In contrast, another voice within the committee supported an open RFP, advocating for competitive bids that could enhance the museum’s use. They cited a previous situation at Nikki Beach as an example where multiple high-profile bids led to improved outcomes. The city attorney confirmed that the commission could guide the RFP’s parameters to ensure the preservation of the Art Deco identity, beyond a mere financial focus.

Concerns also emerged about the current financial arrangements with the museum, which only pays utility reimbursements instead of rent. Some suggested that leasing the space for a high-end restaurant could increase revenue, but others emphasized the museum’s educational value and historical significance.

Further discussion focused on the Miami Design Preservation League’s (MDPL) role, with some members questioning the ethics and transparency of the organization. Accusations of unethical practices involving funds from developers were directed at MDPL, leading to a call for thorough scrutiny of their management of the museum space. A member of the MDPL board addressed the committee, apologizing for past issues and assuring members that the organization had undergone changes, including new bylaws for increased transparency. The dialogue highlighted a strong desire for transparency and collaboration to preserve Miami Beach’s unique cultural identity.

The committee also tackled the topic of sanitation fees, which have not been updated since 1998. A proposal to implement a one-time adjustment based on cumulative inflation since that date was discussed. Questions arose about why similar adjustments were not made for water and sewer fees, emphasizing the need for consistent inflation adjustments to prevent future discrepancies.

Additionally, the committee explored potential funding options for the Northshore Tennis Center’s terrace expansion. The discussion centered on finding alternative funding sources, as CRA funding was unavailable due to specific language constraints. Options included utilizing capital reserves or extending the operator’s contract to facilitate the expansion. The operator emphasized the need for certainty regarding contract length if they were to invest in the expansion.

In a related discussion, the committee considered implementing green roofs at city facilities, focusing on a pilot program across three buildings. The initiative aims to test various small-scale green roofs before committing to larger installations. Concerns were raised about the estimated $600,000 cost, with members expressing skepticism about securing funding during the budget process. The conversation evolved to consider broader policies, such as requiring or incentivizing green roofs in new developments.

Finally, the committee deliberated on the future of the trolley service, exploring cost-saving measures to address a $5.4 million funding gap. Suggestions included reducing service hours, selecting less expensive buses, and optimizing advertising revenue. A proposal to shift to a hybrid fleet, with larger buses on high-demand routes and smaller vehicles on underutilized routes, was also discussed as a potential solution to balance capacity and costs. The committee emphasized the need for comprehensive data on ridership to inform decision-making and ensure service levels align with actual usage.