear them loud and clear. I mean,
I you see how people transport their children to and from places in Europe, um in other cities where this has already taken effect. We are so close. Let's not um do something in haste that ends up with a worse product than if we did something that we are already
planning to do in the proper time frame with actual data so that we can get the support we need. Um, we're trying to get FDOT to relax some things in other parts of the city to let us have more um, uh, jurisdiction over our own streets so that we can have more flexibility. Just
give us a little bit more time. Let's not force the issue here because it won't end up as well as it would if we were able to do things holistically. Madam Chair, I'll just say my concern is that today
we are prohibiting those parents that want to use electric bicycles from using a safer mode of trans a safer avenue of transportation. Um we're saying you got to go on the street,
you're not allowed to be on the beachwalk. We are discriminating on on a mode of transportation that right now we are pushing them onto onto the streets. It's not legal. I'm I'm pardon. Sorry.
No, you go. Please go ahead. No, it's just it's currently not legal per under our code and by the rules under which this beachwalk was funded. So can I just clarify that under Florida statute uh the the sun the sun trail network the
sun stands for for shared use non-motorized and under Florida statute class one and class two bicycles are considered non-motorized. So the funding mechanism for this beachwalk the many different phases that
took over two decades to build allows ebikes. The Florida statute does give the city the option to prohibit them on on shared use of paths, but it's not a requirement. It's not a requirement. And what you're proposing would not run a foul of any sort of rules at the state
level. So the Sun Trail Network does not prohibit automatically like when you got when you got funding through the program, you're not prohibited from having ebikes on on the facility being built with those with those grant dollars. Correct.
Okay. And so I knowing that listen, it's not going to be in my conscious that God forbid, you know, something happens that something happens that we had the opportunity to address something, fix something in the name of safety of
parents and and children and for us not to explore it. I think I think it's reasonable. Uh, I would have gone up to 10 miles an hour. Uh, just having ridden these, I know that 10 thou 10 10 miles an hour, you're not causing damage on anyone.
And this is this is saying 8 miles an hour. 10. Oh, it says eight. Okay. So, um, I think, and I just want clarity. I think the item says 8 miles an hour. Okay. So, I'm not I don't want to sweat hairs about that. Yeah, it's not. And so and and so and so,
Madam Chair, I think, you know, we need to make sure that kids when they get back to school have a safe avenue uh to to to to get there other than the streets and uh and I think we should send this back to the commission.
Okay. I'm in agreement to have a full discussion at commission um for September 3rd and um we'll see where as a body the discussion goes. Madam Chair, could I just I want to address some of the comments that that Commissioner Bot
made uh because uh I do appreciate all the work that the task force has done and I understand why you don't appear to be supportive of this, but uh I think you should understand that that it it comes from a good place. The proposal is
good policy and it's it's in line with practices, you know, throughout the country. I've been traveling this this summer and for example I was in Colorado and on the and some trails there they have speed limits 10 miles an hour they have signs that say ebikes welcome class
one class two only class three are prohibited uh you know it's it's definitely being looked at around the country and and starting from the default of not allowing I think is the wrong path and if I could just share one more thing that I prepared
this This is a map. This is a map showing uh bicycle lanes, protected, unprotected, any sort of bicycle lane built in the city in the last 5 years. And the red one is a bicycle lane that was built and removed. It was a a pilot
project. There's not much is what I'm saying. And I understand your desire for more data. And I think you can collect data. And the commissioner commissioner Fernandez's idea for a sunset provision is not a bad idea. If it's not working out, it will sunset. If it is working
out, it can be extended and perhaps made permanent in parallel with collecting data, of course. So, I the the visual that you have is interesting. It is not the extent of our bike lanes and as you well know and the reason why things haven't been built in
the last five years because the prior commissions have not prioritized this as I mean I I'm just so flabbergasted at this whole thing because we are clearly prioritizing this. We are funding we are finding money to finish extensions that have been built so there's better connectivity. I'm literally in
conversations um about trying to repurpose existing roads so that instead of being um one way only for cars and anybody it would be two ways for micromobility devices only the the leaps and bounds we are taking between what
was 5 years ago and what will be within the next couple of years are are enormous and the reason I am not supportive of this it's not because I don't agree with the need and the desire I I get it but But I really we do things as a city so halfhazardly.
We do things we undo it. We do things we undo it. We are in the process of about selective enforcement and how complicated and difficult that becomes. Class one and class two means a lot to us. It may mean nothing to people riding
their bikes or they may not even care. So there are lots of issues to be worked out. Commissioner Fernandez, my goal is not to endanger our residents. You know that. Of course not. And and you know, I know that we all share all of us on the day share that desire. No one said that you were. No, no, no. I No, but you you said, you
know, you don't want to have the you know, have it be on your head. We don't none of us want it on our heads. And I I say all the time that no matter what we do as elected officials, what we argue about or support in policy, the only real job we have is public safety. And
I'm giving so much priority to trying to make this avenue of, no pun intended, this avenue of public safety paramount. So let us do it the right way. It's going to the commission September 3rd, but let's put a sunset period. I also
want to make some clarifications because it was said that past commissions didn't care about bikes and that is not accurate. I went to a bicycle master plan uh workshop at the golf course with Mark and the city implemented that. Uh they also implemented what mode of uh
transportation if you will would go first and pedestrian bicycle like car was last. So past commissions have embraced walking um and bicycle. We have over 30 miles of bicycle lanes currently and the transportation department had an
emergency so they're not here. But coming down the pike is another 30 uh miles of or more of bicycle lanes. So past commissions have embraced bicycle lanes and that's why we are where we are today. Um and this is something that was
brought forward. I think it could be helpful and the full commission can discuss it. And the past commission also finalized a shared use path along Date Boulevard. We approved the one that's going to be coming on Alton Road. And there's one that will be starting soon that goes along Chase Avenue and 30 and
34th Street that the past commissions have uh actually the passing media commission uh funded and and and approved with a lot of community vetting. Took a long time, but we got there. Right, Matthew? Yeah. And lastly, before we move on,
Commissioner Bot has worked tirelessly on micromobility. So, I understand why she's so passionate and fired up about this. Um, but I do think it's important and the full commission can discuss it and uh see where it lands. Well, it could be first reading, right? Yes.
Ordinance. Okay. No, I just want to add one more thing because I understand that you want to do it the right way, but every day that we're not allowed to go on the on the beachw walk. it's just dangerous for the family. So, I just wanted to say that. Okay. Well, thank you everybody for the
discussion and with that uh we'll go to number nine. Okay. Item number nine is discuss potential procurement for food and beverage concession kiosk at select city parks. This item is sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and Parks and Recre will be um presenting the item. Okay. So, I want to handle this a few
different ways. I'd like for you to um uh mention what you've determined and then I also want to hear from somebody from the community who came up with this idea and um I want him to share his vision. Now, we understand that this is
something that would go to procurement, would have proper bidding and the whole nine yards, but I'd like I'll let you pick it off and then go uh to public comment. Sure. Thank you, Commissioner. I'll I'll stay very high level. So the item the item before us is talking about a pilot program to bring concessions or food and
beverage kiosk into some of the parks to enhance the overall park experience. So what what we did at at your your direction was we we tried to find some locations where we would think a pilot would fit well. And before we we we um kick it off to our guests, we've come
down with Flamingo Park. That's like our central park. It's it's one of our larger parks. North Beach Oceanside, another, you know, large park, heavily used. and then Normandy the Isle Park and Pool. That would be our suggestions. If you were going to do a three park
pilot, if you wanted to do more or less, we could then refine that list. Okay. Thank you uh for that information. And uh now I would like uh public comment. Elad, if you would come up. Um it's been such a pleasure uh having
meetings with you, hearing your vision, and um yes, feel free to uh share with us. Thank you. Thank you very much everyone. And this is my partner Daniel. Thank you so much. D. Go ahead.
Yes. Thank you so much for your time. Um we've been super excited about this possibility. we we put together a little uh just a very preliminary um uh sort of concept of of direction and whatnot. Um
but the idea of uh we we've been here residents for almost 20 years now in Miami Beach and I've had the pleasure of uh having a family here as well and um enjoying all the green spaces and parks in uh Miami Beach. Um however, it's
always been sort of a question. We we we by the way, excuse me, we come from the food and beverage industry, we've been we've been developing uh concepts in Miami Beach for almost 20 years now. Uh so uh with that as families and growing sort of uh influx of families in Miami
Beach, we feel that there might be the possibility of developing um some of these little vending projects in uh in a few parks in Miami Beach. Um and uh so we wanted to just open the discussion
with you all and see uh what how we could collaborate what what the possibilities are and if you're open to the discussion. This particular uh concept that we have it's a ice cream concept uh that we're going to offer also vegan ice cream with
some uh juices and sandwiches and just something for the family for the kids. Uh, as Da said before, we we have kids and we always take them to the park and we always like, oh, there's nothing to drink. There's, you know, in some of the
park, obviously, there's certain parks, but uh we want to take it up a notch with the FNB offering. And if um were you thinking of using existing city structures to sell things or would you
bring your own kiosk or whatnot? Go ahead. So that is really the question. Um we're we're really back. I kind of did a little research had gone up in auction and whatnot. But you know using some fun elements that already exist in Miami would also be a
fun and creative way uh fun and creative way uh to to repurpose and to do some fun structure attractive structures for people and park goers and whatnot. So it would really depend on a per basis, you know, on the park that's would be, you know, what would be available or not already.
Okay, John Rebar. Yes. Um she answered it very well. If we went with these three suggestions, for example, North Beach, Oceanside Park doesn't have a structure, right? So the way that the bid would be would be um developed would be or the RFP
whatever it is that it would identify or the potential bidder would want to suggest a kiosk or portable, right? Correct. Correct. So, Madam Chair, if I Yes. Okay. How many parts is this being proposed at? We suggested three.
Three parts. Okay. What is the idea? And I'm sorry I had to step out. What is the idea to have concessions in certain parks? Yes. Okay. Madam Chair, this is something I can't support. Uh it's something I don't feel
comfortable with. I don't like the idea of anything that could be perceived as commercial activity being introduced in our parks. I think while it might seem innocent at first and and and almost like you know a great amenity uh to be
able to go to the park but to and have you know some sort of food stand or or or beverage concession. I do think it opens up the door to other potential commercialization. other types of
concessions are going to try to come in and put in their own uh concessions come to us asking well you you already have the food and beverage concession you know this is this is the similar concept so expanded to us so I get the idea of
it and I see how how it could be a nice amenity it's just it's something that I I can't support I think we already have it in South Point Park and also at the botanical garden we do in South Point Park. Actually, we I had the occasion of being one of the people to sort of uh help uh
start the play group that was already existing in Flamingo Park actually, but we brought it to South Point Park as well. So, there was a little structure that was already there and just adjacent to it, part of the same structure is now very successful um food uh offerings.
And I see procurement moved to the front. Did you have anything to add? No, just we would work. Hi, Christy Bal, chief procurement officer. Uh, we would we can work with parks and recreation if the intent is to issue a solicitation for this. Um, and we could put something
out with the assistance of parks and whichever parks you guys identify or for South Point Park, we did help them with the concessions there. So, um, Commissioner Fernandez, would you be open if we moved this to the full commission with no recommendation for
discussion and see where the item lands? Which which were the three parks again? Flamingo, Normandy, and Oceanside. Flamingo, Normandy, and Oceanside. I'll be Yes. Uh with with with no
recommendation. Um I just wanted for the record to to reflect that when this does go to commission, I won't be supporting this at commission. Uh especially, you know, Flamingo Park. I I I don't feel we already have
concessions there with with with tennis and and all the sports and now we're going to introduce a food concess concession. It just like it it expands, you know, I I just have concerns with putting more commercial like activity in our parks.
So yes, let's send it back to commission with no recommendation, but just know that a commission won't be able to support it. I would love to add one more thing uh if it's possible. I think I'll let you guys meet directly. And this is not a a a bid waiver by any means. It would go through the normal
solicitation process, but um anyway, so we'll send this to the full commission for discussion there. Okay. And um we'll see what happens. All right. Thank you everybody. Number two, oh the public comment. Okay, we have Larry Schaefer. Larry, if
you could please unmute yourself, you have two minutes. Thank you. Larry Schaefer, 23381st Street. Um, there are three potential locations in Flamingo Park. What's happening with the lodge and the renovation of the existing structure there? That might be an opportunity for
a location using adaptive reuse, I guess you might say. Um, for Normandy Isle Park and Pool, I you know, that looks like a great option with a lot of people visiting. I' I'd let the local neighbors there speak for that. Now, in North Beach, Oceanside Park, I completely
share Commissioner Fernandez's concerns about commercializing park spaces. So, I would like to propose that we do a a pilot program where we put some kind of installation on the west lots. So, it's not exactly in North Beach Oceanside Park. It's across the street where
there's parking, where there's activity, and it and we do it on a trial basis. So, we don't spend forever, you know, kicking these ideas around and not doing anything. I suggest something like a food truck that's nice nicely designed. Um, sell coffee in the morning. There
was a concept at the North Beach yard to do something called the Morning Glory Cafe and that would be a place to go and grab coffee with your neighbors. We love that up here and we never got it because we never got that yard project. And we are we do not have any retail up here. No corner stores, no cafes. You know,
it's kind of a dead zone. we have to walk five blocks to get a bottle of water or Gatorade or a cup of coffee. So, I would like to talk to staff and people responsible for this proposal and try to encourage them to get going up here on the west lots if we can. Thank you.
Thank you. Anyone else? That's it for public. The one thing I would just suggest is when this does come back to commission, just just think about sanitation. I'll tell you one of the things that I think of. I remember few years ago at Flamingo Park, we had a rat infestation in
Flamingo Park. I was getting so many calls about that and I can only imagine now we introduce a food element into into you know having other rodent issues and then I also know where you have people selling food it also becomes an
attraction for homeless activity of people you know asking for food as well. So I just these are things that I just want us to keep in mind as this item move forward. Thank you. Thank you. I was just call Okay. Number 10.
Item number 10 is discuss discussion regarding naming the butterfly garden at the Flamingo Park as the Joy Malikoff Butterfly Garden after late commissioner Joy Malikov. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and parks in Iraq is here to present. I'm happy to move this item to the full commission.
Yes, sir. Okay. So, with that, we'll go to number 11. Okay. Item number 11 is discussion regarding the Miami Beach Police Department K9 unit to include drug detection dogs. This item is sponsored by Mayor Miner and police is here to present the item.
Is uh Mayor Miner going to speak on the item? I was not told. Okay. Anybody from his team? All right. We'll we'll hear the item. Good afternoon, Madam Chair, commissioners. So, on behalf of Chief
Jones of the Police Department, um expanding our capability to uh have additional narcotics dogs is something that we're very much in favor of and we would like to, you know, discuss further. I think the the most concerning issue for the organization is the uh
cost related to expanding um the K9 unit to have more narcotics detection dogs. Um, I can tell you as a former narcotics detection dog handler, um, it is a very laborintensive um, office to be a canine handler in any
regard, whether that's a street canine that's also narcotics trained or EOD trained. In this instance, we would be talking about passive narcotics dogs. um the process to maintain to number one train the dog and then maintain the
capabilities of the dog long term are delineated um by the courts and by accreditation standards. So there's certain requirements that we have to meet. Um and then obviously we are responsible for the the the care and safety of the K9 officer as well as the
K9 partner. So, the cost associated with that, um, even though we have a great partnership with the Miami Beach K9 Knights that provide us the donated dogs, um, there's still a significant expense that the city incurs in veterinary bills and cost of training,
cost of uh, training aids, cost of securing those training aids and whatnot. So, um, we would was it like 82,000 per dog? It's it's about 82,000 per dog just in the collateral costs. the $15,000 cost of
the dog is separate. If we have if the city would have to purchase the dog, then we're up to almost $100,000 per dog. Okay. Um I know that this is a very important item for the mayor, so I would be supportive to move it forward to the full commission. And so I just have a question. With the current K9s that we have, couldn't they
be used for drug detection purposes? So we have seven K9 teams at the moment. We're budgeted for up to 12. So the goal is to expand up to 12 um EOD detection is our primary secondary
um responsibility at K9. So every every one of our patrol dogs uh explosive ordinance detection. That's primary. So no, our primary is street police dogs. They basically are our apprehension dogs. They search for bad guys. They work perimeters. And then their secondary responsibility or
secondary training is to conduct explosive ordinance detection sweeps for all of the hundreds of different events that we have in our city every year. Okay. So, so the seven that we have right now, they're primarily used as police dogs and secondarily as EOD.
Correct. Okay. And you have budgeted right now up to 12. Correct. Those are budgeted. Yes, sir. Okay. And so then those five vacant positions that you have, how long have they been vacant for?
I would tell you that we currently had one handler promoted. So I would say over the course of the last two years. Okay. And so and so with those with those 12 positions, those 12 positions are inclusive of the 82,000. Those Okay.
And would it be possible since since those are positions that have been vacant for such a long period of of time already to to be able to dedicate, you know, one or two of them
for for drug detection purposes since we anticipate because I I I also have heard the chief mention that we're going to have full staffing by the end of of of the year, which leads me to believe that if we're going to have full staffing by the end of the year that these 12 um
that these 12 positions are also going to be filled by the end of the year. Would that be correct? Ideally, we would love to have all the positions filled, but one of the things that we've found is that there's not the same level of interest in folks taking on the responsibility of being a 24-hour
K-9 handler because it is a 24-hour job. So over the last couple of years, we've had limited um limited interest from some of our officers that we haven't seen the ability to be able to fill some of those positions when we've opened up for officers to volunteer to become canine
handlers. It's been very few that have moved forward. So we've only been able to maintain what we've had at the moment. Um, ideally we would love to see an uptick in interest and maybe we will with officers looking at it from the perspective of just being a single-use narcotics detection dog, but ideally
what we would like to do is if we're going to expand on the narcotics detection only side that those dogs be assigned to units like our our uh our set unit, our crime suppression type. Basically, it's a semi-uniform proactive
unit that could be able to employ the dog um to detect individuals that are either hiding drugs or selling drugs on the street as opposed to the regular patrol K9 unit that's dualcertified. And so could that be can that be of
could you could some of the 12 that you already have budgeted be dedicated for that? Yes, sir. Okay. All right. So perhaps we can move this forward to the commission with that recommendation. That way it's a dualpurpose goal. You know, we're
not adding an ownorous to the budget of of the department. You have positions that are vacant that you intend to fill these positions, but perhaps as part of those same positions, we can have a set aside of these K9 dogs specifically for
the narcotic purposes. Okay, great. Yep. Um, so 11 will be to the full commission. Any public comment? We have Larry Schaefer. Larry, if you could please unmute yourself. You have two minutes. Hello, Larry Schaefer, 23381st Street.
Um, the police department takes all of our money all of the time. They ask for everything they want and they almost always get it. And here up in North Beach, we have a terrible water quality situation and we want money put towards that. We can't even work out up here. The gym is closed only for two hours a
day. It's open up here. We want money for that. We want money to develop the west lots and the police department just wants more and more and more and more. Can the police department actually look at its own budget and reduce part of the budget in order to get the canines they want? Can they operate with a within a
budget this year? Because the needs we have up in North Beach, the extra canine dogs aren't going to address our water quality that we can't use the kayak launch. Extra canines are not going to build a gym for us. Extra canines are not going to do the street improvements. And so these these guys, they keep
coming and getting everything from us. And the the the the people that pay and vote aren't necessarily happy with how much it costs. Okay. Next item number 15. Item number 15 is a monthly update on efficiency of enhanced enforcement
related to excessive vehicular noise. This item is sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and police will be presenting the item. So, I recently had a meeting with people that live south of Fifth and on West Avenue and I've also gotten correspondents from folks that live in the condo corridor about the motorcycles
and very loud uh cars, mufflers as they're getting on and off the causeway and then they speed uh down certain streets. Um so, I do want to make sure that we have a plan moving forward. wanted to hear your initial thoughts and then we can get more in depth at the
next meeting in September. Absolutely. Thank you uh madam chair, commissioners. So obviously we we listen to the community. We listen to our policy makers, elected officials and we understand that this is a high priority for our residents especially in the south of fifth area, the condo corridor area and throughout the city. This is
something that dating back three years to when I was the patrol major that I instituted the the neat team which was the noise enforcement and abatement team specifically focused on conducting this type of enforcement citywide. Um we are prioritizing this. We have established a
plan where we have directed the workforce to prioritize this type of enforcement as part of their regular duties because the problem we run into is a million and one opportunities to conduct enforcement but limited resources. So, we have to wear many hats
as enforcement um so that our motor officers aren't just conducting the, you know, aggressive driving and speeding that they're also wrapping into their enforcement activity dealing with this particular type of issue. So, I can tell you that since we started prioritizing
this, we've seen an uptick in these citations being issued. Just between April and May, we saw a 29% increase. So, we anticipate that we're going to continue to see those increases over the next few months as we continue to prioritize and I'm very proud to say that at one point we were the leading
agency in the state of Florida at issuing these citations. So, we understand the importance of it. We continue to prioritize it with the workforce and we're happy to come back every month and provide an update as we can move forward. Wonderful. Any public comment? No public comment. So, then we'll hear uh this again in
September. Uh we'll go on to number 16. Item number 16 is disclo discuss the exploration and feasibility of a crisis intervention response program that would deploy behavioral health first responders to address certain mental health crisises. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and police
will be presenting the item. Good afternoon, Madam Chair. Assistant Chief Danny Morgllo here on behalf of Chief Jones of the Miami Beach Police Department. With regard to this particular item, uh last month we we presented it and we were asked to come back and provide some additional data for Commissioner Fernandez regarding um
specifics as to how many Baker Act cases we handle as an organization and a breakdown of the particular clients that are involved in some of those. So, I'm prepared to discuss that a little bit um with regard to this item. But the I want to point out that the main issue we have
with regard to being able to move forward with an item like this is cost. Um, even if we repurposed one of our officers that's already in another capacity or assigned an officer to this without hiring anybody for this, there's
still a $250,000 cost involved for us to be able to partner with the behavioral folks that would be part of the team. I'll I'll save you some time. I think um we should look at this for 2027. Thank you. We agree. All right. So, we'll close this item out
and then move on to number two. Item number two is discuss recommendation from the ad hoc nightlife task force advisory committee at its April 10th, 2025 meeting. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and it'll be a multi-EP department
presentation, economic development and police. Okay. So, I've attended and I know some of my colleagues have as well uh the different uh task force meetings and they recently had some recommendations
on the spring break uh policies and permitting and entertainment regulations and some collateral issues. They also had some ideas and recommendations on policing and public safety in addition to communications and marketing. So, I'd love to hear from the city
administration uh regarding their motions. Uh good afternoon or is it afternoon yet? Good morning or after it is afternoon now. Uh Stephen Anthony, economic development director. Um yes, the task force had um had put forward four four motions back in April. Um
really focused around the collaboration between uh the administration and kind of uh well addressing all the different various uh regulations and and uh policies uh regarding nightlife um here in Miami Beach. And so those really
spoke to um uh spring break policies of course uh entertainment regulations, collateral issues, policing and security matters, communications and marketing strategy. Um the meeting uh that was held in May uh spoke specifically to uh to marketing. Uh we had the director of
of marketing and communications uh there at that at that meeting uh really speaking to the different uh uh campaigns that was going on during that time. um uh that was that was discussed. There was also feedback that was given to the director of of marketing communications from the uh committee to
actually provide additional feedback on behalf of the committee. Um sharing different various ideas of what they believe could help uh promote nightife here here in Miami Beach. Um so those are those are continually ongoing and and and working with the marketing communications uh department on on that
behalf. The other the other piece is um the meetings were were originally scheduled for June. Um that meeting was was cancelled um due to just trying to get all of the various departments together um so that that could be effective. The departments consist of
planning, building uh transportation of course uh public works and and and police as well uh as the chief was was going to be set to speak to speak to the uh advisory committee as well. Um so that meeting was cancelled. the the meeting for July was actually set for
July 3rd. That was that was rescheduled to I think it's the 24th now the 24th of this month. Um so that's the meeting where we'll have the various departments that will speak at that meeting. That will be important um because they had their motions in April
and so it's been three months and um there's been no discussion. So that's why we're hearing it here. Um so uh police or marketing, do you have anything? Yeah, go ahead. Sure. Hi, good afternoon everyone. Melissa Britier, director of marketing and communications. I did
attend the main meeting, not the April meeting. Um, and I really appreciated all their feedback and we are already actively incorporating uh their feedback in the spots that we're doing with the GMCBB including nightlife and and other aspects that uh we appreciated hearing their feedback. So, thank you.
Okay, great. Um and then on the police side, uh so I I have personally met with the chair of the ad hoc nightlife committee. Um and we've had conversations and and just to to echo what the other department directors have said, um we
are on board with further discussions moving forward looking for um how we can provide public safety services in whatever capacity and whatever need the city decides moving forward. Okay. Well, I think we can close this item. They're going to have another meeting July 24th. If there's anything
else that needs to be brought forward, they can do so uh at at that time. Thank you. Okay. So, number 12. Item number 12 is explore leveraging technology in neighborhoods experiencing high levels of burglaries and autothefts and discuss structure to implement
technology centered security measures in those neighborhoods. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and co-sponsored by Commissioner B. Can you read number 14 as well? Because it looks like it's the same as my item. Okay. Item number 14 is discuss enhancing public safety through
technology and community partnership. And this item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez. Okay. Um, hi. I forget the title. Lieutenant or Sergeant Garcia. Major Garcia for services division.
So, good afternoon. Uh, good afternoon, uh, Madam Chair and Commissioner Fernandez. Um the police department currently uses various uh technological solutions um as needed that we deploy in various
different areas of the city uh when we see an uptick in crime. Um we have a variety of different uh technology products and solutions. Um I'm curious and interested to hear what your recommendations are or what exactly you
would like to us to look into so that we can provide you with some Sure. I'll tell you where this came up. I think um the Venetian Islands Homeowners Association and their president Chad is here uh met with all of the commissioners and um had some ideas. Um Chad and some other folks also
went to Arctic and uh looked at the crime center. Um, Chad, do you want to come up and give some public feedback? Part: 2
But um like the county the county correct everyone has insurance requirements bonds um we have living wage also for service contracts but the county has that also I believe um so other than that we really don't have any
stringent requirements um for the vendor community. So you're going to be coming back to us with recommendations on things that could be done. I can perhaps yes look into some um ideas and I can work with some of the departments also to see if
we can maybe streamline some of the minimum requirements. What abilities do we have to create some flexibilities as far as perhaps project timelines, project scope um to perhaps open it up to more of a vendor community. We also
do outreach events that we try to participate with the county Miami Day College um to also engage uh businesses to come to the city of Miami Beach. I I will say that I have noticed on a number of the contracts that have been
coming to commission over the past year. I have noticed that there have been efficiencies uh that you know you've you've brought us contracts and it's one of the things that we spoke about when you first took the job and I and I asked you please
find ways to bring us contracts that are more efficient on the taxpayers and I have noticed that over the past year you know you've you perhaps have not gone with the incumbent vendor and you may gone with a new vendor because a new
vendor you know might be able to give us a lower cost on the taxpayer. So, I have noticed the effort on your office and on your behalf to bring us those those contracts to to the commission when we approve them. And so, I'm grateful. And
so, if you could just identify what are the things that we can do policywise. Absolutely. uh to further bring efficiency in these contracts on the taxpayers. And I think also the county I think the board of county commissioners may have initiated a procurement uh task
force where they're looking at their own procurement policies to see what they can do internally with their regulations to bring um more costefficient contracts. Maybe we can see what they're doing. Absolutely. I can look into what the county is doing also.
Okay. So, I'll keep this on here and we'll talk about it again September 10th. Sounds good. Thank you. Public safety. Any public comment? No public comment after. Okay. Number 26. Item number 26 is discuss the beautifification of sidewalks on Collins Avenue with mosaic designs, landscaping,
and decorative lighting. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and public works will be presenting the item. Hi, Brady. Good morning. Good afternoon. So with this item, you know, we we did
some significant research. We looked at, you know, uplighting and sidewalks and and landscaping. Um but again, you know, with this item being on Collins, uh you know, obviously there has to be a lot of coordination with FDOT and
there's a significant um you know, cost to go with it. So, it's really um you know, at this point an item, you know, we were just looking for direction on. I mean, we've provided laid out all the cost estimates of everything and I think it totaled approximately $3 million
um to go forward and again it would be in conjunction with FDOT because it is on FDOT do any contributions? We, you know, we haven't had those discussions with FDOT at this point. Okay. I think this needs to stay here and um discuss when Commissioner Rosen
Gonzalez is back. Um so we'll move this to September. In the meantime, can somebody on your team reach out to FDA and see if they would be interested in this? Um because if they're not, then we really shouldn't be moving forward, but
uh let's talk about it September 10. Okay. Okay. Uh item number 17. Item number 17 is discuss potential enforcement action that can be taken against contractors that improperly close lanes on roadways. This item was sponsored by Mayor Miner and
co-sponsored by Commissioner Balt and public works will be presenting the item. Okay. Um is there anybody from Mayor Miner's team that wants to tee this up or just have uh public works? I see Danny. Hi.
Hello. How you doing? Good. How are you? Good. Thank you, Madame Chair. My name is Danny Summer. I work for the office of the mayor. This item is about contractors that are on primarily Collins Avenue, but at East any road
that they will be the contractors will be taking up a lane, but they do not have permits and they haven't notified the city. And the question is what can the city do about it uh to get a notification and to perhaps
find them or have some consequence uh for their blocking lanes. Thank you for the context. Uh Brad King, thank you Madam Chair. Um so a lot of this is is again this is you know typically like DOT type um situations
where they have contractors you know working for them uh on different projects on their roadways and you know it's very hard for us uh at times to regulate you know that because it's their roadway perhaps. But what we've tried to do and and our staff has uh
reached out to FDOT um basically to have some discussions about these type activities because there have been you know more than one incident that's occurred at rush hour where it's kind of snarl traffic and you know per say mid beach and you know some other parts of the city. Um is that we're really trying
to uh uh discuss projects with them. You know, obviously if things if there's like something that like an emergency, I mean, that's really difficult because if something happens and they have to come out and respond or or and a lane perhaps gets shut down with that, that's very hard to be able to uh predict that. But
what we're trying to do is to make sure that um you know the contractors that are working for them understand that you know we have specific um times that they can be out there uh and they have to stop their work um you know basically at 3:30 to minimize the impacts of traffic
uh during rush hour so we don't have any of these uh you know issues that have occurred before. So I staff has worked with them. We also do uh you know we have a couple of rideway inspectors that are you know trying to be more proactive at those times when you get to that 3:30
area on the main roadways to make sure that you know if FDOT uh is working out there that they're packing up and they're you know getting out of there. So So the mayor brought this forward because he wants enforcement action. So what is going
Well, we from public works we don't have that you know ability. I mean, obviously, so would it be police could could potentially is citations? I don't want to speak for either of them on what are the laws in place. Could we get monthly updates on on the
citations being issued on this? Good afternoon, Madam Chair, commissioners, Major Javon Campbell, Miami Beach Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Jones. Uh, just to let you know, we are proactively enforcing and addressing this issue at
least twice a week. We conduct formal details from out of our offduty office where they proactively go out there um to uh go out to scenes and sites where there are lane closures to ensure that the people are adhering to the approved
permit that they have one and that they are adhering to all the stipulations to the schedule. Yes. Um if they are not then they automatically they're immediately shut down and we request code to come issue the appropriate citations uh to them. In
addition to that, because like I said, that's only a formal detail twice a week, at least twice a week, our regular patrol officers have been, you know, basically asked to address any issues they come upon as well that they see as adversely impacting traffic to ensure
that the people are authorized to do the work outside of the rush hour times. When we have these lane closures, they're usually required to have offduty, not always. Um, and then there are there are what are the circumstances under which
they're required to have offduty? Well, they they they're required to have offduty if they're going to close lanes. But what I um should say uh commissioner is that sometimes there are occasions where we're unable to fill the offduty.
So, they're still able to uh continue with the work even if we're not able to um provide an offduty officer at the time. But but aren't they required to bring in then someone from another jurisdiction? No. No.
So they can close a lane of traffic without any law enforcement. There are times where that there are occasions where that does happen. And there so so my question would be this. If there's not a police officer
that is available to fill that off duty, can't we reject the permit? Because the thing is the police officer is asked to be there as a matter of public safety. You're closing a lane of traffic which is in part is a safety situation. You
know, you have traffic issues and coordination that goes into play. So the police officer is stationed there not just to have a police officer but to address to address a safety situation. Is that correct? You're 100% correct,
Commissioner. And I would tell you that those incidents are far few in between. Um, in fact, if we don't have a police officer from Miami Beach that is able to cover the detail, we do reach out to officers uh from outside agencies who we do have mutual aid with uh that can work
offduty jobs here. If we can't cover it there, we also offer it to our PSS, our public service specialists. Um and then also we have traffic certified nonsworn personnel of our department as well as technically the fire department um from
our um dispatchers who can work the offduty but there have been occasions where there hasn't been any um coverage uh there at a road site. Okay. And so when we have offduty there,
can those offduty officers help enforce the schedule to make sure that um that they're not going beyond the schedule or the scope of what they have been approved for? Absolutely, sir. That's what they're
expected to do 100%. Okay. I guess the issue is in the instances where they don't get a right-of-way permit and you have these contractors that are closing lanes without a permit
and I guess that's what the mayor is trying to address here I believe so and that's what we address as well in our enforcement details those details when did those details start they happen twice a week um depending on the scheduling of the
offduty office team what they may have like for example. It's not set. It's not two set days or same days every week. It could be Wednesday, Thursday this week. It could be Monday, Friday next week. But how long have they been going on for? It's been I don't know the exact amount of years, but I can tell you that I was
assigned o overseeing that unit back in 2022 and it was going on back then. All right, her. So, uh, a couple of things, uh, through the chair. So, in our code of laws and ordinances, I think it's uh section
82-151, all of these permits have to be reviewed by public works, police, and the fire department. I think the discussion item talks about what action can be taken against contractors that improperly close uh these lanes of traffic. So
after three violations, if a contractor improperly closes a lane of traffic, then the public works director can deny that person a um a temporary permit for obstruction of the right of way for a
12-month period for one for one year. And then our fine penalties are uh for the first offense $500, second offense a,000, third $5,000, fourth is 10,000, and fifth it becomes an arrestable offense. Knowingly continuing
to improperly block a lane of traffic. Do we have that ability on FDLT roads? I just that's what I want to chime in and say. Just it's important to note because when we're talking about FDOT roads, we do not have jurisdiction over lane closures on the stateowned or uh
maintained roads by FDOT. We we we do not FD. But let me ask you this. If FDLT has a contractor and that contractor, if I'm FDLT and I'm hiring a contractor, I'm hiring that contractor to do all the
leg work to to to make sure that they are getting all the proper regulatory approvals to be able to do this work under under the letter of the law. And if they're if if they're violating the
schedules or not submitting the right uh applications and that type of stuff and as Hernand is saying after the third violation they can be rejected. You said Hernan correct they can be denied a rightaway permit up to one year.
FDLT can still do the work. They just have to get another contractor to do it. Right. But they but they technically do not need a permit to shut down lanes on their roadway from the city. I think that's the important thing to to understand. Like we don't have that
control over them um because it's their roadway. So their contractors can go to Alton Road, their contractors can go to 41st Street to Collins Avenue to Indian Creek and close the road without going through the public works department. Unfortunately, they can because it's
their roadway. Okay. Just to give you an idea um for the committee uh last year we issued 196 violations for this and this year we're up to 91 violations uh you're and those violations are on city roads
or state roads u everywhere even neighborhood streets. So how are you handling those violations on FDLT roads? Uh if they're not required to have a permit then we don't issue a violation. Okay.
All right. So, so when you're telling me that you issued these violations, I guess there that's that's where again then because you're saying you're saying if you're telling me you're issuing violations. Yep. Okay. Hern I I need to understand I'm I
lost you here. And so I mentioned even neighborhood streets. So yesterday we came across a boom truck at an apartment building blocking a lane of traffic with no right ofway permit. Okay. That's a violation. All right. Which is great that we're doing that on the on on the neighborhood
streets. On the state roads is where we don't have jurisdiction. So you're not issuing those violations on Alton Road, 41st Street, Collins Avenue, Indian Creek. You're not issuing those violations. Okay. which is that's that's a concern of what
is causing the major traffic problems are these um these closures during uh during periods of high congestion on these major authors. So what what are our alternatives? How can
we better address this? I actually I asked um our rightaway manager, Alex uh Alvarez, to come down here and just uh comment on that because uh he works very closely um you know with FDOT on these type of matters and I
can I can let him address that particular point for you. Sure. Dr. Fisher, um can you repeat the question? Sorry, I was upset. Okay. How how Thank you, Alex, for being here. How are we addressing the issue or
how can we better address the issue of of the closures on FDLT roads on Alton Road on Collins Avenue and 41st Street um that are that are creating that are creating a problem uh with with traffic
and you know they're not getting permits clearly they don't need to get permits. How can we better address this? So, are you specifically asking when they're an FDOT contractor working on behalf of FDOT or just any contractor? Cuz right now what we have in place is the ordinances um there's no closures
allowed between outside of 10 to 3:30 p.m. But that's for permits that are issued through Miami Beach. If it's a contractor for FDOT, we don't officially have um my understanding is that we don't have official jurisdiction over them and they can work and do closures
at their leisure. So non-emergency lane closures on major roads are restricted to the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. So if someone is not an FDLT contractor, they're allowed to do work between those hours between 10 and 3
10 and 3:30 p.m. with a Miami Beach public works uh rightway permit. Okay. And then if they're an FDLT contractor, they're allowed to do work outside of those hours. Outside of those hours, usually FDOT works with us. um depending on the location um to see what's best with our
traffic impact to work with our transportation team and then we'll come up with the best hours that a meets our city standards with traffic impact and then also meets their requirements for their project. And have we and I know previously we had conversations with the previous
secretary of transportation previously with Secretary Secretary Miller about about these issues. Have we met with uh with Secretary Glaciius um about this about these issues uh to make sure that that the new secretary
that there's continuity of you know engaging in communication with the city uh and trying to collaborate with the city when there's when they have these projects. Yes, we actually did meet um couple I want to say a couple weeks ago um with a lot of members from FDOT and
the new secretary and we went over some of the um city's expectations and how these are impacting our residents and the traffic. Um they're very aware. We're exchanging contact information counterparts so that any planned work we're made aware of. Obviously
emergencies happen um similar to us our structure FT is a big structure. they have different divisions where it's maintenance, where it's operation, things like that. Um, it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but it's definitely something that's going towards the right path, and we're definitely having that communication
back and forth more than we did in the past. So, okay. All right. It sounds like staff is doing everything that we can within our ability under under what we have jurisdiction over, I believe. So, yes.
Yeah. Okay. per perhaps what can be done maybe on a monthly basis we can just get some sort of a report on on the enforcement because it's great that police is out there doing this enforcement perhaps we can just get a monthly report by LTC you know maybe for
the next 3 months um just to see how we're doing with the enforcement on this no problem sir thank you appreciate it okay thank you thank you all right so with that we'll Go on to number 25. Item number 25 is consider
beautifification of the alleys behind roasters and toasters on Cafe Avante on the 41st Street corridor. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and public works will be presenting the item. Thank you. Hi. Um Madame Chair, um this is an item, you
know, we've obviously been looking at and and Commissioner Rosenzalis has been very uh actively involved in. Um but you know, one one of the things that um we've taken from this item and and had some discussions with our colleagues in transportation is um you know, these
alleys back there, particularly um the two that are in question, both are are very heavily used service alleys. There's a lot of you know, activity going on in them. and in order to really try to determine the best course of um
the use of them going forward, you know, whether to make them brick pavers. Um just it it made the most sense that we felt after discussions with transportation that we probably need to do a um you know a study to kind of see
you know with the complexities involved here if that really makes sense just to make them brick pavers in the alley. Does the study mean bringing outside people? Does that cost money or a study internally? It does where you would evaluate? We're recommending hiring a consultant between 60 and 100,000 to
help evaluate that because it's it's if it was a simplistic thing, we would come right up here and tell you that. But but there are some complexities involved in it. And you know, when you're turning a uh alleys like that into potentially brick pavers uh into these heavily used
alleys um that have tremendous service and things going on there. I'm just going to just put for the record I That's okay. I don't think this is where we need to be focusing at right now. I think and I and this is a great idea and I you know I commend the sponsor for this. I've
been hearing from from businesses in the in the area. Actually, the businesses in the area, what they're asking for is that they want to have parkletits on that 4,000 block um you know, between 40th Street and 41st Street on Chase Avenue on Prairie Avenue on Royal Palm
where TA is where Peta is on Chase Avenue. Currently, there's actually a city bike stand there. that's that's what they're more focused on being able to have the expansion of their of their space onto onto the sidewalk. Um but but
given the amount of money and the projects we're going to be under undertaking on on 41st Street with the capital project, I think that's where we need to be focused on right now and not as focused on the on the on the
alleyway. Understood. Okay. Here's what I'd like to do because I I don't want to keep it on committee and then have it not be heard until September. Uh I'd like to send it to the full commission with no um recommendation and then the sponsor can
decide if what she'll do there. Sure. Okay. Uh number 19, any public comment? No public comment. Number 19. Number 19 is discussion on reintroducing sailing related events to Miami Beach. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and co-sponsored by
Commissioner B. Tourism and Culture will be presenting the item. Uh well, I I don't think it'll be necessary. I do want to continue this item. Um I had a meeting with um Lette and also with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. They went over all of the roadblocks that
they've had in getting this done. I then took an alternate route and I had a meeting with um a yach club and some outside people and they are ready to move forward. So, I'm really excited about a project that I have coming forward, but I'm not prepared to share it yet. So, um let's keep it till
September and in the meantime, you and I will talk so that I can tell you uh what uh my team and I have in mind. Sounds good. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. I want to commend you because we went through a lot of items. Um the one thing
I'm going to just ask uh to our colleagues uh a lot of times we refer items to committees and we refer a lot of items to to committees. If it would be helpful if the sponsor of the item who is referring an item to committee
for them to be present present when their item is being considered because other otherwise we don't understand what they're thinking. We don't know what their goal is and and if they're sending an item to committee, they should be present to discuss and and present their
proposal at committee. Otherwise, this is how we end up, you know, oftent times with 30 40 items on on a committee agenda. It's easy to make the referrals, but then no one has the time to be present to present their referral. And so I would just kindly and respectfully
ask our colleagues that they could be present uh to present their items. Sounds fair. Okay. So with that um this concludes our public safety and neighborhood quality of life committee. Our next committee is scheduled for September the 10th. I wish everyone a
safe and happy summer and thank you to the city administration for all of the efforts that you do and to my vice chair. Uh really appreciate your input. Goodbye everybody.