Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners - Regular

>>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: good morning! I only had one person who had coffee today? Good morning! There we go. I like that. Today we have a very long day. We have some really great stuff going on. And we have two very great presentations this morning . A group of heroes and another hero for the county, which is our auditor. So if you don't mind, let's start with my auditor. MR. Auditor, come on down. And bring your whole team. [Clapping] You know, years ago this community wanted to make sure we had a independent auditor to review whatever this county put forth. Whatever budget, certain legislations . I will let you say whatever you do. But what is important is the independent side of it. When a person can make a decision to make sure the right thing is done without having to worry that somebody is going to come and take them out of this job. That is the important thing of any position when you are a watchdog type agency. To me that is very important. I am very proud to have our auditor here today. He is a great man. He has done a lot of great things. he is major the county, I asked him to make sure properties given away and given away what happened to the properties from the county. And he found a lot of those properties were actually done in another way. And today we are giving back some of those properties. There are many things he hasn't done and he is very quiet, he is very humble. At the same time this is m today is our aniversary. How many years? 20. I'm only 27. This works out. Ladies and gentlemen, our auditor. [Clapping] Spoke to jimmy mireles, chief operating officer. In has asked me to say a few words because he MAY remember, we were sitting together on the county commission. I am the godfather of the commission auditor only because I noticed bakhtin that it was challenging for a bunch of part-time commissioners, which we all were, to deal with budgets . The flow of information coming across as at budget time and throughout the year. Might experience with the forida association at the time, there were other counties doing other things. Jacksonville was an early leader and I remember coming back to the commission and a couple of colleagues . They were like why do we need that? i took her to jacksonville I remember in the commissioners up there, I could not have scripted it better, said I don't know how you do any of this without a commission auditor. Back and put it on the ballot and it was approved by the voters and in 2002 was a prime sponsored by yourself and taught natosha and soto . That's right. And commissioner heyman was cosponsors. One of the sweetest parts about being back at the county is to watch what came of that and deceit his team do precisely the things wanted him to do when we were concerned about the resources they bring to bear to help the commission do its job. I am very proud godfather. Thank yu. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: before I give it to you again, jimmy is absolutely correct. Godfather. This was not an easy thing at the time. It was very difficult. A lot of people did not want that independence. We covered there because we all believed in it and look at the results today. I want to personally thank you for your leadership because that was awesome. We try to get here and do this too fast. ! Thank you . I would like to start by thanking te CHAIRMAN, vice-CHAIRMAN And county commission for their support and their level of cmmitment to this county. I always start by saying 20 years ago commissioner jimmy mireles started a journey . In the journey centered around the importance of independence . On SEPTEMBER 10, 2002, the voters of this county went to vote to approve the amendment that created this office. And since then, we have benefited from a very professional talented group of people. I always want to talk about that. Because although a commission auditor is one person, the office is a team of professionals. In with me today we have fast employees who have gone on to do incredible things in this county. We have our current employees also who continue to work and make sure this county sees information in an independent way. I have to acknowledge and recognize, as we celebrate our 20 year, the first commission auditor charles anderson , who is the only individual memorialized in this chamber at the entrance as a testament to the importance of this office. Demotic commissioners as they come and go. But the importance of the office of the county should not be understated. Say, commission auditors office is not only in. It's tenacious, it is pure, it is eena, it is evelyn . We have a lot of people who commit to this work. And sometimes our deliverables touch the suite and sour pallet of the audience every day to commit to this work because we actually believe it is very important. And so with that in addition to the award, I want to thank my team. Without them I don't know where we would be. [Clapping] And I can't go down the names, but we have a lot of past and present who came back to butte victor, MR. Philip year. We have a lot of people in our staff I believe could work anywhere in the world. That the level that this board and this county has benefited from a talented group of people who commit to the work and believe in the mission that started 20 years ago. Some of them were here, certainly I wasn't here. I might not have even been born at the time. I don't know. [Laughter] They came in and they committed to the work. But I want to say personally I believe for me this is a mission and I don't take it lightly. More important, it is an extreme privilege to work with this group . To be a beneficiary of those who came before me. Both the commissioner commit commissioner mireles, yourself and the team. We have a lot of people here don't get recognized because the commission auditors office is a single individual. But I want to make sure today we acknowledge this is a team of people who commit to this community. We will continue to do great work. Thank you for your continued support. I am humbled and I appreciate every effort you have put forth. Thank you to the team, thank you so much. Good or bad it doesn't matter. But they are so committed to tis mission. Thank you so much . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you and the work that you have done. And by the way, a true leader is one that recognizes the people that make sure that he stays leading in that position and that is what he has done. By the way, when we talk, he always mentions you as the people that make sure things get done. Every time I give him a little bit of a hard task he says my people got this. A very special lady here too and I want to recognize her. She is also my colleague, but she is but around two years before I even got here. She has done an incredible job and now we cosponsor to make sure this is a reality. And that is my colleague, commissioner souto . >> we have to recognize then. We did it because we thought it was the best thing for miami-dade county residents and you and your team have done an incredible job. Every time we needed information , every time we needed tracking something for the benefit of the community and for our own education, you did it. Thank you very much. Continue doing that job in years to come because you are serving those who deserve to be served, which is the community. Thank you. It was an honor to scope b cosponsor that creation with jimmy and so many others . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: absolutely. Commissioner cohen higgins . >> I want to thank encourage congratulate him and his entire office on a can icredible job well done. Anytime I asked you to perform research or provide reports they have always been expeditiously. Mst importantly for me, accurately. Agendas are 200 items long and it is difficult for us to research all these issues. I consider you incredible asset and a resource for all of us here in montgomery county and really appreciate you and the work that we do. And you are truly a class act. I think highly of you and I look forward to what you're going to do and bring for us in miami-dade county in the future. Thank you and congratulations on 20 years. [Clapping] >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. And before we get the proclamation out, I also want to thank b I am very proud of you and what you have done. And look at you right next to the auditor. She has been with me for many years and she's moving on and working very good . And so with that, thank you. On behalf of all of us in miami-dade county, let it be resolved that mayor of miami-dade county, myself as the CHAIRMAN And the members of the board of county commissioners on behalf of miami-dade county , 3 million people in our community. Do hereby proclaim tuesday OCTOBER 18, 2022 office of the commissioner auditors 20th anniversary day. Congratulations! [Clapping] Is aviation here? They are all downstairs? Guys, give me a little bit. Have a little bit of an emergency going on so I will be back in a little bit. Meanwhile, mingle. Do what you got to do. Thank you. [No audio] Today we are going to make sure we notify hw special that they are . [Audio] Things seem to be stable for one our finest and we are all praying for one of our county families. We are happy to celebrate the fact that we have a fantastic zoo family. I see you all here in front of us. And if it is not taking care of injured tortoises or turtles or sea turtles in our new sea turtle b if it is not the b yeah. I got to see a florida panther rescued from the wild in her youth. I mean, it's really an amazing thing that goes on at zoom iming. And teaching is not only loving animals but conservation to invest conservation practices. We are super proud. But we are here because in addition to taking care of our wildlife, you take care of people. In this team was on the radio. The best possible team in a moment of crisis. Or miami park rangers b come on up. This was saturday SEPTEMBER 17. A facepainting artist hd been contracted for a birthday party at zoom iming. Happy event, right? Suddenly collapsed . These two were on the scene. They immediately responded. The woman was unconscious, she had no pulse that could be detected and they made an immediate call to our very best, fire rescue. It was made by ranger perez while they began cpr. amazing. How important it is we are all trained in basic cpr . Through concise communication, ranger john immediately retrieved the defibrillator from life-saving. The immediately obtained it and help resuscitate the victim and he met wth the fire rescue paramedics and escorted them directly to the scene. And so following the cpr the ranger applied a shock . This is giving me the chills because we just did this in the lobby. This is exactly what happened here today. Saving lives. On fre rescue arrived on the scene the paramedics took over and transported the victim to the hospital, bt not before she had a chance to say what an amazing job our zoo staff did. It's most likely because them this wman's life was saved. So park attendant helped transport the patient and the paramedics out of the park and the most rapid and safe manner possible so that the patient could arrive at the hospital as quickly as possible. She is presently still in the hospital and listed as stable. These front-line employees represent everything that should make us proud of our coworkers. Their swift actions and teamwork were responsible for saving this woman's life in the series of events is a wonderful example of how teamwork and training is invaluable in providing services in the case life-saving services to our residents. Cpr classes are a mandatory part a guest services specialist training at the zoo. This is the first time in the history of the zoo anyone in their position had to apply what they learned. They did it perfectly in an extremely stressful situation led by the excellent direction and coordination of zoom iming melissa and the common focused application of cpr with the assistance of daniela perez along with coordinated assistance of other zoom iming employees. [Listing names] This team a mostly front-line employees work together like a finely tuned machine. Each of them played a critical role in the emergency response that led to the saving of a life. I'm so very proud of the team members for what they do each and every day and what they do to be prepared and to execute perfectly in an emergency. So let's give them a big round of applause and please everyone join us. [Clapping] >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: do you want to say a couple of words? >> maria, parks director . Zoological park and garden, otherwise known as zoom iming, has extraordinary leadership and I would like to turn it over to will, our zoo director to say a few words for his team. >> thank you director. i'm so proud of all of you for doing the most amazing job that you did with saving that persons life. The boys, the columnists and the teamwork you showed was incredible and we are very proud of you. We are very proud of the county of all of you. And to know it wasn't you that made this happen. This was actually the coordination of this was because you are very unsung heroes. This was elevated by director of communications, round Mcgilvery and to jimmy so we can actually have this today. You are just . [Clapping] >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: we are giving the certificates out? Okay. He is not here yet , is he. Will the firefighters that helped out comedown, please. Thank you, ron. Gentlemen. [Clapping] Thank you for what you have done . Want to say something real fast? >> good morning everyone. Thank you for having us here this morning . I can't say enough about the group, about the personnel from the zoo . Very well done. Difficult situation. Not something that we do every day . Depot formatted top level by saving the patient's life. We continue our care as we normally do, but you were the ones who really made the difference. Should be really proud. Thank you. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: and thank you for what you guys do every day for all of us . Let's make this happen. >> we are declaring zoo miami heroes day. I think he would be the best to take custody. Very good. >> good morning. Commissioner cohen higgins . >> here. >> commissioner garcia. >> here. >> commissioner hardemon? Commissioner heyman? Commissioner higgins? Commissioner Mcghee? Commissioner monestime? Commissioner regalado? Commissioner sosa? Commissioner souto? CHAIRMAN Gilbert? >> I am here. >> CHAIRMAN Diaz. >> I only have four members present. No quorum . >> commissioner cohen higgins? Commissioner garcia? Commissioner hardemon? Commissioner heyman? >> yes . >> commissioner higgins? Commissioner Mcghee? Commissioner monestime ? commissioner regalado? Commissioner sosa? Commissioner souto? CHAIRMAN Gilbert? CHAIRMAN Diaz? We have six members present. We do not have a quorum. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: MADAME Clerk? Commissioner souto. >> vice CHAIRMAN Gilbert. >> here. >> CHAIRMAN Diaz . >> here. >> we have seven members present. We have a quorum . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: at this time we have an interface advisory board member . If you could please come up. >> good morning . I am at the church of jesus christ of latter day saints and I serve as a member of the miami-dade county interface board. At the pleasure of this commission, namely of relevant commissioner sosa, thank you for this opportunity. If you join me in bowing their heads, I would like to offer the invocation. Dear kind and gracious heavenly father, we are so thankful for this day. We are so thankful for the miami-dade county commission for the great work they do for our county. Father, we ask you bless each and every one of them as they ponder the decisions to make today that they MAY be guided by thy spirit in making the best decisions for the residents which they represent. Father, at this time we would like to ask for a special blessing upon you member of our miami-dade county family, tony. Who had an accident in the lobby earlier this morning. Father, we pray thy spirit will be with him and he will have a speedy recovery and be well soon . Father, another special blessing we would like to ask is upon our first responders. The minimum in his tirelessly serve this county. Are police officers, fire, and all of those who work to keep us safe . Father, we are so grateful for government and the role they play in our life. We pray you continue to inspire our leaders, to remember they are instruments in the hands and all the good work that they do they do it unto the and all their service that they do to the residents of miami dade county they do in your name. We ask MS. Many favors and blessings and we do so in the custom of or values and faith in the sacred name of jesus christ, amen . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: MR. Vice CHAIRMAN, would you lead us in the pledge of allegiance? >>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america , and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: all right. good morning to everybody. All right. At this time , souto, you want moment of personal privilege? >>Javier Souto: my dear colleagues, a moment of personal privilege. Like to call for a moment of introspection and rmembrance toward a very distinguished police officer , chief of our police department who passed away yesterday. Who retired some time ago. I know that he did a tremendous job in miami-dade county , especially in the western part of the county. He passed yesterday . A good guy, tremendous police officer, tremendous person. Was have a minute of introspection for his life. Thank you. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. He was a friend of many years serving miami-dade county as an officer. Thank you for that. With that we are going to jump into citizens presentations . Before I do, let me be real clear on something. Thing we have to always be as consistent. And I do not repeat believe some people take one issue and they twisted around to make it look like something else. So I want to be real clear. We have rules we go by on this board that have been in place for a very long time. Way before me. So when you speak and you speak on the items, speak on the items that are before us today but have not had a reasonable opportunity time . With that, could you please clarify what I am saying so everybody has a clear opinion and knows exactly what it is? >> in accordance with rule 606 of the board role of procedures, members of the public will now have a reasonable opportunity to be heard regarding nonpublic hearing propositions . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: in the order they are called. Good morning . >> thank you for giving us the opportunity. Have a big day in front of you so we will be relatively brief, but we want to share with you as we always do a special . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: david, I'm sorry, could you get closer to the microphone so we can hear you better? >> I wish I was as tall as you. I apologize for that. Always great to be in front of you. To give her your incredible support of the visitor bureau. Because of your leadership you make this dstination a great place to live, work, play and visit. I want to talk briefly about the convergence of two special initiatives. Especially the veterans and even the audience, we have special months that we promote to promote special aspects of the destination. everyone knows about miami spice restaurant month, spot month. We have dedicated many months to special initiatives. We celebrate year-round initiatives but we take a month to bring the spotlight. Thanks to commissioner cohen higgins inspiration and obviously we all know how important miami-dade is to us, but south miami. Several of you have obvious interests in south miami, but it is an asset . Zoo miami is a perfect example. South miami is a treasure trove of opportunities for us to distinguish the destination, along with all the other aspects of this great county. We are now going to take the month of NOVEMBER, thank you for the inspiration, and we are dedicating it to entitle farmers month . It is much more than farmers and farming, but obviously we want to take the opportunity to promote incredible assets of south miami-dade. And to do that we have a programming put together and I'm going 2: our chief operating officer, rolando. His team is here and they will walk you through the presentation. It is a chance to celebrate and distinguish incredible part of our community that is an asset not only for us but a great asset for our visitors who come to our destination. Away. >> thank you. As david alluded to, our goal is to maximize the visitation coming here and drawing that economic impact that support so many jobs going the taxes it's generates. Everything from our public health system, transportation system and the other priority is getting people to spread the wealth of tourism through whether it is from south beach, south data and that is what our program is designed to do. I did want to give a lot of credit to all of you up there. We are building upon past successes food when I first joined more than 25 years ago after hurricane andrew, with a program dedicated to help olmsted in florida city and south miami-dade recover for tourism . Was called tropical miami and that was our early efforts in the back in the mid-90s. Thanks to the inspiration , thank you so much. Explore more south dade. Another amazing initiative that showcased the countryside which we refer to as south dade. And most recently all of you in the pandemic authorized an additional $5 billion out of cares act funding that allowed us to launch miami land, an amazing showcase of all things south dade celebrating ecotourism, agri-tourism commit national parks , things we ourselves take for granted and we have available in our own backyard. All this is culminated into the farmers month that david was alluding to inspired by the b lots of great stories to really help us tell a story about this part of our community as well as many videos. And speaking of videos, [Lost audio] Thank you for your support. We would have cheated ourselves out of a wonderful opportunity. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: commissioner Mcgee. You. Unto david and the greater miami visitors bureau, thank you for the work you are doing. Winery and a few other locations. District 8, district 10, district 11 hopefully this is going to make sure that the world knows that miami countryside is strong and ready to go . >> we would never cheat on opportunity . Especially with wine. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: district 12 as a little piece. >> the north is strong too. Rise up. Let's go. With the dolphins . There we go. >> we like you. You have farmland . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: let's get into this next subject. And with that I want to bring in a very good group of people who are making it happened for all of us . This is nascar race weekend. This is huge . in south dade again. Here we go. Day. [Laughter] >> this presentation should be able to put to bed some of these ideas that the south is filled with alligators and avocados. We are more than alligators and avocados. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: hve a my district is alligators, snakes and everybody else. What's not mock them area . With that, I would like our people from nascar to come on up. Powell? Thank you. I know this is commissioner Mcghee district and it is something he is very extremely supportive about. But this is something before he was here that I have been doing for a very long time. And I appreciate the support in passing the baton to keep the race strong and our community. So lead us off. Bold since birth, this place has always been more. Because it's always represented more. Champions crown, sure. History made? Absolutely. Unless OCTOBER in this melting pot of everything south florida has to offer . We are about to get a little more intense. The nascar playoffs return. And we can't wait to welcome you back to our home . [Clapping] >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: absolutely. Thank you. My team and I, we are nascar. Nascar is bold, nascar is innovative and nascar is inclusive. Couldn't be more ecited to bring a playoff race back to our community in miami-dade county. Nascar is the dominant form of motorsports in north america attracting 80 percent of the T.V. Minutes watched in north america are dedicated to nascar. Nascar is international. It is broadcast in more than 190 countries and 25 different languages . They reached 600 million households worldwide. Nascar races can be watched live and what we have to promote that helps my speedway. Is a fun job and it makes my job a lot easier with all the success nascar is realizing recently here in the last few years. Want to remind you with the support of the body we were the first part of the pandemic and in JUNE in 2020 we were the force sporting event does a live audience . We had 1200 listed folks from the military installations come to the track and that with the first sporting event in the pandemic to welcome fans in the grandstands. Is a testament to the body . Thank you. I want to talk a little bit about the history. In the homestead miami speedway we broke ground on AUGUST 24, 1993. Day after hurricane andrew devastated homestead and south miami-dade county. And so like a phoenix rising out of the ashes, as the track came out of the ground and showed a sign of hope and we were really proud . The reason that ralph sanchez commissioned the building of the speedway was to help the community he loved dearly rebound from such a tragic event of hurricane andrew. And so if you fast-forward now with the support and resources of nascar and the family, we've been able to. And humbled to execute on ralph's vision. It was a unique public-private partnership that ralph forged we are now the custodians and the caretaker of that vision to read I'm grateful to the family for ivesting our community. We take over operating the speedway in 1997 and since then nascar has invested $150 million in improvements to the property, to the facility. Links working. Of the private public partnership that is working and we couldn't do it without our community. I would like to shout out to the business community, the chamber of commerce, the beacon council and specifically the convention and visitor bureau. David, you guys have been phenomenal helping us create awareness. It has been a thousand days since we were able to sell to capacity. Last time we had a full house was in NOVEMBER of 2019, almost 3 years ago. Imagine the resurrected is almost like an inaugural event. Without the business community the support from the city of homestead. And COUNCILMAN Fletcher are in the house. Without their unwavering support we certainly cannot promote and do activities that we do at the track. As far as what we contribute, we take a serious look at being a good corporate citizen . The economic benefit from the speedway, we were about $300 million a year in economic ipact. Billing dollars since we opened our doors 27 years ago. Than half the visitors that will be with us are from out of the area. That is rent a car, hotels, it is working. Is a public-private partnership that is asolutely working to renew above and beyond our super bowl which is a nascar race this next weekend on OCTOBER 23 on sunday at 2:00 pm.. Above and beyond that, we are active about 300 days a year. With different events and we are very inclusive. We do lifestyle is like 5k running races, do the festival of lights. We start after thanksgiving ago past the new year where people can drive their car through the displays of over a million light bulbs in the festival of lights. we have a triathlon in MARCH, we've a track meet in large which is a largest truck expedition in the country. Beyond that we try to do community events. We do dragracing every other friday night to begin he called me and we had a problem and the kids were getting hurt on the streets and they were dragracing illegally and it was doing a lot of damage. Now they pay $20 and can come in dragracing their car safely at homestead miami speedway . We people there to help them make sure their cars are safe. That is another example of how we love to be part of the fabric of the community to help us do our activity at homestead miami speedway. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you so much. You are absolutely correct. Everything you have said. We look forward to so much more than bringing that national race , the final back to miami to homestead speedway, to the city of homestead. They are speaking a little bit , the mayor and council members. Thank you for everything you do for all of us. >> you are very welcome. Thank you. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: all the right. Now that we have heard these two presentations, I am going to start out calling some names. Mayor steve klausner , councilmember fletcher . Grab one podium in the other and let me call some more names out. Mauricio gonzalez, claudia, joseph burke , elizabeth steele, casey , julia alvarez, stephanie clements, kurt , logan , melinda roberta and rhonda anderson. Please line up and take them in orders received. You have two minutes a piece . Please do not go over. And the clock won't start until you have spoken . [Lost audio] >> for all of you to understand the change in the overall nascar way of life in the fan base has been tremendous over the past few years. The programs nascar has put in place to include diversity have really improved the overall sport and the inclusivity from folks who typically would not be involved in the nascar racing . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: please, conversation, we need to get quiet. Please. You want to be heard when you speak. Thank you. Sorry . >> thank you again. The things I really want to point out and I would like everyone to come to these races saturday and sunday of this week. We also have a local individual who will be racing in saturday's race who recently won the ark at series championship, which is one of the beginner level series. His name is nick sanchez. He is 20 years old. Won a championship in the starting series of nascar and will be racing this weekend on saturday and the xfinity series. So one of our locals has made it. So again, it goes to show the track has been reaching out and doing the right things for our community. Thank you and I yield my tme back. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. MR. Mayor? >> thank you. Good morning. My name is steve. I am here as mayor of homestead. We have an address of 100 civic court in homestead. I want to thank you and are to district commissioners for taking the lead and clearly sending the signal for the future of this counties commitment to what is and what will continue to be the premier venue in deep south dade. We heard earlier today , it was established first as an economic driver in the aftermath of hurricane andrew and it is continue to do so. And asked the sport and the business model and everything that goes with the sport of racing evolves and changes, we need our facility. And it is a county and city facility to grow, evolve and change. Your agenda item before you today will allow us to do that. Take the lead, the at another marquee event and a communitywide venue so the members of this diverse community can see so many different kinds of activities and experience a county in its entirety. Again, we look forward to seeing all of you at the speedway this weekend. Please come enjoy our homestead hospitality. Thank you. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. And I know senator soto wanted to say something to both of you. There he is. And the rest is history. I'm not going to belabor the point, but it has been a long road. And I think the cell is still a long road to go in terms of what the south could be with the whole area of homestead. It is destined to become a I think. Does a great part of miami-dade county. It is a great area of good people. Good neighborhoods . Beautiful places, little farms, little branches . Tremendous people in tourism and agriculture it is a super important part of miami-dade county. To all of you , my best . Let's move forward. That part of miami-dade county but it is destined to be in let's make this county the best county. Thank you very much. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you senator souto. Sir, you are recognized. >> good morning. Mauricio, 1077 southwest. 60th avenue. I represent the lead by in team on the underlying phase 3 project even though we submitted was responsive proposal. Although in favor of the project, I'm here to bring to your attention severe irregularities the recognition for the project . The recommendation is to waive the procurement process even though it has been ongoing for 18 months and award a $90 million to submitted a nonresponsive proposal that will cost the taxpayers more and provide less than or team propose for the state project. Is a bit of multiple letters of concern regarding the county negotiation and how to file a written protest after the recommendation . The team submitted an unrealistic 79 million proposal lobdell requires with 15.8 million and during negotiations they received additional 5.8 million for scope already required to county left out of its proposal. And the county admitted it negotiated " components not included in the proposal." also, they were given a contract amount increase with 10 million for price escalation not afforded to the proposers. The mayor's office admitted its regulation memo for this quote is considered a material change. Apples and apples, county would be 110 million for what we did 99 million. After the protest the recommendation changed for commissioners to reject the proposals in bidding and accept reject the proposal. The recommendation tries to make you believe it is in the best interest of the county to the funds if the project is not completed by 2025. However, they will not finish by DECEMBER 2025. Even the construction teams contract extends through AUGUST 2026. That you direct the county to award the contract to the team. Thank you. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you, sir. Next person. >> good morning CHAIRMAN And commissioners, I and claudia. A concerned resident and hold the line coalition member. A reside at 951 miami florida 3313 . Here to support item for a by the district commissioner cohen higgins for this would end the referrals to projects like the logistic center . As you are all here today to hear them for the fourth time this year. A majority of the board voting against it. public, for every opportunity given . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: ma'am, please. Speak to the item. >> I still have a minute and 30 seconds. Want to end with this appeared for most to you this is your last city hearing. . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: ma'am, please. I am going to turn off the microphone if you are going to break the rules. I don't want this to happen. If you sign up for an item in you're going to speak on it, speak on it. But you know the rules. And so if you want to do something different , it's not going to be accepted. Please . I am asking you. Ask you to step away from the microphone. Next person. >> CHAIRMAN And commissioners, good morning. My name is joseph bergen I represent the ryan jv team ranked second on the underlying phase 3 project even though it submitted the lowest responsible proposal. The county negotiated to submit a nonresponsive proposal in the current recommendation was awarded to the and. Recommendation tries to make you believe that the competitive waiver is in the best interest of county because there are $22 million in federal grant funds at risk if the project was not completed by DECEMBER 31, 2025. However, they would not finish the project by DECEMBER 25 b DECEMBER 2025. The contract time is unrealistic and contradicts the timeframe in the construction inspections team duration which extends through AUGUST 2026 he reviewed the unusual central contract is being requested to approve also allows the ability to renegotiate the contract again several months from now due to next collation committee not afforded to the other competitors at time of bid. Essentially given the contractor an open tax spoke from the taxpayers. The actual cost award the contract would be in excess of $150 million for the same scope of work to lead the team will deliver for the amount that it did of 99.$5 million with no escalation provision. They were given unfair competitive advantages, less the scope , changes before starting an escalation which was not afforded to other competitors. In favor of the project moving forward, but respectfully request the well-established procurement rules be honored and that you direct county staff to move forward with negotiations with lee ryan. Thank you. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. MADAME Commissioner? >> good morning. The mayor wanted to be here this morning but had other matters that were pressing . On behalf of the city would I am here in support of the underlying section. Extremely excited about having that opportunity to bring this to the coral gables area and they were serious and added some dollars del bring this forward to reading is going to enhance public safety tremendously for pedestrians throughout the area. The crosswalks. There brings you unique features that don't exist. Other areas of the underlying including a boat ramp that will allow kayakers to launch at the riviera. It's going to be another piece of the thread that brings university miami and south with the north. I think it is going to be an exciting future for everybody throughout the county. Thank you for your time and I hope you voted in favor of it today. Thank you. >> good morning. Mindy on the half of lead ryan on the underlying phase 3 through nine project. Thank you for alowing me to address you this morning. When time is limited so I will get right to the point renewed there is a sanctity surrounding the public procurement process that I know the board is aware of and that you deal with frequently. Lead ryan filed two protests on this project and the sanctity of the process is at the core of those protests. This is not your run-of-the-mill protest. there irregularities on top of irregularities on top of irregularities that remove it from the typical category. I cannot speak to all the issues but some of them include the fact the county acknowledged the bid was nonresponsive. But yet indicated they would deal with the nonresponsive issues in the contract negotiations. Number two, the mayor recommended awarded the contract despite the irregularities. That the mayor revise the original contract award once lead ryan initiated its protest for the county acknowledged the contract could not be awarded on the current procedures so they changed the recommendation to request that all bids be rejected at the rocurement process be waived and despite that, the county was awarded. This recommendation might've been a bid waiver o a rejection of all bids is unprecedented. The bottom line the county procrastinated and stumbled in making this contract award and they now ask this board to recommend and support a flawed procurement decision which compromises the integrity of the process. What should the board be today? Should enter into negotiations with lead ryan is the true lowest proposal. Read a minimum this board should for the the division until such time as the hearing examiner conducted a hearing protest. Thank you for your time and I appreciate you listening to my points. >> chair diaz. Good morning. With your permission I would like to bring speakers in support of eight and five to join me. You all of a busy day and we have a lot of people lined up to speak. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: I will take a second and make sure everybody is supportive. Before that state your name and address for the record . >> I live in coral gables at night and founder of friend of the underlying . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: everybody in support of this kids come and stand next to her . Please, friends of the underlying. We can get through a lot of people. We are very appreciative . >> we have people who have taken time out of their morning. We have dogs, we have children, we have this lovely woman on a walker who wants me to talk about mobility. Let me know when everyone is behind me. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: a little bit to the right. There you go. I want to make sure the camera gets all. The little one back there. There are a couple of little ones . Let's bring the little ones forward, please. >> democracy at work, children. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. Go ahead. >> thank you for the opportunity to speak in favor of agenda eight. Who represent every single corner of this county. They are in support of the design build contract and the underlying third and final phase. We also submitted for records 30 the ltters of support . Baptism, city of coral gables and more. There is an urgency to award this contract today. Three years ago underlying was the only trail project in the country to be awarded a competitive federal bill grant of nearly $25 billion. Grant was written by pete at our pro bono attorney is volunteers at my dining room table in the county project manager. The seven mile degree is very scheduled to be completed by 2026 as required by the grant in order for the county to receive this funding. Our public-private partnership with miami-dade county works. The success of the first phase has been astonishing. Over 1.5 been the visitors representing every corner of the community over the next two phases are complete, underlying connects north , south, east, west building a more mbile, safe, healthy and equitable community. I want to thank all of you for sharing this journey with us. We would not be where we are without the support of each of you. In particular those who shared our vision since inception. Chair diaz who wrote our first legislation, I think you called me grasshopper. You can still call me grasshopper. I think I graduated from grasshopper. District commissioner higgins, thank you from everything you do. Everything from connection events to making friends and turning our place into a townhome. District 7 commissioner regalado representing phase 3. And thank you to senator garcia for your work at the state. Commissioner sosa collaborating on the trail, commissioner cohen higgins for connecting on the south dade trail and commissioners heyman, monestime, vice chair gilbert, Mcghee and souto for supporting our goals of countywide connectivity. And commissioner hardemon, we were at the city of miami. Thank you to the mayor, chief mireles, director, and the whole department of transportation and public works. Leading the careful and intentional selection of the design bill for phase 3. We trust the process, your work, your leadership and our partnership. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. I give you extra seconds because you brought a lot of people in. >> and if you add it all up I probably have four days. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you for what you have done. Commissioner higgins, thank you for the work that you continue to do. Incredible situation for all of us. >> MAY I think everyone who came out and took this morning to be with me. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: all right. Commissioner regalado? >>Raquel Regalado: thank you for coming down and I want to thank meg for her enormous commitment. So excited about underlying phase 3. I don't know if you guys know the story, but the underlying was the fact that meg fell off a bike and broke her arms. So we are very happy that meg had an accident. [Laughter] But she is tireless . If anyone has dealt with her, when you said no she hears try again. I love that about you. That's one of my favorite things about you. But this has been a tremendous labor of love. It is so excited. Is going to bring vitality of the area. As a representative for part of phase 2 and three, one of the things I want to thank you all for is we talk about how south dixie divided communities in the underlying will unite those communities again. Her vision has been so amazing and are dedicated board. We can't thank her enough for all the hours and we apologize to her family for taking up her time and space. I know that we all rent free in her head. So thank you. We are excited about today and happy to support you . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: you are right. Phase 2 and three. Senator souto, we have a lot of people to get through. >>Javier Souto: a quick comment and adding to what she was saying. Let's see how we can connect all these different trails and different ways of moving about the county in many areas. It's about connectivity. That is what it is all about. Let's see how we keep working towards that. Thank you very much . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. With that, continue on. Your name and address for the record. >> good morning. 9808 northwest. 15th street. Is a former resident of miami-dade county and a current student as well as employee, I'm here to show my support for item for a peer this ordinance will ensure that no one is wasting their time. No one likes wasting time. Endless deferrals when they are not even allowed to voice her opinions. northeast avenue. I am here in item a1. I would like to thank commissioner cohen higgins because she and her office about helpful on this matter and the mayor. I am here because we would like if the boat goes in our favor to acquire land in our community that belongs to the county. For years our community was neglected. We had heightened crime years ago and not so long ago a group of determined citizens turned a new page. We have a new board and within five years things have improved vastly. But it is still a blemish in our community since tis land is unused . We would like to build a park. Our kids are playing on the street, it's not safe. We would like to develop that land into a recreational area for our residents. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. You are recognized. Doctor stephanie, the education advocacy director at tropical audubon society. 6840 southwest. 40 with planes miami. I support item 48 and I think commissioner cohen higgins for proposing this procedural improvement. As an advocacy director , I educate people, some of whom are here today in how to engage in the civic process. It is then been frustrating and saddening for me to see proposals be deferred endless times without opportunity for the public to voice their opinions on changes made to these applications . It is a challenge for members of the public to take time away from work or school to be present at these hearings, but people do that because they really care about these issues, all south florida ecosystems and maintaining release endless deferrals waste taxpayer dollars, staff time, your time and the time I your constituents. Most importantly they exclude people from the right to engage in civic process and share their voice with their commissioners. With this amendment you have the opportunity to ensure we are constituents can have a voice on these issues that matter to us. This is why I urge you to vote yes on this item. Thank you very much . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: sir, you are recognized. >> honorable CHAIRMAN Diaz, mayor and esteemed members of the board of county commissioners, I am here today to speak in favor of agenda item number 8f1, resolution authorizing the conveyance of county owned vacant land located within my community. This plan represents the 601st. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: one second. Please state your name and address. >> logan saucer northeast 21st avenue homestead. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. >> this plan represents a 600 acre conveyed by the united states air force in 2004. A former wellfield site that had previously provided portable water the homestead forest base. Coincidently, the related legislative text states in part "located within a new residential community and can serve as a recreation site for that new community." 18 years later the agenda item before you makes this possible. This is an opportunity to do some good . I should note it would not have been possible without the support of many county, city and community based stakeholders that have worked steadfastly for our cause . Special thanks are warranted to achieve real estate officer margaret who has been our advocate in the internal services division for the last two years. Meal for the office of the mayor, district a commissioner daniel higgins and district director . City of homestead mayor steve, homestead city council, especially COUNCILWOMAN Erica who occupies number five for waterstone community. The waterstone number one and number two master associations . And community development district . For their leadership and organization of the water stone townhome to address this issue. And finally, the attorney for her excellent work in preparation of the application and coordination with various additional county officials. Thank you for your time and consideration and I encourage your support on agenda item 8f1. Thank you. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you, sir. All the right. Continue with the list. [Reading names] Sir, you are recognized . >> scott, 21190 . Good morning. My name is scott and I am a student at the university of miami. Urge the board to support item for a jury these changes to the process will increase public transparency and citizen participation. Would like to thank commissioner cohen higgins for sponsoring this item in an effort to standardize the process set in place by this county . We have seen recently these applications can be changed at will with little notice. The detriment of staff in public. Benefit the county planning staff and our residents who are affected by these issues and would like to stay informed . Please support this item and smart growth policies within the county. thank you. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: you are recognized from you. >> thank you CHAIRMAN Diaz. Lauren reynolds, 820 64th court south florida. I represent the whole blind coalition. Before I talk about the item, I would like to say thank you for bringing the miami countryside presentation here . Cohen higgins, I thought that was fabulous. So important to celebrate our vibrant farming community and I learned a lot from that. And for dedicating NOVEMBER to recognize how important that community is . Thank you for that. And also today is the anniversary of the clean water act. I thought I would add that to your day. We support item 4a. I think I have been in front of you too many times this year. I have to go buy some new suits because I have worn this jacket MAY be three or four times. We have limited resources. But we try to do is understand the land-use decisions and explain them for the public and get them to engage in all these issues . And it is really hard to do that with endless deferrals and frankly, it's a waste of taxpayer dollars . In our time as well. We have other issues we would like to be working on. While land-use is super important, we want to make sure we do that in a coordinated process. And we used to do that. We would know exactly when these meetings would occur. We wouldn't get information at the last minute and having to go through the night before. I urge you to pass this legislation and I urge you to continue to reform the process so it is easy for the public to participate so that it is easy for all of us to understand the changes you are making. You don't see many people here today because this is one of the times we are here this year on the same kind of items . I applaud you for cosponsoring and danielle cohen higgins for bringing this item forward. Thank you so much . >> I wanted to give you one of these before you go. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: leave it with the clerk. >> and also, I would like to give you one as well . >> good morning. Gary. I live at 5974 southwest 59th street . I would like to recognize the commissioner that brought this forward. I am supporting item 4a today. I would like to recognize the great mayor and commissioners that we have read the important thing we need to realize is we have a really good group of people working for miami-dade county. when they reviewed application processes, it is important for the commissioners of the county. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: second. Quiet down again . Please. It's not fair to him or to others. Proceed. >> it is really important for government commissioners, people making decisions to recognize you have a good staff of people working for you. When they put together recommendations it is something we should look at in respect. Like smart growth, smart government is very important. It is very difficult for a citizen like me to come out and come here for an all day process to talk about things over and over again. I really support to this item because it will reduce these repetitive efforts by developers and it will give us a better efficiency with not only the government but also for your citizens . So please vote yes on item 4a. This will really help end the gridlock we are realizing through the process we have in place today. Thank you for your attention . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. Next person. Do you want to occupy the other podium? >> it is kind of low but that is okay. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: raise it up. right there on the sides . >> thank you commissioners, thank you mayor. My name is olivia collins and I live at 199 85 ne. Court 33179 that I'm the senior director of programs, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to climate crisis education advocacy here to discuss item for the funding for environmental education grants and their administration by the foundation. I want to start by saying we want to thank the county for offering these funds. Cleo has been represent recipient since 2013. Needless to say, these funds have been critical in our efforts to connect with community members who are most vulnerable to climate change and experience informal injustices. To build resilience in our community we need in informed and engaged public in education is at the heart of that process . It has been three years since the funds have been on hold, which left a huge gap in the work cleo does as well as other organizations like us. In addition to back of the grant application process the county is not an easy one for having managed the grant for the past several years I can personally attest to the lengthy and complex process required on only for the application but for the monthly reporting as well. thrilled to see that the miami foundation has been proposed as a new entity to administer these grants. The foundation is the expertise and staff the process in the way that will be more efficient. This will help reduce the overhead burden on those applying for these funds through the foundation as a key funding partner for nonprofits across the county and they already administered millions of dollars in grants to nonprofits. Transferring the management of the trendy will allow for smaller nonprofits to have access to the much needed funds and finally, the foundation can leverage more funds over time making it possible to expand the reach of environmental education across our county. Is no time to waste on asking you to please support resolution . Thank you so much. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: you are recognized. >> 25 northeast 41st terrace brigham homeowner on here to support the item it when I moved here four years ago , we all know it is an awkward space in our community . Today I would like to ask for the big awkward space to no longer be that . I am in favor of it being something more good community is in desperate need of green space. Or simply a walking path for our kids. In the future I see the space being utilized by families who were something like movies under the stars for little ones like my daughter and grab a blanket and walked down the street and enjoy that. And make it family-friendly. And so with that I would like to thank commissioner cohen higgins for this . The board for your time. Thank you. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. >> good morning. My name is lauren part of the senior conservation director of the audubon society and I live at 915 northwest. First avenue and I strongly support the improvement of item 4a proposed by commissioner cohen higgins. I will keep it short since my colleagues have done an amazing job appeared but it would like to mention I used to work for florida fish and wildlife conservation commission and I was a management section where I reviewed coastal construction and controlling permits for speech hurdles to make sure there is no development. Procedural element we had in place we could only issue up to two requests for additional information. And within those the applicant at the address the issues and concerns and if they did not we would deny the permit. And if the development itself is against coastal construction control guidelines and statutory requirements, the permit would be denied. As a previous staff member i appreciate I only had to issue two of those and review of project within those and I think the county staff would appreciate the procedural improvement so they are not continuously reviewing preferred applications over and over again and it preserves the staff time and hours for this is also a way we will not waste tax dollars of miami-dade residents we want to thank commissioner daniel higgins for improving this and I strongly recommend you support item 4a. Thank you very much . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. All right. With that I have COUNCILMAN Erica . Come on up and get in line. And I have jamel wilson , devon patterson, zachary spencer and. [Name] Eric , sonia , eric , lisa . And fernando . Make a line, please. >> greetings on wolf CHAIRMAN And esteem members of the board of county commissioners. I am pleased to see item 8f on the consent agenda is representing waterstone communities referenced therein. One with the city of homestead. I have been following this item along with certain residents and property owners for some time now in hopes this day would arrive. Want to thank you for bringing this item. in well attended community town hall meetings to address this item with the unanimous support of our mayor and the rest of counsel and having witnessed the outpour of overwhelming support . I am so thankful to our district commissioner for her unwavering support and commitment to see this item through. Approval of this item today without a doubt is in the best interest of the neighboring communities and will enrich the lives of children and families and improve the overall footprint of our district. I truly appreciate each and every one of you for taking the time to listen to the residents and myself and for allowing us to participate in deliberations throughout the journey and to ultimately arrive to this point. I humbly offer for your consideration my complete and firm support for your approval today on this item. Thank you. >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you COUNCILWOMAN. You are recognizably good morning commissioners. My name is anna and I'm here representing mami. My address is 7385 fairway drive miami lakes . I am here in support of item 8g1. This would give the miami foundation the ability to use their expertise to create a make significant impact in our communities. Again the miami foundation has proven they are more than capable of disturbing funds fairly and equally. Amazing job with the covid relief grants and they will copy the distribution method to the program. Miami foundation is a long history o funding amazing climate resilience program such as one-way host called clear. That focuses on teaching community members the impact of climate change has on them and their communities. I also wanted to ask you to support item 4a that would and unlimited deferrals for amendments including new dv modifications failed to pass. This would ensure a more fair process is created and I hope you can support both items. . >>Jose "Pepe" Diaz: thank you. Sir? >> good morning. Everglades foundation 1801 old butler road. MR. CHAIRMAN , MADAME Mayor, I wanted to be here this