Resolution 2024-33145 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-33145
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 MAY 22, 2024 MEETING, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
EXPLORE WAYS IN WHICH THE CITY CAN ACQUIRE MORE VOLUNTEERS
TO ASSIST IN THE GOODWILL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM, TO INCLUDE
PARTNERING WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY.
WHEREAS, at the May 15, 2024 City Commission meeting, the Mayor and City
Commission approved a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee
("PSNQLC") to discuss making adjustments in the City's approach to Goodwill Ambassadors for
Spring Break 2025; and
WHEREAS, this Goodwill Ambassador approach item was subsequently heard at the May
22, 2024 PSNQLC meeting; and
WHEREAS, at the PSNQLC meeting, the Committee unanimously agreed to move the item
to the full Commission with a favorable recommendation for the Administration to explore ways to
acquire more volunteers to assist in the Goodwill Ambassador Program, including Miami-Dade
County; and
WHEREAS, the Administration agrees that the City can explore the feasibility of recruiting
college students to participate in the Goodwill Ambassador program, ensuring the appropriate level
of training and mitigating any potential risks and/or liabilities; and
WHEREAS, the Administration plans to enhance the Goodwill Ambassador program
further by increasing Community Emergency Response Team ("CERT") certification to ensure that
every City employee who wishes to participate in the Program has the highest level of training via
CERT certification; and
WHEREAS, the City is collaborating with Miami-Dade County, and previously secured
such Goodwill Ambassador assistance aiding in a successful Memorial Day Weekend 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City Administration supports exploring additional avenues for acquiring
enhancements and volunteers for the Goodwill Ambassador program.
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, at its May
22, 2024 meeting, directing the City Administration to explore ways in which the City can acquire
more volunteers to assist in the Goodwill Ambassador Program, to include partnering with Miami-
Dade County.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 26th day of June, 2024.
ATTEST: •
1 B E.
J "b einer, Mayor APPROVED AS TO
/// AUG 0 p FORM & LANGUAGE
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk :INCORP °RATED:
:. OR EXECUTION
Sponsored by Commissioner Tanya K.
C.H.2_V'�` er* 1 /zed City Attorney iv*
" 1 Date
Discussion Items - R
C7/30
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
O: ' Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Rickelle Williams, Interim City Manager
DATE: June 26, 2024
TITLE: DISCUSS MAKING SOME ADJUSTMENTS IN OUR APPROACH TO GOODWILL
AMBASSADORS FOR THE 2025 SPRING BREAK.
RECOMMENDATION •
•
The Administration is supportive of the proposal and recommends the Mayor and City
Commission further discuss the item and provide a policy recommendation.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
At the May 15, 2024 City Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt,
the Mayor and City Commission approved a referral(C4 0)to the Public Safety and Neighborhood
Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC") to discuss making some adjustments in the City's
approach to Goodwill Ambassadors for Spring Break 2025.
The item was subsequently heard and discussed at the May 22, 2024 PSNQLC meeting where
the Committee unanimously agreed to move the item to the full Commission with a favorable
recommendation to explore ways to acquire more volunteers to assist in the Goodwill
Ambassador Program including Miami-Dade County.
ANALYSIS
One of the highlights of this year's Spring Break season was the implementation of a Goodwill
Ambassador program solely supported by Miami Beach City staff. During March 2024, the City
went without Goodwill Ambassadors from Miami-Dade County who had provided support in
previous years and relied solely upon City employees for staffing. Despite a smaller volunteer
turnout of around 70 individuals, the City achieved the highest attendance rates of City employees
to date. Unlike previous years where volunteers often signed up but ultimately did not report for
duty, this year City employees were consistently present and actively involved throughout the
entire period.
The City received commendations for the Goodwill Ambassador's excellent knowledge of City
policies and their valuable assistance in ensuring public safety, highlighting the importance of
geographic familiarity. Looking ahead,this year's success underscores the potential for continued
reliance on City staff for future events. Nonetheless, there may still be a need to revisit.
participation eligibility and potentially limit the number of essential employees who can be
assigned as Goodwill Ambassadors during future Spring Break periods. Staffing shortages were
experienced at times due to employee fatigue from working overtime and as Goodwill
Ambassadors. It is the Administration's hope to align efforts in the future with Miami-Dade County
with respect to the Goodwill Ambassador program because, while City employees outdid
themselves this year, their partnership is still essential for high-impact weekends.
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As suggested by the item sponsor, the Administration agrees that the City could explore the
feasibility of recruiting college students to participate in the Goodwill Ambassador program. To
ensure the appropriate level of training, a primary consideration would need to involve mitigating
any potential risk/liability.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Administration plans to enhance the Goodwill Ambassador program
further by increasing Community Emergency Response Team ("CERT") certification to ensure
that every City employee who wishes to participate has the highest level of training via CERT
certification.This will equip the volunteers with the skills and knowledge needed to handle various
situations effectively and provide even better support to residents and visitors.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
No financial impact has been identified to date and remains to be determined dependent on policy
decisions.
CONCLUSION
The Administration supports exploring additional avenues for acquiring enhancements and
volunteers for the Goodwill Ambassador program. The City is collaborating with Miami-Dade
County to address any concerns and secure their assistance in providing Goodwill Ambassadors
for Spring Break 2025. Additionally, the Administration also reached out to Miami-Dade County
and secured Goodwill Ambassador assistance for a successful Memorial Day Weekend 2024.
Applicable Area
South Beach
lipursuant
s this a "Residents Right to Know" items Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
to City Code Section 2-17? Project?
No 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
Police
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Co-sponsor(s)
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Committee Assignments-C4 0
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
DATE: May 15,2024
SUBJECT:REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE-
DISCUSSION REGARDING GOODWILL AMBASSADORS FOR 2025 SPRING BREAK.
ANALYSIS
Please place on the May 15, 2024 agenda a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life ("PSNQLC")to discuss
making some adjustments in our approach to Goodwill Ambassadors for the 2025 Spring Break.
Goodwill Ambassadors play a crucial role in welcoming visitors, providing assistance, and enhancing the overall experience of
tourists. They serve to as a friendly buffer to deescalate encounters before they become situations. The Administration should
reach out and collaborate with Miami-Dade County starting now to address any concerns the County may have, and secure the
County's assistance in providing Goodwill Ambassadors for Spring Break 2025.
In addition, I propose exploring the possibility of recruiting Goodwill Ambassadors from local colleges during the upcoming Fall
semester. Engaging with students from diverse backgrounds not only provides valuable support for our Spring Break but also offers
them unique opportunities for experiential learning and community involvement.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
N/A
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Fiscal Impact to be determined at Committee.
Is this a"Residents Right to Does this item utilize G.O.
Know"item,_pursuant to Bond Funds?
City Code Section 2-14?
No No
kggislative Tracking
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
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