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Resolution 2025-33692 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-33692 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 APRIL 9, 2025 MEETING, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO IMPLEMENT A BLUE LIGHT SAFETY AND EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ALONG THE BEACHWALK ON A TEMPORARY, PILOT PROGRAM BASIS AND TO PRIORITIZE THIS PROGRAM IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET. WHEREAS, at the October 30, 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 the implementation of a blue light safety and emergency communication system along the beachwalk and baywalk; and WHEREAS, the item was subsequently heard at the December 13, 2024 and April 09, 2025 PSNQLC meetings; and WHEREAS, at the April 9, 2025 PSNQLC meeting, the Committee unanimously agreed to move the item to the full commission with a favorable recommendation for the Administration to carry out a blue light safety and emergency communication system along the beachwalk, on a temporary pilot program basis; and WHEREAS, the Miami Beach Police Department has identified a need to implement a blue light safety and emergency communication system along the beachwalk, recognizing that emergency call boxes enable individuals to directly and quickly contact emergency services; and WHEREAS, these devices assist responders in pinpointing precise locations, provide immediate aid to individuals without access to a cellular phone, and serve as visible crime deterrents while enhancing public safety and fostering a greater sense of security among residents and visitors alike; and WHEREAS, a citywide site assessment identified 22nd, 36th, 53'd, and 799h Streets as high- priority locations for emergency call box installation based on pedestrian traffic, geographical distribution, and infrastructure feasibility; and WHEREAS, fiscal projections for implementing emergency call boxes at the identified locations have been developed, providing clear cost estimates for equipment, installation, and optional ongoing support; and WHEREAS, based on preliminary market research and infrastructure readiness, the estimated total cost to implement emergency call boxes at all four prioritized locations - 22nd, 36 h, 53rd, and 79th Streets - is approximately $131,750.20, excluding optional support services, with individual location costs ranging from $30,008.00 to $71,734.20, depending on power and network availability; and WHEREAS, implementing a tiered emergency communication system along the beachwalk, tailored to each location's infrastructure readiness, will enhance public safety, support efficient emergency response, and align with the City's ongoing commitment to community well-being and environmental responsibility. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY 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 April 09, 2025 meeting, directing the City Administration to implement a pilot of a blue light safety and emergency communication system along the beachwalk on a temporary, pilot program basis and to prioritize this program in the fiscal year 2026 budget. PASSED and ADOPTED this 2 I day of Hit? , 2025. ATTEST: �, A S en Meiner, Mayor / �(/ MAY 2 7 2025 Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk (Sponsored by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt; co-sponsored by Commissioner Joseph Magazine) - . :\ INCOAP OP.AlE6 NC, 44 EH 2 = APPROVED AS iO FORM & LANGUAGE ( R EXECUTION S�9) zOyf City orney Dote 2 Resolutions - R7 0 MIAMI BEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager DATE: May21, 2025 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 APRIL 9, 2025 MEETING, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO IMPLEMENT A BLUE LIGHT SAFETY AND EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ALONG THE BEACHWALK ON A TEMPORARY, PILOT PROGRAM BASIS AND TO PRIORITIZE THIS PROGRAM IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET. RECOMMENDATION The Administration recommends accepting the Resolution to implement a Blue Light Safety and Emergency Communication System pilot along the beachwalk. BACKGROUND/HISTORY At the October 30, 2024 City Commission Meeting, at the request of Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt, the Mayor and City Commission approved a referral (C4 AK) to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC") to discuss the implementation of a Blue Light Safety And Emergency Communication System along the beachwalk and baywalk. The item was heard at the December 13, 2024 PSNQLC meeting and slated to return to PSNQLC with an update on a possible plan and locations for the communication boxes. The item was discussed at the April 9, 2025 PSNQLC and moved to the full commission with a positive recommendation to implement the pilot program along the beachwalk. ANALYSIS Many police departments, parks, public transportation facilities, hospitals, and colleges/university campuses utilize emergency call boxes. These devices enable citizens to contact emergency services quickly and directly. Emergency call boxes allow police and fire responders to pinpoint exact response locations and offer nearly immediate assistance to individuals who do not have a cellular phone. Additionally, the mere presence of emergency devices may provide a sense of security and reassurance while deterring potential criminals. However, these devices also present several challenges. The most significant is the rise in false alarms. One article out of New York City reported that up to 88 percent of all call box activations received were false alarms. The tendency for false alarms places a significant strain on limited police and fire resources who would be required to respond to these often remote and difficult to access locations. False alarms could also divert attention away from genuine emergencies and prolong response times for actual calls for service. An additional concern related to placement near the beach is the impact on wildlife, specifically sea turtles. Sea Turtles are protected by the US Endangered Species Act of 1973 and Florida 2028 of 2719 Statute Chapter 370. Miami Beach shorelines are a nesting habitat for three species of protected sea turtles - the Loggerhead, Green, and Leatherback sea turtles - with a nesting season runs from April 1st through October 31st each year. Sea turtle nestling and hatchling emergence usually takes place at night and artificial light can disrupt natural nesting and emergence cues, causing false crawls and disorientations. To minimize the disruption of sea turtle nesting and hatchling habits, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)recommends the use of long wavelength (red, amber, orange), low, and shielded lighting. In addition, the recently amended Turtle Nesting Protection Ordinance (Ord. 2024-4652) prohibits artificial exterior lighting within line-of-sight of the beach from being directly, indirectly, or cumulatively visible from the beach at nighttime, through the implementation of several measures such as but not limited to shields, repositioning, and replacements. Call boxes can be customized with color options for the lights,and this factor will need to be considered when evaluating the use of devices that include a flashing beacon and lights visible from the ocean. Lastly, regular call box tests to ensure functionality are labor-intensive and will require weekly verifications with the 911 Center to ensure each box is operational, physical testing of the units, coordinating maintenance when issues are identified, and following up to ensure proper resolution. The recommended solution would be to find a vendor able to perform the majority of these activities as opposed to using City staff to perform weekly and/or regular maintenance for the proposed call boxes. Staff contacted the University of Miami, Florida International University, and the Hialeah Police Department to see which vendors provide their emergency call boxes. The primary vendors involved are Telcom Data, Ramtel, and Talkaphone. Their product offerings include various options for mounting and installation including pedestal, column, wall mount, and pole mount. There are also a variety of accessories available including beacon lights, wired handsets, video cameras, and even an AED defibrillator is an option on one specific device. The units can be powered by solar, 120v electric, or power over ethernet. Communications options include traditional landline telephone, cellular telephone, or voice over intemet. Due to the wide range of mounting options, accessories, and communication methods, pricing can vary significantly. The lowest cost options start at approximately $2,000 each and can go up to $10,000 each or more depending on accessories. These prices do not include installation, maintenance, or ongoing power and communication costs. Below are depictions of some of the general options available: Nonce . [ = - I a I ill f 2029 of 2719 Potential Implementation Options A comprehensive site assessment was carried out to explore viable locations based on power availability, distribution of locations between all three areas of the city, and proximity to locations with the most amount of pedestrian traffic. It was determined that the highest demand for emergency box installation is found at the following locations: • 22nd Street • 36th Street • 53rd Street • 79th Street Each location presents unique advantages and limitations. Preliminarily, for the call boxes to be functional, both 22nd and 36th Street locations meet the necessary conditions for wired electrical power and LAN/telephone line connections. The 53rd Street location would need to rely on a cellular connection, while the 79th Street location would need to utilize solar power and a cellular connection. Based on preliminary market research on power and network availability, locations have been classified into three possible categories with room for tiered implementation: • Option A— Power and hard wire network for 22nd and 36th Streets ;, The Police Department's buildout of public safety cameras along the Beachwalk can provide both electrical power and network connectivity for the two locations. • Option B — Power but no hard wire network for 53rd Street 0 The Police Department's current buildout of public safety cameras along this section of the Beachwalk will allow for electrical power for this project, but network connectivity in still under construction. Cellular connection would need to be used until City network connectivity could be implemented. • Option C — no power and no hard wire network 79th Street a As with option B, the Police Department's current buildout of public safety cameras along this section of the Beachwalk will allow for electrical power for this project, but network connectivity would still need to be used until City network connectivity could be implemented. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT The costs of each potential option are delineated below: Option A— Power and Hard Wire Network (22nd/36th Streets): $71,734.20 (for both sites) • Equipment. $26,372.10 • Installation: $9,495.00 (per location) Option B — Power and No Hard Wire Network (53rd Street): $30,008.00 • Equipment: $20,513.00 • Installation: $9,495.00 Option C — No Power and No Hard Wire Network (79th Street): $30,008.00 • Equipment: $29,513.00 2030 of 2719 • Installation: $9,495.00 The total projected cost to activate all four (4) locations is approximately $131,750.20 excluding the optional Total Protection Plan which includes 24/7 support services for an estimated additional monthly cost of $1.500.00. CONCLUSION Research regarding emergency call box placement and financial impact was carried out by the City as requested. After evaluation of the various options, costs and capabilities, the Administration believes that a pilot program to test out the system would prove beneficial. Applicable Area Citywide Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item. Is this item related to a G.O. Bond pursuant to City Code Section 2-17? Project? No No Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2481. includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s) Department Police Sponsors) Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt Co-sponsors) Commissioner Joseph Magazine Condensed Title Accept ReWPilot of Blue Light Safety/Emergency Communication System on Beachwalk. (TB/JM) PD Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Onlyl 2031 of 2719 Committee Referrals - C4 AL MIAMIBEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt DATE: October 30, 2024 TITLE: REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A BLUE LIGHT SAFETY AND EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ALONG THE BEACHWALK AND BAYWALK. RECOMMENDATION BACKGROUND/HISTORY Please place on the October 30, 2024 City Commission agenda a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee to discuss the implementation of a Blue Light Safety and Emergency Communication System along the entire length of the Beachwalk, Cutwalk and Baywalk. The City is consistently looking for methods to address public safety and quality of life concerns that adversely affect residents and visitors. A Blue Light Safety and Emergency Communication System, recognized for its glowing blue light at the top of pole-like structures, allows anyone to easily locate the system and provides a direct line of communication to emergency services. These systems are generally found in public areas such as campuses, parking lots, and urban streets as part of a robust public safety plan. There are various features associated with a Blue Light Safety and Emergency Communication System, including, but not limited to, Activation Buttons - which trigger a strobe light and/or loud speaker to alert individuals nearby of an emergency; Communication Services -which use cellular signal to connect the caller directly to a dispatcher or security team member; Location Tracking - which integrate with GPS to help first responders locate the caller; and Audio and Video Monitoring -which stream audio and video to help first responders assess the situation and help dispatch the appropriate emergency services. As part of the referral. I would request that the City Administration, including the Police Department and the Code Compliance Department, be prepared at Committee to discuss the possibility and costs associated with implementing a Blue Light Safety and Emergency Communication System, along with any hurdles or concerns. ANALYSIS FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT n/a 2032 of 2719 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:llwww.miamibeachfl.gov(city-hall/city-clerk/meetinq-noticed FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONCLUSION Applicable Area Citywide Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item Is this item related to a G.O. Bond pursuant to City Code Section 2-17? Project? Yes 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 Tanya K. Bhatt Sponsors) Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt Co-sponsor(s) Condensed Title Ref: PSNOLC - Implementation of Blue Light Safety & Emergency Communication System. (Bhatt) 2033 of 2719