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1
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MINUTES PREPARED BY:
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REPORT:
Jos� Soto, Commission Reporter (305) 375-1294
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1A
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INVOCATION AS PROVIDED IN RULE 5.05 (H)
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REPORT:
Vice Chairman McGhee led the invocation.
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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 1:04 p.m.
In addition to the Council members, the following staff members were present:
- Mr. Jimmy Morales, Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Mayor;
- Assistant County Attorneys (ACA) Eduardo Gonzalez and Bruce Libhaber;
- Ms. Namita Uppal, Director and Chief Procurement Officer, Miami-Dade Strategic Procurement Department (SPD);
- Ms. Christina White, Director, Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) Department; and
- Deputy Clerks Kerry Khunjar Breakenridge, Jessica Tyrrell, and Jos� Soto, Clerk of the Board.
Commissioner Regalado was also in attendance.
ACA Gonazalez advised the items to be considered at today�s PC meeting were those listed on the final printed agenda, along with the additions of Agenda Items 2C and 2D, and correction of the scrivener�s error on Agenda Item 3A, as noted in the Changes Sheet memorandum dated October 16, 2025.
Commissioner Gilbert III moved to approve today�s agenda with the aforementioned changes. This motion was seconded by Vice Chairman McGhee, and upon being put to a vote, passed 5-0.
Commissioner Milian Orbis requested to bifurcate Agenda Item 3B.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins moved to consider Agenda Items 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3C, 6A and 6B simultaneously. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Milian Orbis, and upon being put to a vote, passed 5-0.
NOTE: Agenda Items 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3C were forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC or Board) with a favorable recommendation, Agenda Item 3A was forwarded to the Board with a favorable recommendation, as corrected, and Agenda Items 6A and 6B were approved.
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1C
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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REPORT:
Vice Chairman McGhee 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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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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2A
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251875
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Resolution
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Roberto J. Gonzalez
Juan Carlos Bermudez
Sen. Rene Garcia
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RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO PROVIDE A REPORT IDENTIFYING COUNTY BOARDS THAT HAVE NOT MET IN THE PAST THREE YEARS
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Seconder: Natalie Milian Orbis
Vote: 5 - 0
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2B
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251954
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Resolution
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Danielle Cohen Higgins
Juan Carlos Bermudez
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RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. R-73-07; DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION AUDITOR WITH REAL-TIME ACCESS TO ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR APPLICATIONS USED TO MONITOR EACH DEPARTMENT�S BUDGETED OPERATING REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES, INCLUDING CARRYOVER, AUTHORIZED POSITION COUNTS AND VACANCIES, AND ACTUAL FINANCIAL AND BUDGETARY DATA; DIRECTING THE COMMISSION AUDITOR TO DEVELOP A DASHBOARD RELATING TO SUCH INFORMATION FOR USE BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BY NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 28, 2026
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Seconder: Natalie Milian Orbis
Vote: 5 - 0
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2C
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252054
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Resolution
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Anthony Rodriguez
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RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING SIX DIRECTORS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER TRUST, INC.
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Seconder: Natalie Milian Orbis
Vote: 5 - 0
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2D
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252056
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Resolution
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Anthony Rodriguez
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RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXPEDITE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE COUNTY�S COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNITS FOR SUCCESSOR AGREEMENTS TO BE EFFECTIVE STARTING IN 2026, AND FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT YEAR IN WHICH SUCH SUCCESSOR AGREEMENTS ARE REQUIRED, AND ENDEAVOR TO ENSURE THAT SUCH NEGOTIATIONS ARE COMPLETED OR SIGNIFICANTLY PROGRESSED BEFORE THE BOARD�S CONSIDERATION OF THE COUNTY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 AND FOR ANY FUTURE FISCAL YEAR IN WHICH SUCH NEGOTIATIONS ARE NECESSARY
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Seconder: Natalie Milian Orbis
Vote: 5 - 0
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3
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DEPARTMENT(S)
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3A
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251734
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Resolution
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Eileen Higgins
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PERMITTED USE AGREEMENT WITH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, AS GRANTOR AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, AS PERMITTED USER, FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT REPUBLIC SQUARE II BUILDING, 660 NORTH CAPITOL STREET NW, WASHINGTON D.C. FOR A FIVE YEAR INITIAL TERM, WITH TWO, FIVE-YEAR OPTIONS TO RENEW TO BE USED BY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY�S OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS (�OIA�) AND ESTIMATING A TOTAL FISCAL IMPACT TO THE COUNTY OF $246,390.57 INCLUDING BOTH RENEWAL TERMS IF THE OPTIONS ARE EXERCISED; DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE PERMITTED USE AGREEMENT, TO EXERCISE ALL RIGHTS CONFERRED THEREIN, AND TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE SAME; ALL SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS; AND WAIVING RESOLUTION NO. R-130-06
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation as corrected
Mover: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Seconder: Natalie Milian Orbis
Vote: 5 - 0
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REPORT:
During consideration of the motion to set the agenda, it was announced that the foregoing proposed resolution contained a scrivener�s error which was corrected as follows:
"On page MDC002, 'Lease No. : 30-6901-005-0220-L02' has been removed from the Memo subject line."
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3B
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251359
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Resolution
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Natalie Milian Orbis
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RESOLUTION APPROVING AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. EVN0015954 TO BEACH RAKER, LLC FOR COLLECTION, REMOVAL, AND DISPOSAL OF SARGASSUM AND OPTIONAL BENEFICIAL USE SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $16,202,500.00 FOR A FIVE-YEAR TERM FOR PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACES 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 OR EXTENSIONS, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2-8.1 OF THE COUNTY CODE AND IMPLEMENTING ORDER 3-38
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Amended
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REPORT:
See Agenda Item 3B Amended, Legislative File No. 252100 for the amended version.
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3B Amended
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252110
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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 SOLICIT BEST AND FINAL OFFERS FROM THE TWO HIGHEST RANKED PROPOSERS FOR CONTRACT NO. EVN0015954 FOR THE COLLECTION, REMOVAL, AND DISPOSAL OF SARGASSUM AND OPTIONAL BENEFICIAL USE SERVICES FOR PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT, AND TO PRESENT A WRITTEN RECOMMENDATION TO THIS BOARD AS TO WHETHER THE COUNTY SHOULD ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST-PRICED PROPOSER WITHIN 30 DAYS; AND DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE, SUBJECT TO THE CURRENT VENDOR�S AGREEMENT, TO EXTEND CONTRACT NO. RFP-01385 FOR 90 DAYS TO AVOID ANY INTERRUPTION IN SERVICES [SEE ORIGINAL ITEM UNDER FILE NO.251359]
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation with committee amendment(s)
Mover: Natalie Milian Orbis
Seconder: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Vote: 5 - 0
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REPORT:
ACA Gonzalez read into the record Commissioner Milian Orbis� proposed amendment to reject the recommendation to award the new contract to the vendor Beach Raker, LLC (Beach Raker), and instead extend the current contract with Beach Raker for 30 days.
Chairman Rodriguez questioned whether 30 days provided sufficient amount of time and sought clarification on the purpose of the extension.
Ms. Uppal noted that the current contract with Beach Raker would expire on October 31, 2025 and she would need to meet with the vendor to determine their willingness to extend the contract.
Commissioner Milian Orbis explained that the contract qualified as a service eligible for low-bid procurement, and the County could potentially save approximately $3 million. She requested an extension to pursue a best and final offer (BAFO) process. In response to this proposal, Ms. Uppal sought clarification on whether the SPD should request a BAFO from all companies that had participated in the request for proposal (RFP) process. She explained that three companies had been evaluated, with Beach Raker and SFM Services, Inc. (SFM) ranking as the top two proposers.
Ms. Uppal provided important context about SFM's background, noting that while the County had previously worked with SFM and found their service satisfactory, the company's experience was primarily in providing janitorial services. She emphasized that the collection and disposal of sargassum represented specialized work requiring specific expertise and equipment, and SFM did not have prior experience performing this type of service.
Discussion ensued among the Council members regarding general service capability and specialized sargassum management.
Commissioner Gilbert III sought clarification about the motion�s intent, an asked whether it was merely to extend the Beach Raker contract for 30 days or to direct the administration to solicit a BAFO and extend the contract simultaneously.
Commissioner Milian Orbis stated a contract extension was needed for the BAFO.
Commissioner Gilbert III emphasized the importance of determining whether vendors could actually perform the service, not just whether they met the technical qualification of being responsive and responsible bidders.
Ms. Uppal explained the factors that determined if a vendor was responsive and other aspects in evaluating bidders such as experience, personnel and equipment.
Commissioner Gilbert III and Chief Morales agreed that the current evaluation process for vendors needed improvement.
Commissioner Gilbert III suggested that the top three (3) vendors should demonstrate their responsibility and capability, and the PC should not be limited to only the vendor recommended by the administration.
Chief Morales clarified that the item involved a RFP rather than a bid, meaning pricing was not the determining factor in the evaluation.
Discussion ensued among Commissioner Gilbert III, Chief Morales and Ms. Uppal regarding determinative factors in an RFP, including responsibility, equipment and experience.
Commissioner Regalado pointed out that County Districts 4, 5, and 7 had situations with sargassum on their beaches and spoke about the efforts to remove the waste. She added that sargassum was unpredictable and included heavy metals, and there were constantly changing regulations regarding its disposal. Commissioner Regalado stressed how toxic and dangerous sargassum was and the challenges of collecting and disposing of the substance, which would rot if left in storage.
Commissioner Regalado referenced legislation she had previously introduced that was adopted by the Board, which required the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD), the Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) and PROS to collaborate in determining which department maintained the most effective and cost-efficient contracts for sargassum management.
To address concerns about inexperienced vendors, Commissioner Regalado recommended providing an inexperienced vendor with a small, manageable amount of sargassum in a limited area as a test to evaluate whether they could accomplish the service before awarding a full contract.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins expressed support for the motion, but voiced concerns about potential change orders that could arise later. She emphasized that boundaries needed to be established and equipment expenses should be the vendor's responsibility rather than becoming additional County costs. Commissioner Milian Orbis inquired whether parameters could be established in the motion, suggesting an extension of the contract to 90 days while requiring a BAFO to be presented to the Board within 30 days.
Chairman Rodriguez expressed concerns about SFM's experience and capability to accomplish sargassum removal but acknowledged the importance of exploring potential cost savings.
Commissioner Gilbert III observed that a preference for experience created an unintentional systemic bias toward legacy vendors, providing little opportunity for new vendors to enter the market. He noted this dynamic also left the County dependent on prices set by established vendors.
Commissioner Milian Orbis agreed that while sargassum removal was a specialized service, opportunities to save County funds should be explored when they arose.
Commissioner Regalado cautioned about selecting an inexperienced vendor for sargassum collection, and warned that such a choice could prove more expensive for the County in the long term. She suggested maintaining a contingent contract with an alternative vendor in case SFM proved unable to complete the work. She reiterated her recommendation to provide SFM with a limited test amount of sargassum to determine their capability before full contract award. Chairman Rodriguez agreed with Commissioner Regalado's cautious approach regarding vendor selection.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins asked Mr. Christian Infante, President and Owner, SFM, about his company�s qualifications for the contract, specifically their ability to collect and dispose of the sargassum.
Mr. Infante detailed SFM�s credentials, which included landscaping, and although the company lacked experience with collecting sargassum, he mentioned similar experiences the company had with hauling debris for the County after storms. He also noted that SFM researched how to collect and dispose of the sargassum, was able to obtain the needed equipment, and confirmed they could do provide the service if the contract was awarded to SFM for the price they quoted.
Responding to Chairman Rodriguez�s request for details on a change order for collecting the waste, Ms. White explained the RFP was put out with three components: collect the sargassum, transport the waste to a staging area, and dispose of it in a landfill. She also informed him that the price for removing and disposing the sargassum was not based on the amount of waste.
Ms. White cautioned about choosing a company that lacked experience with handling sargassum because if the service was not properly done then it would become more expensive in the long term if the County had to pay for beach renourishment. She added that tipping fees would increase for the County if a company lacked the proper equipment, technology and procedures for transporting the waste to a landfill. There was also environmental risk involved if too much sand was removed from beaches, which would have to be replaced. Ms. White commented that Beach Raker had the proper experience to perform the service.
Chairman Rodriguez opined that a 30-day extension may not be enough time for Beach Raker.
Chief Morales noted it would be up to the vendor if they wanted to extend the contract.
Mr. Chip Jones, Owner and President, Beach Raker, detailed the company�s background and their experience with handling sargassum. He also spoke about the nature of the work, which was intensive. Mr. Jones added that Beach Raker was on their third extension and the company would have to decide if they were willing to extend the contract further.
After pointing out that municipalities provided the service of collecting sargassum, Commissioner Regalado again voiced her concerns with choosing an inexperienced vendor that may improperly collect sargassum, which could lead to beach closures and increased costs for the County. She recommended awarding the contract to Beach Raker.
Chairman Rodriguez supported the proposed amendment with a BAFO based on a vendor�s qualification.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins asked why the contract was extended for the third time and if this was written in the proposed resolution.
Ms. Uppal clarified that contracts could be extended for six-month periods and Beach Raker did not have a third extension as the contract was for five (5) years with a six-month extension.
Chairman Rodriguez noted he previously held the item because he had questions about it and asked Ms. Uppal about the contract�s deadline.
Ms. Uppal explained that SPD was required to appear before the Committee 60 days prior to the contract�s expiration and that while the RFP process had begun late, it had been expedited.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins asked Mr. Jones to explain the difference of $3 million in the bid amount between Beach Raker and SFM.
Mr. Jones replied there were unknowns in the initial contract on how the sargassum would be collected. He added there was a contract requirement to repurpose 10% of the sargassum which required equipment purchases. Mr. Jones pointed out that SFM was unaware of the true cost for the service with regards to the processing and transporting of sargassum.
Mr. Infante confirmed with Commissioner Cohen Higgins the lower bid number his company submitted.
Responding to Chairman Rodriguez�s question as to questioned how contracts were monitored regarding tipping fees, Ms. White explained that fees were based on weight but fluctuated on various factors.
Chairman Rodriguez inquired if the item could be amended to require regular reports to the Board to verify proper sargassum processing.
Ms. White noted that the amount of sargassum removed was monitored and explained Beach Raker�s tracking procedures for PROS. She confirmed that tonnage was measured and monitored, and she could provide regular reports to the Board as requested.
Commissioner Milian Orbis revised her proposed amendment to extend the contract for 90 days while requiring a BAFO to be presented within 30 days.
ACA Gonzalez clarified the proposed amendment would to direct the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to solicit a BAFO from the two (2) highest ranked proposers and present a recommendation to the Board as to whether the County should enter into a contract with the lowest priced proposer within 30 days, and direct the County Mayor to negotiate and extend the current contract for 90 days, subject to the current vendor�s agreement, so there would be no interruption of service.
ACA Libhaber confirmed with Chairman Rodriguez that the BAFO would be based on price only.
There being no further questions or comments, the Council proceeded to vote on the proposed resolution, as amended.
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3C
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251683
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Resolution
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Raquel A. Regalado
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RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY REGARDING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN THE SILVER BLUFF AREA NEIGHBORHOOD WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI TO RESOLVE A CONFLICT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 164, FLORIDA STATUTES (THE FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION ACT)
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Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
Mover: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Seconder: Natalie Milian Orbis
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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250657
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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 POLICY COUNCIL MEETING(S):
� FEBRUARY 10, 2025
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Approved
Mover: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Seconder: Natalie Milian Orbis
Vote: 5 - 0
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6/9/2025
Meeting canceled due to lack of a quorum by the Policy Council
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6B
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251698
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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 POLICY COUNCIL MEETING(S):
� MARCH 10, 2025
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Approved
Mover: Danielle Cohen Higgins
Seconder: Natalie Milian Orbis
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 Policy Council, the meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
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| 8/7/2026 |
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Agenda Key: 5417 |