HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2026-34219RESOLUTION NO. 2026-34219
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING
THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND
NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE
("PSNQLC") AT ITS MARCH 25, 2026 MEETING TO
ESTABLISH EARLY -MORNING OFF -LEASH HOURS FOR
SMALL DOGS AT SOUTH POINTE PARK AND TO
APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF SIGNAGE
DESIGNATING THE OFF -LEASH HOURS FOR SMALL
DOGS IN THE FIELD AREA WEST OF SMITH AND
WOLLENSKY; AND ACCEPTING THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PSNQLC TO IDENTIFY
ENHANCED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SOUTH POINTE
PARK OFF -LEASH AREA, IN THE AMOUNT OF
APPROXIMATELY $15,000.00, AS A FISCAL YEAR 2027
BUDGET PRIORITY.
WHEREAS, at the February 5, 2026 City Commission meeting, at the request of
Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas, the Mayor and City Commission referred a
discussion item to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee
("PSNQLC') regarding the creation of early morning off -leash hours for small dogs at
South Pointe Park; and
WHEREAS, the field area west of Smith and Wollensky has been identified as a
suitable location for an early morning off -leash area for small dogs, as it has been used
in the past as a temporary dog park when the dog park has been closed for maintenance;
and
WHEREAS, creating morning hours for the South Pointe Park off -leash area in the
field west of Smith and Wollensky would greatly enhance the overall user experience by
providing increased flexibility for early visitors, reducing congestion during peak times,
and promoting healthier routines for dogs and their owners; and
WHEREAS, on March 25, 2026, the PSNQLC transmitted the item to the City
Commission with a favorable recommendation to consider the creation of early morning
off -leash hours for small dogs at South Pointe Park and directed the Administration to
proceed with the installation of signage in the field area west of Smith and Wollensky
designating the early morning off -leash hours at a cost of approximately $300, which
signs could be installed within one month; and
WHEREAS, the PSNQLC also recommended that the Mayor and City Commission
consider installing signage, benches, concrete pads, pet -waste bag dispensers, and
landscaping enhancements at a cost of approximately $15,000, to be funded as part of
the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget process.
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 Public Safety and Neighborhood
Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC") at its March 25, 2026 meeting to establish early -
morning off -leash hours for small dogs at South Pointe Park and to approve the
installation of signage designating the off -leash hours for small dogs in the field area west
of Smith and Wollensky; and accept the recommendation of the PSNQLC to identify
enhanced improvements to the South Pointe Park off -leash area, in the amount of
approximately $15,000.00, as a Fiscal Year 2027 Budget priority.
PASSED and ADOPTED this o1.2 day of j�0Y! , 2026.
ATTEST:
'i APR 2 8 2026
Rafael E. GraAado, City Clerk
Steven Meiner, Mayor
(sponsored by Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas)
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
4wAttom-y
W
ate
Resolutions - C7 K
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
PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE, AT ITS
MARCH 25, 2026 MEETING, TO APPROVE OPTION A (SIGNAGE-ONLY
IMPLEMENTATION) TO ESTABLISH EARLY MORNING OFF -LEASH HOURS FOR
SMALL DOGS AT SOUTH POINTE PARK, AND TO CONSIDER OPTION B
(ENHANCED IMPROVEMENTS) AS PART OF THE FY 2027 BUDGET PROCESS.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission formally approve and authorize the recommendation of
the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) for the potential creation of early morning off -leash
hours for small dogs at South Pointe Park located at 1 Washington Avenue. The favorable recommendation was to
immediately begin with Option A and have Option B go through the FY 27 budget process.
1. The Commission's December 17, 2025 Resolution: The Commission has directed the Administration to prepare
the FY 2027 budget based on the projected rolled -back millage rate. This directive may necessitate expenditure
reductions of up to $25 million from the current service -level budget before any consideration of enhancements.
2. Escalating Capital Needs: The City continues to face an increasingly unfunded Capital Improvement Program,
placing additional pressure on long-term financial sustainability.
3. State -Level Tax Policy Risks: The State is contemplating measures to eliminate or significantly reduce property
taxes. Given that 62% of the General Fund revenue is derived from property taxes, this poses a substantial risk to
the City's fiscal stability.
Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Department has numerous unfunded capital and renewal and repair projects. While
considering new projects, it is important to evaluate those against existing needs. A few current critical capital needs include:
• Flamingo Park Football Stadium: Artificial turf (Estimated $1,400,000)
• Lummus Park: Playground replacement (Estimated $1,320,000)
• Normandy Isle Park: Playground replacement ($880,000)
These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding the potential creation of early morning off -leash hours
for small dogs at South Pointe Park align with the City's broader long-term financial stability and strategic
priorities. The Administration recommends that if the City Commission wishes to pursue this project, funding needs to
be identified, and that it be part of the FY 2027 budget process.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
At the February 05, 2026, City Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Monica
Matteo-Salinas, the Mayor and City Commission referred a discussion item to the Public Safety
and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee, for the potential creation of early morning off -leash hours for small dogs at South
Pointe Park. (Exhibit A).
The proposal would designate an area within South Pointe Park, preferably in the field west of
Smith & Wollensky, where small dogs could be permitted to be off leash during limited early
morning hours from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. daily.
At its March 25, 2026 meeting, the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSQNLC) discussed this item
and recommended forwarding it to the City Commission with a positive recommendation for Option A, while considering
additional enhancements through the budget process. (Exhibit 13).
485 of 2461
ANALYSIS
The Department of Parks, Facilities, Fleet and Beaches evaluated potential options for implementing early morning off -leash
hours for small dogs at South Pointe Park. The field area located west of Smith & Wollensky has been identified as a suitable
location, as it was previously utilized as a temporary dog park during maintenance of the existing dog park.
Two implementation options were identified:
Option A — Signage Only
• Estimated Cost: $300
• Includes installation of signage designating the early morning off -leash area
• Funding Source: FY 2026 Operating Budget
• Estimated Implementation Timeline: Approximately one (1) month
Option B — Enhanced Improvements
• Estimated Cost: $15,000
• Includes signage, benches, concrete pads, dog waste bag dispensers, and landscaping improvements
- Funding Source: To be considered as part of the FY 2027 budget process
- Estimated Implementation Timeline: Approximately 8-12 months, including a 12-16 week lead time for benches
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Option A The projected cost for is $300.00.
Option B The projected cost for is $15,000.00.
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-clerklmeeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The estimated cost of the project ranges from approximately $300 to $15,000, depending on the scope of improvements,
which may include benches, concrete pads, dog waste bag dispensers, landscaping, and signage.
Funding for the enhanced improvements (Option B) would be considered as part of the FY 2027 budget process.
CONCLUSION
The Administration recommends the City Commission accept the recommendation from the Public Safety and Neighborhood
Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) with Option A, which can be implemented within approximately one (1) month, and
considering Option B as part of the FY 2027 budget process, subject to funding and prioritization against other General Fund
needs.
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Referral Memo from February 05, 2026 Commission Meeting Item C4 L
Exhibit B - Referral Memo from the March 25, 2026 PSNQLC
Applicable Area
South Beach
486 of 2461
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
Project?
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
Parks, Facilities, Fleet & Beaches
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas
Co-sponsors)
Condensed Title
Establish Early Morning Off -leash Hours for Small Dogs at South Pointe Park. (MMS) PFFB
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
487 of 2461
C4 L REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF EARLY MORNING
OFF -LEASH HOURS FOR SMALL DOGSAT SOUTH POINTE PARK.
Applicable Area:
488 of 2461
Committee Referrals - C4 L
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas
DATE: February 5, 2026
TITLE: REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF EARLY MORNING
OFF -LEASH HOURS FOR SMALL DOGS AT SOUTH POINTE PARK.
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
ANALYSIS
Please place on the February 5, 2026 City Commission agenda a referral to the Public Safety and
Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC") to discuss potentially identifying and
designating an area within South Pointe Park in which small dogs can be off -leash for limited
hours each day.
I would like to initiate a discussion regarding the potential identification and designation of an area
within South Pointe Park, preferably west of Smith & Wollensky, for small dogs to be permitted
off -leash during early morning hours, specifically from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. each day. South
Pointe Park is one of our City's most heavily used and cherished public spaces, and I believe
there may be an opportunity to thoughtfully balance recreational uses while accommodating
responsible pet owners during low -traffic hours. So, this concept is intended to explore whether
a narrowly tailored, time -limited (7 am — 9 am) approach could enhance quality of life for residents
with small dogs while preserving public safety, park operations, and the overall resident
experience.
Accordingly, I would request that the City Administration consider this idea, while taking into
account issues such as signage, enforcement, maintenance, potential impacts to other park
users, and best practices from comparable municipalities. In order to facilitate this discussion, I
would further request that the City Administration be prepared to present its findings, available
options, and identify any concerns, along with providing its recommendation on this proposed
initiative, at the appropriate PSNQLC meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
489 of 2461
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: https•//www miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
Applicable Area
South Beach
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item,
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?
(m
Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
Project?
We
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
Office of Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Ref: PSNQLC - Potential Creation of Small Dog Off -Leash Hours. (Matteo-Salinas)
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
490 of 2461
8. DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF EARLY MORNING OFF -LEASH HOURS
FOR SMALL DOGS AT SOUTH POINTE PARK.
Applicable Area:
491 of 2461
NEW BUSINESS 8
MIAMI BEACH
COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM
TO: Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee Members
FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager
DATE: March 25, 2026
TITLE: DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF EARLY MORNING OFF -LEASH
HOURS FOR SMALL DOGS AT SOUTH POINTE PARK.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends that the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life
Committee ("PSNQLC") evaluate the creation of early morning off -leash hours for small dogs at
South Pointe Park. Further, the Administration recommends that while the PSNQLC evaluates
the potential of creating early morning off -leash hours for small dogs at South Pointe Park and
any associated costs for the project, it also carefully considers several critical factors that will
significantly impact the General Fund budget:
1. The Commission's December 17, 2025 Resolution: The Commission has directed the
Administration to prepare the FY 2027 budget based on the projected rolled -back millage rate.
This directive may necessitate expenditure reductions of up to $25 million from the current
service -level budget before any consideration of enhancements.
2. Escalating Capital Needs: The City continues to face an increasingly unfunded Capital
Improvement Program, placing additional pressure on long-term financial sustainability.
3. State -Level Tax Policy Risks: The State is contemplating measures to eliminate or
significantly reduce property taxes. Given that 62% of the General Fund revenue is derived from
property taxes, this poses a substantial risk to the City's fiscal stability.
Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Department has numerous unfunded capital and renewal
and repair projects. While considering new projects, it is important to evaluate those against
existing needs. A few current critical capital needs include:
Flamingo Park Football Stadium: Artificial turf (Estimated $1,400,000)
Lummus Park: Playground replacement (Estimated $1,320,000)
Normandy Isle Park: Playground replacement ($880,000)
These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding costs of creating early
morning off -leash hours for small dogs at South Pointe Park align with the City's broader long-
term financial stability and strategic priorities. If the Committee recommends the creation of early
morning off -leash hours for small dogs at South Pointe Park, the Administration recommends any
costs be considered as part of the FY 2027 budget process.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
At the February 05, 2026, City Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Monica
Matteo-Salinas, the Mayor and City Commission referred a discussion item to the Public Safety
and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee, for the creation of early morning off -leash hours for
small dogs at South Pointe Park. (Exhibit A).
492 of 2461
The proposal would designate an area within South Pointe Park, preferably in the field west of
Smith & Wollensky, where small dogs could be permitted to be off -leash during limited early
morning hours from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. daily.
ANALYSIS
The Department of Parks, Facilities, Fleet and Beaches evaluated potential options for
implementing early morning off -leash hours for small dogs at South Pointe Park. The field area
west of Smith & Wollensky has been identified as a suitable location, as it has previously been
used as a temporary dog park during maintenance of the existing dog park.
Two implementation options have been identified:
Option A — Signage Only
• Estimated cost: $300
• Includes installation of signage designating the early morning off -leash area
• Funding source: FY 2026 Operating Budget
• Estimated implementation timeline: Approximately 1 month
Option B — Enhanced Improvements
• Estimated cost: $15,000
• Includes signage, benches, concrete pads, dog waste bag dispensers, and landscaping
improvements
• Funding source: To be considered as part of the FY 2027 budget process
• Estimated implementation timeline: 8-12 months, including a 12-16 week lead time for benches
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Option A The projected cost for is $300.00.
Option B The projected cost for is $15,000.00.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
The Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on .
See BIE at: https•//www miamibeachfi.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The estimated cost of the project ranges from approximately $300.00 to $15,000.00 depending
on the scope of improvements, which may include benches, concrete pads, doggie
bag dispensers, landscaping, and signage. Funding for this project would be considered as part
of the FY 2027 budget process.
CONCLUSION
The Administration recommends that while the PSNQLC evaluates the creation of early morning
off -leash hours for small dogs at South Pointe Park, it also carefully considers the
factors identified in the "Recommendation" component of this memo that will
significantly impact the General Fund budget.
These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding costs are associated with
493 of 2461
the creation of early morning off -leash hours for small dogs at South Pointe Park align with the
City's broader long-term financial stability and strategic priorities. Additionally, if the Committee
recommends funding costs for the creation of early morning off -leash hours for small dogs, the
Administration recommends it be considered as part of the FY 2027 budget process.
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Referral Memo from February 05, 2026, Commission Meeting Item C4 L
Applicable Area
South Beach
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
Project?
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
Parks, Facilities, Fleet & Beaches
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Discuss the Potential Creation of Early Morning Off -leash Hours for small Dogs at South Pointe
Park (Matteo-Salinas)
494 of 2461
C4 L REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF EARLY MORNING
OFF -LEASH HOURS FOR SMALL DOGSAT SOUTH POINTE PARK.
Applicable Area:
495 of 2461
Committee Referrals - C4 L
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas
DATE: February 5, 2026
TITLE: REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF EARLY MORNING
OFF -LEASH HOURS FOR SMALL DOGS AT SOUTH POINTE PARK.
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
ANALYSIS
Please place on the February 5, 2026 City Commission agenda a referral to the Public Safety and
Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC") to discuss potentially identifying and
designating an area within South Pointe Park in which small dogs can be off -leash for limited
hours each day.
I would like to initiate a discussion regarding the potential identification and designation of an area
within South Pointe Park, preferably west of Smith & Wollensky, for small dogs to be permitted
off -leash during early morning hours, specifically from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. each day. South
Pointe Park is one of our City's most heavily used and cherished public spaces, and I believe
there may be an opportunity to thoughtfully balance recreational uses while accommodating
responsible pet owners during low -traffic hours. So, this concept is intended to explore whether
a narrowly tailored, time -limited (7 am — 9 am) approach could enhance quality of life for residents
with small dogs while preserving public safety, park operations, and the overall resident
experience.
Accordingly, I would request that the City Administration consider this idea, while taking into
account issues such as signage, enforcement, maintenance, potential impacts to other park
users, and best practices from comparable municipalities. In order to facilitate this discussion, I
would further request that the City Administration be prepared to present its findings, available
options, and identify any concerns, along with providing its recommendation on this proposed
initiative, at the appropriate PSNQLC meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
496 of 2461
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: https•//www miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
Applicable Area
South Beach
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item,
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?
No
Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
Project?
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
Office of Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas
Co-sponsors)
Condensed Title
Ref: PSNQLC - Potential Creation of Small Dog Off -Leash Hours. (Matteo-Salinas)
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
497 of 2461