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MINUTES PREPARED BY
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REPORT:
Tomeka Law, Commission Reporter, 305-375-3864
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1A
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INVOCATION AS PROVIDED IN RULE 5.05 (H)
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REPORT:
The invocation was led by Vice Chairman McGhee.
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1B
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ROLL CALL
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REPORT:
Chairman Rodriguez convened the Policy Council (PC) meeting at 9:07 a.m..
In addition to the Committee members, the following staff members were present:
~Jimmy Morales, Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Mayor;
~ Roy Coley, Chief Utilities and Regulatory Services Officer, Office of the Mayor;
~ Assistant County Attorneys Annery Pulgar Alfonso, Monica Rizo, Terrence Smith, and Debra Herman; and
~ Deputy Clerks Zorana Milton and Tomeka Law, Clerk of the Board.
Commissioner Higgins was also in attendance.
Motion to Set the Agenda
Assistant County Attorney Annery Pulgar Alphonso advised the items to be considered at today�s (3/10) PC meeting were those listed on the final printed agenda, along with the addition of Agenda Item 1G1 Supplement, 1G1 Supplement No. 2 and 2A, as noted in the Changes Sheet memorandum dated March 10, 2025.
Commissioner Steinberg moved to approve today�s agenda with the aforementioned additions. This motion was seconded by Vice Chairman McGhee, and upon being put to a vote, passed by a vote of 4-0. (Commissioner Cohen-Higgins was absent).
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1C
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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REPORT:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Chairman McGhee.
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1D
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REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE HEARD AS PROVIDED IN RULE 6.06
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REPORT:
Chairman Rodriguez opened the reasonable opportunity to be heard and the following person appeared before the Committee:
Norma Busto, 12717 SW 117th Street, Miami, Florida. addressed the committee regarding sidewalk safety issues in her neighborhood. She described unsuccessful attempts to contact Mayor Levine Cava and Commissioner Regalado about the problem. Ms. Busto explained that deteriorating sidewalk conditions forced residents to walk in the street with speeding cars, creating dangerous situations. She noted that one neighbor had been hospitalized due to the sidewalk conditions and emphasized the urgent need for repairs.
Chairman Rodriguez asked staff to meet with Ms. Busto regarding her specific concerns. Seeing no one else come forward to speak, Chairman Rodriguez closed the reasonable opportunity to be heard.
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1E
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SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S)
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1F
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DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
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1F1
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250466
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Discussion Item
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Anthony Rodriguez
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DISCUSSION ON SIDEWALK REPAIRS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY AND THE BACKLOG
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Presented
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REPORT:
Following Ms. Busto's earlier testimony, Chairman Rodriguez requested an update on sidewalk repairs throughout Miami-Dade County.
Mr. Ferrer-Diaz explained a two-tier repair system which involved sidewalks with 50 flags or fewer utilizing in-house crews, while repairs exceeding 50 flags were outsourced to concrete vendors. He identified personnel limitations as the primary obstacle, revealing DTPW operated with one (1) sidewalk crew serving the entire County. Mr. Ferrer-Diaz further advised that the department attempted to address limitations by utilizing other staff for weekend overtime, creating 2-3 crews when possible. He explained that while a recent audit revealed opportunities for implementing electronic work order systems replacing paper processes and increasing available concrete vendors for contracted repairs, personnel shortage remained the primary limitation.
Responding to questions from Chairman Rodriguez about the total backlog, Mr. Ferrer-Diaz reported over 30,000 square yards of sidewalk requiring replacement. Regarding completion timelines with current resources, he indicated it would take years to address existing needs, complicated by continuous monthly accumulation of new repair requests.
Discussion ensued between Chairman Rodriguez and Mr. Ferrer-Diaz regarding trip and fall lawsuits initiated against the County.
Chairman Rodriguez requested a comprehensive report detailing the number of sidewalk repairs categorized by commission districts and asked for the report to be submitted directly to his office immediately after today�s meeting.
Recognizing the need for additional personnel to complete the repairs needed, Chairman Rodriguez requested Mr. Jimmy Morales and Mr. Ferrer-Diaz to 1. Identify available funding sources to employ three (3) additional crews to clear the backlog of sidewalk projects; and 2. To identify a dedicated funding source within 30 days for continued sidewalk repairs once the backlog work was completed.
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1G
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PUBLIC HEARING(S)
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1G1
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250229
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Ordinance
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Eileen Higgins
Oliver G. Gilbert, III
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ORDINANCE RELATING TO REQUIRED REAL ESTATE APPRAISALS WHENEVER THE COUNTY PURCHASES, SELLS, OR IS INVOLVED IN A LEASE OF REAL ESTATE AS A LESSOR OR LESSEE; AMENDING SECTION 2-10.4.2 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO WAIVE SUCH REQUIREMENTS BY RESOLUTION WITHOUT A RECOMMENDATION OF THE COUNTY MAYOR; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE
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Deferred
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No Date Certain
Mover: Kevin Marino Cabrera
Seconder: Kionne L. McGhee
Vote: 4 - 0
Absent: Cohen Higgins
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REPORT:
Chairman Rodriguez expressed his intent to defer the foregoing proposed ordinance.
Commissioner Higgins raised concerns about repeated delays in affordable housing and transit projects due to the administration's failure to complete appraisals timely. She explained that previous County Commissioner Boards had waived the right to decide whether appraisals needed to be waived to accelerate project completion. She pointed out that several county projects had been significantly hindered because appraisals were not completed in a timely manner.
Commissioner Higgins expressed frustration with the inappropriate and indiscriminate manner in which the administration applied appraisal waivers. She recalled an instance where the administration refused to waive appraisal requirements for a parking garage needed for an affordable housing project on County-owned land. Commissioner Higgins argued that currently there was no written authority directing the administration to expedite appraisals for certain projects, and explained the proposed legislation would give the Board of County Commissioners (Board) authority to waive appraisals in special cases for projects crucial to community development. She indicated willingness to amend the language to require a two-thirds majority vote or even a super majority if preferred.
Chairman Rodriguez recognized the intent of the legislation but expressed hesitation regarding complete waiver of appraisal requirements. He requested deferral until the administration and Commissioner Higgins could collaborate to formulate a mutually agreeable solution. Chairman Rodriguez stated that if both parties could not reach resolution, the committee would take action to address the issue.
There being no comments or questions, by motion duly made and seconded, the foregoing proposed ordinance was deferred to no date certain.
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2/19/2025
Adopted on first reading by the Board of County Commissioners
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2/19/2025
Tentatively scheduled for a public hearing by the Board of County Commissioners
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1G1 Supplement
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250559
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Supplement
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FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT TO ORDINANCE RELATING TO REQUIRED REAL ESTATE APPRAISALS WHENEVER THE COUNTY PURCHASES, SELLS, OR IS INVOLVED IN A LEASE OF REAL ESTATE AS A LESSOR OR LESSEE; AMENDING SECTION 2-10.4.2 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO WAIVE SUCH REQUIREMENTS BY RESOLUTION WITHOUT A RECOMMENDATION OF THE COUNTY MAYOR; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE
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Deferred
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No Date Certain
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1G1 Supplement No. 2
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250561
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Supplement
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SOCIAL EQUITY STATEMENT TO ORDINANCE RELATING TO REQUIRED REAL ESTATE APPRAISALS WHENEVER THE COUNTY PURCHASES, SELLS, OR IS INVOLVED IN A LEASE OF REAL ESTATE AS A LESSOR OR LESSEE; AMENDING SECTION 2-10.4.2 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO WAIVE SUCH REQUIREMENTS BY RESOLUTION WITHOUT A RECOMMENDATION OF THE COUNTY MAYOR; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE
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Deferred
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No Date Certain
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2
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COUNTY COMMISSION
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2A
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250554
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Resolution
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Kevin Marino Cabrera
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RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. R-537-14 RELATING TO ALLOCATION OF BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND PROGRAM PROJECT NO. 17 � �COUNTYWIDE WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS� (�PROJECT NO. 17�) TO FUND EXTENSION OF SEWER SYSTEM TO DEVELOPED COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CORRIDORS OF THE COUNTY TO REDUCE ALLOCATION FOR SUCH PURPOSES FROM $126,000,000.00 TO $81,000,000.00 AND TO APPROVE ALLOCATION OF PROJECT NO. 17 FUNDS IN AMOUNT OF $45,000,000.00 TO FUND EXTENSION OF SEWER SYSTEM TO SCHENLEY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (�PROJECT�); DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXPEDITE ALL NECESSARY PROCUREMENT, DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE PROJECT
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Amended
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REPORT:
See Agenda Item 2A Amended, Legislative File No. 250578 for the final amended version.
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2A Amended
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250578
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Resolution
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Kevin Marino Cabrera
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RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. R-537-14 RELATING TO ALLOCATION OF BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND PROGRAM PROJECT NO. 17 � �COUNTYWIDE WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS� (�PROJECT NO. 17�) TO FUND EXTENSION OF SEWER SYSTEM TO DEVELOPED COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CORRIDORS OF THE COUNTY TO REDUCE ALLOCATION FOR SUCH PURPOSES FROM $126,000,000.00 TO $98,500,000.00 AND TO APPROVE ALLOCATION OF PROJECT NO. 17 FUNDS IN AMOUNT OF $27,500,000.00 TO FUND EXTENSION OF SEWER SYSTEM TO SCHENLEY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (�PROJECT�); DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO INCLUDE THE PROJECT IN THE LIST OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED FROM FUTURE FINANCING PROCEEDS AND IN THE 2025 OR NEXT AVAILABLE, ASSOCIATED DEBT ISSUANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT LESS THAN $27,500,000.00; FURTHER DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXPEDITE ALL NECESSARY PROCUREMENT, DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE PROJECT [SEE ORIGINAL ITEM UNDER FILE NO. 250554]
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation with committee amendment(s)
Mover: Kevin Marino Cabrera
Seconder: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Vote: 5 - 0
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REPORT:
Commissioner Cabrera inquired about funding availability for the Schenley Park Project.
Mr. Roy Coley, Chief Utilities Officer, Office of the Mayor, confirmed $27.5 million was available in General Obligation Bond (GOB) funds provided in exchange for the grant originally allocated for the project but redirected elsewhere because the department was not ready to proceed before federal deadline requirements. He also confirmed the remaining $27.5 million would come from future financing arrangements.
Commissioner Cabrera expressed frustration with the administration's failure to uphold previous budget season agreements related to the Schenley Park project.
Assistant County Attorney Monica Rizo read the following proposed amendment as proffered by Commissioner Cabrera into the record:
�To revise the amount of monies allocated to the sewer expansion for industrial and commercial corridors funded from the Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond (GOB) Program Project No. 17 funds to $98.5 million, reduce the amount of G.O.B. Project No. 17 funds to be allocated to the Schenley Park Sewer Expansion System Project from $45 million to $27.5 million, to direct the Mayor or the Mayor�s designee to include the Schenley Park Sewer Expansion System Project to the list of projects to be funded from future financing proceeds backed by covenant to budget and appropriate debt in an amount not less than $27.5 million and to include in the 2025 debt issuance or the next issuance undertaken, the $27.5 million for the Schenley Park Sewer System Expansion Project, to clarify that the project was estimated to cost at least or no less than $55 million and to make conforming changes to the title and throughout the resolution.�
There being no further comments or questions, the Committee proceeded to vote on the foregoing resolution, as amended.
Following the vote, Commissioner Cohen Higgins inquired about preventative policies to prioritize infrastructure projects with grant funding, expressing concerns about establishing processes to ensure future grants only went to projects prepared to advance, minimizing risks of losing federal funding.
Mr. Coley confirmed there were already policies in place to prevent grant fund usage issues and explained the unique circumstances regarding the Schenley Park project. He noted that the $27.5 million Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) grant carried federal source requirements with a very short utilization timeline that became known only after receiving the award. Mr. Coley advised that since the Schenley Park Project was not in the design phase, there was no feasible way to spend the money within the required timeframe without losing it entirely. He noted the department negotiated with DEP to redirect funds to a similar shovel-ready project while transferring equivalent GOB funds to Schenley Park. Mr. coley clarified that this followed standard practice of receiving grant money first, then beginning design work, since department funds could not be allocated to designing future service areas until grant funding was secured.
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3
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DEPARTMENT(S)
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3A
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250203
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Resolution
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Anthony Rodriguez
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RESOLUTION APPROVING AN OFF-SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR LOCAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS ON SR 985/SW 107TH AVENUE FROM SR 94/SW 88TH STREET TO NORTH OF SW 56TH STREET, A PORTION OF THE PROJECT INCLUDES WORK ON SW 84TH STREET, SW 76TH STREET, NORTH SNAPPER CREEK DRIVE, SW 66TH STREET, SW 64TH STREET AND SW 56 STREET, IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE SAME AND EXERCISE THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED THEREIN
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Seconder: Kionne L. McGhee
Vote: 5 - 0
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4
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COUNTY MAYOR
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5
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COUNTY ATTORNEY
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6
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CLERK OF THE BOARD
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6A
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250401
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Report
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Clerk of the Board |
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APPROVAL OF THE CLERK�S SUMMARY OF MINUTES FOR THE CHAIRMAN�S POLICY COUNCIL AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING(S):
� JUNE 5, 2024
� JULY 8, 2024
� SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
� OCTOBER 7, 2024
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Approved
Mover: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Seconder: Micky Steinberg
Vote: 5 - 0
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7
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REPORT(S)
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7A
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250467
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Report
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Anthony Rodriguez
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ORAL REPORT BY DTPW ON STREET LIGHT CONTRACT
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Report Received
Mover: Anthony Rodriguez
Seconder: Kionne L. McGhee
Vote: 5 - 0
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REPORT:
Mr. Josiel Ferrer-Diaz, Interim Director, Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), reported that a Notice to Cure was issued to the vendor for failure to meet contract obligations, specifically the requirement that 95% of lights be operable. He indicated the vendor had worked closely with Florida Power & Lights (FPL) to address wire theft concerns along with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to address County light issues. Mr. Ferrer-Diaz advised that the vendor was given 180 days to complete outstanding work orders and bring lights to 95% operation.
Chairman Rodriguez expressed concerns about inoperable lights affecting his district for nine (9) months. He declared the 180-day cure period unacceptable and required that the vendor cure existing problems by the May 12, 2025 Committee meeting, effectively reducing the timeline to 60 days.
Mr. Oscar Bode, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of Miami Dade Smart Lighting Partners (SLP), LLC, addressed significant contract challenges. He stated it was never disclosed that the inherited system was not already 95% operational and that FDOT was not aligned with the County. Despite inheriting a system with 4,700 inoperable lights (83% failure rate instead of expected 95% operational), Mr. Bode noted that his company had worked to resolve 350 of 600 existing work orders from the previous vendor, including wire theft repairs not included in the original contract. He voiced his disagreement with the Notice to Cure, arguing that many unresolved issues resulted from FDOT restrictions and lack of approval which prevented LED light repairs.
In response to Chairman Rodriguez�s inquiry about contract negotiations with the County, Mr. Bode explained reliance on discussions during year-long negotiations rather than written commitments.
Chairman Rodriguez requested written documentation from Mr. Bode, within 60 days supporting claims about County delivery commitments.
Mr. Bode detailed technical challenges involving 14,000 FDOT-owned lights among the County's 28,000 total inventory. He noted FDOT restrictions prevented repairs without approval that had been delayed over two (2) years. Mr. Bode advised the project was originally planned as like-for-like replacements, but the new FDOT administration demanded photometric analysis on every light requiring over three years (3) to complete. The reported that SLP submitted alternative light detection and ranging (LIDAR) studies while awaiting approval and had upgraded approximately 7,000 lights without underground damage.
Mr. Ferrer-Diaz confirmed DTPW had maintenance agreements requiring FDOT approval for 14,000 FDOT lights within the County inventory. He explained the vendor's contract specifically outlined FDOT approval and analysis for repairs and stated that while FDOT took significant time to respond, staff had provided direction to complete work, and DTPW awaited the vendor�s proposal outlining costs for photometric analysis completion.
Mr. Ferrer-Diaz clarified that the vendor's written contract stated the system was obtained "as is," though the vendor may have operated under different assumptions based on pre-contract discussions. He acknowledged the prior vendor was penalized for uncompleted work and confirmed FDOT had been notified about underground infrastructure breaks. Mr. Ferrer-Diaz stated the vendor had been instructed to repair underground breaks to restore 95% system operability, with DTPW filing claims with FDOT for reimbursement.
Chairman Rodriguez highlighted significant contract deficiencies in both new installations and maintenance, noting that insufficient lighting and deteriorating sidewalks created safety concerns for County residents.
Mr. Ferrer-Diaz explained the vendor had been directed to proceed with lighting repairs, with DTPW covering costs if unable to negotiate FDOT payment.
Commissioner Cabrera questioned the timing of FDOT approval proposals, asking why submissions did not occur earlier in the contract. He also inquired if FDOT District Secretary Stacey Miller had been made aware of the issues.
Mr. Ferrer-Diaz reported ongoing partnership with FDOT District Secretary Stacey Miller to resolve repair approval issues and described the back-and-forth methodology approval process with FDOT.
Chairman Rodriguez assessed the current vendor contract highlighting significant deficiencies regarding new installations and maintenance. He alluded to the fact that the insufficient lighting and deteriorating sidewalks have created safety concerns for the residents of Miami-Dade County.
Commissioner Steinberg questioned procurement processes for smart lighting technology and patterns of lights failing repeatedly after repairs.
Mr. Ferrer-Diaz explained the current vendor contract contemplated smart lights with cameras and sensors but acknowledged the contract addressed maintenance and fixture replacements rather than complete system installation, as the current infrastructure exceeded its functional lifespan.
Mr. Bode acknowledged safety concerns regarding poor lighting, emphasizing that 24-hour surveillance could not commence until all sensors and controllers were replaced. He detailed authorization received to switch from copper to aluminum cables deterring wire theft and SLP�s commitment to collaborating with Miami-Dade County and FDOT to address outstanding issues
COO Jimmy Morales voiced the administration�s commitment to resolve lighting issues through personal engagement with FDOT officials.
Chairman Rodriguez requested Mr. Ferrer-Diaz to provide written FDOT notification regarding the repair approach and plan, and ensure the vendor received necessary resources for contract compliance.
Discussion ensued among Vice Chairman McGhee, Mr. Ferrer-Diaz and Mr. Bode regarding the development of a plan to address ongoing lighting system issues.
Through the ongoing discussion, the following plan was established: the County would assume claims for FDOT lighting repairs and negotiate with FDOT afterward, resolving approximately 80% of outstanding issues; Mr. Ferrer-Diaz would provide written approval for underground damage repairs and wire theft replacement; and DTPW would assign dedicated personnel to prevent processing delays.
Vice Chairman McGhee requested the outlined tasks be completed within the 60-day timeframe previously defined by Chairman Rodriguez.
Commissioner Cohen-Higgins commented on lighting issues in her commission district (8), noting that of 35 originally inoperable lights, 7 had been repaired since the previous hearing, leaving 28 still out due to wire theft and FPL power issues. She emphasized the importance of operable lights in public spaces and appreciated the urgency placed on resolving issues.
Chairman Rodriguez asked Mr. Ferrer-Diaz to reinstate the corrective notice requiring all outstanding tasks completion by May 2, 2025, enabling DTPW to provide a committee report by the May 12, 2025 deadline. He cautioned that contract action would be taken if requirements were not met.
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8
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ADJOURNMENT
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REPORT:
There being no further business to come before the PC, the meeting was adjourned at 10:07 a.m.
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| 8/7/2026 |
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Agenda Key: 5231 |