Mutual Agreement between CMB & Dania BeachMUTUAL AID AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF DANIA BEACH AND THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
This Agreement is between the City of Dania Beach ("Dania") and the City of Miami Beach ("Miami
Beach"), jointly "the Parties". This agreement is based on the existence of the following conditions:
A. The State of Florida and its municipalities are vulnerable to a wide range of disasters
that are likely to cause the disruption of essential services and the destruction of the
infrastructure needed to deliver those services.
B. Such disasters are likely to exceed the capability of any one local government to cope
with the emergency with existing resources.
C. Such disasters may also give rise to unusual technical needs that the local government
may be unable to meet with existing resources, but that other local governments may be able to
offer.
D. The Emergency Management Act, Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, (the "Emergency
Management Act") provides each local government of the state the authority to develop and
enter into mutual aid agreement within the state for reciprocal emergency aid and assistance in
case of emergencies too extensive to dealt with unassisted, and through such agreements to
ensure the timely reimbursement of costs incurred by the local governments which render
such assistance.
E. Pursuant to Chapters 23 and 252, the parties can seek assistance from other local
governments during emergencies and to concentrate available resources where needed.
F. This agreement is effective, retroactive to March 1, 2023.
Based on the existence of the foregoing conditions, the parties agree to the following:
ARTICLE 1.
Definitions.
As used in this Agreement, the following expressions shall have the following meanings:
A. The "Agreement" is this Agreement, which shall be referred to as the Mutual Aid
Agreement between the City of Dania Beach and the City of Miami Beach.
B. The "Participating Parties" to this Agreement are the Parties
C. The "Requesting Parties" to this Agreement are Participating Parties who request
assistance during a declared state of emergency.
D. The "Assisting Parties" to this Agreement are Participating Parties who render assistance in
a disaster to a Requesting Party.
E. The "Period of Assistance" is the time during which any Assisting Party renders assistance to
any Requesting Party in a declared disaster, and shall include both the time necessary
for the resources and personnel of the Assisting Party to travel to the place specified by the
Requesting Party and the time necessary to return them to their place of origin or to the
headquarters of the Assisting Party.
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F. Any expressions not assigned definitions elsewhere in this Agreement shall have the
definitions assigned them by the Emergency Management Act.
ARTICLE IL
Applicability of the Agreement.
A Participating Party may request assistance under this Agreement for a "major" or "catastrophic
disaster" as defined in § 252.34, Florida Statutes, or a "minor disaster."
ARTICLE III.
Invocation of the Agreement.
In the event of a disaster or threatened disaster, a Participating Party may invoke assistance under
this Agreement by requesting it from any other Participating Party, if, in the judgment of the
Requesting Party, its own resources are inadequate to meet the disaster.
A. Any request for assistance under this Agreement may be oral, but within five (5) calendar
days must be confirmed in writing by the Emergency Management Team of the Requesting
Party, unless the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated in response to the
disaster for which assistance is requested.
B. All requests for assistance under this Agreement shall be transmitted by the Requestor's
Emergency Management Team to the Requesting Participating Party. .
C. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to allocate liability for the costs of personnel,
equipment, supplies, services and other resources that are staged by the Assisting Party for use
in responding to a disaster pending the assignment of such personnel, equipment, supplies,
services and other resources to an emergency support function/mission. The
documentation, payment, repayment, and reimbursement of all such costs shall be rendered in
accordance with the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and general accounting best
practices procedures and protocols.
ARTICLE IV.
Responsibilities of Requesting Party
To the extent practicable, a Requesting Party seeking assistance under this Agreement shall
provide the following information to the other Participating Party and shall include the following
information:
1. A description of the damage sustained or threatened;
2. An identification of the specific Emergency Support Function or Functions for
which such assistance is needed;
3. A description of the specific type of assistance needed within each Emergency
Support Function;
4. A description of the specific type of assistance needed within each Emergency
Support Function;
5. A description of the types of personnel, equipment, services, and supplies needed for
each specific type of assistance, with an estimate of the time each will be needed;
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6. A description of any public infrastructure for which assistance will be needed;
7. A description of any sites or structures outside the territorial jurisdiction of the
Requesting Party needed as centers to stage incoming personnel, equipment,
supplies, services, or other resources;
8. The place, date and time for personnel of the Requesting Party to meet and receive
the personnel and equipment of the Assisting Party; and
9. A technical description of any communications or telecommunications equipment
needed to ensure timely communications between the Requesting Party and any
Assisting Parties.
ARTICLE V.
Responsibilities of Assisting Parties.
Each Participating Party shall render assistance under this Agreement to any Requesting Party to the extent
practicable that its personnel, equipment, resources and capabilities can render assistance. If a
Participating Party which has received a request for assistance under this Agreement determines that it
has the capacity to render some or all of such assistance, it shall provide the following information to the
Requesting Party and shall transmit it without delay to the Requesting Party. In providing such information:
A. A description of the personnel, equipment, supplies and services it has available, together with
a description of the qualifications of any skilled -pdrsonnel;
B. An estimate of the time such personnel, equipment, supplies, and services will continue to be
available;
C. An estimate of the time it will take to deliver such personnel, equipment, supplies, and services
at the date, time and place specified by the Requesting Party;
D. A technical description of any communications and telecommunications equipment available
for timely communications with the Requesting Party and other Assisting Parties; and
E. The names of all personnel whom the Assisting Party designates as Supervisors.
F. The estimated costs of the provision of assistance.
ARTICLE VI.
Rendition of Assistance.
After the Assisting Party has delivered its personnel, equipment, supplies, services, or other resources to
the place specified by the Requesting Party, the Requesting Party shall give specific assignments to the
Supervisor(s) of the Assisting Party, who shall be responsible for directing the performance of these
assignments. The Assisting Party shall have authority to direct the manner in which the assignments are
performed. In the event of an emergency that affects the Assisting Party, all personnel, equipment,
supplies, services and other resources of the Assisting Party shall be subject to recall by the Assisting Party
upon not less than five (5) calendar days' notice or, if such notice is impracticable, as much notice as is
practicable under the circumstances.
A. For operations at the scene of catastrophic and major disasters, the Assisting Party shall to the
fullest extent practicable give its personnel and other resources sufficient equipment and supplies to make
them self-sufficient for food, shelter, and operations unless the Requesting Party has specified the
contrary. For minor disasters and other emergencies, the Requesting Party shall be responsible to provide
food and shelter for the personnel of the Assisting Party unless the Requesting Party has specified the
contrary. In its request for assistance the Requesting Party may specify that Assisting Parties send only self-
sufficient personnel or self-sufficient resources.
B. Unless the Requesting Party has specified the contrary, it shall to the fullest extent practicable,
coordinate all communications between its personnel and those of any Assisting Parties, and shall
determine all frequencies and other technical specifications for all communications and
telecommunications equipment to be used.
C. Personnel of the Assisting Party who render assistance under this Agreement shall receive their
usual wages, salaries and other compensation, and shall have all the duties, responsibilities, immunities,
rights, interests, and privileges incident to their usual employment. If personnel of the Assisting Party hold
local licenses or certifications limited to the county or municipality of issue, then the Requesting Party
shall recognize and honor those licenses or certifications for the duration of the support.
ARTICLE VII.
Procedures for Reimbursement.
Unless the Assisting Party, as the case may be, state the contrary in writing, the ultimate responsibility for
the reimbursement of costs incurred under this Agreement shall rest with the Requesting Party, subject to
the following conditions and exceptions:
1. An Assisting Party shall bill the Requesting Party as soon as practicable, but not later than
thirty (30) calendar days after the Period of Assistance has closed. Upon the request of any of
the concerned Participating Parties, the parties may extend this deadline for cause.
2. If the Requesting Party protests any bill or item on a bill from an Assisting Party, it shall do so
in writing as soon as practicable, but in no event later than thirty (30) calendar days after the
bill is received. Failure to protest any bill or billed item in writing within thirty (30) calendar
days shall constitute agreement to the bill and the items on the bill and a waiver of the right
to contest the bill.
3. If the Assisting Party cannot reach a mutual agreement with the requesting Party to the
settlement of any protested bill or billed item, the Assisting Party, or the Requesting Party may
elect binding arbitration to determine its liability for the protested bill or billed item in
accordance with Section 4 of this Article.
4. If a Participating Party elects binding arbitration, it may select as an arbitrator any elected
official of another Participating Party, or any other official of another Participating Partywhose
normal duties include emergency management, and the other Participating Party shall also
select such an official -as an arbitrator, and the arbitrators thus chosen shall select another
such official as a third arbitrator.
5. The three (3) arbitrators shall convene by teleconference or videoconference within thirty (30)
calendar days to consider any documents and any statements or arguments by the Requesting
Party, or the Assisting Party concerning the protest, and shall render a decision in writing not
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later than ten (10) business days after the close of the hearing. The decision of a majority of
the arbitrators shall bind the parties, and shall be final.
6. All requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the reimbursement of
costs incurred by any Participating Party shall be made by and through the Party seeking
reimbursement of the expenditures due to the affected party's emergency.
ARTICLE Vill.
Costs Eligible for Reimbursement.
The costs incurred by the Assisting Party under this Agreement shall be reimbursed as needed to make the
Assisting Party whole to the fullest extent practicable.
A. Employees of the Assisting Party who render assistance under this Agreement shall be entitled
to receive from the Assisting Party all their usual wages, salaries, and any and all other compensation for
mobilization, hours worked, and demobilization. Such compensation shall include any and all contributions
for insurance and retirement, and such employees shall continue to accumulate seniority at the usual rate.
As between the employees and the Assisting Party, the employees shall have all the duties, responsibilities,
immunities, rights, interests and privileges incident to their usual employment. The Requesting Party shall
reimburse the Assisting Party for these costs of employment.
B. The costs of equipment supplied by the Assisting Party shall be reimbursed at the rental rate established
in FEMA' s Schedule of Equipment Rates as published by FEMA, or at any other rental rate agreed to by
the Requesting Party. In order to be eligible for reimbursement, equipment must be in actual operation
performing eligible work. The labor costs of the operator are not included in the rates and should be
approved separately from equipment costs. The Assisting Party shall pay for fuels, other consumable
supplies, and repairs to its equipment as needed to keep the equipment in a state of operational readiness.
Rent for the equipment shall be deemed to include the cost of fuel and other consumable supplies,
maintenance, service, repairs, and ordinary wear and tear. With the consent of the Assisting Party, the
Requesting Party may provide fuels, consumable supplies, maintenance, and repair services for such
equipment at the site. In that event, the Requesting Party may deduct the actual costs of such fuels,
consumable supplies, maintenance, and services from the total costs otherwise payable to the Assisting
Party. If the equipment is damaged while in use under this Agreement and the Assisting Party receives
payment for such damage under any contract of insurance, the Requesting Party may deduct such
payment from any item or items billed by the Assisting Party for any of the costs for such damage that may
otherwise be payable.
C. The Requesting Party shall pay the total costs for the use and consumption of any and all consumable
supplies delivered by the Assisting Party for the Requesting Party under this Agreement. In the case of
perishable supplies, consumption shall be deemed to include normal deterioration, spoilage and damage
notwithstanding the exercise of reasonable care in its storage and use. Supplies remaining unused shall be
returned to the Assisting Party in usable condition upon the close of the Period of Assistance, and the
Requesting Party may deduct the cost of such returned supplies from the total costs billed by the Assisting
Party for such supplies. If the Assisting Party agrees, the Requesting Party may also replace any and all
used consumable supplies with like supplies in usable condition and of like grade, quality and quantity
within the time allowed for reimbursement under this Agreement.
D. The Assisting Party shall keep records to document all assistance rendered under this Agreement. Such
records shall present information sufficient to meet the audit requirements specified in the regulations of
FEMA and any applicable circulars issued by the State of Florida Office of Management and Budget. Upon
reasonable notice, the Assisting Party shall make its records available to the Requesting Party for
inspection or duplication between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on all weekdays, except for official holidays.
ARTICLE IX.
Insurance.
Each Participating Party shall determine for itself what insurance to procure, if any. With the exceptions in
this Article, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require any Participating Party to procure
insurance.
A. Each Participating Party shall procure employers' insurance meeting the requirements of the Workers'
Compensation .Act, as amended, affording coverage for any of its employees who may be injured while
performing any activities under the authority of this Agreement, and shall file with the other party to this
Agreement a certificate issued by the insurer attesting to such coverage.
B. Any Participating Party that elects additional insurance affording liability coverage for any activities that
may be performed under the authority of this Agreement shall file with the other party to this Agreement
a certificate issued by the insurer attesting to such coverage.
C. Any Participating Party that is self -insured with respect to any line or lines of insurance shall file with
the other party copies of all resolutions in current effect reflecting its determination to act as a self -insurer.
D. Subject to the limits of such liability insurance as any Participating Party may elect to procure, nothing
in this Agreement shall be construed to waive, in whole or in part, any immunity any Participating Party
may have in any judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding.
E. Each Participating Party which renders assistance under this Agreement shall be deemed to stand in the
relation of an independent contractor to all other Participating Parties, and shall not be deemed to be the
agent of any other Participating Party.
F. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to relieve any Participating Party of liability for its own
conduct and that of its employees.
G. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to obligate any Participating Party to indemnify any other
Participating Party from liability to third parties.
ARTICLE X.
General Requirements.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, all Participating Parties shall be
subject to the following requirements in the performance of this Agreement:
A. To the extent that assistance under this Agreement is funded by State funds, the obligation of any
statewide instrumentality of the State of Florida to reimburse any Assisting Party under this Agreement is
contingent upon an annual appropriation by the Legislature.
B. All bills for reimbursement under this Agreement from State funds shall be submitted in detail sufficient
for auditing purposes. To the extent that such bills represent costs incurred for travel, such bills shall be
submitted in accordance with section 112.061, Florida Statutes, and any applicable requirements for the
reimbursement of state employees for travel costs.
C. All Participating Parties shall allow public access to all documents, papers, letters or other materials
subject to the requirements of the Public Records Act, as amended, and made or received by any
Participating Party in conjunction with this Agreement.
D. No Participating Party may hire employees in violation of the employment restrictions in the
Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
E. No costs reimbursed under this Agreement may be used directly or indirectly to influence legislation or
any other official action by the Legislature of the State of Florida or any of its agencies.
F. Any communication to any other Participating Party shall be sent to the official or officials specified by
that Participating Party. For the purpose of this Section, any such communication may be sent by the U.S.
Mail or e-mail.
ARTICLE XI.
Effect of Agreement.
Upon its execution by a Participating Party, this Agreement shall have the following effect with respect to
that Participating Party:
A. Upon the activation of this Agreement by the Requesting Party, this Agreement shall supersede any
other existing agreement between it and any Assisting Party to the extent that the former may be
inconsistent with the latter.
B. Upon its execution by any Participating Party, this Agreement will continue in effect for one (1) year
from its date of execution by that Participating Party, and it shall automatically renew each year after its
execution, unless within sixty (60) calendar days before that date the Participating Party notifies the other
party, in writing, of its intent to withdraw from the Agreement.
F. Each party shall transmit any amendment to this Agreement by sending the amendment to the other
Party not later than five (5) business days after its execution of the Amendment. Such Amendment shall
take effect not later than sixty (60) calendar days after the date of its execution by each party, and shall
then be binding on all Participating Parties. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Participating
Party who objects to the amendment may withdraw from the Agreement by notifying the other party in
writing of its intent to do so within that time in accordance with Section E of this Article.
ARTICLE XII
Notices
Notices. Except as provided above, whenever either party desires to give notice to the other, it must be
given by written notice, sent by certified U.S. mail, with return receipt requested, addressed to the party
for whom it is intended, at the place last specified and the place for giving of notice in compliance with
the provisions of this paragraph. For the present, the parties designate the following as the respective
persons and places for giving of notice:
City of Dania Beach: Ana M. Garcia, ICMA-CM, City Manager
City of Dania Beach, Florida
100 West Dania Beach Boulevard
Dania Beach, Florida 33004
With a copy to: Eve A. Boutsis City Attorney
City of Dania Beach
100 West Dania Beach Boulevard
Dania Beach, Florida 33004
City of Miami Beach: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive,
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
With a copy to: Rafael A. Paz, City Attorney
City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
ARTICLE XIII.
Interpretation and Application of Agreement.
The interpretation and application of this Agreement shall be governed by the following conditions:
A. The obligations and conditions resting upon the Participating Parties under this Agreement are not
independent, but dependent.
B. Time shall be of the essence of this Agreement, and of the performance of all conditions, obligations,
duties, responsibilities, and promises under it.
C. This Agreement states all the conditions, obligations, duties, responsibilities, and promises of the
Participating Parties with respect to the subject of this Agreement, and there are no conditions,
obligations, duties, responsibilities, or promises other than those expressed in this Agreement.
8
D. If any sentence, clause, phrase, or other portion of this Agreement is ruled unenforceable or invalid,
every other sentence, clause, phrase, or other portion of the Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect, it being the intent of the other Participating Party that every portion of the Agreement shall be
severable from every other portion to the fullest extent practicable.
E. The waiver of any obligation or condition in this Agreement by a Participating Party shall not be
construed as a waiver of any other obligation or condition in this Agreement.
[BALANCE OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK; SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Participating Parties have duly executed this Agreement on the date
specified below.
ATTEST:
E rd
Digitally signed by
Elora Riera
Riera
_Date: 2023.12.21
/ 1 11:52:56-05'00'
ELORA RIERA, MMC
CITY CLERK
n
APPROVED FOR FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
} Digitally signed by Eve A Boutsis
Eve A. Boutsis-Date: 2023.12.20 09:56:22 -05'00'
EVE A. BOUTSIS
CITY ATTORNEY
10
CITY:
CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA
a Florida Municipal Corporation
Diitally signed by
Archibald ('ArchibaldJ.Ryan V
J. Ryan IVl J`111 5374-n5nn'1
ARCH IBALD J. RYAN IV
MAYOR
Digitally signed by Ma M.
Ana M. Garcia arch
ate: 2023.12.20 10:43:07
i/-05'00'
ANA M. GARCIA, ICMA-CM
CITY MANAGER
Dated: December 21 , 2023
ACCEPTED ANME
Y OF MIAMI BEACH
By: /WU-far TJ4
ATTEST: CITY CLERK PATRICK n
DEC 2 6 2023
Date:
Approved as to Form:
By:
City Attorney
11
CORPORA
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
1 10 ' - 12J04'12023
fpr City Atfomey Dote
RESOLUTION 2023-32843
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH AND
THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES EFFECTIVE AS
OF MARCH 1, 2023.
WHEREAS, the Emergency Management Act, Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, provides
each local government of the state the authority to develop and enter into mutual aid agreements
within the state for reciprocal emergency aid relating to firefighting, engineering, rescue, health,
medical and related services, police, transportation, construction, and similar items or services
for emergency operation purposes in case of emergencies too extensive to deal with unassisted
and to concentrate available resources where needed; and
WHEREAS, on April 12, 2023, the City of Dania Beach was severely affected by flooding,
leading to significant damage across Dania Beach, and a number of areas in Dania Beach were
submerged in several feet of water, which persisted for many days; and
WHEREAS, in response to the crisis, the City offered assistance to the City of Dania Beach,
which was accepted by the City of Dania Beach; and
WHEREAS, the City has requested reimbursement from the City of Dania Beach for the
expenses incurred in providing this assistance, which complies with FEMA. labor regulations and
equipment rates, and FEMA bias agreed to reimburse the costs incurred, provided a mutual aid
agreement between the two cities is retroactively approved; and
WHEREAS, the Administration requests that the City Commission approve the mutual aid
agreement effective as of March 1, 2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission authorize the City
Manager to execute a Mutual Aid Agreement between the City and the City of Dania Beach for
emergency services effective as of March 1, 2023.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13 day of ACC b? r 2023.
ATTEST:
I/ DEC
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
19 2023
Steven Meiner, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
&. FOR EXECUTION
City Attorney VOL
Date
Resolutions - C7 B
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
DATE: December 13, 2023
SUBJECT:A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH AND THE CITY OF ,DANIA BEACH FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES
EFFECTIVE AS OF MARCH 1, 2023.
BACKGROUNDIHISTORY
The Emergency Management Act, Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, provides each local
government of the state the authority to develop and enter into mutual aid agreements within the
state for reciprocal emergency aid relating to firefighting, engineering, rescue, health, medical
and related services, police, transportation, construction, and similar items or services for
emergency operation purposes .in case of emergencies too extensive to deal with unassisted
and to concentrate available resources where needed.
On April 12, 2023, the City of Dania Beach was severely affected by flooding, leading to
significant damage across Dania Beach, and a number of areas in Dania Beach were
submerged in several feet of water, which persisted for many days. In response to the crisis, the
City offered assistance to the City of Dania Beach, which was accepted by the City of Dania
Beach
ANALYSIS
The City has requested reimbursement from the City of Dania Beach for the expenses incurred
in providing this assistance, which complies with FEMA labor regulations and equipment rates.
FEMA has agreed to reimburse the costs incurred, provided a mutual aid agreement between
the two cities is retroactively approved.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
NIA
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
N/A
CONCLUSION
The Administration requests that the City Commission approve the mutual aid agreement,
Page 267 of 1118
effective as of March 1, 2023 (a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A to this Memorandum),
and authorize its execution by the City Manager.
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this •a "Residents Right Does this item utilize G.O.
xo Know" item. pursuant to Bond Funds?
City Code Section 2447
Yes No
Strategic Connection
Organizational Innovation -Ensure strong fiscal stewardship.
Legislative Tracking
Office of the City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
o Agreement
o Reso
Page 268 of 1118
Rey Brooks, Stephanie
From: Taxis, Mark
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 2:00 PM
To: Rey Brooks, Stephanie
Subject: FW: Request of City of Miami Beach for Joan Manda Mueller, Biscayne chapter NSDAR
Lets discuss
J . w0z Taxibs
Assistant City Manager
MIAMMEACH
1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7010 / www.miamibeachfi.gov
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
From: Lynn Bernstein <lynnwbernstein@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 1:52 PM
To: Taxis, Mark <MarkTaxis@miamibeachfl.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Request of City of Miami Beach for Joan Manda Mueller, Biscayne chapter NSDAR
[ THIS MESSAGE COMES FROM AN EXTERNAL EMAIL - USE CAUTION WHEN REPLYING AND OPENING LINKS OR
ATTACHMENTS ]
Hello Mr. Taxis,
A luncheon in honor of Joan Mueller's 100th birthday will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, 11:30 am at Cafe
Avanti, 41st Street, Miami Beach We would be honored if Joan could be presented with some sort of proclamation and if
a Miami Beach City Commissioner might join us to present the honor.
Please let me know if this could possibly occur. Your assistance is so greatly appreciated. Joan is a lovely accomplished
person and we are looking forward to recognizing her lifetime achievements.
Thank you,
Lynn Bernstein
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: SHERYL SHOUP <globaldist@aol.com>
Date: December 12, 2023 at 1:27:00 PM EST
To: Lynn Bernstein <Iynnwbernstein@gmail.com>, Sheryl Shoup <globaldist@aol.com>
Subject: Request of City of Miami Beach for Joan Manda Mueller, Biscayne chapter NSDAR
Attn:
City of Miami Beach
Mayor's Office and City Commissioners
Special request Regarding:
Joan Veronica Manda Mueller
1263 NE 93rd Street
Miami Shores, FL 33138-2940
Cell 305-987-3557 (son Frederick)
frederickmueller@bellsouth.net
The Biscayne Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was
organized on Tuesday, February 18, 1947 at the Flamingo Hotel on Miami Beach. The
Chapter is still active in the city of Miami Beach. Most recently, we participated in the
Veteran's Day parade on Ocean Drive, November 11, 2023. We had a display booth
and handed out American Flags and Support Our Troops wristbands.
Our beloved member of Biscayne Chapter, NSDAR and World War II Veteran, Joan
Mueller is turning 100!
We are commemorating this milestone birthday with a luncheon honoring Joan on
January 20, 2024 at Caf6 Avanti in Miami Beach. We would like to request the City of
Miami Beach help us honor Joan in a special way.
According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, only 119,500 of the 16.1 million
Americans that served in WWII are alive as of 2023. Women accounted for 350,000 of
the 16.1 million soldiers who served. It is rare privilege to know someone turning 100
years old. Rarer to know a living World War II veteran and extra special to know a
woman who served in WWII as a WAVE!
Joan grew up in West Orange, NJ and graduated from West Orange High School in
1941. She attended Colby Junior College (now Colby -Sawyer College) in New London,
NH and graduated with an A.A. degree in 1943. Her elder brother enlisted in the Army
and served in Europe. Her other brother was enlisting in the Marine Corps and went to
Hawaii, Guam and Japan. Their family had a long history of service to America, starting
in the Revolutionary War. Joan was compelled to "do something" and "participate" too
and enlisted in the WAVES, a branch of the US Navy. In the next years, her mother
proudly wore a small WWII "Son in Service" pin with three stars- but one of these sons
was a daughter.
Joan served from February 1944 to January 1946. Her initial training to become a
parachute rigger (eventually PR 3/C) was at NAS Lakehurst NJ. She has described it
for us: "We worked packing silk chutes in teams, usually with a man. Inspection was
exacting and crucial. We had to make our own tools fashioned from plastic like Plexi
glass and aluminum. Our hooks and fids were signature."
Joan's first station of duty was NAS Melbourne, a night fighter training base. She was
transferred to NAS Banana River (now Patrick Air Force Base). Finally, she received
orders for NAS Kaneohe Bay on Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, where she stayed until
discharged. Because Hawaii was not yet a state, Joan qualified to become a member
of the VFW, of which she is very proud! According to a Miami Herald newspaper
interview in 2005, 'she never learned to keep her hands in her lap' when volunteers
were requested for hardship posts and "found herself in noisy, crowded hangars in far
flung places, packing parachutes in three minutes when pressed."
Joan met her husband, Frederick W Mueller, in New York City. Frederick was also a
WWII veteran, serving from September, 1943 to August 1945. He achieved rank of
sergeant and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor in WWII.
Frederick and Joan married in February 1953 and moved to Miami. They had three
children, Melissa, Frederick Jr. and Mark, and today Joan enjoys three grandchildren.
Joan encouraged her three children to participate in sailing programs in Miami. She
also enjoyed sailing and served on many of her yacht club committees to coordinate
regattas and programs.
Joan is still very active in local greater Miami community. She is a member of the Miami
Beach Biscayne Chapter NSDAR, VFW, American Legion, Miami Woman's Club,
Coconut Grove Woman's Club and The Villagers. She attributes her longevity to
this: "My secret is to wake up in the morning and do hard work."
Please see this video link below. Joan Mueller was honored by the Florida Panthers in
their "Heroes Among Us" series on March 25, 2023. We think this video captures the
essence of this true American Hero!
https://www. nhl.com/panthers/video/heroes-among-us-3-25-23-342699150
Sincerely,
Sheryl Shoup
Regent
Biscayne Chapter NSDAR
305-753-9213
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