The council’s primary focus was on the potential implementation of a fee waiver policy for events, a topic that had been under consideration for over a year. The proposed policy aimed to create a framework for addressing requests for fee waivers, with a suggested annual cap of $25,000. Discussion revolved around the fiscal implications and criteria for granting waivers. Clarity and consistency were emphasized as key components of the policy to ensure equitable decision-making for future stakeholders.

Debate centered on the cap, with suggestions to review historical spending on city-sponsored events to inform future budget considerations. Participants expressed a consensus that the policy should provide clear guidelines for assessing new events seeking assistance while maintaining budgetary constraints. There was a call to consolidate recurring events into the budget process, enabling the council to allocate funds more effectively and avoid repetitive requests from event organizers.

Another major topic was a legal matter involving the city and a local school, referred to as the Mandle Stamp School. The City Attorney reported that the court had ruled in favor of both Verizon and the city, while ambiguity remained regarding a portion of the ruling related to declaratory relief sought by the school. This prompted the city’s legal counsel to seek clarification on the ruling. The court’s decision favored the city concerning a damages claim against the school, and discussions included a meeting held before the holidays between city representatives and the school’s counsel to explore settlement options.

In another highlight, the South Miami Black Culture Affairs Foundation sought a waiver of event-related fees for their upcoming Unity Reunion Music Festival. The foundation’s president addressed the council, emphasizing the festival’s significance for historical preservation and community engagement. The council discussed the importance of integrating event sponsorships into the city’s budget, recognizing the need for clear communication about financial commitments. The council confirmed the festival would not conflict with other scheduled events and discussed formalizing the city’s sponsorship role.

The council also authorized a waiver of fees for the “Da Ren Trin Forge Car Show,” with discussions reflecting on the event’s economic impact and the importance of creating a lasting legacy for the community. The applicant, representing Patrol Views LLC, urged the council to view the fee waiver as a partnership opportunity to develop initiatives benefiting the city. Concerns were raised about the timing of the application and the perception of the event as a marketing endeavor for the applicant’s business. The council emphasized the need for accountability and proactive engagement.

Additionally, the meeting included the introduction of Alex Munoz as the new Director of Public Works. Munoz expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and emphasized the hardworking nature of the Public Works department. The mayor acknowledged Munoz’s arrival and the strength of South Miami’s leadership team, expressing optimism for future projects and developments.

The council also discussed a proposed ordinance amending the city’s purchasing code, specifically the procurement thresholds for the city manager. The proposal aimed to streamline operations by raising the threshold for general fund expenditures and capital expenditures funded by non-general fund sources. The council debated the proposed thresholds and categories of funds involved, ultimately passing the ordinance with amendments to exclude certain categories of funds not pre-approved by the commission.

Resident John Edward Smith announced the online launch of the 20th year of SOMI magazine, and another resident, James, expressed gratitude for a generous donation of Christmas trees. The council expressed appreciation for these contributions, recognizing the impact on the community.