MBU Resolutions For Wednesday s Commission Meeting 04-03-2024

The Wednesday, April 3, 2024 Commission Meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. with the Sutnick Hour where residents may speak on any topic. The meeting will be held at: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, 2nd Floor, Meeting Rooms 222-225;

or Zoom at https://miamibeachfl-gov.zoom.us/j/81392857671; or Dial: 1.305.224.1968 or  888.475.4499 (Toll Free) Webinar ID:1392857671# March 13, 2024 – 8:30 AM

It will also be streamed live on MBTV Channel 660 on Atlantic Broadband or 99 on AT&T U-Verse, on the City’s website, and on Facebook Live at facebook.com/cityofmiamibeach.

IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK ON AN ITEM DURING THE MEETING:

Via Zoom, please click the “raise hand” button on the screen to raise your hand as soon as the item is called. This will pull you to the top of the list and make it easier for the team to find you in the list of attendees. Or via phone, press *9 to raise a hand to be placed in queue to speak.

Want to read the proposed Commission agenda items and get info about the Commission meeting? Click HERE
Want to contact your elected officials directly? Click here.

Summary:

ALCOHOL HOURS OF SALE WEST AVENUE – 2:00 A.M. INDOORS EAST SIDE OF ALTON ROAD – PROSPECTIVE 2:00 A.M.

MBU RESOLUTION:

Miami Beach United SUPPORTS this alcohol ordinance especially because it prevents future 5:00 a.m. bars and nightclubs in the West Avenue neighborhood and creates parity between the east and west sides of Alton Road. However, too many establishments will be exempt, so we urge the commission to further reduce the number of establishments in this residential neighborhood which can serve alcohol after 2 am.

Read the Commission document by clicking HERE

Summary:

NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS ORDINANCE AMENDING ADMINISTRATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES TO ESTABLISH A NOTICE PROCEDURE FOR CERTAIN DISCUSSION ITEMS THAT ARE SCHEDULED BY LAND USE BOARDS.

MBU RESOLUTION:

Miami Beach United SUPPORTS this important ordinance to enhance notification requirements to a property owner when a discussion of their property is included on any Land Use Board agenda. We believe it is only fair that the owner is aware, from the inception, of any discussion or dialogue taking place by the City about their property which could have a considerable impact on their property. Having been integrally involved in the creation of the City’s Residents Right to Know process, MBU is committed to support legislation which increases transparency and helps to ensure that residents and businesses are fully informed and timely aware of any Land Use Board discussions that may affect them.

Read the Commission document by clicking HERE

Summary:

ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO CODE ENFORCEMENT HEARING
PROCEDURES ALLOWING ONLY ONE CONTINUANCE FOR THE CITY
AND ONE CONTINUANCE FOR THE ALLEGED VIOLATOR

Read the Commission document by clicking HERE

MBU RESOLUTION:

Miami Beach United SUPPORTS this ordinance (and the related discussion item) and urges the commission to continue to improve the Special Master Process. Continuances should be limited to prevent hardships caused by delays including the use of excessive continuances as a tactic to limit resident input. Unnecessary continuances overwhelm the agenda, strain the system, and cause the public to mistrust the process. The city should also consider examining why fines are occasionally lowered for repeat violators; valid violation cases are dismissed, and unusually long lead times are granted to allow offenders to remove illegal structures or stop illegal uses. The system should be amended and improved so that it works and so the public feels confident when seeking justice through the Special Master process.

Read the Commission document by clicking HERE

Summary:

AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED TO ESTABLISH A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR INTERACTIONS AMONG ELECTED OFFICIALS, ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF, AND THE PUBLIC.

MBU RESOLUTION:

Miami Beach United SUPPORTS the intent behind this ordinance but would like to see some revision. Anything that can be done to clarify the type of speech and behavior that is acceptable at commission meetings, and the decorum that is expected, is a step forward and timely considering unfortunate events during the last commission meeting’s Sutnick hour. However, the ordinance as drafted has omissions and inappropriately limits speech in some areas. For example, the proposal overreaches by limiting speech at commission meetings regarding the performance of city employees and behavior of members of the city government. This type of speech can be an important way for commission members to fulfill their political responsibilities, particularly in light of limitations imposed by the Sunshine Law. It is also important to clarify the difference between speech that occurs during the Sutnick hour, with speech at other times such as public comment during commission meetings. During Sutnick, the public has the right to speak their mind on any topic, without interference from the dais, as long as the speech is respectful and decorous. MBU would like the ordinance to address these areas.

Read the Commission document by clicking HERE

Our Mission Dedicated to improving the quality of life for Miami Beach residents, managed and measured growth of our city, and ethical leadership of government – for a vibrant city rooted in history, its people, resources and neighborhoods, with focus on the future – by providing educational and analytical focus on the organization, structure, policies and performance of Miami Beach government. We share our newsletters with over 8,000 subscribers, the majority of whom are registered Miami Beach voters.