LTC 360-2020 Implementations To Maximize Safety In City Facilities In Response To COVID-19DocuSign Envelope ID: 8C82CA6E-8B4A-498F-AD20-B63862DD4E25
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach FL 33139
LTC# 360-2020 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
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~28CA1!194070496 ... DATE: October 13, 2020
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTATIONS TO MAXIMIZE SAFETY IN CITY FACILITIES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-
19
The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to provide the Mayor and City Commission with information of
the best practices and recommendations for HVAC systems implemented by the Property Management
Department to maximize safety in City facilities.
On May 28, 2020, the Property Management Department presented the City Commission with a reopening
plan in response to the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. The plan detailed the best practices in
infrastructure, access control, disinfection and hygiene, space planning, use of PPEs and HVAC systems.
The Department has kept abreast of peer-reviewed literature the provides the best practices and
recommendations for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning (HVAC) from ASHRAE, AIHA, and the CDC.
Accordingly, the Department has implemented these strategies in our facilities as detailed herein:
• Air Filtration
The Department has procured MERV 13 filters which offer the maximum filtration level allowed by most
of our existing mechanical systems. Other HVAC units are being upgraded to MERV 11 or 12 filters,
the highest-rated filters that the system can accommodate. These filters are being installed citywide on
a bimonthly cycle. Due to the resistance in airflow created by deep space folds of submicrometric glass
fiber going above this rating would require an overhaul of our mechanical systems. Filters today are
changed bimonthly to allow for elimination of particulate or indoor air allergens with units being flushed
monthly. Recommended by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE), U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE), APPA
• UV-C Air Cleaners (Supplementary tool)
The Department is working with mechanical contractors to identify feasibility of "Sterile-Aire". This is a
"UVGI provides a highly effective method of destroying microorganisms. The recirculating air in HVAC
systems creates redundancy in exposing microorganisms to UV, ensuring multiple passes so the light
energy is effective against large quantities of microorganisms." This system has not been identified as
a killer of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but it does kill surface bacteria which ultimately improves the indoor
air quality. The most effective biofilm and microbial control than in-duct installations because the UVC
irradiates the contaminants at the source and delivers simultaneous decontamination of surface and
airborne microorganisms. Currently, the supply chain is struggling with demands for UV-C air cleaners,
creating delays in its implementation. Recommended by ASHRAE, DOE, APPA
• Outdoor Ventilation Increase ventilation and/or reduce recirculation. Maintain 24/7 outdoor ventilation.
At current, the mechanical systems in City facilities are designed and installed according to the Florida
Building Code Mechanical as "Commercial Buildings". This category requires combination of outdoor
DocuSign Envelope ID: 8C82CA6E-8B4A-498F-AD20-B63862DD4E25
and transfer air intended to reduce the amount of recirculated air, thus reducing the airborne
concentration of SARS-CoV-2 and risk of transmission through the air. All the City's facilities have
been inspected and modified to allow as much outside air as possible; in some cases, as much as
100%. To eliminate recirculated air (not recommended) would require redesigning and replacing the
entire mechanical and electrical systems. This would be in line with the design requirements of a
hospital. The Department has Recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA),
the National Institute of Building Sciences, U.S. Dept. of Labor, DOE and Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC)
• Relative Humidity. Maintain between 40% and 60% relative humidity. We maintain the City's
mechanical systems at 50% relative humidity in line with ASHRAE standards. Recommended by
ASHRAE, DOE, Federal of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA),
Nation Institute of Building Sciences.
Furthermore, all city-owned facilities are cleaned with EPA approved chemicals as recommended by the
CDC that kill surface bacteria or viruses on an enhanced schedule. Janitorial personnel clean all high touch
surfaces (doorknobs, elevator buttons, and break areas) several times as day including City Hall which
have day porters with this specific task. Additionally, the Department maintains a programmed schedule of
electrostatic spraying at several core facilities, including City Hall, Police and Fire building, 1755 offices,
and youth centers. In the event an employee becomes a "positive" or a "close-contact", the Department
schedules further decontamination of that facility, vehicle, and equipment in accordance with Human
Resources policies. The Department has furthered mitigated risk by establishing occupancy limits in every
facility, modifying access paths, installing plexiglass at service desks, providing temperature screening
readers at entryways and issuing monthly PPE care packages to departments.
Overall, the Property Management Department has implemented several best practices and safeguards
to improve the functionality of the workplace and prepare a safe and suitable environment for all of our
employees and visitors.
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