All right. Good afternoon everyone. It's 3:02. Calling the meeting to order. Mauricio. >> Thank you. Commissioner Joseph >> present. >> Vice Mayor Rascara >> here. >> Mayor Setchan >> here.
>> And for the record, Commissioner Styverson is not here. Oh, yes, she is. She's in the back. And then uh Commissioner Lama is running a little behind. >> Yes, we would normally wait, but we have a pretty long agenda, so let's uh proceed, please. >> Okay. Uh mayor and commissioners, we
have just a a couple of changes to the agenda. Um item number two 2G is being deferred to April. However, we did receive an email from
Commissioner Regalo's office requesting for a flag to be flown um for the month of April and I believe that warrants a discussion amongst the commission as far as directing staff to have that done. >> So,
>> so we have to do that during this meeting. >> Um preferably. >> Okay. >> You know. >> All right. So then we have that then just as an additional discussion item at the end. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um and then the other change. >> Okay. >> And then the other change is we're
adding a special recognition um to the agenda and it'll be done at some point. I'll I'll mention when. >> Okay. And what else? >> And that's all. >> 2D. >> 2D. I am so sorry. Yes. Correct. Uh 2D
is being uh moved to the 6:30 meeting if the commission uh agrees um because uh I forgot her name. I'm so sorry. >> Uh Toby Baron. >> Toby Baron. Yes. Um requested for it to be done because of inconvenience at 3:00.
>> Okay. All right. So, we're adding a discussion item and we're um moving to D and we are uh moving to G to April. >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. Any objections? >> Okay. >> No comments.
>> So, we'll start with 2A, uh, which is a proclamation for flood awareness. And I'll just read the proclamation into the record for that. And the proclamation reads, "Whereas flooding is one of the most common and costly natural hazards in the
United States and coastal communities such as the city of Sunny Alice Beach are particularly vulnerable to flooding caused by heavy heavy rent rainfall, storm surge, king tides, and other weather related events. And whereas the safety and resilience of our community depend on public awareness,
preparedness, and proactive efforts by residents, businesses, and government agencies to reduce flood risk, and protect lives and property. And whereas flood awareness week provides an opportunity to educate residents about flood hazards, encourage the adoption of flood protection measures, promote the
purchase of flood insurance, and highlight the importance of maintaining drainage systems, and protecting natural flood planes. And whereas the city remains committed to strengthening flood mitigation efforts, supporting emergency preparedness initiatives and working collaboratively with regional, state,
and federal partners to enhance community resilience against flooding and other environmental challenges. Whereas increasing awareness of flood risk and preparedness action helps safeguard the well-being of residents, protect property, and preserve the
vitality of the city of Sunny Alice Beach community for future generations. Now therefore, do I Lisa Satchin as mayor and on behalf of the city commission of the city of Sun Beach speech hereby proclaim March 9th through the 15th as flood awareness week.
>> Okay. >> Then the next one will be a proclamation for uh procurement professionals and we'll call up our procurement team
at the end. Okay. So we're going to read the next two together which is 2B proclamation for procurement professionals day and 2C proclamation for transit driver day. And if you just give me one second I'll read
that right now. So the pro the proclamation for the procurement professionals day reads whereas procurement professionals serve a vital role in government operations by ensuring that public funds are spent
responsibly transparently and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. And whereas through their expertise in contract administration, strategic sourcing and vendor management, procurement professionals help safeguard taxpayer resources while enabling municipalities to deliver
essential services efficiently and effectively. And whereas these dedicated professionals uphold the highest standards of ethics, fairness, and accountability, fostering public trust, and promoting open and competitive purchasing practices that benefit both the community and the business community.
Whereas procurement professionals day observed annually on the second Wednesday in March provides an opportunity to recognize the important contributions of procurement practitioners who work diligently behind the scenes to support the mission and operations of local governments and
public agencies. And whereas the city of Sano speech recognizes and appreciates the commitment, professionalism, and integrity demonstrated by procurement professionals who ensure that public purchasing processes remain fair, transparent, and in the best interest of the community. Now therefore, Dwight Lur
suspend and on behalf of the city commission of the city of Sunny Al's Beach hereby proclaim March 11, 2026 as procurement professionals day in the city and the proclamation for transit drivers day. Whereas public transit drivers
provide an essential service that helps connect residents, workers, and visitors to jobs, schools, healthcare, and community resources each day. And whereas transit drivers demonstrate professionalism, patience, and dedication while safely navigating roadways, managing schedules, and
assisting passengers of all backgrounds. And whereas these dedicated professionals often work eager early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure reliable and accessible transportation for the communities they serve. And whereas Transit Driver appreciation day observed
annually on March 18th recognizes the vital role transit drivers play in strengthening mobility, economic opportunity, and quality of life in communities across the nation. And whereas the city of Sunnyal speech recognizes and appreciates the hard work, commitment and public service
provided by transit drivers who help keep our region moving safely and efficiently. Now therefore, do I suspend and on behalf of the city commission of the city of Sunny Al Beach hereby proclaim March 18th as transit driver's day in the city of Sunny Al Beach.
>> Thank you. >> Call. I just um let me let me say that how vitally important it is to recognize um employees in the city of Sunny Al Beach and how important it is um to to have them stick around as long as possible and looking out into the
audience. Um I don't know if the camera could face that way. There's so many people here that have been with the city for so many years and I I can certainly say on behalf of the entire commission that we appreciate you and we appreciate your commitment to the city. you know, the procurement department is sort of the backfacing. Um, so nobody sees what
they do, but we feel it and the the transit drivers are the front facing uh often, you know, really the face of of of the city and do so many wonderful things uh for the residents that we don't see. So, uh, you know, I I thank you for for your work and I'm very glad
that we're able to uh acknowledge you. Thank you. Mayor, if I may, wait, sorry. If we could please bring up for flood awareness Nicole and Dylan. Nicole is our new flood plane manager. >> Okay. >> Welcome. For procurement, Anastasia
Genesis and the new addition to their team, Evelyn, please come up. Evelyn was a steal from CCS. >> And for transit drivers, Todd Nobles will be accepting on behalf of all the drivers who are on the road right So, we'll have them in the front in the back
here. Yeah, I think so. >> This way we get a better picture. >> Susan, would you like to be in the picture? >> Just in time. >> We waited for you, Alex. >> Yeah. Thank you.
>> We'll move it. >> Wait, I don't think this is even. >> Huh? >> Is this not >> Do you want us to move over? >> Is it okay? >> Well, because they have the podium. So, >> all right. So, it will shift. It will shift.
>> Okay. It's easier if we >> shift to the I'm too short. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you all. >> Congratulations. I actually like this chair. >> All right.
>> I don't know what something. >> Okay. And mayor. >> Yes. >> Do you mind if I do a special recognition? >> Please do. Please do. >> Thank you. I have the distinct honor of bringing to your attention that we have a national
award winner amongst our staff. As recreation manager for the city, Jonathan was selected from hundreds of applicants to be awarded the prestigious National Recreation and Parks
Association 30 under 30 award. Bravo. >> I'm not done. Um, this program recognizes recreation professionals that have excelled in their career before turning 30, recognizing that in a field
of hundreds of thousands nationwide, there are stars that shine extra bright. So Jonathan, we all know Jonathan to be fun, energetic team player, someone who's very charismatic, and everybody
enjoys being around Jonathan. He brings joy to everything he does, even the challenging moments where nothing goes right. for this award specifically. He was recognized for his leadership and implementation of new programming as it
relates to our senior population. Under his directive uh direction, he has launched more than 20 unique programs and more than 60 different sessions per month. These all range in activity from
concert series, fitness, health, wellness, education, and free enrichment programs. Jonathan exemplifies the true meaning of mission first and team player. On a separate
note, I just wanted to mention I remember Jonathan specifically because he and I spent Christmas together. um unfortunately was here working, but he and I worked an event together and we were the only ones uh
during that Christmas day. But I appreciated him so much being here and helping me with the event. So, I've always remembered that and I wanted to thank uh Jonathan specifically for his service and congratulate him on this. >> Thank you.
Um, I'm gonna I'm gonna add to it that, you know, you you mentioned Jonathan's smile during the the city anniversary when it was pouring rain. Um, and it seemed like it was going to rain the entire day or your evening. Jonathan was literally
like dancing and smiling and just there's there was no way to bring him down. And uh I know that uh certainly the seniors but the entire uh you know resident population really enjoys being around you and appreciates you and and certainly we do all as well. So this is
very very welld deserved and I didn't realize you were so young. So congratulations on on being under 30 as well. >> So >> okay well should we we can go down. >> Oh nice. This is really nice.
watching on this page. >> It's insane. >> Under 30. >> Whatever. >> Yeah, I agree. Okay. Um nominate you for >> do this every month. Yeah. >> All right, Mauricia.
>> Okay, so the next uh three proclamations will be all heard together, and I'll just read them into the record. Um it'll be um a proclamation for colarctal cancer awareness month, proclamation for women's history month,
and a proclamation for child abuse prevention month. proclamation >> issue if may I um I want to co sponsor the color awareness month and also the um autism acceptance month
>> 2 e and 2g >> okay 2e uh 2g was was deferred until April so we okay so >> Jerry Jerry also wants to co-sponsor that yes perfect we'll do thank you
Okay. So the proclamation for colarctal cancer awareness one reads whereas colurectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined and whereas in 2026 more than
150,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with colurectal cancer and more than 52,000 are projected to die from the disease. And whereas colurectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with timely screening, yet approximately one in three eligible
Americans are not up to date on recommended screening. And whereas colurectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults and is projected to become the leading cause of cancer among individuals aged 20 through 49 by 2030. And whereas black Americans
are about 20% more likely to be diagnosed with colurectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from the disease than other racial and ethnic groups. And whereas colurectal cancer is expected to account for approximately 11% of cancer deaths among Hispanic men
and 9% among Hispanic women. And whereas screening rates declined during the CO 19 pandemic and have not yet fully returned to prepandemic levels nationwide. And whereas the national colurectal cancer roundt has established
a national goal of increasing colurectal cancer screening rates to 80% in every community for all Americans eligible for screening. And whereas education, advocacy and awareness are critical in reducing the incidence and impact of
colorectal cancer on individuals, families and communities. And whereas observing colurectal cancer awareness month during the month of March provides an opportunity to promote education, encourage screening and support those affected by the disease.
Now therefore, Dwight Lurissa Fetchin and as mayor and on behalf of the city commission of the city of Sun Beach, Florida, hereby proclaim the month of March 2026 as colurectal cancer awareness month in the city of Sunal Beach. The proclamation for women's history
month reads, "Whereas women of every race, class, ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways. And whereas women have played and continue to play critical economic, cultural, and
social roles in every sphere of life of the nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home. And whereas women have played a unique role throughout the history of the nation by providing the majority of the volunteer
labor force of the country. And whereas women particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our nation. And whereas women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront
of every major progressive social change movement. And whereas the 2026 Women's History theme is leading the change, women shaping a sustainable future, honors women who are rebuilding systems, fostering environmental, economic, and
social equity, and designing a more resilient, inclusive future for both people and the planet. And whereas the city of Sonia's Beach recognizes the extraordinary achievements and ongoing contributions of women locally, nationally, and around the world and
encourages residents to reflect upon the honor and accomplishments of women who have helped shape our society. Now therefore, Dwight Lurus Fetchin and as mayor and on behalf of the city commission of the city of Sunnyal speech hereby proclaim March 2026 as women's history month in the city of Sunnyal
Beach. And finally, the proclamation for child abuse of prevention month reads, "Whereas children are our nation's most vulnerable members as well as our nation's most valuable resources, helping to shape our future. And whereas
positive childhood experiences like loving caregivers and safe, stable, and nurturing relationships can help mitigate trauma and the negative impact of adverse child exper childhood experiences to promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being
of children. And whereas childhood trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects throughout the individual's lifetime and impact future generations of their family. Whereas childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is a
serious problem affecting every community in the US and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone. And whereas children who live in families with access to concrete economic and social support are less likely to experience abuse and neglect.
And prevention is possible because of the partnerships created between families, prevention advocates, child welfare professionals, faith-based organizations, and local, state, and national governments, especially law enforcement agencies. And whereas we acknowledge that in order to solve the
public health issue of abuse and neglect, we must work together to change hearts and mindsets through storytelling and sharing, center the needs of families, break down bias and barriers, and inspire action from expected and
unexpected partners in prevention. And whereas we are committed to advancing equitable, responsive, and effective systems that ensure all children and families are healthy and thriving. And whereas we recognize the need to prioritize kids and invest in more prevention initiatives like home
visiting and family strengthening policies, economic supports, and community-based child abuse prevention programs at the national, state, and local levels. Now, therefore, Dwight Lis Fetchin as mayor and on behalf of the city commission of the city of Sunalis Beach hereby proclaim the month of April
2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. >> Thank you, Mauricia. I I just want to say um a few things and I'm sure that the that my colleagues probably do do as well regarding the col uh colon rectal uh cancer um as you read it it touches
so many people but really the the person that brought this to us initially and pushed so hard um is is the late Michael Stern may his memory may his name be a memory be a blessing he was a um commissioner in Aventura and he worked
steadfastly to to bring awareness um to this horrible disease. So I want to make sure to give him credit for that and you know anything that we can do as a city to bring attention to to to that to the importance of screening um I would fully
support. Um and then regarding my other item the uh child child abuse awareness it it doesn't only touch uh communities that don't have resources. It's it definitely touches our community. Um I know that the vice mayor um I don't know
if currently was guardian at lightam. I'm also I'm a volunteer guardian at lightam um and it's such an important topic uh to to not forget how our most vulnerable u residents need to um be supported and and how we shouldn't
forget how important it is to acknowledge um them as well. Um and and I applaud um you know, Commissioner Stuant and Vice Mayor for recognizing uh women's uh history awareness. That's obviously very important.
>> Um did anyone else want to say anything about the items that they've sponsored? just uh I' I'd just like to say that uh regarding child abuse month, um Jod and I are uh foster parents and we um we've
been trained and we understand um how much abuse there is out there, child abuse, and um you know, it's just something that can't be overlooked and it is uh prevalent everywhere. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I I forgot you mentioned that
last year, I think. >> Okay. >> May I say something? So So, so regarding child abuse, um >> I I just wanted to see if we could put something out uh with the media department. For instance, the child abuse uh hotline is 1 800 962-2873.
So, if we could put something out there uh for people to see and uh have some resources where they could report this if they see something uh it'll be great, I think. >> Yeah, I I agree with that. Um there's plenty of resources out there, but
perhaps people can't find >> sometimes people can't find them. Yeah, >> if we could put it out there in Spanish and in Russian as well. Mhm. >> Um >> and then obviously Michael Stern I think um very dear uh friend and colleague and
uh he was a great person. So yeah, I think he'll always be in our uh hearts and minds. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Mayor, if you don't mind, we have a couple of our regulars from Gateway, a
couple of women here who were um invited to celebrate Women's Day with us. So, if you don't mind, they're not paying any attention. Excuse me. >> Ladies. Ladies. >> Hi. Enjoyed your cookie?
>> You want to come up and get um a picture with a proclamation for Women's Day? >> Yes, please. All right. Let's let's go down for that. Yes. your friend. >> Where's Beautiful.
Thank you for coming. Thank you. You come here. >> Okay, thank you for that. All right, Mauricio. >> Okay, we're now on to discussion items. Item 3A is a procurement is a discussion item regarding procurement of AV
equipment and event planning for resident only FIFA World Cup watch parties by Commissioner Styverson. >> This Tuesday I was in DC and we had a meeting with the State Department people and they consider sports diplomacy as one of the priorities right now. So I
have a memo that I make so to share with you guys. So I'm going to read some part of it. So today I'm bringing forward a vision that combines community building with strict strict fiscal responsibility. The US State Department run an entire sports
diplomacy division. They explicitly use sports and organized watch parties at embassies around the world to transcend cultural barriers, unite foreign nations, and build goodwill. They do this because sports are the
universal language. Therefore, share space to watch these global events is one of the most powerful ways we can truly use to build a community right here at home. Unfortunately, because we currently lack the permanent infrastructure, Sony Beach has missed
out. We completely miss the World Baseball Classic, the Winter Olympics, Cup America, Grand Prix, NASCAR, and others. But we have a chance to change that. We have massive future experiences coming directly to us, including FIFA 26
and the Olympics and annual ongoing events like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and more. So to capture these moments, my proposal today is not about buying or rolling out a temporary screen. We could build a beautiful permanent
architectural feature on the west side of the Gateway Park loan lawn. Look at the AI is a simple AI um rendering uh that combine kind of the nostalgic of the 1960s driving movie but with a
updated 21st century in state-of-the-art uh technology. So I'm bringing this forward for us to consider instead of um just um buying something that has to be on and off in
and out to build something permanent. That's it. >> May I add something? I'd like to add something to what you said. Uh yeah, we're both in in DC uh with the National League of Cities. So also obviously
these um these type of events bring a lot of security um challenges, let's say. Uh so there there is money also to implement uh extra security. So we could look into tapping into that as well from
the federal government. >> Yeah. Because of the human trafficking issue and all of that. Yes. But this is like a specifically to >> No, no, I understand. I just wanted to mention. >> No, but thank you for that. Yeah. To give the direction to start considering having somewhere where imagine we can
have like every other week uh movie nights, you name it, you know. So we can have watch party for residents for different type of events. Um again we are doing this around the world. We should be doing it here also in Sunals especially with the population that we
have that is so diverse from everywhere and also um we have a lot of sport fans in here. So >> okay >> so I'm bring it for you guys to your attention. >> Commissioner Joseph, >> anything? I actually I I absolutely
agree with this to um to uh bring to Sunny Isles um the latest technology that um uh that assists its uh citizens in um enjoying
uh sports events and um and movies and other things since we don't have an indoor theater and I know that actually I at the um anniversary. I was speaking to uh one of the technology people
regarding the uh screens there and they were saying how just in the last six to eight months how the technology has changed to have the ability to have all of these screens outdoors uh you know 247.
So I believe this would be a great thing for Sunny Isles as well. >> Okay. Yeah, even the cruise ships they have it now. So if they can do with the weather, we can do it as well. Maurice, I want to put the memo as part of the um agenda
package, please. Okay. >> What did you explore how much this costs? >> No, no, I would not. Well, they gave me an initial number. I think it was really low. They say was around $80,000. I believe it's more than that. Uh depending that what we use, but that was
somebody who did it in middle America. and they had tornadoes there. So that's when we were talking about that. Um so and again just exploring the the option to have it there. Um I think it's just like some some legacy
that we can leave here also for the people in the the city. >> Well, I I support anything that's going to uh allow the residents to have more access to something like this. My biggest concern and regret has always
been that we don't have anything indoor. So that the chances of us being able to utilize something like this fully is almost 50/50 based on the weather. Um that's probably one of the, you know, biggest mistakes we probably made years and years and years ago was not to build
an indoor >> whatever. Yeah, that's not the only place. But uh I'd vice mayor, would what would you like to add? Well, we talked about this a little bit in the budget um workshop. So, um I mean
I thought we were already sort of toying with the idea. So, um it's part of the budget conversation. >> Right. Right. So, >> yeah, I it's hard to have this conversation without numbers. So, sure. Uh we have I believe we were supposed to
give you a list of items >> and specifically we had FIFA in the budget and we took that out. So the challenges with this are well there's a few not the least of
which is the budget and ultimately it's up to you all as the commission but we've had premeings with the police department concerning FIFA specifically and we have some concerns about watch party obviously for safety with
everything that's going on in the world today. So, we would have to consider that aspect of it. At our last event, the city anniversary party between Ocean Rescue and the police department, we had almost 30 personnel just for that,
>> right? >> So, when you're considering this, you have to also consider um the cost for the safety part of it, >> right? The open air is also not great because of that. Um Okay. All right. All
right. Well, it could be part of the discussion for the budget. >> Yeah, but this is not only for FIFA. It's like for ongoing for like movies for children, uh classic golden Hollywood era movies. So, I'm thinking
really ahead, not specifically for one sporting event, but like I said, kind of like a legacy thing of the city to have a to give access to everybody instead of just putting a little um or a big whatever screen and moving it from, you
know, heritage to town center, whatever, to have a specific place where we can I mean, I had this in the 80s in the country club in Venezuela. and we are here in 2026 and we might think that it's not doable.
So like I said, I used to I was I grow in petroleum compounds and so we have really the latest technology back then in those areas but um it was a place to get together. So that's what I'm saying thinking ahead doing things that they
are going to be there for many years for the people to have access to. >> Okay. I'm wondering if we could do something like a popup um on the stage,
the existing stage. If we could I don't I don't know what the height is, but if it's deep enough that we could do a popup screen, it would it would be better for security, you know, for vandalism. So, I'd like to look into that as well.
>> Yeah, anything like the technology is out there, Jerry. like all the options are available, you know, we just need to have the willing to do it. And and about the weather as well, I mean, um my kids, they do it sports and they do it in the rain as well, unless it's light
lightning. Um yesterday, our little ones were doing soccer in the field and it was raining. So if you are you if it's okay to watch the people getting wet, you can get wet when you're watching them as well. So yeah, people that do
sports and they get it. Okay. >> So, um I like the idea of watch parties. I mean, when we had the one for the Miami Heat, it was great. A lot of people showed up. We Everybody had fun while the Heat won. So, that was great.
And um obviously I would like to see um the cost of this and then you know we will need to analyze whether it's good to you said to build it. I I don't know what that exactly entails, you know, or do we
buy a special screen? I'm not sure what, you know, h how it works, but my question would be would it better would it be better to build it, own it, or just contract that out because technology nowadays is, you know, moving
so fast that I don't want for us to build something and then two years down the road is obsolete and there's some sort of new technology. So, I think those are all considerations that we must uh include in these conversations and, you know, looking at budgets and
costs. >> Yeah. >> But yeah, I'm for watch parties. Um, and then I I understand the mayor's point too to have something indoors, but when you're having a watch party for
FIFA, for the World Cup or, you know, you're talking about the NBA playoffs or finals, I I don't know how many people we could accommodate in an inside space, you know, based on what we have. Correct. >> I'm not necessarily suggesting that we need to have an inside space. I wish we
did is my point. Yes. Uh I think that we just lost that opportunity. Um but this is definitely a budget um conversation because this is this has a lot of pieces to it that are not specific to just that are not just limited to the screen.
>> Um okay, next item. >> Next item is 3B, a 2026 legislative update by Vice Mayor Viscara. >> Okay, you're up, Vice Mayor. So, the session is over and yet it isn't.
>> So, it's kind of like last year. >> Um, but I what I wanted to do is um take you through our our website uh because that that's where we've been tracking and just kind of walk you walk you down memory lane. Uh so,
based on on the outcomes that we wanted and and our particular list, it's a tie between outcomes we wanted and outcomes we didn't want. we we're 44. Uh and then the property taxes are still up in the air. So the uh land development
regulations, which is the first one, that's a House Bill 399. This is the one that we really did not want to move forward. Uh and it it did and it passed. Uh and this is going to
um mean that uh our building permit fee structure is going to have to be looked at. But uh if we contact Governor DeSantis and say pretty please don't sign it, you know, that's basically where we're at right now. So if you can text him, pretty please, this would be
the thing to do it on. Uh the cleanup bills for SB 180, um those also died. Uh we received an email about that. I don't know if you guys saw it >> because uh because um Allan >> has been keeping us updated on that. Uh
so um what this means is you know the the cities were hoping would they would have been helped um by this. So a couple of things uh litigation will uh continue and now that the legislation failed we
may get more plaintiffs um supporting and maybe even paying towards it. Uh the um claim suits against government. This is a sovereign immunity that um raises the amounts that uh
people can sue the government u for. So we opposed it just because when you're being attacked from all fronts, anything that's going to work against you, you oppose it. But there was one bill that was much crazier than the other one. and
we all agree that an increase is appropriate, but it's just that the things that are proposed are always um sounding so unreasonable. So, what ultimately passed was it's not too too crazy. So, I still put it in the negative
um because we opposed it, but I would say I'm I'm a little bit neutral on this one. But it for us as a city, it may uh I think um we may need to reevaluate our our insurance coverage and certainly for the building department, uh I don't envy
whoever has to figure that one out. Uh the local business tax uh failed. We were opposing it. So, that's a good outcome for us. And that one uh is a zombie bill. We had seen it before. We'll probably see it again, but at
least this year we can we can call it a win. The expenditure of public funds by local government also did not pass. This one died in in Ruth and uh ethics committee. So that's a good outcome for us. the um
prohibited uses of public funds by political subdivision, which are cities, our political subdivisions. That one also failed. That one died in the intergovernmental affairs subcommittee. So, that's a good outcome for us. uh the um community association
management which we supported like we want condos to have professionals um professionals managing them and and for those professionals to have licenses you know all that good stuff. Yeah, that one did not pass. And finally, you know, the this one was
also a zombie bill, nature-based coastal resilience solutions. Uh this one passed all its bill all its committees last year. Uh and then it it just like you know all dressed up and nowhere to go. Uh but uh this year it passed. So um
that's that's uh a win for us. And the uh property tax items uh didn't pass. However, these uh are probably going to be taken up in in a special session. So we'll see. So that one is not it's not
um over yet. So that's our our annual review. I think we're you know 44 I guess if we're we're we're in the it's a tie for us in terms of >> smoking in restaurants that failed also. >> Are you asking me or telling me >> asking?
>> I don't know. I wasn't following it. >> When is the special se session? >> I don't know. >> They haven't scheduled it yet. Right. >> I don't think so. Um we do have uh Ben if you do have that information. Do you happen to know? Um, and for those
>> mind I'm sorry. Do you may sorry >> for those of you that are watching um this we progressively and and certainly with the help of this commission but specifically vice mayor have gotten more and more involved in Tallahassee because
so much of what um the public wants we can only affect so much. Um so that's what the this review was was what's happening in Tallahassee that affects um our residents. But please go ahead. When is the special session? >> Good afternoon, mayors and commissioners. The special session should be sometime in April, uh
potentially May. And I know that the Senate President um talked about in a in a communicate that they'll take up obviously the budget. They have to pass that, but then also the adorum. Um and I did also see the coastal resiliency bill was assigned by the governor today. So, >> it was signed. Oh, wonderful. That's the
latest. >> So, no pretty please on that one. >> Good to go. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Vice Mayor. >> Next item is 3C, a discussion regarding personal mobile delivery devices.
>> Okay, >> please. >> Mayor, this came up recently as I sent you all some information regarding these mobile delivery devices. Mhm. >> We received a lot of questions and concerns from the residents and I asked
the code director to put together a very brief presentation. We were able to look at some other city's ordinances to show what we can and can't do regarding these. >> Okay. Do we have a picture of this so that we can show people what what this is or No,
>> unfortunately not. >> All right. Well, I I imagine those that know. Okay. Good afternoon, mayor, vice mayor, and commissioners. Yes, as as you all are aware, these delivery robots are presently in service in the city of Sunny House Beach as state law does
allow for this. Uh we reviewed a Miami Beach ordinance that addresses them. It's really the only ordinance that I've found of any any city locally. Um there's also state regulations that we must comply with. uh there may be an
opportunity for us to add our own regulations particularly perhaps some of the ones similar to the city of Miami Beach. Um we're considering these regulations and some of these include where these devices can be dropped off and picked
up. also includes uh you know how we can prohibit them to limit certain disruptions where they can stop and pick up where they can't such as public certain public places. Uh limit the certain times and locations based on
events if the city's having an event or if a religious institution doesn't want any of them to stop in front of their property. These are some of the things that we're looking at to see if we can implement. Uh we can also limit the certain times. um the idle times, the times that you
know, how long can they be stopped on a sidewalk and one of the other things that we may be able to limit as well is the uh the speed limit. So, their speed limit. >> Uh so, we're here to listen to, you know, any concerns or suggestions that you may have for us so that we can
consider them in a potential action. >> I have a few questions. I have a lot of questions. >> Okay. um the company or companies that deploy them. Um do we know who they are? >> Yes, there's one main company. There's
several of them, but the main player's name is Serve Robotics. >> And did they call us? Did they contact us or they just decided to appear at 2 o'clock in the morning? And >> so we reached out to them. We did speak with them. Um >> but they did just appear. What they what
they explained to us is that they had some other ones but very few ones within the city. >> They did deploy deploy a bunch of them as everyone saw. >> Not all of them were for the city of Sunny Als Beach. They just happened to drop them off here. Some of them made
their way down as far as uh Surf Side is what we were told. >> And so what sort of you you know if any business is operating in the city of Sunny Al Beach, they have to get a local business license. They have to have insurance. they have. So, how are these being treated or are they just being treated like scooters?
>> So, it's one of the things that we're looking into. They're actually >> from what we gather and from the feedback we've received and I've been in contact with other municipalities about business tax receipt requirements more more than likely, but again, we're looking into this is that they'll
operate as Ubers and so they may not require a business tax receipt because they don't have a footprint in the city. They're dropped off and picked up daily is their intention. So really they're just delivery devices to deliver food or documents.
>> What's because we have a time limit of how long Ubers and various delivery trucks can stand idling. And I believe it's no more than what five minutes something like that. >> It's 15 minutes but >> we allow 15 minutes for Ubers to stand on the street. I I actually we're
prohibited from state statutes from stopping them, but the statute actually these devices are a little bit different because statute kind of treats them as and gives them similar rights to pedestrians specifically and that so they preempt us
from >> Allan that just scared me. >> That's exactly they are they have the same rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian. >> So we're prohibited from prohibiting them. Wow. >> I I'm lost actually for words. Anybody
else uh commission? >> Yeah, that's Yeah, when I spoke to to Julio, yeah, we discussed it and and um yeah, he told me that. So, I I was just flabbergasted that they're treated as >> there's a there's a little leeway and it's vague and that's why some cities
are this is brand new for everyone. Uh it's like when the scooters started invading cities about 10 years ago, uh the commercial >> the rental ones, right? >> Um everybody sort of had to catch up. But >> 3162071,
which authorizes these um does make reference to another statute 316.008. There's one sentence in there that says that this paragraph does not restrict a county or municipality from otherwise adopting regulations for the safe operation of
personal delivery devices and mobile carriers. What does that mean? So that's where these things are going to be tested and we're looking at. So Miami Beach, for example, is requiring them to retrofit to the extent they don't have them now certain lighting requirements, certain flags. I don't know if you've
seen some of them. Some of them have flags. They require all of them to have flags, but there's a long lead in time because obviously if they have to retrofit all these things, you know that it may you may have to give them several months for them to adapt. But those types of things, speed limits are nice,
but how do you clock one of these and how do you give it a ticket, you know? So there may be a registry component also that we could put in there because that's what was done with the scooters in a lot of jurisdictions where even though by state statute they're required to have information on them that
identifies who they are where the you know and so on and so forth. We could also have a registry uh potentially where if you're going to operate in the city you have to register so we have even more information should we have uh a pro. You know, if one of these falls over and it's sitting there for a half
hour, we could have restrictions saying that >> if if it falls over, you you got an hour to pick it up. If you don't pick it up, we're taking it. >> But even an hour, you but we would just leave. >> That's just arbitrary. >> No, but that's a very good point. If one of these breaks down or falls over, what
what do we do? We just wait. >> In some other jurisdictions, I don't know if you've seen, some of them have gotten where they have railroad tracks. They got stuck on the railroad trucks I saw where they they >> one of the things that >> carry >> they mentioned to us is that they usually have somebody within 30 minutes or so that can appear and try to help
them. If not, they say that a lot of uh a lot of residents and people that see them tipped over, they they usually try to help them out. But >> um Mr. City Manager, would you like to add something? I I was just going to say that based on the research we've put together, we can have a draft ordinance
for you next month to review that incorporates a lot of what we've learned so far. Uh the main thing I want to let you know is that we cannot ban them, but there are a number of regulations which include identification,
insurance requirements, and limitations on idle time. So, those would be things that we build into the ordinance, but we could have that back for you next month >> if that's your desire. And if you have anything additional we'd like to add, you would like to
>> I'd like to know uh what they're doing, meaning is it local restaurants that have requested it because it's cheaper for them than hiring Uber drivers? Like, is this something that is in response to AB small businesses? So they actually do a lot of uh market analysis before they
bring these into a city. And from what they've told us, there's approximately 2021 businesses that have signed up with them to take orders and deliver them to individuals. >> Okay. And I guess what I'd like to know is how do they get upstairs? >> They don't. So they're not allowed to go
onto any private property. >> So they can only really be on the rightway. So, for example, if somebody pulls up to one of the buildings on the east side of Collins, an individual would have to come out to the sidewalk and pick up the food. >> So, they don't go into the lobbies. They have to go in this
>> they're not Yeah, they're not supposed to go into any private property. >> Okay. So, just right then and then I think that they're going to become obsolete because that's not very convenient at all because we're condo city. So yeah, that was really my only question. Was it was this a push by the
small businesses uh by the restaurants? Does anyone else have anything to ask or add? >> I do. >> Yeah. Okay. Go ahead. >> Please, Vice Mayor, >> did you say that there is no limit on the hours of operation or is that something that we could do in the ordinance? >> Um I I I I don't believe so.
>> There's no the state statute doesn't have time limitations. It has some limitations with regard well for example the insurance they have to carry $100,000 worth of insurance. Um they have to yield to pedestrians >> whatever that means. U you know those types of things. But uh the that's one
of the things that that Julio was looking into is possibly hours of operation. Um presuming they don't make any noise, you know, because if you do say well you can only operate certain hours if it's too late, you know, if it makes a noise. I don't know. But we'll have to look. And the other thing I was
thinking, first of all, if if they're only allowed on the sidewalks and they're actually going to follow the rules, I agree. >> Um, you know, somebody on the 20th floor >> coming that I mean, for that, they'll just do Uber Eats or you know, that actually comes to your door. Um, but the
other thing I was thinking is can we request can we require if we can put the time limitations can we require them to be picked up that you know if they say that's their intention then do it and hold it to it so that at 10 p.m. or whatever it is you they got
to be gone. >> So what we got to look at is to see if if they're treated as pedestrians, you know, can we limit the time that they're out here? That's that's the thing we have to still look at. that that's what's so difficult with these things is that's what Leo said, they're treated as pedestrians.
So, um there's a component to it. You know, I they it does affect interstate commerce, so there may be some federal regulations on that too we have to look at, but um that may be more difficult, but it's certainly one of the things I think all these cities are looking into. Um it's it's uncharted territory at this
point. So, we're we're >> well, but a lot of it might be creative. Now would be the time, right? because it's uncharted territory and and push push it, you know, in the best you can. Um, and you know, when something is
declared with the same rights as a as a pedestrian, I mean, pedestrians can't just do whatever they want either. Right. >> Right. But I suspect the hours are market driven. Obviously, at 3 in the morning, there's not going to be a high demand for food to be delivered necessarily. >> Okay. Well, then great. Then at 3:00
a.m., come pick them up, right? They may not want to. somewhere. >> Nothing good happens after 12. >> Nothing. That's true. >> No, I Yeah, I I think that the the I agree. It's not necessarily they're going to be driving around. Where are they going to wait? >> Yeah. Where's their resting place? >> Um so because I know that if they try to
park or stand in our uh like Samson, that's where a bunch of them were. Then we I'm hoping we have the the uh ability to tow them or whatever it is you do with them. >> Well, we're looking into that as well because again challenging. So under state law, you can't block a sidewalk, right? So if you're completely block,
let's say you have 15 of them staged in one area and they're completely blocking the sidewalk, that's unlawful. But from a law enforcement standpoint, it's a little difficult to give a ticket to a robot, right? So logistically, we have to look into how the cities are and how
we can um get to the company. You know, that's why the registries are important. the information that's on there is, but we can't necessarily give a moving violation to a robot, right? So, um, >> what if a tow truck picks it up? >> Well, the problem is they're not
registered vehicles. So, you can't take them to you can't really take them to a toward. Towyards won't take them because they're not registered vehicles. >> So, you can necessarily potentially take them, but you'd have to be set up to store them on site here somewhere in the city. obviously inventory them and have
a record of them being here and have a process where they can pick them up which >> but if we could have an outside company do it rather than us then that would be ideal. >> It's more a lot more expensive. >> So if if we could somehow require that they be registered
with some kind of registration then we could have a tow truck company pick them up >> and we >> and then it's their responsibility. We've been told that usually they've been they have been picking them up around 10 or 11 anyways. At least that's what's been >> that's been told to us. So I don't know if that's going to be an issue or not, but you can correct me if I'm wrong,
Alan. I think the regulations, whatever we whatever suggested to be put into the ordinance, I I believe they have to be uh around safety. I I would say that, you know, I think we have consensus that we want the strictest regulations. Um, unless we
really have a big push by the businesses, which I don't I I've not heard one restaurant reach out to none. >> Well, actually Uber Uber Eats and all they they kill the restaurants. They charge so much that the restaurants
um are really hurting. That's, you know, that's the irony because Uber killed the taxis and now >> to Julio's point though, he is correct that whatever regulations we impose, they have to be justified from a a context of safety. >> Of course, >> that's all we have.
>> Commissioner Lama, you had something else you wanted to add? >> Yeah. So, going back to these devices blocking the sidewalks, etc. What would happen in a scenario where one of them trips and falls over and is blocking one
of the lanes in Collins Avenue? Can we in that case pick it up and tow it? Because obviously it's blocking the lane. It is a safety issue. Then also I would like to know if we could limit the amount of these devices in the city because when they came and dumped this
whole bunch of them, I mean they were everywhere. They were blocking lanes. They were idling everywhere. It was just like an invasion. I felt like I was in the movie, like a sci-fi movie. >> The you could move them. I mean, if they're blocking the way, you can move them. They fall over in the street, you
can move them. Don't know about limiting the number of of units they can use, though. But, I mean, >> the the amount of restaurants we have, I mean, can we >> again, it would have to lead to safe. So, let's say they have >> 3,000 of them, right? which would be a
ridiculous number to have in this city and they would be right. But >> we don't have that situation here. You know, if they have two dozen from a safety standpoint, I don't know that we could limit it. But again, a lot of it's uncharted territory. So, we'd have to look at that and see exactly I don't
know that, you know, perhaps with a registry, you would know how many they're operating, but I mean, we can always try. >> Yeah. And and my question is, are these devices registered anywhere with the state, any entity, any organization, or they're just floating around um
>> like off the grid? >> The corporation. So, they do have an office in they're nationwide, but they do have an office in Miami date county. So, they do hold a Miami date county tax receipt. >> Okay. >> So, they are registered with the state and they have a county tax receipt from
what we've been told. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And if you want, I can distribute to you by email. It's a short statute u what they're required by state law to have. So at least you'll have a list of what
actually is required as of today. >> Okay. >> Send that >> maybe to everyone. >> Yeah, I'm going to send it to all of you. Yeah. >> All right. Mauricio. >> Next item is 3D, a discussion by Commissioner Joseph regarding the visibility of a property tax rebate
program for qualified seniors. >> Yes. Thank you. So, I'm proposing um to follow the city of Hyia uh regarding uh rebates to um seniors
over 65 who have an income of $37,694 or less. and also have homestead exemption. In Hyia there are they discovered that there were 6635
families that come under that um those guidelines. I believe in Sunny Isles we have a lot less than that but I haven't had the opportunity to speak to someone who would have those figures. Also, they accomplished um the rebates of
approximately $539 per eligible resident by early payment of um early pension payments. Now, I also haven't spoken to Tiffany yet, but it's something to look into regarding
what our provisions are for early pension payments and how much that might save the city that we could put towards this project. If there is any money that um could be saved um then I think this would be ideal for
lowincome people in our city. I don't believe in some else we have um close to 6,500 people that are low income but you never know and also uh claim homestead. >> Um okay
>> I have a question. >> Yes. Go ahead. Commissioner, >> can you explain the uh the pension part? I I didn't I didn't understand. >> So, apparently there are savings that were achieved by making early um pension payments. Dan, I asked you earlier
regarding our pension program. Do you know how our pension program works? >> Mr. City Manager, can you clarify what this what that means? Because I'm not following either. how our pension uh program would relate to this. And
>> we we participate in the Florida retirement system, so I'm not sure how it's related to if they're indicating some type of savings. I don't know. We would have to research that. >> Okay. So, if we could uh look into that
and also, is there any way to know how many low-income people we have in Sunny Isles that claim homestead? There has to be some >> means of finding that out because Hyalia came up with a number. >> Can I ask though as far as Halia is
concerned either from the city manager or the city attorney, what exactly are they doing there because this seems like it's >> Yeah. So we we started looking into this because if if you recall, Commissioner Stuan had brought up a similar issue with the city of Miami back this summer. So we started looking into it. um we as
a firm and and you know from a legal standpoint um I have you know I've went I talked to the city city of Halia city attorney I've looked at their legislation and unfortunately um you you can't do what they're doing uh they they
can't either but um it's so what they're doing is there's two without getting into a big dissertation about it you have no taxing authority inherent taxing authority your sole taxing authority is conferred to you upon by the Florida Constitution and Florida statutes.
The method by which the rebates the whatever you want to anything dealing with taxation advalone taxation is strictly dictated by state law. You have no other authority besides that. So here what Halia we'll use as an example is doing is you have two and you've
already maxed this out in your ordinances. you have so folks over 65 have one tax exemption, homestead exemption that they can take advantage of. There's an additional one that you can have if
you've been in your residence for 25 years or longer. What Hyelia is doing is saying, well, that's not fair because a lot more people sort of uh are eligible for the first but not the second. So, if you're not eligible for the second, but you're available for the first, we're
going to give you a rebate check or a stimulus check they call to make up that difference because we don't think it's fair. You can't do that. That is a complete circumvention of the Constitution and uh just you just don't
have the authority to do that. Um and still waiting to hear back from the city of Miami. We've made some contact with their attorney's office, but we haven't heard back. But unfortunately um especially using advalorum dollars you can't you can't circumvent the constitution and the
>> and the state statute on that. >> What's happening with hyalia? It's >> I'm not going to talk for hyia. I can just tell you after speaking with them and reading that they they can't do that. >> So have they implemented it or not? >> They p it passed second reading. uh the
uh I I can't you know speak again as to why they're doing it. I mean if you look at the first I think you've seen it the first whereas clause of their ordinance speaks volumes I think but um
legally it's just you can't but >> so who's stopping them? >> I don't know that anybody is. So, if you're saying they can't legally do it, but they're doing it and no one's stopping them from doing it, then it has to be within the law.
>> No, >> no, no. If you commit a crime, but you don't get caught, it doesn't make it legal. >> I would I wouldn't recommend you doing it because it would be a violation of the law. And the thing is to to take the position that we can do it because we're going to get away with it. It is probably not a good position to be in either.
>> I I have a question. So let's say we want to wave our portion of the property taxes for seniors. We can't do that either. We can't >> The only thing the only control you have with regards to taxation is your millage rate. You want your you want your tax
your tax base to go down is your millage rate. That's what the law allows. >> We already have the lowest on that, >> right? So that's >> this is what he's saying like what what we're able to do, we've already maxed it out. So, your code already provides both exemptions for the 65 and older and also
the extended one additional for 65 plus 25 years in residence. Um, there's some a myriad of other ones I think for some veterans and things of that. So, you've maxed all that out in your code of ordinances and that's what's permitted by the Florida Constitution and Florida statutes. >> The Florida Constitution wouldn't allow
us to come up with another exemption. >> No, because what happens is so that all has to go to the voters of Florida, right? So, a couple years ago, they tried to do that to make some changes to the homestead exemption, for example. >> And it has to go to the voters. It's got to go through the process. It it
literally has to go through constitutional amendment. And what these types of programs are trying to do is sort of circumvent that, not go through that process and take money and sort of give it on the back end. Okay, pay your taxes, but once you've paid them, I'm going to pay it back to you. And that's
you just can't do that. >> Okay? So a city can't give rebates to residents >> not for tax not for Avalor taxation no >> and typically and the other aspect we >> something else >> but you're still it's you know if it
looks like a you know what it is uh the problem is that also the other aspect of it is there has to be a municipal purpose and if you come back and you're giving out certain stimulus checks to only a set of individuals it's really a private donation or private rebate back
to certain individuals. There's no municipal purpose. That has to be that's part of the issue. And I think the article you attached to your item also speaks of that issue. The problem with the fact that it's a private essentially a private donation and not a municipal purpose.
>> Okay. >> I think we'll have to see what happens at this. >> We'll have to see what happens and then we'll come back to it. >> Yeah. I just I I agree with Vice Mayor just because make it legal. >> Yeah. I'm sure if there's something illegal, it's going to
>> somehow be reversed and if not for you, you'd be surprised. >> But, uh, I I can't speak to the city of Miami because I still haven't made contact with them and have the full documentation. Theirs may be a little bit different. So, I can only speak to Hay because that's who I've interacted with and who I've seen, but I know it
was similar in Miami, but I don't have all the specifics there. >> Okay. So, do you think within the next month you'll have more information >> for That's in Miami. I mean, we keep trying to contact them, so hopefully uh we'll be in contact with them. >> So, is there also a three-month um issue
for me bringing this back next month? >> Uh is there for discussion? >> Do you have further information? >> I mean, I can I'm still looking into it because again, the Commissioner Suan had raised this issue back this summer. So, >> right, I think that city attorney can send us by email and if there's anything
to discuss, we can discuss it. >> So, we can bring it back. >> Yeah. No, absolutely. there's anything further >> if there's something to discuss. Um, it's it's 4:13. Is everyone anyone opposed to keep going? >> Good. >> Let's keep going. Yeah. >> Okay. Next item, please. >> Okay. >> Next item is 3E, a discussion by
Commissioner Joseph regarding car carriers in residential neighborhoods. >> Yeah. So, I brought this up several times before. We've had um several I don't know if um the pictures are attached, but we've had several large car carriers
uh sitting on 186th Street off Collins. Um and they just come and pick up from the Porsche building and other buildings uh in that local. And the same thing as we were discussing for these um mobile
carriers that um we should be able to set some time of day when these uh car carriers come around. Are we regarding code enforcement? Are we able to set some uh time frame as far as the time of
day? And I know we're we've been trying to set a location, but they just come in and stop anywhere. >> Mr. City Manager, would you remind me please, because we talked about this before. How did what where did we end up with with this? Because I know we had we
were very limited. >> The last discussion that we had, we presented you some options for locations and there was no agreement from you. So that's where it ended. However, that being said, we do enforce this through not just
parking, but also if it's a if it's a potential for blocking traffic. The police department has issued citations and parking, always issues citations. >> And I'm looking to raise the fines as well if we could.
>> I have a question. >> Is that a possibility? um let >> to raise the fines. >> The fines that we're operating under now I believe are set by the county. Um so we wouldn't be able to raise those and then the state the state ones obviously we can't raise if you ultimately pass an
ordinance with separate regulations. Um you could have some flexibility there, but you're also limited on the chapter 162 Florida statutes as to how much you could charge. >> Um it's limited. Would you uh if if everyone's in agreement, would you look
into it to see what's the most stringent um enforcement we can have? >> $500 is the maximum. >> Okay. So, what do we have currently? >> Nothing because you don't have an ordinance. What you have currently is what the county provides and what the state provides. >> Okay. So, please um is everyone
>> Hold on. Commissioner Joseph, Vice Mayor had a question. Can vehicles stay o stay overnight in a in a spot? >> What do you mean a spot? You mean >> on on a right of way? You mean a street? >> Yeah. Well, I I saw uh on North Bay Road
and you know, in front of Plas of the Americas, there's like a very wide, you know, yellow lines like in the middle and um and sometimes some cars are dropped off there, but this one was there overnight and I wasn't sure if >> the car or the truck. >> The truck. Oh, that's
>> was it operating? Was it on? Was it? So, we'd have to look at each situation differently under state statute >> needs to be called in. >> So, is that so is that something that do do does anybody know? >> Well, it could again without having all the specifics, I couldn't tell you.
>> Semitr with the things, you know, that carries cars, but it didn't have any cars. >> It's specific location. We'd have to look at state statute. We'd have to also look at the county park. I've seen them by the school, you know, where the cars drop off and pick up the kids. Uh, I
seen those delivery cars, those delivery trucks kind of sitting there, delivering trucks there, >> but not left there. There someone is in there. >> I might have seen one just parked there. >> I mean, somebody could have been in in the other one cuz, you know, they do sleep there. They have sleeping quarters
in in in the in >> So, are we in agreement that we want to look at some sort of ordinance? >> I Yes. Yes. Yes, I I think our police department could give us a little more information on this to see if you know there are some that stay overnight.
>> I think that's code actually >> or code or >> it should be actually a combination of both. >> Okay. So, >> I think that guy got away with it if no one called it in >> because that's not right to have that happen. >> Mr. City Manager,
just a question as to, you know, what what's what is your opinion on us putting together some sort of ordinance as far as, you know, the the feasibility of it being uh enforceable because I know that that's always a question. >> We we had something drafted. We can look
at it, update it, and bring it back to you. >> Okay. >> May I But but it goes back to the to the first question that was never answered. I mean, are we gonna >> where would they stand? Where are they going to be able to do we gonna have are we gonna have assigned uh locations
where they yeah drop these off? You can answer that question. >> Yeah, you can that if we come up if we come up with an ordinance now that won't be a component of it because you all have you can't identify a place that you want it to happen. >> No, that's what I'm saying. We as a body we need to identify and give the staff direction
>> if you want that part of the ordinance. >> Yeah, I think it's important >> for the north end of the city. Is it feasible under the causeway? >> No. they can't turn around. >> And the other the >> the other issue which we talked about
when when code was um was in the academy uh that often even with the fines like yeah we can impose more and try to make it more uncomfortable for them. But at the end of the day it you know they'll just pay it and keep doing what they're
doing and for them it becomes the cost of doing business and then they'll just increase the fees. you know, if somebody's having a Lamborghini delivered, they can afford, you know what I'm saying? Uh, so I mean, we can try. I think there's it's worth looking into it if we can actually land on the
same page. >> But I mean, here we have a safety issue. They're blocking the entire street. >> I mean, kids are coming by on street. >> I don't disagree with you. I >> cars coming by, pedestrians, you can't see when a car comes to pass on the
wrong side of the street. Not >> right. But as I mean as it stands right now uh Mr. City Manager correct me if I'm wrong if if one of them are standing like this blocking the traffic we can still code can come and tell them to move and they can be cited as is. is we don't
>> yeah they have been again under state law you can deliver unfortunately between Amazon trucks UPS car whatever they're heavily protected under state statute so they can't drop off their wares um if they're there too long obviously that you know we've been
ticketing them um but >> so what would an or >> can't just prevent them from doing it >> what would an ordinance do then if we are preempted from >> again to the commissioner's point there may be time restrictions as to when you can do it if you want to do location Uh
we could try to set our own rates of uh instead of just citing them for parking under what we use for the county potentially we could have our own schedule. I think it's Leo can correct me. I think it's uh either town of Palm Beach or Palm Beach.
>> It was it was Palm Beach. >> I think it was Palm Beach. They have an ordinance where they have some a fee structure like that. So, >> right. But we got stuck had some success. I'm sorry. >> We got stuck with the location. That's when we stopped the conversation. Hi Julio. >> Hello again.
>> Yes, that's correct. Uh the proposed ordinance or that I had brought uh forward pretty much revolved and and the centerpiece of it, the component of it was to have a specific location and certain times where they could drop off
and not but >> we couldn't come to an agreement. So >> yeah, we're very limited in in space. >> Right. Right. Right. Right. Okay. Okay. So, do we have anywhere around by Heritage Park that we could have a drop off, a
pickup area? >> We've looked at the only viable options that we saw from everything. We we brought forward to you as like potential and and not that we thought necessarily. It was great. You know, it was really up up to you um to
let us know whether those would even be viable. But our city, as you know, is very limited um with all of this. So, >> well, the thing is the owner of the vehicle drives to where the car carrier is. So, it's it's just a matter of
finding a safe spot for the that's out that's not going to cause um any type of traffic issue and it's more a safe location. and then the owner drives to where they are. So, it's just a matter
of the communication between the truck driver and the the owner. So, we just have to find the spot where they can go and then, you know, uh put out word that this is our our city uh north end or
south end safe area. I know on North Bay Road because you have that wide area in the yellow that is a safe spot. It may not be pretty looking. >> Count on my no. >> I know. But I'm just saying we have to have >> We got stuck.
>> We have to have some stay safe areas. >> That happens to be a safe area because it doesn't block the roadway. >> So yeah, I don't know if we're going to come to an agreement with that because it goes brings us right back to where we were. Uh what was the >> you also have to do it in a logical so >> you know you have to think it might not
look pretty but it's logical. >> I think we can start potentially with the fines to see if there's anything that can be done Mr. City Manager. Um but as far as the location >> it's there's going to be my backyard with everyone >> Collins is it's totally unacceptable
spot. >> Every spot is unacceptable. Well, I think if we put our heads together, we can find a northern spot that's safe and out of the way. And if it's out of the way, it it doesn't matter if it's a
little inconvenient for the truck driver because like I said, it's a matter of safety. >> No, no, no. I agree with you, Commissioner. I don't think that's the the the issue. The issue is that it would be an inconvenience to the residents of that area. Um, but >> well, over by Heritage Park, I don't
know. And are is a large truck able to pull in by >> again? You know, all the all of the potential viable areas we we brought forward to you and and that is indeed the challenge. You are correct. That is the challenge and and to your point,
Miss uh M. Madame Mayor, is the citations in the proposed ordinance in order to issue a violation, you know, a citation or a $500 fine through code enforcement. It revolved around
not parking in the designated area. That would have been the violation. But without a designated area, >> right, >> we really don't have it >> the violation, right? >> If may I So just bring us one, two,
three, whatever designated areas and we vote for it. Some people's going to be happy, some people going to be okay. >> Try to find the reality. But the reality is that we're going to have to sadly pick a place, the one that makes the most sense, you know, and deal with it. >> Okay. >> So, someone who is aware of viable
areas. Let's, you know, bring those areas to us and let's decide on them. >> That can bring >> Absolutely. I will go with that. Yeah, >> that can bring them back. >> Do we have consensus to bring it back? We just lost Commissioner Lama. Yes, I
believe he was reasonable with it. >> Well, I think if you guys are eyeing North Bay Road, I'm going to say no on the consensus. >> Right. >> Well, so where else is there on the South? Not so we're not going to be able to have that conversation. Um, >> so we have to have a few viable areas
that that um >> whichever they are, including North Bay, if that's the only one, if that's the one that makes sense, is the one that is going to get chosen. So like again just bring whatever makes sense and let us make that decision with the information
you know an informed decision >> right >> otherwise we're not going to be able to do absolutely anything right so do we have consensus 186th street off Collins is not a viable area >> we we know that because you can't get two cars past if there's a large truck
there it's just so unsafe >> Collins you also have FDOT it's not our road so we wouldn't be able to do Colins No, no, not Collins. This is They're sitting on street off Collins. >> Yeah. >> Commissioner Llama, the discussion is
whether there's a consensus to bring back the um discussion to vote on an actual location to drop off. Remember, if you if you remember, we couldn't come to a consensus last. >> Yes. Um >> you want to bring it back? >> Yes. >> Okay,
>> great. Okay, thank you. So, we'll have something for next month. >> Thank you. Okay, >> next item. >> Next item is 3F, a discussion by Commissioner Joseph regarding the central island drainage injection walls. Okay. So, at the agenda review, I had a
discussion with the city manager regarding pvious concrete, and he had said to me that we couldn't use pvious concrete because at high times of high tide, there would be nowhere for the water to seep through
the concrete and nowhere for it to go because the water level would be high. But now I found out today that we've spent almost o almost $800,000 on central island
uh fixes which have not gotten us anywhere and these injection wells would they not Mr. City Manager would they have not not have the same problem with the high water line as
as the pvious concrete? to go deeper. >> Where would you pump the water at high tide? >> Um, Mr. City Manager, are you are you understanding the question? >> I think so. The injection wells are deep into the earth,
>> but you have high tide. So, where would you pump the water? >> Below. >> The level is going to be high at that time. >> It's below. >> It's into the aquifer. >> You're going down so low in the aquifer. You're beyond that saturation level. You're below the saturation level.
>> Yeah. But then that's where you have the limestone. You can't power uh force water into the It destroys the limestone >> and that's our foundation. >> You have to talk to the city engineer. >> What is your request, Commissioner?
>> What is your request? My my uh request is to um look into having pvious concrete and also uh removing some of the um
the soil around um the areas on North Bay Road that are impervious to water. Uh because when they were originally constructed, no one removed the gravel. And I I know that that's a fact from
putting my election signs in. You cannot get them in the ground because you have all that gravel still there. If we uh spend uh not a large amount of money for clean fill, we can even obtain clean fill from developers that are building
houses in Golden Shores and they have nowhere to put their uh the fill they've removed for their foundations. We can um remove some with our city equipment. We can remove um in our right of ways uh the soil and
make that more pvious to water and uh save our sewers and allow for more uh uh infiltration of water rather than runoff into our sewers. Also, um I understand that our new city engineer has not
reviewed yet um the injection well issue and um I would like to before we spend any money on the injection wells um have a review by our city engineer that that we would be privy to.
>> Is that all right, Mr. City Manager? It's up to the commission at this point. We've discussed this for a long time. >> We've come up with a viable solution. >> If each one of you has a different idea, we could consider all your ideas
>> and put our drainage project on hold. >> Well, yeah. Well, it was on hold for many years uh because no one moved forward with it and the expense just got outrageous. >> Right. So we wisely went back, looked at
the plan, revised it, updated it, >> came up with a viable solution which we're trying to implement which >> we don't know if that's a solution that >> it is a solution. Well, >> it's definitely a solution. >> We the engineer hasn't even reviewed it yet. So >> it has been reviewed by engineers.
>> I was told today it was not reviewed by the engineer. >> It's been reviewed by numerous engineers to move it forward. At this point, our recommendation is to move forward with it. >> Well, debating it. >> We don't even How much is it? How much is the cost on it?
>> Do we have a number? >> Sis, >> no, Commissioner. I'm sorry. We do not have a number on it. >> How can we move forward? >> It's still in the in the design process and the permitting process, which is where we're at. So, we don't have any
firm numbers yet. It's part of the process. >> So if it's in the design process, how is it been reviewed by anyone? >> That is part of the process. So the engineer that designs it and then we
have our engineers and our for permitting, not just ours. Miami Dade County and the state D have to review those. >> Right. So you're going to be pumping polluted water into our aquifer. Is that what I just heard? Is it?
>> No. >> No. >> Mayor, is there anything further? >> No, >> I steppp away the Okay, next item. >> I I I just wanted to mention that I I I mean, we can I can meet individually with the
engineer and with the city manager and ask questions. So, yeah. >> Well, I would like to do that as well. >> Well, you could do that. Yeah. >> Okay. So we we all have that availability. >> Yeah. Nothing stops uh through the manager for you to be able to have those
conversations as long as it's facilitated manager. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So yeah, but don't we have to vote on this project going forward? >> What do we >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So when would that occur?
>> You talking about Central Island? >> We've already spent $800,000. I cannot determine the time that durm other agencies are going to take to review something. So I cannot give you an accurate timeline right now. This is a major project that required that is
involves several different agencies. So I can't speculate at that right now. >> But we already gave direction, right? We gave direction. >> Yes. You gave us direction in the past to pursue the potential for injection
wells opposed to the $56 million pump station option. >> Okay. Okay. Next item. >> Next item is 3G. A discussion by Commissioner Llama regarding codification of a subsidance monitoring requirement.
>> Yeah. Obviously, this is a um a hot topic right now given everything that's happened in the city, but when when I went to Tallahassee for with the Florida League of Cities, I I met with the D, you know, I brought this
um issue up and um he connected me with the head of the uh Florida uh geological survey. So, we had a conversation. We were trying I I was trying to understand what the state is doing as far as uh
subsidance, sink holes, etc. And what the head of the Florida Geological Survey told me is that they do keep track of of these um let's say issues, but only if they are reported. So
nobody's actively monitoring if there's any let's say issues or there's any risk or they could see that there is some sort of uh subsidance uh happening or if there is uh a risk of some sort of you
know settlement etc continuous settlement so what I was thinking of and I think it will be good if we could codify something into our building requirements where when it
comes to new developments, we do tell the developer that they must monitor for subsidance for two to three years. I mean, we could discuss that. This is an overall idea that I that I was thinking about. Okay.
>> How about during the construction as well? >> Well, during and after. >> Yeah, during and after. So if we could codify that and then also you know there's buildings that have been built way before 70s 80s where I
don't know how they were built. I don't know if they had pylons going down etc. I think that we have to be as a city we have to be monitoring that as well. Uh we have a lot of seaw walls going on. There's a lot of things going on and
from what I understand that a lot of the land that we see here in Sunnyhouse Beach has been dredged. You know, a lot of it was just basically everything and it was a lot of fillings and everything. So, I think that is a must that we as a
building department, as a city, >> we do impose some sort of requirements with these developers for any new development. And then also, you know, for older developments where obviously the developer doesn't exist anymore, you're talking about Winston
Towers, Arland House, etc., where we do monitor what's going on with, you know, underneath. So I think that this warrants further discussion but it needs to be
you know considered and I think something needs to be implemented for sure because we are a barrier island. Um, not that I am putting into question the the the current construction, but I think that it it's always, you
know, it's better to be safe than sorry and be cautious. >> Well, if I could just add something. So, in January, I had um uh regarding the Miami Beach project, um I had asked for a three-month uh
postponement for the uh for Ocean 2 and Armani to work with the developers to come to some agreement regarding um the vibration effects to their buildings and other issues. uh they were the commission gave them a
one-month um delay and in February the commission even though that the developers in good faith did not come to any agreement with the um with Ocean 2 or Armani and even
to this day they have not done anything. The commission went ahead and um with my no vote, I was the only no vote. Um the commission went ahead and approved um the project. So,
I just want the commission to know that you did not do the right thing by the uh residents of Armani and Ocean 2 and there was no good faith on the part of the developers to make any agreements as to the safety of Ocean 2 or Armani
during their construction. Well, they did agree to to certain things, but remember that I found out that to the state there's not been any >> uh movement on the part of the developers to um to quell the um the you
know whatever uh you know safety issues the residents have regarding their buildings during the construction. >> Let's thank you uh commissioner but I want to stick to the agenda item. Um, uh, Commissioner Lama, what what exactly is are you asking for?
>> So, basically, I want to see if for any new developments, we could codify, um, something where the developer is required to monitor the construction for vibration, any damages or any issues to
the to the adjacent, let's say, properties, etc. and then also to continue to monitor for any uh post you know post completion subsidance um you know to that building to the newly built
building and to the neighboring areas. Then also I would like to see if we could monitor for any issues with the older buildings you know talking about the Arland House Winston
Towers etc. Now, when I spoke to um the DP and I spoke to the head of the uh Florida Ge Geological Survey, there there's monies that we could probably tap into from the state, from the the Department of Economic, uh Development,
um uh devel no the Department of Economic Opportunities. I think they just changed their name. I forgot the name, but there there is some appropriations that we could tap into and um we should have further
discussions um about this. I believe, >> mayor, if I may. So, a couple questions. So, >> nobody's monitoring this. >> I know, but there's because it's all part of the Florida building code. They need to change the Florida building code. The problem is that you can't
impose you can't add to the building code locally. Um there's a few issues and and we can discuss it and see what parameters but for example for codification even if you could you couldn't impose on a developer building a new building a
requirement for them to monitor neighboring properties on somebody else's property. They they're solely it's solely limited to their particular site. Right. What about with the agreement of their neighbors? >> That you can't codify that. You can't require them to do that because state
law doesn't allow you to do that. You don't have that authority. Uh the Florida building code dictates how that building gets built unfortunately. And that's why look after Hurricane Andrew, right? The huge changes to the Florida building code because of what was learned there. But locally, you're very
limited as to what you can do. Again, we'll look into it. Let's see what possibly we can do with the other aspect with the older buildings. We the city can't do any monitoring for a variety of reasons. One, because you're imposing a huge huge liability on yourself because
if you start monitoring buildings, one, you don't have the expertise or the equipment and even if you did, if you miss something in an old building and something happens, you're responsible as a city. So, you're imposing a duty on yourself that you'd never want to undertake. Um, so that's another aspect
of it, too. with regards to cost of equipment and then the expertise to be able to monitor that. There's a lot of my understanding there's a lot of false positives with this data. So, uh it's really a lot of times it's on site at the moment as was explained during the hearing where you've got a big truck
passing by. You're going to get a huge spike on your geer counter and unless you have data indicating what caused that, it's it's a lot of false positives. So, we can look I I mean, I've already spoken to the building official about it. that he was skeptical being able to do anything beyond the
Florida building code, but we certainly can look into it. Um, but we we are heavily constrained. >> But let's say, can we impose on that building that's being built by a developer? Let's say building A is being
built by developer X. Can we impose for them to monitor any subsidance, any uh what's what's there right now in the code? Is there anything in the code, including the Florida code, that will monitor for subsidance? >> Well, it would be their own
>> vibrations, potentially their own building once it's built, but there's nothing that nothing in the Florida building code or your city code can impose something on if I'm building on site A that I have requirements for site B or site C next to me. So, they could
monitor. >> So, so, so let's forget about the neighbors. But let's let's talk only about that building being built. I'm worried about subsidance. I'm worried about the foundation being built correctly, etc., etc. >> That's Florida building code.
>> Okay. So, the Florida building code does impose and we with our building department obviously we're we're we're tasked with imposing Florida building code. We enforce it and following. Okay. So, we enforce it. So we could enforce on that building,
building A, that there's no subsidance, that you know the foundation's done correctly, etc., etc. >> If it's in the if if it's in the build Florida building code. Yes, absolutely. That's what your building official. I mean, there's got to be something. >> Yeah. Your building official lives and breathes the Florida building code data.
>> Okay. So I would like to see what exactly we we we impose on these developers and uh >> we enforce >> and then we enforce the building. No, I I understand that but I think we need to be
you know we're barrier island obviously limestone is ba basically a bedrock in and in in Florida South Florida uh specifically. So I think we need to see what as a building department we could
monitor. Now let's say we cannot impose extra cost because the Florida building code does not allow us to do that right to a developer or to a builder. What can we do as a city? Because if we choose to say, you know what, our
building department is going to contract out with a geological expert to start monitoring this. I understand that you have your the concern for any liability. >> Yeah. You don't want to start monitoring something you don't control because it could you know it's it's you're you are
creating a duty that you do not have. >> But but we do we are monitoring the things that we >> control. You're not monitoring any of that. >> I mean our building department goes out and monitors how the electrical is being done in the in the building. how I mean
in the way that's what the way it was built, not the way it was built. They don't go back and retro inspect buildings to see how they've been built or if the electrical is proper or anything else. If an issue comes up, they deal with that particular issue. Uh
but we don't go back and check. We don't even go, you know, if there's suff if if there's cracking or things of that sort, there's a limitation, we can go and take a look. But essentially, you have geotechnical folks that would have to
look at that that are completely beyond what the city can do. >> But what about if the city contracts that out >> and every two years or every year we take a look at, you know, what our island is doing? You know, what what what the surface of of the island is,
what's happening with it. >> You you mean just from the right of way or from the >> No, no. Parking for for for everything. >> Well, no. You can't you can't go on private property and just do it. It's private property. >> But when a sorry when a property comes
before us for approval, we have that short window like what happened with Miami Beach property where they agreed to do monitoring. >> Jerry, I'm talking about more. I'm talking about more of a holistic uh approach to >> I mean as you saw as you seen with the
projects coming through now your developers apparently are very well aware of the fact that if they want an approval they're going to need to do some monitoring right so whether it's the Bentley or whether it's the Miami Beach Club >> for instance we we imposed I mean well no they they they offered they
volunteered yeah >> so but again a developer I think is well aware at this point with these two developments that we're dealing with and I presume the same with St. Reges that if they want to build in the city, they want to get an approval, they're going to have to do some monitoring in order
to uh you know, for the neighbors benefits as well as what you all want and they know to volunteer that. I I'm just surprised that in the state of Florida, I mean, the DP, the geological survey, no, nobody's actively monitoring
for this and they just have a database where it is based on reporting. If somebody reports it, they'll put in the database. There's a little map where you could see, you know, sinkhole activities, etc., etc., settlement. But
they're really not monitoring. I mean they do monitor for construction but yeah it's not active. It's really based on it's really based on on reporting >> and and again there may be I believe there is >> it's really I mean >> I believe there is >> I don't understand why not
>> I believe there is in the building code some provisions with regards to vibration monitoring and things of that sort but we'll certainly look into it. Look >> can we look into it and and have further discussion on this because whatever we could do I I'd like to max it out. Yeah, do whatever we can do. We can figure out
the maximum of what we possibly can do and then we'll bring that back to you and that way you can see what you know we we can't agree. >> It's called lobbying. >> That's why to the answer to >> Well, safety is >> Oh, I agree with you. I'm there with you 100%. >> No, I'm there with you. Yeah.
>> Florida is a very very development friendly state. >> Loving again. Yes, >> I understand. I mean, SB 180 you know, yeah, I understand that. But we need to, you know, push back and and
fight the good fight and, >> you know, look out for for for residents. So, >> yeah, we can certainly look into the >> Yeah. >> what we can do. >> Okay. >> All right. Next item. >> Yeah. This is uh again bu building uh and and this again goes back to safety
making sure that the residents are protected and the city's protected from you know development that is not done correctly and some some issues that h have to do with it. So, you know, looking at the building
process, right? And not and I'm not talking in this um particular sense about, you know, the huge developments, you know, like the Bentley, etc. So, I'm talking about, you know, people remodeling their apartments, their homes, etc.
I would like to understand the application process, you know, because there is a lot of scammers out there. There's a lot of contractors that don't have the skills to do what they're doing and then they hire all these um you know
day laborers etc that obviously are not doing quality work and can put us residents in danger and the city in danger and open up um you know for for liability. Now,
talking about contractors, and this is a big issue in in South Florida, is that a lot of the contractors will um lease out their their license number. Okay? >> So, that is a big issue. So, going back
to the start, right, when we have an application, what I would like to see, and I don't know if this is done already, I had a preliminary conversation with Stan and with with Dylan about this, but what I would like to see is when a homeowner
asks for an application or their contractor, what I would like to see first and foremost is that the contractor that signs it is actually a manager or a partner in that uh that
firm and that could be checked in some biz. Okay, that's easy to check. And then they will have to acknowledge that they are not allowed. We need to have them sign some sort of acknowledgement that they are not allowed to lease out their license number for for to anybody
else. They will have to do the job. Another thing for for residents too is that when they sign these applications, both residents and also the um the contractor that has the license number,
I would like to see that they both signed it like some sort of acknowledgement also that there's a sheet like a resources sheet that could tell the resident what resources they have to investigate the contractor. So, it could give them time and they could
go to different websites to see if this contractor has any litigation, how many open permits they have, any issues that they've had in the past. Okay. And then what else? Hold on. I had a
whole bunch of notes, but I'm I'm ad livinging it. Hold on. So that and also our building department to do some research on those contractors because we obviously do not want a contractor that is not qualified to be
doing work here in the city because I have been witnessed to many things that are terrible in in in the city. And by terrible I mean safety issues where people could have died. it could have caused major damage or major, you know,
um people could have been hurt basically. Okay. So, if there's any issues with litigation, I think that our building department should look into that. Look into how many jobs they have out there because then I think that will
give us an indication if they are leasing out their license number, you know, because that's what a lot of contractors do. And then when it comes to inspections, especially when it comes to electrical or any issues that are really really,
you know, have to do with safety and people getting hurt or injured or even dying, god forbid, you know, I think that there's got to be some safety net because I have seen our inspectors miss critical things. Electrical where
the whole electrical had to be rewired. Okay. in certain jobs um and other things that tiles in the bath um the walls of a of a bathroom were not even put with framing. Okay. And they were all wobbly and then the
inspectors, you know, there's a half point, there's a midway point where obviously there's like a preliminary inspection where they have there's different steps. Those inspections passed. So I we need to have some sort of oversight where
when it comes to these type of inspections that have to do with safety and with the well-being of of you know our residents, the inspector gets inspected basically. Okay. If they pass something that has to do with life safety, they need to uh we
need to have some sort of second step and a and a safety net. And then that's basically it. So, I would I would like to continue this conversation to see how we could implement better systems within our building department. And I'm very happy
that now we are accredited and we're improving now that we have a obviously new new head of the building department. But yeah, when I witnessed some of these things that happened, I was I was shocked. I was very shocked. I don't
understand how this happened. And then we as a building department >> present at the inspection or is this after the insp I I I I said what I what I have to I I was I was not present but I I I witnessed it afterwards. Yeah. >> Right.
>> Yeah. Okay. So I I I still don't understand how how this happened to be honest with you. It's very scary. Very very scary. So, and then aside from that, you know, get a better system of reporting, letting the the the residents
know what are the steps and what is missing when they have a project that is ongoing. So, that way, you know, everybody's on the same page. And I know that the a new system is being implemented, some
changes are being applied. So, uh I'm happy about that. But but yeah, definitely see how we could block, you know, contractors that are not supposed to be doing any work and see how we can identify,
you know, when a contractor is leasing out their their uh license numbers. Uh we'll obviously have to talk to the DVPR. I don't know if there's some sort of um systems in place, but also make these contractors and the residents, you
know, give them give the residents the tools to investigate about these uh these contractors so they make the right decision. Yeah. Give me a second. And then also make sure that you know when a contractor signs that application, it is the manager that is listed on Sunbiz
uh or somebody that's authorized to sign a contract and they will have to sign some sort of acknowledgement that if they are leasing out their license number, they could get in big trouble and they could even be banned from from working in the city.
um be before we uh I open it up uh I just because you said a lot so thank you uh and I think that we all can agree that that safety is is paramount but I think that that that there's also there's a balance of of what we can and cannot do.
Um so and I not aware what what exactly happened but I imagine it was something very terrible. >> It was terrible. >> Um Mr. city attorney regarding some of the the comments and questions by commissioner, you know, so that we can have a a good conversation.
>> I think for the most part, to the extent that you're going to require someone, I mean, we do for our contracts require someone that's authorized to sign for the company. That's not a problem. Uh we could probably have an affidavit with regards to the leasing. You know, that's not so much of an issue. U the
repercussions though from them violating that. The problem is that you can't block uh can't block a contractor from working in the city. Um nor can you uh say yay or nay. I mean certainly you can have all the materials for folks
coming in for a permit as to what they can do, what they should do with regards to a contractor, what their protections are, what they can do to investigate them. we can't undertake those investigations because we can't pick winners and losers because you can't go and say, "Well, don't use this contractor or use this contractor." Um,
>> but we do we do give out a permit based on because let's say we have a contractor that is always that has a lot of violations that we know that >> they're they're terrible, okay? Or they're leasing out there. >> But >> that's your that's your right to you as
a homeowner. It's your right to contract. I can't interfere with your right to contract. I could look at you and say you are the biggest idiot for hiring this person because they have this or that. Even if you look at litigation, a lot of contractors have litigation and a lot of it isn't necessary. >> Yeah, I know litigation anybody could
sue anybody but >> but you can't you can't block someone from working in the city. >> Can can we give them a sheet of paper saying these are your resources? See if your contractor has like give them a website. You could find out if they are embroiled in any litigation. And this is
a website to see how many jobs they have. >> Absolutely. >> You know, because when I did some research, you know, some contractors have 300 jobs going on at the same time. There's no possible way they could have 300 jobs going on at the same time, you
know. >> Yeah. No, that that actually you can that's the point. Exactly. >> You can actually create a packet for your folks when they come in. >> That's what I like to see. >> All their resources. The only thing you can't do really is, like I said, block or make recommendations or because even
if you on the flip side, if you say, "Yeah, this contractor is okay. We've looked into it and he it's pretty good contractor." And something goes wrong. Well, the city told me they were good, >> right? >> Well, I'm not saying that we tell them it's good, but like tell them, listen, do your due diligence. These are the
resources. And also, when the contractor signs that application, they'll need to sign some sort of acknowledgement. both the contractor and the the the homeowner that if that contractor is leasing out
the or selling their their license number they they they're open to you know repercussions, right? >> But what are those repercussions? You don't have >> No, no, but I'm sure that the the the state does not allow that. The DPR does not allow to do that. >> I I'm not I don't
>> No, no, they're they're not by law. They're not allowed to to lease out their license, >> right? So I mean certainly we can get an a it's like we do now there's certain affidavits with all our contracts they have to sign for example >> now they have to every contractor we go not just >> anybody we do a contract with has to
give us an affidavit that they're not involved in human trafficking. Right. >> Right. >> Uh and if the repercussion to that is we're in privity in contract with them. So if we find out they lied contract's done. >> Right. Right. Here in this case if they sign that that's fine. They're acknowledging they didn't do it. I don't
know what kind of repercussions we would have. >> Well, let's look into what the the I'm sure there's got to be the DVP. >> It would be up to the state, right? It would be up to the state. >> Yeah, but they need to sign that and and obviously they need to understand what the >> um Commissioner Commissioner Stew. >> Yeah, go ahead.
>> Okay. So, um I actually brought this issue last year as a discussion item, not specifically clearly what you saw, but oversight and transparency. and we have the tools right now to have everything open and it's a decision made
here that is not allowing the people to have those access to that. So I write a memo for you for you guys for everybody. I put some pictures over there of the um software that unless we change it I believe is the software that we are
using right now. So I'm going to read a little bit. sources. Over the past year, I have repeatedly asked the administration to open our digital portals so that residents can automatically view build permits, inspections, and court enforcement
records online. And every time I bring it up, I am met with the same exact excuse that making public records easily accessible is somehow a privacy or a security risk. In February 2025, during a discussion item brought by me, it was
suggested by the staff that letting residents see basic building records online could lead to arson. The reality is that public records belong to the public >> or theft. Our residents should not have to fill out a public record request and
wait days, even though the Mauricio's office is really good, by the way, to find out if a permit was legally pulled for the allowed construction next door or to check the status of a code of violation in their own neighborhood. >> We are operating a 21st century software
system with 19th century gatekeeping mentality. This commission approved a hefty contract for Granico Smart Golf Software. We have it right now in house. Graos literally advertises this software based on it citizens portal. Their own
website states that smart go it's designed to and I quote allow citizens to track permit status and review realtime inspection results 247 on any device for increased satisfaction and
transparency. The smart go official manual has an entire section called citizen portal public view. It explicitly details how a resident can simply type in an address or a parcel number and instantly see the permits in
court history associated with that unit. The software has the capabilities building today and we're paying for it. the administration simply choosing to keep that feature turned off to control the flow of information. Furthermore, if
anyone wants to claim this is a privacy or security risk, I encourage you to look at Miami Day County Durham platform which operates a completely open digital portal where anyone can search property records, violation and permits anytime.
I have used it several times by the way. If the largest county in the state can operate with total digital transparency without compromising security, our city certainly can do the same. We need more transparency, not less. We do not need to control the information. It is a
matter of public record which again by definition are public. Therefore, I send I make the same request to give us a timeline for our next meeting to fully activate the public facing citizen
portal on our existing smart golf software, giving our residents the automatic digital access to basic building and court enforcement records that they have already paid for. You are asking for oversight, we have it. It
just need to be accessible for the people. That's it. >> Is that what you're asking for? >> No. No. Mine I mean >> No, my mine is different. I mean I I would like to empower the residents and to make the residents aware. Well, it
could be because some some of this information could be sitting there on the website, especially if you know the contractors have any litigation against them. See how many open permits wouldn't be on the city website. >> That wouldn't be on the city, but see if
they have any violations, h how many open permits they have, if they were able to close those permits, etc., etc. So, >> the violations would be against the property owners. It wouldn't be against the the um >> No, no, no, no, no. But violations against the um against the contractor. I
mean, we could put that up in Granicus or maybe there's already another website uh that has that information. to get clarification. Let me I want to know >> we don't we don't track uh uh >> we don't track >> we don't track violations. >> No, the only violations we it goes to the property owner. So the fact that
there's a contract >> saying violations against the contractor if or or let's say open permits it's got open permits and they have >> check each county clerk. >> What? >> Some of these guys work in different counties. You'd have to track each county clerk.
>> Well, whatever. So, so my my point is that I would like to see the homeowners, okay, that are looking to contract um you know some work out for remodeling their homes, their apartments, etc. be
aware of certain resources because people don't are not necessarily aware right now. if we could, you know, implement or include some of this stuff within Granas, uh, fine. But I mean, I I will have to
have >> further discussions because I I think what >> Fabola is asking for could be applied to some of what I said, but I'm not too clear on how. I would like to see.
>> We Everybody should have access to it. Like for example, if you see that your neighbor is doing such a bad job, only by going inside, you could see who is actually the the the contractor that he has been he's using to. So again, this information is out there. It's for the
public, it's accessible, we are just choosing not to give it to the people >> or if someone's doing work without a permit >> as well. So you know how many but do you know how many people come to me telling me oh in this house they're doing certain jobs blah blah blah and they cannot go inside right now and
check if they have a permit or not >> you could go not completely and they don't see the package or no you can only have certain information everything is available and we don't have access to we're choosing not to give it to same thing with the code enforcement violations I have people from the
buildings telling me what's happening in my building they have a code enforcement I cannot get it. They the association doesn't provide it to me. Same thing. It's available there and they they could have access to it. All these features are there. I requested back then when we
had that discussion over a year ago to even one onone if we want to have the um like a workshop or with the people of Granos and the smart go so you can actually understand what is it that is there. This is public information that
should be released >> public records. If you can get a public record and get that information, it is a public record. Okay? So why are we choosing and I remember back then we have the conversation, oh what if somebody has golden features in their homes and they don't want to put it out
there and also there are certain things that they are protected by law. Those are not going to be there anyway because they are protected. the rest everything should be accessible if we had the capability for we are choosing not to be transparent with the people by choice
and that's not good >> all right I think we should stick to the to this conversation is to what commission was bringing up >> um I I hear what you're saying this is this is something that I think we've all asked for a number of years at one point I had asked the manager do we have what
you would call a blacklist and I was Not necessarily a blacklist but but like you know just make >> res but I wonder if there is even at the state level besides like better business bureau there I don't think there is I don't think that there is unfortunately
I think that it is by >> well we I think it warrants further discussion and and I'd like to also include what uh some of um the points that um Fabola made and um I don't know maybe we could have a workshop on this
Yeah. Or maybe it's something staff can I mean I mean I'll I'll have internal meetings with staff, you know, with the building department, see how we could implement some safeguards and um safety nets for for for our building department for the res.
>> We could have uh staff come before us and it could be open to all of us >> and just rather than >> workshop. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I want to be careful that we don't create more barriers to building permits because that's probably a
>> very big issue that I hear about is people taking it taking us actually the opposite too long to >> approve because they're making people we're making people go through a lot of hoops. So it can go either way. >> That's not the point. >> But I'd like to get more details as to what exactly you're talking about.
>> Okay. >> The life safety issue. >> Yeah. >> Um Vice Mayor, did you have anything? >> Yeah. No, that's it on this topic and then I have the other >> to Vice Mayor. >> Yeah. >> No, I mean I I I mean I think if I can
summarize what you're saying is you would like to help people not be uh subjected to predatory contractors. >> Exactly. >> Okay. So >> Exactly. >> Um >> and contractors that really shouldn't be doing any I think we've all been there.
>> People that are leasing their number. Yeah. Mhm. >> When the when the building department asked me, my my guy for a a drawing, >> I thought he understood what that meant. And what I got was a literally uh an
lined notebook paper in with pencil. Um and you know, so I I I absolutely understand um wanting to protect people from the predatory um contractors.
Um, and there's no shortage of them in but but I I we we whatever like let's we we can talk about it another time. But I I think we we we have to be careful. You can't >> target people but you can >> No, no, no. It's not targeting.
>> I you know what I think you know what I think we need to do? We need to >> teach people the questions that they can ask >> and that's >> to get the information. the question they can ask our building department to get where you want
>> you know which um I don't know something like because they can't make recommendations but you can ask uh what are you know I don't know like the last 10 projects or if you know there's a project you
like or whatever who was the contractor there or you know there there's questions that I think we can yeah if they're out there then we give them the the resources But I I think this is about predatory contractors. >> Can we just get Please go ahead. >> Sorry, mayor. I just wanted to remind
you all that we need to be back here at 6 p.m. for our planning agency meeting. >> That's right. >> So, really really quick, the last item, singleuse plastic. I know that we're preempted by by the state, but the reason I brought this up is because I went to the public's in in front of the
diplomat and they didn't have any plastic bags. I need to research further. But I asked the cashier. She couldn't really explain, but she's like, "Oh, no. We don't have any plastic bags because like the beach is across from us." So, I'm like, "Is it the city something?" And and she told me, "Yeah,
it's the city." So, I I went and does have uh an ordinance about it. I understand it's preempted, but I wanted to see if because of the, you know, proximity to the ocean, there's something that we could do with
regarding single use plastics or anything like that. >> We can look into it, but the statute is pretty clear, especially for plastic bags. We >> we can't touch those, but um we can look and see >> and maybe >> because obviously marine life, turtles, I mean, there's some angle that we could
use perhaps. I don't know. But the uh >> I'll talk to them, but I >> I think maybe if if with Harlandale maybe it's something they had in place before preeemption >> or maybe it's one of those where maybe it's one of those and they're doing it and they're not
supposed to. >> Yeah. Or or Publix is just uh volunteering not to use plastic. They could be volunteering, but I know that Publix and Milm's uh probably does a better job in in trying to point people to recycle those bags >> and they have made them a lot thinner
than they used to be. >> Um, you know, it's for me it's always been what the consumer wants. I go to Publix, I force them to go and find the paper bags and they stuff every single thing they possibly can in that one bag, you
know. But so it's more about more people asking for it. But um yeah, I mean obviously anything that supports the environment. Okay. >> And commissioner just to to add the single we use single-use plastics you know in this big range but as you know certain things fell through the cracks with the language that you so for
example straws right. So you can regulate straws. >> Yeah. >> Um those types of things. But for the most part if you're talking about plastic bags it's pretty but some things fell through the cracks. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> We Okay. We did the plastic straws. >> We did the plastic.
>> All right. Meeting adjourned. We'll see you all back here at six o'clock.