The proposed sponsorship package aimed to position Miami Beach as a central hub for the World Cup, offering branding opportunities and the designation of the city as an exclusive media row location at Lumus Park. This initiative was expected to draw a significant media presence, with estimates of 5,000 to 20,000 media attendees. Public benefits would include Miami Beach serving as an official FIFA World Cup watch party location, particularly in North Beach, where residents would have free access to view matches. Additional attractions such as a kickoff concert featuring national and international talent were also proposed.

However, the sponsorship requests involved substantial financial commitments, including waivers for special event fees and police and fire department administrative fees, totaling around $500,000, alongside a cash sponsorship request of $1.5 million spread across two fiscal years. A further request was made to waive the existing contract with PepsiCo to accommodate Coca-Cola, a major FIFA sponsor.

The committee’s discussion highlighted the potential value of media exposure during the World Cup, with the Marketing Communications Director estimating the unearned media coverage value to be over $2 million. Comparisons were drawn with previous financial commitments for large events like the Super Bowl, prompting a call for a comparative analysis to understand the historic sponsorship amounts.

Concerns were raised about crowd control and public safety during viewing parties, especially in high-traffic areas like the Band Shell and Normandy Fountain. Deputy Chief Paul Aost assured the committee that the police department would manage the anticipated influx of people with adequate budget planning. However, the costs associated with policing the events could exceed the proposed $500,000 budget allocation for city services.

The collaborative planning process with Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami was emphasized, focusing on ensuring public safety. The need for a analysis of projected costs for policing and other services related to the World Cup viewing parties was underscored, highlighting the complexities of planning for such a large-scale event.

In parallel to the World Cup discussions, attention turned to the city’s medical marijuana policies for employees. The proposed resolution aimed to recognize medical marijuana as a medicine, distinct from illicit drugs, and accommodate its use for city employees. This sparked a debate on maintaining the city’s drug-free workplace status, essential for federal grant eligibility and state workers’ compensation insurance discounts. Concerns about the potential impact on federal grants were voiced, with reassurances provided that the implications were minimal.

The policy proposal included exclusions for safety-sensitive positions, acknowledging the legal complexities and the need for a compassionate approach towards employees using medical marijuana. The dialogue emphasized the importance of balancing employee welfare with operational integrity and legal compliance.

Another topic was the city’s residential solid waste contract with Waste Connections. The current contract, due to expire in December 2025, prompted discussions on maintaining backyard pickup services favored by residents. The committee addressed the rising costs of waste services and the potential impact on city traffic. A motion was made to recommend continuing the contract with Waste Connections while exploring creative solutions for bulk waste collection.

Parking enforcement also featured prominently, with discussions on staffing levels, technological upgrades, and the use of License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology. The integration of LPR technology aimed to enhance enforcement efficiency, despite concerns about the sufficiency of current devices. The committee called for a plan to improve enforcement, particularly regarding freight loading zones and the impact of commercial vehicles on traffic congestion.

Bid protests regarding a procurement process for speed detection camera systems in school zones were also addressed. Concerns about the high number of protests led to a motion to reissue the Request for Proposals (RFP) to maintain a streamlined procurement process.

Lastly, the committee explored leasing incentives for vacant commercial properties, focusing on high vacancy rates along Lincoln Road. Suggestions included creating a vacant registry program to encourage property owners to lease spaces and considering pop-up leases as a short-term solution. The need for a diversified commercial landscape was discussed, emphasizing the importance of creating walkable neighborhoods with varied amenities.