Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners (BCC) - Regular

test test >> want to recognize both parks employees and over first responders. Ever police men and women who I know it's been a very difficult time that we've gone through the last year, but know that us and the community are thankful and grateful for the work that you do every day to protect us. Not only protect us from bad guys, but protect us from the virus. You put your lives at risk to make sure that the people of northwest did well protected. The people of northwest date had access and that -- not only people in northwest date but the entire community. Know that myself, Chairman Of the commission, the mayor, and all of us are extremely grateful and proud to call you our own. You know, from tallahassee I used to say state troopers were our guys and gals, but now being here in dade county and being exposed to the caliber of work that you will do, it is -- I'm impressed and proud that you are representing us, that you are protecting us, and know that this commission, this mayor will always have your back. God bless you. Today is just a little tribute that we are going to give, but it's something that know that for us will always be grateful. So I will start off with our folks at amelia earhart park, the staff. Will tell you this: it was relentless. Starting with the vaccine site, with the testing site, and then when we started with the food distribution. Actually, commissioner bovo, the one who destroyed the distribution in northwest data entered one on for a year, thank you for letting me inherent that, sir. Lot of work but we got it done. Make sure the people of norwest dade and feeding florida were taken care of. Step we have is an amazing group of people. They are always there willing and able to help and they never said no to any of our requests. So with that, let me start with handle alone so, come up. [Applause] >> thank you. Thank you very much. >> david gill ohio. [Applause] >> role kata mona. [Applause] >> orlando kaslow. [Applause] Stephen duncan. [Applause] Darrell gordon. >> tony hill. [Applause] George Ob ell. [Applause] De la n johnson. >> lorenzo love it. [Applause] Alex martinez. Steve, get up here. Michael rojas. [Applause] Isabellas surround so juan tour coso. [Applause] And a touro rolando. [Applause] And alex martinez. And sylvia gonzales. Sorry. [Applause] Thank you, guys. Thank you very much. Now I want to thank our men and women in uniform. Again, without them, nothing would be possible for us. We have officer and I'll load, officer malone, officer angulo, officer baez, officer bag late though, officer beckham, officer cassels officer casiano, officer carrero, officer delarosa, sergeant flay does, officer flutie, officer hackett, officer jean-pierre, anne jones, sergeant kinsey, officer nelson Jr., c osborne, officer rodriguez, officer see arrow, officer solano, sergeant smiley. >> sergeant smiley come on down. >> officer seven, sergeant sullivan, we got -- we got sllivan? And we have officer williamson. [Applause] Officer cory at, officer feldstein, officer hackett, officer baez, and montesinos. Soto and torres. , up here. Is officer groves here? Again, folks! Thank you so much. For the folks of miami-dade county, these are the people that keep the safe. Thank you so much. God bless you and for the work you've done in protecting the residents of miami-dade county and for making sure the people in this community are safe. Say a couple words. >> thank you, God bless you all. [Applause] >> all right, guys! Thank you. I've got a tight schedule. Chief, fire chief, if we could have become down with your breasts, please, your top administration, come on down. ingrid, I want you to stand right next to me. You are the one who runs the department. We are ready to start. I would like to welcome everybody to the great way to start our bcc mating when we recognize our staff, we recognize the special events that were dictated by covid. You saw not just first responders, but the community of employees and miami-dade step up. First responders are essential to everything we do for our public safety. In addition to what was seen as extra efforts stepped up by everybody in the miami-dade county employment group, our first responders, not just the health people, but our police and our fire, fire rescue have been there and again since the beginning for law & order, for orderly dissemination of supplies, for demands, and keeping the public safe while those demands are being met, and also of course handling the everyday calls. It has been exceptional. But one thing that stands out with our first responders, police and fire department, is the standards that are sent nationwide by their peers, and then the ability of our miami-dade police department and of course our fire department to meet those standards. Today we are here to recognize the reaccreditation, this is accreditation agency award, but for as long as I can remember, our fire department, that includes all the services that they deal with, not just handling the fire, but the rescue operations, the als and hazards and everything else that goes with it. They have been accredited, because not only do they meet the standards, they exceed the bar on the standards. Everyday service, we rely on and, you know, God is willing, we won't have to depend on them in an emergency, that they will be there with the best of professionalism on every department in any unit, with every professional who wears a badge and a uniform. With that, before I yield to our chief, we had someone who's flew in as part of the team. Please speak and introduce yourself. Hopefully you fluent safely, and I will give the microphone to you. >> good morning. My name is steve dirksen. I.C.E officer fire chief in the city of fargo, north dakota, and I'm also the vice chair of the commission on fire accreditation international. I thank you for the warm weather pointed was a 72 degrees change for me when I left fargo yesterday morning. So this is much appreciated. But on behalf of the commission on fire accreditation international, I want to congratulate miami-dade fire rescue and the county of miami-dade for the great work that your department does. When I started in the fire service over 30 years ago, I remember reading stories about how miami-dade was always part of the growing and leading fire service. Back in the early als, the things that have been done here, the innovation that is done, but is not just apartment where the fire chief, it is all of you as the commissioners and citizens that support emergency services in the community. You guys recognize the need to do that. You do it well. You have an outstanding fire department. You are one of only a handful of large I think I heard almost 3 million citizens. There's not many communities that have 3 million citizens that are accredited. You are one of them. That is great work. >> that is a testimony to the drive of the organization. The chief that does not do this alone, he has a great team but find him. Through his leadership, he gives that direction and I can definitely tell after meeting the staff here that accreditation and the processes and the model of accreditation is embraced by the organization, embraced by the community, and I wish you continued success and we are very proud to have you read crediting you for the third time. So congratulations. [Applause] >> the commission on fire accreditation international and improvement model to self-assessment, accrediting agency award to the miami-dade fire rescue department. [Applause] >> one thing I want to share quickly is it's one thing to have the everyday standard, when we will want to look at best practices across the country, usually others come to miami-dade, between our search and rescue which is exceptional. We also have an incredible surplus donation program for countries of want in dealing with the laws of the country here, and this week we have our first meeting of the k9 response team for our fire departments to deal with ptsd. It's the first in the country, and it is now model. Thanks to this administration, chief? [Applause] And thank you, again. It's a true privilege, one, just to be the fire chief. It's an amazing organization. Like the chief said, it's an amazing team effort. I May be leading is fire chief but it's all of us here to get these types of awards. This is our third accreditation which is a huge compliment. It's a great assessment of the services and will we say we are the best and we know the amazing services we provide to the community. When an outside agency comes and they evaluate and you get the accreditation, just solidifies your organization and your accomplishments. Obviously, we cannot do this without the members behind me, but obviously, Madam Mayor, Chairman Ideas, all of the commissioners, your support is what we need for tools and resources to continue to provide this amazing service. so with that, thank you and thank you. [Applause] >> you know, what was that again, fargo? Isn't that a really cold place? It can be. You are welcome here all the time, so stay down here and enjoy. Because 72 degrees' difference, wow. Thank you so much for what you have done, director. We are very proud of you. We are proud of all of the men and women that serve. You know how I feel. But just to witness -- excuse me, earn this accreditation, it's incredible. Thank you for bringing this up. Madam Mayor, couple words? >> yeah, thank you. I cannot be more proud. Thank you so much, commissioner heyman, for making sure the whole world knows of this great honor. Truly, that should be accreditation for life. How many times you have to get it before -- it's every five years, okay. I have every confidence we will continue on this path. But I just want to say a few words about this department: before I was elected to office, of course I knew that the fire rescue department was outstanding, something we could all depend upon. When I became county commissioner and I got to see the inside workings of the department, everything about it blew me away. I was so impressed with every aspect of it, the planet, the execution, the community engagement. As mayor, I'm practically living with you. We are 24/7 on the phone to this pandemic. And honestly, nothing gives me greater confidence, greater security to know that you are there. And a joy, the great work you are doing to serve our community. As we said not just for fires, not just for rescues, but to protect and prevent disease, to make sure that everybody is healthy and safe. Your front mind worked with these and now the vaccine is unparalleled, unparalleled. So I say accreditation plus, you have earned it. You every day. Thank you so very much, everyone. [Applause] >> thank you, Madam Mayor. You know, everybody runs from the building when it's going wrong, right? These people run into the building to make sure lives are saved. What else is there to say? Let's get a picture. All right. Thank you so much. [Applause] >> okay. Let's get together. We have a lot more presentations. Ready, guys? You know, this is a very important month. Mr. Mayor? It's a very important month. A lot of good things take place. water conservation month is very important to us. It is something that, you know, water is the essence of life. Without it, we are in bad shape. So, you know, we have people that manage our water and do it very well. And we have been working together to solve a lot of issues. I have been working with them since I do want to say, that long. So it's been a long time that we are always trying to continue to improve the quality, the flow, the water. Director, you want to join us too, please? Just mosey on down. [Laughter] > thank you, director. So it's important that we recognize the tributes, the achievements and everything that has been done in this time. Amando, you are a personal friend. You know, anytime there is a storm, anytime there is an issue happening, you know, used to call him first. Now because my first. And we make sure that all of those lockets -- commissioner sosa and I have been doing this for a very long time, for many, many years. I tell you, we are very proud that today is a very different day. We have hardly seen flooding happening again and we work hard to make sure. Of course, our quality of water that our directors provide for us is incredible and the men and women that worked in the department. So I want to say thank you to all of those that worked in the department. I'm not going to read this whole thing, but it be resolved the mayor cover, the mayor of might and muted county, myself as a chime in, my colleagues and the board of county commission, all the 3 million people in miami-dade county. Tuning today water conservation month. Say a couple words? >> well, water is fundamental. And you will know I'm the water worrier and I am proud of the incredible work that this department and we are also in earth month, earth week, and thank goodness you were there not only protecting our water supply, but planning for the future, because truly this is our most important infrastructure issue. Some very happy always and thank you, thank you for what you are doing. We will recognize and people who are producing artwork. And amen to that. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> thank you, Madam Mayor, Chairman, and the entire board for your support and support of our staff to ensure that clean, reliable, and safe drinking water is provided to each and every one of our 3 million residents each and every day. We are excited about the drop savers poster competition and all the initiatives that we have recognized the water conservation month this year and every year and we thank south florida water district for its partnership and continuing to support to our department, water and sewer department. Thank you. >> thank you, Chairman. I want to thank you, Chairman, mayor cava, and the whole miami-dade county commission to cntinue in reducing water use. Continued increase in population, I also want to thank miami-dade county water and sewer for helping us preserve our water resources for future generations, so thank you very much and thank you for all your hard work. >> thank you, thank you much. I'm doing the end piece of the! Once upon a time, our generation, they used to be a clause on florida history and we learned about florida water, this and sadly no longer part of the curriculum. But wosny a stepped up and this is the 13th and the wall contest that we had. We had 1153 entries, 62 schools, every single district participated which we have to say in the pandemic is amazing. Their children that participated that were learning from home and others that were physically in the classroom. So an amazing feat and we are very grateful to our partners at searing estates, miami marlins, university of miami and zoo miami for helping us promote. To be putting up some of the winners. But if you want to see them, go to the wosny building in my district. My district offices there and we will post pictures too. these are amazing. I want to say they are from kindergarten through fifth grade. When you see the work, it is wonderful. We actually thought for a minute they were high schoolers. But it's great in that they really got the message, right? And I mention this because, you know, all conservation is about stewardship and the reason we want to highlight this program and are so grateful that water and sewer does this every year is because it really does take a village. And now we have the third-generation of cnservationists, as you will see they totally understand stewardship, the detail and the thought that they pt into it. Madam Mayor, you appreciate that we have a few, some are water warriors too. Summer superheroes, the theme in this. They really focus not just on the concept of water conservation but also limiting waste and water quality. Really, all the way around, just wonderful submission! It was very difficult to pick the winners. But here we have them. For district 1, lucas r para, northgate center for modern language, district to zia's amine puppies, them miami union; advance academy district 3 for martinez, montessori district 4, michelle bachelet low, office elementary school, district 5 is ricardo gonzalez, saint michael U.S. Angel -- sanchez phelan elementary school, district 7 nicholas a rios kenwood k8 center, district aida leah snchez, leawood k8 center, district 9 emily cruz advantage of his academy, dstrict 10, brian crandall lopez, village green elementary school; district 11, antonio oliver hoover elementary school; district 12, lorenzo josc downtown charter elementary; district 13, emily garcia, my happy house learning center. So we would also like to mention that two of our winning posters were submitted to the statewide drop savers contract sponsored by the florida section. Of the american water works association, and we are recognized as winners of that event. So for that, we have division two, first place winner nicholas area dstrict 7, kentwood k8 center, district 7 in the house! In division 3, first place winner, lorenzo josc district 12. So we had the state champions too. We will pour it most of these on social media and we are excited about next year. Thank you so much. And it was difficult during a pandemic. It was amazing to get so many kids to participate. Thank you to our teachers and partners. >> I got to thank you, racquel, because that was actually aesome. So thank you, because recognition and understanding and teaching are younger and future generations, all of our water is incredible. Thank you again. All right. With that, picture time! Let's get together and come on in the middle. Racquel, get on the side. Do we have any teachers, anybody, raquel? Get on the other side. Ready, get in the middle, in the middle. I need some people on the side, guys. Guys, all right. This is a very difficult one. We got a couple difficult ones coming up now. Will the family of Mr. Les guice please come up. From overlook velasquez, the fmily, please come up. Pease come over here and join us. I know this is an incredible, incredibly difficult for all of you. I just want you to understand that as a marine, I know the value of courage, honor and respect. And I understand when you look at somebody's actions and you can tell the kind of person he was. So to us, it's important to recognize a true hero, one that puts his life before others. You should be very proud of him and I know you are for what he did. So I wanted to make sure that h was recognized before all of us into the people that live in miami-dade county. We also want to say thank you. And we want to say thank you to you and your family for everything. so words are hard to come by when these things happen. But I think the word tank you goes a long way. This is part of us saying thank you to mami-dade county. And before I give you this, do you want to say a couple words? No. Gentlemen, anyone of you? Okay. On behalf of all of us -- do me a favor, director. Give me a second, can you read this? >> I think the most important part is to say that he is in heaven now looking after each one of you, and that is something that you are going to feel that angel guiding your life from now on. So miami-dade county is devastated by this loss. Being one of our family employees who work for years in the internal services department where he proved to be highly devoted professional who was respected by all, serving as a maintenance mechanic, Mr. Velasquez was a dynamic member of the staff of this county, and we are proud of him and will always be. We knew his passion to help as others. He was profession and always cheerful demeanors and warm attitude for his characteristics, showing how big his heart was. So this community joins in commemorating the passing but will celebrate the life and forever treasure the memory of romero velasquez who will be missed but this family and on behalf of the mayor, daniella levine cava, our sheriff "pepe" diaz, all the colleagues and the members of the dpartment and family of miami-dade county, but mostly on behalf of this community, miami-dade county residents. We proclaim and express our sorrow for the member of ariel romero. Our sympathies are with you and your family. >> Madam Mayor? >> to the family, your loss is incalculable. Everyone here in miami-dade county, the family is with you. There was a shudder that went through this entire -- when we learned of the loss in this act of heroism. I personally want you to know that I will be sitting always at the desk that he built for me, and I will think of him every single day and thank him and all of you for your sacrifice. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> thank you, Madam Mayor and Mr. Chair. I am tara smith, internal services director. I do so wish that I could be surrounded by my ist family up here. I know that if all 998 isd employees were allowed, and could fit in here, they would be here to honor the life of ariel or who we call lucille slg no. But in their absence, I'm really very humble to speak on the behalf and know that across isd, our hearts are broken for train eight, whose life was good and humble and honorable and too short, for his family, of course, whose lives resolved around him, for the other county families and the family of kirk munguia who also died in this tragedy. Our hearts are broken. And I know that we will always look for ways that we can honor the life of ariel and his memory, whether that's through the concern and care and quality that he brought to his work, that we will all do the same every day in his honor, or through just a random, brave act of kindness that we can find what each other every day in his honor. So thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of isd. >> thank you, ma'am. On behalf of all of us as we said before for miami-dade county, my colleagues that are all here, once again, thank you and God bless you. Whatever you need, we are family. This is very difficult moment. We have a gentlemen we love, and respect and care for. He's our colleague, and -- stop. You know, there's a lot of people that say a lot of things, and there's a lot of guys that say a lot of things, but there's a lot of men that put the words into action. Steve bovo senior did that. He took a cause that he believed in and he went and fought for that cause, risking his life, and he did it with honor. And he did it in a way that was very special, because, unfortunately, they were left hanging. But he still picked it up, came back to this country, started a life with his family and was very proud. I consider him a friend in the always, always did it his way all the time. But always with the love of all of that surrounded him. And that is incredible. Can you queue the video for a second, please? [Music] >> I know this is not easy. We don't like to do this, unfortunately. It is part of what we do. To give out these resolutions, it's not easy. Renee's a very close friend of the family too, and I want him to have the owners to give this to steve. Commissioner, my friend, my brother, I am weak right now. >> a new bovo sr. For as long as I know bovo Jr., and talk about a man of his word, talk about a man who believed in a cuse, believed in his family, and believed in helping any and every person that came across his path and always, aways maintaining that straight edge line. I think that is something that was embedded in steve and his brothers and sisters and grandchildren and his children, and it was embedded into all of us that came across bovo sr. And his wife. Cannot forget about his wife I love her to death. She's the one that really kept everything going, but the reality is that we are here today to honor a man who served the cause, the fight for freedom for a nation that has been abandoned. he not only fought for that right over there for them to be free, but made sre that the people of this community and of this country will never forget the atrocities that have happened and continue to happen in an island that is only 90 miles away. Is for me, almost bittersweet to be able to recognize is the esteban bovo sr. For his work, dedication, for his fight, for his freedom involvement in the bay of pigs and for the light of honor and dignity that he lived across his whole time on this planet. And the best treasure, the best gift that he and his wife have been able to leave behind is an icredible family, a family who is all about service, family who's all about sympathy and empathy and compassion. That is the best gift that any man or any woman can't ever leave behind. Commissioner, I just want to make sure we recognize esteban bovo sr. And your family for the amazing work and amazing light that he lived in the fight for freedom, not only for the folks on the island, but for those that live in this country as well. He never stopped and I know he will never continue to stop. God bless you. I love you, my friend. I love you will very much. [Applause] >> well, esteban and I were colleagues in the bay of pigs. Esteban, this is steve here, esteban was in the year I was on the ground. I was telling some stories a moment ago that we did not know, that I was there before the invasion because I landed before the invasion with others, and I was at the central. Planes where esteban sr. Was flying many times, dropping leaflets, dropping materials to the people in the -- on the ground there in the hills and the muntains, looking for freedom and liberty and trying to get rid of cuba under the soviet capitalism. [Indiscernible] When I would listen to planes flying over at night, we were so happy. People were -- [Indiscernible] And waiting for weapons to come down and sometimes they came, sometimes they did not. So warfare, guerrilla warfare is not easy, not like you se in the movies. It's a bit different. And esteban was there on planes flying over us. And we were so hopeful. In this past week, we commemorated the 60th anniversary of those moments, those horrendous days that changed the history of the world, not only the history of this country, but the history of the world. Not only latin america, and only here, but the world over, talking about communis type imperialism, control over africa, control over latin america, control over -- I was there and many others trying to do something about that. Unfortunately, things did not go that way. Many things happened, as you know. We can be here all day talking about that and telling stories that sometimes not the miami herald, not everyone knows. Esteban knew. Esteban was a great pilot, great man, a great individual, a great cuban, a great person. I had of course many conversations with him after that here, after all these years, and he was my constituent also. So we use to sometimes run into each other drinking coffee on the corner. He always fought for freedom, for liberty, for all of the good things that make america great again, and make the world great. Democracy in the world, that is what we dish fish freedom and liberty and the pursuit of happyness as the constitution says. So we lost a great man, good man, and steve and I have many stories to share in the future with others about of these things. Stevie, your dad and your family, they are very good, excellent people, and you are too. And we love you. We love your family. We love your dad, of course. He will always live with us and we keep going. Thank you. >> I'm going to be brief. I know you guys have work to do. But I want you to know that my family, who is watching and could not be here today, is honored, truly honored by the outpouring of love. An emotional roller coaster for my family over the last month and a half when my dad took ill and we kew the end was near. And he was very profound and wanted us to know that he wanted to be with my mother. He made it clear. My sister, who works with the county, was providing his primary care and she would try to feed him and give him medicine, and he would then tell me, tell your sister don't do that anymore. I want to be with your mom. It really spoke -- my dad was headstrong about what he wanted. He knew what he wanted to do at the age of 12. He wanted to be a pilot and he became a pilot. When the communist government ripped up that away from hm, then he had another passion, and that was to see if free cuba. So everything that my did that did from that point from the day he died, was driven by a passion to see cuba and it tok them to the bay of pigs and it created friendships and, moderate with people that has lasted literally to this day. It took him to brothers to the rscue and everything, everything that was about new cubans coming and helping cubans not just adjust but also explaining to them that there was at one time in cuba alive and well, and armed struggle. And I know he was gratified in his end to see in cuba today a dissident organization of people raising their voices that one freedom. They do not want a continuation and, you know, that was my dad's life. He said a very high standard for everyone in my home. He set a high standard for me. I probably spent my entire life, will spend my entire life trying to uphold and live up to, live up to a standard that he expected. So we are honored, honored you are doing this today. He would tell you I's not necessary, it's -- he did what he needed to do and owners are not something he cred about. One last thing, you know, in looking at those videos, I don't know if big ears were in style back then, must have been something we were doing, but looking at those pictures, I will remember, yeah, skinny and big ears. His friends, when he was a cadet, his nickname was dumbo. I thought that was kind of funny seeing those videos. Chairman, I appreciate you taking initiative to do this. I think all of you. Renc love you. I want to thank all of you for taking the time. I know you have very busy things to do. My family is honored and eternally grateful for all of you for doing this! [Applause] >> get around, guys. >> sorry, guys. We had a little confusion. I need you guys to get back, please. Over here, sorry. Lester? Please, commissioners. I am sorry. We had little oversight. Coming back. The other gentleman that was involved in that tragedy that took place the other day was the father of the young lady that they were on the board swimming on a raft. And in that raft fell and immediately they were trying to save because it was in the deep. And he tried his best along with the other gentleman. She got saved, eventually. And they did not. They are heroes. He lost his life for his daughter. His lovely wife is here with his brother. And he is a hero to all of us. He tried his best, and kirk munguia is one that worked with us also and our department, with the department. And he was a very special man, very special man. So you want to say a couple words, director? >> thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the mayor and mayor's office and everyone at the airport, kirkwood said individual that went out of his way everything will day to help people, people he did not even know. And it's somebody who led by example. Everyone that he met, he had an impact on. I know we went to the celebration of life and they were so many people from both cousins of border protection and the county family that will forever, forever Miss Him. And we should use his life as an example of how to live our lives, to make sure that we leave no stone unturned and that we ask people when they needed their assistance. So we honor him today in the best possible way we can buy recognizing him and wishing you all the best know that he will always be in our hearts. >> do you want to see a couple words? >> on behalf of a family beyond the residents of miami-dade county, those millions that entered into our community, sometimes kirk and we know the air force staff, we know the first they will get to see coming into our great county. For him to lose his life trying to save a life just exemplifies the nature, the character of this person in the other gentleman that we honored today, for the loss to their family, to their work-family, but also to all of us who hope to emulate the type of character that you gave your life to another, for another on behalf of an entire family that shares your loss. We recognize kirk for what he did, for the man he is, for the relative that you all lost and you find comfort in our recognition today and all of us remembering him for the man he was and how he gave up his life for another. [Applause] >> Madame Clark, if you could please -- good morning, Madame Clark. If you can please call the roll, please. >> commissioner: higgins. >> President. >> commissioner garcia. >> year. >> commissioner hardeman. >> present. >> commissioner heyman. >> present. >> commissioner higgins, commissioner martinez, commissioner Mcgee, commissioner mona seen, commissioner rigoletto, commissioner sosa, commissioner soto, vice Chairman Gilbert, Chairman Diaz. We have 13 members presently. We have a good morning. >> thank you, Madame Clark. If you could please stand. New sound effect, sorry, guys. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. Prior first. >> bow your heads. God, or for there, lord and savior, today we come to you to petition your grace and guidance in this moment forever words and thoughts. The stewards of your resources of your people. Heavenly father we know that today as we recognize the loss of members of our family, we understand you are God and you are God alone. We. [Inaudible] Faith and presence, which you have always been and what you always will be. In his name we do pray. Amen. >> please stand for the pledge of allegiance. . [Pledge of allegiance] >> Madame Attorney, good morning. >> good morning. >> all right. Let's get going. Start us off, Madame Attorney. >> Mr. Chair in accordance with rule 606 of the board's rule of pocedure, members of the public will not have a reasonable opportunity to be heard regarding nonpublic hearing propositions that are before the commission today, which have not been subject to a previous opportunity to be heard. Regarding public hearing items under section 5 of your agenda, members of the public will be given an opportunity to speak when the item is called. Mr. Chair, at this time he May extend reasonable opportunity to be heard. >> thank you, Madame Attorney. With that, reasonable opportunity is open at this time. Do we have speakers? Ma'am, you have two minutes to speak. Please state your name and address when you start speaking. Thank you. >>Female Speaker: good morning. Amid a can, offices of hq h lot -- suite 800. Here today on items two b6, to report you will received today regarding sea level rising impacting of the agriculture community. I represent algiere farms, one of the largest farmers in south dade. And my client, john eldridge, is here to tell you more specifically and technically about the impacts of sea level rise, but in here to encourage you to review the report. At this time, the county is dealing with a lot of issues with regard to whether we are going to do with agricultural land outside the ubp, what we will do wth the u-ey ays, the county planning department has prepared a report, extensive report about the land outside ddb and what are we going to do with the eu ways. I know they have received extensive public comment and they are currently reviewing that. At the same time, the county prepared a report regarding sea level rise impacts on the agricultural industry. At this time, the county reports show we have about 52,000 acres of privately held agricultural land, about the minimum threshold to maintain as viable agricultural industry in south dade. The sea level rise reports identify several real-world impacts that the community is facing not just as planning for the future, but the impacts are felt today. We have sea level rise, resulting in saltwater intrusion, loss of hundreds of fingers are crossed. It affects the pollution. On time. The increasing temperatures has risen the freeze line further north in florida, therefore it's affecting their market competition. Events, they have leaders season rain. These are just some of the impacts of the aricultural community facing at this time. They also rely heavily on the seasonal drawdown, which is the report notes, seasonal drawdown May be impacted by the ability to physically told on the water if the water table is rising. So we asked today to consider this report, review it, but also please consider it as part of your greater picture of what are we going to do with agricultural land outside ddb and outside the eua? Will be able to maintain this viable agricultural industry in the future? Please consider that as a whole. Thank you. >> thank you. Next speaker. Of iraq, small business advocate with the cfp association inc. And support of item 2 before 10 h to 28f 11 and 1487. I gave each of you a copy of exhibit 1 and exhibit 2, the clerk delivered it to you. Exhibit 1 includes a bed sheet which shows that we as small businesses when we submit our bid tells you what we have to include a copy of our license. If we don't include a copy of our license, we are disqualified and cannot bid. Also, included a copy of all of the letters from the small businesses who recommend that an cmpd parent success for vendor for qb nine and also I gave you a letter of the copy of all of the benefits that the mcc program provides to small businesses. >> dorothy? >> yes. >> this item is already had discussion and committee. >> I understand, chair. >> thank you for coming out. We already had conversation on this, and I just want to tell the other people signed up on this item that I don't want to cut them off, but we already heard testimony on that. >> thank you so much. >> there a lot of small business -- >> it's all good. Just want to make sure people understand that. >> next person, thank you. >> my name is john eldridge, 179 -- homestead florida., farmer, third-generation former in the south dade area. Appreciate you having me. Here we stay on the water level rises the effects. I flipped through it after hurricane irma. We lost hundreds of acres, with saltwater intrusion is just now flushed out enough. We can use land again. Saltwater, seawater rises, only one component of many, many things that's crushing south dade agriculture right now. The discussion of possibly removing the drawdown would put us out of business. Two inches of rain that would've kept us out of our being sold this money to harvest. It's getting hotter and hotter. It's not freezing in the winter time they could head. Has not frozen and 11 years. We end up having more supply than the market can bear during water months. That is crushing being growers, squash growers, sweet corn growers, etc. What I'm trying to do is trying to figure out where I go next. A lot of my colleagues, many colleagues are dropping out of agriculture. We had us a note farms dropout last year, to receive brothers dropped at the year before, hagan farms, dunn brothers farms. We've got to come up with a comprehensive plan on how to -- we cannot just preserve agriculture when it's not sustainable to begin with. So appreciate all that time. Thank you. >> thank you, sir. . Eugene sirs? >> commissioners, I rise on behalf out of 4e, which is your -- >> I need your name and address, please. >> thanks trance, key biscayne. I am speaking in favor of the proposal to abolish the greater miami expressway authority, and act purportedly created by the legislature that in effect clearly and unequivocally violates the constitution of the state of florida. It has 65 years ago, the people of florida amended the florida constitution to give miami-dade county extraordinary home rule powers. The charter was adopted the following year in 1957. And over the 64 years, since 1967, a procession of leaders at this county have worked tirelessly to preserve home rule for this community. Dade county has 2.7 million people. That is more population than 15 states. We have land area greater than five states. And yet what we have is now an attempt that's been repeated over the years by legislators who come from here to move political power to tallahassee, which under the constitution belongs only to the people of dade county here. I worked with the legislature for five years. My first year was doing local bills for sarasota county. I can tell you about the evils of local bills. I had the joy of being chief assistant to the speaker of the huse, richard pettigrew, from dade county and worked with him as he preserved and did everything he could do, as did other dade county leaders to preserve home rule for our community. The effort to abolish mdx and replace it with the state agency and moved to the, to the legislative committee, the power to approve row bond issues is an unconstitutional act, and I would hope that all of you would join together and say what's been said for 65 years: not on my watch. Do not let this happen. Power close to the people is better than power 500 miles away. Thank you. >> thank you, Mr. Stern! Good to see you. Next person. >> good morning. My name is anne Mcneil, the founder of the nessel association of black women in construction. I'm also the owner of mc -- >> what item are you speaking on? >> pardon me? Speaking on item 2b4. My address is 6600 nw. 27th avenue, miami, florida. >>> 2v4 is in regards to the solar and energy long son. I'm speaking supportive but on behalf of all small businesses. This item is an exact example of what we would like to have miami-dade county consider, as you consider looking at the opportunity for small businesses, especially black businesses. This item also is an example of why it's very important that the commissioners consider looking into creating and updating the existing disparity study that impacts all of our black businesses that are basically dying on the vine. And so, I would like to just suggest in supporting this item that you also take actions today to support small businesses, especially black businesses in the county. Thank you. Ma'am. Next person. >> good morning. My name is alejandra archibald. Construction group core, located 6601 nw. 1/151 street. Miami-dade, florida, 33014. I was, here to talk in favor of item 2b4. We understand this was the project that would be in favor and would give us an additional opportunities to have work in the area of miami as well as the different sellers as projects. We have been awarded already, not speaking on other items that we was coming to. So we will follow. But where we would just like to make the comments that -- >> stick to 2b4. Thanks so much. >> sir, I talk in general. It's included in 02b4. Mayor, commissioner, all the others, we vote for you guys and we vote to have change. And the first change, we are willing not to see is to be having projects here, and double standard. Spe, we have one standard and we seen other companies in . [Indiscernible] We do not expect that from you guys. >> thank you for coming in speaking. >> you too, sir. Anybody else? We are good? Madame Attorney. >>Female Speaker: yes, Mr. Chair. Would you like to set the agenda at this time? >> at this time I would like to set the agenda, Madame Attorney. >> Mr. Chair, I have approved a few preliminary matters. >> okay. >> item 3a2 minute supplement, commissioner martinez is pulling this item. Letter letter 88f 11, the administration is requesting deferral of this item to the May 4 commission meeting. This item is on your pull list. Commissioner: higgins should not be listed as a pulling commissioner, and the board will need to decide how we should proceed. Eight letter I two, commissioner rigoletto is adding this item to the pull list. 8o5, chime in deas releases this item. 11 a5, commissioner rigoletto releases this item, the sponsor has requested withdrawal of the item. with the setting of the agenda, this item shall be withdrawn. Rick regalado releases this item. The sponsor has requested withdrawal. With the setting of the agenda, is this item shall be withdrawn. 11 a 16, it was a scriveners error on the polis, sponsor of the item should be noted as senator garcia. 11 a 25, the prime sponsor is requesting deferral of this item 2 the May 4 commission meeting. Pull list and support will need to decide how we should proceed. 14 a5, commissioner martinez pulls this item. 14 letter asx and its supplement, commissioner martinez pulls this item. And item 15 b1, commissioner martinez releases this item. Mr. Chair, I have additional requests for cosponsorship. >> go ahead, Madame Attorney rex 1d3. >> hold on, Madame Attorney. >> commissioner martinez, commissioner heyman. >> the 14 a, 14 a5, did not pull that. [Inaudible] >> 14 a you said, commissioner? >> yes sir. >> thank you. Continue, commissioner heyman. >> thank you, Mr. Chair. I was only -- one of my issues was 8 and 41 for an amendment of dishes because we did not have a committee that got on, so I pulled it for an amendment and then I can release it. And I'm the only polar and the same thing with 11 a -- hold on, 11 a3. I'm the only puller is my issue, and this committee did not get it through. So if I could get those amendments on, we can release them for staff. >> can we do it real fast we can get it on? Madame Attorney? >> Madame Attorney. Want to read these now or when we are done setting the agenda? Now. If you have it. If not, we wait until you're done. >> I do. Item hn 41, commissioner heyman is proposing that the resolution be amended to provide in paragraph 8 of te off system construction and maintenance agreement between the sgot and the county that f dot provides notice to the county at least one week before beginning construction within the county's right-of-way and that such notice also includes notice to the county's district 4 commissioners. That's the proposed amendment to 8n 41. Commissioner heyman is proposing to amended to increase the period of time in which the mayor or her designee must generate the requested report from 30 days to 60 days. >> and with those two amendments -- I will release my hold. >> second. Just keep going. Do in a final vote. Chair will still have some additional -- >>,storm honesty and is requesting to pull item 14 a3, and as additional request for cosponsorship. 1d3, senator soto cosponsors, for g senator soto cosponsors, 5d, commissioner: higgins cosponsors. 5v and 5g, chime in deas cosponsor. 11 a 26, chime in deas cosponsor. 11 it a 3 and 14 a1, senator garcia cosponsor. I also received a note commissioner martinez cosponsor 11 a 32 and commissioner sosa cosponsorship of item 5g. The items to be considered at today's meeting will be those listed and the print of the final agenda with the additions to referrals, withdrawals and scriveners errors noted in the Chairman's memorandum and items I just mentioned. The commission will approve all of these items by a single vote setting the agenda, except ordinances for first reading, public hering, ordinance set for second reading, pump items 11 a 30, commercial service airport contract with const that -- searches voted on separately and on your polis. Item subject to the four day rule under section 14 and following pull list items. >> okay. >> item 3a2 ended supplement, 3a4 and its supplement, item 8f 11, there was the request on this item to defer it to May 4. The board will need to decide how which to proceed because the item is on the pull list. 8g 1, 82, eight g3, a g4, hiv-2, hn 40, hn 41 will be approved as amended with the setting of the agenda. 11 a2 ended supplement, 11 a3 will be approved as amended with the setting of the agenda, 11 a9, 11 a 14, 15, 16, 17, 11 a 19, 11 a 21 . Mr. Chair, 11 a 25 is on the polis but there is a request from the sponsor to defer it to May 4. The board will need to decide how to proceed. 14 a1 -- >> Madame Attorney, what item again? >> item 11 a 25 as well as item 8f 11 have both requested deferral and are on your pull list. >> let's go ahead and do for them if that's okay with commissioner heyman. >> I'm sorry, Mr. Chair, but if you look at 11 a 25, our tax collector opposes it. If you look at the state of florida, the tax collectors association opposes it. >> I know. Commissioner heyman -- >> it needs to be withdrawn if our own people are against it that would have to do it. Needs a discussion. But it should not be sitting out there in case it could come back. >> okay. I did not want open discussion. >> all right. >> we are in the process. Commissioner regalado, now that you mention it. >> I'm different to work with the tax collector and that's why requesting the root deferral to work on the item. >> okay. Deferral. >> I moved to defer both items. >> with the setting of the agenda 11 a 25 will be noted as deferred. >> thank you. >> 14 letter a1 remains on the pull list as well as 1482, three, 14 a5, 1486, ended supplement, 1487, 1488 and 14b one. Motion to set the agenda in order. >> before you set the agenda -- >> I need to be a cosponsor to 582 and its supplement. >> you get that, Madame Attorney? Commissioner sosa. >> I believe 14 a5 was four day rule. >> yes. >> I apologize. He is. >> I moved to set te agenda with the amendments that were offered by the items to be deferred or to be withdrawn. >> thank you. So set with all of the amendments. Senator garcia? >> quick question, little confused as to what's happening with 8f 11. >> with the setting of the agenda will be deferred to May 4. >> Mr. Chairman, I think this issue -- I think it is time to take on these issues. I don't know why the deferment on an issue that's already went through committee. I know it's a controversial issue, but I think it's nonetheless time that we take this on, because we do have a contract that has been in the wings and has been waiting. Now we have another amendment, another ordinance moving the other contracts over the county. I think at that point we do take up the issue and have the conversation as opposed to deferring it. We keep different some issues that are important, million dollar contracts, it's important to take on this issue. Senator garcia has asked since it's been heard already, is before us. Do I have any disagreement from any other member? >> I would disagree with that. Don't think it's necessary to be heard for now. I think the administration and the mayor wants a bit more time. I think there are new facts that have, board that involves this discussion. Text that had we known as a committee made a difference in how we saw the item. Advocates fear enough to give the mayor the time to consider which is proposed to us to consider. >> okay. Here's wat I'm going to do. There is discussion from everybody on their that's not part of the committee, and they want to have say in it. I do want to open this item and go at it for two or three hours, then end up in the same place. So what I would like to do is not deferred at this moment. I want to make a couple of statements on it and at that time differ it because I have an idea to see how we can solve this item. Okay? It's a simple statement that i'm going to make, and it's more an instruction to the administration because I do have concerns on this item. So at this tme, I simply want to just keep it on and deferred at that time. Commissioner martinez. >> I just want to know what's the reason for the deferral. >> Mr. Chairman, you identified. >> thank you, for those of you that May have attended the committee meeting or watched it, there was a lot of discussion and debate, a lot of issues that came up. And is since then some if you have additional issues and questions. We just want to make sure, given how critical a project this can be for small businesses and whatnot, that we get it right. It is two weeks at in the next meeting and we wanted time to sort of really carefully consider all of the stuff. Obviously, if the desire is to put stuff on the record, that's fine. But we just wanted an opportunity to look at this before we came back and took a final vote on it. You, Mr. Chair. >> commissioner sosa. >> Mr. Chair, question. The motion was icluding the deferral of this item. But of course if you are going to say a few words, then those two pull the item off to speak, meaning we will discuss the item anyway. I think the only reason that for the deferral is fix what is wrong with the problem, because we are not talking about one company, another cmpany or that company. We are talking the prophets, fix what's wrong. >> let me state my statement now and those that agree agree or not. Chief maurielle is, this item was presented by the administration as it was words and presented to the committee, committee Chairman Had a long discussion, along with the other five members. And therefore, a lot of discussion already took place. Continue on before my agenda today. I would've preferred that this was handled prior for it going to the process. Started in the process and continue on the process. It should continue. But out of respect to the chair of the airport and the people that are involved in this item, I would like to defer it to the next meeting. But with this caveat, the mayor make sure she speaks to both entities and she comes to an agreement that explains to this board would actually is taking place. Because I have a lot of questions on this item, and I know my colleagues do too. So with that, if members agree, I would let the item get deferred until the next meeting with that caveat. I don't want any other discussions with any other entities. With a solution. Is that correct? >> I understand. >> thank you. >> my mtion for the agenda stance. >> Mr. Chair, we talk about process. This is where I get frustrated and a little uncomfortable with process. This is an item that's been before us. This is an item that we know. Now we are trying to figure out why we can and what we can, trying to find that these real details. Instead of us having a discussion is aboard, these are things that we should not fear. Let's not fear the debate. Let the new items that the mayor has come to her office present those issues before this county commission. We are the legislative body. If there is new information and that new information be presented here, not in a closed room. And that notes two weeks, but this has been through since been waiting for this contract to be done. And this is where the frustration of this one member comes to be, and I think it's important for us to see the process move forward, up or down. Have the vote. Instead of holding off all the small businesses that are waiting to see what's going to happen with ncci, mcc nine, then also the extension that's come before us for those four or five business, contracts that are still out. So I asked that we at least have a discussion on the item May be towards the end, but we should at least have the county commission give all the board was the opportunity to be heard. >> senator garcia, I understand your viewpoint and I respected totally. But here's what I'm trying to avoid: we have a long agenda ad I don't want to go into discussion for two and a half hours and end up deferring the item. What we get -- >> that's where we are at right now without looking across the day is. If I get the support of my colleagues, then we move forward. Westerman. >> Mr. Chairman, I think that's probably what will happen. One of the things I get frustrated as we talk about stuff for two hours and then we actually do for it. I think because we know there's apprehension on this item and I think the committee chair was correct that there were things in committee and now there is more information, it's probably appropriate for us to let the mayor sort this out, bring us back the information with the recommendation, then let us actually have a full, complete and final debate on this in two weeks. >> thank you, vice chair. Commission payment. >> thank you. Commissioner garcia, applause. Your frustration for new guy is on point and expected to come so soon. Let me show this: I folded because from the time, and I don't sit on the committee, the item was hurt, we all heard about it before hand it ever got to be the item. It was pending. Then we heard about it when it was sitting out there. Then it was in committee. Then it was back in committee with more stuff. And in the meantime, I can appreciate the mayor or the ministration getting more information, applause, and the ig. We are all getting this stuff from lobbyists. It's time that the administration started having meetings with all of us. I don't sit in that committee and no one from staff has come to speak to me. Okay? But I have gotten -- here, this is just what I brought today on the materials that are additional to the item. That should not happen. The two weeks I will spport the deferral because I don't want to have someone have to walk us through every single new piece of information. But in the two weeks until the next one, this person is asking for someone to give me a comprehensive understanding on what this means to the county, not an individual person who is standing for the word or the re-award. Okay? We have heard from them, or some of us had. We need to understand what it means for the airport in the county and the small businesses that are an obligation, we are assuming. Okay? I would like to have it all at once instead of piecemeal and then -- or today trying to put it together and see what we feel about it and then go back. >> thank you, commissioner. Commissioner martinez, let's move it. >> thank you. Unless the administration is going to rescind the recommendation, reject all bids or everything in which case you should just withdrawal it cannot request deferral, there is nothing you will do to change it. The terms in the contract will stay the terms in the contract. So we are kicking the can down the road because notes in the newspaper and this is and doing all kinds of things. That unfortunately, I did see the airport committee, the only items because they don't sit on that. But I was able to see what it was. So unless you're going to change your recommendation, there really is no need to defer it. If you're going to change it, withdrawal it. That's your prerogative, not ours. You can withdrawal it if you choose. >> commissioner rigoletto. >> quickly, and to echo a little bit of what was said by by senator garcia and also solly, then part of the problem here is that there is like a gotcha moment every time we will meet. Like 24 hours before we meet, we all get the gotcha emails. And I when we had our committee meeting, you know, the oig did its best to get us that report, but we got it hours before we had our meeting. Since then, more has come to light. So my only request to the administration is just please gather all of the information. This is not a litigation. If there is going to be a big protest, then so be it. But, you know, the problem here is that this is so out of control. It is starting to appear banana republic-ish, and it really is questioning our procurement process. I feel that our employees have done a good job. But, you know, we cannot allow the parties to pop up with evidence every time that they don't like a decision that was made. So I will support the deferral. Commissioner martinez makes a good point, but if the issue is that you need more time to gather information and to finally put all of this to bed, then I will support the deferral, but that's it, because it just seems that every time we turn around, there is another chapter to this noble. Thank you. >> thank you. Sosa. Stables to withdraw the item, so they can work on the item, let us know. >> it's actually not our issue. Mr. Chief. >> Mr. Chair commissioners, I think commissioner sosa said it, they are process issues. This administration inherited three years of a process here. in the last week, a lot of qu