Legislative Matter

Miami-Dade Legislative Item
File Number: 232189

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Clerk's Official Copy

File Number: 232189

File Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted

Version: 0

Reference: R-1156-23

Control: Board of County Commissioners

File Name: RESO DIRECTING MAYOR TO IDENTIFY LOCATIONS HOMELESS HOUSING

Introduced: 10/31/2023

Requester: NONE

Cost:

Final Action: 12/12/2023

Agenda Date: 12/12/2023

Agenda Item Number: 11A8

Notes:

Title:

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR’S DESIGNEE TO (1) IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS AND OPTIONS WITHIN COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 8 FOR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, REDEVELOPMENT, AND/OR REHABILITATION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR HOMELESS HOUSING, AND (2) PREPARE A WRITTEN REPORT WITHIN 60 DAYS

Indexes:	HOUSING
	HOMELESSNESS

Sponsors:

Danielle Cohen Higgins, Prime Sponsor

Sunset Provision: No

Effective Date:

Expiration Date:

Registered Lobbyist:

None Listed

Legislative History
Acting Body	Date	Agenda Item	Action	Sent To	Due Date	Returned	Pass/Fail

Board of County Commissioners	12/12/2023	11A8	Adopted				P

Chairmans Policy Council & Intergov. Affairs Cmte.	11/13/2023	2A	Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation
REPORT:	Assistant County Attorney Eduardo Gonzalez read the title of the foregoing proposed resolution into the record. The item’s prime sponsor, Commissioner Cohen Higgins, summarized the intent of the legislation and noted it directed the County Mayor to identify alternative locations for a proposed homeless housing redevelopment other than in Commission District 8. Chairman Gilbert III indicated his support for the item and noted that while a site was located in the Town of Cutler Bay, other locations needed to be explored. Ms. Victoria Mallette, Public Records Custodian, Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust (Homeless Trust), pointed out that the Homeless Trust acquired and renovated various sites throughout the County. She pointed out that proper notifications were provided and the Homeless Trust was allowed to proceed with the redevelopment of the Cutler Bay site. Ms. Mallette provided information about the site and the reason it was selected; and noted that while other locations would be considered, the Homeless Trust expended extensive resources in acquiring the Cutler Bay site. Mr. Ronald Book, Chairman, Homeless Trust, emphasized that the site would not be a homeless shelter, but would instead be rented to individuals persons who were formerly homeless with a focus on the elderly. He also informed the Committee that the Homeless Trust had communicated with Cutler Bay officials about the site and assured the Committee members that the project would not facilitate any needle exchange programs. Mr. Book emphasized that persons participating in the Homeless Trust’s housing programs were responsible tenants and referenced Mia Casa as an example. Mr. Book indicated that the Homeless Trust was willing to accommodate the County and Cutler Bay regarding choosing another site, however, he stressed the Cutler Bay site was the best location for the housing. Commissioner Hardemon commented on the City of Miami’s restrictions regarding homelessness and stated that while he supported the intent of the initiative, the item did not immediately address the homeless situation in the County. He voiced his concerns that residents may misunderstand the Homeless Trust’s efforts, which would impair their process in alleviating homelessness. Commissioner Regalado spoke about the County’s efforts to alleviate homelessness and noted this was based on a policy decision established by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) to support the Homeless Trust. She expressed concerns that the foregoing item would impact this policy; and also pointed out the 60-day site-report deadline was too long and could lead to delays. Chairman Gilbert III pointed out that the proposed resolution would not change County policy and it only directed the Administration to find alternative locations for housing. He also noted the site was not a homeless shelter and the contract for the housing was not in the item for consideration. Chairman Gilbert III advised that not every homeless issue could be addressed in the discussion. Commissioner Regalado opined the report would not be completed in less than 120 days, and asked how the contract would be affected. Mr. Book advised the Committee members that there was a binding agreement with the seller of the site who could choose not to sell to the Homeless Trust. He added the landowner wanted to close on the sale within the first 45 days of 2024, and expressed his concerns with the timing of the report and the urgent need for the housing. Commissioner Regalado reiterated her concerns about the report’s deadline and process, and requested a shorter timeframe for identifying alternative sites. She also pointed out that during the budgetary process, the proposed resolution was altered but the Board was never notified about the purpose of the changes which, then delayed the purchase of the site. In response to Commissioner Regalado’s question as to why the Homeless Trust did not close on the sale, Mr. Book explained that the Board’s funding approval had not been finalized and noted that the sale was in separate legislation pending Board approval. Mr. Book added that the proposed resolution was an alternative that would encourage closing the sale. Chairman Gilbert III informed Commissioner Regalado that changes in the budget did not prohibit the use of funds for the purchase of the site. Discussion ensued between Chairman Gilbert III and Commissioner Regalado regarding the intent of the item. Chairman Gilbert III reminded his colleagues that the item was focused on finding alternative sites and Commissioner Cohen Higgins had the right to explore these alternatives. Commissioner Regalado considered different scenarios related to the contract, funding and locating other sites; and cautioned there could be delays that would force the Homeless Trust’s process to start anew. Commissioner Cohen Higgins pointed out that the item was not meant to address every issue related to homelessness, but to determine if the Cutler Bay site was the best location to help transition people out of homelessness noting there were other suitable locations in her district. She also responded to the concerns raised by the Committee members regarding delays, and noted the item would not delay the Homeless Trust’s acquisition and development processes. Commissioner Cohen Higgins asked the Committee members for their support of the proposed resolution. There being no further questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed resolution, as presented.

County Attorney	11/1/2023 1:08:45 PM		Referred	Chairmans Policy Council & Intergov. Affairs Cmte.		11/13/2023

County Attorney	10/31/2023		Assigned	Monica Rizo		11/6/2023

Legislative Text

TITLE
RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO (1) IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS AND OPTIONS WITHIN COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 8 FOR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, REDEVELOPMENT, AND/OR REHABILITATION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR HOMELESS HOUSING, AND (2) PREPARE A WRITTEN REPORT WITHIN 60 DAYS

BODY
WHEREAS, homelessness is a critical issue facing Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, as of February 2023, it was reported that there were an estimated 1,056 unsheltered homeless persons living in Miami-Dade County and another 2,400 homeless persons living in shelters; and
WHEREAS, between February and May of this year, it was reported that the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust received 42,626 calls for help; and
WHEREAS, this Board approved, as part of its fiscal year 2023-2024 County budget, capital project program #2000003116 within the Homeless Trust�s capital programs in the amount of $15,900,000.00 to purchase, renovate or construct a facility in County Commission District 8 to provide housing for homeless individuals and families, including funds from the City of Miami for such purposes; and
WHEREAS, originally, County staff was considering the acquisition of an existing La Quinta Hotel at 10821 Caribbean Blvd. (�Original Site�) for the redevelopment of homeless housing, however, this Board would like to consider and be presented with all available sites- not only the Original Site- to consider for development of homeless housing in Commission District 8; and
WHEREAS, accordingly, this Board amended the proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 County budget at its second budget hearing held on September 21, 2023 to remove all references to the Original Site from the capital project description; and
WHEREAS, this Board seeks to find alternative sites in County Commission District 8 other than the Original Site for the acquisition, renovation, or construction of housing for homeless individuals and families,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Approves the foregoing recitals and incorporates them into this resolution.
Section 2. Directs the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to: (a) identify alternative site in County Commission District 8 other than the Original Site for the acquisition, renovation or construction of housing for homeless individuals and families; and (b) prepare a written report to the Board within 60 days of the effective date of this resolution and place the completed report on an agenda of the full Board without committee review pursuant to rule 5.06(j) of the Board's Rules of Procedure. The report shall, at a minimum, include (i) a listing of County-owned properties or privately-owned properties that would be appropriate for renovation or construction of housing for homeless individuals and families, and (ii) all estimated costs to effectuate such purposes, including but not limited to, the costs of acquisition, design, and construction, which costs shall not exceed the existing, identified budget allocation approved by the Board.