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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2026-34217RESOLUTION NO. 2026-34217 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AT ITS MARCH 4, 2026 MEETING, AND APPROVING A ONE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM FOR TOWBOOKS, AN AUTOMATED TOW MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE PLATFORM, UTILIZING A PURCHASE ORDER IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000. WHEREAS, at the March 4, 2026 Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) meeting, the Administration provided an update on Item OB 4 at the request of Commissioner Suarez; and WHEREAS, the Parking Department provided input regarding operational considerations and proposed the implementation of TowBooks, an automated tow management software platform; and WHEREAS, the FERC issued a favorable recommendation approving a one-year pilot program for TowBooks, with this portion of the item advanced to the City Commission for consideration; and WHEREAS, the Parking Department has evaluated TowBooks through a limited pilot rollout, which demonstrated improvements in operational efficiency by streamlining the tow request process and reducing the time required for field personnel to initiate and manage towing activities; and WHEREAS, TowBooks provides access to structured, real-time data, including tow locations, operator response times, activity frequency, geographic trends, and overall throughput, enabling enhanced data -driven decision -making, improved resource allocation, and increased operational accountability; and WHEREAS, preliminary findings indicate that full implementation of the platform may result in significant time savings and improved workflow efficiency; and WHEREAS, the Administration recommends expanding the pilot into a one-year program to further assess system performance, validate efficiencies, and support long-term operational improvements; and WHEREAS, funding for this pilot program is available within departmental savings and will be transferred to the appropriate expense account upon adoption of this Resolution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission hereby accept the recommendation of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee, at its March 4, 2026 meeting, and approve a one-year pilot program for TowBooks, an automated tow management software platform, utilizing a purchase order in an amount not to exceed $100,000. PASSED AND ADOPTED this o?o2 day of April 026: �c-n_ 7 &� ATTEST: STr-:1(,EN MEINER, MAYOR APR 2 8 2026 RAFAEL E. GRAIAADO, CITY CLERK ......... ,.c' APPROVED AS TO • - FORM & LANGUAGE & FOR EXECUTION INCOAP HATED.' City Attorney Date Resolutions - C7 I MIAMI BEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager DATE: April 22, 2026 TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AT ITS MARCH 4, 2026, MEETING, TO APPROVE A ONE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM FOR TOWBOOKS, AN AUTOMATED TOW MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE PLATFORM, UTILIZING A PURCHASE ORDER IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Mayor and City Commission adopt the resolution authorizing a one- year pilot program for TowBooks, an automated tow management software platform, through the issuance of a purchase order in an amount not to exceed $100,000. BACKGROUND/HISTORY At the March 4, 2026 Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) meeting, the Administration provided an update on Item OB 4 (Attachment A) at the request of Commissioner Suarez. Parking Department staff provided input regarding operational considerations and proposed the implementation of TowBooks. The Committee issued a favorable recommendation approving a one-year pilot program for TowBooks. This portion of the item will be moved to the City Commission for consideration, while the remainder will remain open at FERC for future updates. ANALYSIS TowBooks is an automated tow dispatch and management platform that has already been in use by both authorized towing permit holders assigned to the Miami Beach Parking Department. Because the system was preexisting within the operational environment of both vendors, it provided a unique opportunity to evaluate its capabilities without requiring immediate procurement or implementation costs. In an effort to improve operational efficiency, accuracy, and data visibility through technology, TowBooks offered the Department a complimentary trial over the past several months. This trial allowed staff to integrate the platform into daily operations and assess its impact in a live environment. During this period, the system streamlined dispatch coordination, reduced manual communication between enforcement staff and tow operators, and improved the speed and consistency of tow initiation and completion. From a data perspective, the platform introduced structured, real-time reporting that was not previously available. This includes detailed metrics on tow locations, operator response times, frequency of activity, geographic clustering, and overall throughput. These data points provide a more comprehensive understanding of enforcement patterns and allow the Department to identify 462 of 2461 high -demand areas, monitor vendor performance, and begin establishing measurable service expectations. However, the complimentary trial was limited in scope and did not include the full suite of system capabilities, including expanded analytics, long-term data retention, performance benchmarking tools, and deeper system integrations. In order to fully activate these enhanced features and conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of the platform's long-term operational and financial benefits, a formal agreement is required. Given that TowBooks is already actively utilized by both authorized towing vendors, transitioning to a different platform would introduce operational disruption, require retraining across multiple parties, and delay the Department's ability to build on the data and efficiencies already achieved. A one-year bid waiver is therefore justified to allow the Department to continue leveraging the existing system, fully activate its capabilities, and collect sufficient longitudinal data to inform a competitive procurement, if necessary, in the future. This approach minimizes risk, preserves operational continuity, and ensures that any future procurement decision is based on verified performance data and demonstrated outcomes rather than theoretical projections. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT Funding is available within departmental savings and will be transferred to the appropriate expense account upon adoption of this item. Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY) If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfi.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/ FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONCLUSION It is recommended that the Mayor and City Commission adopt the resolution authorizing a one- year pilot program for TowBooks, an automated tow management software platform, through the issuance of a purchase order in an amount not to exceed $100,000. Applicable Area Citywide Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-17? Yes Is this item related to a G.O. Bond Proiect? No Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): 463 of 2461 Department Parking Sponsor(s) Co-sponsors) Condensed Title Accept Recommendation/Approve One -Year Pilot Program for Towbooks. PK Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only) 464 of 2461 OLD BUSINESS 4 ATTACHMENT A MIAMI BEACH COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM TO: Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee Members FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager DATE: March 4, 2026 TITLE: DISCUSS A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AT ITS APRIL 19, 2024 MEETING, TO ACCEPT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION'S UPDATE ON THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH PARKING DEPARTMENT ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS. RECOMMENDATION The City Administration ("Administration") recommends that the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee ("FERC" or "Committee") discuss the updates and recommend the advancement of new technological procurements to the City Commission. BACKGROUND/HISTORY On January 31, 2024, at the request of Commissioner Joseph Magazine, the Mayor and City Commission (City Commission) referred agenda Item C4 X (Attachment A) to the FERC to discuss a comprehensive review of City of Miami Beach ("City") parking enforcement efforts. The review was to include License Plate Recognition ("LPR") vehicles and equipment, freight and commercial loading zones, alley loading and residential parking permit zones. The referral further requested that the Administration submit relevant data in advance to the FERC showing parking violations over a one (1), three (3), five (5), and (ten) 10-year period. The item was deferred at the March 22, 2024 FERC meeting. At the April 19, 2024 FERC meeting, the Committee heard the item entitled "Discuss a Comprehensive Review of The City's Parking Enforcement Efforts" in conjunction with another agenda item entitled "Discussion on The Potential Reinstitution of Residential Parking Permit Decals In Lieu Of The Current System Which Validates Residential Parking Zone Permits Based Solely Upon License Plate Scans". During the discussion, the Parking Department stated that the two (2) items had been bifurcated and City staff provided an update on departmental staffing levels. The parking enforcement statistics were included as part of the Committee memorandum (Attachment B). Commissioner Alex Fernandez made a motion, passed by the Committee, to accept the report provided by the Administration and move both items to the City Commission. During the June 26, 2024 City Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Joseph Magazine, the item was separated from the consent agenda and was not reached. At the July 24, 2024 City Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Joseph Magazine, the item was referred back to the FERC for an update. At the September 20, 2024, October 18, 2024, and November 8, 2024 FERC meetings, this item was not reached. This item was discussed during the December 20, 2024 FERC meeting. During the discussion, the Committee recommended that the item remain open, that the Administration provide updates to the FERC within two (2) months, and that the Administration provide a monthly Letter to 465 of 2461 Commission (LTC) moving forward. This item remained open and was not reached at the January 24, 2025, February 21, 2025, March 26, 2025, May 7, 2025, June 4, 2025, and June 11, 2025 FERC meetings. The item was heard on July 16, 2025, with regards to updates of license plate recognition vehicles, automated enforcement, freight loading zone enforcement, and sign review to include curb color strategy. ANALYSIS As the City of Miami Beach continues to modernize its parking systems, we are taking deliberate steps to integrate advanced technology across key operational areas. This report outlines our current efforts and planned initiatives AUTOMATED ENFORCEMENT On April 23, 2025, the City Commission approved a one-year pilot program for automated enforcement in four municipal parking lots. This program, led by the Parking Department in coordination with PAVE Mobility, utilizes license plate recognition technology to monitor entry and exit activity, validate payment compliance, and issue citations by mail when necessary. PAVE Mobility has gone live in all four parking lots and performance to date has been excellent. Early results demonstrate strong operational reliability and improved compliance monitoring. The Administration expects to bring forward a recommendation to expand beyond the initial four parking lots and extend the program beyond the one-year pilot period in order to continue evaluating the long-term effectiveness and scalability of the technology. FREIGHT LOADING ZONE ENFORCEMENT The Parking Department is very close to procuring additional camera -based enforcement technology provided by AUTOMOTUS. AUTOMOTUS uses onboard artificial intelligence to identify freight vehicles, determine whether proper freight loading permits have been purchased, and detect illegal parking activity in real time. This technology will allow staff to be dispatched immediately when violations occur, significantly improving compliance and reducing dwell times in freight loading zones. The system, which is also currently being piloted in Miami, is being procured through a national cooperative purchasing program to ensure competitive pricing and is anticipated to have a net neutral impact on the Department's operating budget. PARKING ACCESS REVENUE CONTROL SYSTEM (PARCS) The Parking Department has entered into a five-year Hardware as a Service agreement with Flash Parking for all City parking garages. Installation of the new system is currently underway. This upgraded PARCS platform will support electronic validations, text -based validations, freestanding validation stations, and fully functioning License Plate Recognition technology at every entrance and exit. LPR will serve as the primary credential for monthly parkers and City employees. SPECIALIZED PARKING VEHICLES The Parking Department has begun procurement discussions with Westward Industries for Max EV3 Parking Enforcement Vehicles. These small three -wheeled electric enforcement vehicles will 466 of 2461 be equipped with License Plate Recognition technology to enhance curbside enforcement efficiency. The Department anticipates incorporating these vehicles through a rotational fleet replacement strategy rather than expanding the overall fleet size. Procurement will be completed through an existing Sourcewell cooperative contract. The City's Fleet Department has met with the vendor and supports the operational integration of the Max EV3 platform. TOW BOOKS DIGITAL TOW MANAGEMENT The Parking Department is currently three months into a no -cost pilot program with TowBooks. This platform allows staff to document tows using integrated video and photographic evidence within a single application and enables digital tow dispatching. The system has reduced reaction times and improved coordination, allowing freight loading zones and congested areas to be cleared more quickly. The Administration requests that the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee recommend that the City Commission authorize a one-year pilot extension to further evaluate the program's effectiveness. FULL TURNKEY ENFORCEMENT SOLUTION The Parking Department is evaluating deployment of a full turnkey enforcement solution. The Department currently operates three License Plate Recognition vehicles and seeks to expand to a minimum of fifteen fully outfitted LPR enforcement vehicles using state-of-the-art technology. Procurement would be expedited through a competitively bid RFP via a cooperative purchasing agreement or through piggybacking on another municipality's contract. The Department is actively reviewing available technologies to ensure selection of the most efficient, scalable, and operationally effective system. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT Freight Loading Zone Enforcement Initiative The Freight Loading Zone enforcement initiative will have a net -neutral impact on the Parking Department's Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget. This program will enhance enforcement efforts at every freight loading zone and automate processes, driving additional revenue. The initiative will initially be funded through revenue generated from Right -of -Way violations. Specialized Parking Vehicles The acquisition of specialized parking vehicles will result in cost savings, as the capital outlay for these smaller vehicles is proportionally lower than that of standard vehicles. Tow Books Program The Two Books program will also be net -neutral, as fees are incurred only for successful tows. This represents a negligible cost to the City, with maximum annual expenditures projected not to exceed $75,000. Turnkey Parking Enforcement Solution The full turnkey parking enforcement solution will require an initial investment to support enhanced technological capabilities. However, this investment will enable the Department to operate much more efficiently in its daily operations. Additionally, leveraging a purchasing cooperative from a competitively bid RFP or Sourcewell contract will allow for faster procurement and streamlined implementation. 467 of 2461 Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY) The Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on. See BIE at: https://www miamibeachfl gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/ FINANCIAL INFORMATION WED CONCLUSION The City Administration ("Administration") recommends that the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee ("FERC" or "Committee") discuss the updates and recommend the advancement of new technological procurements to the City Commission. Applicable Area Citywide Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2.17? Yes Is this item related to a G.O. Bond Proiect? No Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): Department Parking Sponsor(s) Commissioner Joseph Magazine Co-sponsor(s) Condensed Title Accept Parking Enforcement Efforts Report. (Magazine) PK 468 of 2461