| |
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
|
| |
| |
REPORT:
Selena Brogdon, Commission Reporter
(305) 375-1475
|
|
|
1A
|
INVOCATION AS PROVIDED IN RULE 5.05 (H)
|
| |
| |
REPORT:
Commissioner Bastien observed a moment of silence for Mr. David Lawrence, Jr., a retired newspaper publisher and executive editor who was recognized as a national advocate for children. She noted Mr. Lawrence had tragically lost two grandchildren in the Texas floods, along with others who were affected by the flooding.
|
|
|
1B
|
ROLL CALL
|
| |
| |
REPORT:
Chairman Gonzalez called the Safety and Health Committee (SHC) meeting to order at 11:23 a.m.
In addition to Committee members, the following staff members were present:
Assistant County Attorneys (ACA) Kevin Marker and Anita Viciana; and
Deputy Clerks Kerry Khunjar Breakenridge and Selena Brogdon, Clerk of the Board.
MOTION TO SET THE AGENDA
It was moved by Commissioner Bastien that the Committee approve today�s agenda as presented. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Higgins and upon being put to a vote, passed by a vote of 4-0 (Senator Garcia was absent).
Prior to the consideration of Agenda Item 1F1, Commissioner Higgins announced that the Miami-Dade Fire Prevention and Safety Appeals Board (MDFPSAB) had been unable to meet due to lack of quorum caused by membership vacancies. She noted that board membership required specific technical qualifications, including certified engineers and construction managers. Commissioner Higgins indicated she had reached out to engineering organizations and builders' groups to compile resumes and requested to work with the Chairman to fill the vacancies.
|
|
|
1C
|
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
|
| |
| |
REPORT:
Commissioner Higgins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
|
|
|
1D
|
REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE HEARD AS PROVIDED IN RULE 6.06
|
| |
| |
REPORT:
Chairman Gonzalez opened the reasonable opportunity to be heard; the following person appeared before the Committee:
Ms. Renita Holmes, (address confidential) Executive Director, (W.A.A.I.V.E) Women in Public Housing, and Our Homes Business and Property Services, commented on the housing challenges facing women. Ms. Holmes reported unsafe conditions in local neighborhoods, citing examples where four (4) women had been physically assaulted in her neighborhood within one month. She identified housing as a significant disparity gap, particularly affecting women transitioning from the criminal justice system who faced 30-day deadlines to secure housing or risk probation violations. Ms. Holmes questioned why unused properties that previously served women remained vacant and requested the Committee utilize resources to address systemic and economic gaps affecting women. Seeing no one else come forward to speak, Chairman Gonzalez closed the reasonable opportunity to be heard.
|
|
|
1E
|
SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S)
|
| |
|
1E1
|
|
| |
251125
|
Presentation
|
Roberto J. Gonzalez
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
PRESENTATION OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN�S CEDAW RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT
|
Presented
|
| |
REPORT:
Ms. Josephine Novo, Legislative Chairwoman for the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (CFW), presented the annual Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) report. She explained that in September 2015, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) enacted an ordinance adopting the Convention and the International Women's Rights Treaty, which was originally adopted by the United Nations in 1979 and has since been adopted by 189 of 194 member nations. As part of this commitment, the CFW partnered annually with Florida International University (FIU) to create a Status of Women Report that examined four (4) key areas: economic opportunity, safety, health, and education.
Based on the report's findings, Ms. Novo presented three (3) primary areas of concern, beginning with violence against women. She reported alarming statistics including an 84.7% increase in rape cases year-over-year, over 300 additional domestic violence cases, and 286 forcible sex offenses. In response to these concerning trends, the Commission recommended opening two (2) new Coordinated Victims Assistance Centers (CVAC) in underserved areas, launching a multimedia marketing campaign to raise awareness of CVAC centers, and supporting proposed changes to the domestic violence leave policy as recommended by the Domestic Violence Oversight Board.
The second area of focus addressed black maternal mortality, where Ms. Novo reported that only 57% of Black women received adequate prenatal care. She noted that Black women experienced nearly three times the maternal mortality rate and had the highest infant mortality rate of any demographic group. To address these disparities, the Commission recommended that the Board authorize and fund maternal health resource fairs to connect community partners for prenatal education and postnatal delivery services.
The third area examined economic disparities, revealing an 18% wage gap among full-time working women in Miami-Dade County compared to their male counterparts, representing a 5% increase since 2011. Ms. Novo reported that full-time working women earned an average of $41,454 annually compared to men's $50,577, resulting in women earning $9,123 less per year. She further noted that this disparity persisted even among County employees, where women earned $64,522 annually compared to men's $77,446, creating a 16.7% pay gap. Consequently, the Commission recommended conducting a comprehensive workforce analysis to determine where disparities existed and why they persisted, with the goal of developing corrective measures across departments and leadership levels.
Following the presentation, Chairman Gonzalez announced an upcoming prenatal care initiative in August in his district and expressed his commitment to working with the CFW.
Commissioner Higgins emphasized the importance of identifying gaps and implementing solutions, announcing that she had submitted draft legislation regarding domestic violence leave to assist County employees. She noted that this legislation would have minimal financial impact while providing necessary support for employees experiencing domestic violence.
Commissioner Bastien expressed support for Commissioner Higgins' domestic violence leave legislation and raised concerns about maternal health access. She emphasized the need for pay equity and stated her commitment to working with the CFW throughout the year to address women's issues, observing that supporting women benefited entire communities and families.
Ms. Novo concluded her presentation by highlighting upcoming events, including maternal health fairs and a disability resource fair in Hialeah, developed in partnership with Senator Garcia, Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves, and Councilwoman Monica Perez.
|
|
| |
6/10/2025
Meeting canceled due to lack of a quorum by the Safety and Health Committee
|
|
|
1E2
|
|
| |
251435
|
Proclamation
|
Roberto J. Gonzalez
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
PRESENTATION OF A PROCLAMATION DECLARING JULY 8, 2025, AS �MIAMI DADE SHERIFF�S OFFICE HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU DAY�
|
Presented
|
|
1F
|
DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
|
| |
|
1F1
|
|
| |
251185
|
Discussion Item
|
Roberto J. Gonzalez
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING STATE ATTORNEY OFFICE�S MISDEMEANOR DIVERSION SERVICES PROGRAM
|
Presented
|
| |
REPORT:
Chief Assistant State Attorney Stephen Talpins, reported that negotiations on the misdemeanor diversion program were nearing completion. He reported that final resolution required a direct conversation between Commissioner Hardemon and the State Attorney to address remaining concerns. Mr. Talpins stated that once this discussion occurred, he anticipated a quick turnaround working in collaboration with the County Attorney's Office (CAO) to finalize the agreement within several days. He acknowledged the CAO for their cooperation throughout the negotiation process.
Commissioner Hardemon confirmed that minor details remained to be resolved and that once an agreement was reached, the item would be scheduled for a future agenda. He indicated the program would provide second chance opportunities through diversion services.
Commissioner Higgins inquired whether the program served adults or minors.
Commissioner Hardemon clarified that the program was available to anyone enrolled in either the misdemeanor or felony diversion programs, which could include both adults and juveniles depending on the specific program.
Mr. Talpins confirmed that the program involved two providers: Advocates and Court Options, which were the current providers being recommended for the diversion program.
Chairman Gonzalez indicated his support for the program and reported that he had spoken with the State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, who was receptive to the initiative. He also indicated he had discussed the program with Miami-Dade College President Pumariega, who expressed willingness to explore matching program resources.
|
|
| |
6/10/2025
Meeting canceled due to lack of a quorum by the Safety and Health Committee
|
|
|
1G
|
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
|
| |
|
2
|
COUNTY COMMISSION
|
| |
|
2A
|
|
| |
251301
|
Resolution
|
Sen. Rene Garcia
Juan Carlos Bermudez
Roberto J. Gonzalez
Natalie Milian Orbis
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ACTIONS BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PHASE OUT THE USE OF SYNTHETIC COLOR ADDITIVES IN THE NATION�S FOOD SUPPLY; URGING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, TO REVOKE THE AUTHORIZATIONS FOR SYNTHETIC COLOR ADDITIVES TO BE USED IN FOOD PRODUCTS, OR, AT A MINIMUM, TO INCREASE THE STANDARDS FOR ONGOING REVIEW AND AUTHORIZATION OF THESE ADDITIVES AND REQUIRE THAT FOOD PRODUCTS INCLUDE LABELS THAT INDICATE THAT THE PRODUCT CONTAINS A SYNTHETIC COLOR ADDITIVE; URGING ALL CONTRACTORS, VENDORS, SUPPLIERS AND GRANTEES WITH AN EXISTING CONTRACT WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR FOOD SERVICES FOR A COUNTY-OPERATED OR COUNTY-FUNDED FOOD PROGRAM TO TRANSITION FROM USING FOOD PRODUCTS CONTAINING SYNTHETIC COLOR ADDITIVES UNDER THESE CONTRACTS TO USING ALTERNATIVE FOOD PRODUCTS THAT DO NOT CONTAIN THESE ADDITIVES; URGING FOOD MANUFACTURERS, SUPPLIERS, DISTRIBUTORS, PROCESSORS, GROCERY STORES AND OTHER RETAILERS, AS WELL AS RESTAURANTS AND CATERERS OPERATING IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO TRANSITION FROM MANUFACTURING, DELIVERING, PROCESSING, SELLING, PREPARING, DISTRIBUTING OR OTHERWISE PROVIDING FOOD PRODUCTS CONTAINING SYNTHETIC COLOR ADDITIVES, AND TO REPLACE SUCH PRODUCTS WITH THOSE CONTAINING NATURAL ALTERNATIVES, IF ANYTHING AT ALL; DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF CREATING AN INFORMATIONAL PROGRAM TO PROVIDE EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE TO THE PUBLIC IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY REGARDING SYNTHETIC COLOR ADDITIVES IN FOOD PRODUCTS; DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF CREATING A PROGRAM TO INCENTIVIZE COUNTY CONTRACTORS TO VOLUNTARILY TRANSITION AWAY FROM USING SYNTHETIC COLOR ADDITIVES IN COUNTY FOOD PROGRAMS, AND TO PROVIDE A REPORT
|
Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Marleine Bastien
Vote: 4 - 0
Excused: Garc�a
|
| |
REPORT:
There being no questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed resolution as presented.
Earlier in the meeting, following the setting of the Agenda, Chairman Gonzalez requested to be added as a co-sponsor on the foregoing proposed resolution.
|
|
|
3
|
DEPARTMENT(S)
|
| |
|
3A
|
|
| |
251316
|
Resolution
|
Juan Carlos Bermudez
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
RESOLUTION APPROVING (1) A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, AS TENANT, AND AOA FLEXX, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AS LANDLORD, AND (2) AN ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, AS ASSIGNOR, AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT (DOH), AS ASSIGNEE, FOR THE PREMISES LOCATED AT 2200 NW 82 AVENUE, DORAL, FLORIDA, TO BE UTILIZED BY DOH AS WAREHOUSE SPACE AT NO COST TO THE COUNTY FOR THE ENTIRE TERM OF FIVE YEARS PLUS TWO FIVE-YEAR OPTIONS TO RENEW; AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE BOTH AGREEMENTS AND TO EXERCISE ANY AND ALL OTHER RIGHTS CONFERRED THEREIN AND TO PERFORM ALL ACTS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE SAME
|
Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Marleine Bastien
Vote: 4 - 0
Excused: Garc�a
|
| |
REPORT:
There being no questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed resolution as presented.
|
|
|
4
|
COUNTY MAYOR
|
| |
|
5
|
COUNTY ATTORNEY
|
| |
|
6
|
CLERK OF THE BOARD
|
| |
|
7
|
REPORT(S)
|
| |
|
8
|
ADJOURNMENT
|
| |
| |
REPORT:
There being no further business to come before the Safety and Health Committee (SHC), the meeting was adjourned at 11:48 a.m.
|
|
|
| 8/7/2026 |
|
|
|
Agenda Key: 5297 |