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MINUTES PREPARED BY:
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REPORT:
Bryce Stephenson-Pickett, Commission Reporter (305) 375-1296
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1A
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INVOCATION AS PROVIDED IN RULE 5.05 (H)
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REPORT:
Mr. Robert L. Stephens, Vice Mayor, City of Miami Gardens, led the Committee in prayer.
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1B
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ROLL CALL
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REPORT:
Chairman Gilbert III convened the Infrastructure, Innovation, and Technology Committee (IITC) meeting at 11:06 a.m.
In addition to the Committee members, the following staff members were present:
~Assistant County Attorneys (ACA) Eduardo �Eddie� Gonzalez and Hunter Pratt;
~ Mr. Roy Coley, Chief Utilities and Regulatory Officer, Office of the Mayor;
~Mr. Yinka Majekodunmi, Commission Auditor, Miami-Dade County Office of the Commission Auditor;
~ Ms. Lourdes Gomez, Director, Miami-Dade Regulatory and Economic Resources Department (RER); and
~ Deputy Clerks Kerry Khunjar Breakenridge and Bryce Stephenson-Pickett.
SETTING OF AGENDA
ACA Eddie Gonzalez advised the items to be considered at today�s meeting were those listed on the final printed agenda, including the addition of Agenda Items 1G1 Supplement, 1G1 Substitute Supplement, 1G2 Supplement, and 3A Substitute as listed in Chairman Rodriguez�s Changes Sheet. He stated that Agenda Items 1G2 and 2D were cross referenced, and noted that the Committee could consider these items together.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins moved to approve today�s agenda, with the aforementioned changes. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and upon being put to a vote, passed by 5-0.
Later in the meeting, Vice Chairwoman Higgins moved to consider Agenda Items 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3B, and 6A simultaneously. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and upon being put to a vote, passed 5-0.
NOTE: Agenda Items 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3B were forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (Board) with a favorable recommendation, and Agenda Item 6A was approved.
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1C
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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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 Gilbert III opened the reasonable opportunity to be heard; seeing no one come forward to speak, Chairman Gilbert III 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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1G
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PUBLIC HEARING(S)
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1G1
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251526
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Ordinance
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Oliver G. Gilbert, III
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ORDINANCE RELATING TO WATER AND SEWER REGULATION; AMENDING SECTION 32-4 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; CREATING SECTION 32-56 OF THE CODE; ESTABLISHING MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR MUNICIPAL PUBLIC UTILITIES OPERATING OUTSIDE OF THE BOUNDARIES OF SUCH MUNICIPALITY; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT OF SUCH MINIMUM STANDARDS; AMENDING SECTION 8CC-10 OF THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR CIVIL PENALTIES; REQUIRING COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO PROVIDE REPORT CONCERNING REPEAT VIOLATORS; AND PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE
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Withdrawn
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REPORT:
See Agenda Item 1G1 Substitute, Legislative File No. 251758, for the substitute version.
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7/9/2025
Requires Municipal Notification by the Board of County Commissioners
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7/16/2025
Adopted on first reading by the Board of County Commissioners
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7/16/2025
Tentatively scheduled for a public hearing by the Board of County Commissioners
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7/23/2025
Municipalities notified of public hearing by the Board of County Commissioners
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1G1 Supplement
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251788
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Supplement
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR FISCAL IMPACT AND SOCIAL EQUITY STATEMENT TO ORDINANCE RELATING TO WATER AND SEWER REGULATION; AMENDING SECTION 32-4 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; CREATING SECTION 32-56 OF THE CODE; ESTABLISHING MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR MUNICIPAL PUBLIC UTILITIES OPERATING OUTSIDE OF THE BOUNDARIES OF SUCH MUNICIPALITY; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT OF SUCH MINIMUM STANDARDS; AMENDING SECTION 8CC-10 OF THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR CIVIL PENALTIES; REQUIRING COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO PROVIDE REPORT CONCERNING REPEAT VIOLATORS; AND PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE
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Withdrawn
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REPORT:
See Agenda Item 1G1 Substitute Supplement, Legislative File No. 251789, for the substitute version.
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1G1 Substitute
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251758
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Ordinance
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Oliver G. Gilbert, III
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ORDINANCE RELATING TO WATER AND SEWER REGULATION; AMENDING SECTION 32-4 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; CREATING SECTION 32-56 OF THE CODE; ESTABLISHING MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR MUNICIPAL PUBLIC UTILITIES OPERATING OUTSIDE OF THE BOUNDARIES OF SUCH MUNICIPALITY; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT OF SUCH MINIMUM STANDARDS; AMENDING SECTION 8CC-10 OF THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR CIVIL PENALTIES; REQUIRING COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO PROVIDE REPORT CONCERNING REPEAT VIOLATORS; AND PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE [SEE ORIGINAL ITEM UNDER FILE NO. 251526]
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation following a public hearing
Mover: Oliver G. Gilbert, III
Seconder: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Vote: 4 - 1
No: Steinberg
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REPORT:
ACA Gonzalez read the title of the foregoing proposed ordinance into the record.
Chairman Gilbert III opened the public hearing, and the following individuals appeared before the Committee:
1.) Ms. Fortuna Smuckler, City Commissioner, City of North Miami Beach, 17011 NE 19th Avenue, North Miami Beach, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance. She asserted that municipalities had the authority to provide water service both inside and outside their boundaries and to set just and equitable rates through their local ordinances. She argued that the proposed legislation would duplicate oversight already performed by state and federal agencies, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency, and questioned whether the County was willing to incur costs for implementing and monitoring measures while dealing with significant budget cuts.
2.) Mr. Michael Joseph, Mayor, City of North Miami Beach, 17011 NE 19th Avenue, North Miami Beach, spoke in opposition to the item. He characterized the proposal as a solution looking for a problem and expressed concern that the ordinance unfairly targeted North Miami Beach Water. He echoed concerns about duplicating existing regulatory standards and indicated that adding additional regulatory requirements would only raise costs for all customers without improving water safety.
3.) Mr. Kendall Coffey, Legal Counsel, City of North Miami Beach, 2601 S Bayshore Drive, Miami, provided legal context for the item. He referenced Section 180.191 Florida Statutes and cited Florida Supreme Court standards, stating that costs of municipal services for those outside municipal limits could not be determined with mathematical certainty but constituted a legitimate and protected function. He referenced Governor DeSantis's veto message, suggesting that municipalities should be encouraged to resolve disputes themselves rather than through additional regulatory oversight.
4.) Ms. Sonja Dickens, City Attorney, City of Miami Gardens, 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, appeared in support of the proposed legislation. She asserted that the County had full authority under its charter and the constitution to regulate water throughout the County and ensure fairness and parity in rates. She expressed concern about unilateral charges without oversight and noted that there was no regulatory commission for municipal water services comparable to the Public Service Commission for other utilities. She emphasized that residents outside municipal boundaries had no representation regarding rates that affected them.
5.) Mr. Robert Stephens, Vice Mayor, City of Miami Gardens, 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, appeared in support of the item. He testified about residents' firsthand negative experiences with utilities operating outside boundaries and stressed that proper oversight was required. He emphasized that the ordinance established minimum standards and provided real enforcement, which he characterized as crucial for protecting neighborhoods and communities. He advocated for fairness, transparency, and accountability across Miami Gardens and Miami-Dade County.
6.) Mr. Emiliano Antunes, 11801 SW 25th Terrace, Miami, identified himself as a registered lobbyist and noted that North Miami Beach Water had over $100 million in existing bond obligations and over $250 million in planned expenditures through 2031. He stated that the utility was already regulated by one state agency and two federal agencies and met all requirements. He argued that adding another bureaucratic layer would not resolve the issue and pointed out that all relevant information was public record. He urged further review due to fiscal impacts on both the city utility and Miami-Dade County and suggested exploring alternative resolutions.
7.) Ms. Myya Passmore, 14500 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, spoke in opposition to the item as a property owner serviced by North Miami Beach Water. She characterized the ordinance as retaliation rather than reform in response to the veto of House Bill 11 by Governor DeSantis, which had determined that the surcharge was fair and legal statewide and should be handled locally. She stated that the matter should be resolved through direct conversations between the utilities and municipalities rather than at the county level.
8.) Ms. Phyllis Smith, City Commissioner, City of North Miami Beach, 17011 NE 19th Avenue, North Miami Beach, spoke in opposition to the item. She explained that North Miami Beach charged over 10 cities a 25% surcharge for the costs associated with maintaining water plants, water treatment facilities, and infrastructure.
Seeing no one else come forward to speak, Chairman Gilbert III closed the public hearing.
Chairman Gilbert thanked attendees for their comments and clarified that while water quality and water systems were regulated by state and federal agencies, the 25% surcharge itself was not mandated by the state and had no regulatory oversight. He noted that the Board regulated water service within the county at the local level and addressed Florida Statutes 180.191 and 180.19, explaining that while 180.191 authorized municipalities to charge a 25% surcharge for providing water beyond their boundaries, Section 180.19 required municipalities to have formal agreements with the entities they served outside their boundaries. He indicated there had been reluctance to create such formal agreements and confirmed with ACA Valdez that the statute required these agreements. Chairman Gilbert III clarified that removal of the surcharge would not endanger water infrastructure maintenance.
Commissioner Regalado provided historical context regarding the county's past practices with the Water and Sewer Department (WASD). She explained that the county had previously transferred funds from WASD�s budget to the general fund, which led to serious infrastructure needs and created losses within the department's operations. Commissioner Regalado advised when the county stopped this practice and allowed WASD to retain and manage its own funds for approximately nine (9) years, the department never received reimbursement from the general fund for past transfers, which necessitated increased fees for residents. She emphasized the importance of transparency regarding whether surcharge funds were being used as proprietary revenue for water system operations or were being diverted to general funds for other municipal purposes. Commissioner Regalado inquired about what steps would follow the transparency initiative and whether there would be requirements for course
correction if funds were being misused.
Chairman Gilbert clarified that he was not requesting proprietary business information but rather seeking transparency about whether the funds were being used for proprietary purposes or not. He inquired about information regarding North Miami Beach's bond obligations and their relationship to the surcharge.
Mr. Majekodunmi referenced the litigation section of North Miami Beach's North Miami Beach's revenue bond documents regarding the relationship between the surcharge and the general fund. He read Section 180.191 provisions into the record, noting that the bond documents explicitly stated that any unfavorable legal outcome related to the surcharge would be paid from the city's general fund revenues and not from pledged system revenues, and that an unfavorable outcome would not affect the city's ability to pay principal and interest on the revenue bonds. Chairman Gilbert III provided background from his tenure as Mayor of Miami Gardens, explaining that he had sued North Miami Beach over their water surcharge after the city privatized their water system. He stated that Miami Gardens initially lost at the trial level but prevailed on appeal, ultimately forcing a settlement. Chairman Gilbert III emphasized that the bond documents demonstrated that surcharge revenues went directly into North Miami Beach's general fund rather than being used for water system maintenance or operations and stated that after consulting with other water providers including Coral Gables and Homestead, the county had found no other providers operating in the same manner. He stressed that the ordinance sought transparency and compliance with existing state law rather than interference with legitimate municipal water operations and criticized what he characterized as false claims that the ordinance would endanger water systems.
Commissioner Regalado expressed support for requiring transparency through a five-year forecasting plan similar to the process WASD had undertaken to address historical general fund transfers, ocean outfall consent decree obligations, accelerated capital infrastructure needs, and the politically contentious annual rate increases that residents had resisted. She raised concerns about whether WASD would bear the sole burden of auditing compliance disclosures or whether the Clerk, County Auditor, and other departments would share these responsibilities. Commissioner Regalado requested specific information on implementation costs, timelines, resource allocation, and whether the review process would cause delays in municipal water projects.
Chairman Gilbert reiterated that the ordinance was completely independent of North Miami Beach's base water rates.
Commissioner Regalado further clarified that WASD had faced ocean outfall consent decree obligations and decades of unreimbursed general fund transfers, unlike recent protections afforded to the fire department, which had required financial forecasting and rate increases without any prospect of repayment from the general fund. She emphasized that the proposed ordinance imposed no infrastructure investment mandates on municipalities but merely sought transparency regarding how surcharge funds were allocated. Chairman Gilbert III explained that the 25% surcharge applied to customers residing outside North Miami Beach's municipal boundaries. He discussed the county's authority to take action and referenced the possibility of issuing consent decree-style directives. Chairman Gilbert III agreed that surcharges could sometimes be necessary and appropriate to cover legitimate costs of service expansion, but he argued that taxpayers within the host municipality should not be required to subsidize services provided to customers in other jurisdictions. He expressed particular concern about surcharge funds being deposited directly into general funds for non-water-related municipal expenditures rather than being used to maintain and improve the actual water services for which customers were being charged.
Commissioner Regalado inquired what enforcement actions would be triggered in cases of non-compliance and requested clarification on implementation timelines.
Mr. Coley explained that WASD�s would be responsible for reviewing submissions following passage of the ordinance. He stated that compliant filings would be verified and checked off as complete, while instances of non-compliance would be reported back to the commission for further action.
Chairman Gilbert III expressed ongoing concerns about future issues, specifically emphasizing that the ordinance addressed the problem of surcharges being imposed on residents who currently had no recourse or representation. He reiterated that state statute required host cities to have formal agreements with municipalities outside their boundaries that were receiving water services.
Vice Chairwoman Higgins sought clarification, stating that municipalities could legitimately charge a surcharge provided that the surcharge funds were used to maintain and improve the water services for which the charge was imposed. Chairman Gilbert III emphasized that the statutory requirement for agreements could never be waived because it was mandated by state law, and he stated that currently no such agreement existed between the relevant municipalities. He noted that the county regulated all water facilities throughout the county and that there was an inherent understanding since the county had originally requested certain providers to deliver services to specific areas.
Vice Chairwoman Higgins expressed concern about surcharge funds being diverted into general funds to generate profits for other municipal purposes unrelated to water services and suggested raising awareness about this issue at the state legislative level, noting that there appeared to be deficiencies in the state law itself. She emphasized that residents of unincorporated Miami-Dade County were disproportionately and inequitably impacted by this situation.
Commissioner Steinberg stated that she viewed the ordinance as county overreach and announced she would not support the item.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins thanked Chairman
Gilbert III for his leadership on the item and invited public speakers to provide additional explanation of their opposition to the ordinance. She requested
clarification regarding the legal viability of the ordinance, asked whether litigation was being contemplated, and sought a specific explanation of which provisions in item 1G1 were problematic from North Miami Beach's perspective.
North Miami Beach Mayor Michael Joseph responded that he was not attempting to be litigious but was presenting facts that North Miami Beach believed to be true while representing the city's residents' interests. He referenced state statutory authority governing the surcharge, raised procedural legal considerations, and discussed potential ripple effects if the county exceeded its authority under state law. He mentioned that North Miami Beach had attempted to resolve issues through direct dialogue but characterized negotiations as one-sided.
Mr. Kendall Coffey, Legal Counsel for North Miami Beach, questioned whether the ordinance was intended to reduce or eliminate the 25% surcharge permitted by state statute.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins responded that there was no effort to eliminate or reduce the 25% surcharge and stated she was providing an opportunity for NMB representatives to present their concerns.
Mr. Coffey identified the "minimum standards" language in the ordinance as vague and overly general, characterizing the ordinance as creating an additional layer of bureaucracy and establishing a regulatory regime.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins inquired whether agreements existed between municipalities for surcharge purposes and whether NMB currently had such agreements in place.
ACA Valdez read Section 180.19, subsection one, into the record.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins stated her support for the foregoing proposed ordinance, indicating that it codified existing state law requirements at the local level. She inquired about civil fines and penalty provisions, requested information about the aggregate annual surcharge amount being collected, and asked whether required agreements currently existed.
Mayor Joseph stated he was unsure whether formal agreements currently existed and could neither confirm nor deny their existence but would provide confirmation after the meeting.
Chairman Gilbert III requested specific financial data regarding surcharge collections.
Mr. Majekodunmi reported that according to North Miami Beach's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Statements, the city had collected approximately $9.9 million from the 25% surcharge during that calendar year.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins questioned whether the proposed penalty fee of $500 for failing to have an interlocal agreement was sufficient and suggested that a more substantial penalty amount might be warranted.
Chairman Gilbert III clarified that the $500 penalty would be assessed per account per violation period and stated that his objective was to ensure proper agreements existed with all stakeholders receiving water services rather than to impose fines. He asked what percentage of North Miami Beach's general fund the $9.9 million surcharge revenue represented.
Commissioner Regalado noted that an existing interlocal agreement existed between North Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County but possibly no explicit agreement specifically addressing water services with Miami Gardens. She stated that NMB retained the right to challenge the county's authority and noted that if general fund money had previously been used for water infrastructure investments, there was no legal prohibition against using surcharge revenues to reimburse the general fund during fiscally difficult years.
Chairman Gilbert III explained that historically, cities providing water services beyond their municipal boundaries used either residents' good faith and credit or direct general fund appropriations rather than revenue bonds for initial capital expenditures required to expand the system. He noted that after initial expenditures were complete, all subsequent operational and maintenance costs were covered through regular water rates charged to customers.
Commissioner Regalado noted that WASD conducted annual analyses and maintained detailed documentation of actual costs for providing pass-through water services to municipalities, and the department set rates based on these cost studies. She emphasized that the ordinance did not require municipalities to do anything the county did not already require of its own Water and Sewer Department. She added that when the county undertook septic-to-sewer conversion projects, it was required to create special assessment districts where benefiting residents funded improvements entirely due to legal limits on using bond proceeds or general fund revenues for such purposes. She reiterated the need to clearly define the audit and follow-up process that would be handled through Water and Sewer's compliance unit, including establishing procedures for resolving disagreements after required disclosures were submitted.
Chairman Gilbert III clarified that following committee action, the matter would proceed directly to the Board without returning to committee for additional review. He stated there was no substantial disagreement regarding the county's authority to regulate water services throughout the county or to enforce compliance with state statutes. Chairman Gilbert III emphasized that the ordinance was not making definitive mandates but rather was providing municipalities the opportunity to work out appropriate arrangements with other municipalities they served. He noted that surcharges had been collected for over 30 years and stated that while the county was not attempting to overstep municipal authority, North Miami Beach needed to obtain the legally required agreements. He mentioned that he had submitted a public records request approximately two years earlier seeking copies of agreements between the municipalities, but no responsive documents had been provided.
Commissioner Regalado confirmed that all parties retained the ability to present their arguments and positions. She clarified that if surcharge revenue transfers to the general fund represented an established pattern or ongoing practice, the county administration was requesting disclosure of how funds were being used.
Vice Chairwoman Higgins stated that entities entering into interlocal agreements retained discretion to allocate funds as they determined appropriate, provided that all parties to the agreement understood and agreed upon the purposes for which the funds would be used.
Chairman Gilbert III explained that affected customers could not feasibly be transferred from North Miami Beach's water system to Miami-Dade Water and Sewer because North Miami Beach had issued revenue bonds secured by anticipated water fee revenues from those customers, not by the 25% surcharge revenues. He noted that removing those customers and their associated water fee revenues would undermine the security backing the bonds, making wholesale customer transfers operationally and legally infeasible. Therefore, the county needed to develop a solution that remained within statutory limits and was fiscally responsible for both the county and North Miami Beach.
Hearing no further questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote on the ordinance as presented.
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9/2/2025
Requires Municipal Notification by the Board of County Commissioners
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9/4/2025
Municipalities notified of substitute, alternate, or amended ordinance pursuant to Rule 5.06(f)(4) by the Board of County Commissioners
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1G1 Substitute Supplement
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251789
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Supplement
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR FISCAL IMPACT AND SOCIAL EQUITY STATEMENT TO ORDINANCE RELATING TO WATER AND SEWER REGULATION; AMENDING SECTION 32-4 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; CREATING SECTION 32-56 OF THE CODE; ESTABLISHING MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR MUNICIPAL PUBLIC UTILITIES OPERATING OUTSIDE OF THE BOUNDARIES OF SUCH MUNICIPALITY; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT OF SUCH MINIMUM STANDARDS; AMENDING SECTION 8CC-10 OF THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR CIVIL PENALTIES; REQUIRING COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO PROVIDE REPORT CONCERNING REPEAT VIOLATORS; AND PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE
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Forwarded to BCC
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1G2
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251728
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Ordinance
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Eileen Higgins
Sen. Rene Garcia
Danielle Cohen Higgins
Raquel A. Regalado
Micky Steinberg
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ORDINANCE RELATING TO ZONING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; AMENDING SECTIONS 33-1, 33-36.1, 33-279, 24-5, 24-18, 24-43.1, 15-1, 15-17, 15-17.1, AND 15-18 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; CREATING SECTION 24-47.1 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ZONING APPROVAL PROCESS FOR CERTAIN COMPOSTING USES IN THE AU ZONING DISTRICT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS; REVISING DEFINITIONS; REVISING PROVISIONS RELATED TO ZONING ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENTS TO INCLUDE CERTAIN SETBACKS RELATED TO COMPOSTING IN THE AU ZONING DISTRICT; REVISING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO USES THAT SHALL BE SERVED BY PUBLIC WATER AND PUBLIC SANITARY SEWERS AND CREATING EXCEPTION FOR COMPOSTING FACILITIES THAT HAVE AN APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL PLAN; CREATING PROVISIONS RELATED TO COMPOSTING FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL PLANS; REVISING PROVISIONS RELATED TO OPERATING PERMITS AND CREATING PROVISIONS RELATED TO COMMUNITY COMPOSTING FACILITIES; PROVIDING FOR PRELIMINARY OPERATING PERMIT APPROVAL PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 24, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR COMPOSTING FACILITIES; CREATING DEPARTMENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT HAULER PERMIT FOR COMPOSTING HAULERS AND PROVIDING FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH COMPOSTING HAULERS; REQUIRING REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO SOLID WASTE HAULER PERMITS; REQUIRING EXPEDITED REVIEW UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; REQUIRING COMPOSTING SOLUTIONS TO BE NEGOTIATED, AND IF POSSIBLE, INCLUDED IN FUTURE SOLID WASTE PROCUREMENTS TO THE EXTENT CONSISTENT WITH APPLICABLE LAW; MAKING TECHNICAL CHANGES; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE [SEE AGENDA NO. 11A9]
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation following a public hearing
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Raquel A. Regalado
Vote: 5 - 0
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REPORT:
ACA Gonzalez read the title of the foregoing proposed ordinance into the record.
Vice Chairwoman Higgins opened the public hearing, and the following individuals appeared before the Committee in support:
1.) Mr. Mark Ellenby, 7245 SW 138th Street, Palmetto Bay, FL;
2.) Mr. Chad Friedman, Pinecrest Compost, 2800 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Miami, FL;
3.) Mr. Martin Motes, 25000 SW 162 Avenue, Redlands, FL;
4.) Ms. Priscilla Carolyn Schmidt, Fertile Earth Warm Farm, 1595 NE 141 Street, Miami, FL;
5.) Dr. Leanette Sobel, 15150 SW 164 Street, Homestead, FL;
6.) Mr. Francisco Torres, Compost for Life, 725 14 Place, Miami Beach, FL;
7.) Mr. Steven Lieder, Sierra Club, 1130 102 Street, Bay Harbor Islands, FL;
8.) Ms. Jocelyn Guilfoyle, Executive Director, Dade County Farm Bureau, 3075 SE 7 Place, Homestead, FL; and
9.) Mr. Arie de Swart, 10480 SW 139 Street, Miami, FL.
Seeing no one else come forward to speak, Chairman Gilbert III closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Steinberg expressed support for the item and requested it be added as a cosponsor. She noted that composting was already practiced in some municipalities and asked whether the proposal would affect composting operations in other areas.
Mr. Coley confirmed that existing composting operations would not be affected. Commissioner Regalado suggested conducting a public webinar to explain the legal process and review procedures.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins expressed support for the item and thanked residents for their participation. She noted her anticipation of Vice Chairwoman Higgins' leadership on the matter, suggested including an educational component on implementing composting practices, and requested to be added as a co-sponsor.
Commissioner Regalado noted that educational programming already existed in the City of Pinecrest that could be utilized.
Chairman Gilbert III cautioned colleagues against relying on departmental funds before the Mayor had finalized the budget..
Commissioner Regalado reported that Ms. Lourdes Gomez confirmed RER would cover the costs.
Hearing no questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote on the foregoing ordinance, as presented.
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9/3/2025
Adopted on first reading by the Board of County Commissioners
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9/3/2025
Tentatively scheduled for a public hearing by the Board of County Commissioners
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1G2 Supplement
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251794
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Supplement
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR FISCAL IMPACT AND SOCIAL EQUITY STATEMENT TO ORDINANCE RELATING TO ZONING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; AMENDING SECTIONS 33-1, 33-36.1, 33-279, 24-5, 24-18, 24-43.1, 15-1, 15-17, 15-17.1, AND 15-18 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; CREATING SECTION 24-47.1 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ZONING APPROVAL PROCESS FOR CERTAIN COMPOSTING USES IN THE AU ZONING DISTRICT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS; REVISING DEFINITIONS; REVISING PROVISIONS RELATED TO ZONING ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENTS TO INCLUDE CERTAIN SETBACKS RELATED TO COMPOSTING IN THE AU ZONING DISTRICT; REVISING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO USES THAT SHALL BE SERVED BY PUBLIC WATER AND PUBLIC SANITARY SEWERS AND CREATING EXCEPTION FOR COMPOSTING FACILITIES THAT HAVE AN APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL PLAN; CREATING PROVISIONS RELATED TO COMPOSTING FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL PLANS; REVISING PROVISIONS RELATED TO OPERATING PERMITS AND CREATING PROVISIONS RELATED TO COMMUNITY COMPOSTING FACILITIES; PROVIDING FOR PRELIMINARY OPERATING PERMIT APPROVAL PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 24, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR COMPOSTING FACILITIES; CREATING DEPARTMENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT HAULER PERMIT FOR COMPOSTING HAULERS AND PROVIDING FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH COMPOSTING HAULERS; REQUIRING REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO SOLID WASTE HAULER PERMITS; REQUIRING EXPEDITED REVIEW UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; REQUIRING COMPOSTING SOLUTIONS TO BE NEGOTIATED, AND IF POSSIBLE, INCLUDED IN FUTURE SOLID WASTE PROCUREMENTS TO THE EXTENT CONSISTENT WITH APPLICABLE LAW; MAKING TECHNICAL CHANGES; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE [SEE FILE NO. 251757]
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Forwarded to BCC
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2
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COUNTY COMMISSION
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2A
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251382
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Resolution
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Juan Carlos Bermudez
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RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO IDENTIFY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ASSETS DEVELOPED FOR THE �FROM WASTE TO RACE� FIVE-KILOMETER RUN AND WALK EVENT AND TO FILE THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK WITH THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE TO PROTECT SUCH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ASSETS ON BEHALF OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO MAINTAIN A RECORD OF USAGE, DEFEND THE COUNTY�S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND FILE FOR RENEWALS OF THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTIONS AFFORDED UNDER UNITED STATES LAW; AND FURTHER DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO FILE WRITTEN REPORT(S)
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Raquel A. Regalado
Vote: 5 - 0
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2B
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251747
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Resolution
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Natalie Milian Orbis
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RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO CONDUCT NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING EXERCISES FOR THE SCHENLEY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD, INCLUDING PUBLICIZED COMMUNITY MEETINGS, RELATED TO THE UNIQUE ARCHITECTURAL, HISTORIC, AND AESTHETIC CHARACTER OF SCHENLEY PARK AND THE POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY SPECIFIC THEMATIC ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE SCHENLEY PARK AREA; REQUIRING A REPORT; AND TO THE EXTENT THAT THERE ARE INSUFFICIENT LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS RESOLUTION, DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO IDENTIFY AND INCLUDE SUFFICIENT FUNDING FOR FULL IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COUNTY MAYOR�S PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 COUNTY BUDGET
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Raquel A. Regalado
Vote: 5 - 0
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2C
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250601
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Resolution
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Raquel A. Regalado
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RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EVALUATE THE COUNTYWIDE DECENTRALIZATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND FUNCTIONS TO PERMIT CERTAIN COUNTY DEPARTMENTS TO INDEPENDENTLY MANAGE THEIR OWN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN REPORT TO THE BOARD WITHIN 90 DAYS
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Raquel A. Regalado
Vote: 5 - 0
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2D
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251757
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Resolution
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Eileen Higgins
Danielle Cohen Higgins
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RESOLUTION AMENDING IMPLEMENTING ORDER 4-68 TO ESTABLISH A FEE FOR THE NEW CATEGORY OF COMPOSTING HAULERS; AMENDING IMPLEMENTING ORDER 4-42 TO ESTABLISH A FEE RELATED TO COMMUNITY COMPOSTING FACILITIES; AND AMENDING IMPLEMENTING ORDER 4-111 TO ESTABLISH A FEE RELATED TO NEW ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR COMMUNITY COMPOSTING OPERATIONS [SEE AGENDA NO. 7B]
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Raquel A. Regalado
Vote: 5 - 0
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3
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DEPARTMENT(S)
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3A
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251685
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Resolution
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Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE A STANDARD FORM OF THE THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND CONTRACT CITIES FOR USE OF THE COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, AND TO EXERCISE ALL RIGHTS, POWERS, AND OPTIONS THEREIN, INCLUDING RENEWAL AND TERMINATION
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Deferred to next committee meeting
Mover: Raquel A. Regalado
Seconder: Oliver G. Gilbert, III
Vote: 5 - 0
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REPORT:
See Agenda Item 3A Substitute, Legislative File No. 251786, for the substituted item.
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3A Substitute
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251786
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Resolution
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Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE A STANDARD FORM OF THE THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND CONTRACT CITIES FOR USE OF THE COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, AND TO EXERCISE ALL RIGHTS, POWERS, AND OPTIONS THEREIN, INCLUDING RENEWAL AND TERMINATION [SEE ORIGINAL ITEM UNDER FILE NO. 251685]
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Deferred to next committee meeting
Mover: Raquel A. Regalado
Seconder: Oliver G. Gilbert, III
Vote: 5 - 0
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REPORT:
Commissioner Regalado requested the foregoing proposed item be deferred, noting that the related agreements would expire on October 1 and the commission had insufficient time for review. She expressed concern about the interlocal agreement terms with several cities and stated that while the substitute item addressed some issues, it reinforced problematic bond-related restrictions. Commissioner Regalado explained that with slightly lower interest rates, she would have preferred refinancing the $30 million bond to eliminate these restrictions rather than codifying them in new municipal agreements. She questioned whether deferral would create problems, noting the municipalities were partners unlikely to object to a brief delay.
Commissioner Steinberg asked what new process would necessitate deferral.
Mr. Coley indicated the arrangement would continue on a month-to-month basis.
Commissioner Regalado stated the item could be deferred to the next committee meeting.
Chairman Gilbert III requested that the deferral be to no date certain, to not rush the process.
Hearing no questions or comments, by motion duly made and seconded, the Committee voted to defer the foregoing proposed resolution to the next committee cycle.
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3B
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251688
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Resolution
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Raquel A. Regalado
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RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO CONTRACT NO. S-20076 FOR THE TWO-YEAR COUNTYWIDE CONTRACT FOR REHABILITATION OF SANITARY SEWERS BY THE CURED-IN-PLACE METHOD (CIPP) WHICH CANCELS THE ONE-YEAR OPTION TO RENEW AND ADVANCES THE $10,000,000.00 ALLOCATED FOR THE ONE-YEAR OPTION TO RENEW FOR USE DURING THE ORIGINAL TWO-YEAR CONTRACT TERM, BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND INSITUFORM TECHNOLOGIES, LLC; AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE SAME AND TO EXERCISE THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED THEREIN
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Raquel A. Regalado
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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251701
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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 INFRASTRUCTURE, INNOVATION, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE MEETING(S):
�SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 - COUNTY, INFRASTRUCTURE, OPERATIONS AND INNOVATIONS COMMITTEE
�FEBRUARY 10, 2025
� MARCH 10, 2025
� MAY 12, 2025
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Approved
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Raquel A. Regalado
Vote: 5 - 0
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7
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REPORT(S)
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8
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ADJOURNMENT
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REPORT:
There being no further business to come before the Committee, the IITC meeting was adjourned at 12:54 p.m.
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| 8/7/2026 |
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Agenda Key: 5324 |