| REPORT: |
Commissioner Heyman asked Assistant County Manager Alex Munoz to prepare a report for the February 14, 2008, Airport and Tourism Committee meeting, concerning a “mini” police/fire station to house the existing police and fire units at Miami International Airport (MIA) closer to the terminal.
Commissioner Sosa pointed out that MIA was in her district and asked that she be involved in any MIA developments, in order to respond to telephone calls. She asked Assistant County Manager Alex Munoz to provide a fiscal impact statement detailing the cost of the proposed “mini” station versus the number of officers at Miami International Airport; the anticipated performance improvement as a result of the “mini” station; the approach to providing service at the Miami Intermodal Center through another “mini” station versus increasing the salaries of the existing employees; and the Police and Fire Departments’ opinions on the feasibility of the “mini” station as opposed to the existing structure.
Mr. Ruben Galindo, Police Major, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), explained that MDPD had no plans to reduce the number of officers at MIA if a “mini” station was established. He noted a temporary site and permanent site for a “mini” station were selected. He pointed out the site in terminal F could open in 35-40 days. He emphasized that MDPD statistics indicated a 19 percent reduction in overall crime at MIA and 22 percent in robberies in 2007; and that overall crime was reduced 50 percent over the last six years, 80 percent in robberies.
In response to Commissioner Martinez’s inquiry concerning a future “mini” station at the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), Mr. Galindo noted the short distance between the MIC and the existing police station; and explained that a “mini” station at the MIC would not greatly benefit MDPD. |
