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1
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MINUTES PREPARED BY:
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REPORT:
Chester Rodriguez, Commission Reporter
(305) 375-3819
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1A
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INVOCATION AS PROVIDED IN RULE 5.05 (H)
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REPORT:
Chairman Gonzalez observed a moment of silence in honor of Senator Garcia�s family.
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1B
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ROLL CALL
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REPORT:
Chairman Gonzalez convened the Safety and Health Committee (SHC) meeting at 11:05 a.m.
During the roll call, Deputy Clerk Kerry Khunjar Breakenridge announced that the Clerk of the Board (COB) had received notice that Senator Garcia and Commissioner Hardemon would be absent from today�s meeting.
In addition to the Committee members, the following staff members were present:
Assistant County Attorneys (ACA) Shanika Graves;
Namita Uppal, Director, Strategic Procurement Department;
Sherea Green, Director, Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation (MDCR);
James Reyes, Chief of Public Safety, Office of the Mayor; and
Deputy Clerks Kerry Khunjar Breakenridge, Jessica Tyrrell and Chester Rodriguez, COB.
Commissioner Bastien moved that the SHC approve today�s agenda, as presented. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Higgins, and upon being put to a vote, passed 3-0 (Vice Chairman Garcia and Commissioner Hardemon were absent).
Commissioner Higgins moved to consider Agenda Items 3A, 3B, 3C, 3C Supplement, and 6A simultaneously. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Bastien, and upon being put to a vote, passed by a vote of 3-0 (Vice Chairman Garcia and Commissioner Hardemon were absent).
NOTE: Agenda Items 3A, 3B, 3C were forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners 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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REPORT:
Commissioner Bastien led the 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 Gonzalez opened the reasonable opportunity to be heard; seeing no one come forward to speak, Chairman Gonzalez 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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2
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COUNTY COMMISSION
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3
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DEPARTMENTS
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3A
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251847
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Resolution
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Roberto J. Gonzalez
Sen. Rene Garcia
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RESOLUTION RETROACTIVELY APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR DESIGNEE�S ACCEPTANCE AND EXPENDITURE OF SUSTAINMENT GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $392,500.00 AWARDED BY THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, THROUGH THE MIAMI-DADE FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT, FOR THE STATEWIDE URBAN SEARCH & RESCUE TEAM AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEAMS; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SUSTAINMENT GRANT AGREEMENTS; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO ACCEPT AND EXPEND ADDITIONAL FUNDING IF SUCH FUNDING BECOMES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE SUSTAINMENT GRANT PROGRAM, FOR THE PURPOSES DESCRIBED HEREIN, FOR A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD; AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND AMENDMENTS AND TO EXERCISE THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE SUSTAINMENT GRANT AGREEMENT
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Marleine Bastien
Vote: 3 - 0
Excused: Hardemon , Garc�a
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3B
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251870
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Resolution
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Keon Hardemon
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RESOLUTION APPROVING AN UPDATED USER AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT (FDLE) TO ACCESS STATE AND NATIONAL FINGERPRINT- BASED CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS DATABASES OF THE FDLE AND FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION; AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AND EXERCISE THE PROVISIONS THEREIN
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Marleine Bastien
Vote: 3 - 0
Excused: Hardemon , Garc�a
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3C
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251858
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Resolution
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Anthony Rodriguez
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RESOLUTION APPROVING, PURSUANT TO SECTION 125.38, FLORIDA STATUTES, THE TERMS OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT (�LEASE�), BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY (�COUNTY�) AS LANDLORD, AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA, DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE (�TENANT�), FOR THE COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTY IMPROVED WITH TWO BUILDINGS AND THE LAND SURROUNDING IT MEASURING APPROXIMATELY 3.80 ACRES (�PREMISES�), LOCATED AT THE KENDALL COMPLEX, 10855 SW 84 STREET, UNINCORPORATED MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA 33173, AND WITHIN A PORTION OF FOLIO NO. 30-4031-000-0170, FOR A TERM OF 10 YEARS FOR A NOMINAL VALUE OF $10.00; DECLARING THE PREMISES SURPLUS; DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXERCISE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS CONFERRED IN THE LEASE AND TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE SAME AND TO PROVIDE AN EXECUTED COPY OF THE LEASE TO THE PROPERTY APPRAISER�S OFFICE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF ITS EXECUTION
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Marleine Bastien
Vote: 3 - 0
Excused: Hardemon , Garc�a
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3C Supplement
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251998
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Supplement
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Commission Auditor |
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION RE: RESOLUTION APPROVING, PURSUANT TO SECTION 125.38, FLORIDA STATUTES, THE TERMS OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT (�LEASE�), BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY (�COUNTY�) AS LANDLORD, AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA, DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE (�TENANT�)
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Forwarded to BCC
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3D
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251876
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Resolution
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Juan Carlos Bermudez
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RESOLUTION APPROVING AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. EVN0000173, INMATE MEAL SERVICE PROGRAM, TO CSS-SUMMIT PREMIER JOINT VENTURE IN THE AMOUNT OF $327,946,224.00 FOR A FIVE-YEAR TERM WITH TWO, FIVE-YEAR OPTIONS TO RENEW FOR THE MIAMI-DADE CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT; AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AND EXERCISE ALL PROVISIONS OF THE CONTRACT, INCLUDING ANY CANCELLATION, RENEWALS, OR EXTENSIONS, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2-8.1 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA AND IMPLEMENTING ORDER 3-38
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Marleine Bastien
Vote: 3 - 0
Excused: Hardemon , Garc�a
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REPORT:
Commissioner Bastien inquired about the market research conducted to confirm that the negotiated price was competitive with national inmate meal costs.
Ms. Uppal explained that staff conducted market research prior to issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP), reaching out to other jurisdictions that had outsourced food operations. She reported that rate information was obtained from Okaloosa County, Williamson County, Chicago, and other jurisdictions that had outsourced operations to various vendors. Ms. Uppal noted that while rates varied based on market conditions and geographic location, Miami-Dade County's rates were within the competitive range. Mr. Reyes added that Miami-Dade County's current model of in-house food service was the exception rather than the rule. He explained that among Florida's 67 counties, the standard practice was to contract with private vendors for both food service and medical services in correctional facilities, with these contracts typically ranking among the largest in each county's budget.Commissioner Bastien asked whether the proposed contract included additional quality or nutritional standards to ensure meals adhered to nutritional standards Ms. Uppal confirmed that the RFP included minimum daily nutritional values and specified the types of foods and products that could be offered, establishing a baseline that no proposer could fall below. She noted that requirements included kosher meals and other dietary accommodations.
In response to Commissioner Bastien�s question as to how the County would ensure these standards were maintained consistently over time, Mr. Reyes detailed the oversight framework, explaining that accrediting bodies including Florida Model Jail Standards conducted regular inspections of nutritional compliance, religious meals, and dietary options, with kitchens prioritized during facility evaluations. He confirmed that County administrative staff would continue monitoring contract deliverables post-implementation.
Commissioner Bastien inquired why Trinity Services Group, Inc had received the same score in both their original and alternate proposals.
Ms. Uppal explained that Trinity submitted two proposals with identical technical components but different pricing models. She clarified that Trinity's alternate proposal included a sliding scale pricing structure tied to inmate population, which was prohibited in the RFP. Ms. Uppal noted, under this model, the vendor could charge higher rates when population decreased and lower rates when population increased. She concluded that this prohibited pricing mechanism disqualified Trinity's alternate proposal from consideration.
Commissioner Bastien requested information regarding the number of employees involved in food preparation and the measures in place to protect their employment. Mr. Reyes stated that one of the critical cooperative elements of the contract was the vendor's agreement to retain all current County employees. He explained that the vendor would reimburse Miami-Dade County for employee wages, ensuring no current employee would lose employment.
Ms. Sherea Green stated that 32 employees would be retained under this arrangement. Mr. Reyes noted that any County employee would still be employed and that the vendor would reimburse Miami Dade County for the employees wages, so that no current employee loses their job.
Ms. Uppal reiterated that the 32 employees would remain County employees, retaining all benefits and County salary payments. She advised that the vendor would absorb these employees into their operations until the employees naturally retired, separated from County service, or accepted other employment. Ms. Uppal emphasized that the contract provided no option other than integrating these employees into operations, and the County would receive reimbursement for all 32 employees until their separation. Mr. Reyes added that because the employees remained County employees, the vendor would have no authority to dismiss staff or reduce the workforce. He emphasized that the reimbursement model was specifically designed to ensure job security.
Commissioner Bastien requested additional details regarding the transition plan and how employee roles and responsibilities would be affected under the new contract. Mr. Reyes explained that a six-month transition period had been established, with flexibility depending on the time required for Commission ratification and contract implementation. He noted that during this period, the County would continue current services and job responsibilities and acknowledged that some adjustments to responsibilities would occur during or after transition, such as potential changes in meal preparation locations. Mr. Reyes noted that in the event the vendor chose to prepare meals off-site, some employees' responsibilities might shift from preparation to delivery. However, he assured the Committee that all responsibilities would remain within the scope of employees' current duties.
Commissioner Bastien asked what training would be provided to help current employees adapt to changes resulting from the contract. Mr. Reyes advised that as new responsibilities were identified during the transition period through collaboration with the vendor, appropriate training would be provided accordingly. He noted that training would be documented through revised job descriptions and operational orders following the transition period. Commissioner Bastien expressed concern that research on privatized food service in other States indicated that initial pricing often appeared favorable but increased substantially over time, and asked what safeguards were incorporated to maintain price stability. Mr. Reyes explained that this concern was the primary reason why Trinity was not selected, as their requested sliding scale would have permitted price increases based on population fluctuations. He maintained that byy rejecting the sliding scale model, the County secured greater price certainty. Mr. Reyes also noted that the contract included a percentage cap limiting year-over-year increases. Ms. Uppal clarified that the contract permitted price adjustments based exclusively on living wage requirements and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). She noted prices would be adjusted annually to account for inflation and mandatory salary increases tied to living wage ordinances. Ms. Uppal emphasized that any price increase exceeding these specified indices would require approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) .Commissioner Bastien asked about contract duration and price controls after contract expiration. Ms. Uppal confirmed that the contract term was five years with two five-year renewal options. She explained that during the contract term, rates were limited to the specified indices, and any increase beyond those parameters required Board approval. Ms. Uppal also noted that the contract included a performance bond equal to 25% of the annual contract value, providing the County with financial leverage should the vendor fail to honor any contractual commitments.
Commissioner Higgins commended staff on resolving a longstanding deficiency in the food service system. She commented on the poor quality and excessive costs of past, and commended the County's transition to a national best practice model with a specialized food service provider.
Commissioner Higgins stated that the new contract would generate annual savings between $6 million and $10 million while simultaneously improving meal quality and providing enhanced training programs to assist inmates in securing post-release employment. She emphasized the importance of the contract's compliance with living wage requirements, asserting that County contracts should not create workers requiring affordable housing assistance.
Commissioner Higgins also praised the contract's commitment to sustainability through use of compostable materials rather than plastics, noting alignment with the County's recent composting initiatives addressing solid waste challenges. She acknowledged that previous attempts to privatize food services had been unsuccessful and commended staff for their persistent efforts in achieving this outcome.
Chairman Gonzalez echoed Commissioner Higgins' sentiments and noted that research had demonstrated a direct correlation between food quality and nutrition in correctional facilities and overall facility safety. He explained that inadequate nutrition and food quality had been associated with riots and other safety incidents in correctional environments. Chairman Gonzalez asked staff to explain how the contract would enhance safety for both officers and inmates, noting his understanding that officers and inmates currently participated together in meal preparation and that the new system would redeploy officers to other safety functions.
Mr. Reyes confirmed that sworn staff currently supervised inmates and other personnel in food preparation areas. He stated that while officers did not directly prepare meals under normal circumstances, he acknowledged that during the COVID-19 pandemic, all available personnel were utilized to maintain operations. Mr. Reyes emphasized that the primary operational benefit was enhanced safety and security achieved by eliminating inmate access to utensils and reducing contraband entry points.
Mr. Reyes explained that he was recruited in 2023 specifically to address serious contraband problems within the correctional system. He identified the kitchen as one of the primary vulnerabilities through which contraband enters facilities and stated that significant security benefits would be realized by restricting inmate access to food preparation areas and implementing enhanced security controls through a professional vendor. Mr. Reyes further noted that approximately 30 sworn officers currently assigned to food service supervision would be redeployed to general correctional operations. He emphasized that this redeployment was particularly critical given that the inmate population had increased by approximately 500 individuals compared to the previous year, and these additional officers would provide an elevated level of security.
Chairman Gonzalez clarified his position that while he did not support comprehensive privatization of correctional facilities, he believed privatization of food services was justified based on nutrition, safety, and health considerations.
Commissioner Bastien requested confirmation of the living wage rate of $17.94 per hour. Ms. Uppal stated that she believed that figure was correct but noted that the living wage included both a rate with health benefits and a separate rate without health benefits. She explained that the living wage rate was determined annually by the County and adjusted each October 1st. Hearing no further questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed resolution, as presented.
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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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252028
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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 SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE MEETING(S):
� JULY 8, 2025
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Approved
Mover: Eileen Higgins
Seconder: Marleine Bastien
Vote: 3 - 0
Excused: Hardemon , Garc�a
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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 SHC, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
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| 8/7/2026 |
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Agenda Key: 5401 |